It is for the first time in the history of Independent India that Kashmir Valley would be connected to the rest of the country via rail link. The Srinagar-New Delhi rail link has been in the making for the last 20 years and finally, the time has come for Srinagar to be connected to New Delhi via rail.&nbsp;

According to government sources, the Vande Bharat train service from New Delhi to Srinagar will be inaugurated on January 26, 2025.

Kashmiri people have been waiting for decades for the Srinagar-New Delhi rail link. Since the announcement of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav saying a historic milestone has been achieved by completing the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, there has been cheer among every community in the Valley, from businessmen to students, and from tourists to non-local workers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-heavy-snowfall-in-kashmir-brings-cheer-among-tourists-turns-valley-into-winter-wonderland-782646">Also read:&nbsp;India: Heavy snowfall in Kashmir cheers tourists, turns valley into winter wonderland</a>

The tourist stakeholders have been the happiest with the news of the rail link between Srinagar-New Delhi as Kashmir Valley is a tourist destination, and the maximum impact of having a rail link will be on this industry.&nbsp;

Kashmir Valley is waiting for a tourist boom after the start of the service, as it would be a cheap and easy mode of transport while coming to the Valley.

''This is a welcome step and a historic development; it was our long-pending demand that we should get train connectivity from all metro cities. Budget tourism wasn't possible, and those tourists were not able to come here. It's a dream of everyone to come to Kashmir once in their life. It's a great step and will boost tourism and many other sectors. We are very hopeful that it will help the tourism sector. The train won't only have one season but also all other seasons, including winter, summer, spring, and autumn. Our national highway is beautiful, and people love to take the route, and with the train coming, it will be one of the best journeys of their lives to take, '' said Manzoor Pakhtoon, the president of Houseboat Association.

The business community of the Kashmir Valley and outside has&nbsp;also welcomed this step.&nbsp;

Most business people believe that it will be one of the biggest game changers in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and will take business and tourism to new peaks.

Watch |&nbsp;Harvesting Lotus: Kashmir's Freezing Tradition Of Resilience

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''With the start of the Vande Bharat train from New Delhi to Srinagar, there will be a boom of tourism here and more and more crowds will come, and this place is a heaven. When the train service starts, we will get more and more people here, and we will be able to give more service, and since the budget will come down with the train, more people will choose to come here. And it's a very peaceful place,'' said Irshad Kapadia from Gujarat.

The 800 km long railway track from Srinagar to New Delhi would be covered within 13 hours of travel time. The railway track that runs on the most difficult terrain of the Himalayas will have more bridges and tunnels than any other railway track in the whole of India. The track will have around 931 bridges and 38 tunnels. It also includes the longest train tunnel, the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, measuring 11.21 km, and&nbsp;also the world's highest bridge over the Chenab River, with a height of 359 metres,&nbsp;making it higher than the Eiffel Tower of Paris.

The tourists coming to Kashmir Valley have welcomed the step and said that having a train service to Srinagar would mean affordable travel for the middle class.

''I think it will be great, and having another option to come to this place is going to be better for tourism. Getting more people and not everyone wants to come in a plane and not everyone would be able to come in a bus, so adding a third option is good for the area and tourism,'' said Snape, a tourist.

Security remains one of the major concerns for the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir for the rail service. Most of the security arrangements have already been put in place on the track with two wings of security, Railway Police Security (RPF) and General Railway Police (GRP), are fully dedicated to the security of railway stations and tracks. There will be CCTV connectivity at every station, every tunnel, and every bridge.

These will be controlled round the clock by railway and security officials in several sub-control rooms.

It is for the first time in the history of Independent India that Kashmir Valley would be connected to the rest of the country via rail link. The Srinagar-New Delhi rail link has been in the making for the last 20 years and finally, the time has come for Srinagar to be connected to New Delhi via rail.

It is for the first time in the history of Independent India that Kashmir Valley would be connected to the rest of the country via rail link. The Srinagar-New Delhi rail link has been in the making for the last 20 years and finally, the time has come for Srinagar to be connected to New Delhi via rail. According to government sources, the Vande Bharat train service from New Delhi to Srinagar will be inaugurated on January 26, 2025. Kashmiri people have been waiting for decades for the Srinagar-New Delhi rail link. Since the announcement of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav saying a historic milestone has been achieved by completing the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, there has been cheer among every community in the Valley, from businessmen to students, and from tourists to non-local workers. Also read: India: Heavy snowfall in Kashmir cheers tourists, turns valley into winter wonderland The tourist stakeholders have been the happiest with the news of the rail link between Srinagar-New Delhi as Kashmir Valley is a tourist destination, and the maximum impact of having a rail link will be on this industry. Kashmir Valley is waiting for a tourist boom after the start of the service, as it would be a cheap and easy mode of transport while coming to the Valley. ''This is a welcome step and a historic development; it was our long-pending demand that we should get train connectivity from all metro cities. Budget tourism wasn't possible, and those tourists were not able to come here. It's a dream of everyone to come to Kashmir once in their life. It's a great step and will boost tourism and many other sectors. We are very hopeful that it will help the tourism sector. The train won't only have one season but also all other seasons, including winter, summer, spring, and autumn. Our national highway is beautiful, and people love to take the route, and with the train coming, it will be one of the best journeys of their lives to take, '' said Manzoor Pakhtoon, the president of Houseboat Association. The business community of the Kashmir Valley and outside has also welcomed this step. Most business people believe that it will be one of the biggest game changers in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and will take business and tourism to new peaks. Watch | Harvesting Lotus: Kashmir's Freezing Tradition Of Resilience × ''With the start of the Vande Bharat train from New Delhi to Srinagar, there will be a boom of tourism here and more and more crowds will come, and this place is a heaven. When the train service starts, we will get more and more people here, and we will be able to give more service, and since the budget will come down with the train, more people will choose to come here. And it's a very peaceful place,'' said Irshad Kapadia from Gujarat. The 800 km long railway track from Srinagar to New Delhi would be covered within 13 hours of travel time. The railway track that runs on the most difficult terrain of the Himalayas will have more bridges and tunnels than any other railway track in the whole of India. The track will have around 931 bridges and 38 tunnels. It also includes the longest train tunnel, the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, measuring 11.21 km, and also the world's highest bridge over the Chenab River, with a height of 359 metres, making it higher than the Eiffel Tower of Paris. The tourists coming to Kashmir Valley have welcomed the step and said that having a train service to Srinagar would mean affordable travel for the middle class. ''I think it will be great, and having another option to come to this place is going to be better for tourism. Getting more people and not everyone wants to come in a plane and not everyone would be able to come in a bus, so adding a third option is good for the area and tourism,'' said Snape, a tourist. Security remains one of the major concerns for the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir for the rail service. Most of the security arrangements have already been put in place on the track with two wings of security, Railway Police Security (RPF) and General Railway Police (GRP), are fully dedicated to the security of railway stations and tracks. There will be CCTV connectivity at every station, every tunnel, and every bridge. These will be controlled round the clock by railway and security officials in several sub-control rooms.

Srinagar-New Delhi connectivity via railway link to be launched on Jan 26

The 2024 United States presidential elections dominated the country and also the search results of Merriam-Webster which finally culminated in "polarisation" becoming the word of the year.&nbsp;

“Polarisation means division, but it’s a very specific kind of division,” said Peter Sokolowski, who is editor of Merriam-Webster in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press.&nbsp;

“Polarisation means that we are tending toward the extremes rather than toward the centre," Sokolowski added.

The entry for “polarisation” in the Merriam-Webster reflected on scientific and metaphorical definitions. The word is commonly used to mean “causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings.”&nbsp;

Merriam-Webster, which receives more than 100 million page views every month on its website, chose the word of the year based on the data and tracked the increase of word in search and usage.

Their 2023 word of the year was “authentic.”&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brain-rot-emerges-as-oxford-word-of-the-year-are-you-suffering-from-it-780837">'Brain rot' emerges as Oxford word of the year. Are you suffering from it?</a>

“It’s always been important to me that the dictionary serves as a kind of neutral and objective arbiter of meaning for everybody,” said Sokolowski.

&nbsp;“It’s a kind of backstop for meaning in an era of fake news, alternative facts, whatever you want to say about the value of a word’s meaning in the culture," he added.&nbsp;

The word “polarisation” originated in the early 1800s, Sokolowski said. He said that it is a “pretty young word". “Polarised is a term that brings intensity to another word,” he said.

“The basic job of the dictionary is to tell the truth about words. We’ve had dictionaries of English for 420 years and it’s only been in the last 20 years or so that we’ve actually known which words people look up," explained the Merriam-Webster editor.

“Search volume on Merriam-Webster.com throughout the year reflected the desire of Americans to better understand the complex state of affairs in our country and around the world,” the dictionary added.&nbsp;

<h2>Other words which topped search results on Merriam-Webster</h2>

Along with "polarisation", other popular words related to politics&nbsp;also made it to the word of the year list of the dictionary. This included words like “democracy”, "pander", "weird", "cognitive", and "demure".&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;‘Brat’ is Collins' Word of the Year

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The word “democracy” received bipartisan attention across blue and red states and people searching for it “fully understand what it means—and to challenge, celebrate, and protect it,” as per Merriam-Webster.&nbsp;

“The word democracy never appears in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, but it has long been a focus of American and global attention, rarely more so than now,” the dictionary added in its explanation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The 2024 United States presidential elections dominated the country and also the search results of Merriam-Webster which finally culminated in "polarisation" becoming the word of the year.

The 2024 United States presidential elections dominated the country and also the search results of Merriam-Webster which finally culminated in "polarisation" becoming the word of the year. “Polarisation means division, but it’s a very specific kind of division,” said Peter Sokolowski, who is editor of Merriam-Webster in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press. “Polarisation means that we are tending toward the extremes rather than toward the centre," Sokolowski added. The entry for “polarisation” in the Merriam-Webster reflected on scientific and metaphorical definitions. The word is commonly used to mean “causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings.” Merriam-Webster, which receives more than 100 million page views every month on its website, chose the word of the year based on the data and tracked the increase of word in search and usage. Their 2023 word of the year was “authentic.” Also Read: 'Brain rot' emerges as Oxford word of the year. Are you suffering from it? “It’s always been important to me that the dictionary serves as a kind of neutral and objective arbiter of meaning for everybody,” said Sokolowski. “It’s a kind of backstop for meaning in an era of fake news, alternative facts, whatever you want to say about the value of a word’s meaning in the culture," he added. The word “polarisation” originated in the early 1800s, Sokolowski said. He said that it is a “pretty young word". “Polarised is a term that brings intensity to another word,” he said. “The basic job of the dictionary is to tell the truth about words. We’ve had dictionaries of English for 420 years and it’s only been in the last 20 years or so that we’ve actually known which words people look up," explained the Merriam-Webster editor. “Search volume on Merriam-Webster.com throughout the year reflected the desire of Americans to better understand the complex state of affairs in our country and around the world,” the dictionary added. Other words which topped search results on Merriam-Webster Along with "polarisation", other popular words related to politics also made it to the word of the year list of the dictionary. This included words like “democracy”, "pander", "weird", "cognitive", and "demure". Watch: ‘Brat’ is Collins' Word of the Year The word “democracy” received bipartisan attention across blue and red states and people searching for it “fully understand what it means—and to challenge, celebrate, and protect it,” as per Merriam-Webster. “The word democracy never appears in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, but it has long been a focus of American and global attention, rarely more so than now,” the dictionary added in its explanation. (With inputs from agencies)

Braving severe cold, these farmers jump into frozen lake in Kashmir to harvest lotus stems

A cold wave has swept across the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It was further intensified due to clear skies with the city of Srinagar recording the season's lowest temperature at minus 5.4 degree Celsius. Kashmir and Ladakh region have been continuously reeling under excruciating cold waves and the temperatures across the region are recorded below freezing point.

South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division. The Larnoo area in South Kashmir recorded the second lowest temperature in Kashmir Valley at minus 8.1 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

The tourist resort Pahalgam recorded the minimum temperature at minus 8.4 degrees Celsius while the Shopian district was at minus 8.5 degrees Celsius. The World-Famous Ski resort in North Kashmir's Baramulla district recorded the minimum temperature at minus nine degrees Celsius and Sonamarg Tourist resort was the coldest in the Valley at minus 9.7 degrees Celsius. &nbsp;

South Kashmir's Pulwama district recorded the minimum temperature at minus 8.3 degrees Celsius. Bandipora was at minus 5.5 degrees Celsius and Baramulla was at minus 5.1 degrees Celsius.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-six-dead-in-mumbai-bus-crash-detained-driver-blames-brake-failure-782817">Video: Six dead in Mumbai bus crash, detained driver blames brake failure</a>

Ladakh region has been battling the cold wave as well. The Leh town recorded seasons lowest at minus 13.2 degrees Celsius. The Zojila which connects Ladakh region to Jammu and Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature at minus 21 degrees Celsius.

WATCH |&nbsp;Cold Wave Grips Kashmir: Srinagar Records Season’s Coldest Night At Minus 5.4 Degree Celsius

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The MeT Department of Kashmir Valley has predicted the La Nina effect which means cooler than average sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific. This weather change mostly impacts the wind circulation patterns leading to more rains and snow.&nbsp;

The MeT department has predicted that the winter period will prolong and be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as bring rain and snow. As we head towards the ‘Chillai Kalan’, which is the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21, the La Nina effect will multiply the impact of cold and precipitation in the Valley.&nbsp;

The Met Department has predicted generally dry weather from December 10 to December 11. There are chances of snow from December 12 to 13. The weather will again be dry from December 13 to December 18, which means a further dip in the temperature.&nbsp;

A cold wave has swept across the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It was further intensified due to clear skies with the city of Srinagar recording the season's lowest temperature at minus 5.

A cold wave has swept across the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It was further intensified due to clear skies with the city of Srinagar recording the season's lowest temperature at minus 5.4 degree Celsius. Kashmir and Ladakh region have been continuously reeling under excruciating cold waves and the temperatures across the region are recorded below freezing point. South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division. The Larnoo area in South Kashmir recorded the second lowest temperature in Kashmir Valley at minus 8.1 degrees Celsius. The tourist resort Pahalgam recorded the minimum temperature at minus 8.4 degrees Celsius while the Shopian district was at minus 8.5 degrees Celsius. The World-Famous Ski resort in North Kashmir's Baramulla district recorded the minimum temperature at minus nine degrees Celsius and Sonamarg Tourist resort was the coldest in the Valley at minus 9.7 degrees Celsius. South Kashmir's Pulwama district recorded the minimum temperature at minus 8.3 degrees Celsius. Bandipora was at minus 5.5 degrees Celsius and Baramulla was at minus 5.1 degrees Celsius. Also read: Video: Six dead in Mumbai bus crash, detained driver blames brake failure Ladakh region has been battling the cold wave as well. The Leh town recorded seasons lowest at minus 13.2 degrees Celsius. The Zojila which connects Ladakh region to Jammu and Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature at minus 21 degrees Celsius. WATCH | Cold Wave Grips Kashmir: Srinagar Records Season’s Coldest Night At Minus 5.4 Degree Celsius × The MeT Department of Kashmir Valley has predicted the La Nina effect which means cooler than average sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific. This weather change mostly impacts the wind circulation patterns leading to more rains and snow. The MeT department has predicted that the winter period will prolong and be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as bring rain and snow. As we head towards the ‘Chillai Kalan’, which is the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21, the La Nina effect will multiply the impact of cold and precipitation in the Valley. The Met Department has predicted generally dry weather from December 10 to December 11. There are chances of snow from December 12 to 13. The weather will again be dry from December 13 to December 18, which means a further dip in the temperature.

India: Srinagar records season's lowest temp at minus 5.4 degree Celsius

To crush the terror ecosystem in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, security forces are carrying out a massive crackdown and have intensified anti-terror and narco-terror operations in the Valley. In the last 40 days, Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached property worth over Rs 7 crores ($824,761) and destroyed poppy cultivation on over 800 Kanals of land.

The anti-terror and anti-narco terror operations in the Valley have helped in curbing active terrorism in the region. These operations have helped security forces to break the backbone of the terror network active in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the official data, only 16-17 local terrorists are active in the terror ranks, which is the lowest in the last four decades.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-detain-more-than-120-people-in-underwear-drug-party-in-thailand-782923">Police detain more than 120 people in underwear ‘drug party’ in Thailand</a>

Security forces in the Kashmir region have tightened their grip over the terror networks in the last one and a half months as properties worth over Rs 7 crores have been attached. The attached properties belong to active terrorists as well as their sympathisers and drug peddlers. However, these operations have been going on for the last two years, and according to Jammu and Kashmir Police, property worth over Rs 40 crores has been attached in the previous two years, with around 2000 FIRs registered in the region.

Watch | Srinagar Records Season’s Coldest Night At Minus 5.4 Degree Celsius 
&nbsp;

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"As far as Narcotics is concerned, Jammu and Kashmir Police has taken it in mission mode and all districts are acting promptly and sharply to focus on this issue. A large number of FIRs have been filed regarding this, and a large number of people have been detained and arrested. Similarly, we have used strict laws like NDPS to tackle the habitual offenders. We also tend to attach the property of drug peddlers and accused, and this helps us in a great way to control the issue of narcotics. For the last two years, we have attached property worth 40 crores in narcotics cases. Similarly, illegal cultivation has been destroyed on around 800 Kanals. Recently, we have intensified the drive, and property worth more than Rs 7 crore&nbsp;was attached in the last two months only, which shows our resolve and focus on this issue,"&nbsp;said V K Birdi, IGP Kashmir.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-against-voodoo-community-in-haiti-nearly-200-dead-in-massacre-782958">Violence against voodoo community in Haiti: Nearly 200 dead in massacre</a>

Both narco-terror and terrorism are pushed by handlers across the border in Pakistan. Narco terror is used for generating funds for the terrorist organisations active in the Valley. Pakistan has been using drones for dropping drugs near the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border, and the money generated by selling those drugs is being pumped into terror organisations. And to further curb and control the terror activities in the Valley, security forces have tightened their grip. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the local recruitment into the terror outfits is at its lowest.&nbsp;

"As far as the terror ecosystem is concerned, there is a multi-pronged strategy: we handle those things and under the law, we attach the properties. So that people don't cross onto the wrong side of the law. Legal methods besides others have helped us. One can ascribe that it is one of the reasons for it," V K Birdi, IGP Kashmir, added.

Defence experts have always said that to end terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces will have to crush the terror ecosystem, which includes the ground workers and their supporters, including people involved in narcoterrorism. After these operations, the people of the Valley have stopped giving shelter to terrorists and sympathisers as they are scared of action being taken against those harbouring and helping terrorists. And this has in turn helped the security forces to curb the terror activities in Kashmir Valley.

To crush the terror ecosystem in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, security forces are carrying out a massive crackdown and have intensified anti-terror and narco-terror operations in the Valley.

To crush the terror ecosystem in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, security forces are carrying out a massive crackdown and have intensified anti-terror and narco-terror operations in the Valley. In the last 40 days, Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached property worth over Rs 7 crores ($824,761) and destroyed poppy cultivation on over 800 Kanals of land. The anti-terror and anti-narco terror operations in the Valley have helped in curbing active terrorism in the region. These operations have helped security forces to break the backbone of the terror network active in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the official data, only 16-17 local terrorists are active in the terror ranks, which is the lowest in the last four decades. Also read | Police detain more than 120 people in underwear ‘drug party’ in Thailand Security forces in the Kashmir region have tightened their grip over the terror networks in the last one and a half months as properties worth over Rs 7 crores have been attached. The attached properties belong to active terrorists as well as their sympathisers and drug peddlers. However, these operations have been going on for the last two years, and according to Jammu and Kashmir Police, property worth over Rs 40 crores has been attached in the previous two years, with around 2000 FIRs registered in the region. Watch | Srinagar Records Season’s Coldest Night At Minus 5.4 Degree Celsius "As far as Narcotics is concerned, Jammu and Kashmir Police has taken it in mission mode and all districts are acting promptly and sharply to focus on this issue. A large number of FIRs have been filed regarding this, and a large number of people have been detained and arrested. Similarly, we have used strict laws like NDPS to tackle the habitual offenders. We also tend to attach the property of drug peddlers and accused, and this helps us in a great way to control the issue of narcotics. For the last two years, we have attached property worth 40 crores in narcotics cases. Similarly, illegal cultivation has been destroyed on around 800 Kanals. Recently, we have intensified the drive, and property worth more than Rs 7 crore was attached in the last two months only, which shows our resolve and focus on this issue," said V K Birdi, IGP Kashmir. Also read | Violence against voodoo community in Haiti: Nearly 200 dead in massacre Both narco-terror and terrorism are pushed by handlers across the border in Pakistan. Narco terror is used for generating funds for the terrorist organisations active in the Valley. Pakistan has been using drones for dropping drugs near the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border, and the money generated by selling those drugs is being pumped into terror organisations. And to further curb and control the terror activities in the Valley, security forces have tightened their grip. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the local recruitment into the terror outfits is at its lowest. "As far as the terror ecosystem is concerned, there is a multi-pronged strategy: we handle those things and under the law, we attach the properties. So that people don't cross onto the wrong side of the law. Legal methods besides others have helped us. One can ascribe that it is one of the reasons for it," V K Birdi, IGP Kashmir, added. Defence experts have always said that to end terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces will have to crush the terror ecosystem, which includes the ground workers and their supporters, including people involved in narcoterrorism. After these operations, the people of the Valley have stopped giving shelter to terrorists and sympathisers as they are scared of action being taken against those harbouring and helping terrorists. And this has in turn helped the security forces to curb the terror activities in Kashmir Valley.

India: Anti-terror operations intensified, property worth Rs 70 million attached in Kashmir region

The higher reaches and tourist spots of Kashmir Valley received a fresh spell of snowfall, spreading a lot of cheer among the visiting tourists. The plains continued to reel under severe cold wave conditions. Tourist&nbsp;places like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, and the higher reaches of North Kashmir received fresh spells of snowfall.&nbsp;

Due to the fresh snowfall in the region, the road that connects Ladakh to Jammu and Kashmir has been closed to traffic due to the accumulation of snow. The Mughal Road and Sinthan Road have also been closed for vehicular movement by the traffic department of Jammu and Kashmir Police due to the fresh spell of snowfall. Men and machinery have been deployed to clear the roads for traffic at all the places. But the tourists visiting the valley are enjoying the fresh snowfall.&nbsp;

''I had come to Kashmir Valley only to witness snow, and I feel lucky that I got to see the snowfall in Gulmarg. It's nothing less than a winter wonderland. I am waiting for more snow as I am staying for a few more days, '' said Aakash Arora, a tourist.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-navy-captures-two-boats-apprehends-eight-indian-fishermen-782562">Sri Lankan Navy apprehends eight Indian fishermen, captures two boats</a>

The whole of Kashmir and the Ladakh region have been continuously reeling under extreme cold waves, and the temperatures across the division are below freezing point. Srinagar City recorded the temperatures at minus 3.3 degrees.&nbsp;

South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division. The Larnoo area in South Kashmir recorded the second lowest temperature in Kashmir Valley at minus 7.9 degrees. The tourist resort Pahalgam recorded the minimum temperature at minus 6.8 degrees while the Shopian district was at minus 7.5 degrees Celsius. The World-Famous Ski resort in North Kashmir's Baramulla district recorded the minimum temperature at minus 9 degrees, becoming the coldest in the Kashmir Division.&nbsp;

The tourist resort Sonamarg also recorded the season's minimum at minus 7 degrees. Pulwama recorded the minimum temperature at minus 6.7 degrees. Bandipora was at minus 4.1, and Baramulla was at minus 4.2 degrees.&nbsp;

The temperature recorded at Nyoma Village in Ladakh dropped to below minus 12.7 degrees. While Leh town recorded the season's lowest at minus 12.8 degrees. The Zojila, which connects the Ladakh region to Jammu and Kashmir, recorded the minimum temperature at minus 20 degrees.

The MeT Department of Kashmir Valley has predicted that the La Nina effect will have&nbsp;an impact&nbsp;with the wind circulation patterns leading to more rain&nbsp;and snow. The MeT department has predicted that the winter period will prolong and will be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as rains and snow. As we head towards the 'Chillai Kalan', which is the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21, the La Nina effect will multiply the impact of cold and precipitation in the valley.

The Met Department has predicted generally dry weather from December 9th to December 11th. There are chances of snow from 12th December to 13th December. The weather will again be dry from December 13 to December 18th, which means a further dip in the temperature.&nbsp;

The higher reaches and tourist spots of Kashmir Valley received a fresh spell of snowfall, spreading a lot of cheer among the visiting tourists. The plains continued to reel under severe cold wave conditions.

The higher reaches and tourist spots of Kashmir Valley received a fresh spell of snowfall, spreading a lot of cheer among the visiting tourists. The plains continued to reel under severe cold wave conditions. Tourist places like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, and the higher reaches of North Kashmir received fresh spells of snowfall. Due to the fresh snowfall in the region, the road that connects Ladakh to Jammu and Kashmir has been closed to traffic due to the accumulation of snow. The Mughal Road and Sinthan Road have also been closed for vehicular movement by the traffic department of Jammu and Kashmir Police due to the fresh spell of snowfall. Men and machinery have been deployed to clear the roads for traffic at all the places. But the tourists visiting the valley are enjoying the fresh snowfall. ''I had come to Kashmir Valley only to witness snow, and I feel lucky that I got to see the snowfall in Gulmarg. It's nothing less than a winter wonderland. I am waiting for more snow as I am staying for a few more days, '' said Aakash Arora, a tourist. Also read: Sri Lankan Navy apprehends eight Indian fishermen, captures two boats The whole of Kashmir and the Ladakh region have been continuously reeling under extreme cold waves, and the temperatures across the division are below freezing point. Srinagar City recorded the temperatures at minus 3.3 degrees. South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division. The Larnoo area in South Kashmir recorded the second lowest temperature in Kashmir Valley at minus 7.9 degrees. The tourist resort Pahalgam recorded the minimum temperature at minus 6.8 degrees while the Shopian district was at minus 7.5 degrees Celsius. The World-Famous Ski resort in North Kashmir's Baramulla district recorded the minimum temperature at minus 9 degrees, becoming the coldest in the Kashmir Division. The tourist resort Sonamarg also recorded the season's minimum at minus 7 degrees. Pulwama recorded the minimum temperature at minus 6.7 degrees. Bandipora was at minus 4.1, and Baramulla was at minus 4.2 degrees. The temperature recorded at Nyoma Village in Ladakh dropped to below minus 12.7 degrees. While Leh town recorded the season's lowest at minus 12.8 degrees. The Zojila, which connects the Ladakh region to Jammu and Kashmir, recorded the minimum temperature at minus 20 degrees. The MeT Department of Kashmir Valley has predicted that the La Nina effect will have an impact with the wind circulation patterns leading to more rain and snow. The MeT department has predicted that the winter period will prolong and will be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as rains and snow. As we head towards the 'Chillai Kalan', which is the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21, the La Nina effect will multiply the impact of cold and precipitation in the valley. The Met Department has predicted generally dry weather from December 9th to December 11th. There are chances of snow from 12th December to 13th December. The weather will again be dry from December 13 to December 18th, which means a further dip in the temperature.

India: Heavy snowfall in Kashmir cheers tourists, turns valley into winter wonderland

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh continue to reel under severe cold wave conditions as temperatures across the region continue to be recorded below freezing point. The lowest temperature in the region was recorded at Nyoma Village in Ladakh at minus 18.3 degrees. While the Dras area recorded the temperature at minus 14 degrees, Leh town recorded the season's lowest at minus 9.6 degrees. The Zojila, which connects the Ladakh region to Jammu and Kashmir, recorded the minimum temperature at minus 18 degrees.&nbsp;

The Kashmir Division has also been reeling under the cold wave, with Srinagar recording the minimum temperature at minus 2.1 degrees. South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division. The tourist resort Pahalgam recorded the minimum temperature at minus 5.3 degrees, while the coldest place in the Kashmir region was the Shopian district, where the minimum temperature was minus 5.5 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, the world-famous ski resort in North Kashmir's Baramulla district, recorded the minimum temperature at minus 3.6 degrees.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-coast-guard-rescues-12-indian-crew-from-arabian-sea-with-help-from-pakistan-agency-781658">Indian Coast Guard rescues 12 Indian crew from Arabian Sea with help from Pakistan agency</a>

The tourist resort Sonamarg also recorded the season's minimum at minus 4.9 degrees. Meanwhile, the MeT Department of Kashmir Valley has predicted the La Nina effect, which means cooler than average sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific. This weather change mostly impacts the wind circulation patterns, leading to more rain and snow. The MeT department has predicted that the winter period will prolong and will be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as rains and snow. As we head towards the 'Chillai Kalan', which is the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21, the La Nina effect will multiply the impact of cold and precipitation in the valley.&nbsp;

The Met Department has predicted generally dry weather from December 5th to December 7th. There are chances of snow from December 8th to December 9th. There will be some respite from the cold wave conditions from December 15th onwards as rains and snow are predicted.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh continue to reel under severe cold wave conditions as temperatures across the region continue to be recorded below freezing point. The lowest temperature in the region was recorded at Nyoma Village in Ladakh at minus 18.

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh continue to reel under severe cold wave conditions as temperatures across the region continue to be recorded below freezing point. The lowest temperature in the region was recorded at Nyoma Village in Ladakh at minus 18.3 degrees. While the Dras area recorded the temperature at minus 14 degrees, Leh town recorded the season's lowest at minus 9.6 degrees. The Zojila, which connects the Ladakh region to Jammu and Kashmir, recorded the minimum temperature at minus 18 degrees. The Kashmir Division has also been reeling under the cold wave, with Srinagar recording the minimum temperature at minus 2.1 degrees. South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division. The tourist resort Pahalgam recorded the minimum temperature at minus 5.3 degrees, while the coldest place in the Kashmir region was the Shopian district, where the minimum temperature was minus 5.5 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, the world-famous ski resort in North Kashmir's Baramulla district, recorded the minimum temperature at minus 3.6 degrees. Also read: Indian Coast Guard rescues 12 Indian crew from Arabian Sea with help from Pakistan agency The tourist resort Sonamarg also recorded the season's minimum at minus 4.9 degrees. Meanwhile, the MeT Department of Kashmir Valley has predicted the La Nina effect, which means cooler than average sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific. This weather change mostly impacts the wind circulation patterns, leading to more rain and snow. The MeT department has predicted that the winter period will prolong and will be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as rains and snow. As we head towards the 'Chillai Kalan', which is the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21, the La Nina effect will multiply the impact of cold and precipitation in the valley. The Met Department has predicted generally dry weather from December 5th to December 7th. There are chances of snow from December 8th to December 9th. There will be some respite from the cold wave conditions from December 15th onwards as rains and snow are predicted.

Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh reel under severe cold wave conditions

Kashmir has broken all the records of tourist arrivals in the last few years and there have been many new developments related to the tourism industry in the valley. From the floating post office to the floating ATM on the world-famous Dal Lake, now it's the Shikara rides that can be booked via an app to make it hassle-free for tourists.&nbsp;

For the first time ever in India, the water transport facility has been made available for tourists via an app. Uber Shikara has introduced Shikara rides on the world-famous Dal Lake in collaboration with the Shikara Union of Srinagar. Tourists visiting Kashmir Valley can now pre-book their Shikara rides with fixed rates and location two weeks before their arrival. The service available for tourists will be a more convenient way to rent Shikaras in Dal Lake to enhance the visitor experience and save a lot of time and hassle.&nbsp;

''We are super thrilled to bring Uber Shikara to Srinagar, we in fact started Uber services in Kashmir last year. What we are coming to Srinagar with is a unique proposition and we are super thrilled, it's one place that's on every tourist's bucket list and ultimately when you find yourself in Srinagar, you have to do a Shikara ride. To book a Shikara ride you would go around and haggle with people, we just wanted to cut out the inconvenience and effort that it takes for tourists to book a Shikara. The idea is to make it super convenient for tourists and you can pre-book the rides, '' said Ruchika Tomar, Director of Communications, Uber.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiAi6bjpouKAxX3rlYBHTdSA-cQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-security-grid-tightened-ahead-of-winters-forces-have-input-about-infiltration-attempts-777359" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-security-grid-tightened-ahead-of-winters-forces-have-input-about-infiltration-attempts-777359&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAi6bjpouKAxX3rlYBHTdSA-cQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Jammu and Kashmir: Security Grid tightened ahead of winters, forces have input about infiltration attempts</a>

Uber is not charging any commission from the Shikara owners for the booking made via the app. They are working with the Shikara Union which has prescribed government approved rates&nbsp;to make it transparent and easy for both the tourists as well as the Shikara owners. Kashmir has seen a huge influx of tourists from different states of India as well as abroad recently.

Shikara owners and houseboat operators have also benefited from the increasing number of visitors. All the tourists visiting the famous Dal Lake appreciated this move of online Shikara booking.&nbsp;

''I certainly feel it will be much more organized and hassle-free once Uber booking becomes available and if one can pre-book and certainly people from other places can have ease of pre-booking and they will be pretty sure that they will get their Shikara ride on time. The only thing I assume is there should not be any resistance from locals here. For Visitors and people like us it certainly would be beneficial and much more convenient, '' said Dr Gaurav Sharma, a tourist.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiAi6bjpouKAxX3rlYBHTdSA-cQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/local-recruitment-in-kashmir-terror-groups-hits-zero-majority-of-active-militants-now-foreign-764487" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/local-recruitment-in-kashmir-terror-groups-hits-zero-majority-of-active-militants-now-foreign-764487&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAi6bjpouKAxX3rlYBHTdSA-cQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">India: Local recruitment of terror groups in Kashmir hits zero; majority of active militants now foreign</a>

The tourists visiting the valley have also appreciated the idea and said that it will not only save time but also save them from haggling with the Shikara owners.&nbsp;

''It will be very hassle-free; we won't have to stand in queues, and it will be prepaid and we won't have to waste time. We will enjoy the lake more and give it more time to enjoy. This is a great move by Uber, and we are looking forward to booking the Shikara via apps, '' said Dr Sushmita, another tourist.&nbsp;

Watch: India: IMD Predicts La Nina Impact In Kashmir

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Around 2.8 million tourists visited the Kashmir Valley in the year 2024. There was a huge increase in the foreign tourists visiting as well and the number was recorded at 35,254. Meanwhile, these numbers excluded religious tourism which also numbers in millions.&nbsp;

Kashmir has broken all the records of tourist arrivals in the last few years and there have been many new developments related to the tourism industry in the valley.

Kashmir has broken all the records of tourist arrivals in the last few years and there have been many new developments related to the tourism industry in the valley. From the floating post office to the floating ATM on the world-famous Dal Lake, now it's the Shikara rides that can be booked via an app to make it hassle-free for tourists. For the first time ever in India, the water transport facility has been made available for tourists via an app. Uber Shikara has introduced Shikara rides on the world-famous Dal Lake in collaboration with the Shikara Union of Srinagar. Tourists visiting Kashmir Valley can now pre-book their Shikara rides with fixed rates and location two weeks before their arrival. The service available for tourists will be a more convenient way to rent Shikaras in Dal Lake to enhance the visitor experience and save a lot of time and hassle. ''We are super thrilled to bring Uber Shikara to Srinagar, we in fact started Uber services in Kashmir last year. What we are coming to Srinagar with is a unique proposition and we are super thrilled, it's one place that's on every tourist's bucket list and ultimately when you find yourself in Srinagar, you have to do a Shikara ride. To book a Shikara ride you would go around and haggle with people, we just wanted to cut out the inconvenience and effort that it takes for tourists to book a Shikara. The idea is to make it super convenient for tourists and you can pre-book the rides, '' said Ruchika Tomar, Director of Communications, Uber. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Security Grid tightened ahead of winters, forces have input about infiltration attempts Uber is not charging any commission from the Shikara owners for the booking made via the app. They are working with the Shikara Union which has prescribed government approved rates to make it transparent and easy for both the tourists as well as the Shikara owners. Kashmir has seen a huge influx of tourists from different states of India as well as abroad recently. Shikara owners and houseboat operators have also benefited from the increasing number of visitors. All the tourists visiting the famous Dal Lake appreciated this move of online Shikara booking. ''I certainly feel it will be much more organized and hassle-free once Uber booking becomes available and if one can pre-book and certainly people from other places can have ease of pre-booking and they will be pretty sure that they will get their Shikara ride on time. The only thing I assume is there should not be any resistance from locals here. For Visitors and people like us it certainly would be beneficial and much more convenient, '' said Dr Gaurav Sharma, a tourist. Also read: India: Local recruitment of terror groups in Kashmir hits zero; majority of active militants now foreign The tourists visiting the valley have also appreciated the idea and said that it will not only save time but also save them from haggling with the Shikara owners. ''It will be very hassle-free; we won't have to stand in queues, and it will be prepaid and we won't have to waste time. We will enjoy the lake more and give it more time to enjoy. This is a great move by Uber, and we are looking forward to booking the Shikara via apps, '' said Dr Sushmita, another tourist. Watch: India: IMD Predicts La Nina Impact In Kashmir × Around 2.8 million tourists visited the Kashmir Valley in the year 2024. There was a huge increase in the foreign tourists visiting as well and the number was recorded at 35,254. Meanwhile, these numbers excluded religious tourism which also numbers in millions.

Shikara rides in Kashmir's Dal Lake now available for booking via app

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a massive shift in the weather conditions, with the MeT department predicting a very harsh winter ahead. The MeT Department has predicted a harsh winter in Kashmir Valley, citing the impact of the La Nina effect&nbsp;that leads to&nbsp;cooler ocean surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific, which in turn triggers global climate changes, including harsher winters in India.&nbsp;

La Nina is the climatic counterpart to El Nino which is responsible for warmer conditions.

This weather change mostly impacts the wind circulation patterns, leading to more rain&nbsp;and snow.

The La Nina effect will impact the temperatures and also mean more snow and rain in the Kashmir Valley.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-shivers-as-temperatures-remains-at-below-freezing-point-with-srinagar-recorded-seasons-coldest-night-779899">Also read:&nbsp;Kashmir shivers as temperatures remain below freezing point, Srinagar records season's coldest night</a>

The MeT department has predicted that the winter period will prolong and will be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as rains and snow. And as we head towards the 'Chillai Kalan', which is the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21, the La Nina effect will multiply the impact of cold and precipitation in the Kashmir Valley.

"What we had experienced last winter, which was relatively warm and dry throughout Jammu and Kashmir and also in areas like Himachal and Uttarakhand. As a result, fog persisted for a longer period in the plains of Jammu, parts of Punjab, and Haryana. This year, global agencies have predicted the La Nina effect over the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;Whenever we have the effect, we experience a harsh winter with temperatures&nbsp;dipping further, and we will have a lot of snow. The western Himalayan region will be impacted much more this year," said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of MeT Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed very little rain and snow the last few years due to the El Nino effect, which impacted the weather conditions across the region, including Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Kashmir Valley Sees Minus Temperatures Across Tourists Spots

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The MeT department had said that the water bodies and glaciers were melting as the region saw a huge deficit of rain and snow in the higher reaches and plains of Kashmir.&nbsp;

The change from El Nino to La Nina, which creates unpredictable weather conditions, is because of global warming. The MeT said that the weather unpredictability would increase with time due to these factors.

"We are experiencing too much change in the weather and temperatures. We have too much cold in the winter and too much precipitation in winter. The uneven climate variability and day by day these extreme weather conditions will occur often, there is no doubt that climate change is leading to this," said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT Kashmir.

The authorities in Kashmir Valley are bracing up for a harsh winter and making preparations to tackle the unprecedented winter. The administration has kept the man and machinery on alert. People are also being made aware that this is going to be a harsh winter and they have to prepare accordingly.

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a massive shift in the weather conditions, with the MeT department predicting a very harsh winter ahead. The MeT Department has predicted a harsh winter in Kashmir Valley, citing the impact of the La Nina effect that leads to cooler ocean surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific, which in turn triggers global climate changes, including harsher winters in India.

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a massive shift in the weather conditions, with the MeT department predicting a very harsh winter ahead. The MeT Department has predicted a harsh winter in Kashmir Valley, citing the impact of the La Nina effect that leads to cooler ocean surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific, which in turn triggers global climate changes, including harsher winters in India. La Nina is the climatic counterpart to El Nino which is responsible for warmer conditions. This weather change mostly impacts the wind circulation patterns, leading to more rain and snow. The La Nina effect will impact the temperatures and also mean more snow and rain in the Kashmir Valley. Also read: Kashmir shivers as temperatures remain below freezing point, Srinagar records season's coldest night The MeT department has predicted that the winter period will prolong and will be very harsh in terms of temperature as well as rains and snow. And as we head towards the 'Chillai Kalan', which is the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21, the La Nina effect will multiply the impact of cold and precipitation in the Kashmir Valley. "What we had experienced last winter, which was relatively warm and dry throughout Jammu and Kashmir and also in areas like Himachal and Uttarakhand. As a result, fog persisted for a longer period in the plains of Jammu, parts of Punjab, and Haryana. This year, global agencies have predicted the La Nina effect over the Pacific Ocean. Whenever we have the effect, we experience a harsh winter with temperatures dipping further, and we will have a lot of snow. The western Himalayan region will be impacted much more this year," said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of MeT Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed very little rain and snow the last few years due to the El Nino effect, which impacted the weather conditions across the region, including Kashmir Valley. Watch | Kashmir Valley Sees Minus Temperatures Across Tourists Spots × The MeT department had said that the water bodies and glaciers were melting as the region saw a huge deficit of rain and snow in the higher reaches and plains of Kashmir. The change from El Nino to La Nina, which creates unpredictable weather conditions, is because of global warming. The MeT said that the weather unpredictability would increase with time due to these factors. "We are experiencing too much change in the weather and temperatures. We have too much cold in the winter and too much precipitation in winter. The uneven climate variability and day by day these extreme weather conditions will occur often, there is no doubt that climate change is leading to this," said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT Kashmir. The authorities in Kashmir Valley are bracing up for a harsh winter and making preparations to tackle the unprecedented winter. The administration has kept the man and machinery on alert. People are also being made aware that this is going to be a harsh winter and they have to prepare accordingly.

Jammu and Kashmir braces for severe and harsh winter with La Niña impact

In its continuous drive against terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K Police arrested two terror associates in the Doda districts of the Jammu region. Meanwhile, Security forces in the Kishtwar area also attached properties of seven terrorists who have been operating from across the border in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In its continuous drive against terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K Police arrested two terror associates in the Doda districts of the Jammu region. Meanwhile, Security forces in the Kishtwar area also attached properties of seven terrorists who have been operating from across the border in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). A major hideout was also busted by security forces in the Mankote area of Mendhar in the Poonch district of Jammu region. Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested two ground workers in Doda and Udhampur districts. Police believe they were planning anti-national activities and were taking orders from terrorists and handlers from across the border. One of the terror associates was identified as Firdous Ahmad working to revive terror activities in the region. Security forces also busted a hideout in the Poonch district and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition along with incriminating materials. Security forces recovered an Improvised Explosive Device, RDX, One battery, two blankets and eatables from the hideout site. Security forces also attached the properties of around half a dozen terrorists operating from across the Border in Pakistan. The National Investigative Agency Court earlier had declared 36 people as absconders operating from across the border. And among those, 7 terrorist properties were attached by the NIA Special court orders. Jammu and Kashmir Police's top official said that the drive to attach properties of absconding terrorists will continue in the region. The J&K Police said it will take all measures to dismantle the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure a safe and peaceful atmosphere in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Anti-terror operations continue in J&K, two terror associates arrested, 7 properties attached

The government of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has prohibited the use of apps like Gmail and WhatsApp for official communication among government officials. Citing the potential of leaks and breaches, the government said these third-party platforms are not designed to handle sensitive information, and such communication should instead be done on government-approved apps.

An order passed by the General Administration Department on Saturday (Nov 23) said, “It has come to the attention of the administration that there is an increasing trend among officers and officials to use third-party tools such as WhatsApp, Gmail, and other similar platforms for transmitting sensitive, secret, and confidential information. This practice poses significant risks to the integrity and security of the information being communicated."

"Consequently, the use of such tools could result in severe security breaches that jeopardize the integrity of governmental operations," the order reads.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiGu_GGwvyJAxXsSmwGHWznBJwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-security-grid-tightened-ahead-of-winters-forces-have-input-about-infiltration-attempts-777359" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-security-grid-tightened-ahead-of-winters-forces-have-input-about-infiltration-attempts-777359&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiGu_GGwvyJAxXsSmwGHWznBJwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Jammu and Kashmir: Security Grid tightened ahead of winters, forces have input about infiltration attempts</a>

"Classified information falls under the following four categories namely, Top Secret, Secret, Confidential and Restricted. A 'Top Secret' and 'Secret' document shall not be shared over the Internet. According to NISPG, the 'Top Secret' and 'Secret' information shall be shared only in a closed network with leased line connectivity where a SAG-grade encryption mechanism is deployed,” it added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiGu_GGwvyJAxXsSmwGHWznBJwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/local-recruitment-in-kashmir-terror-groups-hits-zero-majority-of-active-militants-now-foreign-764487" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/local-recruitment-in-kashmir-terror-groups-hits-zero-majority-of-active-militants-now-foreign-764487&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiGu_GGwvyJAxXsSmwGHWznBJwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">India: Local recruitment of terror groups in Kashmir hits zero; majority of active militants now foreign</a>

The order added that government-backed instant messaging platforms such as CDAC's Samvad, NIC's Sandesh etc, must be used for official communication. Additionally, all governmental departments have been asked to deploy proper firewalls and white-list IP addresses for additional security.

Watch:&nbsp;Jammu And Kashmir: Govt Bans Use Of WhatsApp, Gmail For Transmission Of Official Documents | WION

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"The e-Office server should be accessed through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for enhanced security. Departments may ensure that only authorised employees/personnel are allowed to access the e-Office system,” the order added.

Users on social media lauded the move. One user said it was also important for the government to have a cloud data centre of its own. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The government of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has prohibited the use of apps like Gmail and WhatsApp for official communication among government officials.

The government of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has prohibited the use of apps like Gmail and WhatsApp for official communication among government officials. Citing the potential of leaks and breaches, the government said these third-party platforms are not designed to handle sensitive information, and such communication should instead be done on government-approved apps. An order passed by the General Administration Department on Saturday (Nov 23) said, “It has come to the attention of the administration that there is an increasing trend among officers and officials to use third-party tools such as WhatsApp, Gmail, and other similar platforms for transmitting sensitive, secret, and confidential information. This practice poses significant risks to the integrity and security of the information being communicated." "Consequently, the use of such tools could result in severe security breaches that jeopardize the integrity of governmental operations," the order reads. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Security Grid tightened ahead of winters, forces have input about infiltration attempts "Classified information falls under the following four categories namely, Top Secret, Secret, Confidential and Restricted. A 'Top Secret' and 'Secret' document shall not be shared over the Internet. According to NISPG, the 'Top Secret' and 'Secret' information shall be shared only in a closed network with leased line connectivity where a SAG-grade encryption mechanism is deployed,” it added. Also read: India: Local recruitment of terror groups in Kashmir hits zero; majority of active militants now foreign The order added that government-backed instant messaging platforms such as CDAC's Samvad, NIC's Sandesh etc, must be used for official communication. Additionally, all governmental departments have been asked to deploy proper firewalls and white-list IP addresses for additional security. Watch: Jammu And Kashmir: Govt Bans Use Of WhatsApp, Gmail For Transmission Of Official Documents | WION × "The e-Office server should be accessed through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for enhanced security. Departments may ensure that only authorised employees/personnel are allowed to access the e-Office system,” the order added. Users on social media lauded the move. One user said it was also important for the government to have a cloud data centre of its own. (With inputs from agencies)

India: J&K officials barred from using WhatsApp, Gmail for official communication

Kashmir Valley is reeling under severe cold wave conditions, with Srinagar recording the season's coldest night.&nbsp;

Srinagar recorded the minimum temperature at minus 2.1 degrees Celsius. At the same time, south Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the region.&nbsp;

The tourist resort Pahalgam recorded the minimum temperature at minus 5 degrees. while the coldest place in the Kashmir region was the Shopian district, where the minimum temperature was minus 5.5 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-security-grid-tightened-ahead-of-winters-forces-have-input-about-infiltration-attempts-777359">Also read:&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir: Security Grid tightened ahead of winters, forces have input about infiltration attempts</a>

Other parts of the Kashmir Valley also recorded below freezing point temperatures.&nbsp;

Areas like Qazigund in South Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature at minus 3.0°C, while ski resort Gulmarg was at minus 2.5°C. In Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district,&nbsp;Sonamarg recorded a temperature at minus 3.4°C.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Bee Queen Of India's Jammu &amp; Kashmir

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In North India, the Ladakh region is also witnessing bone-chilling cold wave conditions as&nbsp;the temperatures dropped below minus 12 degrees.&nbsp;

Leh town recorded the temperature at minus 8.8°C, while Kargil town was at minus 8.3°C. The coldest place in the country remains the Dras area,&nbsp;where the mercury dipped to minus 12.2°C.&nbsp;

MeT has already predicted harsh winters in Kashmir and Ladakh this season. And the early dip in temperatures indicates stark weather conditions in the valley, where the nights are freezing and even daytime temperatures remain below normal.&nbsp;

The Met department has predicted some respite from the cold wave conditions from November 29 to November 30.&nbsp;

MeT has predicted that there are chances of rains and snow across the Kashmir Division, which will result in some increase in the temperature. The higher reaches will receive a fresh spell of snowfall.&nbsp;

Kashmir Valley is reeling under severe cold wave conditions, with Srinagar recording the season's coldest night. Srinagar recorded the minimum temperature at minus 2.

Kashmir Valley is reeling under severe cold wave conditions, with Srinagar recording the season's coldest night. Srinagar recorded the minimum temperature at minus 2.1 degrees Celsius. At the same time, south Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the region. The tourist resort Pahalgam recorded the minimum temperature at minus 5 degrees. while the coldest place in the Kashmir region was the Shopian district, where the minimum temperature was minus 5.5 degrees Celsius. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Security Grid tightened ahead of winters, forces have input about infiltration attempts Other parts of the Kashmir Valley also recorded below freezing point temperatures. Areas like Qazigund in South Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature at minus 3.0°C, while ski resort Gulmarg was at minus 2.5°C. In Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, Sonamarg recorded a temperature at minus 3.4°C. Watch: Bee Queen Of India's Jammu & Kashmir × In North India, the Ladakh region is also witnessing bone-chilling cold wave conditions as the temperatures dropped below minus 12 degrees. Leh town recorded the temperature at minus 8.8°C, while Kargil town was at minus 8.3°C. The coldest place in the country remains the Dras area, where the mercury dipped to minus 12.2°C. MeT has already predicted harsh winters in Kashmir and Ladakh this season. And the early dip in temperatures indicates stark weather conditions in the valley, where the nights are freezing and even daytime temperatures remain below normal. The Met department has predicted some respite from the cold wave conditions from November 29 to November 30. MeT has predicted that there are chances of rains and snow across the Kashmir Division, which will result in some increase in the temperature. The higher reaches will receive a fresh spell of snowfall.

Kashmir shivers as temperatures remain below freezing point, Srinagar records season's coldest night

As peace is returning to the Kashmir Valley, it has opened doors for international events to be hosted in the Indian Union Territory. After the G20 Summit, Srinagar is now hosting the World Craft Council’s 60th Jubilee. Events organised by the government of Jammu and Kashmir aim to highlight the Valley’s rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage on a global platform.

On the banks of the world-famous Dal Lake, the artisans from across the world will be meeting Kashmiri artisans. The event has brought together 15 international delegates who are WCC members from diverse regions, including Kuwait, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Central Asia, and beyond.&nbsp;

Alongside these delegates, artisans from various parts of the world have also gathered to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship, reflecting a rich tapestry of global heritage.

“The relation between Kashmir and the World Craft Council has begun after Srinagar was designated as World Craft City. Having this designation is in direct benefit to the artisans and craft masters of Kashmir. It also puts the artisans on the Global map as the craft city. Two years ago, UNESCO also gave it the title of creative cities and now with the World Craft Council, this will all fall in the direction of bringing Kashmir in focus at a global level. But I have to say that Kashmiris are the most peaceful and hospitable people. Even in the street when we interact with people it just feels like home,”&nbsp;Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi, president of World Crafts Council International.&nbsp;

The delegates were taken on a Craft Safari through the historic lanes of the old city. To experience the intricate artistry and vibrant traditions of the Valley. Some of the artisans from across the world interacted and exchanged ideas with the local artisans.

“We have a family business of fabric production of fabric; this is camel wool with natural cotton and colors. So, our main concept is to do that fabric. We started with camel wool, later on to cotton and also added silk to it. Now we do home decor as well. I think it's very important to do such exchanges as I am aware of the Kashmiri crafts, we have our own technique of embroidery and this kind of event gives us the opportunity to exchange knowledge,” said Merjaan, a delegate from Turkmenistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiUrqu0ofqJAxUXn68BHWu0Au0QxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-security-grid-tightened-ahead-of-winters-forces-have-input-about-infiltration-attempts-777359" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-security-grid-tightened-ahead-of-winters-forces-have-input-about-infiltration-attempts-777359&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiUrqu0ofqJAxUXn68BHWu0Au0QxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Jammu and Kashmir: Security Grid tightened ahead of winters, forces have input about infiltration attempts</a>

These events also featured an expert panel discussion where renowned craft experts explored the contemporary challenges and opportunities in the global craft industry. A vibrant craft bazaar was also set up, showcasing exquisite creations from Jammu and Kashmir and beyond, offering artisans a platform to display and sell their work.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiUrqu0ofqJAxUXn68BHWu0Au0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/local-recruitment-in-kashmir-terror-groups-hits-zero-majority-of-active-militants-now-foreign-764487" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/local-recruitment-in-kashmir-terror-groups-hits-zero-majority-of-active-militants-now-foreign-764487&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiUrqu0ofqJAxUXn68BHWu0Au0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">India: Local recruitment of terror groups in Kashmir hits zero; majority of active militants now foreign</a>

“I think it's a very big opportunity for the Kashmir craft and the World Craft Council is here celebrating the 60th anniversary, this will bring all the attention of all the art lovers to Kashmir, and it will benefit the art in a big way. There are a lot of people who love craft and hand made things, all will now have to focus on Kashmir. It's a big thing and we should all celebrate it. It's also the recognition of our craft as well,” Tariq Dar, founder of Pashmkaar.

The event and celebrations are not only a testament to the timeless craftsmanship of Jammu and Kashmir but also a step forward in positioning the region as a global hub for artisanal excellence.

As peace is returning to the Kashmir Valley, it has opened doors for international events to be hosted in the Indian Union Territory. After the G20 Summit, Srinagar is now hosting the World Craft Council’s 60th Jubilee.

As peace is returning to the Kashmir Valley, it has opened doors for international events to be hosted in the Indian Union Territory. After the G20 Summit, Srinagar is now hosting the World Craft Council’s 60th Jubilee. Events organised by the government of Jammu and Kashmir aim to highlight the Valley’s rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage on a global platform. On the banks of the world-famous Dal Lake, the artisans from across the world will be meeting Kashmiri artisans. The event has brought together 15 international delegates who are WCC members from diverse regions, including Kuwait, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Central Asia, and beyond. Alongside these delegates, artisans from various parts of the world have also gathered to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship, reflecting a rich tapestry of global heritage. “The relation between Kashmir and the World Craft Council has begun after Srinagar was designated as World Craft City. Having this designation is in direct benefit to the artisans and craft masters of Kashmir. It also puts the artisans on the Global map as the craft city. Two years ago, UNESCO also gave it the title of creative cities and now with the World Craft Council, this will all fall in the direction of bringing Kashmir in focus at a global level. But I have to say that Kashmiris are the most peaceful and hospitable people. Even in the street when we interact with people it just feels like home,” Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi, president of World Crafts Council International. The delegates were taken on a Craft Safari through the historic lanes of the old city. To experience the intricate artistry and vibrant traditions of the Valley. Some of the artisans from across the world interacted and exchanged ideas with the local artisans. “We have a family business of fabric production of fabric; this is camel wool with natural cotton and colors. So, our main concept is to do that fabric. We started with camel wool, later on to cotton and also added silk to it. Now we do home decor as well. I think it's very important to do such exchanges as I am aware of the Kashmiri crafts, we have our own technique of embroidery and this kind of event gives us the opportunity to exchange knowledge,” said Merjaan, a delegate from Turkmenistan. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Security Grid tightened ahead of winters, forces have input about infiltration attempts These events also featured an expert panel discussion where renowned craft experts explored the contemporary challenges and opportunities in the global craft industry. A vibrant craft bazaar was also set up, showcasing exquisite creations from Jammu and Kashmir and beyond, offering artisans a platform to display and sell their work. Also read: India: Local recruitment of terror groups in Kashmir hits zero; majority of active militants now foreign “I think it's a very big opportunity for the Kashmir craft and the World Craft Council is here celebrating the 60th anniversary, this will bring all the attention of all the art lovers to Kashmir, and it will benefit the art in a big way. There are a lot of people who love craft and hand made things, all will now have to focus on Kashmir. It's a big thing and we should all celebrate it. It's also the recognition of our craft as well,” Tariq Dar, founder of Pashmkaar. The event and celebrations are not only a testament to the timeless craftsmanship of Jammu and Kashmir but also a step forward in positioning the region as a global hub for artisanal excellence.

Kashmir opens doors for international events, hosts World Craft Council’s 60th anniversary

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