Kashmir’s Thirsty Cry: A Looming Water Crisis By: Javid Amin Srinagar, July 25: Kashmir, a region traditionally known for its pristine lakes, gushing rivers, and verdant landscapes, is grappling with an unprecedented water crisis. A scorching heatwave, coupled with a drastic decline in rainfall, has pushed the region to the brink of a humanitarian and ecological disaster. A Parched Paradise Since July 19, the Valley has experienced a staggering 92.96 percent deficit in rainfall, according to data released by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The situation is alarmingly worse when compared…
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Pune’s Monsoon Nightmare: City Paralyzed, Four Perish
Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase has ordered schools in the city to be shut down amid incessant rain. Four died in rain-related incidents in Pune on Thursday amid heavy downpour and incessant overnight rain. Water entered several residential areas in Pune, with the Indian Meteorological Department issuing a red alert for the city. District Collector Suhas Diwase has ordered schools in the city to be shut down amid incessant rain and waterlogging. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said that he spoke to officers to put Indian Air Force and Army on…
Read MoreUS Issues Strongest Travel Warning Yet for India: Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, and Naxal-Infested Regions Off-Limits
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…
Read MoreLace Up: Srinagar Gears Up for the Kashmir Marathon on October 20!
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…
Read MoreKPDCL Denies Tariff Hike, Confirms Load Revision for Non-Metered Areas
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…
Read MoreBoosting Your Take-Home Pay: Understanding the Latest Tax Changes
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…
Read MoreGovernment Acts Tough: 4 Employees Fired Over Anti-Nationalism
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…
Read MoreKashmir Sweats It Out: Srinagar Beats Jammu’s Heat
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,…
Read MoreReligious Leaders Pledge to Protect Kashmir’s Unity
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…
Read MoreLittle Victims, Big Scars: Kashmir’s Mental Health Emergency
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…
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