Is privatization of power distribution on the cards in J&K? Chief Secy to discuss the matter on Feb 5 Srinagar, Feb 02: The Jammu and Kashmir government appears to be moving forward with plans to privatize power distribution in the Union Territory, following the implementation of smart metering. Chief Secretary Atal Duloo has scheduled a meeting on February 5, 2025, which will include the agenda item of “privatization of power distribution” among other power sector reforms. This meeting is set to cover several critical aspects impacting the power sector, including…
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From Malicious Downloads to Empty Bank Accounts: Anatomy of a ₹2.8 Crore Heist & Expert Tactics to Outsmart Digital Fraudsters
A Digital Heist in India’s Silicon Valley By: Javid Amin Bengaluru, India’s tech capital, is now the battleground for a sinister cybercrime wave. In January 2025, 42-year-old Hari Krishnan became the latest victim of a ruthless scam involving fake traffic challans, malicious APK files, and orchestrated financial theft. This incident isn’t isolated—it’s part of a sophisticated criminal playbook exploiting trust in authority, tech illiteracy, and gaps in India’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Here’s a deep dive into how these scams work, why they’re escalating, and how to armor yourself against digital predators.…
Read MoreFresh Snowfall and Rainfall End Prolonged Dry Spell in Kashmir Valley
Snow higher up, rain in plains end dry spell in Kashmir; In Srinagar and adjoining areas, intermittent rainfall has been going on since last evening. Srinagar, Feb 1: Fresh snowfall in higher reaches and rain in the plains ended the prolonged dry spell in the Kashmir valley, with the Meteorological Department forecasting a possibility of more precipitation over the next four days. Intermittent snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara and Sonmarg districts of the valley, officials said. They said traces of snowfall were seen early morning…
Read MoreKashmir’s Children at Risk: Doctors Highlight Digital Addiction Epidemic
Digital addiction among Kashmir’s children has reached ‘pandemic’ level, say doctors; Dr Sushil Razdan & Dr Kaisar Ahmed call for collective action to prevent devastating impact of screen addiction Srinagar, Feb 01 : Digital addiction among children in Jammu and Kashmir has reached alarming levels, with medical experts calling for urgent intervention to curb its impact. Renowned neurologist Dr Sushil Razdan, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said early mobile phone use has harmful effects on brain development. He strongly advised against exposing children under the age of…
Read MoreRanji Trophy Clash: J&K Coach Alleges Pitch Tampering, Baroda Dismisses Claims
Jammu and Kashmir coach alleged Baroda resorted to pitch tampering before the start of play on Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy tie. A huge controversy erupted in the Ranji Trophy on Saturday morning after the visitors Jammu and Kashmir lodged an official complaint with the match referee, alleging that Baroda resorted to pitch tampering before the start of playing on Day 3 at the Reliance Cricket Ground in Vadodara, Gujarat. The chain of events unfolded before the start of the play. The proceedings were delayed after Jammu and Kashmir…
Read MoreKCCI Reacts to Union Budget 2025: Mixed Bag of Optimism and Concern
Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Union Budget 2025-26 The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has expressed a blend of optimism and concern following the Union Budget 2025-26 announcements. While the budget includes several commendable initiatives that promise to enhance economic activity, KCCI highlights the pressing need for a special revival and infrastructural development package tailored to the unique challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir, especially considering the huge unemployment problem facing the region. Concerns Raised KCCI expresses concern over the absence of a special revival package…
Read MoreThe Virtual Casino: How Kashmir’s Youth are Betting Their Futures Away
Online Gambling in Kashmir: A Silent Epidemic Fueling Financial Ruin and Emotional Despair By: Javid Amin The Rising Tide of Online Gambling in Kashmir In the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, a silent crisis is unfolding. Online gambling, once a distant concern, has now become a pervasive issue, pushing countless families into financial ruin and emotional despair. What began as a seemingly harmless pastime has morphed into a full-blown epidemic, ensnaring the youth and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Experts warn that the accessibility of online betting platforms,…
Read MoreUnion Budget 2025: Big Relief for Middle Class with No Tax Up to ₹12 Lakh
Union Budget 2025 Highlights Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 in Parliament, announcing several key measures aimed at providing relief and boosting various sectors of the economy. Here are the major highlights: Income Tax Relief Zero income tax will be levied on incomes up to ₹12 lakh under the new tax regime, providing significant relief to the middle class. New Income Tax Bill A new and simpler income tax bill will be introduced next week to streamline the tax process. Agriculture and MSMEs The budget includes a…
Read MoreKashmir Faces Water Shortage as Chillai Kalan Ends with 75% Deficit
Jammu and Kashmir ends Chillai Kalan with just 25% normal rainfall, experiencing erratic weather patterns, with mild rains and snowfall forecasted. Some parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed mild rains in plains and snowfall over mountains on Friday as the Valley’s harshest winter period – Chillai Kalan – ended, recording just 25% of the normal precipitation, the meteorological centre said. The 40-day Chillai Kalan, which started on December 21, has behaved erratically this winter starting with a bone chilling night temperatures of -8° to -12° Celsius but ending with day…
Read MoreMehbooba Mufti Appeals to Andhra, Bihar CMs to Halt Waqf Amendment Bill
Former J&K chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti caims that the Waqf Amendment Bill is against religious and constitutional rights of Muslims Claiming that the Waqf Amendment Bill is against religious and constitutional rights of Muslims, former J&K chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday wrote to Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, urging them to halt the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), after clearing the Waqf bill, had recently presented it before Parliament.…
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