Friday, January 31News and updates from Kashmir

Month: January 2024

JK Bank declares half day holiday in view of Ram temple inauguration

JK Bank declares half day holiday in view of Ram temple inauguration

REGIONAL
Amid the festive mood that has gripped India for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Jammu Kashmir Bank has declared half day holiday tomorrow. Speaking to The Kashmiriyat an official of the Bank confirmed that the bank has declared a holiday for half day on January 22 till 2:30 P.M. He added that the bank would function normally after 2:30 till 4 P.M. Meanwhile, an order issued by the bank read, In terms of Government of J&K Order No 203-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated 21.01.2024, it has been ordered that half-public holiday (till 2:30 p.m.) shall be observed on 22nd of January, 2024, in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on account of Shri Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya. "All Branches/ECs/EBUs/Offices in UT of J&K shall observe half-day public holiday o...
Ram temple on ruins of Babri mosque a symbol of injustice: Indian American Muslim Council

Ram temple on ruins of Babri mosque a symbol of injustice: Indian American Muslim Council

INDIA
The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) expressed strong concerns on January 19 regarding the celebration surrounding the construction of the Ram temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid, an act perpetrated by Hindu nationalists. IAMC highlighted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is organizing a grand spectacle with over 6,000 guests, while Hindu far-right groups plan events across the United States, extending the divisive celebration. Describing the Ram Temple as a symbol of historical injustice, particularly against Indian and global Muslims, IAMC denounced the celebration as an endorsement of the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for the demolition. IAMC President Mohammed Jawad emphasized that the event not on...
Facebook deletes account of major Yemen humanitarian aid organization

Facebook deletes account of major Yemen humanitarian aid organization

INTERNATIONAL
The Supreme Council for the Management and Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and International Cooperation strongly condemns the closure and deletion of its Facebook account, deeming it an arbitrary action undermining the claimed principles of freedom of opinion and expression. This move, perceived as targeting official and national Yemeni voices opposing the American-Zionist project, is criticized for concealing the truth about the humanitarian crisis caused by the aggression coalition's actions over the past nine years. As one of the largest humanitarian aid groups for Yemen, receiving international funds for the war-torn country, the Council emphasizes that the Facebook administration's actions aim to silence voices advocating for Yemen's position in support of Palestine. Th...
JK admin grants half-day holiday to employees for Ram Mandir foundation ceremony

JK admin grants half-day holiday to employees for Ram Mandir foundation ceremony

REGIONAL
The Jammu Kashmir administration has announced a half-day holiday for employees to witness the foundation ceremony of the Ram Mandir. As per Circular No. 12/7/2023-JCA dated 18 January 2024 from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India, regarding Shri Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya. Government Order No.203-JK (GAD) of 2024, in possesion of The Kashmiriyat, dated,  21.01.2024, read in continuation of previous orders, declares a half-day public holiday (till 2:30 p.m.) on 22nd January 2024 in Jammu Kashmir. The central government has also granted a half-day off for its offices and public sector banks, resuming operations at 2:30 p.m. Private sector banks will remain open as per the Reserve Bank of India's holiday list, confirmed by th...
Srinagar shivers at minus 4.8°C, MeT forecasts weather changes from January 24

Srinagar shivers at minus 4.8°C, MeT forecasts weather changes from January 24

REGIONAL
The Kashmir valley experienced harsh winter conditions, with temperatures plummeting below freezing across the region. Srinagar, the summer capital of the erstwhile state of Jammu Kashmir, recently witnessed a freeze under extremely cold conditions, with the minimum temperature dropping to  minus 4.8°C. Notably, the minimum temperatures recorded today depict the severity of the chill, with the coldest spots being Pahalgam at an icy  minus 6.5°C and Pulwama at an equally frigid  minus 6.9°C. Meanwhile, despite the biting cold, variations in temperature across the region are evident, with Kokernag experiencing a milder minus 2.3°C. The Meteorological Department (MeT) anticipates dry weather persisting until January 24, with a brief spell of cloudiness expected on the evening and ...
Kashmir Trade Alliance decries extended power cuts

Kashmir Trade Alliance decries extended power cuts

REGIONAL
The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has vehemently expressed its discontent with the recent decision to extend the power curtailment schedule by 2.5 hours. Aijaz Shahdhar, the President of KTA, issued a statement raising apprehensions about the adverse effects of this move by KPDCL on the daily life and business operations in Kashmir. Shahdhar emphasized the critical need for the government to explore alternatives, suggesting the purchase of additional power from the Northern grid to meet the local demand. Shahdhar argued, "Such measures are essential to ensure the smooth functioning of businesses and to maintain the quality of life for the residents." He strongly believes that extended power cuts are not the solution and that proactive steps should be taken to secure a more stabl...
Schools in Jammu Kashmir to soon have digital attendance: Admin

Schools in Jammu Kashmir to soon have digital attendance: Admin

Entertainment
Secretary of School Education, Piyush Singla, conducted a thorough review of the progress on establishing Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) in Jammu and Kashmir. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, this initiative aims to achieve real-time monitoring of projects under the Samagra Shiksha program. Piyush Singla emphasized that VSK, driven by the Prime Minister's vision, is an innovative project being replicated nationwide. VSK will encompass data from all schools, students, and teachers, facilitating meaningful analysis through big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Piyush Singla highlighted the importance of a monitoring dashboard and the integration of a data analysis-based Call Management Utility and reporting system in creating a conducive ecosystem for...
Increasing number of stray dogs causes panic among locals in Pulwama

Increasing number of stray dogs causes panic among locals in Pulwama

REGIONAL
The rising number of stray dogs in Rohmoo village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has become a serious concern for local inhabitants, who express distress over the inaction of authorities despite public outcry. Residents from Rohmoo, Gusoo, Frespora and surrounding areas told the news agency Kashmir News Observer that the issue has become serious. They said authorities seem to be indifferent to their repeated appeals. “Packs of stray dogs are frequently spotted on roads, which causes inconvenience to the general public,” said a local woman. She said the surge in stray dog numbers poses a significant threat to people’s lives, particularly during morning and evening hours when movement becomes challenging, especially for children, elders, and women. Local activist Mudasir ...
Cold spell sweeps across Kashmir valley as residents await snowfall

Cold spell sweeps across Kashmir valley as residents await snowfall

REGIONAL
The meteorological forecast for the Jammu Kashmir region unveils anticipated weather patterns and temperature fluctuations across various locations. On January 25, the forecast indicates the likelihood of experiencing light snow at isolated higher reaches. Subsequently, from January 26 to 28, there is an expectation of encountering light rain and snow over scattered places. Looking ahead, the weather models hint at the potential for light to moderate rain/snow at numerous locations from January 29 to 31, with detailed information set to be shared in the upcoming days. In addition to precipitation forecasts, the Meteorological Department issues a warning about the redevelopment of moderate to dense fog. Simultaneously, there is a projected fall in day temperatures over the Ja...
Amid US-UK bombing, hundreds of Yemenis kidnapped in Aden

Amid US-UK bombing, hundreds of Yemenis kidnapped in Aden

INTERNATIONAL
Amid the intense bombing conducted by the United States and United Kingdom in Yemen, hundreds of Yemenis have been kidnapped in the province of Aden. The escalating security concerns in Aden continue to unfold as factions aligned with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), have allegedly abducted a group of young people from the Al-Wahda residential neighborhood. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, with masked gunmen arriving in a bus and swiftly apprehending several individuals in the Sheikh Othman district. This alarming development has raised fears among the local population, as the armed perpetrators, brandishing weapons and issuing threats, forcibly seized the young victims. The families left in distress are struggling to comprehend the circumstances surrounding t...