News Kashmir Magazine

Snow  delights Kashmir

News Kashmir Analysis

Snow is symbol of hope. Snow lifts up atmosphere. Snow gives renewed hope. Snow is great source of water. After much dry climate the snow is here in Kashmir. The snow has brought both delight and hope in Kashmir.

Since January 22 the Most parts of Kashmir received fresh snowfall, including the season’s first in Srinagar city, leading to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, and cancellation of over 20 flights here, officials said.

This broke long dry spell which had caused crisis in Kashmir on water front.

While the plains of Kashmir recorded light to moderate snowfall, the upper areas and higher reaches of the valley received moderate to heavy snowfall, the officials said.

Snow was quite heavy in rural and mountain areas.

famous skiing resort of Gulmarg, in north Kashmir, received over two feet of fresh snow, while the Sonamarg tourist resort in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district recorded over six inches, and the Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district around three inches, the officials said.

According to Kashmir Weather, areas close to the Pir Panjal range bore the brunt of the storm. In Shopian district, the plains recorded snowfall ranging from 1.5 to 3 feet, while higher reaches witnessed accumulations of up to five feet, an unusually high volume for such a short duration.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a  weather advisory warning that two western disturbances in quick succession are likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas from January 22 to 24 and again from the night of January 26 to the forenoon of January 28.

The snow has brought smile on people especially the farmers as it will provide great impetus to agriculture and horticulture.

Expert pulse is that snow has great advantages. Snow acts as a vital natural insulator, protecting soil and plants from extreme cold and freeze-thaw damage while storing moisture for spring. It serves as a “poor man’s fertilizer” by adding nitrogen to the soil, supports ecosystems, helps wildlife survive, and provides, through its high albedo, a cooling effect on the planet.

The snow has definitely lifted the mood of people of Kashmir. We are well aware Kashmir’s snow transforms the valley into a serene winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and picturesque villages. The snow-covered landscapes offer breathtaking views, making it a perfect destination for winter sports and romantic getaways, enchanting all who visit with its tranquil beauty.

News Kashmir desk

Kashmir Tourism Hoped for revival in 2026Hi

News Kashmir Analysis

The Year 2025 came as a road block to booming tourism sector of Kashmir. The gruesome terrorist attack in month of April which resulted in unfortunate death of 27 tourists at Pahalgam wounded the soul and fabric of Kashmir. The tourism sector collapsed and arrivals touched near  zero for much time.

The year 2026 has come as a hope of renewed tourism in Kashmir.

On new year eve on wednesday, snowfall blanketed Gulmarg, bringing cheer to hundreds of tourists.

The upper reaches of Kashmir had received light to moderate snowfall ahead of Christmas as well.

other high-altitude areas, including Tulail Valley in Gurez, Razdan Top in Bandipora, Macchil and Sadhna Top in Kupwara, and Zojila Pass, reported fresh snowfall, the IMD officials said.

They said Sonamarg recorded 8-10 inches of snow, Gulmarg 3-4 inches, and Chandanwari in Pahalgam around 2-3 inches.

Pahalgam in south Kashmir also saw quite colorful  celebrations, though the resort did not have snowfall. Although, the Early morning snow in Chandanwari and nearby areas, however, added to the attraction for visitors. In Lal Chowk, the historic Ghanta Ghar area was immersed in joy and crowded with tourists from across the country and local residents, creating a festive atmosphere. Hotels and resorts organised gala dinners, cultural programmes, and special events to mark the occasion.

The administration and Government played highly active role to ensure the tourism boom on new year eve in Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department organised cultural programmes, musical shows and other events across important tourism destinations. Security arrangements were tightened, with police and paramilitary forces ensuring smooth movement and safety for visitors. The emphasis on safety and infrastructure reassured tourists, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.

It was heartning to note that the New  Year celebrations drew massive turnouts of tourists and local youth to these picturesque spots.

Sometime back, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir is set to receive an investment of about Rs 5.5 billion in the tourism sector under an externally funded project, asserting that the push, combined with collective effort, would help the Union Territory once again establish itself as India’s leading adventure tourism destination.

The hope is that with peace and prosperity the tourism in Kashmir would boom again in year 2026.

2026 Hopes

News Kashmir Analysis

The new year is about to dawn in entire world with renewed sense of hope of global peace and prosperity  . 2026 Year is being welcomed with hope and excitement.

It is worth mentioning here that 2026 is designated by the United Nations for several important themes, primarily the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026), and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, highlighting global efforts to empower women, recognize volunteers, and protect vital ecosystems for a sustainable.

The people in Jammu and Kashmir are also excited ,they hope year 2026 bring new lease of happiness and make there lives worth living .  The devestating loss due to gruesome terrorist attack in Pahalgam in year 2025 hurt the soul of nation and destroyed tourism picture of Kashmir. People are hopeful that 2026 brings in  Jammu and Kashmir complete peace and prosperity especially  the youth are hoping that year 2026 brings stability and peace which brings employment .People are also hoping that growth of tourism sector would continue in Kashmir and reach new record levels.

The great thing happening in the year 2025 was that train connecting Kashmir to rest of country commenced, marking a historic development.  This was big step in making Jammu and Kashmir a hub of prosperity.

As a matter of fact, 2026 (MMXXVI) is the upcoming year, which will be a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2026th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 26th year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 7th year of the 2020s decade.

The hope is that our beloved country India will make rapid strides towards becoming a global powerhouse in the year 2026 and continue path of progress. Some hopes for humanity in 2026 globally are to see end to war and poverty .

Climate change is big issue.

Global Progress.Renewed commitment to climate action.World leaders work together to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.

Increased global cooperation.Nations collaborate to address pressing issues like pandemics, economic inequality, and social injustice.Sustainable development. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) continue to guide global efforts toward a more equitable and prosperous world.

In the year 2026, the hopes are we achieve new milestones in Artificial intelligence.More people worldwide gain access to the internet, digital education, and economic opportunities.

World becomes hub of peace and prosperity in year 2026 is realistic hope of every sane human.

Welcome Chillai Kalan

News Kashmir Analysis

The winter in Kashmir is quite long and interesting.

Chillai Kalan or Chilla-i-Kalan is core part of the beautiful winter of Kashmir. It is forty days [of intense cold as the local name given to 40 day period of harsh winter in Kashmir.

It is the coldest part of winter, starting from 21 December to January 29 every year.

We need to bear in mind that the period is quite diverse.

Chilla-i-Kalan is followed by 20-day long Chilla-i-Khurd (Kashmiri pronunciation: [t͡ʃilaj xɔrɨd],  that occurs between January 30 and February 18, and a 10-days long Chilla-i-Bachha (Kashmiri pronunciation: which is from February 19 to February 28.

Kashmiris brace this tough period with love and enthusiasm.

According to knowledge source of wikipedia,

During this 40 day period in Kashmir, nights are chilly and day temperatures thrive in single digits. During Chillai-Kalan, the weather in valley of Kashmir continues to remain cold with minimum temperatures hovering below the freezing point. The snow that falls during this time period freezes and lasts longer. It is this snow that adds to the glaciers of the Valley and replenishes the perennial reservoirs that feed the rivers, streams and lakes in Kashmir during the months of summer. Any snowfall after the chillai kalan does not last long.

This year at onset of this tough period we had good news that dry period would end .

Meteorologist Malik Mubeen Ahmed few days back  said that Kashmir is likely to witness a change in weather conditions from the evening of December 20, with chances of rain in plains and snowfall in higher reaches.

Talking to Kashmir News service (KNS) ,He said the next 24 hours will remain largely dry, with only minimal chances of precipitation in isolated pockets. “From the evening of December 20, cloudy weather will set in, with possibilities of rain in plains and snowfall over mountainous areas,” he said.

According to Malik Mubeen Ahmed, December 21 may witness fairly widespread rainfall in plains and snowfall in higher reaches, especially in north Kashmir. He added that upper areas of north Kashmir may receive up to one foot of snowfall, while plains of Kupwara could see 2–3 inches of snow and Srinagar may receive 1–2 inches.

Undoubtedly, the people of Kashmir with open arms are welcoming this beautiful and challenging period.  People are also hoping that they would see quality water and power supply during this period.

IDPD 2025 calls for comprehensive facilities for persons with disabilities

News Kashmir Analysis

A large percentage of Human population faces disabilities of diverse nature.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3rd to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and raise awareness of their political, economic, social, and cultural situations. Proclaimed.

The theme for IPD 2025 is

Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.

Across all regions, persons with disabilities and their households face challenges and barriers in the attainment of social development objectives. The facts throughout world are worrying .

An estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us.

Some persons with disabilities die up to 20 years earlier than those without disabilities.

Persons with disabilities have twice the risk of developing conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity or poor oral health.

As a matter of fact, the

annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

In Jammu and Kashmir too persons with disability faces many issues. Lacs of disable population in Jammu and Kashmir face huge number of multiple worrying problems. The lack of quality public transport makes disability people quite vulnerable,  and coupled with lack of infrastructure in important institutions like ramps adds to their miseries. The Schools catering to needs of the children of disability children in Jammu and Kashmir are very few. The job creation for disability humans in Jammu and Kashmir is also very poor.

The expert pulse is that we need to have great infrastructure and many employment opportunities for specially abled persons across countries.

The need of the hour is that  need to have an inclusive mindset, inclusive education, employment. Equality and equity both hand in hand for this place to be a better one.

The disability facing children face many stigma and pain. For disability facing children the availability of the Early intervention centres, good developmental care, paediatric care and having rehabilitation centres. The infrastructure is not upto the mark.

We need to ensure quality life for persons with disabilities.

Historic Labour Codes

News Kashmir Analysis

Labour laws or labour codes are essence of modern economy and humanity. The respect to labour and protection through laws and codes can only ensure well being of any country. Our great country India has taken recently historic steps in this regards.

As a matter of fact, a historic decision, the Government of India has announced that the four Labour Codes – the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 are being made effective from 21st November 2025, rationalising 29 existing labour laws. By modernising labour regulations, enhancing workers’ welfare and aligning the labour ecosystem with the evolving world of work, this landmark move lays the foundation for a future-ready workforce and stronger, resilient industries driving labour reforms for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Many of India’s labour laws were framed in the pre-Independence and early post-Independence era (1930s–1950s), at a time when the economy and world of work were fundamentally different. While most major economies have updated and consolidated their labour regulations in recent decades, India continued to operate under fragmented, complex and in several parts outdated provisions spread across 29 Central labour laws. These restrictive frameworks struggled to keep pace with changing economic realities and evolving forms of employment, creating uncertainty and increasing compliance burden for both workers and industry.

These Codes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a series of social media posts on X, “will serve as a strong foundation for universal social security, minimum and timely payment of wages, safe workplaces and remunerative opportunities for our people, especially Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti.

will build a future-ready ecosystem that protects the rights of workers and strengthens India’s economic growth. These reforms will boost job creation, drive productivity and accelerate our journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”

It is important to mention here that The Social Security Code treats certain commuting accidents as employment-related, subject to conditions of time, and place of employment.

Central Government notified standards to standardize workplace occupational safety and health conditions.

Health safety for all workers will be ensured. Free annual health check-up will be provided.

Limit on working hours set to 8 to 12 hours per day, 48 hours per week to ensure health and work-life balance.

Undoubtedly, this is historic development for any nation. This will ensure much safety and security to great labour force of our country.

GST reform fruits

News Kashmir Analysis

In a great development for the people,Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have started to provide major  relief to the common citizens while improving India’s business and investment atmosphere.

In this regard,the GST reforms, which came into effect on September 22, 2025, are being considered a major change for India’s 64 million micro, small, and medium enterprises. Experts say that this reform has not only simplified the tax structure but also opened the way for increasing the competitiveness of small industries

India’s consumer economy has achieved its highest Navratri sales in over a decade, a surge attributed to the Modi government’s NextGen GST reforms, which reduced tax rates and increased product accessibility. These measures lowered prices and unlocked consumer spending, leading to upgrades of vehicles, investments in home appliances, and increased spending on lifestyle goods.

Brands and retailers across sectors reported significant sales growth, generally ranging from 25 per cent to 100 per cent. The festive season’s first half, including Onam, Durga Puja, and Dussehra, is the country’s largest consumption period, accounting for 40-45 per cent of total festive sales.

In our region, The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has commenced the implementation of Next Generation GST Reforms 2.0, effective from September 22, 2025, aligning with the national tax rationalization drive and reinforcing its commitment to consumer welfare.

The overhaul simplifies the GST framework by reducing multiple tax slabs to just two primary rates—5 per cent for essentials and 18 per cent for most other goods and services. These measures are poised to lower the cost burden on households, insurance, medicines, education, and key livelihood sectors, said an official statement.

Importantly,recently Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, has said that the Modi government has gifted NEXTGen GST reforms to all the mothers and sisters of the country on the auspicious occasion of Navratri.

In a series of posts on X platform, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said, on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, the Modi government presents the gift of NEXTGen GST reforms to all the mothers and sisters of the country! The promise of GST reforms made by Modi ji to the people of the country has been implemented across the nation starting today. This GST reform includes a historic reduction in taxes on over 390 items. Unprecedented relief in GST on sectors such as food and household items, home building materials, automobiles, agriculture, services, toys, sports, handicrafts, education, healthcare, and insurance will bring joy to the lives of the people and increase their savings.

Supreme court orders removal of stray Dogs

News Kashmir Analysis

Stray Dogs Menace is a serious challenge in entire country. The special cause of concern has been dog bites ,which cause serious injuries and deaths too. The stray dogs have become a serious civics  challenge in country too. The animal rights activist have also been quite vocal while advocating rights of stray dogs.

In a landmark decision Supreme court made key observation recently.court was hearing a suo moto case, which was initiated on July 28 over a report on stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children, in the national capital.

According to Livelaw, Having regard to the “alarming rise of dog-bite incidents”, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered that every educational institution, hospital, public sports complexes, bus stand and depots, railway stations, etc must be fenced properly to prevent the entry of stray dogs.

It will be the responsibility of the concerned local self-government institutions to pick up stray dogs from such institutions/areas, and shift them to designated dog shelters after vaccination and sterilisation in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules. The Court further ordered that stray dogs picked up from these areas must not be released to the same spot from which they were picked up. “Permitting the same would frustrate the very purpose of liberating such institutions from the presence of stray dogs,” the Court observed.

In this regard , bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria passed the order in the suo motu Stray Dogs matter. The Court directed that the local bodies must carry out periodic inspections to ensure that no stray dog habitat exists in such premises.

After the order was pronounced, Senior Advocates Anand Grover, Karuna Nundy etc, urged the bench to consider their submissions before signing the order. Nundy said that if dogs are removed, new dogs will occupy the same spot. The bench however refused to entertain the submissions.

The Court took note of various reports regarding dog-bite incidents across the country. Amicus Curiae Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal also submitted a report.

Stray dog bites have been also major cause of concern in Jammu and Kashmir as it has lead to precious loss of lives and horrible injuries .

This is undoubtedly a landmark order which would ensure that stray dogs menace is tackled and humans live in harmony.

Smooth Assembly session

News Kashmir Analysis

The recent Assembly session in Jammu and Kashmir’s legislature has set a remarkable precedent, marking a significant milestone in the region’s history. The session, which concluded with the adjournment sine die by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, was notable for its smooth functioning and productive proceedings. Despite being a nine-day session, it witnessed minimal disruptions and showcased a commendable level of coordination between the opposition and the government.

The session saw the passage of several key bills, including five government bills, and discussions on two private members’ resolutions. The Assembly Secretariat received an impressive 732 questions, with 682 being admitted and 29 taken up for discussion. Additionally, 97 Zero Hour issues were raised, and 73 supplementaries were discussed by members.

While 14 bills were received, 33 pending bills from previous sessions remain on the agenda. Out of 41 private bills listed, eight were discussed, and one private member’s resolution was passed. The session also saw the submission of 67 calling attention notices, with ten being taken up for discussion.

This session’s success can be attributed to the constructive debates and minimal disruptions, demonstrating the Assembly’s commitment to meaningful deliberations. The cooperation between the opposition and the government has set a positive precedent, showcasing the effectiveness of the legislative process in Jammu and Kashmir.

The members of Assembly also praised the historic session. Minister for Health, Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo said that the Speaker was deserving of congratulations and thanked him for running the House in a non-partisan and objective manner to ensure a productive and fruitful session.

She thanked the opposition for playing its role effectively in holding the government accountable, adding that they deserve credit for their constructive participation.

She expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah for spending time in the House and responding to the Members’ queries.

Regarding the queries raised by MLAs about the replies, Minister said that all replies in the House were prepared after due consideration to ensure satisfactory responses.

MLA M.Y. Tarigami thanked all members and staff for making the session fruitful and productive, suggesting that future sessions be held for a longer duration to allow sufficient time for legislators to raise issues of public importance.

Without an iota of doubt it has been a historic positive Assembly session.