KashmirLife

SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Friday condemned the US-Israel action against Iran, asserting that no country has the right to wage an undeclared war and kill innocent people, including children. Speaking outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, MLA Sadiq expressed solidarity with the people of Iran over the killing of []

Kashmirs architects and residents are fusing traditional building techniques with modern design to preserve a 3,000-year cultural heritage under threat from globalisation, reports Syed Shadab Ali Gillani In the old city of Srinagar, 26-year-old Iram grew up in rooms shaped by centuries of craft, carved walnut screens filtering afternoon light, a top-floor Zoon Dabb gallery []

SRINAGAR: Government of India (GoI) on Thursday sharply reduced special excise duties on petrol and diesel as global fuel markets remain volatile due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. According to a finance ministry order, the duty on petrol has been cut to Rs 3 per litre from Rs 13, while the levy []

SRINAGAR: The second phase of the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will commence on Friday, with the Union Territorys annual budget for 2026-27, amounting to Rsv1.13 lakh crore, slated for passage on the opening day. The budget, presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on February 6, has already been debated in []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on Thursday approved a range of development projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure, public services and institutional capacity across the Union Territory. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his official residence in Jammu, lasted about an hour and focused on accelerating development, improving service delivery and ensuring []

SRINAGAR: The second phase of the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set to resume on Friday, with the Union Territorys budget for 2026-27 scheduled to be taken up for approval on the very first day. The budget, amounting to Rs 1.13 lakh crore and presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah []

SRINAGAR: Three employees of Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag were suspended on Friday following complaints of alleged administration of expired glucose to patients in the surgical ward, officials said. An official said that the action was initiated after patient attendants raised the matter with the competent authority, he said. The suspended officials have been identified []

SRINAGAR: The Centre has said that 96,476 workers from Jammu and Kashmir have been enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) scheme aimed at providing old-age pension to unorganised sector workers. Replying to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje said that the scheme, []

by Sri Varshith Kumar Reddy E On the Orange Economy, Indias creative capital, and why Jammu & Kashmir may hold more on its balance sheets than it knows There is an old economic habit of mind that measures the wealth of nations by what they dig, smelt, stitch, or assemble, that is, by the tonnage []

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Thursday has invited suggestions from the people for the establishment of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Boards (SMVDSB) first-of-its-kind International Goddess Museum, at Katra. The Goddess Museum is envisioned as a unique global spiritual landmark. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official portal www.smvdsbimog.org to []

SRINAGAR: Nearly 30 cases of jaundice, mostly among children, have been reported over the past few weeks in the Zarihard area of Tral in South Kashmirs Pulwama district. Local residents said the spike in cases has created panic in the area, with many families rushing their children to nearby health centres after symptoms such as []

SRINAGAR: Panic and outrage gripped attendants at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag on Wednesday after allegations surfaced that expired glucose was administered to a few patients, triggering adverse reactions and raising serious questions about patient safety in the hospital. Attendants said that the incident came to light after some patients developed unusual reactions soon after []

SRINAGAR:The familiar sound that marked every hour at Srinagars historic Lal Chowk Clock Tower has fallen silent, with both the clock and its bells reportedly not working. The structure, popularly known as Ghanta Ghar, has been a defining feature of the city centre for decades, but in recent days, locals allege, neither the clock is []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) continues to remain closed for vehicular movement between Karol Bridge and Chanderkot, officials said. Authorities said clearance operations are currently in progress on the affected stretch, and no traffic is being allowed from either side until the road is fully restored. No vehicular movement shall be permitted from Jammu []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the Jammu Marathon2026 Expo at Dussehra Ground, Gandhi Nagar, marking the final phase of preparations for the maiden Jammu Marathon scheduled for March 29. The Chief Minister formally opened the expo by cutting a ribbon and launched a signature campaign, following which he inspected []

SRINAGAR:Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired a Cabinet meeting in Jammu to review ongoing development initiatives and governance priorities across the Union Territory. The meeting assessed the progress of key infrastructure projects and emphasised the need to accelerate their implementation. The Cabinet also deliberated on measures to strengthen public service delivery []

SRINAGAR: Kashmiri Pandits on Thursday marked the festival of Ram Navami by taking out a Shobha Yatra in Srinagar, officials said. The procession, organized by members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, witnessed the participation of devotees who gathered to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Ram with religious fervour. The event highlights the continued observance []

SRINAGAR: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) today conducted extensive searches at multiple locations across the districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Shopian, leading to the busting of a significant terrorist recruitment module operating in coordination with handlers from across the Line of Control (LoC) and in connivance with a network based in Bangladesh. In a handout, the []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed in Ramban district on Thursday after huge rocks fell on the road, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides, officials said. An official said that the highway remained blocked due to large boulders and a landslide between Karol Bridge and Chanderkot, halting vehicular movement. Traffic from Jammu []

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has given his nod for the introduction of a private members bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly proposing a structured framework for creation of new administrative units across the Union Territory. The approval has been granted under Section 36(1) of the JK Reorganisation Act, 2019, allowing PDP legislator []

SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has asserted that Indias supply of petrol, diesel and LPG remains fully secure, dismissing claims of any shortage and warning against misinformation triggering panic buying. In a detailed statement, the Ministry said all fuel outlets across the country are adequately stocked and operating normally, with no rationing []

SRINAGAR: A man from Ladakh died, while four persons, including two tourists from Maharashtra, were injured in a road accident at Rail Gund in the Kangan area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Thursday, officials said. The accident occurred following a collision between two cars at Rail Gund, Kangan, prompting an immediate response from police []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has issued revised deadlines to expedite treasury operations ahead of the financial year-end, specifically for bills under SNA SPARSH schemes. As per the new government order, Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) must submit all bills to their respective treasuries by 2:00 PM on March 31, 2026. Treasuries then []

SRINAGAR: Five persons, including two tourists from Maharashtra, were injured in a road accident at Rail Gund in Kangan area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Thursday, with one of the injured drivers reported to be in critical condition, officials said. The accident occurred after a collision between two cars at Rail Gund Kangan, prompting []

SRINAGAR: The Government of India has informed the Lok Sabha that the process to establish Gamma Irradiation facilities in Ladakh, aimed at extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, is currently underway. Replying to an unstarred question by MP Mohmad Haneefa, Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office, Jitendra Singh said that the []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir General Administration Department has issued a firm warning to administrative officers over delays in submitting and processing the Annual Performance Reports (APRs) of JKAS officers. Noting a substantial backlog for the 202324 and 202425 assessment years, the government has provided a final opportunity for officers to complete all pending files []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet is meeting here on Thursday in Jammu to take up a series of significant administrative and legislative matters ahead of the resumption of the budget session of the Legislature. Sources said that one of the major items on the agenda is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) []

SRINAGAR: A load carrier belonging to Rising Kashmir Newspaper was gutted in a fire incident in the Sonwar area of Srinagar in the early hours of Thursday, officials said. The incident occurred near the UNO Office in Sonwar, where the vehicle bearing registration number JK01AN-6235 caught fire, triggering an emergency response. Officials said the Fire []

SRINAGAR: The Government of India on Wednesday outlined a range of welfare measures being extended to Kashmiri migrant families under the Security-Related Expenditure framework and the Prime Ministers Development Package, including financial assistance, food support, employment, and housing. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said []

SRINAGAR: The State Election Commission, Jammu and Kashmir, has issued the schedule for revision of Panchayat Electoral Rolls with April 1, 2026 as the qualifying date, setting in motion the process across the Union Territory. As per the notification, the draft Panchayat Electoral Roll in Form PER-1 will be published on March 27, 2026. The []

In an investigative portrait of Qazigunds hollow slaughterhouse, Insha Yousuf reveals how backyard butchery, administrative failure, and blood-soaked drains are quietly devastating Kashmirs public health and ecological safety The air in Qazigund usually carries the scent of woodsmoke and damp earth, but inside the kitchen of Mohammad Yousuf Khan, it is thick with the deep []

SRINAGAR: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Thursday carried out multiple raids at various locations across Kashmir Valley in connection with a recently registered terror-related investigation. Official sources said that the searches are currently underway in Srinagar, Shopian and Ganderbal districts. They said the raids are being conducted on the basis of search warrants issued by []

SRINAGAR: Anxiety continues to mount among families as a significant number of Indian students remain stranded in Iran due to slow issuance of exit codes, mounting financial hardships, and growing uncertainty over their return. According to details, the evacuation process is going on at a slow pace, with only 6 to 10 students receiving exit []

SRINAGAR: The Government of India (GoI) on Wednesday said that Jammu Kashmir has witnessed large-scale deletion of ration cards since 2014 as part of a nationwide drive to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) and ensure benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. Replying to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Nimuben []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday evening in Jammu to take up several matters. Sources said that a number of proposals are on the agenda for meeting. There is a possibility the cabinet will also give its goahead for introducing a few government bills, they said. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: A PhD scholar from the National Institute of Technology Srinagar has become the first recipient of the prestigious IndiaAI Research Fellowship from the institute as well as from Jammu and Kashmir. Saqib Asgar Kanth is among 146 candidates selected from across the country, with representation from only three National Institutes of Technology (NITs), underlining []

SRINAGAR: The Centre on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh have achieved near-universal mobile connectivity, though a small number of villages in both Union Territories remain without coverage. Replying to a starred question by MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M Scindia said Jammu and Kashmir has []

SRINAGAR: The Centre on Wednesday said that complaints against e-commerce platforms have shown a rising trend in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years, while Ladakh has reported minimal cases. Replying to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs BL Verma, said that Jammu and Kashmir recorded 15 []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to require additional 300 Megawatts (MWs) of power during the peak hours over the coming three years. According to the official documents, from the upcoming financial year 2026-27, Jammu and Kashmir will likely require 3813 MWs of power during the peak demand. The authorities have further projected that in []

SRINAGAR: The Post Graduate Department of Minimal Access and General Surgery, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar on Wednesday organized a PACE Program on Bariatric Surgery, featuring a live operative workshop at the Surgery Seminar Hall. According to the details, the event was inaugurated by Prof (Dr) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal/Dean GMC Srinagar, who lauded the []

SRINAGAR: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar on Wednesday predicted fresh spells of rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir from March 26 onwards. An official of the MeT Centre said that the weather is expected to remain largely dry till the evening of March 26, after which light rain, snow, thunder and gusty winds are likely []

SRINAGAR: The district administration on Wednesday urged residents to avoid panic buying and hoarding of essential commodities, assuring that sufficient stocks are available across the city. In an official advisory, authorities said there is no shortage of fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or other essential items, dismissing concerns over any supply disruption. The administration warned []

SRINAGAR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday caught a Naib Tehsildar posted at the Tehsil Office Arwani in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district in south Kashmir red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 22,000, officials said. The operation was carried out by an ACB South Kashmir team headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police []

SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir has directed its employees not to visit government treasuries or external offices without prior approval, warning of disciplinary action in case of violations, officials said. The directive, issued by the General Administration wing of the university, comes after authorities observed that some employees were directly approaching treasuries for follow-up on []

SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday urged people not to panic amid circulating rumours, saying the government is closely monitoring essential supplies and the overall situation. He said the Prime Minister and the government are continuously addressing the country, while statements are also being issued by the administration to keep the public informed. []

SRINAGAR: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday appealed to the Government of India to review the life imprisonment awarded to Asiya Andrabi, seeking her release on parole on humanitarian grounds, citing her age and long period in custody. Speaking to reporters during a plantation drive at her party office in Srinagar, Mufti said the concept []

SRINAGAR: Gold and silver prices rose during early trading hours on March 25, ending a five-session losing streak on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), supported by renewed demand for safe-haven assets amid tensions in West Asia. However, gold has largely remained on a downward trajectory since the start of the United StatesIran conflict earlier this []

SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has clarified that recent reports circulating in media and on social media about changes to LPG refill booking norms are false. The Ministry stated that existing guidelines remain unchanged, with the minimum interval between two LPG refills continuing to be 25 days in urban areas and 45 []

SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir has approved retrospective promotions for six of its officers, making their elevations effective from December 30, 2025. The move follows the endorsement of the Committee for Appointment and Promotion of High Court Staffs recommendations. Although the promotions were earlier issued under Order No. 92 of 2026 dated []

SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir has announced flexible registration and possible temporary online teaching for the Spring Semester 2026 in view of emerging developments in the Gulf region affecting essential support systems. According to an official notice issued by the university, students can complete registration either physically at their respective []