Thursday, December 18Latest news and updates from Kashmir

Heavy rain, snowfall to hit Kashmir; landslide and flood risk predicted

Heavy rain, snowfall to hit Kashmir; landslide and flood risk predicted

REGIONAL
The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather advisory for Jammu Kashmir, warning of widespread rainfall and snowfall from October 5 to 7 under the influence of an active western disturbance. The department has cautioned that the spell may bring significant disruption to transport, farming activities, and pose risks of natural hazards in vulnerable areas. According to the advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, moderate to heavy snowfall is expected over higher reaches including Anantnag-Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg-Zojila, Bandipora-Razdan Pass, Gulmarg and Kupwara-Sadhna Pass. Middle reaches are likely to witness light snowfall, while plains across Kashmir are expected to receive moderate to heavy rain. Jammu division ...
Families mourn as violent clashes in Muzaffarabad expose governance gaps

Families mourn as violent clashes in Muzaffarabad expose governance gaps

WRITE-UPS
Shabnum Khatoon Muzaffarabad in Pakistan is grappling with the aftermath of violent protests that have claimed the lives of at least nine individuals, including six civilians and three police officers. The unrest, which began on September 29, 2025, has intensified over the past days, with demonstrators clashing with security forces while demanding economic relief and political reforms. Among the deceased are Constables Khurshid and Jameel from Bagh, and Constable Tahir Rafi from Muzaffarabad. Their families are now left to mourn their untimely deaths. "He was the sole breadwinner for our family," said Khurshid's widow, tears streaming down her face. "Now, I don't know how we'll survive." Jameel's mother, sitting silently outside their modest home, clutched his uniform cap. "He was on...
Kashmiri teacher from Sopore wins Fulbright fellowship

Kashmiri teacher from Sopore wins Fulbright fellowship

EDUCATION
Sajad Akbar Rather, a 39-year-old teacher from Sopore, Baramulla, has been selected for the prestigious Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) fellowship. Rather, who teaches science and computer studies at Boys Higher Secondary School Bomai, will travel to the United States in 2026 as part of the programme, sponsored by the US Department of State and administered by IREX. Originally from Wadura village, Rather has previously received the UT Best Teacher Award and an NCERT National Award for his innovative classroom methods. He is also known for mentoring students in coding and applied science at the Atal Tinkering Lab. Calling the fellowship both “an honour and a responsibility,” Rather said he hopes to bring back new teaching methods and global perspectives to benef...
Man critically wounded after stabbed by wife in Baramulla town

Man critically wounded after stabbed by wife in Baramulla town

REGIONAL
A man was left critically injured after being allegedly attacked with a knife by his wife in Old Town Baramulla. According to officials, the injured has been identified as Rayees, a resident of Mohalla Mir Sahib, Old Town. The incident took place after a heated argument between the couple reportedly turned violent, leading the woman to assault him with a sharp-edged weapon. Rayees sustained grievous injuries and was rushed to GMC Baramulla, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Police have taken cognisance of the matter and initiated further investigation.
Man dies after falling from rooftop of mosque in Budgam

Man dies after falling from rooftop of mosque in Budgam

REGIONAL
An accident in Budgam district on Thursday claimed the life of a 68-year-old man after he suffered a fall from an under-construction mosque in the Shippra Magam area of central Kashmir. The deceased has been identified as Muhammad Yousuf Sofi, aged 68, a local of the area. to initial accounts, Sofi was engaged at the construction site of a mosque in Shippra Magam when he suddenly slipped and fell from a height. The incident sparked panic among locals who immediately rushed to help. He was shifted in critical condition to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for urgent treatment. However, despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after admission. Police officials confirmed the incident, stating that a case has been registered and necessary medico-legal formalities comp...
LG Sinha urges youth to fulfill Gandhi’s dream of peace in Jammu Kashmir

LG Sinha urges youth to fulfill Gandhi’s dream of peace in Jammu Kashmir

INDIA
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called upon the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to play a leading role in building a peaceful and progressive Union Territory, saying it was essential to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi’s vision. Speaking at the Gandhi Jayanti programme at SKICC Srinagar, Sinha said, “Bapu used to say, be the change you want to see in society. In 1921, he urged people to face challenges with courage. Over the last 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed the nation on that path.” He highlighted several achievements of the country, including extending life insurance coverage to over 51 crore people and India becoming the world’s second-largest smartphone manufacturer. "The Swadeshi spirit that Gandhiji promoted is once again gaining momentum in India,” he s...
Leh Apex Body rejects magisterial probe, Demands judicial inquiry, Release of detainees

Leh Apex Body rejects magisterial probe, Demands judicial inquiry, Release of detainees

REGIONAL
Leh Apex Body (LAB) has outrightly rejected the magisterial inquiry ordered by the Union Territory administration of Ladakh into the September 24 law and order situation that claimed four lives during police action. The influential body reiterated its demand for a high-level judicial inquiry, insisting that only such a probe can establish accountability for the deaths of civilians in Leh. Speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjey categorically dismissed the inquiry led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Nubra. “We have maintained from day one that there should be a judicial inquiry into the killings of Ladakhi people. We want to know who ordered the firing on civilians without any warning. We don’t accept the magisterial inquiry and we reject ...
Mehbooba Mufti alleges nepotism and misgovernance at Central University of Kashmir

Mehbooba Mufti alleges nepotism and misgovernance at Central University of Kashmir

EDUCATION
Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has raised serious concerns over the functioning of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK), alleging rampant nepotism, backdoor appointments, and a decline in academic standards. She described the situation at the university as one of “lawlessness and misgovernance” and appealed to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to intervene by ordering an impartial inquiry. Mehbooba said that the institution, which was established with the aim of providing quality higher education to the youth of Jammu Kashmir, is instead being “run like a personal enterprise” where established norms and governance protocols are being flouted. She warned that such practices pose a grave threat to the future of students...
Centre hikes DA/DR by 3 pc; to benefit 1.18 cr employees, pensioners

Centre hikes DA/DR by 3 pc; to benefit 1.18 cr employees, pensioners

INDIA
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday increased Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) by 3 per cent for about 49.19 lakh central government employees and 68.72 lakh pensioners. The DA/DR increase of 3 per cent over the existing rate of 55 per cent of the basic pay/pension to compensate against the price rise is effective July 1, 2025. The combined impact on the exchequer on account of an increase in DA and DR will be Rs 10,083.96 crore per annum, I and B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while briefing on decisions taken in the Cabinet meeting. The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.–(PTI)
10 profitable business ideas in Kashmir for youth in 2025

10 profitable business ideas in Kashmir for youth in 2025

BUSINESS
Rising unemployment in Kashmir remains a pressing concern, with many young people still chasing government jobs. Experts say the solution lies in local entrepreneurship, but timely financial support and guidance from the government are essential to unlock the potential of the valley’s youth. From agriculture and dairy to tech and tourism, there are numerous profitable business opportunities in Kashmir that can generate steady income and create local jobs. Here are 10 top business ideas for 2025. 1. Agriculture Business Agriculture contributes around 23% of Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, yet much of the sector remains unorganized. Local entrepreneurs can generate jobs while reducing dependency on imports. High-potential niches: Potato cultivation Onion cultivation Mushroom cult...