REGIONAL

A recent road accident in Srinagar’s Tengpora area has raised concerns about the reliability of Mahindra vehicles’ airbag systems. Recently, a Mahindra Thar (JK01AV-4477) collided with a stationary dump truck that was improperly parked along the roadside. Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver was speeding and attempted to overtake, resulting in the accident. The incident has brought attention to the airbag deployment issue, as initial observations suggest that the airbags did not deploy during the collision. This is not the first time Mahindra has faced criticism over airbag deployment. In a previous incident involving a Scorpio, the company clarified that the variant was equipped with airbags, but the accident was a rollover crash, which wouldn’t trigger frontal airbag ...

The Cyber Police Kashmir has issued a public alert about a fraudulent J&K Bank application being circulated through WhatsApp. The fake APK file, potentially embedded with malware or spyware, poses a significant risk to users' personal data and device security, Cyber Police said in a statement. In the alert, the authorities urged people not to download or install applications from unofficial sources, emphasizing the importance of using only trusted platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. "Users are advised to verify app authenticity through J&K Bank's official website or customer support channels," read the statement. The advisory also stressed the need for keeping operating systems and antivirus software updated to safeguard devices against cyber threats. ...

Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, passed away on Sunday due to a cardiac arrest at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura, news agency KINS reported. He was a prominent academician and a highly respected figure in the education sector of Jammu Kashmir. Prof. Qureshi had a long and illustrious career dedicated to education and academia. As the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, he played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s academic policies and fostering an environment of excellence. His tenure is remembered for significant contributions to the university’s growth and development. The news of his demise has left the academic and intellectual community of Kashmir in profound grief. Tributes...

Jammu Kashmir is all set to host a four-day National Tennis Ball Cricket Championship from November 18 to 21 here at Maulana Azad Stadium. Farooq Salroo, General Secretary, Jammu Kashmir Tennis Ball Cricket Association on Saturday said that the fourth 35th Senior National Tennis Ball Cricket Championship in both Men and Women’s categories is scheduled to be held from November 18 to 21 here at Maulana Azad Stadium. Jammu Kashmir Sports Minister, Satish Sharma will inaugurate the Championship, said, Salroo, adding that 36 teams in the men’s category and 22 in the women’s category from all over the country have confirmed their participation. “We have made all boarding and lodging arrangements in collaboration with the sister concern agencies,” he said. The General Secretary added ...

A group of Indian students chanted slogans and displayed placards at the University of Oxford to protest against a debate on Kashmir at the Oxford Union Society, which they said had offered a platform to speakers with alleged terrorism links. The debate, titled “This House Believes in an Independent State of Kashmir", held on Thursday evening, included Zafar Khan, connected to the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), and Muzzammil Ayub Thakur, associated with the World Kashmir Freedom Movement, speaking in favor of the motion. In March this year, India extended for another five years a ban on JKLF, led by imprisoned terror accused Yasin Malik. Chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Oxford Union stands with terrorism” were heard during the protests. Indian Oxford Union member...

Famous ski-resort Gulmarg and Gurez valley in north Kashmir witnessed fresh spell of snow today morning even as weatherman has predicted improvement in weather from the afternoon. An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) nearly an inch of snowfall has accumulated in Gulmarg since morning, while it was snowing in Gurez valley too. Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad stated that weather conditions would improve across Jammu Kashmir from the afternoon. He said that there is possibility of generally dry weather from November 17 to 23, while light rain and snow over higher reaches at isolated places is expected on November 24. The weather office also issued an advisory, asking tourists, trekkers and travellers to plan accordingly—(KNO)

Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has issued a stern warning to political leaders and parties attempting to reinterpret the resolution passed by the Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly during its first session. Ruhullah stated that neither the Congress nor the Jammu Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) leadership, nor anyone from his own party, the National Conference (NC), has the right to distort the resolution’s intent. The resolution, he emphasized, was a direct expression of the people's disapproval of amendments and the "unconstitutional abrogation" of Jammu Kashmir's special status between 1953 and 2019. It demands the reinstatement of all guarantees, including Article 370 and 35A, to their pre-1953 form. Ruhullah cautioned that any attempt to dilute or misinterpr...

Danishwar Hameed  The Minister for Education, Health & Social Welfare, Sakeena Masood, along with SDM Noorabad, Bashir ul Hassan, today inaugurated the Shaheed Wali Mohd Itoo Memorial Bridge at Aadigen, D.H. Pora. The bridge, a long withstanding demand of locals, is expected to significantly improve access for local residents, easing transportation and fostering economic and social growth in the area. The bridge, now dedicated to the public, is named in honor of the late Shaheed Wali Mohd Itoo, a prominent figure who made significant contributions to the development and welfare of the constituency. Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, Minister Sakeena Masood paid tribute to Shaheed Wali Mohd Itoo, recognizing his immense efforts and the lasting impact he had on the...

Healthcare workers at District Hospital Shopian protested against an absentee list issued after a surprise inspection, which included the names of Dr. Shahid, a deceased paramedic, and Dr. Bilal, a terminated doctor. The inspection had reported only 17 out of 198 staff present, sparking outrage among employees. The staff claimed the list was inaccurate, failing to account for shift rotations and night duties, and demanded a public apology from the authorities for the error. They also criticized the administration for releasing unverified data, which they said harmed their reputation and public trust. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar stated that the discrepancies were being reviewed and pledged continued inspections to ensure accountability. However, the protest...

The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has forecast light rain and snowfall over the higher reaches of Kashmir and some areas of Jammu today. According to the department, the weather is expected to improve from November 16. A Met official stated, "From November 15 to 16, many places in Kashmir and a few in Jammu division will experience cloudy skies with light rain or snow in higher reaches. Weather conditions are likely to improve from November 16, and generally dry conditions are anticipated between November 17 and 23." Isolated areas may witness cloudy skies with light precipitation on November 24, while the period from November 25 to 30 is expected to remain dry. The advisory highlighted the possibility of temporary disruptions in surface transportation due to light snowfall...