The Spice of Life: Saffron in Kashmir By: Er Aausyf Ibn Farooq Saffron, the vivid crimson spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, holds a special place in the hearts and history of Kashmir, known as the ‘saffron crocus’ its stigma and styles, aptly called threads, are meticulously collected and dried, serving as both a seasoning and a colouring agent in culinary delights. Beyond the kitchen, saffron boasts a treasure trove of plant compounds that act as antioxidants, protecting against oxidative stress. It has even been utilized in traditional…
Read MoreYear: 2023
Ramban Viaduct on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Opens to Traffic
“Jammu and Kashmir, we have successfully completed the Ramban viaduct, a remarkable feat spanning a length of 1.08 km with 4 lanes. This project, built at a cost of ₹328 crore, is situated on the Udhampur-Ramban section of the national Highway-44,” Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari wrote on X. The completion of 1.08-km-long four lane viaduct meandering along the Chenab river in Ramban district completed at a cost of ₹328 crore will play an indispensable role in smooth flow of traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway…
Read MoreJawahar Tunnel on Kashmir Highway to Get New Lease of Life as Tourist Destination
The iconic Jawahar Tunnel on the Kashmir highway, which was once the longest tunnel in Asia, is set to undergo a major renovation to transform it into a key tourist destination. The tunnel was constructed in the 1950s and has played a vital role in connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India. However, in recent years, the tunnel has fallen into disrepair and is no longer used for vehicular traffic. The renovation project is being undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and is estimated to cost over…
Read MoreGoI Should Focus on Improving JK Instead of Making Empty Promises: Congress
“The BJP and Modi should focus on the situation more than doing politics and improve the situation in J&K,” Congress Committee president Vikar Rasool said. Expressing regret over the recent cases of targeted killings in Jammu and Kashmir, Pradesh Congress Committee president Vikar Rasool said on Thursday that the Centre should focus on improving the situation in the Union territory rather than just making claims on ending militancy. “We regret it. Target killings should not take place. A police personnel was martyred and a non-local person was also killed. The…
Read MoreMobile Phones: Our Modern-Day Drug?
The Devastating Impact of Smartphone Addiction on Children in Kashmir By: Javid Amin In the tranquil valleys of Kashmir, a silent epidemic is quietly ensnaring the future of the region. The culprit? Smartphone addiction among children. This phenomenon, often underestimated and misunderstood, is wreaking havoc on the innocent minds of Kashmiri youth. As these young souls increasingly turn to smartphones for solace and entertainment, the repercussions are alarming. From fractured focus to insomnia, from aggressive outbursts to speech delay and mood swings, the consequences are profound, and they are tearing…
Read MoreKashmiri Kandoor: A Tale of Tradition, Community, and Size Dictated by Locale
The Enigmatic World of Kashmiri Kandoors By : Javid Amin In the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, where snow-capped mountains kiss the sky, and the pristine Dal Lake reflects the beauty of the heavens, a unique tradition has long been preserved. The tradition of ‘Kandoor’ or traditional Kashmiri bakeries stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. These bakers, colloquially known as ‘Kandoorwale,’ have served generations with freshly baked bread, embodying not only a culinary tradition but also a vibrant slice of Kashmiri life. However, beneath the…
Read MoreTobacco use in Jammu and Kashmir a serious public health concern: Officials
20.8% people in Jammu Kashmir using tobacco Jammu Kashmir is the sixth State/UT in the country to have a high prevalence of tobacco use as over 20 percent of the population is indulging in tobacco consumption, officials said. Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Mir Mushtaq, State Nodal Officer (Kashmir Division), National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) said the prevalence of smoking tobacco in J&K is 20.8 percent, which is the sixth highest in the country after Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram. The prevalence of smokeless…
Read MoreOver 1000 J&K govt employees salaries on hold due to missing appointment orders
Government of Jammu and Kashmir Withholds Salaries of Around 1000 Employees Due to Missing Appointment Orders Around 1000 employees of different departments of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, including IFS and JKAS officers, are currently without salaries because their initial appointment orders are not available on the Human Resource Management System (JKHRMS). In an effort to address the issue, the government has directed the concerned Administrative Secretaries to ensure submission of requisite information along with the recommendation within 15 days for scrutiny by a high-level committee. However, the General…
Read MoreCPI(M) leader Tarigami slams UT Divas celebrations, says it’s a day of mourning
On Tuesday, CPI(M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami condemned the UT Divas celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir, calling them an insult to the people of the region. In a statement, Tarigami said that the historic state of Jammu and Kashmir was declared a Union Territory on August 5, 2019, and the flag was removed from the Civil Secretariat. He asked, “Can this be a celebration or an insult to the people of Jammu and Kashmir?” Tarigami questioned how the UT Divas celebrations could be justified when Jammu and Kashmir was dismantled…
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