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Kashmir state, located in the Himalayas, has long been famous for centuries for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. But behind the idyllic landscape is dormant economic potential to be tapped. The resurgence of Kashmir's sapphire industry is a reflection of the entrepreneurial and economic potential of the region.

The Economic Significance of Kashmiri Sapphires

Kashmir sapphires have been highly valued for centuries because of their unique peacock blue color and quality. The gemstones' rarity has contributed to their high demand among luxury jewelers, collectors, and connoisseurs. The economic significance of Kashmir sapphires stems not only from their status as a luxury item but also from their ability to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and promote entrepreneurship.

Resurgence of the Sapphire Business

The Indian government's efforts to enhance scientific exploration and export of sapphires from Kashmir have opened up avenues for the resurgence of the sapphire business in the state. The move is likely to generate gigantic economic gains to the local populace, such as:

• Job creation: Sapphire business is a labor-intensive industry, and its revival will most likely provide job opportunities to the local youth.
• Boosting the local economy: Expansion of the sapphire industry will positively affect the local economy, with heightened economic activity generating earnings and stimulating enterprise.
• Encouraging entrepreneurship: The sapphire industry revival offers possibilities for Kashmiri entrepreneurs to access the global marketplace for luxury products.

Though re-emergence of the sapphire industry in Kashmir opens immense economic opportunities, it comes with challenges that are:

• Infrastructure development: Unavailability of infrastructure and the geography of the region create a major challenge to sapphire industry development.
• Competition: Kashmiri sapphires will have to compete with other luxury gemstones in the international market.

In order to counter these challenges, one needs to:

• Invest in infrastructure: Development of transportation links, warehouse facilities, and other infrastructure will help develop the sapphire industry.
• Promote entrepreneurship: Encouragement and pro-entrepreneurship policy will make the Kashmiri sapphires competitive in international markets.

Revitalization of Kashmir's sapphire industry is an infrequent economic growth and entrepreneurial opportunity in the region. Utilizing Kashmiri sapphires' special attributes and eliminating the barriers posed by growth of the industry, Kashmir is capable of materializing its potential in economic development and becoming one of the driving forces of luxury products in the world.

In a milestone achievement, Kakinada student Nehanjani has made history by achieving a perfect 600 out of 600 marks in the SSC (Class 10) examination in Andhra Pradesh. A student of Bhashyam School of the Kakinada Rural district, she is believed to be the first in the history of the state to have achieved this phenomenal score.

The announcement has set off a tidal wave of celebration across the state, with effusive congratulations pouring in from all directions. Her parents, family members, educators, and school administrators have been brimming with boundless pride and happiness over her record-breaking feat.

When word of her achievement spread, social media sites were awash with praise and interest, especially over her flawless performance in English, one of the more difficult of the subjects. Her name has gone viral overnight, with a lot of them saying she is special and special student.

Nehanjani's top marks were announced along with the AP SSC 2025 result, which was 81.14 per cent overall pass percentage. 4,98,585 students passed the exam out of 6,14,459 who appeared for them. Parvathipuram Manyam is the top-performing district this year.

AP SSC Topper List 2025: View Top 10 Performing Students

- Yalla Nehanjani

Marks Secured: 600 / 600

District: Kakinda

- Yanda Anisha

Marks Secured: 599 / 599

District: Anakapalli

- Harshit Kaligi

Marks Obtained: 599 / 600

District: East Godavari

- Kotteti Prema Satya Likhitha

Marks Obtained: 599 / 600

District: Kakinda

- Shaik Ishrath

Marks Obtained: 599 / 600

District: Nandyal

- Alla Likhita

Marks Obtained: 599 / 600

District: Vishakhapatnam

- Naratanasetti Priya

Marks Obtained: 599 / 600

District: Vishakhapatnam

- Golla Deekshitha Priya

Marks Obtained: 598 / 600

District: Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore

- Boddu Hrudaya Santhi

Marks Obtained: 598 / 600

District: Vishakhapatnam

- Abdul Sameera Bhanu

Marks Obtained: 598 / 600

District: Vishakhapatnam

The Tamil Nadu government has issued a notification for the Tamil Nadu Private Universities (Amendment) Act of 2024, thus bringing eight private universities in line with how a university is recognized under Section 2 (f) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act.

The notification was issued after Governor R N Ravi had given assent to the Bill, a day after the Supreme Court, in its April 8 judgment, admonished him for keeping bills pending and gave "deemed assent" to 10 other bills.

The eight institutions covered in the amendment are Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan (Tiruchy), Sree Anusuya (Villupuram), Sri Venkateswaraa (Thoothukudi), NMV (Virudhunagar), Takshashila (Villupuram), Joy (Tirunelveli), Jeppiaar (Chennai) and St Joseph (Villupuram).

A Bill to modify the original Tamil Nadu Private Universities (TNPU) Act, 2019, was originally passed by the Assembly in October 2023 for harmonizing seven private universities with the UGC Act but failed to obtain the governor's assent.

In December 2024, the Assembly had approved a new amendment to the TNPU Act to align eight universities with the UGC Act, including one that had been established in March 2024. This too was pending with the governor until the SC ruling.

Although for the same purpose, the 2024 Bill was different from the 2023 Bill because it further refined the TNPU Act in specifying how a new private university can be recognized under the Act solely by way of an act of legislature.

Recognition required to receive UGC grants

Section 2 (f) of the UGC Act provides that the creation of a university, whether private or state-owned, must be an act of legislature. The TNPU Act had, however, permitted a fresh private university to be recognized simply by a notification to make a mention about it in the list of universities contained in the Act.

The UGC had protested against this and the website of the commission does not provide all these private universities under the heading of State Private Universities recognized under Section 2 (f).

This acknowledgment is required not only to make sure the students of these institutions will not have any problems in the future, but also to enable the institutions to get grants from the UGC. The Act notified by the state made it clear that such institutions will be treated as existing because they were recognised by means of independent notifications.

In a shocking incident, an 18-year-old student was shot dead inside the campus of a private school in Khushalnagar, Uttar Pradesh. The crime was committed on Tuesday afternoon inside the parking complex of Gyandeep Public School, Shivpur police station area.

The firing was brought to the attention of police by school administrator Ravi Singh, added DCP Varuna Zone Pramod Kumar. The victim Hemant Singh had also just appeared for his Class 12 board examination at the school. He had sustained critical injuries and during the process of getting them treated, died.

Initial investigations indicate that the firing could have been caused by a personal conflict. CCTV footage is said to reveal Hemant Singh, Ravi Singh, and two others walking towards the room where the firing occurred. All four people who were inside the closed room when the firing occurred have been arrested.

Police have taken possession of the suspected pistol used during the attack and collected other forensic evidence from the scene. The body of the victim has been taken for post-mortem.

DCP Pramod Kumar confirmed that three individuals, including the school manager, have been arrested in relation to the case. The investigation continues to determine the actual motive behind the attack and if there were any other individuals involved.

The incident has raised fear regarding the safety of students as well as the availability of guns on school campuses. The authorities have confirmed that appropriate action would be decided on the basis of the report of the investigation.

The old and recent Kashmir attacks are the best case studies for defence education and diplomacy to learn about intricate issues. Study of the intricate issue of Kashmir allows Indian students to know more about national and international human rights, political tensions, and peaceful protest in international relations.

Defence Education: Strategic Awareness

Study of the Kashmir issue can be useful for defence education in the following manner:

• Intelligence gathering and strategic reaction: Successful operations on the part of security agencies ensure that intelligence gathering and strategic reaction remain at the forefront of upholding national security.
• Counter-terrorism methods: The Kashmir conflict puts into sharp relief the need for successful counter-terrorism methods, i.e., intelligence exchange and coordination among security agencies.
• National security methods: Students are able to examine the role of national security methods in stability at the regional level and global politics.

Preparing for Diplomacy: Training for Peaceful Intentions

• Training for diplomacy can be on:
• Conflict resolution: PoK and IoK conflicts had always been an example of diplomacy success at conflict resolution and peaceful co-existence attained.
• International cooperation between nations: Through learning, the students can appreciate how international organizations and diplomatic missions have assisted to solve difficult matters of international nature.
• Cultural sensitivity: The Kashmir conflict reminds us the importance of cultural sensitivity and tolerance in diplomacy, especially where there is a high level of cultural and religious diversity.

The Kashmir conflict is a valuable learning experience for defence education and diplomacy students. The students can learn the skill of critical thinking, compassion, and evidence-based dialogue from this complex conflict and become skilled enough to approach more complex international conflicts and frame more inclusive and peace-oriented agendas.

Books to Refer on Defence Education and Diplomacy:

Defence Diplomacy

Indian Defence Diplomacy: A Handbook by Cmde Roby Thomas - A comprehensive guide to defence diplomacy, covering its origins, Indian experiences, and proposals to vitalize the discipline.

India's Defence Diplomacy in the 21st Century by Dr. Sanjay Kumar - Explores India's defence diplomacy in the modern era.

Foreign Policy and Geopolitics

The India Way by S. Jaishankar - Analyzes the challenges of becoming a leading power and spells out policy responses, placing India's foreign policy in historical context.

From Chanakya to Modi by Aparna Pande - Explores the deeper civilizational roots of Indian foreign policy and identifies the neural roots of India's engagement with the world.

Perilous Interventions by Hardeep Puri - Shows how recent instances of force in various regions have gone wrong, including India's misadventure in Sri Lanka.

The McMahon Line by J J Singh - Examines the British India's Tibet policy and its repercussions for contemporary times, providing recommendations for the future.

India's China Challenge by Ananth Krishnan - Tells the story of the complex political relationship between India and China, exploring economic dimensions and cultural connections

Harshita Goyal, the All India Rank 2 holder in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, has etched a path which is an ideal combination of academic excellence, empathy, and inner urge to serve society. A Chartered Accountant by profession and an MS University of Baroda graduate, Harshita's life is marked by discipline, devotion, and empathy. Her mission is certain—to engender lasting change at the grassroots level, and her life is a testament to her dedication to public service.

From Dreamer to Achiever

Although born in Haryana, Harshita lived her entire life in Gujarat, a state to which she owes gratitude with the construction of her professional and personal persona. After finishing her studies and earning a B.Com degree from the University of Baroda, Harshita wanted to be a change-maker. Observing the suffering that women, particularly those belonging to disadvantaged sections, had to go through, she decided to voice their concerns and become an instrument of empowerment. Her ambitions weren't about her own success, however, but about giving back—impacting policy and making her dad proud by adding substance to the world.

Toppers' Tips: What Worked for Harshita

Sharing her approach, Harshita highlighted the strength of persistence and personalized learning. She drew on well-gridded studying routines and goal-oriented practice in readiness for her learning self. Her biggest learning was self-confidence—it was her motivator whenever she was uncertain. She also highlighted the potential of social media, pointing out how she consumed study-oriented Instagram profiles and even learned from entertainment content when utilized appropriately.

Early Introduction to Social Work and Policy

Harshita received early exposure to social work as well as public policy even before joining the civil services. Working with the Gujarat Youth Parliament as well as serving an internship in the Ministry of Law and Justice provided her a clear idea regarding the legal as well as the administrative workings of India. These early experiences inspired her to pursue work at an even bigger scale.

Parallelly, Harshita's social awareness manifested itself in the form of voluntary work at the Believe Foundation, an NGO that offers aid to cancer and thalassemia patients. Her experience exposed her to the harsher aspects of public health and man's vulnerability, making her more focused on changing lives through policy and welfare.

The Creative Soul Behind the Civil Servant

Aside from scholarship and service, Harshita seeks refuge in her artworks. Acrylic painting, her artistic tool, is where she finds an emotional balance and reflects on things. Creativity is not a hobby to her—instead, it is a leadership attribute that promotes empathy, understanding, and creative thinking in leadership. Harshita believes that leaders need to be emotionally intelligent, and creativity is one of the ways of achieving it.

A Voice for Women, An Icon for Many

Women empowerment is a matter close to Harshita's heart. She has experienced firsthand the reality of the suffering endured by women of all classes during her journey, and she is committed to making sure that every woman in the country has access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities. She dreams of a system where women are not only safeguarded but also respected for their role in the country's future.

Harshita Goyal's story—from the child girl with dreams to the second top scorer in one of India's most challenging exams—is a source of hope and inspiration. Her story teaches each and every young woman that no dream is too grand and no obstacle is too grand. With sheer willpower, determination, and kindness, Harshita has demonstrated what it takes to rise to the top—and to take others to the top with her.