IBTimes

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is set to replace manual counting of devotees' cash offerings with cash recycler machines at the shrine in Katra. Two machines have already been installed, with six more being added, and manual counting is expected to end within 15 days to improve transparency, security and efficiency.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha took an apparent swipe at former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti over her past remarks on the Tricolour, saying the national flag is today being held high with pride across Jammu and Kashmir. He also called for a united societal effort to combat terrorism, narco-terrorism, substance abuse and corruption.

J&K fast bowler Auqib Nabi has received his maiden India Test call-up after replacing injured Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The selection rewards the Baramulla pacer's outstanding domestic performances, including 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons and a pivotal role in J&K's historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced the launch of the first-ever Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The pilot project will begin in the two worst-affected districts of Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on treatment, counselling, skill development, employment, and long-term reintegration of drug abuse victims.

FASTag-based toll collection on National Highways reached a record 70,278.18 crore in 2025-26, marking a steady rise over the past three years, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha. The Centre said it has reviewed the toll pricing mechanism to reduce the burden on commuters through measures such as an annual pass, rationalised toll charges and lower penalties for UPI payments.

The Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway Corridor has come under the spotlight after official data tabled in the Rajya Sabha revealed that 58 of J&K's 73 identified black corridors are located in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts, through which the mega highway project passes.

Jammu and Kashmir Police has executed a court proclamation against Pakistan-based designated terrorist Mohammad Qasim alias Sulliman, directing him to appear before a designated court in Jammu by August 21. Qasim, who carries a Rs 10 lakh reward, is accused of involvement in the Katra and Narwal blasts and of operating a terror network in Rajouri and Poonch.

Nature's fury continued across the Jammu division as three more people died in rain-related incidents, pushing the death toll beyond 23 in three days. Poonch witnessed the worst devastation, with three families nearly wiped out in separate cloudburst and landslide tragedies, while Rajouri issued a flood advisory amid forecasts of more heavy rainfall and ongoing rescue operations.

The National Conference and Congress staged a protest in New Delhi, demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood after being prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar. Omar Abdullah accused the Centre of reneging on its promise, while Farooq Abdullah urged the Union Government to honour its commitment.

Six more people died in rain-related incidents across Jammu division on Monday, taking the death toll to 16 in two days. Rescue operations in flood-hit Poonch and Rajouri were hampered by fresh rainfall, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced Rs 6 lakh ex gratia for the families of those killed.

Partial shutdowns were observed in Doda and Kishtwar following the death of a youth in an alleged police firing in Bhadarwah. Protesters demanded a CBI investigation, while authorities extended internet restrictions, detained two associates of the deceased for questioning, and intensified security to maintain law and order.

The National Conference has expelled LAHDC-Kargil Chief Executive Councillor Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon from the party for six years over alleged anti-party activities. The action comes days after Akhoon retained his majority with BJP-backed support, deepening the political crisis over the NC-Congress power-sharing agreement in Kargil.

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has announced its participation in the National Conference's July 20 Jantar Mantar protest demanding restoration of statehood, while organising its own march in Jammu on July 19. JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra said Congress has been leading the statehood movement since October 2024 and will intensify its agitation if the Centre delays restoring full statehood.

The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra has created history by crossing the three-lakh pilgrim mark in just 12 days for the first time since the pilgrimage began. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the achievement as a historic milestone, praising officials, security forces, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, service providers, and volunteers for ensuring a safe, smooth, and memorable pilgrimage despite challenging weather conditions.

A Special NIA Court has issued a non-bailable warrant against the Pakistan-based terrorist. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, is being investigated as a Pakistan-backed cross-border terror conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by LeT and its proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF).

The BJP has served a legal notice on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, demanding an unconditional apology and withdrawal of his allegations that the party attempted to lure NC MLAs with offers of Rs 30 crore and ministerial berths. The party has warned of a Rs 100-crore defamation suit and criminal proceedings if he fails to respond within seven days.

A political row has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah alleged that the BJP was attempting to topple the National Conference-led government by offering Rs 30 crore to some NC legislators. The BJP dismissed the charge as aseless and demanded proof or an apology, while Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary backed Omar Abdullah's claims and NC MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi alleged that he had been approached to quit the party.

Security forces on Wednesday eliminated top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Zakir Ganie during an anti-terror operation in Shopian district of south Kashmir. Another terrorist is believed to be trapped as the operation entered its fifth day. Arms and ammunition were recovered, while security forces intensified search and sanitisation operations across the encounter site.