ANANTNAG
Farooq A Ganie, an attorney, known as the Garbage Man in Anantnag’s Sadiwara Dooru village, has embarked on a transformative journey in waste management. Troubled by increasing pollution, he initiated Give Plastic, Get Gold, an innovative scheme incentivising locals to trade plastic waste for rewards. This concept has spread beyond Kashmir, inspiring sustainable practices across Indian communities. Ganie’s vision extends to demonstrating waste’s potential by cultivating high-value crops, including saffron and date palms, through composted waste. Despite saffron’s delicate growing needs, he successfully grew it in recycled organic waste, challenging traditional agricultural limitations. Ganie’s work exemplifies how waste, when utilised effectively, can generate both environmental and economic benefits. He is now experimenting with other exotic plantations.
UDHAMPUR
The Indian Army has inducted 550 indigenously developed Asmi machine pistols into its Northern Command, covering operations in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. This first batch of fully Indian-made weapons aims to equip Special Forces for close-quarter battles and specialised missions in the Northern Theatre while supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) initiative. Developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Hyderabad’s Lokesh Machines Limited, the Asmi features a unique semi-bullpup design, enabling single-handed use as both a pistol and a submachine gun. Its specifications include an eight-inch barrel, a 33-round magazine, and 9mm ammunition, making it ideal for compact and reliable performance in demanding conditions. The Army praised the induction as a significant step towards self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing, highlighting its commitment to boosting indigenous production in alignment with national goals.
SRINAGAR
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced a strict approach toward those who provide shelter to militants, warning that their houses would be razed as part of efforts to eliminate militancy from the region. Speaking in Baramulla, he emphasised that protecting militants will lead to consequences, asserting that there would be “no compromise” on this directive. Addressing concerns over claims of “atrocities” against those sheltering militants, Sinha clarified that such actions are measures of justice, not oppression. He urged people to stand against terror, highlighting recent killings of a local doctor and non-local labourers, suggesting that a collective effort by security forces, the administration, and citizens could eradicate militancy in a year. Sinha criticised individuals who, instead of opposing terror, issue superficial statements, which he described as counterproductive. Amidst a rise in terror-related incidents, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated his directive that forces must spare innocents but take firm action against anyone found assisting terrorists.
JAMMU
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a case against five postal employees in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging their involvement in a financial racket at the Gandhinagar Head Post Office in Jammu. The accused, including postal assistants Sadaf Gulzar, Surinder Singh, Karun Sharma, Joginder Singh, and Amita, are suspected of embezzling funds from dormant accounts. The fraud reportedly involved the illegal closure of three accounts belonging to Rani Fotedar, a deceased senior citizen, and the transfer of the funds into her savings account, which was then withdrawn in cash. Fotedar passed away in 2011, and her accounts were inactive until September 2023, when the alleged misappropriation occurred.
This case follows a similar incident involving the same post office employees, who were implicated in August for illegally closing a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account, misappropriating over Rs 23.36 lakh. The CBI, responding to a complaint from the Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Jammu Division, is investigating these employees for offences including cheating, conspiracy, and falsification of accounts. The agency has conducted searches at the homes of the accused, indicating a broadening probe into financial misconduct within the post office network.
MOHALI
Shaima Khan, also known as Khushi, a 25-year-old from Baramulla, Kashmir, was arrested with five accomplices in Mohali for her role in a gang that lured and robbed victims. After enduring an abusive marriage, which she had entered into after fleeing from Kashmir, she relocated to Mohali, where she worked as a salesgirl and later joined a salon. She met her accomplices, including Arshdeep Singh and Jaspal Singh, and joined their gang due to financial struggles. In a recent incident, the gang used Shaima to lure Deepak Aggarwal, whom they attacked and robbed of his Mahindra Thar. The Mohali police have linked Shaima’s gang to multiple thefts, including a violent robbery of Baljinder Singh, whom they tricked using a female gang member before stealing his car and valuables. Police also arrested a separate gang in Zirakpur with a similar modus operandi of using female accomplices to lure victims. The investigation has led to the recovery of vehicles and weapons from both gangs.
SRINAGAR
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the newly elected Jammu Kashmir Assembly, pledging to pursue the restoration of full statehood and constitutional guarantees. Emphasising this as a response to the public’s faith in democracy, he noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly committed to this goal. The Jammu and Kashmir cabinet recently passed a resolution reflecting the collective will for statehood restoration. Sinha highlighted other government priorities, including rehabilitating Kashmiri migrants with secure housing, filling government vacancies on a fast track, and expanding social assistance for vulnerable groups. Economic growth and inclusivity are central to his administration, focusing on sustainable development through the “Economy, Ecology, and Equity” framework. He also announced 200 units of free electricity for deserving households and committed to clean drinking water access by 2025 through extensive water supply schemes.
SRINAGAR
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly dedicated its second session to honour 54 lawmakers who passed away since the assembly’s last session over six years ago. This was the first formal opportunity for legislators to pay homage to these leaders in the assembly, as their contributions had gone unrecognised during its inactive years. Those remembered included prominent figures such as former Legislative Council Chairman Abdul Rashid Dar, ex-ministers Mian Bashir Ahmad and Madan Lal Sharma, and Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a significant voice in Kashmir’s politics. Devender Singh Rana, recently elected to the current assembly but deceased shortly before this session, was also honoured. Other notable figures, including Prof Bhim Singh, an advocate for Jammu and Kashmir’s rights, and Constituent Assembly member Krishan Dev Sethi, were commemorated for their enduring impact on the region’s political landscape. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said it was the highest number of names ever coming to the house in Jammu Kashmir’s legislative history. Usually, lawmakers who die are remembered in the very first session that takes place but Jammu and Kashmir lacked assembly since 2018 summer.
HOKERSAR
In a significant development for Kashmir’s ornithology, two rare bird species—the Falcated Duck and Collared Pratincole—were documented for the first time in the Hokersar wetland, a Ramsar site near Srinagar, by local bird photographer Reyan Sofi. Published in Indian Birds Journal, Sofi’s sighting marks a milestone in the region’s bird records. The Near Threatened Falcated Duck, known for its distinctive green head, migrates from Siberia and northern China. Sofi observed it thrice in February, confirming its rare appearance in this part of India. Similarly, the Collared Pratincole, a medium-sized wader with a characteristic black “collar,” was spotted among lapwings in May. Though not endangered, this species faces habitat threats due to agricultural expansion. Hokersar, dubbed the queen of wetlands, serves as a crucial migratory stopover but faces ecological risks from encroachment, pollution, and silt buildup, which have reduced its area from 1,875 hectares in 1969 to around 1,300 hectares. Conservationists stress the need for urgent intervention to preserve Hokersar’s vital role for migratory birds, warning that continued habitat degradation could endanger Kashmir’s biodiversity.
KHANYAR
A recent counter-insurgency operation in Jammu and Kashmir utilised an unusual tactic—biscuits—to ensure its success. The operation, which eliminated a high-profile Lashkar-e-Taiba commander named Usman, faced a unique challenge: stray dogs in the densely populated Khanyar locality of Srinagar. To prevent the dogs from barking and potentially alerting Usman, security forces brought biscuits to placate them as they approached the target area. Usman, who had been active since the early 2000s and implicated in various attacks, engaged the security forces in a fierce firefight. The operation involved meticulous planning and was executed with minimal collateral damage.
SRINAGAR
For the first time, a grand Diwali celebration took place at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk, where hundreds of locals and tourists gathered to light diyas and enjoy the festivities. The city centre, bustling by day, transformed into a vibrant, illuminated hub in the evening. Visitors from Gujarat expressed joy, praising the welcoming atmosphere and festive spirit, with some remarking on the peacefulness and warmth of Naya Kashmir.
LADAKH
India launched its first analogue space mission in Leh, Ladakh, aiming to simulate life on another planet and prepare for the challenges future astronauts may face. This collaborative effort involves ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, and IIT-Bombay. Ladakh’s cold, arid conditions and high altitude offer an ideal environment for testing space mission technologies. Participants will engage in activities such as habitat design, resource management, and psychological assessments. The mission supports India’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight and interplanetary exploration, contributing to the development of sustainable habitats for future planetary missions.
JAMMU KASHMIR
Jammu & Kashmir experienced a 74 per cent rainfall deficit in October, while Ladakh had an 89 per cent shortfall. J&K recorded only 8.7 mm of rainfall against a normal of 33.1 mm. South Kashmir saw deficits of -95 per cent to -100 per cent, with central regions facing -85 per cent to -91 per cent shortages. Districts like Bandipora and Baramulla saw deficits of -90 per cent and -91 per cent, while Samba was the only district with above-normal rainfall (+250 per cent). Kargil and Leh recorded a -100 per cent and -88 per cent deficit, respectively. Dry weather is expected for the next 10 days, with further declines in river and stream water levels.
