Month: January 2024

This winter, the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, renowned for their snow-covered beauty, defy expectations. Popular destinations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Tangmarg, Pahalgam, and Aru Valley remain surprisingly devoid of snowfall, creating a serene ambiance with minimal tourist activity. Satellite images from the European Space Agency, analyzed by India Today's Open-Source Intelligence team, reveal a concerning scenario. From the northern reaches of Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Tangmarg to the southern locales of Pahalgam and Aru Valley, these winter destinations await snowfall, even as Chillai Kalan, the traditionally harsh 40-day winter period, is past its midpoint. Even in higher-altitude areas like Gurez Valley, where roads typically close in October, an unusual absence of snowfall...

Asha Zaroo, the renowned theatre and radio artist of Kashmir, bid her final adieu. Succumbing to a brief illness, the legendary artist left an irreplaceable void in the realm of performing arts. Her cremation took place in Jammu on Wednesday afternoon. Asha Zaroo's legacy is characterized by an unwavering commitment to enriching the cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. Shattering societal norms during an era when female involvement in cultural programs was uncommon, she paved the way for others with her extraordinary talent. From her early years, she immersed herself in acting, gracing Doordarshan serials, radio broadcasts, and theatrical performances. Her portrayal of Maa in a TV serial, later staged at Abhinav Theatre, earned her a lasting place in the history of Jammu an...

National Investigation Agency on Wednesday issued a non- bailable warrant against two active militants in south Kashmir's Kulgam district. Official sources informed News Agency Kashmir Scroll that NIA team Delhi in collaboration with Police Quimoh served a non bailable warant against the Active militant Basit Ahmad Dar S/O Late Abdul Rashid Dar R/O Redwani Bala in connection with case FIR No. 32/2021/NIA/DLI Also notice was served in connection with 41A in connection with case FIr No. 32/2021/NIA/DLI against active militant Arbaz Ahmad Mir S/O Manzoor Mir R/O Gufbal Quimoh, they said. Futher details awaited. (KS)

A youth was discovered hanging inside his room in the Puchhal area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday. Official sources said that a 28-year-old from Puchhal, Pulwama, was found hanging inside his room at home. The youth was soon taken to District Hospital Pulwama by family members, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. Reportedly, the deceased had been grappling with depression in recent days following his failure to qualify for the JE examination. Inquest proceedings under Section 174 CRPC have been initiated, and an investigation is underway. (KS)

Amid the waning demand, Bashir Ahmad Kharadi perseveres as the last Surnai artisan in Kashmir, crafting the traditional instrument with dedication. He laments the fading cultural heritage and the absence of initiatives to preserve this ancient craft. Kharadi. 47, is firmly handling a block of wood against an electrical sander in his nine-by-eight shop tucked between two four-storey residential buildings. He occasionally looks away at the minaret of the Sufi saint Syed Simnania’s shrine which overlooks his dingy shop. He hums some chants, returns his gaze to this wooden block, and starts boring small holes in it. Kharadi is again making a traditional Kashmiri musical instrument called Surnai. When finished, this surnai will adorn a shelf in the shop already stacked with years-old Surn...

Kashmir experienced frigid temperatures across its picturesque landscapes. Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling -5.0°C, while Qazigund and Kupwara reported -4.4°C and -4.7°C, respectively. Pahalgam, nestled in the serene valley, saw temperatures plummeting to -6.3°C. The famous skiing destination of Gulmarg and the enchanting Sonamarg both registered -5.0°C and -5.2°C, creating a winter wonderland. Other regions such as Anantnag, Bandipora, and Baramulla ranged from -4.9°C to -5.9°C, emphasizing the widespread cold. Even in the lower-lying areas like Kokernag and Ganderbal, temperatures dipped to -2.4°C and -3.1°C, adding to the frosty atmosphere. Pulwama and Shopian experienced a particularly frosty morning with temperatures dropping to -6.5°C and -6.3°C, respectively. Residen...

Last year Kashmir surpassed Switzerland as the most Googled destination of the world, reveals the Google data. As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), in 2023, Kashmir was one among the top 10 online searched destinations of the world. In the list of the most Googled designation of the world last year, Kashmir stood at number six, just after Thailand, which got maximum searches than the valley. Switzerland remains a perennial favourite among travelers and enthusiasts worldwide. This shift in online search behavior highlights the curiosity of the globetrotters to explore the valley of Kashmir, which is often compared with Switzerland. In the number of most Googled destinations of the year 2023, Vietnam topped followed by Goa at the second spot. Bali and Sri Lanka r...