Parched J&K: Deficit rainfall rises to 78 % since Oct 2024, Shopian tops with 96%

Cold wave sweeps Kashmir, Sgr records season’s coldest night at minus 6.0 degree Celsius, MeT predicts erratic weather till Dec 31

Srinagar, Dec 19 (KNO): With the no forecast of a major weather activity till the end of this month, the deficit rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir has increased to 78 per cent during the last two and a half months with South Kashmir’s Shopian topping the list with 96 per cent deficiency from October 01, 2024 to December 18, 2024.

According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), J&K is witnessing an increase in the deficit rainfall with each passing week as the prolonged dry spell has continued for the last two months at multiple places.

The deficiency increases at a time when the cold wave has tightened its grip across Kashmir where the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar has recorded the coldest night of the season at minus 6.0 degree Celsius.

Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, recorded a low of minus 5.0 degree Celsius.

In Pahalgam, the mercury settled at minus 6.8 degree Celsius while in Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, it settled at minus 7.0 degree Celsius. North Kashmir’s Kupwara recorded a low of minus 6.2 degree Celsius while Kokernag in South Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of 5.3 degree Celsius.

Meanwhile, the deficit precipitation has gone further up to 75 per cent across Jammu and Kashmir from October 01, 2024 to December 19, 2024. Against the normal precipitation of 97.1mm, J&K has recorded a rainfall of 21 mm during the period.

The highest deficit has been recorded in Shopian with 96 per cent followed by Poonch with 95 per cent while Kulgam and Budgam have recorded a deficit rainfall of 94 per cent and 90 per cent respectively.

Srinagar has recorded a deficit rainfall of 87 per cent. However, Samba is the only place across J&K where above normal rainfall has been recorded as against the normal precipitation of 41.76 mm, the station has recorded a precipitation of 47 mm during the period.

Kupwara, has recorded a deficit rainfall of 41 per cent during the period, the data reads.

Moreover, the weather is expected to remain dry for the next 24 hours while light snowfall is expected over a few higher reaches on December 21 and 22, Director Meteorological department (MeT) said.

From December 23 to 24, a dry weather condition is expected in J&K followed by a light snowfall over higher reaches towards 27th late evening or night to 28th forenoon, he said, adding that the weather would remain generally dry on December 29 &30.

He added that the light snow is also expected at a few higher reaches on December 31st.

Furthermore, the MeT in its advisory has said that the cold wave is expected to continue at isolated to scattered places.

In view of fresh snowfall, sub-freezing temperature & icy conditions over roads of important passes and higher reaches, the tourists, travelers and transporters are advised to follow administration and traffic advisory—(KNO)

Alarming rise in heart attacks due to stress, pollution, say cardiologists

Advise maintaining blood pressure, cholesterol levels, regular exercise

Srinagar, Dec 19 (KNO): Stress and pollution are significant contributors to heart attacks worldwide, though often overlooked, according to cardiologists.

Dr Irfan, a cardiologist at Government Medical College Srinagar, speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that chronic stress can lead to increased blood pressure, elevated heart rates, and the release of stress hormones like cortisol, all of which strain the cardiovascular system.

He said that during winters in Kashmir, people struggle to earn a livelihood due to a lack of work opportunities, which leads to stress and increases the risk of heart attacks.

Dr Irfan said air pollution is another major contributor to heart attacks, adding that around 20 per cent of all cardiovascular deaths are due to air pollution.

“Apart from fine particulate matter, exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide can exacerbate heart conditions,” he said, adding that implementing flexible work hours and reducing workloads can help alleviate job-related stress, while regular exercise improves mood and reduces stress levels.

Dr Murtaza, another cardiologist, advised people to use air purifiers and ensure proper ventilation to reduce indoor pollutants. He said that urban areas are more polluted, and people should limit outdoor activities while adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Doctors called for keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. They advised people with underlying health conditions to adhere to prescribed medications. Avoiding smoking and staying physically active were also stressed as measures to reduce the risk of heart attacks.

The doctors said that air quality in Kashmir has been deteriorating over the past few years due to the increasing number of vehicles, construction activities, brick kilns, cement production and other factors that emit pollutants, which have polluted the air.

“This could be contributing to a rise in the number of heart attack cases in the valley,” they said. “There is an urgent need to control air pollution to reduce the number of heart attack cases in the community and save precious human lives.”

The cardiologists also observed that heart attack cases are more than double in winter compared to summer in Kashmir—(KNO)

Admission Notification for J&K Sainik School Manasbal (2025-26)

J&K Sainik School Manasbal has released the admission notification for the academic session 2025-26 for eligible boys from Kashmir Division and Ladakh UT. Applications are invited for admission to Classes VI, IX, and XI against available seats. The entrance examination, JKSEE-2025, will be conducted as per the following details:

Key Highlights

• Exam Date: 23rd February 2025 (Sunday) – Tentative
• Mode of Exam: Pen-paper-based (OMR Sheets)
• Exam Pattern: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Exam Centers:
  1. J&K Sainik School Manasbal (Kashmir Province)
  2. Kargil (UT of Ladakh)

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Eligibility Criteria

For Class VI:

• Age: 10-12 years as of 31st March 2025 (Born between 01.04.2013 and 31.03.2015).
• Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class V from a government or private school.
• Additional Criteria: Students appearing in Class V exams in November/December 2024 or February/March 2025 are eligible.

For Class IX:

• Age: 13-15 years as of 31st March 2025 (Born between 01.04.2010 and 31.03.2012).
• Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class VIII from a recognized school.
• Additional Criteria: Students appearing in Class VIII exams in November/December 2024 or February/March 2025 are eligible.

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For Class XI:

• Age: 15-17 years as of 31st March 2025 (Born between 01.04.2008 and 31.03.2010).
• Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class X with at least 55% marks in Mathematics and Science and 40% marks in English.
• Subjects Available: NDA-specific subjects – English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Application Details

• Exam Fee: ₹550
• Last Date for Submission: 31st January 2025 (upto 5:00 PM)
• Last Date for Fee Payment: 31st January 2025 (11:50 PM)
  Payment can be made via debit/credit card, internet banking, or UPI.

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online. Candidates must visit the official website www.jksainikschool.in to apply. Online registration starts on 15th December 2024, and the detailed prospectus and information bulletin will also be available on the website.

Important Notes

• Ensure that the email ID and mobile number provided in the application form are functional, as communication will be sent through email and SMS.
• Candidates are advised to carefully read the Information Bulletin before applying.

For further information, visit the official website or contact the school office.

Over 1,000 cameras installed across Srinagar to curb traffic violations: CEO Smart City

Srinagar, Dec 19 (KNO): CEO Srinagar Smart City, Owais Ahmad Thursday said that over 1,000 cameras have been installed across the city under the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) to curb traffic violations.

Speaking with reporters, the CEO, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that cameras are designed to capture various traffic violations, including seatbelt and helmet non-compliance, mobile phone usage while driving, and jumping traffic signals.

He said that in the coming days, the system will also track speed violations. “On the first day of operations, approximately 102 challans were issued. Once a vehicle’s number plate is captured, a challan is automatically generated, and the driver is required to follow the payment procedure,” he said.

He said that ITMS is fully operational at 33 of the 66 junctions, and due to some technical issues, the remaining signals are not yet functional. “Efforts are underway to resolve these problems step by step, with full functionality expected soon”, the CEO said.

The ITMS uses advanced technology, such as high-resolution cameras and radar sensors, to monitor intersections and highways.

By collecting real-time data and analysing it through advanced computer algorithms, ITMS provides instant insights into traffic violations and patterns—(KNO)