Greater Kashmir

Cairo, Oct 8: Several explosions were heard in Saudi Arabia's capital of Riyadh on Thursday, including a large blast at the city's international airport, a witness told The Associated Press, a day after the kingdom said an attack there killed one person and wounded others. The cause of the blasts was not immediately known. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen have repeatedly claimed attacks against airports, military and oil facilities i

Srinagar, Oct 8: Continuing its sustained drive against the drug menace, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday arrested four drug peddlers in Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian districts of south Kashmir. Contraband substances have also been recovered from their possession. A police spokesperson said that in Anantnag, a police party from Police Station Anantnag, while conducting naka checking at Mattan Adda, intercepted a person identified as Umair Nabi Shah son of Gh Nabi Shah resident of Marwah, Kish

Stockholm, Oct 8: Canadian author Anne Carson won the Nobel Prize in literature Thursday for her bold and inventive oeuvre that, in playful dialogue with the classical tradition, has created new forms for contemporary literature. The prize was announced by the Swedish Academy in Stockholm. The prize money this year is 12 million Swedish kronor (about USD 1.2 million). (AP)

New Delhi, Oct 8: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Thursday deployed additional reserve personnel to strengthen Z+ category security for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The officials said the move comes amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The deployment of additional CISF personnel has been stepped up at the Delhi residence of Kumar in New Moti Bagh Colony, at the Election Commission

Srinagar, Oct 08: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to receive light rainfall and snowfall from tonight till October 10, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar said in an advisory issued on Thursday. From tonight, a fairly widespread spell of light to moderate rain is expected across 7080% of Jammu and Kashmir, with snowfall likely in higher reaches, an MeT spokesperson said. According to the MeT advisory, the Union Territory is likely to receive brief spells of light rain from October 8 to 10, while some

Srinagar, Oct 08: Artisans and weavers across Kashmir are receiving a fresh boost of working capital, with the Handicrafts and Handloom Department extending loans worth 14.71 crore under its flagship Credit Card Scheme in the first two quarters of the current financial year, officials said. Of the 3,885 applications sponsored to banks, 1,332 have been sanctioned and 1,054 disbursed by the end of September 2026. Sharing details in a press release issued here today, spokesman of the Department sta

Jerusalem, Oct 08: Israel said on Thursday that the British Consulate in east Jerusalem has ceased to function in that capacity and that 20 staffers would leave the country, the latest in what has been the biggest diplomatic friction between the close allies in decades. Britain said the building would continue to deliver vital services and work with Palestinians, and that it would not retaliate by expelling Israeli diplomats as it seeks to rebuild its staff. The sign outside the consulate was ta

Poonch, Oct 8: Residents of Hill Kaka village in Poonch district continue to await electricity, with work on the proposed electrification project yet to begin despite funds having reportedly been released last year. Raising the issue, National Conference MP from Anantnag-Rajouri Mian Altaf Ahmad said he had taken up the matter with the Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department (PDD). According to Mian Altaf, the Principal Secretary assured him that work on the project would commenc

New Delhi, Oct 08: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar and said he gave the audience characters that will be remembered for generations. Modi described Patekar as a Krantiveer (revolutionary) and said that through his film with the same name, the actor strongly attacked the evils prevalent in society. Patekar, known for his versatility and powerful screen presence, died at his Goa residence in the early hours of Thursday. Few actors possesse

Srinagar, Oct 08: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today termed the notification of the Jammu & Kashmir City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026 a major step towards expanding access to clean fuel, strengthening industrial competitiveness and modernising the energy infrastructure of Jammu & Kashmir. Notified following its approval by the Council of Ministers, the policy establishes a clear, investor-friendly and time-bound framework for expanding the use of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Nat

Jammu, Oct 08: A 63-year-old man was found unconscious in the main market area of Vijaypur in Samba district on Thursday, officials said. An official said that the man was found lying unconscious near a petrol pump along the National Highway in main market, Vijaypur Samba this morning. He said the man was shifted to Government Hospital Vijaypur, where the attending doctor declared him brought dead. He was identified as Jagdish Raj (63), son of Dhani Ram, a resident of Thalori Gujran village in V

Mendhar, Oct 08: Army troops on Thursday detected and destroyed a landmine along the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar subdivision of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said. The landmine was detected during routine patrolling in Balakote forward area and subsequently destroyed by a bomb disposal team, they said. As part of an anti-infiltration obstacle system, the forward areas are dotted with landmines which sometimes get washed away by rains and are subsequently found and destroyed

Srinagar, Oct 08: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified the City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, aimed at expanding PNG and CNG access across all 20 districts and promoting cleaner energy and industrial growth in the Union Territory. In a post on X, the office of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the policy marks a major step towards expanding clean fuel access, accelerating industrial growth and modernising energy infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has notified

Samba, Oct 08: A 22-year-old man died after being hit by an unidentified vehicle in Bari Brahmana area of Samba district on Thursday morning, officials said. An official said that the incident took place in the morning near Police Station Bari Brahmana, where, as per the initial report, an unidentified vehicle struck the man, leaving him in a pool of blood. He said that following the incident, police reached the spot and took the body into custody. The deceased was later identified as Lulain Sur

Srinagar, Oct 08: A 17-year-old youth succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, 13 days after sustaining injuries in a fall from an apple tree in Behibagh area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district. An official said that the youth fell from an apple tree while plucking apples 13 days ago in Behibagh, Kulgam. He said the youth sustained injuries and was initially taken to a hospital before being shifted to Srinagar for specialised treatment. Despite undergoing treatment for 13 days, the youth succumbed

Srinagar, Oct 08: The authorities at the University of Kashmir (KU) have directed all the Heads of Departments (HoDs), Deans, Directors and other controlling officers to avoid, as far as practicable, calling teaching faculty posted at satellite campuses to the main campus for meetings, programmes and other official activities. In a circular issued by the Assistant Registrar, Administration (Teaching Section), the university said satellite campus faculty should be invited to the main campus only

Banihal, Oct 08: One person was killed and eight others critically injured when a Tata Sumo carrying nine persons met with an accident near Senabati in Pogal Paristan tehsil of Ramban district late Wednesday night. According to police, the Tata Sumo, bearing registration number JK14A-9715, was travelling from Senabati towards Chunthan around 10 pm when it skidded off the road and plunged down a roadside slope. One person died on the spot, while the eight injured were initially shifted to PHC Ukh

Washington, Oct 08: US President Donald Trump has made a fresh bid for the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming that he had settled eight wars and done stuff that nobody else has ever done. Trump made the remarks at the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of the announcement of the coveted award on Friday by the Norwegian Peace Committee. Ive done stuff that nobody else has ever done. Im not bragging, Im just telling you the facts. No president has probably ever settled any wars. I settled eight wa

New Delhi, Oct 08: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India is proud of its air warriors and that the nation salutes their courage and commitment to protecting the skies. On the occasion of Indian Air Force Day, Modi highlighted that the force is adept at stunning adversaries not only with weaponry, but also with data and drones. Indian Air Force Day is observed on October 8 to commemorate the establishment of the force and the sacrifices made by air warriors. India is proud of our Ai

How has prose and poetry documented the socio-economic and political changes witnessed in Kashmir, and celebrated Valleys pluralistic nature? In the second episode of The Kashmir They Remember, veteran author and writer Ayaz Rasool Nazki shares his literary journey with GKTVs Saqib Malik. Belonging to a family, that has to its name three Sahitya Akademy awards, Nazki delves deep into the nostalgic lane, highlighting the special character Srinagar has traditionally been associated with. A convers

Srinagar, Oct 7: Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has suspended seven MBBS students of the 2025 batch from academic activities and evicted them from the boys hostel following reports of alleged ragging on the intervening night of Sep 28 and 29. The disciplinary action was ordered by the Principal, GMC Anantnag, on Oct 3 after the colleges Anti-Ragging Committee conducted an inquiry into the incident. The Principal ordered that the students shall stand suspended from all academic activit

Srinagar, Oct 7:The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday ordered a major administrative reshuffle, transferring and posting 49 IAS and JKAS officers with immediate effect. The orders were issued by the General Administration Department through Government Order No. 1612-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated October 7, 2026. Among the key changes, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra has been given additional charge of the post of Administrative Secretary

Ramban, Oct 7:A massive fire broke out at the historic Virat Mata temple at Dilgoot in the Dachhan area of Kishtwar district, causing extensive damage to the sacred structure and evoking deep concern and sorrow among the local population. The fire reportedly broke out late Wednesday night. According to officials, the temple was predominantly constructed with wooden logs and tin sheets, allowing the flames to spread rapidly. Soon after receiving information about the fire, police and civil admini

Banihal, Oct 7:The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL) organised a grand literary gathering at Boys Higher Secondary School, Banihal, in collaboration with the Pir Panjal Adabi Forum (PPAF), Banihal on October 4. The programme was attended by a large number of prominent literary personalities, poets, writers and litterateurs from Banihal and other parts of Pir Panjal sub-region. The literary gathering featured the release of books, presentation of honours, a grand mushai

Akhnoor, Oct 7:The 204th Raksha Pension Samadhan Ayojan (RPSA) was inaugurated at Tanda, Akhnoor by General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps Lieutenant General Mohit Seth and Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Prayagraj Himanshu Shankar, in the presence of senior military and pension authorities. The two-day Ayojan, being conducted on October 7 and 8, 2026, brings together Defence Forces veterans, Veer Naris, dependents of ex-servicemen and civilian defence employees of the U

Jammu, Oct 7: With the objective of ensuring that no eligible voter is left behind, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu and Kashmir, Sanjeev Verma on Wednesday announced a two-day special intensive voter enrolment drive across the Union Territory on October 10 (Saturday) and October 11 (Sunday), 2026, marking the beginning of a regular weekend voter facilitation initiative. The special drive will be conducted at all polling stations across Jammu and Kashmir from 9 am to 5 pm on both days, provi

Leh, Oct 7:Indias first high-altitude wildlife safari in Ladakh has become a reality, with Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday flagging off six vehicles for the Ladakh Snow Leopard Safari. This marks a major step towards promoting responsible wildlife tourism and community-based conservation in the Union Territory, while creating sustainable livelihoods for the local youth and communities. The decision to introduce wildlife safaris in Ladakh was announced on August 5 this year a

Respected Madam Vice Chancellor, A doctoral degree is earned through years of research, discipline and sacrifice. Once it is awarded, a scholar assumes the struggle is over. Mine was not. I write this open letter to thank you for the fairness with which you handled my case, and to record what happened so that other scholars may understand it. The case in brief I completed my M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), and the University of Kashmir awarded me a PhD in Computer Science and E

There is a good and a bad news for the Congress which is struggling hard to shed inertia and indecisiveness and emerge out of its own cobweb. The more it is trying, though feeble attempts, the more it remains the same without realizing the need to become battle ready for coming electoral contests. While the circumstances are fast changing in favour of the Grand Old Party (GOP), its leadership seems unaware of the role which, as the premier opposition party, it is expected to play at such a cruci

Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, popularly known as Sheikh-ul-Alam or Alamdar, occupies a special place in the cultural, spiritual and social history of Kashmir. His Shruks were expressed in simple language, using examples drawn from ordinary life, nature, human relationships and everyday experiences. Although he lived centuries ago, many of his observations remain remarkably relevant to contemporary society. His teachings speak about jealousy, backbiting, greed, pride, humility, human equality, envi

We human beings feel, think, remember, reflect, and make ethical choices based on experience, culture and relationships. The human races are biological, conscious and moral agents. In comparison, the term Digital being means highly intelligent and informed agents, capable of text and data analysis and simulation of human brain, but lack morality and empathy. This distinction is vital because artificial intelligence (AI) is already a part of education, healthcare, administration, research and com

Anantnag, Oct 7:Students from nearby schools were taken through the journey of drinking water-from its natural source to household tapsduring an awareness programme at the Water Supply Scheme Larnoo in Anantnag district. The programme, titled Know Your Water, was organised under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) by the Jal Shakti PHE Sub-Division Kokernag, Division Bijbehara, to sensitise students about safe drinking water, treatment processes and conservation. During the visit, officials explained t

Srinagar, Oct 7:Observing that the menace of drug abuse is having an alarming impact on society, the Special Judge (NDPS Cases) Jammu sentenced a drug peddler to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs one lakh for possessing 1.5 kg of charas. The court presided over by Special Judge Parvaiz Iqbal, convicted Sajjad Ahmed Bhat of Anantnag under Section 20 read with Section 8 of the NDPS Act in a case with FIR No. 89/2018 registered at Police Station Nagrota. The court noted that t

The greatest threat to the human brain today isnt a virus, a tumour, or a traumatic injury. It is a lifestyle weve quietly accepted as normal. We wake up to notifications, rush through deadlines, scroll through endless feeds, and fall asleep with glowing screens still inches from our faces. Somewhere between constant connectivity and relentless productivity, our brains have forgotten what it feels like to truly rest. Stress has become an accepted part of modern living. Students navigate academic

Tral, Oct 7: There was no let-up in bear attacks in Kashmir as a man was mauled by a bear in the Monghama Dankaad area of Tral in south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Wednesday, officials said. The injured, identified as Bilal Ahmad, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a resident of Monghama Dankaad, was attacked in the Dankaad area. Bilal was shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tral for treatment and later referred to Srinagar for further medical care. His condition was stated to be stable. The attac

Srinagar, Oct 7:The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has granted bail to an accused NDPS Act, observing that the seriousness of an offence cannot by itself justify indefinite pre-trial incarceration where the foundational material relied upon to attract the statutory rigour of Section 37 of the Act is not sufficiently compelling against the particular accused. A bench of Justice Sanjay Parihar, while granting bail to the accused, Khayal Shafi Badana, noted that no contraband or other incriminating a

Srinagar, Oct 7: One of the Srinagar's historic stretch from Amira Kadal-Hari Singh High Street has gradually transformed into an unofficial vending zone, with roads, footpaths and pedestrian walkways entirely occupied by street vendors. The decades-old Hari Singh High Street market, once known for its established shops and organised commercial activity, now presents a different picture. Makeshift stalls line both sides of the road while vendors have spread their merchandise across pavements, fo

Jammu, Oct 7:Addressing a meeting of women wing of National Conference in Ward No. 34 of Jammu Municipal Corporation in Jammu North Assembly Constituency which was organised by Rajinder Kumar, Sonu Kumar and Romesh Chander, Sadhotra said women folk has to play an vital role in struggle for restoration of statehood. National Conference leader emphasised the need to take demand of statehood at every step to involve women folk in this struggle. As per a statement issued on Wednesday, he said BJP ha

Srinagar, Oct 7:Former Cabinet Minister and Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir on Wednesday came down heavily on the government over its aggressive approach towards weaker sections of society, particularly its policy of disconnecting power supply at the source and refusing to restore it until the entire outstanding amount is paid in one go. In his statement, Ghulam Hassan Mir said: Recovering electricity dues is absolutely justified and necessary, but that does not mean pushing p

Waste management is no longer an issue at the frills. It is at the very centre of urgent issues confronting J&K for the past many years. As tons of trash pile up in the length and breadth of J&K, particularly the Kashmir valley, we are confronted with a monster of a problem. It is no longer possible for us to turn our gaze the other way. We have to confront this problem head-on. One strand of action is to ban non-biodegradable stuff and implement that ban as effectively as it can bea zero tolera

Srinagar, Oct 7:As part of the ongoing nationwide Save Democracy Week and Vote BachaoDesh Bachao campaign, senior leaders of the INDIA Bloc Wednesday held a joint press conference at the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Headquarters, Congress Bhawan, 5-M.A. Road, Srinagar, reaffirming their collective commitment to protecting the Constitution, democratic institutions and the integrity of the electoral process. The joint press conference, as per a statement, was addressed by senior represen

Srinagar, Oct 7:The Srinagar Premier League resumed action on Wednesday at the TRC Turf Ground, Srinagar, with Downtown FC producing a dominant display to defeat Galaxy FC by a convincing 90 margin. Downtown FC, as per a DFA statement, took complete control of the game from the opening whistle and went into the half-time break with a commanding 60 lead. The team continued its attacking momentum in the second half, adding three more goals to complete a comprehensive 90 victory. The result highlig

Srinagar, Oct 7: The government on Wednesday terminated a consultant surgeon posted at District Hospital Budgam after she was found to be absent from duty without authorisation for over two years. According to government order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, Dr Saima Nanda was sanctioned 30 days of earned leave from January 30, 2024, and was ordered to rejoin duties on March 1, 2024. The doctor had been appointed as consultant surgeon in 2022. However, the surgeon failed t

Sopore, Oct 7:The three-day 1st North Kashmir Womens Sports Festival concluded on Wednesday at Government Degree College for Women, Sopore, with participation of over 900 athletes from 14 degree colleges and five Higher Secondary Schools across North Kashmir. The festival, sponsored by Lazzat Spices, Sopore, was inaugurated on October 5 by Commissioner/Secretary Higher Education Ram Nivas Sharma in the presence of Secretary Higher Education Shafqat Iqbal and SSP Sopore Iftikhar Talib. The valedi

Shopian, Oct 7:Shopian Police is promoting girls participation in sports through a badminton tournament organised under its Civic Action Programme, bringing together school teams from across the district and providing students an opportunity to compete, build confidence and develop teamwork. For the girls of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Sedow, the badminton court became more than a venue for competition. It offered them an opportunity to test their skills, build confidence and exper

Srinagar, Oct 7:The third and concluding day of the 3rd J&K International Conference on Breast and Allied Cancers (JK-IBAC-2026) witnessed scientific deliberations on cancer research, diagnosis and treatment, with speakers calling for stronger institutional collaboration and community-level screening. The final day's scientific programme at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir, featured parallel sessions in which scientists and researchers from Jammu and Kashmir and outside J&K discussed recent

Srinagar, Oct 7: MLA Zadibal and National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday inaugurated the SnowShoe Running National Coaching Camp for the World SnowShoe Championship-2027 at Polo Ground, Srinagar. The camp, as per a statement, organised by the J&K SnowShoe Association under the auspices of the SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI), is being attended by around 30 shortlisted athletes from different parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir. The coaching camp is part of Ind