By Ajaz Rashid Few events strike at the heart of public trust as severely as a food safety scandal. The recent seizure of 1,200 kilograms of rotten and unfit meat across the Kashmir Valley has triggered one of the most severe blows to the region’s hospitality sector in recent memory. What was once a vibrant […]
Editorial
Funding Lifeline for Kashmir Artisans
By Ajaz Rashid The recent release of ₹33.34 lakh for the Karkhandar Scheme in Kashmir Division is more than a budgetary note—it is a statement of intent. In a region where artistry is woven into the social fabric, this initiative by the Handicrafts and Handloom Department represents both cultural preservation and economic necessity. The Karkhandar […]
Leading in Conservation Excellence
By Ajaz Rashid In a momentous recognition of conservation excellence, Jammu & Kashmir’s Dachigam National Park has emerged as the highest scorer in the latest Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of protected areas across India. Topping a competitive list of 438 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Dachigam secured an impressive score of 92.97% a feat that […]
Will The Government Grasp The Opportunity
By Ajaz Rashid Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s unequivocal assertion at the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan—“Only security is under my control; everything else rests with the elected government”—marks a significant political and administrative shift in Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving governance narrative. More than just a statement, it reflects a growing maturity in the Union Territory’s transition […]
The Fight Against Media Misinformation
By Ajaz Rashid In an era where information travels at the speed of a click, the responsibility of media organizations to uphold truth and integrity has never been more critical. Recent developments in Srinagar, where police have initiated legal action against certain news channels and media outlets for circulating false and inflammatory information, underscore a […]
Jammu-Srinagar Gas Pipeline
By Ajaz Rashid In a groundbreaking development, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has embarked on a significant move to address the energy needs of Jammu and Kashmir by initiating the bidding process for the construction of a 325-kilometer long natural gas pipeline connecting Jammu and Srinagar. The bidding process, which officially commenced […]
Global Tourists Flock Kashmir
By Ajaz Rashid As the snowflakes blanket the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, the Tourism Department gears up for an ambitious endeavor—to captivate the hearts of both domestic and international tourists, aiming to surpass last year’s remarkable influx of 2.11 Crore visitors. Undeterred by the caprices of weather, a myriad of initiatives are in the pipeline, […]
Home Office Hurdles
By Ajaz Rashid In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global workforce underwent a seismic shift towards remote work. While hailed as a triumph of adaptability, the pervasive work-from-home culture has not been without its drawbacks, casting a shadow over the traditional office dynamic. One significant concern arising from this shift is the […]
Online Words, Offline Wounds
By Ajaz Rashid In an era dominated by the virtual realm, social media platforms have become powerful tools that shape public opinion, disseminate information, and connect people across the globe. However, the darker side of these platforms has emerged, casting a shadow on their potential for positive impact. The misuse of social media in instigating […]
Kashmir’s Shifting Precipitation Patterns
By Ajaz Rashid In recent times, the Kashmir Valley has found itself grappling with a prolonged dry spell, leaving experts to ponder whether this is indeed a mere shift in precipitation regimes or a more ominous indicator of climate change. December 2023, in particular, etched itself into the annals of weather history as the driest […]