Author: News Desk Kashmir Ahead

Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, June 13, 2025 – Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa chaired a meeting to review arrangements for the upcoming holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram, directing officers to ensure comprehensive preparations for a hassle-free and peaceful observance. The meeting focused on key arrangements, including sanitation, ration supply, healthcare, drinking water, mobile toilets, and security, particularly in Shia-dominated areas of the district. Key Arrangements for Muharram Observance DC Minga Sherpa emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among departments to ensure a dignified and smooth observance of Muharram. The following table outlines the key areas of focus and the directives…

Srinagar, June 12, 2025 – The newly launched Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, has become an instant sensation, with tickets sold out for weeks. This high-speed train, connecting the holy town of Katra, base for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, with Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is redefining travel in the region. The overwhelming response underscores the train’s significance in boosting tourism, pilgrimage, and regional connectivity. Unprecedented Demand for Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat The Vande Bharat Express, operating on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), has seen record-breaking bookings…

Srinagar, June 12, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a series of high-level departmental review meetings at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to assess the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) plans for the financial year 2025–26 across the Estates, Revenue, Tourism, and Culture departments. Emphasising swift execution and effective resource use, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure timely approvals, robust monitoring, and impactful outcomes to meet public expectations and drive inclusive development in the Union Territory. The meetings, attended by senior officials, highlighted significant progress in infrastructure projects and tourism initiatives, despite challenges like the April 22,…

UMEED Scheme Sparks a Silent Socio-Economic Revolution for Women in Kashmir Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir — In the heart of a region long shaped by conflict and cultural conservatism, the UMEED scheme is quietly rewriting the narrative for women in Kashmir. Implemented under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), UMEED is empowering thousands of rural women by organizing them into Self-Help Groups (SHGs), giving rise to financial independence, leadership, and a growing sense of agency. Addressing Deep-Rooted Challenges The lives of women in rural Kashmir are often shaped by restrictive socio-cultural norms, limited economic opportunities, and the broader impact of…

Mission YUVA: Transforming Jammu & Kashmir’s Youth into Entrepreneurs Jammu, June 13, 2025 – Mission YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan), launched under the inspiring slogan “Yuva Sapne, Nayi Ummidein” (Youth Dreams, New Hopes), is empowering the youth of Jammu and Kashmir through entrepreneurship, skill development, and career support. Unveiled by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on January 26, 2025, this transformative initiative aims to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, addressing unemployment and fostering economic resilience in the Union Territory. A Vision for Economic Empowerment With a budget of Rs 1,830 crore, Mission YUVA targets the establishment of 1.35 lakh nano-entrepreneurship units, each requiring investments…

Funding Sources Supporting the Kashmir Startup Ecosystem The Kashmir startup ecosystem is witnessing a remarkable transformation, driven by a surge of youth-led innovation, government-backed initiatives, and rising investor interest. Once overlooked in the national startup narrative, the region is now emerging as a promising hub of entrepreneurship and digital growth. In the valleys of Jammu & Kashmir, known for their beauty and resilience, a new wave of youth-led innovation is emerging—powered by vision, courage, and unprecedented government support. At the forefront of this movement is Curve Electric, a Srinagar-based e-bike sharing startup that is transforming how people move in the…

Baramulla, June 12, 2025: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, presided over a Block Diwas programme at Lalpora, Tangmarg, emphasising youth empowerment and the effective implementation of government schemes. The event, aimed at addressing public grievances and promoting developmental initiatives, saw Sherpa urging the youth to actively participate in Mission Yuva and avail benefits under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Scheme. During the programme, DC Sherpa interacted with local residents, listening to their concerns related to infrastructure, public services, and livelihood opportunities. He issued on-the-spot directions to concerned departments to resolve grievances promptly, ensuring seamless service…

Mattan, Anantnag, June 12, 2025: The sacred festival of Gurupurab, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, was observed with profound devotion and enthusiasm in Mattan, Anantnag. Gurdwaras across the region resonated with the melodious recitation of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, as devotees gathered in large numbers to offer prayers and seek blessings. The celebrations saw a significant turnout of the Sikh community and other devotees, who participated in religious congregations and langar (community kitchen) services, embodying the spirit of seva (selfless service). The atmosphere was filled with spiritual fervor, with kirtans…

BARAMULLA, June 12, 2025 — Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, conducted a detailed inspection of Gulmarg’s tourist infrastructure on June 11, 2025, focusing on Gondola operations, ticketing systems, sanitation, and visitor amenities to ensure a safe, efficient, and memorable experience for tourists. The visit reflects Baramulla’s dedication to strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, with Gulmarg, a globally renowned ski and summer destination, at the forefront of these efforts. Sherpa evaluated the Gulmarg Gondola, Asia’s highest cable car, which transports visitors to Kongdori (Phase I) and Apharwat (Phase II). Following a technical disruption on January 26, 2025, Sherpa reviewed…

SRINAGAR, June 12, 2025 — Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL) signed a ₹2,631.14 crore agreement on June 11, 2025, to implement the Amended BharatNet Project in the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Telecom Circles. Funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the initiative aims to deliver high-speed broadband to all inhabited Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages, advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to bridge the digital divide and empower rural communities. The contract, part of BharatNet Phase III’s Package 13, involves a consortium of STL and Dilip Buildcon Limited…