Kashmir Observer - APRIL 17, 2025 ISSUE

In this issue

THURSDAY'S EDITION OF KASHMIR OBSERVER

JKB Registers Over 4,200 Pilgrims On Day 1

The Jammu and Kashmir Bank has registered more than 4,200 pilgrims for this year's Amarnath Yatra on the opening day of registration.

1 min

36 J&K Cops Selected For Hajj Duty In Saudi

The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department has ordered the temporary deputation of 36 police personnel to the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to serve as Hajj Officers and Hajj Superintendents for Hajj-2025.

1 min

Gandbal Boat Tragedy: A Year Later, One Body Still Missing

Srinagar: The river still flows silently past Gandbal, carrying with it memories of a morning that turned into a nightmare.

1 min

SC Proposes Stay On Parts Of Waqf Act

'Properties Declared Waqf Including Waqf By User Won't Be Denotified'

1 min

'Removing Lymph Nodes After Chemo Can Improve Survival Of Ovarian Cancer Patients'

Removal of the lymph nodes from the pelvis and rear abdominal walls can significantly improve the survival chances of ovarian cancer patients, found a study conducted by AIIMS, Delhi.

1 min

DC Reviews Progress On Major Drainage Projects

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat Wednesday chaired a meeting of Officers at DC Office Complex here to review the progress of ongoing major drainage projects under execution in the district.

1 min

Fire Safety Mock Drill Held At SKIMS Medical College

As part of Fire Safety Week, a “hands-on” Fire Safety Mock Drill was conducted at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina Srinagar.

1 min

Man Dies Amid Allegations Of 'Medical Negligence' At CD Hospital, Probe Initiated

A middle aged man from the Dalgate area of Srinagar reportedly lost his life due to alleged medical negligence at the Chest Disease (CD) Hospital on Wednesday, sparking outrage and demands for accountability from his family.

1 min

Bridge of Bumps: Dalgate-Nowpora Route Leaves Commuters Reeling

Commuters Complain Of Bumpy Rides; E-rickshaws Worst Affected

2 mins

Red Tape Derails J&K's Promised Infrastructure

Through your esteemed publication, I wish to draw urgent attention to the prolonged and painful delay in the Singhpora-Vailoo and Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnel projects—developments once envisioned as transformative lifelines for South Kashmir and the Chenab Valley. Sadly, nearly nine years after their sanction under the Bharatmala Pariyojana in 2017, these projects remain buried under layers of bureaucratic red tape and policy ambiguity.

2 mins

One Income Isn't Enough Anymore

In an era where inflation consistently outpaces income, managing day-to-day expenses has become an uphill battle. Relying on a single income is no longer enough. The solution? Building a second income stream—your pathway to financial independence.

1 min

Kashmir's Silent Epidemic

Behind closed doors, many children suffer in silence, too often trapped in cycles of trauma, shame, and denial.

3 mins

The CM's pitch For Statehood

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a strong pitch for the restoration of statehood on Tuesday, saying now was the “appropriate time” for it. The use of ‘appropriate time’ is telling as this is the phrase recurrently used by the home minister Amit Shah in his frequent assurances about reinstating the J&K’s statehood. It is true that the Union Territory status has outlived whatever purpose it was meant to serve. The CM is right. If anything, the time to restore statehood has come long ago.

1 min

Therapy Vs. Gossip: Why We Confide in Everyone Except Professionals?

Opening up to friends and family can feel comforting. It provides immediate relief, a sense of being heard, even validated. But informal conversations often lack the depth, privacy, and non-judgmental empathy required to address real emotional wounds.

4 mins

The Man Who Rescued Kashmir's Forgotten Apple

Once nearly lost, the Ambri apple is thriving again, thanks to a quiet scientist who believed Kashmir's most prized fruit was worth saving.

2 mins

Rehbar-e-Math Can Drive Kashmir's AI Shift

The proposed scheme can solve Kashmir's math teacher shortage, improve student outcomes, and reduce graduate unemployment.

2 mins

"3,000 J&K Pilgrims Choose Private Hajj Travel Annually Since 2015"

Even as around 3,000 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir chose private Hajj Group Operators (HGOs) over the last decade for their annual pilgrimage, private operators are staring at an uncertain future following a drastic reduction in India’s private Hajj quota for 2025.

1 min

‘Kashmir's Shift To Horticulture Increases Rice Dependence On Other States’

Experts have raised serious concerns over the increasing trend of converting agricultural land to horticulture in Kashmir, warning that the region is becoming dangerously dependent on other states for its staple food—rice.

2 mins

Kashmir Sees Surge In Tourism With Over 5 Lakh Visitors In Early 2025

Kashmir is experiencing a significant surge in tourism, with over 5,25,000 visitors arriving in the first three months and one week of 2025.

1 min

Kashmir's Walnut Industry Faces Chinese Threat

The once-thriving walnut industry in Kashmir is facing a severe crisis as demand for its organic walnuts has sharply declined from 85% to just 30% over the past four years.

2 mins

Deputy Speaker’s Post Remains Vacant In J&K Assembly

The Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly has completed over five months of its five-year term, yet the crucial post of deputy speaker remains vacant.

1 min

NGT Action: DC Poonch Fines Municipality Rs 1.62 Cr

Following sustained violations of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Rules 2016 by the Municipal Council Poonch, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Poonch has initiated the recovery of over Rs 1.62 crore as Environmental Compensation (EC) from the local civic body, acting on directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

1 min

Fresh Rains Cool Down Kashmir; MeT Warns Of Wet Spell From April 18

SRINAGAR: A day after Kashmir experienced the hottest day of the season so far, fresh showers swept across the Valley on Wednesday, bringing a sharp dip in temperatures.

1 min

Rohit Had Argument With Gambhir Before Dropping Himself

India skipper Rohit Sharma has revealed that his decision to opt out of the Sydney Test against Australia earlier this year was not a unanimous one and involved an “argument” with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

1 min

Inter-School Zonal Sports Tournaments Held Across Anantnag

The Department of Youth Services and Sports Anantnag organised multiple inter-school zonal level competitions across various zones of the district.

1 min

DYSSO Budgam Launches Sports Activities At HSS Khanda

Inter-School Zonal Level competitions are in full swing across various zones Budgam. The Department of Youth Services and Sports, Budgam, under the leadership of DYSSO Gh. Hassan Lone, is closely monitoring and sup-

1 min

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