Srinagar, Nov 19: Owing to maintenance and other repair works, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Wednesday announced power outages in Kashmir parts on November 20, 22, 23 and 24..

According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution,  KPDCL, shutdown of 33 KV Budgam line will be observed due to which Budgam and SIDCO receiving stations shall remain off while power supply to Budgam, Ompora, Jawalapora, Galwanpora, Nasrullahpora, Housing Colony, Khanpora, JNV and adjoining areas will be affected from 10.00 AM to 03.30 PM on 20 & 22 November, 2025.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Lassipora-Keegam line will be observed due to which Keegam, Gulshanabad, Mitrigam and  Chararipora receiving stations shall remain off while power supply to Murran, Rahmoo, Mitrigam, Mirgund, Keegam, Rajpora, Gulshanabad, Akhaal, Chararipora, Pakherpora, Kamrazipora and adjoining areas will be affected from 10.00 AM to 03.30 PM on 23 November, 2025.

 Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Handwara Old line will be observed due to which power supply to  Adoora, Zachaldara and Changimulla receiving stations shall remain off while power supply to Zachaldara, Wadipora, Changimulla, Adoora, Lach, Hanga, Hatil and adjoining areas will be affected from 10.00 AM to 03.30 PM on 22 & 24 November, 2025.

Srinagar, Nov 19: As part of the celebrations for World Heritage Week 2025, the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K today organized a Special Exhibition of Archival Records and Rare Manuscripts at the Art Gallery, Shergarhi Complex, Srinagar.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, who also flagged off a Heritage Walk from the Shergarhi Complex to the SPS Museum at Lal Mandi.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from heritage lovers, scholars, and students from various educational institutions, all joining to promote the importance of preserving and conserving the region’s centuries-old cultural treasure.

Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner highlighted the significance of World Heritage Week and the collective responsibility to safeguard cultural heritage for future generations. He noted that the exhibition showcases numerous invaluable treasures and urged students and scholars to visit the gallery to  connect with the region’s heritage and cultural identity.

“Kashmir is home to centuries-old cultural and civilizational treasures and represents a confluence of Shaivism, Sufism, and Buddhism,” he said and added that  “Our rich traditions of arts, crafts, and music have earned global recognition, and our archaeological sites continue to attract large numbers of tourists. This Heritage Week is dedicated to celebrating and honoring these sites.”

He also highlighted the ongoing initiatives of the Directorate to revive and preserve cultural and archaeological sites across Jammu & Kashmir. “The observance of World Heritage Week provides an opportunity to revisit our history and traditions, helping to build greater awareness about heritage conservation,” he added.

The Divisional Commissioner noted that in the past four years, substantial efforts have been made to preserve the unique local heritage developed over centuries by previous generations, ensuring its safe transmission to the future.

He emphasized the need to create awareness among students and the general public about Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage so they can better appreciate the importance of protecting and preserving the region’s glorious past.

Kulgam, Nov 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a two-day J&K Business & Trade Fair organised by the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Mission YUVA.

The fair aims to promote entrepreneurship and provide a platform for business innovation and growth for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.

After formally inaugurating the event, the Chief Minister inspected various stalls established by entrepreneurs and business establishments. He interacted with the participants and lauded their contribution towards promoting business enterprises and generating livelihood opportunities in the district.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that while the government is working to create jobs, it is not possible to provide government employment to everyone. Therefore, it is essential to create self-employment avenues, and schemes like Mission YUVA have been devised to fulfil this objective. He emphasised that banks must ensure smooth disbursement of cases under various entrepreneurship schemes and assured budding entrepreneurs of all possible support from the government. He added that the aim of Mission Youth is to empower young people to explore innovative ideas, build sustainable businesses, contribute to the region’s economic progress, and evolve into job creators.

The Chief Minister noted that trade fairs play a crucial role in strengthening the economy by offering emerging entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their talent, connect with wider markets, and expand their business networks.

During the event, the Chief Minister visited entrepreneur stalls, business units, and departmental exhibits and interacted with the participants. He also distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries under Mission YUVA scheme.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, said that youth are actively participating in entrepreneurship schemes. She informed that many beneficiaries have already been identified and numerous cases approved. She stressed the need for smooth processing of cases to maximise the benefits and urged youth to avail themselves of these opportunities.

MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami, encouraged young people to seize every opportunity to build prosperous and progressive lives.

The programme was attended by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo; DDC Chairperson Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey; MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami; MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroz Ahmad; Secretary Labour and Employment, Kumar Rajiv Ranjan; Secretary in Information Department, Muneer Ul Islam; DDC Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan; Mission Director, Mission YUVA, Shadab Aalam; other senior officers; representatives of business organisations; entrepreneurs; and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Capacity-building completion certificates were distributed, Mission YUVA sanction letters were handed over to beneficiaries, and MoUs were exchanged between Mission YUVA and ONDC.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Athar Aamir Khan presented the welcome address and highlighted the aim of organising the two-day fair. Mission Director Shahzad Aalam presented the vote of thanks and highlighted achievements under Mission YUVA.

Srinagar, Nov 19: Minister Sakina Itoo on Wednesday said that the winter break for students upto the middle classes is likely to begin from the first week of December amid cold temperatures.

Speaking to reporters, the minister as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the parents repeatedly request for the announcement of the schedule for winter break. “The winter season becomes difficult for younger children.“

Itoo further said that, “We have already conducted a meeting regarding the winter break and we have tentatively decided that for lower classes from Class 1 up to middle grade, will probably observe the vacation from first week of December.”

About the textbook issue, the minister added said, “We have already streamlined the matter to a large extent.”

“Directions have been issued to ensure there is no shortage of books or uniforms,” she said.

Minister Itoo also said that strict instructions have been passed to the JKBOSE Secretary, Chairman, Education Secretary, and other concerned officials to act tough against the private schools who violate the government norms.

“Wherever we will receive a complaint against any private school regarding the books or fees, we will definitely take strict action against them,” she said.