Editorial

In the heart of the Himalayas, the arrival of Chillai Kalan on December 21 marks more than just a date on the calendar; it signals the commencement of a forty-day trial of spirit and survival that defines the Kashmiri identity. This period of “Major Cold,” stretching until the end of January, is characterized by a […]

For decades, the silence in Kashmir was often loudest in the homes of terror victims. These were families who, after losing loved ones to the brutality of terrorism, were forced into a shadow existence—marginalized by a system that seemed paralyzed by fear or, worse, indifference. However, the recent ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar, where […]

As winter deepens across Kashmir, a silent but potent threat is tightening its grip on the Valley: worsening air pollution. What was once considered a seasonal inconvenience has now emerged as a full-blown public health crisis, driven by a dangerous cocktail of prolonged dry weather, traffic congestion, biomass burning, and unchecked construction dust. Across urban […]

By Ajaz Rashid Kashmir’s rich handicraft heritage has once again claimed the national spotlight, reaffirming the Valley’s stature as a crucible of artistic excellence. The recent National Awards announced by the Union Ministry of Textiles celebrate two master craftsmen whose patience, skill, and creative devotion embody the very essence of Kashmir’s living cultural legacy. Their […]

By Ajaz Rashid The rising tide of non-communicable diseases in Jammu and Kashmir is no longer a distant warning—it is an unfolding crisis. Fresh assessments by health experts reveal that roughly one in ten residents is already living with diabetes, while nearly 15 percent hover in the pre-diabetic zone. These numbers, growing with alarming consistency, […]

The promise of clean, reliable, and affordable energy is no longer a distant dream for Jammu and Kashmir as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a flagship rooftop solar initiative, is gradually transforming rooftops into power hubs and households into self-sufficient energy producers. With thousands of consumers already receiving zero electricity bills, the scheme […]

By Ajaz Rashid Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s recent directive to crack down on fake journalists in Jammu and Kashmir marks a decisive moment in the battle to restore integrity in the region’s media landscape. In an era where the lines between authentic reporting and digital opportunism have blurred, the administration’s move seeks to draw a […]

By Ajaz Rashid The Jammu and Kashmir government’s recent announcement to extend crop insurance cover to apple, saffron, mango and litchi growers marks a significant step toward securing the region’s horticultural backbone. For a Union Territory where horticulture sustains nearly 35 lakh people and contributes around 8 percent to the GDP, this policy move signals […]

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s recent visit to Russia to bring back the sacred relics of Lord Buddha marks a rare confluence of spirituality, diplomacy, and cultural renewal. Beyond the ceremonial and religious grandeur, the journey underscores India’s timeless role as a custodian of Buddhist heritage and its commitment to strengthening civilizational ties across borders. The […]