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Kashmir / News

Manasbal Authority Issues Strict Waste Rules to Protect Lake Ecosystem, Warns of Fines for Violations

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Manasbal

In a major step to protect the fragile ecosystem and improve cleanliness around Manasbal, the Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) has appealed to local residents, stakeholders, and tourists to follow strict waste management guidelines.

The authority said the move aims to promote a clean, hygienic, and environmentally sustainable Manasbal, while preventing pollution and damage to the lake and its surroundings.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Waste Must Be Handed Over Only to Authorised Staff

According to an official notification, households, commercial establishments, and institutions in the catchment areas have been directed to hand over their waste only to designated sanitation staff of WMDA or collection vehicles of the Rural Development Department, Block Safapora.

Waste must be handed over at the notified time and place, and dumping waste outside the authorised system has been strictly prohibited.

Mandatory Waste Segregation at Source

The authority has made waste segregation at source mandatory. People have been instructed to keep:

  • Wet / biodegradable waste such as kitchen and food waste separate
  • Dry / non-biodegradable waste including plastic, paper, glass, and metal separate

Mixing wet and dry waste has been clearly banned, as it makes proper disposal and recycling difficult.

Complete Ban on Dumping and Burning of Waste

WMDA has imposed a complete ban on dumping garbage, plastic waste, or construction debris on roads, open spaces, water bodies, drains, and other public areas. Burning waste in open areas has also been prohibited.

Citizens have been urged to use designated dustbins and collection points and avoid dumping waste at unauthorised locations.

Violators to Face Legal Action

The authority warned that any violation of these directions will invite penal action under the J&K Development Act, Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and other relevant laws. This may include fines and further legal proceedings.

Call for Public Cooperation

Seeking active public participation, the Manasbal Development Authority appealed to residents, traders, tourists, and institutions to cooperate in making Manasbal a litter-free, clean, and plastic-free destination.

The authority stressed that protecting Manasbal’s natural beauty and ecosystem is a shared responsibility, and public support is essential for long-term environmental sustainability.

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Power Shutdown Announced in Baramulla, Sopore, Uri and Budgam Areas From January 17 to 23

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KPDCL to shut multiple 33KV lines

The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced a scheduled power shutdown in several parts of north and central Kashmir due to maintenance work at the Delina grid station.

According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, the shutdown will be observed at the 480 MVA, 220/132/33 KV Grid Sub-Station (GSS) Delina. As a result, electricity supply to a large number of areas will remain affected.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Shutdown Schedule

  • Dates: January 17 to January 23, 2026
  • Time: 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM (daily)

Areas to Be Affected

Due to the shutdown, power supply will be disrupted in many areas, including:

Panzipora, Tarzoo, Hygam, Shair Colony, Arampora, Mahrajpora, Bugoo, Police Station areas, ADC Watlab, Hathlangoo, Warpora, Dooru, Shiva, Tujjar Sharief, Shrian, Nowpora, Mazbugh, Reban, Achabal, Doabgah, Ferozpora, Panzulla, Shutloo, Chakloo, Ladoora, Nadihal, Seer, PHE installations, Fruit Mandi, LIS areas, Dangiwachi, Hachipora, Hadipora, Watrigam, Safalpora, Ganpora, Seelu, Bomai, Rohama, Delina, Jetty, Railway areas, Chandoosa, Sultanpora, Sangrama, Kreeri, Wagoora, Kalantra, Hard-Ichloo, Sopore Town, TSS Baramulla, Salamabad, Uri, Bandi, Rampora, Noorkhah, Mohara, Peernia, Nowshera, Boniyar, Sheeri, Drangbal, Bagi-Islam, Baramulla Town, DC Office Baramulla, GMC Baramulla, Kanlibagh, MES, Malpora, Gantamulla, Magam, Mazhama, Kongamdara, Ahmedpora, Aripanthan, Khag, Beerwah, Arizal, Dhobiwan, Kunzer and adjoining areas.

Advisory for Residents

KPDCL has advised residents, business owners, hospitals, and institutions in the affected areas to make necessary arrangements in advance to avoid inconvenience during the shutdown hours.

The maintenance work is being carried out to improve power infrastructure and ensure a more stable and reliable electricity supply in the coming days.

Residents are requested to cooperate with the department during this essential maintenance period.

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Kashmir / News

Body of 34-Year-Old Man Recovered in Achabal Area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag

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Dead body

The body of a 34-year-old man was recovered on Thursday from Achabal area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Officials told GNS that the deceased has been identified as Masroor Ahmad, son of Habibullah Mochi, a resident of Shelipora, Achabal. His body was spotted this morning by passersby, who immediately informed authorities.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Soon after receiving the information, a police team reached the spot and shifted the body to a hospital for medico-legal formalities.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case related to the incident and started an investigation to ascertain the cause of death.

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Indian Army Holds Ex Servicemen Rally at Langate to Honour Veterans and Support Welfare Needs

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Indian Army

To mark Defence Forces Veterans Day, the Indian Army successfully organised an Ex Servicemen Rally at Langate Army Camp in Handwara on January 14, 2026. The event focused on addressing welfare-related issues and strengthening the bond between the Army and its veterans, including Veer Naris and widows.

A large number of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows, and their dependents from different districts of Kashmir took part in the rally. The programme offered a single-window platform where participants could raise and resolve issues linked to pensions, medical facilities, resettlement, documentation, and other welfare schemes.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Several key offices and departments were present to support the veterans. These included representatives from Army Record Offices, the Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), banks, the Social Welfare Department, Skill Development agencies, and other government bodies.

On-the-spot solutions were provided for issues related to service records, pension discrepancies, ECHS cards, and entitlement benefits. Many veterans appreciated the quick response and direct assistance offered during the rally.

Senior Army officers also interacted personally with the veterans and their families. They assured them of continued support and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to their well-being and dignity.

Participants expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and thanked the Indian Army for recognising their service. The rally stood as a strong reminder of the Army’s lasting responsibility towards its veterans and their families, honouring their sacrifices and dedication to the nation.

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News / Politics

PDP Block President Kunzer Javid Ahmad Joins Apni Party, Strengthening Party Presence in North Kashmir

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PDP Block President Kunzer

In a notable political development, PDP Block President Kunzer Javid Ahmad from Hardu Bani Kunzer on Wednesday joined the Apni Party.

He joined the party under the leadership of its Senior Vice President and former cabinet minister Ghulam Hassan Mir, a move seen as important for strengthening the party’s position in the region.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Welcoming Javid Ahmad into the party fold, Ghulam Hassan Mir said that Apni Party is steadily emerging as a strong, people-focused political force. He said the party is committed to development, stability, and protecting the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Apni Party believes in practical politics that puts people first. Our focus remains on development, peace, and addressing public issues at the grassroots level,” Mir said.

After joining the party, Javid Ahmad expressed full confidence in the leadership of Ghulam Hassan Mir. He pledged to work sincerely for public welfare and to strengthen the Apni Party at the local level.

He said his decision was guided by the party’s clear vision and commitment towards the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir. Political observers believe his joining could give fresh momentum to Apni Party’s activities in Kunzer and nearby areas.

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News

BJP Leader Sofi Yousuf Warns of Quitting Party if Any Move Separates Jammu from Kashmir

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Sofi Yousf

Senior BJP leader Sofi Yousuf on Wednesday issued a strong warning, saying he would leave the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with nearly one lakh workers if any attempt is made to separate Jammu from Kashmir.

He made these remarks while speaking to party workers on the sidelines of a BJP convention, where leaders and members had gathered to discuss organisational strength and current political issues in Jammu and Kashmir. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Reacting sharply to a recent statement by BJP leader Sham Lal Sharma, Sofi Yousuf called the remarks irresponsible and harmful to regional unity. He said such statements send a wrong message and can disturb public harmony.

“Jammu and Kashmir is an indivisible entity. Any move, statement, or agenda aimed at dividing Jammu from Kashmir will not be tolerated,” Sofi Yousuf told the gathering.
“If such an attempt is made, I will not hesitate to quit the BJP along with one lakh dedicated workers,” he added.

Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Anwar Khan also addressed the convention and strongly criticised the National Conference government led by Omar Abdullah.

Anwar Khan accused the NC government of repeatedly failing the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the party had betrayed public trust and failed to protect the interests and aspirations of the region’s people.

“The Omar Abdullah-led NC government has a record of broken promises and political opportunism,” Anwar Khan said. He claimed that public dissatisfaction has increased due to what he described as double standards and empty assurances.

Both BJP leaders stressed the importance of unity, peace, and regional harmony. They urged all political parties to avoid statements that could hurt public sentiment or weaken the social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.

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News

JKBOSE to Declare Class 10 and 12 Results on January 14, Confirms Chairman

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Chairman Ghulam Hassan Sheikh

The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the results of Class 10 and Class 12 examinations on January 14, Chairman Ghulam Hassan Sheikh said on Tuesday.

Sheikh, who is currently holding additional charge as Chairman while continuing as Secretary of the Board, said the results will be announced as promised by the government.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“As already announced by Education Minister Sakina Itoo, the Board will declare the results on January 14. We are committed to honouring that commitment,” he said.

According to Sheikh, the Class 10 results will be declared at around 10:30 am, followed by the Class 12 results at around 2:00 pm on the same day.

He said the results will be available on the official JKBOSE website, and links will also be shared through digital platforms to ensure easy access for students.

Sheikh said all necessary arrangements have been made to declare both results on a single day, a practice introduced last year to reduce stress among students.

“Timely declaration of results helps students plan their next academic steps. Delays only increase anxiety and uncertainty,” he said.

The JKBOSE Chairman also said that student performance has improved this year. “The overall result is better than last year. In fact, it is the best so far, with a high pass percentage and very few failures,” he added.

When asked about a comparison between boys’ and girls’ performance, Sheikh said such academic analysis is done by education directorates, not by the examination board.

He also said the merit list has not yet been reviewed as the Board is still completing pre-declaration formalities.

On improving transparency and accessibility, Sheikh said several JKBOSE services have been decentralised to district-level sub-offices. Students no longer need to travel to Srinagar or Jammu for corrections related to spelling mistakes, date of birth, parentage, or transcription errors.

“Standard operating procedures have been issued to ensure accountability. Students can now complete these processes at their district offices after proper verification,” he said.

In his message to students, Sheikh urged them to remain positive regardless of their results.

“Class 10 and 12 are important milestones, but they are not the final destination. Students who did not perform well should learn from their mistakes and move forward,” he said.

He also appealed to parents to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on children, reminding them that many successful people faced early academic setbacks.

“Support and encouragement matter more than marks,” he added. (KNS)

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Power Shutdown Announced in Several Kashmir Areas on January 15, 19 and 21

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KPDCL to shut multiple 33KV lines

The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Tuesday announced a scheduled power shutdown in several parts of Kashmir over the coming days.

According to a communication issued by the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, the shutdown is required due to maintenance work on key 33 KV power lines.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The 33 KV Wanpoh SICOP line will remain shut, affecting electricity supply to Veer, Srigufwara, Zirpara, Shamsipora, Bijbehara SICOP, and nearby areas. Power supply in these areas will remain suspended from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on January 15, 19, and 21, 2026.

Similarly, a shutdown of the 33 KV Lar Tap line has been scheduled. As a result, power supply to Lar, Waliwar, Watlar, Repore, and adjoining areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on January 15 and 19, 2026.

In addition, the 33 KV Preng–Madwan Tap line will also undergo shutdown. This will impact electricity supply to Preng, Madwan, Banyari, and surrounding areas from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on January 19, 2026.

KPDCL has advised residents of the affected areas to make necessary arrangements during the shutdown period, adding that the maintenance work is essential to ensure reliable power supply in the long run.

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Jammu / Kashmir / News

J&K Government Promotes 20 DySP Officers to SP Selection Grade, Including Khurshid Ahmad

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Khurshid Ahmad

Deputy Superintendent of Police Khurshid Ahmad is among twenty officers promoted to the Superintendent of Police (SP) Selection Grade by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

According to an official order, the government has approved the placement of Deputy Superintendents of Police from the General Cadre into the Selection Grade, which falls under Level 10A of the Pay Matrix (56,600–1,79,800). Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The approval was granted through Government Order No. 19-Home of 2026, dated January 12, 2026. The decision followed recommendations made by the Home Department’s Selection Committee. A copy of the order is with Kashmir News Service (KNS).

The order states that a total of twenty DySP officers have been placed in the Selection Grade, with promotions taking effect from the dates mentioned individually for each officer.

The promotion benefits will also apply to officers who have retired, covering the period from their effective promotion date until their retirement.

Issued with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor, the order has been circulated to all concerned departments for implementation.

The officers promoted include Rakesh Kumar, Mohd. Younis, Mohd. Amin Malik, Bupinder Singh, Bharat Sharma, Naseem Akram, Shivam Jaggi, Syed Afaq Ahmed, Umer Urfan, Khurshid Ahmad, Hamidullah Naik, Gazanfer Syeed Lone, Kuldeep Raj, Ravinder Singh, Rishi Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Mahesh Sharma, Nissar Ahmed Ganie, Vijay Singh, and Neeraj Sharma.

The government clarified that these promotions will remain subject to the outcome of any related writ petitions currently pending before competent courts.

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Health / News

Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Reply on Plea to Recognise AYUSH Doctors as Medical Practitioners

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Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India on Monday sought responses from the Union Ministries of Law, Health, and AYUSH on a plea demanding that AYUSH doctors be recognised as ‘Registered Medical Practitioners’ under the law, similar to allopathic doctors. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The court also issued notice on a request to review and update provisions of a 1954 law related to the regulation of medical advertisements, keeping in view present-day developments.

Bench and Petitioners

A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi took note of the submissions made by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay.

The plea was filed by law student Nitin Upadhyay, son of Ashwini Upadhyay. During the hearing, the Chief Justice made a light-hearted remark after learning about their relationship, before issuing notice on the petition.

What the Plea Seeks

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeks:

  • A declaration that AYUSH doctors fall under the definition of ‘registered medical practitioners’ in Section 2(cc) of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954
  • A direction to set up an expert committee to revise and update the Act’s schedule in line with modern medical knowledge

The Act aims to control advertisements of drugs and remedies, especially those claiming “magic” cures.

Issue With Current Law

The petition argues that:

  • The law was enacted to protect people from false and misleading medical advertisements
  • However, Section 3(d) of the Act places a complete ban on advertisements related to certain diseases
  • AYUSH and other non-allopathic doctors are not covered under the exception in Section 14, which allows some medical practitioners to advertise

As a result, the plea claims that genuine AYUSH practitioners are unable to inform the public about treatments for serious diseases.

Right to Information Argument

The plea states that:

  • The public’s right to information about diagnosis, prevention and treatment of serious and chronic diseases is being restricted
  • The ban is based on an outdated law and does not distinguish between misleading claims and truthful, evidence-based medical information

It adds that honest and scientifically supported advertisements should be treated as legitimate information, not misinformation.

Call for Law Update

The petitioner has urged the central government to:

  • Form an expert committee
  • Review and revise the schedule of the 1954 Act
  • Align it with current scientific developments and evidence-based medicine

According to the plea, the original purpose of the law has now turned into a blanket restriction on genuine medical communication by AYUSH doctors.

What Happens Next

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the concerned ministries and will hear the matter further after their responses are filed.

The case is being closely watched, as it could have a significant impact on the legal status, communication rights and public role of AYUSH practitioners across India.

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