Greater Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 26:The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), Valleys apex industrial chamber, has filed a comprehensive review petition before the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) against Order No 06 of 2026 dated August 20, seeking reconsideration of the enhanced power tariff imposed on existing industrial consumers and interim protection pending disposal of the petition. In a 17-page detailed petition, FCIK has challenged what it described as the central anomaly in t

Srinagar, Aug 26:The Jammu and Kashmir government is considering a new framework to identify government-owned land and buildings in urban areas, assess their utilisation and explore ways to generate revenue from unused or underused properties. The proposal is contained in the draft Urban Asset Mapping and Monetisation Policy prepared by the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD). The government has invited suggestions and feedback before finalising the policy. Under the proposed framewo

Srinagar, Aug 26:Jammu and Kashmirs growing competition for government employment is reflected in the latest recruitment figures of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), which received 94,546 applications against 960 posts advertised during 2025-26. The figures mean that, on a simple application-to-post calculation, the Commission received an average of 98.5 applications for every post advertised during the year, or nearly 99 applications for one post. The scale of competition

Srinagar, Aug 26:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said advanced care must become a right, not a privilege. Addressing the Quaternary Healthcare and Research Summit in Srinagar, LG Sinha emphasised that the summit marks a turning point in Jammu and Kashmir and Indias healthcare journey, where J&K and the nation must move beyond tertiary care and embrace quaternary-level treatment and research to ensure equal access for all citizens. Recalling his visit to Akhnoor during the 'Back to V

Shopian, Aug 26:The Mughal Road, touted as an alternative link between Kashmir and the Jammu region, has faced repeated disruptions this summer due to cloudbursts and landslides, raising questions over its reliability as an all-weather route. On August 5, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah travelled to Rajouri and Poonch through the historic road and later described its condition as worse than the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which had itself been battered by torrential rain and landslides. The Mu

Srinagar, Aug 26:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives in Surankote, Poonch accident. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor wrote: Pained by the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Poonch. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Have directed the District Administration to ensure immediate assistance is provided to those affected. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expre

Kathmandu, Aug 26: At least 105 Indians are among the nearly 400 persons missing after the devastating flash floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district bordering Tibet on Wednesday. A sudden, massive flood swept through two central Nepal districts bordering Tibet killing four people, causing extensive devastation at settlements along the river and damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects early Wednesday. The flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River at around 9 am (local time) coming from the Tibet

Washington, Aug 26: The Trump administration has paused all immigrant visa applications across the world as the State Department aims to tighten restrictions and limit access to applicants who may become dependent on US public benefits reserved for qualified Americans, according to a report. According to a Financial Times report, the US is training consular officers to evaluate such requests comprehensively and consistently. The training of consular officers is focused on screening individuals w

Srinagar, Aug 27: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and J&K Leutanant Governor Manoj Sinha today extended warm and heartfelt greetings on the sacred occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), both praying for peace, harmony and brotherhood among the people of the Union Territory. On the sacred occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), the Chief Minister extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu & Kashmir, Office of Chief Minister, J&K, said. Emphasising the Prophet Muhammad's (SAW)

Srinagar, Aug 25: The three-day Spandan League, organised by STC BSF Udhampur under the theme Sports for Peace and Development Across Nation, concluded at Subhash Stadium on Tuesday, witnessing the participation of around 550 young boys and girls in badminton, kabaddi and volleyball. As per a statement, the league was held for boys and girls of District Udhampur on August 22, 24 and 25. The Chief Guest at the concluding ceremony was Sandeep Channan, IG, STC BSF Udhampur. The Guests of Honour inc

Bandipora, Aug 25: The Inter-District Provincial-Level U-14 Girls Kabaddi Competition, organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS), Bandipora, concluded on Tuesday at Higher Secondary School Nadihal, with District Bandipora emerging as champions and District Anantnag finishing runners-up. The competition, as per an official statement, witnessed enthusiastic participation from young athletes representing different districts, providing them a platform to showcase their sporting

Srinagar, Aug 25: District-level badminton and Yogasana championships were held across Kulgam, Anantnag and Srinagar, witnessing the participation of around 1,000 players and officials across the three sporting events. As per a statement, the 8th District Kulgam Badminton Championship commenced at the Indoor Sports Hall, Qaimoh, on Tuesday. The three-day championship was inaugurated in the presence of Nisar Ahmad Khan, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kulgam. Around 150 players and 10 officials

Anantnag, Aug 25: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, on Tuesday inaugurated the Inter-District Provincial Level (IDPL) Under-17 Girls Cricket Tournament at Government Higher Secondary School, Bijbehara. The inaugural ceremony, as per an official statement, was attended by SE R&B Syed Ishfaq Ahmad, ACR Tariq Ahmad Malik and DYSSO Zahoor Ahmad Wani, besides sports officials, players and accompanying staff. The tournament is being organised by the Department of Youth Servic

Srinagar, Aug 25: Day 3 of the tournament witnessed intense action, with four matches decided through a combination of dominant attacking displays and nail-biting penalty shootouts. As per a statement, DPS Srinagar delivered a dominant performance, securing a resounding 6-1 victory. Shahriyar was the standout player, scoring an incredible five goals, including one from the penalty spot. Qazi and Amaan added one goal each, while GD Goenka scored a consolation goal. DPS Srinagar showcased superior

J&K Police conducted Police Community Partnership Group (PCPG) meetings across police stations and posts in Handwara ahead of Eid Milad-un-Nabi to discuss security, traffic management and law and order arrangements. The meetings, held under the supervision of senior officers, were attended by Lumberdars, Auqaf Committee members, traders and other community representatives. Police urged participants to ensure that religious gatherings, processions and programmes are held peacefully and in accorda

Three people were injured in separate bear attacks in Ganderbal and Kulgam districts on Tuesday. In Ganderbal, a 50-year-old man was injured in a bear attack in Watalbagh village of the Lar area, officials said. The injured was identified as Mohd Maqbool Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat of Watalbagh. Officials said the attack took place around 11 a.m. Bhat sustained injuries. He was shifted to District Hospital Ganderbal for treatment. The attack triggered concern among residents of Watalbagh a

Government Sheikh Ul Alam Memorial Degree College Budgam organised a free eye check-up camp under its Road Safety Awareness Programme on Tuesday. The camp was organised by the colleges Road Safety Club, Transport Committee, Health Care Committee and NSS Unit in collaboration with ASYM District Hospital, Budgam. A medical team comprising ophthalmologist Dr. Shabnum Nabi and ophthalmic technician Nazir Ahmad conducted vision screening and eye examinations of students and staff. The camp aimed to r

Legislative Assembly Speaker and Chrar-i-Sharief MLA Ab Rahim Rather on Tuesday announced the construction of a modern auditorium at Boys Higher Secondary School, Nagam, in Budgam district at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh. Speaking at a literary function organised at the school, Rather said strengthening educational infrastructure and providing modern teaching and learning facilities were among the governments priorities. He said science laboratories and smart classrooms were also being promot

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday said Sangerwani in Pulwama would be developed as a model tribal tourism village, with efforts to showcase its natural beauty, tribal heritage and traditional way of life. Rana was addressing a tribal convention on the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, at Sangerwani in Rajpora, where he also interacted with residents and heard their grievances. MLA Rajpora Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir, MLA Pampore Hasnain

The Childrens Park in Handwara continues to lack basic facilities despite attracting families from across the subdistrict, residents said. The park is frequently visited by children and their families, but the absence of drinking water, adequate dustbins and proper lighting has caused inconvenience to visitors. Since there is no other park in the main town, people bring their children here. But the lack of facilities causes inconvenience. The absence of drinking water adds to their woes, said Sh

The Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) has appointed Saqib Sultan as General Secretary and Musadiq Mehraj as Spokesperson of the District Congress Committee (DCC) Srinagar. The appointments, as per a statement, have been welcomed by Congress leaders and workers across Srinagar, who expressed confidence that both leaders will play a vital role in strengthening the partys grassroots organisation and effectively raising public issues. The District Congress Committee Srinagar congrat

Kargil, Aug 25:The Ladakh administration has submitted a proposal worth more than Rs 56 crore to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti for the construction of 36 check dams aimed at conserving snow and glacier meltwater and expanding assured irrigation across the Union Territory. The proposal, prepared under the Pradhan MantriKrishiSinchayeeYojana (PMKSY) on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, envisages seven Himalayan rock check dams along the Indus River in Leh district and 29

Kangan (Pulwama), Aug 25: BJP General Secretary (Organisation), J&K, Ashok Koul, chaired a Constituency Review Meeting of Rajpora Constituency at Kangan, District Pulwama, with the constituency team, Booth Presidents and Shakti Kendra teams, stressing that a strong booth-level organisation is the foundation of BJPs political strength and public outreach. Ashok Koul, as per a statement, while addressing the meeting, said that the BJP must further intensify its grassroots activities in Rajpora and

Srinagar, Aug 25:In a major step towards modernising land administration and creating a more transparent, citizen-centric system of Revenue and Agricultural services, Jammu and Kashmir has accelerated the digitisation and updation of land records while simultaneously preparing the verified land database for integration with the AgriStack framework of the Government of India under its Digital India Land Records ModernisationProgramme (DILRMP). The exercise, being undertaken by the Revenue Departm

On the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, along with senior party colleagues on Tuesday paid obeisance at Asar-e-Sharif Hazratbal in Srinagar, where Shab-e-Milad is being observed tonight. The Apni Party leaders offered Asr and Maghrib prayers at the revered shrine, praying for peace, prosperity, and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, in his message on the auspicious occasion, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, as per a party statement, said,

J&K Cabinet Ministers Surinder Choudhary, Sakeena Itoo, Satish Sharma and Javid Ahmad Dar on Tuesday extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), calling for upholding the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and strengthening the values of peace, harmony, brotherhood and service to humanity. As per official statements issued, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 25:Security forces have arrested eight suspected overground workers and terrorist associates in three separate operations in Shopian and Pulwama districts of south Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday, recovering grenades, weapons, ammunition and other incriminating material from their possession. In the first operation, police and Army personnel launched a joint search operation in an orchard at Imamsahib in Shopian following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of suspec

The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), in collaboration with Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama, today successfully organised the Startup Idea Challenge 2.0. The programme forms part of JKEDIs broader efforts under the J&K Startup Policy 202427 to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth-led startups across the Union Territory. Professor (Dr.) Sami Jan, Principal, Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama, attended event as the Chief Guest. The e

A delegation of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K UT Council, led by its Chairman, Iqram Ali Shafiee, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and briefed him on the upcoming 3rd Edition of the CII J&K Health Conclave, scheduled to be held on 29 August 2026 in Srinagar.

The Excise Department, Jammu and Kashmir, has launched (unveiled) the inaugural issue of its Quarterly Newsletter, an initiative aimed at strengthening institutional communication, facilitating dissemination of information and systematically documenting the Departments key achievements, initiatives and operational activities. The Newsletter was formally released by the Excise Commissioner, J&K Vaibhav Kohli, in presence of the Principal, Excise & Taxation Training Institute (ETTI), Deputy Excise

A meeting of the District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) was held today under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, to consider and approve cases under various development schemes being implemented in the district. During the meeting, a total of 180 cases pertaining to the Sheep Husbandry Department, Budgam, were approved under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Integrated Sheep Development Scheme (ISDS), and J&K Competitiveness Improve

Srinagar, Aug 25:Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo, on Tuesday said that teachers carry a huge responsibility as parents entrust their children to them with the belief that they will understand, protect, and care for them. In her address during a day-long educational conference organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) at SKICC here, Sakina Itoo expressed deep anguish over the recent incident in Kishtwar, saying that the incident brought shame to the entire society. Children and

SSI Bonafide Group of Unit Holders have urged the government to launch marketing assistance through SICOP for promotion of their units. The SSI Bonafide Group is registered with the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Jammu and Kashmir. The unit holders said marketing assistance for providing boost to their units. In this regard, a delegation of SSI Unit Holders recently took up the matter with Director Industries Anil Banka and discussed various issues confronting them. During the meeting,

Srinagar, Aug 25:Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said teachers in Jammu and Kashmir were being burdened with responsibilities far beyond teaching, while the government must do more to address their grievances and provide support needed to perform their duties effectively. Addressing a day-long educational conference organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) at SKICC here, Omar said the future of Jammu and Kashmir rested on its children, but placing the en

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Regulatory Commission (JKERC) to review recent power tariff revisions and ensure that consumers are not burdened with costs arising from systemic distribution losses. In a representation to the regulator, PHDCCI Kashmir Chairman Vicky Shaw said the near-completion of smart metering across Jammu and Kashmir has enabled more accurate billing based on actual electricity consumption. He argued that consumer

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today laid the foundation stone of a modern Fruit & Vegetable Mandi at Wussan Bangil, Karhama, Tangmarg, marking the beginning of a long-pending demand of the area and a significant step towards strengthening the horticulture marketing infrastructure in the Tangmarg-Gulmarg belt. The proposed mandi will be developed on 50 kanals of land, with direct access to the Tangmarg-Gulmarg Road. Envisaged as a modern and organised marketing facility, the mandi will cater to th

When the sweltering summer heat settles over the Kashmir Valley and Srinagar pulses with urban hustle, the urge to find sanctuary becomes irresistible. For our group of twentya retreat team comprising doctors and healthcare professionals from Gauri Heart Centre and Prasad Joo Khan Heart Centrethat relief was found in the serene, untouched highlands of Khag Tehsil in Badgam district. Located approximately 4550 km from Srinagar. The route passes through Magam and Khag towns via well-connected road

A young cyclist from Kashmir's Lolab valley recently set out on a journey of several thousand kilometres toward Makkah to perform Umrah. A GoPro (camera) was already fixed to his handlebars. Within days, clips of his departure travelled faster than he did, gathering views while he was still pedalling from Kashmir to Delhi. He is not alone. Across Kashmir, Kerala, Pakistan, Malaysia and Turkey, a growing number of young men have taken to bicycles and their own feet to reach the holy cities, each

Prolonged maintenance-related power shutdowns and outages extending well beyond officially notified timings have emerged as major concerns for electricity consumers across Srinagar. Consumers from various areas of Srinagar including Downtown and Uptown localities decried power outages. We understand that maintenance of the power infrastructure is necessary. However, lack of information dissemination and prolonged outages are causing avoidable inconvenience to households, businesses, students and

Suddenly diagnosed with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) marked a significant turning point in my life. The diagnosis arrived unexpectedly, accompanied by a surge of fear, confusion, and uncertainty about the future. Prior to this, I had never considered the possibility of such a health crisis affecting me personally. The journey to recovery from AKI was difficult and filled with obstacles. Initially, I experienced a profound sense of hopelessness, overwhelmed by the physical toll of the illness and th

Two residents of Kither village in the Bunjwah area of Kishtwar district drowned in the Kalnaey river, leaving their families and the local community in deep shock. The deceased have been identified as Mohd Yasir (22), son of Ismaeel, and Mohd Umer (12), son of Farooq Ahmed, both residents of Kither, Bunjwah. According to officials, the incident occurred on Monday. The body of 12-year-old Mohd Umer was recovered on the same day, while efforts are continuing to trace the body of Mohd Yasir, who r

J&K Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Jammu unit on Tuesday held a protest demonstration in Jammu against the decision of J&K government to hike power tariff from September 1, 2026. The protesting PDP leaders and workers, while raising slogans Bijli Mehangi, Awaam Pareshaan, 200 unit Bijli Do Warna Kursi Chhod Do, alleged that the National Conference led government had betrayed the people by working against its poll promises. We want to ask the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that you, in order to com

As she lay on the operating table, her hands trembled more from fear than from pain. Im not afraid of the surgery, doctor, she whispered. Im afraid of the injection in my back. My neighbour says she has suffered from back pain ever since her caesarean section. It is a conversation anaesthesiologists hear almost every day. A few minutes later, spinal anaesthesia was administered. Soon, the operating room echoed with the unmistakable cry of a newborn. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she heard the

Ramban, Aug 25: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has taken cognisance of the alleged sexual assault and death of a minor Gujjar Scheduled Tribe girl in Chatroo area of Kishtwar district and issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Director General of Police (DGP) J&K and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar. The notice, issued on August 25 under File number NCST/ATY-4600/JK/3/2026-RU-IV, follows a complaint submitted by the Tribal Gujjar Bakkarwal

Put your hand here, a teacher told us when I was a child, guiding our small palms to our chests. This is where your feelings live. I believed her. Children do not separate the body from what they feel. Happiness rises from the chest, fear tightens there, and when someone we love is no longer around, something in the same place seems to fall quiet. I learned this painfully as a teenager, when my mother was suddenly taken from us by proxy violence. Much of that time has blurred, but I remember the

Chenab Valley witnessed surge in public protests and demands for justice in case of alleged rape and death of a minor girl in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district for the fifth consecutive day on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the political, social and tribal leaders welcomed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Police administration to probe into the sensitive case. The latest development comes after sustained protests, shutdowns, candle marches, dharnas and demonstrations across

Srinagar, Aug 25:Thirty people remain missing a year after a cloudburst-triggered flash flood swept through Chisoti village in Paddar-Gulabgarh tehsil of Kishtwar district. The disaster left 63 bodies recovered and 127 injured, according to an RTI reply from the Kishtwar district administration provided to Jammu-based activist Raman Kumar Sharma. Of the 30 missing, 27 are yatris and three are local residents. The yatris included people from Jammu and other districts of the Jammu division, Uttara

Two labourers were killed and one was critically injured in two separate mishaps involving under-construction flyover and Tawi bridge, as part of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway in Samba and Jammu districts on Tuesday. Two incidents in a single day at two different stretches of under-construction (DelhiAmritsarKatra) Expressway raised some serious questions over the safety provisions for labourers engaged even in big-ticket infrastructure projects. In the first incident, the mishap occurred on T

Srinagar, Aug 25:A day after National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah asked Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah to resign from the Lok Sabha and seek a fresh mandate, the MP on Tuesday indicated that he would respond to the veteran leaders demand in the coming days, while stressing his deep respect for Abdullah. Speaking to reporters, Ruhullah was asked about Abdullahs call for his resignation. He did not directly say whether he would accept the challenge, but his response suggested