Kashmir Reader

Calls for dedicated SPV,digital portal to ensure effective monitoring of PPP projects SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting in Srinagar to evaluate the progress and future strategies of the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG), Jammu & Kashmir. The focus was on policy formulation, knowledge outputs, public-private []

For scaling up high-value circular bioeconomy SRINAGAR: In a key move to advance Jammu & Kashmirs agriculture sector into a high-value, knowledge-based circular bioeconomy, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Wednesday transferred its patented exotic mushroom production technology to the Department of Agriculture. This step aims to expand cultivation among []

PULWAMA: Police in Pulwama made a major recovery of 41 stolen sheep during naka checking at Urwan, leading to the booking of two persons and seizure of the vehicle used for transporting the stolen livestock. During naka checking, a police party of Police Post Newa intercepted a Tata Mobile vehicle bearing registration number Jk03N-2440. Upon []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar has urged the district administrations of Budgam and Pulwama to ensure foolproof arrangements for devotees attending the annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Sultan Syed Mohammad Ali Aali Balkhi (RA) at Pakharpora. Sagar called for uninterrupted provision of essential services, including electricity, drinking water, []

Pays obeisance at revered shrine of Sufi saint Lal Baba Sahib in Zakura SRINAGAR: Several prominent political and social activists from the Zakura area on the outskirts of Srinagar today joined the Apni Party in the presence of party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari. They joined the party during a meeting with the party president []

SRINAGAR: The Vice Chairman, JKLCMA, Khurshid Ahmad Shah on Wednesday undertook an extensive on-site assessment of Dal Lake to take stock of the ongoing cleaning and conservation activities being carried out by the Authority. During the inspection, the Vice Chairman visited various locations of Dal Lake, particularly the Gagribal Basin, and took stock of the []

GANDERBAL: Under the theme Blood Donation: A Contribution to the Nation (Raktdaan Desh Ke Naam), Health Centre and Dean Students Welfare (DSW), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), in collaboration with the Blood Bank department of the Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, organised a one-day blood donation camp at Tulmulla Campus The camp was inaugurated []

No one can take law into their own hands: DGP Makwana assures Valley students SRINAGAR: Two Kashmiri students studying in Bhopal were allegedly subjected to harassment, intimidation and pressure to vacate their accommodation by fringe elements. The matter has since been addressed and brought under control following the timely intervention of the Jammu & Kashmir []

Experts, scholars, artists discuss future of modern theatre in Valley SRINAGAR: A two-day theatre seminar on Modern Theatre and Youth of Kashmir concluded successfully at Kashmir Government Polytechnic College, Gogji Bagh, Srinagar, bringing together prominent theatre experts, artists, scholars, critics and young theatre enthusiasts. The seminar was organised with the objective of creating meaningful dialogue []

Srinagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday said it had registered an FIR against several officials and beneficiaries over alleged illegal construction, encroachment of State land and other violations in the Rajbagh area of Srinagar. In a statement, a spokesperson said the ACB, Srinagar, had registered FIR No. 10/2026 following a Joint Surprise Check and []

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday urged US Ambassador Sergio Gor to review and withdraw the highest-level travel advisory issued by his country against visiting Kashmir. In a post on X, she said thousands of families in Kashmir depend on tourism for their livelihood and a travel advisory was not merely []

CHENNAI: In a bonanza to Tamil Nadu MLAs, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced official vehicles and a monthly allowance of Rs one lakh each to address public grievances in their respective constituencies. His announcement made ruling TVK legislator K Sindhu break into rapturous glee, singing a song in praise of Vijay and []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir received significant rainfall over the past 24 hours, with Jammu district recording the highest at 88.7 mm, the Meteorological Department said on Wednesday. According to MeT data, as per GNS, Samba received 85 mm, Kathua 76.6 mm, Katra 48 mm and Udhampur 32.2 mm of rainfall respectively during the last 24 []

Reviews final preparations for the inaugural International Film Festival of J&K Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the final preparations for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026, scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10 across Srinagar and Jammu. The four-day festival []

Mutton, beef, chicken, fish must be clearly mentioned: FDA Srinagar: Authorities have directed hotels, restaurants, cafes, dhabas, sweet shops, bakeries, caterers and other food business operators to clearly disclose the type of meat used in food preparations. In an advisory, Commissioner Food & Drugs Administration J&K, Khalid Jahangir said establishments serving meat or meat products []

Srinagar: United States Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, will arrive in Kashmir tomorrow on his maiden visit to the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh after assuming office. Official sources told KNO that Ambassador Gor is scheduled to meet Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his stay in Srinagar. []

Chairs 81st Meeting of J&K Rajya Sainik Board Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday chaired the 81st Meeting of Jammu Kashmir Rajya Sainik Board, at Lok Bhavan. The meeting was attended by Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Maj Gen Paramvir Singh Dagar, Chief of Staff, []

Srinagar: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Rajit Punhani, today chaired an interactive session with the representatives of Food Business Operators (FBOs), trade and industry associations and other stakeholders at the SKICC, Srinagar. They discussed issues related to food safety, regulatory compliance, testing infrastructure, training and ease of doing []

Srinagar: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir has strongly advocated for meeting global standards in restaurants and eateries, calling for clear and trustworthy declarations on menus. It called for specifying what is being served, whether it is frozen or fresh, and the nature of meat (lamb, beef, etc.) in alignment with FSSAI []

Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, in case FIR No. 28/2026, against Ghulam Ahmad Ganie S/o Ghulam Mohammad Ganie, R/o Mirgund, District Budgam, for commission of cognizable offences punishable under Section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act []

Jammu: Security forces launched search operations at several locations following reports of the movement of suspected persons in Udhampur, Reasi and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. The police, in collaboration with the CRPF, began a cordon-and-search operation after receiving information about the movement of two suspected individuals. These individuals allegedly []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police has registered a case of cheating and criminal intimidation against a BJP Kisan Morcha leader in Pulwama district, officials said on Tuesday. The case has been registered against Aijaz Ahmad Shah at the Tral police station under sections 420 (cheating and dishonesty inducing someone to deliver property, money or valuables) []

LUCKNOW: (Aug 18) The Uttar Pradesh government has taken action against 866 hospitals linked to the Ayushman Bharat scheme for alleged negligence in treatment, violation of norms and financial irregularities between 2020 and 2026, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday. The action includes de-empanelment of 648 hospitals, suspension of 61 hospitals and de-empanelment []

By Sajjad Hussain ISLAMABAD: (Aug 18) Pakistans Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the shifting of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan to a private hospital for medical examination a day after jail authorities said the 73-year-olds eyesight was almost normal. The court issued the directive while hearing several identical petitions following an eye ailment that []

Assesses infrastructure, capacity enhancement measures SRINAGAR: Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Rajit Punhani on Monday visited Food Laboratory, Kashmir during his visit to Srinagar, to have on spot assessment about its functioning. During the visit, the CEO FSSAI took round of various sections, including Microbiological Section, Chemical Section and []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo on Monday chaired a high-level meeting today to assess the progress of ongoing infrastructure and development projects across Jammu and Kashmir. The review focused on projects undertaken by the Health, Education, and Social Welfare departments. The meeting was attended []

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Monday said he was placed under house arrest and denied permission to address the time-honoured Khawaja Digar religious gathering at Khanqah-e-Naqshband Sahib (RA). In a post on X, he said:Once again I have been denied permission to address the time honoured religious gathering of Khawaja diger in []

SRINAGAR: Several political leaders and activists from Pampore joined Apni Party on Monday during a special event at the party headquarters quarters. The new entrants included PDPs Zonal President Pampore Ghulam Mohiudin Dar, Sheikh Mubeena, Rozy, Fancy, and others, the party said in a statement, adding that they joined the party alongwith their associated The []

BARAMULLA: The Harvesting Harmony Farmer Producer Organisation Cooperative Ltd., Pattan, in collaboration with SKUAST-Kashmirs Directorate of Extension, organized a mobilisation drive under the IFAD-sponsored Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP). The event focused on promoting farmer collectives and strengthening rural farmers institutions. Prof. (Dr.) Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension []

Directs departments to designate nodal officers for smooth conduct of festival SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Monday chaired a meeting to review preparations for the 1st International Film Festival of J&K (IFFJK), scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10 and organised by the Department of Information and Public relations Jammu and []

Welfare must translate into tangible socio-economic improvement SRINAGAR: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Monday chaired the 46th meeting of Board of Directors (BoDs) of the Jammu & Kashmir Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe & Backward Classes (JKSCSTBC) Development Corporation Limited at Civil Secretariat here today. The meeting was attended []

Srinagar: Marking a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the smuggling of narcotics from across the Line of Control (LoC) and the alleged use of drug proceeds to finance terrorist activities, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested an absconding operative allegedly involved in a narco-terror financing network. In a statement , a SIA []

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Monday announced its new national team under party president Nitin Nabin, appointing 13 vice presidents, including Ram Madhav, Lok Sabha MP D Purandeshwari and former Uttarakhand chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat. Union Minister Piyush Goyal has been made national treasurer. The party has retained B L Santhosh as National General []

NAGPUR: Union Minister and RPI(A) chief Ramdas Athawale on Monday said a reshuffle of the Union cabinet can take place very soon, with new faces from the BJP and ally NCP expected to be inducted into the government. Speaking to reporters here, Athawale also said the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) must bridge ideological differences and []

Kathua: A woman died while her husband sustained injuries after the scooty they were travelling on was hit by an Alto car near Hiranagar Morh in Kathua district on Monday, officials said. An official said that the accident occurred near a petrol pump at Hiranagar Morh when an Alto car collided with the scooty. He []

Srinagar: 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 said 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 []

Empowering children with knowledge, edu will prove to be finest gift we can offer them Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha graced the Foundation Day celebration of KP Volunteers, a humanitarian organisation and felicitated its volunteers for their selfless service to the society. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor lauded the organisations six-and-a-half years of tireless []

Srinagar: Three persons, including two residents of Srinagar, were killed while three others sustained injuries in a road accident in Bhogpur area of Jalandhar, Punjab, officials said. Officials said the accident occurred when a speeding Maruti Fronx collided with a roadside vendor before crashing into a tree, resulting in multiple casualties. The deceased were identified []

Rajouri: Two persons were killed and four others injured after a vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a ditch in the Kandi Mohra area of Rajouri district on Sunday, officials said. An official said that six people were travelling in the vehicle when it skidded off the road and fell into a ditch []

SRINAGAR: A vibrant and high-spirited Tiranga Rally was organised on Saturday from the Srinagar International Airport Drop Gate to the Headquarters of 35 Bn CRPF, under the leadership of Mahesh Chandra Thwal, Commandant, 35 Bn CRPF. With unyielding devotion to the Motherland, all Supervisory Officers, Subordinate Officers, and brave Jawans of 35 Bn participated with []

BANDIPORA: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with great fervour, patriotic spirit and enthusiasm across Bandipora district on Saturday, with the main function held at Government Higher Secondary School, Nadihal. Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Ms Indu Kanwal Chib, hoisted the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem and an impressive ceremonial parade. MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat, []

KATHMANDU/SINGAPORE: Indias global partners, including the US, UK, France, Russia and Iran, on Saturday extended greetings to the country on its 80th Independence Day, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation. French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were among leaders []

Functions held at district, sub-division, tehsil headquarters SRINAGAR: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervor and unity across Kashmir division, marked by flag hoisting ceremonies, impressive parades, cultural programs, and community participation at district, sub-division, and tehsil levels. The celebrations underscored the collective spirit of patriotism, progress, and commitment to national ideals. Srinagar: []

SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir (KU) on Saturday celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour at its Main Campus and satellite campuses, commemorating the countrys freedom struggle and paying tribute to the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who made Indias independence possible. Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Nilofer Khan presided over the flag-hoisting ceremony []

Hoists National Flag on I-Day AWANTIPORA: On the eve of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, hoisted the National Flag at a ceremony held on the University campus. The ceremony was attended, among others, by Prof Sheikh Aijaz Bashir, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Shamim Ahmad Shah, Registrar, Mr. Sameer Wazir []

University celebrates I-Day with patriotic fervour SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) celebrated the 80th Independence Day with great patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at its Shalimar Campus on Saturday. The National Flag was ceremonially hoisted by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, in the presence of University officers, Deans, []

Institutes 10 NCC girl cadets participate in Bakshi Stadium parade SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm, with the Institute leadership calling upon students, faculty and staff to uphold the values of freedom, integrity, innovation and service to the nation. In-Charge Director Prof. (HAG) []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah_paid tributes at Balidan Stambh in Pratap Park here on Saturday on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. The Chief Minister laid a wreath and observed silence to honour the memory of the martyrs. On the occasion, DGP J&K, IGP Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, DIG Central Kashmir, and SSP Srinagar_were []

CM Omar to lead main function in Srinagar Dy CM Choudhary to preside over at Jammu Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to celebrate 80th Independence Day on Saturday with elaborate arrangements in place across the Union Territory and heightened security to ensure peaceful and incident-free functions. An official said that the civil administration []

Srinagar: Accusing Pakistan of sucking the blood of Jammu and Kashmir by denying it the right to use its river resources, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday launched an attack on Islamabad for staking a claim over waters originating from the region, asserting that the neighbouring country cannot be selective in its sympathy for Kashmiris. []