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Weather to remain dry for next 10 days, predicts Keng

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Weatherman on Thursday said no major change in weather is expected over the next 10 days across Jammu and Kashmir.

Independent weather forecaster Faizan Atif Keng told KNO that the region is set to continue experiencing dry weather over the coming days. “The water level of streams and rivers is expected to fall further, which may impact drinking water supply and hydroelectric power generation in the Union Territory,” he added.

He said, “Dry conditions are likely to dominate despite the arrival of a couple of weak Western Disturbances during this period.”

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meteorological Centre, Rambagh, Srinagar, daytime temperatures are generally mild, but night temperatures have dropped below freezing across the Kashmir division.

On December 4, Srinagar recorded a maximum of 12.6°C and a minimum of -4.0°C, while Qazigund saw 14.2°C/ -3.6°C, Pahalgam 12.0°C/ -4.8°C, and Gulmarg 7.0°C/ -1.0°C.

In the Jammu division, Jammu recorded 21.9°C/ 8.0°C, Banihal 18.4°C/ 2.1°C, and Bhaderwah 16.9°C/ 0.4°C, also with dry conditions. Other major stations, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Pulwama and Mirpur, reported clear skies and no precipitation. (KNO)

Air quality turns ‘severe’ as AQI nears 300 in Valley

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Kashmir’s well-known mountain air is turning dangerously polluted, as the Valley’s air quality dipped into the ‘Severe’ category this week.

Data from AQI.in, showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) in parts of Jammu and Kashmir touching 288, while Srinagar recorded between 147 (“Poor”) and 172 (“Unhealthy”) in the past 24 hours.

As per data obtained by KNO, pollution levels remained high with PM10 ranging between 136 and 243 micrograms per cubic metre and PM2.5 between 86 and 167 micrograms per cubic metre, both far above the World Health Organization’s safe limits.

Environmental observers say a mix of stagnant cold air, vehicle emissions, open burning and widespread use of firewood for heating has turned the Valley into a “pollution bowl”. “It is alarming to see the Valley’s AQI entering the severe zone. The air looks clean but feels heavy and unhealthy,” said an environmental researcher.

Locals in Srinagar and adjoining areas also complained of feeling a burning sensation in the eyes and breathing discomfort, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

“The air feels dusty and burns the eyes when we step out. You can even smell smoke in the breeze,” said Fayiq Ahmad, a resident of Lal Bazaar.

Another local and a PHD scholar, Suhaib, said his little brother has started coughing again this winter. We used to enjoy the cold; now it feels suffocating,” he said.

Meanwhile, weather conditions across Kashmir remain unfavourable for air quality improvement, with temperatures dipping to around minus 4°C amid very calm surface winds. These conditions are trapping pollutants close to the ground, allowing smoke, dust and other emissions to accumulate instead of dispersing.

Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng said the present calm and cold pattern is creating an atmospheric “lid” over the Valley.

“Cold, dense air near the surface combined with calm wind speeds prevents vertical mixing of the atmosphere,” he explained. “This forms a stagnation layer in which pollutants remain trapped close to the ground instead of rising or getting blown away.”

He added that although weak Western Disturbances have been influencing the region, they are too feeble to generate rainfall, snowfall, or stronger winds needed to cleanse the air.

“These systems are insufficient to flush out pollutants. Without meaningful precipitation or an increase in wind speeds, the air will stay stagnant and polluted,” Keng said. “Until a stronger Western Disturbance brings rain or snow, the current poor air quality is likely to persist.”

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “Very Poor” category this week with an average AQI around 310, and Kashmir’s readings were not far behind, showing that dangerous air is no longer a big-city problem alone.

To understand the readings of Air Quality Index (AQI), Analysis by KNO shows, between 0 and 50 means clean air, while 51 to 100 is moderate, and 101 to 200 is unhealthy for sensitive people. Levels from 201 to 300 are considered severe and can affect everyone’s health, and anything above 300 is hazardous to breathe.

Moreover, KNO also tried to contact the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board for detailed insights and expert opinions on the matter, but despite an office visit and repeated calls and messages, no one responded.

The present in-charge and PA to the Director of the Pollution Control Board’s Air Quality Division said he was not authorised to comment, as the Regional Director was not available in the office. (KNO)

JK Cement Hosts Second Consecutive Retailers Meet in Srinagar

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar, 4 December 2025: JK Cement Limited, one of India’s leading manufacturers of grey cement, successfully hosted its second

consecutive Retailers Meet in Srinagar on 4 December 2025. The event was organised to acknowledge

the remarkable performance of our retail partners across the Kashmir region for the month of November

2025.

As part of our continued commitment to recognising the hard work and dedication of our channel partners,

JK Cement felicitated the top-performing retailers with a wide range of exciting gifts, including laptop,

iPhone, smartphones, home appliances and other electronic items. In addition, all retailers present at the

event were honoured with appreciation gifts, reflecting our gratitude for their ongoing support and

partnership.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Feroz Ahmed Shah, State Head – Sales & Marketing, expressed sincere

appreciation for the strong market performance and reaffirmed JK Cement’s focus on transparency,

teamwork, and collaborative growth with the retail community.

Retailers were also briefed on the technical support and services offered by JK Cement, aimed at

enhancing construction quality and ensuring long-term customer satisfaction.

With our dedicated manufacturing unit now operational in Srinagar, JK Cement remains committed to

expanding its footprint in Jammu & Kashmir and empowering our partners as we strive to build a stronger

and more connected market together.

Kashmir reels under nearly ‘500 MW’ power deficit

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Power Development Department (PDD) is facing a ‘shortage of nearly 500 Megawatts (MWs) to meet the actual power demand’ in Kashmir valley— plunging residents facing into extended blackouts.

An official informed KNO that “The actual peak power demand in Kashmir is at least 2400 MWs but the local Discom (Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) this year so far has been able to cater only 1900 MWs.”

The official further said that “On Sunday we were able to cater the season’s highest load at least 1906 Megawatts (MWs). We will be able to cater a maximum of 2000 MWs.”

On asking about the new power curtailment schedule, the official said, “As such there are no plans for any new power curtailment schedule. Our target is to provide a better and uninterrupted power supply.”

He said, “We are expecting some receiving stations for north and south Kashmir, we are hopeful that they will be commissioned soon so that some of the bottlenecks are resolved and we will be in a position to provide better power supply.”

About the unscheduled power cuts, the official added that “The power outages are primarily because of the unauthorised use of power. People mostly in the flat rate areas are not using power judiciously and that is one of the main reasons for the power tripping. “As of now 60 percent of the areas in Kashmir are flat rated.”

Pertinently, in the 3rd week of November, KNO reported that the peak power demand in Kashmir has crossed 1900 Megawatts mark while the power generation from local plants has reduced by nearly 75 percent.

Officials had informed that there was a peak power load of 1925 MWs in the Kashmir division. “However, there was an average power load of 1566 MWs during the 24 hours.”

In the last week of October, the official had informed KNO that there were additional 800 MWs allocated from the centre. “From this year, we have 1300 MW from the central pool. We have started banking with other states.” (KNO)

Any attempt to revive terrorism in J&K will be crushed: LG Sinha warns subversive elements

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Issuing a stern warning to elements attempting to revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the era of stone pelting, Pakistan-sponsored strikes, and unchecked terrorism has ended, and any fresh attempts to destabilize peace will be “crushed with full force.”

LG Sinha today joined the “Sardar@150 Unity March (Padyatra)” at Vadodara, Gujarat. The National Padyatra, which began at Sardar Patel’s family home in Karamsad, will cover nearly 190 km in 11 days, and will conclude at the Statue of Unity on 6th December.

Addressing the event on the theme “Kashmir, Hyderabad and Sardar”, the Lieutenant Governor, according to KNO, said, “Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed tremendous development over the past few years, with visible improvements in law and order. Today, no stone pelting takes place in J&K. No strike is called at the behest of Pakistan. Terrorist commanders of all terror outfits have been eliminated. Those trying to raise their heads again will be crushed.”

LG Sinha also drew historical parallels while invoking the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose birth anniversary is being observed across India.

He recalled an anecdote involving Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel during their time in Yerawada Jail. “Gandhiji once asked Sardar Patel what post he would like to hold after Independence. Patel replied he would become a sadhu. Yet it was he who ensured the merger of 562 princely states, reshaping Bharat’s map,” LG Sinha said.

He emphasized that only Sardar Patel possessed the “guts and willpower” to unite a newly independent country. “Had Patel not been there, India’s map would not have been the same. Whether it was Hyderabad or Jammu and Kashmir, Patel wrote a new history,” the LG said, adding that Patel played a crucial role in ensuring J&K acceded to India despite not being directly assigned the state’s responsibility.

LG Sinha noted that Patel was never in favour of taking the Kashmir issue to the United Nations, a move that, he said, was steered by Jawaharlal Nehru and Gopalaswami Ayyangar.

“Had the J&K issue been handled by Sardar Patel, India’s map would have been different today,” he added.

“Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel would have ensured complete and irreversible integration of Jammu Kashmir if he had handled its affairs directly. History of J&K would have been different if Sardar Patel had been given full responsibility for its integration in 1947,” LG said.

The Lieutenant Governor said despite not directly handling Jammu Kashmir, Sardar Patel ensured that it remained an integral part of India. From the very beginning, Sardar Patel had said that we will not give even an inch of Jammu Kashmir to Pakistan.

“Sardar Patel had opposed the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s policy towards Jammu Kashmir. He was also against taking the issue to the United Nations. In one of his public rallies Sardar Patel had categorically said about complete integration of Jammu Kashmir and his decisive action would have altered the course of history,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling the vision of Sardar Patel and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee through the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. “PM Modi has paid rich tributes to Sardar Patel by fully integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country,” he said.

Reiterating that “unity holds the key,” LG Sinha urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to continue supporting the ongoing peace and development trajectory, warning that no force will be allowed to push the region back into turmoil.

The Lieutenant Governor said that Sardar Patel’s vision of unity, ideals and values of equality and social justice continue to shape the growth of our nation.

“As an architect of modern India, Sardar Patel symbolises India’s self-confidence, self-respect and its bravery. His embodying values of integrity, decisiveness, selfless service continue to inspire us to build a strong, self-reliant and developed India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that PM Modi’s initiatives- ‘One Nation, One Tax’, ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’, ‘One Nation, One Health Card’, ‘One Nation, One Grid’, ‘National Education Policy’, ‘PM Gati Shakti’, ‘Kashi-Tamil Sangamam’ and various other programmes have strengthened the unity of the country.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon youth to strengthen the pillars of Unity.

“There are three important pillars of unity – shared values, shared identity and a common purpose act as a unifying force for sustained progress and development,” the Lieutenant Governor said. (KNO)

J&K entirely placed in highest Earthquake danger Zone in India’s new Seismic Map

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has been entirely placed in the newly created highest-risk Zone VI under India’s updated seismic zonation map, marking one of the most significant changes in the country’s earthquake hazard assessment in decades. The map, released as part of the 2025 Earthquake Design Code by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a few days back, classifies the entire Himalayan arc, including all districts of J&K and Ladakh, in the top danger category.

The new zonation is based on internationally accepted probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) methods, which use detailed information on active faults, maximum rupture potential, ground-shaking behaviour and underlying geology. These scientific inputs replace older approaches that relied heavily on historical earthquake data, soil classifications and past damage records.

The BIS, according to GNS, says the updated framework offers a clearer picture of the peak ground accelerations that future earthquakes may generate, ensuring that safety standards reflect the current understanding of seismic behaviour rather than outdated assumptions.

Experts say the revision corrects long-standing inconsistencies in earlier maps, which divided the Himalayan belt between Zones IV and V despite uniform tectonic risks.

Dr. Vineet Gahalaut, director of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, said that the new classification finally recognises the threat posed by long-unruptured, stress-accumulating fault segments, particularly in the central Himalaya. He said the previous zonation had underestimated the potential of these locked segments, many of which have not produced major surface-rupturing events in nearly two centuries.

The updated code requires buildings in J&K, especially those located near active faults, to be designed for severe pulse-like ground motions associated with near-fault earthquakes. It also strengthens limits on displacement, ductility and energy dissipation to prevent catastrophic failures. Non-structural components such as parapets, ceilings, overhead tanks, façade panels, electrical lines and suspended fixtures must now be securely anchored and braced, as these elements frequently cause injuries during earthquakes even when main structural frames remain intact.

The norms also demand closer attention to liquefaction risks, soil flexibility and site-specific ground-response behaviour, making geological assessments essential for new construction in vulnerable districts. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, bridges and public buildings, must be designed to remain fully functional after a major earthquake to ensure continuity of emergency services.

A new “exposure window” has also been introduced in the 2025 map, incorporating population density, infrastructure concentration and socioeconomic vulnerability into hazard classification. This makes the update particularly relevant for rapidly expanding urban areas such as Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag and Baramulla, where even moderate shaking could result in significant disruption.

While the Himalayan region has undergone sweeping reclassification, the tectonically stable southern peninsula has seen only minor refinements. With 61% of India now falling under moderate to high hazard zones, officials have urged engineers, planners and civic bodies in J&K to adopt the new code immediately. Experts emphasise that the updated map is not a prediction of an imminent event but a scientific warning, and an opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to build resilience before any eventuality strikes. (GNS)

NIA raids underway at 10 locations in Kashmir in Delhi blast case

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency on Monday carried out raids at about 10 locations across the Kashmir Valley in connection with the Delhi blast case, sources said.

Sources told KNO that in connection with the Anti-Terror Agency conducted raids at about 10 locations, including the houses of Moulvi Irfan Ahmad Wagay, Dr Adeel, Dr Muzamil and Amir Rashid.

They said the raids are underway in Nadigam village of Shopian, Koil, Chandgam, Malangpora, and Samboora villages of Pulwama.

“The teams are searching for evidence that could be linked to the ‘white-collar’ module and the Delhi blast,” they said.

The NIA has so far arrested six accused in connection with the Delhi blast case. At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after a high-intensity blast ripped through a car near Delhi historic Red Fort area on November 10. (KNO)

Delhi Police arrest Rohan, Dalvinder, Manpreet and Ajay; Bust major ISI-linked drone arms racket

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In a major intelligence-driven operation, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has dismantled a transnational arms trafficking network with direct links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arresting four key operatives and seizing a cache of high-end foreign-made semi-automatic pistols smuggled into India using drones.

The breakthrough came on November 19-21, 2025, following specific inputs about a large consignment of illegal firearms being transported to Delhi-NCR for distribution to criminal gangs. Acting swiftly, a team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav intercepted a suspicious vehicle in Delhi’s Rohini area, leading to the initial arrests and recovery of weapons hidden in a concealed cavity inside a speaker box.

The four accused, identified as key intermediaries in the interstate arms supply chain, are: Mandeep Singh (38), a resident of Jalandhar district, Punjab. A history-sheeter with multiple criminal cases, Mandeep was directly involved in retrieving drone-dropped consignments and had links to foreign-based handlers.

Dalvinder Kumar (alias Dalvinder, 34), also from Jalandhar, Punjab. He was traveling with Mandeep during the interception and assisted in transporting the weapons.

Rohan Tomar (30), from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. An associate of Delhi-NCR gangs, including the Jitendra Gogi gang, Rohan was a recipient and distributor of the smuggled arms.

Ajay (alias Monu or Ajay Monu, 37), also from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. He worked closely with Rohan in forwarding the weapons to end-users, including contract killers and extortion modules.

Interrogations revealed that the accused were operating under instructions from overseas handlers, including Jaspreet alias Jas – a close associate of US-based gangster Sonu Khatri (Rajesh Kumar), who has a Red Corner Notice against him – and direct ISI-backed suppliers in Pakistan.

10 sophisticated semi-automatic pistols, including: High-end Türkiye-manufactured PX-5.7 models (typically reserved for special forces due to their advanced design and lethality). China-made PX-3 pistols.  92 live cartridges of 0.30 bore. One white car used for transportation.
The recovery of PX-5.7 pistols is particularly alarming, as these are elite-grade firearms not commonly available in civilian markets and indicate a highly organized, state-sponsored supply chain aimed at arming criminal and potentially terrorist elements in India.

Police investigations uncovered a sophisticated cross-border operation: Weapons manufactured in Türkiye and China were first routed to Pakistan. ISI-linked traffickers in Pakistan used customized low-flying commercial drones (often in pairs – one for dropping payloads and another for recording video footage) to air-drop consignments wrapped in carbon paper (to evade detection) near vulnerable border stretches in Punjab during late-night hours.

Indian associates, like Mandeep and Dalvinder, retrieved the drops and transported them southward to distributors in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-NCR. The network supplied arms to notorious gangs, including those affiliated with Lawrence Bishnoi, Kaushal-Bambiha, Himanshu Bhau, and Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu, fueling gang wars, extortion, and contract killings.

DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav described the method as “highly modern and concerning,” noting that drones fly below radar coverage and carry small, high-value payloads to minimize risk.

This bust comes amid heightened security alerts following the November 10, 2025, car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort (which killed 13 and injured dozens) and the dismantling of a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)-linked terror module in Faridabad. Authorities are probing potential connections, as similar drone-smuggling tactics have been used for narcotics, explosives, and weapons by Pakistan-based handlers.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Surendra Kumar stated: “These arrests and seizures will yield critical leads into the network’s full extent, backward linkages in Pakistan, and intended recipients – preventing potential destabilization in the region.”

The operation highlights the evolving threat of drone-enabled cross-border smuggling, prompting calls for enhanced border surveillance and anti-drone technology deployment. Further arrests and recoveries are expected as the investigation continues.

Delhi Police have urged the public to report suspicious activities, reinforcing their commitment to curbing organized crime and terror financing. The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, with remand granted for deeper interrogation.

Electricity could become costlier in mornings, evenings in Kashmir Valley

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Close on the heels of a massive controversy in Kashmir over the installation of smart meters, the Power Development Department (PDD) has proposed an extra 20 percent charge on electricity consumption during morning and evening hours in the Valley.

The Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) according to KNO has sought approval from Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) to impose a 20 percent surcharge on all categories of consumers except for the agriculture sector during peak hours, when demand is at its highest due to the bone‑chilling cold in the Valley.

According to a petition filed before the JERC for J&K and Ladakh, KPDCL has proposed the surcharge for different consumer categories, including domestic households.  The JERC, a quasi‑judicial body, is empowered to approve or reject tariff proposals.

Confirming the development, Managing Director KPDCL, Mahmood Ahmad Shah told KNO that “KPDCL has proposed a 20 percent surcharge on tariff for the peak hours of the day. As of now, no decision has been taken by the regulatory commission.”

The proposal is part of the Time of Day (ToD) tariff system, under which electricity costs vary depending on the time of consumption.

However, the proposal has been vehemently opposed by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) during the hearing on KPDCL petition on Thursday.

The KCCI, represented by Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi argued that it was misleading for KPDCL to claim it had not raised tariffs while simultaneously proposing a surcharge during peak hours.

“Since electricity consumption during these hours is a necessity and not a discretionary choice, treating it as an additional charge is fundamentally unfair,” the KCCI said.

Citing figures, the KCCI said Kashmir has the worst power reliability in India.

“As per Central Electricity Authority figures for 2022, the System Average Interruption Duration Index(SAIDI) for Kashmir stands at a shocking 889, while the System Average Interruption Frequency Index(SAIFI) stands at 723.95. These numbers are several times higher than the national averages of 116.12 and 171.64. Even Jammu, despite its own problems, performs significantly better with a SAIDI of 489 and SAIFI of 442,” the business body said. (KNO)

Affiliation of 4 Schools suspended, 8 imposed fine

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (J&K BOSE) has put affiliation of 4 schoolsunder suspension following confirmation of reports about adoption of non- J&K BOSE prescribed textbooks in their institutions.

These schools are being issued show- cause notices as to why their affiliation cannot be cancelled for open defiance of terms and conditions of affiliation and violation of J&K BOSE Act.

In a handout, A spokesman said that the J&K BOSE the affiliation of Radiant Public School, Anantnag, Solace International School, Pulwama, Holy Mission School, Narbal, Budgam and Pioneer Educational Institute, Hanjiwara, Pattan, Baramulla was put under suspension and their Board related facilities were withheld forthwith.

The schools which were imposed fine include Candid Higher Secondary School, Nowgam, Fayaz Educational Institute, Chanapora, Nowgam, Al- Fajr Institute, Chanapora, Nowgam, Al- Huda Public School, Pattan, Baramulla, Shamas Memorial School, Khansahib, Budgam, Hanfia High School, Frisal, Kulgam, Future Vision School, Bandipora and Linton Hall School, Rajbagh, Srinagar.

The institutions were directed to deposit the penalty amount within a week in default of which disaffiliation proceedings will be initiated.

Meanwhile, the Board has issued stern instructions to private schools to ensure adoption of prescribed curriculum including textbooks, which it said are aligned with NEP- 2020 involving age appropriate content of NCERT.

The textbooks, BOSE said are affordable and cost effective with focus on competency-based learning in sync with physical and mental development of children. Adoption of these books ensures academic growth without bringing mental pressure to the children in their formative stages of development, it added.

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