Greater Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 18:The Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Land Pooling Policy, 2026, laying down a framework for planned urban development through voluntary pooling of land by landowners and development entities. The policy was notified by the Housing and Urban Development Department through Government Order No 172-JK(HUD) of 2026 dated August 17, 2026. The policy document describes land pooling as an instrument aimed at facilitating planned urban development, infrastr

Srinagar, Aug 17:The inquiry ordered into the reported deaths of two patients at a private hospital in Srinagar has once again raised an uncomfortable question. Under what circumstances are these procedures carried out in the private sector, and what is the level of monitoring and emergency care set-up necessary to safeguard lives during surgery. Chief Medical Officer, Srinagar last week constituted a seven-member committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the cases at Moj Gobur (Medlyn

Srinagar, Aug 18: Located in the foothills of central Kashmir, around 30 kilometres north of Srinagar, Repora has developed an agricultural identity distinct from the Valleys traditional dependence on apple orchards and saffron fields. During late summer, the village transforms into a canopy of lush vines carrying heavy clusters of green and red grapes. (Photography by Mubashir Khan, for Greater Kashmir)

New Delhi, Aug 18: The Income Tax Department has launched a nationwide verification exercise into suspicious foreign remittances. The exercise follows data analysis and ground intelligence indicating significant overseas remittances by entities with little or no reported business activity. An official said that based on ground intelligence and analysis of data on outward foreign remittances, the Income Tax Department has identified several suspicious entities that remitted large amounts of forei

New Delhi, Aug 18: Gold price climbed Rs 2,000 to Rs 1.58 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday, extending gains for a second straight session as retailers and stockists stepped up buying. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity appreciated by Rs 2,000 to Rs 1,58,800 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Monday's closing level of Rs 1,56,800 per 10 grams. Silver also advanced Rs 730 to Rs 2,40,730 per kilogram(inclusive of all taxes), after remaining flat at Rs 2,40,000 per

Srinagar, Aug 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the maiden International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to be held here from September 7 to 10. Chief Minister chaired a comprehensive review meeting today to assess preparations for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026, scheduled from September 7 to 10, read a post from his official X handle. The festival will feature film screenings, masterclasses for

New Delhi, Aug 18: Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to grant default bail to Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, one of the accused in the 2025 Red Fort car bomb blast case. A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Vikas Mahajan dismissed Wani's appeal challenging a March 30 trial court order rejecting his plea seeking default bail. It is held that the accused is not entitled after 90 days. The appeal is liable to be dismissed, the bench said. An accused becomes entitled to default bail if the inv

New Delhi, Aug 18: Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Bhupender Yadav, today welcomed Ministers and Heads of Delegations from BRICS Member Countries to the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting under Indias BRICS Chairship 2026, held in New Delhi. Delivering his keynote address, Yadav stated that Indias Chairship is guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in placing the concerns of the Global South at the forefront of the agenda and redefini

Jammu, Aug 18: The Special Crime Wing (SCW) of the Crime Branch has filed a chargesheet against an accused for allegedly duping several people on the pretext of arranging foreign employment visas, an official said on Tuesday. The chargesheet was filed on Monday against Kartik Choudhary, a resident of Purana Pind in Jammu's RS Pura area, before the competent court, along with a list of witnesses and relied-upon documents, a spokesperson of the Jammu Crime Branch said. He said the case originated

Srinagar, Aug18: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has called for immediate judicial and statutory scrutiny of the proposed Rs 104.02-crore Plug-and-Play Industrial Park at Nowgam, stating that the project raises a fundamental question of conformity with the approved Srinagar Master Plan2035 and a specific restriction imposed by the State Administrative Council (SAC) to protect a flood-absorption basin. The proposed industrial park, spread over approximately 50 acres, envisages industrial plo

Srinagar, Aug 18: Senior tribal leader and Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad, who also served as Forest Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009 to 2014, on Tuesday said the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, was not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir before the constitutional changes of August 2019. Speaking to Greater Kashmir amid ongoing discussions over land and forest rights in the region, Mian Altaf said t

Srinagar, Aug 18: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, a leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) Republican Party of India (A), has offered Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abijeet Dipke an opportunity to join his party, Hindustan Times reported on Tuesday. I think Abhijeet Dipke is an Ambedkarite. He is active and young. He should consider joining the Republican Party of India (A), Athawale said. He said Dipke should consider joining his party to fulfil Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's

Srinagar, Aug 18: A 50-year-old man was killed after the scooty he was riding collided with a truck at Fruit Mandi in Parimpora area of Srinagar on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that the accident occurred at Fruit Mandi, Parimpora, when the mans scooty collided with a truck bearing registration number JK13C-9806. He said the man sustained injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The man was later identified as Mohd Anwar Magray (50), son of Mohd

New Delhi, Aug 18: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre, all states, Union Territories, and social media platforms Meta and X on a PIL seeking directions to prevent police organisations from posting content revealing the identities of accused individuals or depicting them in a dehumanising manner. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of the submissions made by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for

Rajouri, Aug 17: Amid growing public demand, the newly constructed Sungal Tunnel on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway has been partially thrown open by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), bringing relief and triggering celebrations among residents of the region. The tunnel has been opened for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Medium Motor Vehicles (MMVs) with a maximum width of three metres. However, traffic movement through the tunnel has presently been restricted to daytime hours from 8

Srinagar, Aug 17:The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has informed Parliament that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has the power to take action against medical colleges and institutions violating reasonable working hour rules. The statement came in a written reply by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel in the Lok Sabha. In response to questions linked to a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) case and reports of excessive duty hours, Patel said under the

Ramban, Aug 17:The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for regulated two-way traffic on Monday, even as commuters faced slow movement at several vulnerable and damaged stretches along the vital highway. Traffic authorities said movement between Srinagar and Jammu was being allowed from both directions. However, traffic remained slow at Dewal in Udhampur district and along the Maroog-Kishtwari Pather stretch in Ramban district, where vehicles are being regulated through single-lane port

New Delhi, Aug 17:The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to pay compensation and rentals to a descendant of farmers whose land was taken over more than seven decades ago to build a police station, without formal acquisition proceedings. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing a plea by Abdul Rashid Wani, challenging a 2022 ruling of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court that had rejected

New Delhi, Aug 17:Indian security agencies dismantled an Pakistan-based, ISI-backed terror network ahead of Independence Day, detaining 253 people across 14 states and thwarting plans for subversive attacks, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-government destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives, Shah said in a post on microbl

New Delhi, Aug 17: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) as an Umbrella Central Sector Scheme aimed at comprehensive rehabilitation and socio-economic empowerment of marginalised individuals. The scheme includes the sub-scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging, with interventions focused on rehabilitation, medical facilities, counselling, education, skil

New Delhi, Aug 17: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to pay compensation and rents to one of the descendants of farmers whose land was forcibly taken more than 73 years ago for setting up a police station at Kangan in Ganderbal without any acquisition proceedings. Land measuring seven kanals and 18 marlas at Kangan was forcibly taken over for constructing a police station way back in 1953 without acquiring it and without paying the compensation. A bench compr

New Delhi, Aug 17: The Central Information Commission (CIC) launched its upgraded Appeal and Complaint Management System (AppCoMS 2.0) today, 17th August 2026. The upgraded portal was launched by Raj Kumar Goyal, Chief Information Commissioner. The upgraded portal has been developed and implemented as per the prescribed project timeline, with the objective of strengthening the digital infrastructure of the Commission and streamlining the workflow for processing Second Appeals and Complaints unde

Banihal, Aug 17: A light motor vehicle caught fire on National Highway-44 near Shalgadi Nallah in Banihal on Monday evening. Soon after the incident, police personnel, local volunteers, Fire and Emergency Services and an ambulance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reached the spot and initiated necessary measures. All passengers travelling in the vehicle were reported safe. However, the vehicle was completely damaged in the fire. SHO Banihal Aashiq Hussain Lone told Greater Ka

Srinagar, Aug 17: Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau produced Chargesheet in case FIR No. 06/2023 of P/S ACB Srinagar for the commission of offences U/S 5 (1) (d) r/w 5 (2) J&K PC Act Svt. 2006 120-B, RPC, Section 4(A) RD Act, Section 9-A r/w section 20 of Evacuees (Administration of Property) 1949 AD before the Honble Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Srinagar against 10 accused persons including 07 officers of the Srinagar Municipal Committee (SMC) and 03 private individuals in conn

Jammu, Aug 17: Army's Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Monday visited forward areas along the Line of Control in the Poonch district, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and adopting innovative approaches to address emerging security challenges. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief reviewed the operational preparedness of the formations and also interacted with the troops guarding the borders, the Army said. Lt Gen Sharma visited forward locations in Poonch and reviewed th

Srinagar, Aug 17: Continuing its sustained crackdown against illegal mining and the unauthorized transportation of minor minerals, Police have seized 10 vehicles and registered four FIRs in separate actions carried out across Anantnag and Shopian districts. Officials said that in Anantnag, police during routine patrolling at Mattigund, Chittergul, intercepted three tractors bearing registration numbers JK03A-7973, JK03Q-3136 and JK03Q-2867. The vehicles were found carrying illegally extracted ba

New Delhi, Aug 17: The CPI(M) demanded on Monday that the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, be scrapped, saying errors in three UGC-NET papers have once again exposed the entrenched rot in the country's education system. In a statement issued here, the party's Politburo said the latest errors have exposed the NTA's abject incompetence in conducting examinations and reiterated its demand for scrapping the agency as well as the NEP, which it described as

Srinagar, Aug 17: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday played down the BJPs protest against his government in Jammu, saying political parties were entitled to express their differences, while sharply criticising what he described as the Centres growing interference in matters belonging to the states. Asked about the BJPs protest in Jammu against the National Conference-led government, Abdullah said there was little for him to respond to. They have a difference of opinion. Thi

Srinagar, Aug 17: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, who was placed under house arrest today and denied permission to address the time-honoured Khawaja Digar religious gathering at Khanqah-e-Naqshband Sahib (RA), in a post on X said: Once again I have been denied permission to address the time honoured religious gathering of Khawaja diger in Naqshband sahab today,with tens of thousands of people eagerly waiting there to participate in this spiritually uplifting religious congregat

Gold jewellery has always been a favourite in India, but with gold prices feeling increasingly expensive, buying solid gold is not always practical for everyone. If you love the warm, rich look of gold but don't want to pay the price of solid gold, then gold plated jewellery can be a smart choice. At GIVA , you can get 925 sterling silver with gold plating which has a beautiful gold-tone appearance and is less expensive than real gold jewellery. Its a fantastic way to get the gold look, try out

Jammu, Aug 17: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Sub-Inspector of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with a bribery case here, officials said on Monday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Sub-Inspector of Police Station Janipur in Jammu, identified as SI Danish Habib, a 2024-batch officer, in a bribery case, the CBI statement said. The CBI said the accused allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 from a complainant for not registering an FIR against

Leh, Aug 17: The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Fire and Fury Corps, Lieutenant General Madanraj Pande, on Monday visited the Siachen Glacier sector to review the operational preparedness of troops deployed at the world's highest battlefield, the Army said. During his visit, Lt Gen Pande interacted with troops deployed in the sector and appreciated their high morale, professionalism and resilience while operating under extreme terrain and weather conditions, it said. Lt Gen Madanraj Pan

Srinagar, Aug 17: In a latest development, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct thorough audit of all the examination conducted so far and submit a report on corrective actions taken to plug the gaps. The directions were issued during a meeting chaired by union minister for education Pralhad Joshi on Monday with Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Director Generla NTA and other senior officials of the department. NTA has been directed t

Srinagar, Aug 17: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Jammu and Kashmir, Khalid Jehangir has extended his heartiest congratulations to Ram Madhav on his appointment as National Vice-President of the party for Delhi. In a statement issued here, Jehangir said that Ram Madhavs vast experience, vision and commitment to the nation would prove to be a great asset to the organisation. As a BJP leader from Jammu & Kashmir, I extend my warmest wishes to him for this new responsibility and con

NEW DELHI, AUG 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday announced a major reorganisation of its national organisational structure, with BJP National President Nitin Nabin approving a series of key appointments with immediate effect. According to a press release issued by the BJP Central Office, the party has appointed 13 National Vice Presidents as part of the organisational revamp. The newly appointed National Vice Presidents include former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia

Jammu, Aug 17: National Conference leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Monday hit out at the BJP over its protest in Jammu, saying the party had every democratic right to demonstrate but should first answer questions over the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, pending reservation issues and alleged backdoor appointments. Reacting to the BJP's protest against the Omar Abdullah-led government, Sadiq said there was nothing wrong with political parties holding demonstrations, but accused

New Delhi, Aug 17: Two pilots of the Air India Group have failed the initial drug test as their results came on-negative and their samples have been sent for confirmatory tests, according to a source. On August 13, Air India and Air India Express started mandatory psychoactive substance testing of all their pilots, expanding checks beyond regulatory requirements. These tests were made mandatory following the August 4 incident, when the captain of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, that suddenly

Srinagar, Aug 17: A 30-year-old man was injured after being attacked by a bear in the Khonmoh area on the outskirts of Srinagar on Monday, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the man was attacked and injured in Sarhandi Colony, Khonmoh. He said the injured was shifted to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, where his condition is stated to be stable. The injured was identified as Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat (30), son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat, a resident of Sarhandi Colony,

Jammu, Aug 17: Hundreds of BJP workers, led by Jammu and Kashmir party president Sat Sharma, took to the streets here on Monday to protest against the National Conference-led government, accusing it of failing to fulfil its election promises and address unemployment and development issues. Carrying placards and party flags, the BJP activists gathered at Dogra Chowk, Maheshpura, and Panjtirthi before marching separately toward the Civil Secretariat via Shalimar Road under the leadership of Sharma

New Delhi, Aug 17: An artificial intelligence system powered by Anthropics Claude has reportedly fired a human worker while managing an experimental retail store in San Francisco, highlighting the emerging possibilitiesand risksof AI taking on managerial roles. The Indian Express, citing a report by Time, said the AI system, named Luna, was put in charge of a real-world retail store operated as an experiment by AI research startup Andon Labs. According to the report, Luna was tasked with running

Jammu, Aug 16: Veteran Congress leader from Jammu and Kashmir and former Member Parliament (MP) Dharampal Sharma passed away at his residence in Jammu on Sunday. Being nonagenarian, he was not keeping good health for the past some time, due to age-related ailments. Dharampal Sharma also served as an MLA in J&K Legislative Assembly from Akhnoor segment for four terms. He represented Congress in Rajya Sabha from 1988 to 1994. His last rites will take place today at Shastri Nagar cremation ground a