Greater Kashmir
Elections 2026Politics / Greater Kashmir
Kangan, Aug 22: The body of an 18-year-old youth from Srinagar was retrieved from Nallah Sindh in the Kangan area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district following an intensive two-day joint search and rescue operation. The deceased has been identified as Danish Bilal, a resident of the Srinagar. The incident occurred when Danish reportedly slipped and was swept away by fast-flowing currents while taking a bath in Nallah Sindh near the Dumping Park at Kijpara in Kangan on Friday. Alarmed onlooke
Jammu, Aug 22: A special NIA court here has rejected the bail plea of Insha Jan alias Insha Tariq, an accused in the 2019 Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel, observing that sufficient material existed on record to presume that the accusations against her were prima facie true. In his 15-page order delivered on August 20, Special Judge Prem Sagar held that the statutory bar under Section 43-D(5) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) also operated against the accused
Srinagar, Aug 22: Electricity consumers across Jammu and Kashmir will face higher power bills from September 1 after the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in the retail supply tariff for 2026-27. The revised tariff has been approved through JERC Order No. 06 of 2026 dated August 20 and will remain applicable to electricity consumption from September 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. For metered domestic consumers, the energy charge has been fixed
Fourteen serving officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) have been cleared for induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), following approval by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The development comes after the UPSC, during its two-day meeting held in New Delhi on April 23 and 24, 2026, cleared the induction of 14 serving JKAS officers into the IAS. The remaining nine vacancies pertaining to retired JKAS officers will be carried forward to the next y
Srinagar, Aug 22: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kupwara, against a habitual offender accused of cheating a job aspirant of lakhs of rupees on the pretext of providing a government job, officials said on Saturday. The EOW has filed a chargesheet against Abdul Majeed Mir, son of Ab. Rahim Mir, resident of Lashtiyal Kalaroos, Kupwara, before the Honble Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate
Kangan, Aug 22: The rescue teams including J&K Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local volunteers on Saturday continued its search for a Srinagar youth feared drowned in Nallah Sindh at Preng in the Kangan area of Ganderbal district. The search operation entered its second consecutive day on Saturday after 18-year old Danish Bilal, a resident of Illahibagh, Srinagar, reportedly drowned while bathing at Kijpara Kangan on Friday. SDRF teams from Ganderbal and Gund, Police along with lo
Srinagar, Aug 22: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday morning carried out simultaneous searches at multiple locations across several districts of the Kashmir Valley in connection with an ongoing investigation into a militancy-related case, official sources said. Teams of the central investigation agency conducted the searches at multiple locations, with Jammu and Kashmir Police and personnel of Central Armed Police Forces assisting the NIA teams during the operation. The searches
Geneva, Aug 22: An 18-year-old man with a sword attacked a school Friday in central Sweden, leaving one person dead and at least two others seriously injured, a police chief said. Police Chief Tommy Alriksson told a news conference that the suspect had been arrested following the attack at the school in the central town of Fagersta, northwest of the capital, Stockholm. Police confirmed that shots were fired during the arrest. It was not clear whether the suspect had been injured, but he was bein
Rajouri, Aug 21:The ongoing strike by employees of the newly established Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) across Jammu and Kashmir has severely affected healthcare services, with Outpatient Department (OPD) services among the worst hit in Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri. The employees have been protesting over the prolonged delay in notification of their recruitment and service rules. The agitation has disrupted routine functioning at the medical colleges, causing inconvenience to pat
Jammu, Aug 21:Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Friday chaired a meeting to review the functioning of the Wildlife Department and the progress of various ongoing and sanctioned projects. During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on projects sanctioned under CAPEX for the Pir Panjal and Chenab regions besides various development works at Jambu Zoo. During the meeting, Rana reviewed various developmental, plantation and con
New Delhi, Aug 21:Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Friday that reforms in all spheres are his government's commitment and that India continues to take several steps to ensure continued growth momentum. Addressing the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Modi also said India has political stability and continuity in its policies, and the world sees the country as a bright spot of growth and hope. India continues to take several steps to ensure continued growth momentum. India is pushing ah
Srinagar, Aug 21:Kashmir's Himalayan Snow Trout, locally known as Khont, once abundant in the Jhelum and its tributaries, could get a new lease of life after researchers successfully bred the vulnerable native fish in captivity. Researchers at the Fish Resource Management Laboratory, Faculty of Fisheries, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), have standardised breeding and larval-rearing protocols for Schizothoraxplagiostomus, one of several sno
Siliguri, Aug 21:Asserting that neither West Bengal nor India will be safe until its frontiers are secured, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday lamented that despite repeated requests, previous chief minister Mamata Banerjee did not provide land required for fencing the India-Bangladesh border in the state. Stating that no previous CMs of the state ever attended programmes of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) or the BSF, Shah congratulated Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari for breaking the glass ceiling. M
Srinagar, Aug 21: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a dramatic improvement in its power supply position over the past decade, with the gap between electricity requirement and availability shrinking from thousands of million units (MU) annually to just 19 MU in 2025-26, even as its own power generation remains below the levels recorded around the end of the last decade. Official data accessed by Greater Kashmir shows that J&Ks power requirement stood at 20,185 MU during 2025-26, against availability
Srinagar, Aug 21:United States Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, who arrived in Leh, Ladakh, visited Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh, on Friday, exploring the historic monastery and experiencing its rich Buddhist heritage and cultural traditions. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor arrived in Leh on Thursday as part of his maiden official tour to the high-altitude frontier region. Perched atop a hill roughly 19 km from Leh, the 15th-century Gelug monastery celebrated for its striking architectural rese
New Delhi, Aug 21: The government on Friday rejected claims that diversion of sugar for ethanol production was driving a sharp rise in the price of the sweetener and instead blamed the industry for jacking up prices despite the country having sufficient stock to meet domestic demand. The Centre has asked States to take action against hoarding and black marketing of the sweetener and also start preparing for early start of the crushing season by mills, by around October 15. It is also considering
Jammu, Aug 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday underscored the vital role of community solidarity in eliminating terrorism, substance abuse and corruption, while promoting economic development and a spiritual renaissance in Jammu and Kashmir. Sinha was speaking after laying the foundation stone of Amriteshwar Sarovar under the 'Jan Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' initiative at Dharpur in Sunderbani area of Rajouri district. During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the Shri Am
Jammu, Aug 21: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu will mark a significant milestone in its institutional journey with the celebration of its 10th anniversary on August 22, 2026 at Mandapam, IIM Jammu. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will be the chief guest in the inaugural ceremony and he will also release coffee table books documenting significant milestones and achievements of IIM Jammus ten-year journey. The celebrations will bring together eminent dignitaries, policymakers, indus
India and Japan on Thursday agreed to deepen defence and maritime security cooperation, including greater information sharing, joint exercises, logistics support and collaboration in defence shipbuilding and technology. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi in New Delhi. The two ministers signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation, providing a framework for enhanced cooperation betw
The J&K junior boys football team Thursday departed to represent the Union Territory at the Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy 2026-27, with the young players set to compete against some of the countrys top emerging football talent. Issuing a statement, it said that months of preparation, countless training sessions and unwavering commitment have led to this moment. Now, it is time for our young footballers to test themselves against some of the countrys best emerging talent. With every tackle, every pass and
The historic Chinar Premier League (CPL) 2026 entered its much-awaited knockout stage on Thursday with a spectacular ceremony held at General Bipin Rawat Stadium, Baramulla, witnessing a massive gathering of around 6,000 spectators, including school students and sports lovers. Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, as per an official statement, inaugurated the tourney while Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, attended the event as the guest of honour. The ceremony c
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the functioning and performance of the Administrative Reforms, Inspections (ARI) & Trainings Department, with a focus on key governance and administrative reform initiatives, including finalisation of Recruitment Rules, cadre restructuring, resolution of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) issues, and operational efficiency of the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) and Government Press. The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary
Reliance Jio has announced that its current industry-leading tariff plans, including the Rs 299 plan, will continue to remain available to all users, while introducing a new Jio Prime membership that offers customers additional price certainty for eligible plans. Under the new programme, customers opting for Jio Prime can continue recharging with their preferred eligible plans at current prices until September 5, 2027, irrespective of any tariff revisions during the price-guarantee period. The m
J&K Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GK Communications Private Limited under its Corporate Salary Package, extending customised banking benefits to 119 employees of the media group. The agreement was signed by Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar on behalf of J&K Bank and Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo for GK Communications Private Limited in the presence of Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni, Branch Head (SSI Srinagar) Ubaid Ashraf and other senior officials from both organisa
Jammu and Kashmirs registered investor base in the stock market has crossed the 14-lakh mark, with the number of registered clients reaching 14,12,378 as of August 20, 2026, recording a year-on-year growth of 19.31 per cent, according to official BSE data accessed by Greater Kashmir . The figures show that J&K added 2,28,554 registered clients, or roughly 2.29 lakh investors, during the past year. This represents a substantially faster expansion than the overall growth in the countrys registered
A delegation of The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre, led by its Chairman, Er. Ferdous Ahad Bhat, FIE, visited the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar to welcome Prof. Anurag Misra, FIE the newly appointed Director of NIT Srinagar, on his new assignment. During the meeting, the IEI delegation extended its warm greetings and best wishes to Prof. Anurag Misra, FIE and expressed confidence that his leadership would further strengthen the institutes academic
The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Thursday has written to Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, seeking his urgent intervention into the prolonged administrative, academic and institutional challenges facing Sainik School Manasbal, one of Jammu & Kashmirs historic and prestigious residential educational institutions. In its letter, the Association said that Sainik School Manasbal was established with a distinctive vision of nurturing discipline, leadership, character, academic exce
A significant meeting of J&K pensioners welfare federation/senior citizens civil society was held in Srinagar under the Chairmanship of Lenin Sampat State President. The meeting was attended by the District Presidents Secretaries and members from across the Valley. The agenda of the meeting was presented by Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Bhat, State General Secretary. District Presidents and Senior Trade union leaders who actively participated and addressed the gathering included Nisar Ali Mir, Chief Patron
In a major step towards improving electricity supply in the Banihal-Gool constituency, MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen on Thursday inaugurated the augmented receiving station at Banihal constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1.25 Cr under UT capex. The capacity of the receiving station has been enhanced from 6.3 MVA to 10.6 MVA. Shaheen said, The augmentation will provide much-needed additional capacity and help reduce the overloading of the station, particularly during the winter months when power d
Jammu, Aug 20: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday visited Karol Krishna, a border village in Kathua district. The village along with Rathua, Gujjar Chak, Gajnal, Bobiya, Kadiyala comes under the Vibrant Village Programme-Phase-2 (VVP-2). The Lieutenant Governor handed over benefits under several government schemes to local families and appointment letters to youth. Addressing the residents from 6 strategic villages under VVP-2, the Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement,
Years after its inception, the Delina Water Supply Scheme under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) continues to await completion, with a shortage of funds holding up the remaining works and leaving thousands of residents without a reliable supply of potable water. The scheme was conceived to address the areas longstanding drinking water crisis. However, despite significant expenditure on its construction, the project remains non-functional. According to official records, around Rs 4 crore has already
Private hospitals and dialysis centres empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)/SEHAT scheme in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns over prolonged delays in reimbursement, claiming that payments due to them have remained pending for the past eight months. The hospital owners have also raised concerns over the functioning of the State Health Agency (SHA), which implements the scheme in J&K, claiming that salaries of its district-level staff have not been
Awantipora, Aug 20:The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Government of Jammu & Kashmir, will host the Jammu & Kashmir Science Congress 2026 from September 29 to October 1, 2026, at the University campus. The Congress, titled Science, Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable and Viksit J&K, will bring together researchers, innovators, policymakers, industry representatives,
Observing the case as rare one shocking judicial conscience, the High Court of J&K and Ladakh has ordered a probe into a drug sample that failed to reach the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kolkata, for nearly eight years, even as it directed the J&Ks Drug Controller to set up a panel to fix responsibility whether any official had a role in preventing the sample from reaching the facility. A bench of Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal ordered the probe while quashing criminal proceedings against pharmaceutica
Baramulla, Aug 20:Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday said there was no dearth of talent among the youth in J&K saying that they only needed right opportunities and guidance to realise their potential. Addressing a gathering during the knockout ceremony of the Chinar Premier League (CPL)-2026, Atal Dulloo, who was the chief guest at the knock out ceremony at General BipinRawat Stadium Baramulla, said the youth of J&K were full of enthusiasm, passion and the ability to move
Jammu & Kashmir possesses one of the most layered and sophisticated intellectual traditions in the subcontinent. From the spiritual humanism of Lal Ded and Nund Rishi to the modern literary consciousness shaped by Mahjoor, Dinanath Nadim, and Rehman Rahi, the regions cultural history is neither shallow nor fragmented. It is deeply philosophical, linguistically rich, and emotionally profound (Kaul, 2011; Raina, 2002). Yet a pressing paradox defines the present moment: despite this vast intellectu
Srinagar, Aug 20:Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Union Cabinets decision to establish a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Ladakh will significantly improve access to justice for people living in the Union Territorys remote and geographically challenging areas. Shah said the decision, taken by the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi, would reduce the time and burden involved for residents seeking judicial remedies. The Unio
Srinagar, Aug 20:Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Thursday welcomed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gors remarks describing Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India, terming them a major diplomatic achievement for New Delhi and a setback to Pakistans efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue. Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma said Gors statement reaffirmed Indias longstanding position on J&K and reflected the success of the countrys diplomatic efforts.
Srinagar, Aug 20:People's Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said there was no need to take the US so seriously, arguing that US interventions across the world had resulted in destruction and that Washington could not provide a certificate on J&K. Her remarks came a day after US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Srinagar and held discussions with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. During a joint media briefing on Wednesday, Gor described J&K as
Srinagar, Aug 20: Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat on Thursday reviewed the operational deployment and security preparations for the upcoming Kousarnag Yatra. The review meeting was held with concerned formations of J&K Police, 2 Sector RR, 14 Sector RR and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The meeting focused on ensuring foolproof security arrangements and smooth conduct of the yatra.
New Delhi, Aug 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has informed the National Green Tribunal that 27 new wetlands with an area of over one hectare have been identified. The green body is hearing the matter based on media reports about the shrinking Kashmiri wetlands and threats to the region's ecosystem, besides the findings by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) this year regarding the alarming rate at which the region's water bodies (518 of 687 lakes) have disapp
Srinagar, Aug 19: PDP leader Iltija Mufti on Wednesday held a sit-in protest at a mandi in south Kashmir's Anantnag district in support of crop insurance and better infrastructure for apple growers in Kashmir, saying farmers deserve protection from the losses. Speaking to reporters at the protest site, Jablipora fruit mandi, she said apple growers face losses every year due to the Srinagar-Jammu national highway closure and natural calamities. Their demands are not like they are out of this worl
New Delhi, Aug 16:Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'dimagi naxal' remark, and said, I am proud to be a dimagi naxal. Chidambaram's dig at the PM came a day after Modi warned the country about the 'dimagi naxals' who have allegedly entrenched themselves in the system and continue to pose a threat to society by manipulating policies. Modi urged the citizens to identify and isolate them. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort o
Ranchi, Aug 10: Students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations refused to call off their stir and are set to march towards the Assembly on Monday, the 17th day of the agitation, even though the government said it has accepted 98 per cent of the demands. Even though the talks failed to make any headway, the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), which is at the centre of the turmoil, saw a major shake-up on Sunday. All three JPSC members -- Ajeeta Bhattach
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of the Indian armed forces and sent a global message that India would go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens. Addressing the Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra blood donation camp at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment, Rajnath Singh said, Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of our defence forces who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of it
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday presented the Presidents Colours to the Puducherry Police, recognising the forces bravery, dedication and service. Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy were among those present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said Puducherry was a living symbol of the spiritual and cultural consciousness of South India and described the conferment of the Presidents Colours as a recognition of
Thousands of devotees from different parts of Kashmir gathered at Peth Astaan, Tujar Sharief, in Sopore for the 548th Urs-e-Pak of Mehboob-ul-Aalam Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib (RA). The Urs began on 13 Safar-ul-Muzaffar and will continue till 25 Safar-ul-Muzaffar. Devotees have been visiting the revered Ziyarat Sharief during the 13-day observance to offer prayers, pay obeisance and seek blessings. Several sacred Tabarukaat were displayed before the devotees, including the Holy Quran, Kamar Band Shari
The Jammu and Kashmir Climate Action Group (JKCAG) has welcomed the Bandipora district administrations decision to make home composting of biodegradable waste mandatory for households with sufficient space around their homes. JKCAG Chairman Raja Muzaffar Bhat termed the decision a landmark step, saying it would help reduce the load on the waste dumping site at Zalwan. I appreciate the decision taken by DC Bandipora Indu Kanwal by ordering home composting of food waste, kitchen waste and other bi
Residents of Chontiwari Doban village in Kupwaras Machil sector have urged authorities to improve basic amenities, particularly health care facilities, alleging that the remote village has long been neglected. The residents said a health centre was sanctioned in the village following repeated pleas, but it continues to function with inadequate staff and infrastructure, forcing a population of more than 3,000 to depend on health facilities several kilometres away. After repeated pleas to successi

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