Crackdown on School Vans: RTO Flags Widespread Overcrowding, Warns of Strict Action
Surprise inspections expose safety violations, Authorities say “children’s lives cannot be compromised” Our Special Correspondent Srinagar: In a major push to enforce student safety norms, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has launched a massive crackdown on private school vans ferrying children, with surprise inspections revealing alarming levels of overcrowding across multiple routes. Officials said the […]
Baisran attack anniversary
Resilience outpaces last year’s grief as Pahalgam reports heavy tourist bookings Our Special Correspondent Srinagar: A year after the tranquil meadows of Baisran were torn apart by gunfire, this famed resort town is witnessing a powerful, almost symbolic return. The same slopes that once echoed with panic are today alive with the hum of tourists, […]
Pahalgam terror attack: Widow of slain ‘ponywallah’ says life feels impossible without a partner
Pahalgam: A year after ‘ponywallah’ Adil Hussain Shah died while trying to save tourists during the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, life has been anything but easy for his widow Gulnaz Akhtar. Soon after losing her husband, who was the sole breadwinner of his family, Gulnaz moved back to her parents’ house and […]
Kashmir Sits on Shaky Ground as Region Falls in Highest Seismic Risk Zone
Experts warn fragile geology and unsafe construction could turn a major quake into a large-scale disaster in the Valley Our Special Correspondent Srinagar: Kashmir’s scenic beauty masks a harsh geological truth—the region lies in one of the most earthquake-prone belts in the world. Long classified under Seismic Zone V, the highest risk category in India’s […]
CAG warns of Hokersar lake’s ecological decline
Flags large-scale encroachment Jammu: The CAG has expressed serious concerns about the large-scale encroachment of over 2,500 kanals and ecological degradation of Hokersar Lake, warning that the wetland is facing rapid deterioration, and its “pristine glory” is at risk of extinction. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) pulled up authorities for the failure of conservation […]
Greying Valley Faces New Reality as Old Age Homes Rise in Kashmir
Changing family structures, migration and ageing population drive demand for institutional elderly care Our Special Correspondent Srinagar: Kashmir, long known for its strong joint family system and deep-rooted respect for elders, is witnessing a quiet yet significant social shift with the gradual rise of old age homes across the Valley. Traditionally, elderly members were cared […]
Drug Crisis Deepens in Kashmir, Over 13.5 Lakh Affected
Youth worst hit as heroin surge fuels addiction 100-day war against drugs in full swing Our Special Correspondent Srinagar: Kashmir is grappling with a deepening drug crisis, with official estimates indicating that over 13.5 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir are affected by substance abuse, raising serious concerns about the region’s social and public health […]
Tulip Garden to Close on April 16, Over 3.5 Lakh Visit in 29 Days
Around 1,000 Foreign Tourists Flock to Iconic Garden Our Special Correspondent Srinagar: The iconic Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is set to close its gates for the season on April 16 after witnessing an overwhelming response from visitors, even as the silent workforce behind its vibrant display continues working for the next bloom throughout the […]
India at 7.4%, J&K Growth Steady at 5.82%: Economic Survey 2025–26
Survey flags slight moderation in J&K growth Highlights strong economic base and need for sectoral balance Our Special Correspondent Srinagar: India is set to maintain its strong growth momentum in 2025–26, with the economy projected to expand by 7.4 percent, while Jammu and Kashmir is expected to record a steady growth of 5.82 percent, reflecting […]
J&K Rainfall Deficit Narrows as April Wet Spells Boost Season
Shortfall drops from 34% to around 17% MeT forecasts rise in temperatures, intermittent light rain Our Special Correspondent Srinagar: A series of wet spells in April has brought significant relief to Jammu and Kashmir, improving the seasonal rainfall scenario and reducing the overall precipitation deficit to near-normal levels. As per data from the Meteorological Department, […]