Snow, rainfall continue to lash Kashmir for second day Snowfall in Kashmir's upper reaches and moderate rain in the Valley plains persisted for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, according to officials. The precipitation, which began on Tuesday, marked the end of a prolonged dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir. Areas such as Keran and Macchil in Kupwara district, Gurez in Bandipora district, and the Sonamarg-Zojila axis in Ganderbal district experienced snowfall, while the Valley's plains, including Srinagar, continued to receive rain. The winter season, spanning December 2025 to February 2026, concluded with a significant shortfall in rainfall. The region received only 100.6 mm of precipitation, far below the normal of 284.9 mm. December alone saw a 78 per cent deficit, with actual rainfall at 13 mm compared to the normal 59.4 mm. January recorded 73.4 mm, a 23 per cent departure from the expected 95.1 mm. February, however, faced an even greater shortfall, with actual rainfall at 14.2 mm against the normal of 130.4 mm, representing an 89 per cent deficit. The unusually high temperatures in February further exacerbated the situation. Srinagar's average daytime temperature reached 15.6 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 14.9 degrees Celsius set in 2016. The second fortnight of the month saw temperatures rise to 20 degrees Celsius, pushing the monthly average past the 15-degree mark. While January saw some western disturbance activity, the rainfall remained below normal and could not offset December's deficit. Meteorological officials forecast continued cloudy weather with moderate rain or snow in higher reaches over the next 24 hours. Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Anantnag may experience moderate snowfall in a few areas.#srinagar #bandipora #kashmir #kupwara #ganderbal
Visually Impaired Kashmir Youth Clears Civil Services Exams, Father Shares Struggle BANDIPORA: The small village of Naidkhai in Bandipora, Kashmir, is abuzz with celebration as Irfan Ahmad Lone, a visually impaired youth, has successfully cleared the UPSC civil services examinations. Children in the Mirpora locality are guiding visitors to the home of the young man, whose achievement has brought immense pride to his family and community. Irfan’s father, Bashir Ahmad, a daily-wage laborer in the irrigation department, has set up a tent outside their modest one-storey house to accommodate the flood of well-wishers. Sitting with his daughter Shabia, a class 11 student, and son Mujtahib, a class 10 student, Bashir recalls the emotional moment when Irfan shared the news. “On Friday evening, Irfan called me from Delhi and told me the good news,” he said, his voice trembling with pride. The father revealed that Irfan sent him the result list via WhatsApp, highlighting his rank of 957. The news spread rapidly through the village via social media, sparking joy and admiration. Irfan’s journey to this milestone was marked by years of perseverance and adversity. Born healthy, he suffered a severe eye injury at the age of four when a boy in his neighborhood accidentally inserted a syringe into his right eye. The incident occurred in 2002, and despite initial hopes for recovery, the damage proved irreversible. The family took him to Chandigarh for treatment, but doctors advised waiting until he turned 10 for surgery. Upon returning home, another tragedy struck: a fellow student pushed him, and a pencil pierced his left eye. The family sought medical help at Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar and later at AIIMS in Delhi, where they stayed for 14 months hoping for a miracle.#irfan_ahmad_lone #bashir_ahmad #naidkhai #bandipora #upsc_civil_services_exams
