KashmirLife

SRINAGAR: A helicopter belonging to the Israeli Air Force crashed in the Jerusalem area during an operation to relocate a malfunctioning aircraft, according to the Jerusalem Post. The incident occurred near Gush Etzion, close to a residential locality, with initial reports indicating that no one was injured, according to Cursor Info. The crash took place []

SRINAGAR: An airplane-shaped balloon with PIA written on it was found in the Gohlad Chowki area of Mendhar town in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. A senior security official said that the balloon was spotted by locals, who informed the authorities. Security forces reached the spot and examined the object. Preliminary assessment []

SRINAGAR: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather on Friday said that all departments are fully prepared for the forthcoming Budget Session, expressing satisfaction over the arrangements put in place to ensure its smooth conduct. Talking to reporters after chairing a high-level meeting at the Jammu Civil Secretariat, the Speaker said []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has extended the Central Government Health Scheme health benefits to its pensioners, with specific terms and conditions governing eligibility and coverage, officials said on Friday. A top official informed that only those government employees of Jammu and Kashmir who retired on or after October 31, 2019, will be eligible []

SRINAGAR: Tension prevailed on Akhnoor Road in Jammu on Friday after police resorted to cane charge to disperse protesting aspirants who had blocked the road outside a Border Security Force recruitment venue. Officials said scores of aspirants staged a protest outside the BSF gate on Akhnoor Road after discovering that their names were missing from []

SRINAGAR: Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, a speculative Search Operation was launched in parts of Srinagar city centre as part of enhanced security arrangements. The operation was carried out by Khotibagh Police in coordination with personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force 132 Battalion. Officials said the exercise was initiated following recent security inputs and []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday approved the promotion of several Section Officers to the rank of Under Secretary in the Jammu Kashmir Secretariat (Gazetted) Service-I. The promotions were ordered under Government Order No. 73-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department, following recommendations made by the Departmental Promotion Committee and the []

SRINAGAR: Senior IPS officer Mukesh Singh on Friday assumed charge as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Ladakh, officials said. A 1996-batch officer of the AGMUT cadre, Singh formally took over the post in the afternoon amid ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement, border management and internal security in the strategically significant region. Singh []

SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall was reported across several higher reaches of Kashmir on Friday late afternoon, as winter conditions intensified in the region, bringing relief to alpine areas and adding to the seasonal snow cover. According to details, Gurez Plains received around two inches of fresh snowfall, while Drass recorded about one inch. Zojila Pass also []

SRINAGAR: A rusted mortar shell was detected at an Army convoy ground in Boniyar area of Baramulla district in North Kashmir, triggering immediate security measures and a controlled disposal operation. Officials said a 51 mm rusted mortar shell was found at the convoy ground in Boniyar during a digging process. Soon after the detection, the []

SRINAGAR: Police in Kupwara district of north Kashmir arrested a woman and recovered a large quantity of narcotic substances during a naka checking operation conducted in the Gulgam area. Officials said that during naka checking at Magery Mohalla, Gulgam in Kupwara, a police party apprehended a woman identified as Nayeema Begum, wife of Irshad Ahmad []

SRINAGAR: Dr. Rouf, whose wife is in a critical condition at a hospital in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has made an urgent appeal for assistance to airlift his wife to Srinagar for medical treatment. In an emotional plea, Dr Rouf has sought the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, requesting []

Debasmita Dasguptas Terminal 3 follows 17-year-old Khwab Nazir, a Kashmiri jiu-jitsu player, navigating dreams, conflict, and resilience. Through vibrant visuals, it highlights Kashmirs beauty, strife, and underrepresented human stories, writes Muhammad Nadeem Debasmita Dasguptas graphic novel Terminal 3 offers a glimpse into the world of a young Kashmiri woman pursuing her dreams amidst conflict. Set []

by Khawar Khan Achakzai Twentieth-century Kashmiri literature marked a modern revival, blending mysticism, nationalism, and progressive humanism, led by Mahjur and Azad, who modernised language, themes, and cultural self-consciousness. The modern period in the development of Kashmiri started from 20th century. The attitude of inferiority towards Kashmiris in this era was still noticeable, but its []

SRINAGAR: Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir recorded sub-zero minimum temperatures, with Pulwama emerging as the coldest place in the Kashmir division at minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, according to data compiled by Kashmir Weather. In the Kashmir division, Shopian recorded a low of minus 3.9C, while Srinagar Airport, Awantipora and Anantnag each recorded minus 2.8C. []

SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) has filed a chargesheet in a case related to an alleged fake MBBS admission, in which a complainant was reportedly cheated of Rs 13 lakh. According to an official statement, the chargesheet has been filed in FIR No. 10/2024 under Sections 420 (cheating) and []

SRINAGAR: The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv has advised Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel in view of the prevailing security situation in the region. In an advisory issued on Thursday, the Embassy also urged Indian nationals currently in Israel to remain vigilant and strictly follow the safety guidelines and protocols []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Jammu Kashmir, Javid Ahmad Dar, today called on the Union Minister for Agriculture Farmers Welfare and Rural Development and held detailed discussion on key issues concerning agriculture, horticulture and rural development in the Union Territory. During the meeting, Javid Dar apprised []

SRINAGAR: Senior Peoples Democratic Party leader and former minister Zahoor Ahmad Mir on Thursday demanded the establishment of a separate district headquarter for Pampore, citing administrative neglect and growing hardships faced by the local population. Mir urged the Government of India to consider administrative reorganization of Pampore in light of the new delimitation exercise. He []

SRINAGAR: Asserting that timely reporting remains the most effective tool in combating online frauds, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Cyber Investigation Centre for Excellence (CICE), Ramnish Gupta, on Thursday said that cybercrimes in JK touched a staggering Rs 184.91 crore in 2025. Talking to the reporters at the sidelines of a CICE workshop the SSP []

SRINAGAR: Authorities in north Kashmirs Sopore withheld salaries of two tehsil office Watergam employees over their unauthorised absence from their duties. An official said that during a surprise check at Tehsil Office, Watergam by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Sopore, SA Raina, two officials Ishrat Fatima and Mohammad Arif were found absent unauthorisedly, []

SRINAGAR: The security measures have been heightened across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, with multi-tier arrangements, intensified surveillance, and area domination exercises underway across the Union Territory, officials said. Officials said that security arrangements have been strengthened across all 20 districts, with special focus on border belts. Enhanced security measures, including []

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced a scheduled shutdown of the 480 MVA 220/132/33 kV Grid Sub-Station (GSS) Delina, which will affect electricity supply across large parts of north and central Kashmir. According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, the shutdown will be observed from January 17 to January 23, 2026, []

SRINAGAR: A fire broke out in the Dazna area of Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary in Boniyar on Thursday, posing a serious threat to green trees and wildlife, including Hangul and Markhor species found in the region. Local sources said that the fire initially started on private land where some residents had set bushes and dry grass []

SRINAGAR: A woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her residence in Awoora area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Thursday. Officials said that a lady identified as Heena Begum, resident of Ganie Mohalla, Awoora, was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside her home. Upon noticing the incident, family members rushed her to Sub-District []

SRINAGAR: A mild earthquake measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale struck Baramulla district of Jammu Kashmir on Thursday evening, triggering tremors in several parts of the Kashmir Valley. According to seismic data, the earthquake occurred at 7.10 pm IST, with its epicentre located about 19 kilometres west-northwest of Srinagar. The tremor was recorded at a []

SRINAGAR: Pakistani drones were spotted along sensitive areas of the Line of Control in Poonch district and the Indo-Pak International Border in Samba on Thursday evening, prompting a swift response from Indian security forces, officials said. Official sources said that in Poonch, a drone was seen hovering over the Digwar sector for several minutes before []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has finalised arrangements for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026 across the Union Territory. According to an order issued by the General Administration Department, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will preside over the main function at MA Stadium in Jammu and take the salute, while Chief Minister Omar []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued orders for the transfer, posting, and additional charge assignments of several Assistant Accounts Officers (AAOs) with immediate effect, in the interest of administration. According to Government Order No. 09-Acctts of 2026 issued by the Finance Department, Nasir Majeed Mir, currently posted as AAO in the Mechanical and []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued orders assigning temporary look-after charge of Principals and equivalent posts to 56 Senior Lecturers across the Union Territory, pending clearance by the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or the Public Service Commission (PSC). The orders also include transfers and postings with immediate effect. The School Education Department clarified []

by Munazah Fayaz In Kashmirs grade-driven education culture, parental pressure sidelines moral guidance, weakening character formation and creating social imbalance despite academic success and professional achievement. In todays Kashmir, education has become a race, fast, competitive, and unforgiving. Mark sheets are celebrated, ranks are announced with pride, and careers are planned before childhood even ends. []

SRINAGAR: Police in Anantnag district of south Kashmir on Thursday seized a vehicle under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act as part of ongoing operations against unlawful activities in the district. Police officials said an Alto car bearing registration number JK13E-5393 was attached in connection with FIR No. 40/2025 registered at Police Station []

Planning a trip to Kashmir in 2026 often begins with one key question: which tour company should you book with? With so many operators offering Kashmir tour packages, travellers are often confused between well-known brands, online platforms, and experience-focused travel companies. A simple search brings up names like MakeMyTrip, Thomas Cook, SOTC, Thrillophilia, and EaseMyTrip, []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has appointed an officer to coordinate with relevant authorities for the safety and welfare of residents and students from the Union Territory currently in Iran, amid the ongoing unrest. A notification from the General Administration Department (GAD) designated Anil Sharma, JKAS, Additional Resident Commissioner of the JK Government in []

SRINAGAR: Special fire fighting teams of the Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) unit from Gaw Kadal Fire Station were on Thursday seen trekking on foot to the Zabarwan Hills to battle a forest fire raging in the upper Nishat forest belt on the outskirts of Srinagar. The fire has been burning for the past six days []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir authorities have issued strict instructions to all Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) to ensure that all Right to Information (RTI) applications, including those received offline, are uploaded onto the Union Territorys Online RTI Portal. The directive, issued by the Public Works (R and B) Department on January 12, 2026, comes after []

SRINAGAR: Authorities on Thursday detained a Patwari and a Chowkidar in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district in south Kashmir after a field raid by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CACB) allegedly uncovered a bribery transaction, officials said. They said that the operation was carried out by a CACB Srinagar team headed by ASP Makhan Singh. []

Kashmir, with its rich culinary identity and large consumer market, is grappling with a growing gastric health crisis. Syed Shadab Ali Gillani spoke with gastroenterologist Dr Reyaz Ahmad Para, and Afreen Ashraf brings the highlights of their conversation in black and white KASHMIR LIFE (KL): Kashmiris complain about mead doud. As a gastroenterologist, how do []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir continued to reel under severe cold, with most parts of the Kashmir Valley recording sub-zero temperatures, while several areas in the Jammu region experienced chilly nights. Srinagar registered a minimum of minus 3.9C, while Srinagar Airport recorded a low of minus 5.0C. Other cold spots included Qazigund at minus 4.7C, Pahalgam []

SRINAGAR: Deputy Inspector General of Police, JSK Range, Shiv Kumar led a joint search operation with the Army and CRPF in different areas of Kathua district of Jammu Kashmir following reports of suspected movement. The search operations were carried out in Jakhole and Saghroon villages of Kathua district after two suspects were reportedly seen in []

SRINAGAR: A Delhi court on Wednesday extended the NIA custody of five accused in the Red Fort blast case till January 16, allowing the agency additional time for custodial interrogation. Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna approved the National Investigation Agencys request, granting continued custody of Dr Adeel Rather, Dr Shaheen Saeed, Dr []

SRINAGAR: The declaration of Class 10 and Class 12 results by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday sparked widespread celebrations across Kashmir, leading to a sharp increase in the sale of cakes, sweets, traditional delicacies, garlands and other congratulatory items as families marked students academic success. From Srinagar to nearby []

SRINAGAR: The United States Government has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing concerns over migrants becoming public charges on the American welfare system. In a statement, the US State Department said the pause will remain in effect until authorities can ensure that new immigrants []

SRINAGAR: As routine toppers stories dominate headlines following the declaration of the Class 12 results in Jammu and Kashmir, a quieter yet far more profound achievement has emerged from Srinagar, one that speaks not in sound, but in resolve. Seven hearing- and speech-impaired students from Abhedananda Home Higher Secondary School, Solina, have recorded a 100 []

by Khawar Khan Achakzai Between 1500 and 1900, Kashmiri literature evolved under Persian dominance, producing enduring lyric, Sufi, Bhakti, masnawi and marsiya traditions through poets who vernacularised elite influences. The years 1500-1700 CE in Kashmir were marked by rapid change, turmoil and instability. Even though the process of Persianization was dominant, the Sanskrit Saivite tradition []

by Asad Mirza The US exit from major global institutions weakens multilateralism but opens strategic space for India and the Global South to reform and revitalise global governance. The US President Donald Trump has ordered the US withdrawal from 66 international organisations, including 31 UN entities and 35 non-UN bodies, targeting climate, human rights, and []

SRINAGAR: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today chaired a high level Apex Committee meeting constituted for monitoring and proper implementation of National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) Project at both the Assembly Complexes in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Members of the Committee, MLAs, Nizam Ud Din Bhat; Hasnain Masoodi; Tanvir []

SRINAGAR: The United States is withdrawing personnel from key military bases in the Middle East as a precaution, following escalating tensions with Iran, according to multiple media reports. US officials told the Associated Press that several personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatarthe largest American base in the regionwere advised to evacuate by []

SRINAGAR: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy ward was the classroom of Aakash Ashraf for the past one and a half years. The teenager battling cancer was armed with nothing but self-study and today he sailed through his 10th exams with a splendid 97 percent marks. Like other days Aakash was rushing to his school located in his []

SRINAGAR: After months of uncertainty, low demand, and depressed prices during the main harvesting season, apple growers in Kashmir are finally witnessing a turnaround. The demand for the fruit in cold storage units has picked up further in wholesale markets, leading to an increase in rates and comparatively better returns for orchardists. Growers said that []