March 2024 | Page 6 of 9

Omar Abdullah Casts Doubt on BJP’s Electoral Calculations Over CAA Agenda

March 13, 2024 Editor

As the Union Government rolled out the Citizenship Amendment Act ahead of the Lok Sabha poll, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said it shows the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not confident of winning 400 seats. “Notifying (CAA) rules days before the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections shows the BJP is not confident about winning 400 seats in the ensuing polls. It is evident that the BJP wants to use religion in the coming Lok Sabha poll,” Omar said, talking to reporters at the party headquarters here. “It was…

Will J&K See Simultaneous Polls? Parties Make Strong Case to Election Commission

March 13, 2024 Editor

Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar and other officials of the poll panel, who arrived in Srinagar on Monday for a three-day visit to J&K, held interactions with delegations from the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), BJP, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Congress, and the Apni Party, officials said Leader of various Jammu and Kashmir political parties on Tuesday urged the Election Commission of India to hold assembly elections simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls as the panel started two-day consultations with stakeholders to review preparedness for the upcoming…

Stranded Travelers, Essential Supplies Delayed: Jammu-Srinagar Highway Remains Shut for Second Consecutive Day

March 12, 2024 Editor

Kashmir Cut Off: Major Roads Remain Impassable Due to Snow and Landslides Travelers headed to Kashmir Valley face continued disruption as all major access routes remain blocked, a frustrating situation now stretching into its second day [or “since Sunday evening” if the specific timeframe is important]. The critical Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a vital artery connecting the valley to the rest of the country, remains non-operational due to poor road conditions at Dalwas in the Ramban district. A landslide in this already congested area on Sunday evening further complicated matters, leaving…

Congress, NC Allege CAA Used for Voter Polarization Before Lok Sabha Polls

March 12, 2024 Editor

With the Centre notifying the rules of CAA on Monday, the demand of relocation of Rohingya refugees settled in Jammu has come to the fore with some political parties and social organisations batting for fulfillment of their demand, while the opposition is calling it a move to polarise the electorate. According to government data, over 13,700 foreigners, including Rohingya Muslims and Bangladeshi nationals, are settled in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, where their population increased by over 6,000 between 2008 and 2016. “The decision of the government…

The Future of Work: Unveiling the Top 10 In-Demand Jobs of 2024 and Beyond

March 11, 2024 Editor

Navigating the Professional Landscape of 2024: 10 In-Demand Job Roles Fueled by Skills and Technology By: Javid Amin The landscape of employment is undergoing a seismic shift. Gone are the days when qualifications alone could guarantee career success. Today, the driving force behind job roles are the skills and tech expertise individuals bring to the table. As we hurtle towards 2024 and beyond, the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, will undeniably reshape many industries. However, this doesn’t spell the end for traditional roles. In fact, a fascinating…

The Sacred Call to Prayer: Balancing Faith and Public Courtesy in Islam

March 11, 2024 Editor

The Call to Prayer: Striking a Balance in a Modern World The rhythmic call to prayer, the Adhan, echoes across the Muslim world, beckoning the faithful to fulfill one of the Five Pillars of Islam: Salah, the obligatory daily prayers. Muslims believe the entire Earth has been designated a place of worship by Allah (SWT). This inherent flexibility allows them to offer prayers almost anywhere, as long as the place is clean and pure. However, navigating the modern world with its bustling streets and crowded spaces necessitates a deeper understanding…

Travel Delays Expected: Traffic Affected on Jammu-Srinagar Highway

March 11, 2024 Editor

Despite closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH) in Ramban for repair work from Saturday to Sunday, the vital road link was partially repaired and the traffic movement, even after restoration, remained disrupted. The traffic movement on the highway was suspended on Sunday morning as authorities were carrying out road widening work on several points in Ramban district. It was restored in the afternoon. However, the movement of light motor vehicles (LMVs) was suspended on the highway after 5.30 pm. The vehicular movement on the highway, linking Kashmir with the…

Unveiling the Truth: J&K Administration Refutes Mirwaiz’s House Arrest Allegations

March 11, 2024 Editor

The six-page response by the administration was filed early this week but the case could not be heard on March 6 and is expected to be heard on March 13, additional advocate general Mohsin S Qadri said on Sunday The Jammu and Kashmir administration has denied the “house arrest allegations” in its response to Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s petition in the high court . Last month, the HC had given the administration the “final” opportunity to file a response. The six-page response by the administration was…

Ramadan Feasts Won’t Be Fried: KPDCL Promises Less Power Cuts for Sehri & Iftar

March 10, 2024 Editor

The Power Development Department is mulling to improve the power curtailment schedule in holy month of Ramadhan. Besides, the department said that it will improve and reduce the power curtailment especially at Suhoor and fast breaking time (Iftar). Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Chief Engineer KPDCL (Distribution) Sandeep Seth said that it was charting out the plan and mechanism to resolve the power curtailment issues for the month of Ramadhan. “We are working on it and most likely, the new curtailment schedule will be implemented from the first day…

Watermelon and Ramadan: A Refreshing Choice, But Wait for the Season!

March 9, 2024 Editor

By: Saika J Ramadan in Kashmir is a time of vibrant traditions, community spirit, and of course, delicious food. As the days lengthen and the crisp mountain air warms, many Kashmiris crave a cool, refreshing slice of Handwaan (watermelon). Handwaan is undeniably a delightful fruit, boasting 92% water content, making it a natural hydrator perfect for combating the summer heat. However, it’s important to prioritize health and celebrate the bounty of Kashmir’s natural harvest. Here’s the truth: Handwaan available during Ramadan often aren’t naturally ripe. These melons may be artificially…