National

Unemployment Rate in J&K Decreases to 6.1%, According to Economic Survey

Published

11 months ago

March 6, 2025

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented the first economic survey to the Assembly in seven years on Thursday, highlighting significant progress in Jammu and Kashmir’s employment sector. The unemployment rate has decreased to 6.1% for 2023-24, down from 6.7% in 2019-20, indicating improved employment opportunities and economic activity.

According to the Economic Survey Report (ESR) for 2025, Jammu and Kashmir’s economy is projected to grow by 7.06% in real terms, with the nominal Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) expected to rise by 11.19% in 2024-25.

The export sector has demonstrated resilience post-COVID-19, with an impressive rebound in handicraft exports. In 2023-24, exports included carpets (₹317.33 crore), woollen shawls (₹477.24 crore), paper-mache items (₹38.44 crore), and other goods (₹329.28 crore), amounting to a total of ₹1,162.29 crore—doubling from ₹563 crore in 2021-22. The Union Territory improved its position in the Export Production Index (EPI), rising from 35th in 2020 to 17th in 2022.

The report also notes a record number of tourist visits to Jammu and Kashmir in 2024, reaching 2.36 crore, with 0.65 lakh foreign tourists, 5.12 lakh Amarnath pilgrims, and 94.56 lakh Vaishno Devi pilgrims. The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting held in Srinagar in May 2023 contributed to the resurgence of tourism in the region.

The start-up ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir has also flourished, experiencing a remarkable 287% increase in DPIIT-registered start-ups—from 237 in 2020 to 917 in 2024, of which 333 are women-led.

In the context of changes following the abrogation of Article 370, the report highlights that Jammu and Kashmir underwent reorganization on October 31, 2019, resulting in the application of 890 Central laws, while 205 State laws were repealed and 130 modified. The fundamental legal frameworks now align with those of the rest of the country, introducing progressive legislations such as the Right to Education and various acts aimed at protecting women, children, and the disabled. Gender discrimination has ceased, and the rights of women marrying outside Jammu and Kashmir are now fully safeguarded.

The per capita income in the region is anticipated to reach ₹1,54,703 by 2024-25, reflecting a robust increase of 10.6%, indicating enhanced economic well-being for residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir possesses an estimated hydropower potential of 18,000 MW, with around 14,867 MW identified. This includes 11,283 MW available in the Chenab basin, 3,084 MW in the Jhelum basin, and 500 MW in the Ravi basin. However, only 3,540.15 MW—approximately 23.81% of the identified potential—has been harnessed to date, consisting of 1,197.4 MW in the State Sector, 2,250 MW in the Central Sector, and 92.75 MW via Independent Power Producers (IPP).

The Economic Survey also addresses the importance of the forest cover in this mountainous Union Territory. Covering over 20,194 square kilometres, or 48% of Jammu and Kashmir’s geographical area, these forests are vital for the regional economy, facilitating tourism, recreation, timber supply, firewood, minor forest products, and grazing lands. They also ensure a reliable water supply.

Jammu and Kashmir has designated 4,861.28 square kilometres as a Protected Area Network, which includes four national parks, 14 wildlife sanctuaries, and 30 conservation reserves (including 14 wetlands) aimed at conserving wildlife.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.