July 2024 | Page 3 of 11

US Issues Strongest Travel Warning Yet for India: Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, and Naxal-Infested Regions Off-Limits

July 25, 2024 Editor

A Red Flag for Travelers The United States has issued a stark warning to its citizens, advising against travel to several regions within India. This unprecedented move underscores the escalating security concerns in these areas, placing a significant damper on tourism and investment prospects. Manipur: A Boiling Point At the heart of this advisory is Manipur, a northeastern state grappling with a complex ethnic conflict that has erupted into widespread violence. The US State Department has placed Manipur under its highest travel advisory level, “Do Not Travel,” citing the “threat…

Lace Up: Srinagar Gears Up for the Kashmir Marathon on October 20!

July 25, 2024 Editor

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today unveiled the logo, website and teaser of the inaugural edition of the Kashmir Marathon, to be held on October 20 in Srinagar. Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor invited the runners from all corners of the globe to participate in the marathon and experience the unique charm of J&K. “We aspire to make this event a beacon of peace and harmony. I am confident the Kashmir Marathon will place J&K firmly on the global running map and it will enhance global…

KPDCL Denies Tariff Hike, Confirms Load Revision for Non-Metered Areas

July 25, 2024 Editor

Srinagar, July 24: The Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has addressed recent media reports about alleged electricity tariff hikes, stating that no such increase had been implemented for non-metered consumers in the current financial year. Addressing a news conference here today, the Managing Director of KPDCL, Mussarat ul Islam emphasised that only the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh was authorised to revise electricity tariffs. He addressed several critical issues facing Kashmir’s power sector. The MD KPDCL emphasised that providing 24×7 electricity was currently impossible…

Boosting Your Take-Home Pay: Understanding the Latest Tax Changes

July 24, 2024July 24, 2024 Editor

Union Budget 2024: Finance Nirmala Sitharaman, in a major relief to the taxpayers, tweaked the tax slabs for the New Tax Regime. The FM also announced an increase in the standard deduction to Rs 75,000 from the previous Rs 50,000, which can be availed by taxpayers opting for the New Tax Regime. The Old Tax Regime has been kept untouched. The Finance Minister in her Budget speech said: “I have two announcements to make for those opting for the new tax regime. First, the standard deduction for salaried employees is…

Government Acts Tough: 4 Employees Fired Over Anti-Nationalism

July 24, 2024 Editor

Four Employees Sacked for Anti-National Activities in J&K Srinagar: In a decisive move to curb anti-national elements within the government machinery, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday terminated the services of four employees for their alleged involvement in terror-related activities. The sacked employees include two police constables, a junior assistant in the school education department, and a village-level worker from the rural development and panchayati raj department. An official spokesperson stated that the decision was taken based on evidence suggesting the employees were deeply involved in activities detrimental to…

Kashmir Sweats It Out: Srinagar Beats Jammu’s Heat

July 23, 2024 Editor

Valley Under Heatwave Siege: Residents Suffer Srinagar, July 22: The ongoing heatwave in Kashmir shows no signs of abating, with temperatures in Srinagar surpassing those in Jammu, traditionally known for its sweltering summers. The Meteorological Department officials said, hot and humid weather was expected to persist until July 26, raising concerns about the impact on daily life and health across J&K. The maximum temperatures recorded on Monday underscore the severity of the heatwave. The MeT officials said Srinagar recorded 35.6 degrees Celsius, Qazigund 34 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 30.2 degrees Celsius,…

Religious Leaders Pledge to Protect Kashmir’s Unity

July 23, 2024July 24, 2024 Editor

Muttahida Majlise-e-Ulama (MMU) expresses resolve to disallow any attempts to spread sectarian discord A special meeting, presided over by MMU patron Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was attended by top religious leaders MMU appeals to scholars and clerics to refrain from targeting the beliefs of other sects in their lectures, sermons, addresses or discussions The Muttahida Majlise-e-Ulama (MMU), a conglomerate of major religious bodies of Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday expressed its “firm resolve” to disallow any attempts to spread sectarian discord in Kashmir and harm the region’s traditional sectarian harmony. According…

Little Victims, Big Scars: Kashmir’s Mental Health Emergency

July 22, 2024 Editor

Unemployment, Mental Health, and the Kashmir Crisis By: Javid Amin Kashmir, a region of breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage, is grappling with a silent epidemic: the devastating impact of unemployment on mental health. The socio-political turmoil that has plagued the region for decades has created a perfect storm, leaving its youth disillusioned, hopeless, and, tragically, in some cases, driven to despair. A Region in Crisis The unemployment rate in Kashmir is alarmingly high, particularly among the young, educated population. This economic distress, coupled with the ongoing political unrest, has…

Crafting Your Future: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Stream After Class 10

July 22, 2024 Editor

Decode Your Dreams: A Guide to Post-10th Streams By: Javid Amin The transition from Class 10 to Class 11 is a pivotal moment in a student’s life. It’s a crossroads where decisions made can significantly influence your academic journey and, ultimately, your career path. Choosing the right stream can be daunting, filled with uncertainties and pressures. But fear not! This comprehensive guide is here to illuminate your path, providing insights, strategies, and expert advice to help you make an informed decision. Understanding the Importance of Stream Selection Before diving into…

J&K Sizzles: Heat and Humidity to Continue

July 22, 2024 Editor

J&K to Sizzle Through Week, Rain Predicted from July 27 Srinagar: The Meteorological Department has issued a forecast predicting continued hot and humid weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir until July 26. While there is no significant weather activity expected until the end of the month, the weather office has warned of isolated to scattered rainfall in both divisions over the next few days. From July 21 to 26, the region can expect mainly clear to partly cloudy skies with brief spells of rain and thundershowers in isolated to scattered…