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by Khalid Altaf Sherwani The Constitution of India endures as a living guide, balancing rights and duties, shaped by landmark judgments, and relying on citizens to uphold justice, equality, dignity, and democratic values As India steps into its seventy-fifth year under the shelter of its Constitution, it is worth pausing for a moment and asking []

SRINAGAR: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested two Tanzanian nationals in Bengaluru in connection with separate drug trafficking cases, seizing 10kg of MDMA and 8kg of hydro ganja, with an estimated street value of over Rs 28 crore, the Times of India reported. Officials told the Times of India that the seizure is among []

SRINAGAR: The Union Railways Ministry Wednesday said that the KanpurJammu Tawi Express currently does not stop at Mallawan station and any future halt will be decided based on operational needs. Responding to a question, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Mallawan station is presently served by four train services that offers connectivity to Kanpur, Unnao and []

SRINAGAR: Kashmir Valley remained gripped by intense cold as night temperatures dropped sharply across the region, with several locations falling well below freezing, according to meteorological data. Summer capital of Jammu Kashmir, Srinagar recorded a minimum of 4.0C, while nearby Pampore dropped to 5.0C. Pulwama was the coldest in the region at 5.6C. Pahalgam, Anantnag []

SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M Scindia informed the Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir remains a key focus area through the expansion plan of 100 percent 4G coverage under the Prime Ministers Digital India vision. The minister informed that the government is steadily moving toward achieving complete 4G saturation across India as part of []

SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch, Jammu Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 79/2022 before the Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, in a case involving alleged fraudulent mutation of land in Zoonimar Eidgah, Srinagar. Officials said the chargesheet has been filed against businessman Habibullah Bhat of Buchpora; retired Naib Tehsildar Mohammad []

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir has pending liabilities of Rs 196.29 crore under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), according to data presented in the Lok Sabha. Responding to a question on funds owed to States under the scheme, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Union Territory has dues of Rs 5.48 []

SRINAGAR: The Open Merit Students Association of Jammu and Kashmir has rejected any cosmetic reduction in reservation and demanded immediate public release of the reservation sub-committee report before any official approval. In a statement, OMSA leaders Sahil Parray, Mohammad Momin Khan, Tafazul Bilal and Subina Mehraj said token cuts in one or two categories would []

SRINAGAR: Defying societal expectations and their physical challenges, a specially abled couple from south Kashmirs Anantnag district has skilfully nurtured a thriving mushroom cultivation unit under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) scheme. With the support of the agriculture department, Mehroka Jan and her husband Muzafar Ahmad, who have physical disabilities affecting their legs, have []

SRINAGAR: A family of four orphan sisters was left homeless on Wednesday afternoon after a devastating blaze ripped through Nowpora in Srinagar, destroying their house along with all dowry items prepared for an upcoming wedding. Officials said the fire started in the attic of a residential house before rapidly spreading to neighbouring structures. The Fire []

SRINAGAR: Three alleged drug peddlers, including two residents of Srinagar, were arrested on Wednesday at Tikri in Udhampur district of Jammu division. Officials said that a team intercepted the suspects during routine checking and recovered heroin-like substances from their possession. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ishfaq Majid Dar, son of Mohd Abdullah Dar, []

SRINAGAR: Jailed Member of Parliament, Sheikh Abdul Rashid Wednesday said that there shall be a blanket ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir. The MP said making JK a dry state must not be labelled as anti-national or anti-social. Rashid during the Lok Sabha proceedings, said that the opposition of people against the opening of []

SRINAGAR: The Indian government withdrew its order on Wednesday, mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all smartphones sold in the country, citing the apps growing popularity and public acceptance. The move comes after widespread concerns over privacy, digital rights, and potential surveillance, coupled with resistance from major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple []

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Wednesday lauded the role of Village Defence Guards (VDGs), stating that individuals demonstrating remarkable courage in anti-terror operations could be considered for induction into the regular police force. During an interaction with more than 110 VDG members in a forward village along the International []

SRINAGAR: The Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kashmir has introduced a new S-track driving trial system for the driving licence procedure, replacing the traditional H track used for light motor vehicles. Officials said the new system is part of an effort to make the process more efficient, transparent, and fully digital. ARTO Srinagar, Mouzam Ali said []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Wednesday reaffirmed the Jammu and Kashmir Governments commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for Specially Abled Persons (SAPs), stating that empowerment, dignity, and equal opportunity remain central to all government programmes. Speaking at a grand event at the Convention Centre []

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday unveiled the sacred coin of Shri Sukrala Mata Ji, a token prepared by the Mall Mata Sukrala Devi Dharmik Trust. The coin, featuring the holy image of Shri Sukrala Mata Ji, will be offered along with prasadam to devotees visiting the revered Shri Sukrala Mata Shrine in Billawar, []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued a comprehensive set of instructions for granting ex gratia relief to individuals affected by law and order disturbances, covering government employees, security personnel, civilians, and defence forces. The move, notified through a government order aims to streamline compensation under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) framework. The policy []

SRINAGAR: Police have arrested two persons during a patrolling operation near in the Nishat area and recovered contraband substance and cash from their possession, a police official said. The accused were identified as Sheikh Umar Jan, and Nadeem Qadir Chopan. Two Arrested with Heroin and Cash in NishatPolice said 15 grams of heroin and cash []

SRINAGAR: Srinagar Police on Wednesday arrested an alleged ATM fraudster in the Bemina area, recovering 12 ATM cards from multiple banks and an iPhone said to have been used in the crime. Police said the action followed a written complaint filed by Nazir Ahmed War, in charge of the Centralised ATM Department of Jammu and []

SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has revealed that as of November 26, 2025, a total of 36,11,005 unorganised workers, including migrant labourers, from Jammu and Kashmir, have registered on the national eShram portal. In neighbouring Ladakh, 35,068 workers have enrolled on the platform, highlighting a growing effort to bring the Union Territories workforce []

SRINAGAR: Three cows were electrocuted to death after a high-tension power line collapsed in Tulwari area of Langate in north Kashmirs Kupwara district, triggering outrage among locals who have accused the Power Development Department of negligence. Locals said that the incident occurred when an HT line suddenly snapped and fell in an open area where []

SRINAGAR: Between December 1, 2020, and October 10, 2025, more than 4.37 lakh women entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir have been sanctioned Mudra loans amounting to Rs. 7,579.3 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY). These loans have supported the establishment and expansion of small businesses, agriculture-allied ventures, handicrafts, and other traditional enterprises across []

SRINAGAR: Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid on Tuesday raised concerns in Parliament over the absence of basic mobile connectivity in several border areas of North Kashmir, saying residents continue to suffer due to what he termed long-standing governmental neglect. Speaking during the session, the MP, currently lodged in Tihar Jail, said that regions such as Karnah, []

SRINAGAR: A Sumo vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in the Sounder area of Dachhan in Kishtwar district on Wednesday, leaving one person dead, and two others are critically injured, officials said. Officials said that the vehicle slipped off the road under unknown circumstances, resulting in the on-spot death of []

SRINAGAR: Police in Budgam, in coordination with the Mining Department, intensified action against illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of minerals across the district during November 2025, leading to arrests, vehicle seizures and financial penalties. Officials said police teams from various police stations and police posts, under the supervision of senior officers, conducted sustained operations in []

SRINAGAR: The Government has said it is closely reviewing all major hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the long-pending 1,856 MW Sawalkote scheme, as part of a wider assessment of the Union Territorys power expansion plans. The information was placed before the Rajya Sabha by Power Minister Manohar Lal in response to a question []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has reported a significant palliative care load, with 54,738 patients receiving services in 202324, according to data placed before the Rajya Sabha by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda. The Ministry said that the National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) now covers 600 districts across India, marking one of the most []

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is scheduled to chair the first cabinet meeting in Jammu after the annual Darbar move today, with the Cabinet Sub Committees report on reservation figuring as a key agenda item. Official sources said the meeting will take place in the Civil Secretariat Jammu. The cabinet is expected to deliberate on []

SRINAGAR: The Centre on Tuesday said 4,29,954 (four lakh twenty nine thousand, nine hundred and fifty-four) youth were trained in Jammu and Kashmir under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) as part of the Skill India Mission (SIM), while multiple other centrally sponsored schemes continue to operate for reskilling and upskilling in the Union []

SRINAGAR: Kashmir Valley continued to reel under intense cold, with minimum temperatures dipping below the freezing point across most areas, weather officials said. Srinagar recorded a low of -4.4C, while Pampore (-5.0C), Anantnag (-5.3C), Baramulla (-5.3C), Pulwama (-5.5C) and Shopian (-5.9C) were among the coldest in the region. Pahalgam witnessed severe cold at -4.6C, and []

SRINAGAR: A prolonged and unprecedented dry spell in Kashmir has pushed water levels in major water bodies to alarming lows, triggering fresh fears of a drinking water crisis across several pockets of Kashmir. Residents in many areas of Pulwama and Tralwho witnessed springs go completely dry last yearhave urged authorities to step in with alternative []

SRINAGAR: The Union government said Jammu and Kashmir continues to be one of the implementing regions of the country under the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) with afforestation and ecosystem restoration activities undertaken in selected landscapes during the last five years. In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Environment, []

SRINAGAR: SSP Rural Traffic Kashmir, Ravinder Pal Singh, said the traffic wing has issued nearly three lakh challans this year, generating revenue of over Rs 10 crore. SSP Pal said the strict enforcement of the traffic department and wider public cooperation have led to a 30-35 percent decline in accidents and fatalities in comparison to []

SRINAGAR: The Power Development Department (PDD) is facing a shortage of nearly 500 Megawatts (MWs) to meet the actual power demand in Kashmir valley plunging residents facing into extended blackouts. An official said that The actual peak power demand in Kashmir is at least 2400 MWs but the local Discom (Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited []

SRINAGAR: Two persons were killed and three others sustained injuries in a road accident on the Chingus stretch of the Rajouri highway on Wednesday morning, officials said. Officials said that the accident occurred early in the day when a vehicle skidded off the road, resulting in the fatalities. Two individuals died on the spot, while []

SRINAGAR: The Centre informed the Lok Sabha that more than 2.05 crore youth registered themselves on the MY Bharat platform since its launch in November 2023, aimed at connecting young citizens with experiential learning and volunteering opportunities. The details were shared in a written reply by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. []

SRINAGAR: A week-long hunt to capture a wild bear in Srinagar has yet to succeed. The unknown whereabouts of the wild bear has left residents of several areas in a state of fear. The wild bear was initially spotted on November 26 near the University of Kashmir campus and later near the SKIMS hospital premises []

SRINAGAR: A year after returning to power in Jammu and Kashmir and weeks after the historic restoration of the traditional Durbar Move, the National Conference is all set to mark the 120th birth anniversary of its founder, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, with renewed vigour and official grandeur on December 5. According to the details available []

SRINAGAR: The government has ordered a reshuffle in the Finance Department, transferring several senior accounts and audit officers in Kashmir. Among the important changes, Arshid Ahmad Lone, Chief Accounts Officer (CAO) at Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), has been posted as Chief Pay and Accounts Officer, Chief Engineer, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (KPDCL). The transfer []

SRINAGAR: A delegation of Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Tuesday met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and urged a review of the controversial admission of 42 Muslim candidates in the first MBBS batch at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra. The institute, run by the Shri Mata []

SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ensured enhanced financial transparency and accountability in the Union Territory of Ladakh while retaining full powers with the Lieutenant Governor (LG), official sources from MHA said on Tuesday. Under the new framework, Administrative Approval (AA) and Expenditure Sanction (ES) for major projects will be processed through the []

SRINAGAR: The construction of the strategically important Zojila Tunnel is progressing rapidly and remains on schedule for completion by 2028, officials said on Tuesday. Retired Colonel Shiv Kumar, General Manager at MEIL the company executing the project said that the work that began in late 2020 initially faced delays due to harsh winter conditions. []

SRINAGAR: A Power Development Department (PDD) employee sustained critical burn injuries after suffering an electric shock while repairing a transformer in Chatergul area of Kangan in central kashmirs Ganderbal district on Tuesday. Sources said that the injured worker was referred from SDH Kangan to SKIMS Soura in a critical condition, with multiple burn injuries. The []

SRINAGAR: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced multiple scheduled power shutdowns across south and central Kashmir in early December. According to the Chief Engineer (Distribution), the 33 kV LassiporaLandoora line will remain shut, disrupting electricity supply to Landoora, Watchi, Babapora, Momen, Hermain, Hajipora, Chakoora, Frisal and adjoining areas from 10:30 pm to 3:30 []

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir took a major step towards renewable energy adoption on Tuesday as Minister Satish Sharma inaugurated a 143 KW grid-connected rooftop solar power plant at the JK Cable Car Corporation in Bahu, Jammu. The project, costing Rs 74.55 lakh, is expected to generate 1.83 lakh units annually, saving around Rs 15 lakh in []

SRINAGAR: A grand District Mega Kisan Mela was inaugurated today at Ghatti, Kathua by Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmed Dar. The event brought together farmers, agriculture experts, and SKUAST scientists for knowledge sharing, technological demonstrations, and farmerscientist interactions. During the inauguration, Dar laid the foundation []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has permitted Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para to travel within India, modifying the earlier bail condition that restricted him to Jammu and Kashmir. The decision was made by a bench comprising Justices Vinod Chatterji Koul and Sanjeev Kumar on December 2, []

SRINAGAR: Illegal mining and large-scale soil cutting continue unabated across several villages of south Kashmirs Pulwama district, raising serious concerns over environmental destruction and loss of agricultural land. Locals from Nowdal, Dadsara, Lalgam, Auligund, Chandrigam and Baygund in Tral area alleged that unregulated mineral extraction and soil removal have been taking place openly, often using []

SRINAGAR: JKAS aspirants are still waiting for the governments formal order on age relaxation, despite repeated verbal assurances from top officials, including the Chief Minister and senior bureaucrats, over the past several months. A group of JKAS aspirants said the matter has been pending since June, when the process for the 2025 recruitment cycle began. []