Greater Kashmir

Gold has become the most reliable asset for quick cash in February 2026's financial environment. The domestic bullion market is still strong today, February 22, 2026, with 22K gold prices remaining stable at 14,440 per gram and 24K gold prices hitting 15,752 per gram. D ue to these prices, even modest amounts of gold jewellery may be leveraged into substantial money through a gold loan for Indian consumers and business owners. The clearest indicator of how much money a borrower may get is the go

Kulgam, May 02: Asevere hailstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall lashed the Kund area of Kulgam district on Saturday, causing extensive damage to orchards and standing crops, local residents reported. According to eyewitnesses, the sudden spell of inclement weather struck the area in the afternoon, with large hailstones and intense rainfall battering fruit-bearing trees and agricultural fields. Apple orchards, which form the backbone of the local economy, are feared to have suffered significant l

Srinagar, May 02: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said Kashmir belongs to all communities, including Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, and called for collective efforts to rebuild trust and ensure peace in the region. Addressing a gathering here, Abdullah, as per KNS, urged people to reject hatred and divisions, saying unity is essential for progress. He called for prayers for the safe return of those who have left their homes, describing their absence as a significant loss. H

Srinagar, May 02: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of three workers in a bridge collapse incident at Bantalab on the outskirts of Jammu city. In a message of condolence, the Chief Minister extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident. The Chief Minister has directed that a thorough inquiry be conducted to ascertain the cause

Srinagar, May 02: The 96th death anniversary of the eminent personality of the Kashmir Valley, distinguished Islamic scholar, and former President of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Mirwaiz of Kashmir Maulana Ahmadullah Shah (RA), was observed today with deep reverence and respect. On this occasion, the President of the Anjuman, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, paid rich tributes to the towering legacy of the departed leader, recalling his immense religious, preaching, social, and spir

Srinagar, May 02: The father of Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid was on Saturday shifted from SMHS Hospital to the airport for advanced medical treatment in Delhi. Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, who had been undergoing treatment at the hospital, was transported in a critical care ambulance to Srinagar airport, where arrangements were made for his airlift to the national capital. The ambulance, provided by Help Poor Volunteer Trust, was equipped with critical care facilities and staffed by a medical

New Delhi, May 02: Airfares to the UAE and wider Gulf are set to see sharp rise due to increase in fuel costs and reduction of operations in view of the security situation in the region. Travellers could also face reduced flight frequencies of Indian carriers, aviation sources said. India has held jet fuel prices steady for domestic flights while sharply increasing rates for international operations. Airfares to the Gulf have surged significantly due to regional conflicts, rising jet fuel costs,

Jammu, May 02: Deputy Inspector General of Police Shiv Kumar Sharma on Saturday conducted a comprehensive security review and assessed operational preparedness in the Shiv Khori-Ransoo belt in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi, stressing effective use of surveillance systems to ensure safety, officials said. He also carried out an on-the-spot security audit of the Teryath area in the Ransoo-Shiv Khori-Pouni belt, where terrorists had opened fire at a bus carrying pilgrims on June 9, 2024, killing nine p

Banihal, May 02: The body of a 22-year-old youth, missing for nearly 20 days, was recovered on Saturday from Nallah Bishlari near Kraalna Digdool in Ramban district, bringing a tragic end to an extensive multi-agency search operation. The deceased has been identified as Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, son of Abdul Salam Chopan and a resident of Mundkhal Pogal. He had reportedly gone missing on April 12 after allegedly jumping into the stream near Makarkoot along the JammuSrinagar National Highway while at

Meet Ghulam Hussain from Mir Behri area of Dal Lake Srinagar, who is helping to revive a fading tradition while providing livelihood to dozens of women engaged in Waguv weaving Waguv, a traditional Kashmiri mat made from natural fibers was once widely used across the region. It however saw a sharp decline with the rise of modern synthetic alternatives. Today however, the shift toward eco friendly and natural products is bringing it back into demand Riding this renewed interest, Hussains work is

New Delhi, May 02: The United States is set to close its flagship Gaza mission tasked with monitoring the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and facilitating aid to Palestinians, according to Western media reports. The shutdown of the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in Israel would mark a setback for President Donald Trumps Gaza plan, which has already faced challenges amid continued Israeli strikes since the October truce and Hamas refusal to disarm. Officials said the move highlights the difficu

New Delhi, May 02: At least 16 American military bases and installations in the Middle East were damaged by Iranian strikes during the 39-day conflict, according to a new investigation by CNN. The report says the damage includes high-value targets, with some facilities left effectively unusable. In several cases, the impact is described as severe enough to render sites virtually inoperable. The affected installations are located in Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq. Some s

Pulwama, May 02: Security forces in south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Saturday arrested a terrorist associate and recovered arms and explosives during a joint operation in Rajpora. An official said that the operation was conducted by Pulwama Police in coordination with the Armys 44 Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPFs 183 Battalion, based on specific intelligence inputs. The joint team launched a search operation at Qasbayar area along the CB Nath Road in Rajpora. During the operation, one terrorist

Doda, May 02: The DodaKishtwar road was blocked after a major landslide hit Gatsoo near Pul Doda on Saturday morning, officials said. An official said that the road was blocked due to debris and large boulders at the site. He said men and machinery have been deployed to clear the road, but restoration is likely to take time. The road will be reopened for traffic only after the debris is cleared and it is declared safe, he said. Meanwhile, hundreds of vehicles are stranded on both sides of the hi

Anantnag, May 02: In a significant move under the ongoing 100 Days Nasha Mukht LG Administration Programme, the district civil administration, in coordination with the police administration, carried out a major crackdown on individuals involved in NDPS-related activities and illegal encroachments on state/Kahcharai land in Waghama . During the joint operation, authorities demolished 15 shops along with other illegal structures raised on State land falling under Khasra No. 2494 (min) and 2495 (mi

New Delhi, May 02: The US Department of Defence is planning to withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany, amid a sharp war of words between Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran conflict, reports BBC. The move comes a day after Trump criticised Merz for remarks suggesting the US had been humiliated by Iranian negotiators. According to the Pentagon, the order has been issued by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth following a review of US military deployment in Europe, with t

Director Sericulture, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, today facilitated the distribution of silkworm seed to various districts of the Kashmir Valley, marking the commencement of the silkworm rearing season. The event was organised by the Sericulture Development Department, J&K at the Main Grainage, Srinagar. On the occasion, Bhat underscored the importance of ensuring the timely distribution of silkworm seed to each and every silkworm rearer. He exhorted all field functionaries to extend necessary technical gu

The Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association (KHAROA) convened its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Hotel Shahenshah Palace, marking a significant milestone for the association. The meeting witnessed participation from the past president, executive members, and a large number of stakeholders from the hospitality sector. The AGM began with a comprehensive overview of the associations activities since its formation. Office bearers highlighted key initiatives undertaken to represent the

A NITI Aayog report has highlighted substantial post-harvest losses in Jammu and Kashmirs horticulture sector and proposed a long-term roadmap to transform the industry by 2047. The report, titled Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir @ 2047, estimates that apples and vegetables each suffer losses of around 500,000 tonnes annually, valued at 1,500 crore and 1,560 crore respectively. Cherries record the highest proportional losses, ranging between 40% and 49%, whil

Zephyre Cricket Academy on Friday commenced a free three-day cricket coaching camp at Harinambal Cricket Ground, Srinagar, which will continue till May 4, 2026. The camp has drawn participation from hundreds of aspiring cricketers across various age-group categories, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the sport in the region. The initiative, as per a statement, aims to provide structured training and professional guidance to young cricketers, focusing on the development of core skills includi

In a move aimed at aligning with the evolving demands of modern cricket, the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association has invited applications from aspiring candidates for participation in upcoming workshops for Performance Analysts, an initiative aimed at strengthening the analytical framework of cricket in J&K, a JKCA official said on Friday. According to a notice issued by JKCA, the workshops will be conducted by professionals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India Centre of Excellence (Co

Jammu, May 2: Three labourers were killed when a portion of an old bridge suddenly collapsed while undergoing retention work in the Thathar area of Bantalab on the outskirts of Jammu on Friday (May 1, 2026) evening. One local mason, who too was among four trapped under the debris, however, was safely rescued. The retrieval of three bodies was confirmed by the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who late Friday evening - at around 11 pm or so, visited the mishap site. While expressing sorro

Srinagar, May 1:Nearly one in every 10 children under the age of five in J&K is overweight, even before they enter school! The all-India average for overweight children is one in 30. This is a worrying shift in child health trends, casting a shadow over the health of a growing generation. Data from the report Children in India 2025, a publication of Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, about 9.6% of under-five children in J&K are overweight for their height. This is almost three t

Shopian /Pulwama May 1:As the lifeless body of three-year-old Hanzala arrived at his home in Tiken village, around 5 kilometres from south Kashmirs Pulwama town, on Friday afternoon, a sea of mourners gathered, with grief hanging heavy in the air as they came together for his final rites. Hanzala had drowned in the Rambiara river near Dubijan along the heritage Mughal Road on April 26 and was swept away by strong currents. Teams of the NDRF, SDRF, police and local residents spent days combing th

Srinagar, May 1:Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing it of peddling lies over the status of Urdu to distract from its alleged political understanding with the BJP. Responding to claims that the government intended to drop Urdu, Abdullah clarified that the administration had only sought public feedback on a departmental proposal and no decision had been taken. There is a difference between asking for pu

Jammu, May 1:Formal process of bi-annual Darbar Move commenced as the employees along with the main official convoy carrying important records left the Civil Secretariat, Jammu on Friday. The process began after the offices observing five days week closed at Jammu on April 30, 2026 after the office hours. However, the offices observing six days a week will close on May 2, 2026 in Jammu, for the next six months. All the offices will reopen at Srinagar on May 4, 2026. The convoys, comprising speci

Srinagar, May 1:Substantial precipitation in March and April has reduced Jammu and Kashmirs rainfall deficit for the spring season to 24 percent after an exceptionally dry winter. Data from the Meteorological Department (MET) show that the Jammu division recorded near-normal rainfall, with an 18 percent deficit, while the Kashmir division posted a 31 percent shortfall, categorized as a deficit. The improvement in spring comes after a severe winter dry spell from November to February, when the re

Srinagar, May 1: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today inaugurated various dairy infrastructure and cooperative initiatives for the Union Territory in Leh, Ladakh. On this occasion, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S. P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian, and Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinay Kumar Saxena were also present. Addressing the gathering, t

Leh/Jammu, May 1:Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said Ladakh was a model of rapid transformation since the 2019 bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and listed sweeping political, social and economic changes in the Union territory. The region has remained at the centre of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's development agenda, he said. Shah said Ladakh had long demanded Union territory status due to lack of development and asserted that the decision had brou

Srinagar, May 1: In a significant development, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), has signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the security agencies to enhance educational access and welfare support to personnel and their families. The agreement provides for subsidised fee structures for children of armed forces personnel, particularly those in active service. The MoUs have been signed with Indian Army and key paramilitary forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF

Ganderbal, May 1: The Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) has imposed a complete ban on the movement of ponies along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway and designated footpaths in the tourist resort Sonamarg, citing damage to public infrastructure and safety of visitors and smooth traffic flow. An order issued by Chief Executive Officer, SDA, said the step has been taken following complaints of traffic jams, accidents, and inconvenience to pedestrians due to unregulated pony movement on the high

Srinagar, May 1:Re-designation of Medical Superintendents as Professors, Deputy Medical Superintendents as Associate Professors, and Assistant Medical Superintendents as Assistant Professors in the Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Kashmir has created unrest among the doctors fraternity, said sources privy to the situation. It has been reliably learnt that the proposal is currently under consideration and experts said the matter has significant academic, regulatory, and institutional impl

Srinagar, May 1:Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, SakeenaItoo felicitated the top performers and achievers of ALOHA GAT-2025 at SCERT Bemina here, organised to recognize and celebrate academic excellence and competitive spirit among students. Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani; Director, Centre for Good Governance, IUST, Dr. G.N Itoo; Joint Director School Education (Central), CEO Srinagar, senior management of ALOHA Srinagar, large number of

Srinagar, May 1:The Central Eight Commission today issued the notice announcing its visit to Srinagar on June 1. The Commission, as part of its outreach to stakeholders, employees and representative groups, will visit three locations in the coming months, Srinagar being its second destination. The visit, slated between Monday and Thursday, is expected to see the participation of concerned stakeholders including organizations, institutions, of central government as well as J&K, and Unions/Associa

Srinagar, May 1: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited Shalina near Lasjan to inspect the site that had developed a breach during the floods in September last year. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Pampore Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, and other concerned officers. During the visit, the Chief Minister reviewed the ongoing repair and flood mitigation works at the breach site. He directed the concerned departments to ensure strengthening of embankment

Srinagar, May 1: By the time the call for Friday prayers approaches, the space around Hazratbal Shrine is already full. People keep arriving on foot, in small groups, quietly finding their place among hundreds of others gathered for the weekly congregation. There is little rush, only a steady movement of people settling down, shoulder to shoulder, waiting for the prayers to begin. What stands out is not just the number, but the mix men from different parts of Srinagar, people from nearby distric

Srinagar, May 1:Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday urged the central government to come up with reciprocal Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) to strengthen the prevailing peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. He said, People have played a vital role in ensuring and sustaining a peaceful environment in Jammu and Kashmir, and now it is the responsibility of the Government of India to come up with reciprocal CBMs to support this ongoing peace and normalcy here. How long

Srinagar, May 1:Security has been intensified along the JammuSrinagar National Highway ahead of the annual Darbar Move convoy, marking the seasonal shift of government offices from Jammu to Srinagar. Authorities said elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of officials, employees and official records during the transit. A detailed traffic advisory has been issued, with restrictions on the movement of heavy and medium motor vehicles (HMVs/MMVs)

Baramulla, May 1: Baramulla town in north Kashmir is set for a major upgrade in sanitation infrastructure following the approval of a Rs 40 crore Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP), addressing a long-standing demand of residents. For years, the absence of an adequate waste management system had led to the accumulation of garbage in the town. Authorities had designated the jetty area as a dumping site, where waste from Baramulla as well as other parts of north Kashmir was disposed of. The practice dr

Srinagar, May 1:The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Srinagar has issued notice on a plea against the exclusion of cerebral palsy as eligible disability for Junior Engineer (Electrical) post, even as it ordered not to fill up one post in pursuance of the Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (SSB) advertisement notice dated February 27, 2025. A candidate, Amir Suhail Wanis plea is that he is a Person with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) as he suffers from Spastic Cerebral Palsy with Dysp

Pampore, May 1:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated 368 newly constructed residential quarters for government employees at Sempora in Pampore, developed across 23 blocks at an estimated cost of Rs 90.65 crore. Constructed by the Estates Department, the project marks the completion of a major residential infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening government housing facilities in the Kashmir Valley. It forms part of the governments push to enhance employee welfare by providing mode

Jammu and Kashmir holds a grim distinction in the country, with an unemployment rate of 6.7 per cent nearly double the national average of 3.5 per cent. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 202425, J&Ks urban youth aged 1529 face an unemployment rate of 32 per cent, compared to the national average of 15.9 per cent. Over 3.52 lakh youth are formally registered as unemployed, including nearly 1.09 lakh graduates and postgraduates educated, willing, and waiting. We debate policy