Government promises quick fixes, but growers say time is running out for this billion-dollar industry. By Ajaz Rashid In the crisp September air of Shopian’s fruit mandi, the smell of ripe apples usually signals prosperity. Wooden crates piled high, trucks revving, traders bargaining — these are the rituals of autumn in Kashmir, where apples are […]
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Kashmir’s Apple Nightmare
Highway blockades and floods push a billion-dollar industry to the brink. By Ajaz Rashid Kashmir’s fertile valleys, famed for their lush apple orchards, have for generations formed the economic and social backbone of the region’s rural society. But in September 2025, this heritage stands at a crossroads—a crisis of unprecedented scale, exposing the fragile underpinnings […]
The Great Meat Betrayal
From Ghazipur to Srinagar, the trail of contamination reveals a collapsed regulatory chain and a culture of unchecked greed By Ajaz Rashid In what has become one of the most shocking food safety scandals in Kashmir’s recent history, authorities have seized over 3,500 kilograms of rotten, contaminated meat across the Valley in just over a […]
Tourism in Transition
From alpine treks to hidden monasteries, J&K’s secret sanctuaries are finally getting their spotlight. By Ajaz Rashid July in Jammu and Kashmir. The very name conjures images of verdant valleys, snow-dusted peaks, and the gentle murmur of flowing rivers. For decades, this month has marked the zenith of the tourism season, a vibrant period injecting […]
Is the Education Department Losing Touch with Ground Realities?
By Ajaz Rashid The recent directive by the Board of School Education, under the instructions of Education Minister Sakina Itoo, regarding the reopening of schools after the 15-day summer break, has raised more questions than answers. While administrative decisions are expected to be rooted in practicality and the welfare of students, this latest move seems […]
The Melting Crown of India
A paradise once cooled by alpine winds now scorches under record-breaking temperatures. As Kashmir sweats through its hottest year in history, the question looms: can the valley adapt before it burns out? By Ajaz Rashid The thermometer in Srinagar’s meteorological office registered an unprecedented 34.6°C, it equaled its 3rd highest recorded temperature for June since […]
Steel Spine of the Himalayas
The world’s highest railway bridge isn’t just about steel and elevation—it’s about connecting hopes, markets, and a long-divided land By Ajaz Rashid On June 6, 2025, inaugurated what many consider India’s most ambitious infrastructure achievement since independence—the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge soaring 359 meters above the turbulent waters of the […]
We Struck Their Chest
Rajnath Singh Hails ‘Operation Sindoor’ as India’s Biggest-Ever Counter-Terrorism Offensive By Ajaz Rashid Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to the Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar last week, declared Operation Sindoor as the largest and most decisive counter-terrorism action in India’s history. Addressing Indian Army personnel, Singh emphasized that the operation sent a strong […]
Operation Sindoor: India’s Decisive Strike Demolishes Terror Camps
Operation Sindoor: India’s Decisive Strike Demolishes Terror Camps
Hope for Reform
As exams return to winter, educators and parents are called to foster a supportive environment that values holistic growth over scores. By Ajaz Rashid The annual examination season in Kashmir arrived once again, signaling a pivotal time for students and educators across the region. This year, however, the academic schedule underwent a significant transformation. The […]