Unlocking the Wonders of the Cosmos: Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Beckons Astronomers In the vast, high-altitude expanse of Ladakh, where the sky seems to stretch into infinity, a unique destination has emerged, poised to capture the fascination of astronomers worldwide. The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, nestled in the Changthang region of Ladakh, has been granted a new lease of life with the recent approval from the Union Ministry of Home, allowing overnight stays for foreign tourists. This decision is set to open the floodgates to international visitors eager to explore…
Read MoreYear: 2023
‘Daan’, Kashmir’s Traditional Clay Stove: A Symbol of Resilience and Culture
By : Umar Raina Once a part of every household in Kashmir valley, ‘Daan,’ a traditional clay stove known for its exceptional cooking qualities still holds a special place in the kitchens of some villages in Kashmir, particularly in the Ganderbal district. While modern cooking gadgets have become the norm in many households, the ‘Daan’ has managed to endure in certain communities, offering a unique culinary experience that residents hold dear to their lives. The Decline of the ‘Daan’ Over the past couple of decades, the use of the ‘Daan’…
Read MoreDisturbing Trend: 10 babies abandoned in Kashmir every month
At least three babies have died this year as their biological parents lacked awareness on surrendering them properly, which would have prevented fatalities By : Peerzada Ashiq Heartrending cases of “unwanted” babies abandoned at garbage dumps, less-travelled roadsides, and hospital bathrooms are rising in Kashmir. Jammu & Kashmir’s Social Welfare Department (SWD) is grappling with the issue as an average of 10 cases are reported every month, a jump from the average of five cases reported till a few years ago. “The worry is that not all cases are reported…
Read MoreDelhi, Noida, and Gurugram implement GRAP Stage 2 to combat air pollution
Under this, the air quality panel has asked the authorities in the NCR region to increase parking fees to discourage private transport. The air quality in Delhi is likely to dip and enter the “very poor” category on October 23 and 24 due to unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions, the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology have said, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan measures. These anti-pollution measures will be implemented in the entire…
Read MoreEx-J&K CM Mufti Stands in Solidarity with Palestine warns of Increased Militancy amid Israel-Palestine conflict in Gaza
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Stands in Solidarity with Palestine In a poignant display of solidarity with the people of Palestine, PDP Chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, took to the streets of Srinagar to protest against the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Her actions reflect a growing concern that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine may contribute to a surge in global terrorism. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a long-standing issue, characterized by territorial disputes, historical grievances, and political complexities. The recent…
Read MoreNC leader Omar Abdullah accuses BJP of trying to bury democracy in J&K with sham elections
Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah dared the BJP to conduct polls in the Union Territory saying there was a growing anger amongst the public. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah came down heavily on the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday on the issue of conducting polls in Union territory saying the people were suffering as they were being denied their right to an elected government, adding that there is a growing public anger. “Today, when we are told almost everyday that the situation is far improved.…
Read MoreUS, UK express support for Canada in diplomatic row with India
Washington takes Canada’s allegations seriously, joined by London, urging India to cooperate in the murder probe. Western powers cautious in condemnation. The United States and Britain on Friday urged New Delhi not to insist on Canada’s reducing its diplomatic presence in India and expressed concern after Ottawa pulled out 41 diplomats amid a dispute over the murder of a Sikh separatist. Canada has alleged Indian involvement in the June murder in a Vancouver suburb of Canadian citizen and Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whom India called a “terrorist.” India…
Read MoreDeadly road accidents in Jhajjar Kotli, Kishtwar, claim 7 lives
Seven persons Friday were killed in two separate accidents at Jhajjarkotli on Srinagar Jammu National Highway and near Kandni area of Kishtwar. Four persons lost their lives in Jhajjar Kotli accident in the morning while three persons died in Kishtwar accident. Police sources said at around 2.30 am on Friday, a Jammu-bound apple-laden truck met with an accident in Jhajjar Kotli, an area of Jammu on the Srinagar Jammu National Highway, resulting in the death of four persons, including the driver and his helper, on the spot. Giving details, a…
Read MoreTrudeau: World should be worried about India’s actions
Canada on Friday withdrew 41 diplomats from India days after New Delhi insisted on their removal alleging interference in internal affairs. Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said by revoking diplomatic immunity to 40 diplomats, India contravened a very basic principle of diplomacy. Continuing his tirade against India on Friday, he said India violated the Vienna Convention rules and all countries in the world should be worried about the move. He also broached the subject of the murder of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He also said New Delhi was…
Read MoreAuqaf Market Shopkeepers Protest Against Waqf Board Action
Clear laibilities OR Vacate Waqf Shops Sealing of shops was done in an illegal manner as the case pertaining to payment of rent is still sub-judice Scores of shopkeepers at Auqaf Market in city centre staged protest against sealing of shops by the Waqf board Firdous Ahmad, who heads Auqaf Market, said the Waqf officials sealed six shops in the market late Wednesday evening. “The whole market was closed when the officials sealed the shops. It was done in an illegal manner as the case pertaining to payment of rent is…
Read More