Weather Update for next 48 hours

A cold wave is set to grip Kashmir again during the next 48 hours. Night temperatures in central and north Kashmir plains are likely to range between -4°C and -6°C, while south Kashmir plains may experience harsher conditions, with temperatures dropping to -6°C to -9°C.

Dry weather is expected to dominate until the end of the month. A weak Western Disturbance is expected around January 31.

● Water levels are likely to decline further 📉

Forecast Insights: Kashmir Weather

Waive exam fees for J&K job aspirants: Salman urges CM Omar

‘Govt recruitment agencies shouldn’t turn into money-minting machines; NC committed to help aspiring youth’

Srinagar, Jan 23 (KNO): MLA Hazaratbal Salman Ali Sagar on Thursday urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to waive off the examination form fee for aspiring candidates applying for various posts through government recruitment agencies.

Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Salman said that youth from J&K applying for various posts advertised through recruitment boards should not be charged any examination fee, as it leaves them in dire straits and adds an extra financial burden on their families.

He pointed out that it is ironic that government recruitment boards are charging hefty sums as examination fees from aspiring candidates applying for one or more posts. “In other parts of the country, candidates are charged a minimal amount of Rs 100. However, here in Jammu and Kashmir, the examination fee for a single post is Rs 1000, and if a candidate is applying for multiple posts, they are charged multiple times. Additionally, we have seen candidates being charged hefty sums, only to find out later that the advertisements were canceled, and the fee was not refunded. This has to stop—sooner the better,” Salman said.

He added that he has already raised the matter with Education Minister Sakina Yatoo, who assured him that the issue would be resolved, as it stands pledged in the National Conference’s poll manifesto. “We will not allow the recruitment boards to turn into money-minting machines. Hundreds of crores have been taken from aspiring candidates by government recruitment agencies, even when the posts were only advertised and candidates were never called for examinations. I urge Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has already made his stance clear regarding providing every possible relief to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, to order a complete waiver of the examination fee. This will not only inspire and encourage more youth to apply for the posts but will also provide them with much-needed respite amid the spiraling unemployment crisis that the state has faced for more than a decade now,” Salman told KNO—(KNO)

Govt notifies new rules for traffic radar equipment verification

New Delhi, Jan 23: The government has notified new regulations requiring mandatory verification and stamping of traffic radar equipment to improve road safety and enforcement accuracy across the country.

These rules will come into force from July 1, giving enough time for industries to comply with new provisions.

“The public would benefit as there would be improved enforcement as verified radar speed guns will accurately measure vehicle speeds, identify violations and enforce traffic laws effectively,” the Consumer Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The new rules, which fall under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, will apply to “microwave Doppler radar equipment”, widely utilised for measuring vehicle speeds on roads.

The new framework requires all speed measurement devices to undergo verification and receive official stamps before deployment. This process aims to guarantee precise readings for speed and distance measurements, crucial for traffic law enforcement.

According to the ministry, the verified radar equipment will help enforcement personnel to measure speed limits effectively, which in turn, significantly enhance the effectiveness and credibility of law enforcement officers’ in traffic enforcement.

Modern radar systems are highly accurate, can measure the speed of multiple vehicles simultaneously and often include features like automatic target tracking. Proper calibration ensures the device provides reliable and precise speed readings.

The Legal Metrology Division of the Consumer Affairs Ministry finalised the rules following extensive consultations with stakeholders, including the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology, Regional Reference Laboratories, manufacturers, and vehicle certification organisations.

The regulations come as the government seeks to improve the road safety records. Accurate speed detection is seen as critical for identifying violations and deterring dangerous driving behaviour.–(PTI)

Traffic Update: Advisory Issued for Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and Other Key Routes in J&K

Jammu/Srinagar, January 23, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police Headquarters has issued an advisory for commuters traveling on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and other key routes, citing slow movement and road closures due to ongoing construction, adverse weather conditions, and road maintenance.

Current Traffic Status on NH-44

From January 22, 5:00 PM, to January 23, 5:00 PM, slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to:

• Breakdown of three heavy motor vehicles (HMVs).
• Single-lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad, and sections between Marog and Kishtwari Pather.
• Ongoing four-lane construction work.

Travelers are advised to avoid unnecessary halts, particularly between Ramban and Banihal, where shooting stones and landslides pose significant risks.

Guidelines for Travelers

1. Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs): Commuters are advised to travel during daylight hours to minimize risks, especially in vulnerable areas.
2. Goods Carriers:
   • Fresh perishable goods and livestock carriers must adhere to the advisory issued by the Traffic Police.
   • Overloading is strictly prohibited. Operators must ensure vehicles are in good condition, carry sufficient fuel, and comply with traffic rules.
3. Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs):
   • Only HMVs with 6 and 10 tyres are allowed via Dhar Road.
   • Fitness and proper fueling of vehicles must be double-checked before the journey.

Traffic Plan for January 24, 2025

Subject to favorable weather and road conditions:

• LMVs, private cars, and HMVs will be allowed to travel from both sides of NH-44.
• Security Forces convoys will also move in both directions, provided conditions permit.

Travelers are encouraged to verify real-time road updates on the official Twitter and Facebook pages of J&K Traffic Police.

Updates on Key Routes

• Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road (NH-244): Closed for vehicular movement as per Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kokernag’s order dated January 16, 2025.
• Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari Road (SSG):
  • One-way traffic allowed for LMVs followed by HMVs (up to 6 tyres) with anti-skid chains from Kargil to Srinagar between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
  • No vehicles will be permitted beyond the cutoff time.
• Mughal Road: Closed for vehicular movement due to snow accumulation as per District Magistrate Poonch’s order dated January 18, 2025.
• Bhaderwah-Chamba Road: Remains closed due to snow accumulation.

Important Advisory

Commuters are urged to undertake journeys only after confirming the road status with the respective Traffic Control Units:

• Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
• Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 0194-2485396, 18001807091, 103
• Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
• Udhampur: 8491928625
• PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
• PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331

Commuters are advised to prioritize safety, avoid unnecessary travel, and carry necessary equipment like anti-skid chains in high-altitude areas.

Five Graduates of the NCDC Get Offer as Teachers

Srinagar: The National Child Development Council (NCDC) takes pride in the fact that five of its graduates have recently acquired high-ranking teaching positions in well-known schools.

The graduates, Famiya P H, Sharminas Ferwin, Shakkeela N, Shameera Faizal, and Shana Sheerin have achieved this eloquent feat after completing NCDC’s much sought after Montessori Teacher Training Courses. These capable educators were trained by the council’s trained Evaluators and Admissions Incharges.

NCDC, an independent registered society dedicated to the development of women and children, is making remarkable efforts to support education of good quality in India.

A member of the said organization extended their kudos to the alumni for the aforementioned achievement.

More details concerning the enrollment of interested persons into the NCDC Montessori Teacher Training Course are available on the official website at https://ncdconline.g/courses, or the Faculty Incharge can be reached via telephone at +917356607191.

Srinagar, Jan 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Recruitment Board (JKSSRB) has initiated an inquiry to address allegations of discrepancies in the recently declared results of the JKP Constable examination.

Chairperson of JKSSRB, Indu Kanwal Chib, confirmed the investigation, stating, “We have tasked our members with thoroughly examining the matter. A specific timeframe has been given for completing the inquiry.”

The move comes after candidates who appeared for the Telecommunication and Photography exams expressed serious concerns over irregularities in the selection process. They alleged that certain candidates who performed exceptionally well in these exams had previously scored poorly in the JKP (Executive/Armed/SDRF) paper, raising doubts about the transparency of the process.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti also weighed in on the controversy, criticizing the JKSSB on social media. Taking to her X handle, she wrote, “Massive discrepancies in the JKP Telecommunications exam wherein toppers fared poorly in the previously held constable exams. The government that rose to power by making lofty promises has conveniently washed its hands of any accountability.”

The allegations have drawn widespread attention, prompting the JKSSB to order a detailed investigation into the claims. (KDC)