Jammu, Dec 24: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued an order seeking voluntary contributions from employees of all government departments, public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies towards the Red Cross Fund for the financial year 2025–26.

According to Government Order No. 1998-JK(GAD) of 2025, issued by the General Administration Department, the Indian Red Cross Society, J&K Branch plays a vital role in providing relief during disasters and emergencies and in promoting humanitarian values across the Union Territory.

As per the order, Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) have been directed to deduct a minimum voluntary contribution from employees’ salaries for January 2026, based on their respective pay levels. The contribution ranges from ₹100 to ₹500 annually, while Hon’ble Chief Ministers, Ministers, Secretaries, and Heads of Departments may contribute a minimum of ₹1,000 per annum. Employees are free to contribute more if they so desire.

The deducted amount will be deposited with District Red Cross Societies through Deputy Commissioners at the district level, while provincial and Secretariat-level collections will be remitted to designated Red Cross accounts through Divisional Commissioners and the General Administration Department.

The government has directed all DDOs to ensure proper remittance of the collected funds and submission of deduction statements for official record. (KNC)

Srinagar, Dec 24: Nearly 40 days after grey haze, smog, and overcast skies, Srinagar and much of Kashmir today finally gets bright sunshine. And this is the time to step out, soak up as much of golden rays as you can, say experts.

A good number of residents stepped out to feel the warmth on their faces on Wednesday. Clear blue skies reflected on the mesmerising Dal Lake and fresh snow-capped mountains gleamed under the winter sun.

The change in skies is welcome respite from the thick blanket of pollution and fog that had reduced visibility and confined most people indoors. The prolonged dry smoggy spell had turned the air heavy and the days dim.

Today, the sun broke through, showing vividly why Kashmir’s harsh winters can be magically beautiful.

WHY SUN IS A HEALER?

Health experts urge residents to make the most of the winter’s precious sunny days, as prolonged lack of sunshine affects mood and worsens depression.

Experts say low daylight is linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition commonly experienced during the winter months.

Sun exposure helps regulate melatonin, the “sleep hormone,” leading to better nighttime rest and improved sleep patterns.

Sunshine also boosts Vitamin D production, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” which supports strong bones, a robust immune system, and helps reduce inflammation.

In addition, sunlight increases serotonin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, contributing to a better mood.

With Chillai-Kalan here and more foggy or snowy days expected, experts advised residents to make the most of sunny days by sitting, walking, or basking in the sun.

Srinagar, Dec 24: The cold conditions eased across Kashmir as the minimum temperature rose at most places and settled above the freezing point, officials said on Wednesday.

Owing to the overcast night skies after the recent snowfall and rains, the cold conditions eased across Kashmir and the night temperature rose at most places, officials said.

They said the minimum temperature stayed above the freezing point, barring in Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir, and the famous skiing resort of Gulmarg in the north.

The minimum temperature in Srinagar on Tuesday night was recorded at 3.0 degrees Celsius, up from 2.7 degrees Celsius the night before and 5.4 degrees above the season’s normal, according to the officials.

Other places in the valley also registered above-normal minimum temperatures ranging from 1.8 to 5.6 degrees Celsius.

The tourist resorts of Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded sub-zero temperatures, with the mercury settling at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius and minus 2.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.

In south Kashmir, Qazigund recorded a low of 3.2 degrees Celsius and Kokernag 2.9 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of 2.0 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather over the next few days.

Srinagar, Dec 24: An avalanche warning was issued in five districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday in view of the recent heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of the Union territory, officials said.

The low danger avalanche warning has been issued for Doda, Ganderbal, Kishtwar, Poonch and Ramban districts. The avalanche is likely to occur 2,800 metres above these districts during the next 24 hours, they said.

People have been asked to avoid avalanche-prone areas and follow official advisories.

Most of the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir have received moderate to heavy snowfall this week.