Month: January 2024

In a first, a remote village in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district has received portable water, thanks to Jal Jeevan Mission that has connected the village to a water source, ending their long wait. An official of the Jal Shakti Department told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the residents of Peer Mohalla in Khur Batpora have received piped water for the first under JJM scheme. He said that amid sub-zero temperatures, the employees of the department worked relentlessly to get the village connected to a nearest water source through a pipeline. The villagers also expressed their gratitude to the department concerned, stating they have been relieved of the concerns about quality of drinking water. Abdul Rehman, a local, said that they had to face a lot of hardships p...

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, has recently given the green light to a substantial Rs 365.42 Crore plan dedicated to advancing sanitation efforts in Jammu and Kashmir under the Swachh Bharat Mission. A comprehensive meeting was convened with the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Jammu Kashmir to discuss the intricacies of this initiative. The multifaceted plan encompasses crucial aspects such as waste management, community complexes, and the development of sustainable sanitation systems. During the approval committee meeting, which was presided over by Secretary DoDWS, Vini Mahajan, and attended by key officials including Jt Secretary Jitendra Srivastava, the Annual Implementation Plan was meticulously reviewed and a...

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in the ‘Akhil Bhartiya’ Kavi Sammelan at Abhinav Theatre in Jammu on Saturday. Renowned poets from Jammu Kashmir, as well as from various states across the country, were part of the event organised by the JK Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages to commemorate the 75th Republic Day. During the event, the Lt Governor extended a warm welcome to the distinguished and celebrated poets in Jammu Kashmir. He underscored the significant role of literary figures and gatherings like the Kavi Sammelan in fostering new ideas. “A poet, thinker, writer is also a mystic who shapes new ideas and viewpoint, ignites young minds with dreams, vision and new resolve. Our country has a rich and proud tradition of Kavi Sammelans and they have made immense...

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), recognized as the world's largest producer of railway passenger coaches, is set to introduce a Vande Bharat Express rake designed for Jammu Kashmir. During the 75th Republic Day celebration, BG Mallya, General Manager, addressed the employees and announced, "ICF is currently engaged in two significant projects. The first involves the Vande Metro project, aiming to establish a fully air-conditioned inter-city train service. The prototype of Vande Metro is expected to be rolled out by March this year." Mallya further shared insights into the second project, stating, "The upcoming project involves the Vande Bharat Express rake tailored for Jammu and Kashmir, incorporating necessary modifications to endure the challenging climatic conditions of the regio...

In the coming days, Kashmir is set to experience a series of weather disturbances, bringing a mix of rain and snow to the region. Expect light to moderate rain/snow across many parts of Kashmir and select areas in Jammu until the evening of January 28, intensifying by night. By January 29 morning, widespread precipitation is expected, with northern Kashmir experiencing the highest intensity. The Higher reaches may witness significant snowfall, possibly extending to plains in northern Kashmir. Conditions are set to improve from January 29 afternoon. As we move into January 30 - February 1, another Western Disturbance is on the horizon, promising more intense and widespread rain/snow. Moderate to heavy snowfall is likely in higher elevations, peaking on January 31. The Jammu regi...

Sohrab Qayoom, a student hailing from Poonch and pursuing a B. Pharmacy course at Mewar University in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, under the Indian Army's Special Scholarship Scheme, has been arrested by the Rajasthan Police. Chittorgarh Rajasthan Police arrested Qayoom for allegedly making remarks regarding the demolition of Babri Masjid. This scholarship initiative, part of Operation Sadbhavana, aims to offer educational opportunities to underprivileged students. Qayoom's arrest has led to the filing of FIRs under various sections, including U/S 151, 153A, 295A, and 505. He is currently detained at Gangrar Police Station.

An 11th-grade medical student from Government Boys Higher Secondary School Bomai in Sopore, has devised a groundbreaking solution to address the prevalent issue of substance abuse in the region. Misbah Sultani's creation, the "Substance Abuse Detector," is adept at identifying nicotine and other alcoholic substances, providing a proactive approach to tackle the pervasive problem. Motivated by the alarming statistics from the Jammu Kashmir Police, which revealed 265 cases under the NDPS Act in 2023, leading to the arrest of 382 drug peddlers, including 75 considered "hard-core," Misbah's invention aims to shift from mere reaction to prevention. Drawing inspiration from the Traffic Police’s Breath Alcohol Analyser, Misbah crafted a portable Alcohol and Smoking detector, envisioning ...

A somber day unfolded on Friday (January 26) when tragedy struck the cricket field, claiming the life of 20-year-old fast bowler Suhab Yaseen. Engaged in a cricket match in the Hanjiwera area of Pattan, located within the Baramulla district of Kashmir, Suhaib tragically passed away on the spot. According to reports from the local news gathering agency KNS, the young cricketer collapsed during his run-up to bowl, prompting immediate efforts to rush him to the hospital. Unfortunately, all attempts were in vain, and Suhaib was declared brought dead upon arrival. While awaiting a comprehensive report, preliminary details suggest the possibility of Suhaib having suffered a heart attack during the cricket match. The cricketing community mourns the loss of a promising talent, and t...

The 75th Republic Day celebrations passed off peacefully across Jammu Kashmir while the authorities stated that the main venues witnessed the participation of more than 40,000 people. Witnesses told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer that large queues of people were seen outside the main venues of the Republic day function in Srinagar as well as in Jammu. Pertinently, the government had invited the people to attend the R-Day functions in Jammu & Kashmir while there was no special invitation or pass for anyone to participate in the events. The main function in Srinagar was held at Bakshi Stadium here where the Advisor to Lt Governor, R R Bhatnagar took salute at the March Past where he unfurled the National flag. Officials informed KNO that nearly 25,000 to 30,000 people ...