Year: 2024

In a significant seismic event, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Afghanistan, with tremors reverberating into the Kashmir region. The quake occurred at 2:50 p.m. IST, with its epicenter located at 70.71°E, 36.52°N in the Hindu Kush Region of Afghanistan. The depth of the earthquake was reported to be 192 km, according to data from the GFZ (German Research Centre for Geosciences). The tremors were distinctly felt in various parts of Kashmir, prompting concerns and heightened awareness among residents. While there are no immediate reports of casualties or major damage, local authorities are actively monitoring the situation and urging citizens to remain vigilant. Seismologists emphasize that the depth of the earthquake, at 192 km, may have mitigated the impact on the surface, poten...

For the dissolution of state Assembly, Former Jammu Kashmir Governor, Satyapal Malik shifted the blame on Peoples’ Conference leader, Sajad Lone, and his ambition to ‘indulge in horse-trading’. In an interview with senior Supreme Court advocate and Rajya Sabha member, Kapil Sibal’s YouTube channel “Dil Se”, Malik said that the decision to dissolve the assembly was his own and not on the diktats of the BJP-government. The former Governor added, “My own assessment is that they (BJP) wanted that I should invite (Sajad) Lone to form the government. I asked Lone. He didn’t have even six MLAs. But he said that if you let me take over, I can provide you the majority in one week…… I sensed there would be major horse-trading if I allowed that. I told him, this is not my job and I will not do ...

Nearly a month after the Supreme Court upheld the Union Government’s decision of abrogating Article 370, three petitions were filed in the court on Tuesday to seek review of its judgment. Details available with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that three reviews pleas were filed in the Apex Court today against its verdict upholding abrogation of Article 370 by the Union Government in August 5, 2019. The petitions were filed by Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, Jammu & Kashmir Awami National Conference and Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Movement. “I have filed the review petition today,” Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, one of the petitioners of Article 370 case, confirmed to KNO. On December 11, 2023, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India unanimously upheld the Union gov...

The persistent dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has led to the drying up of renowned water springs in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, causing a water shortage in several villages. As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Aripal Spring in Tral and Bulbul Spring in Newa Pulwama are among the affected water sources. Officials from Public Health Engineering (PHE) Tral told KNO that the water level of the famous Aripal Spring began had been decreasing for weeks and has now completely dried up. The spring served as a vital drinking water source for multiple water supply schemes, and its depletion has resulted in water scarcity in various areas. The Fisheries Department's fish farm, located near Aripal Spring, had to relocate its fish due to the drying up of the spring. Th...

In the midst of an intense cold snap, temperatures in the Kashmir region have experienced a significant decline, intensifying the anticipation for snowfall among the local populace. As of today, the recorded minimum temperatures depict the chilling conditions: Srinagar at -5.0°C, Qazigund at -4.6°C, Pahalgam at -6.3°C, Kupwara at -5.3°C, Kokernag at -2.4°C, Gulmarg at -3.5°C, Sonamarg at -4.7°C, Anantnag at -6.0°C, Ganderbal at -4.1°C, Pulwama at -6.6°C, Bandipora at -5.4°C, Baramulla at -6.0°C, Budgam at -5.3°C, Kulgam at -2.9°C, and Shopian at -6.2°C. Despite the chilling temperatures, the local weather department has issued a forecast indicating that no major wet spell is anticipated until January 22nd across the Kashmir valley. The officials have further emphasized that the on...

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, vehemently voiced his opposition on Wednesday to a power project agreement with Rajasthan, denouncing it as a blatant "loot" of the region. Addressing concerns at a press conference held at the party headquarters, Abdullah expressed dismay over the hydroelectric power project being handed over to Rajasthan for a lengthy 40-year period. He categorically stated that such an arrangement, where the power generated from these projects benefits another region, would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Highlighting the irony of being chosen first for the installation of smart meters while diverting hydroelectric power to Rajasthan, Abdullah asserted, "We will not permit this, even if it requires taking the issue to the Supreme...

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)