KashmirLife News

SRINAGAR: Awantipora Police on Thursday conducted a raid at the residence of a member of the banned outfit Jamaat-e-Islami in the Dadsara area, in connection with an FIR registered at Police Station Awantipora. Officials said the search operation was carried out as part of sustained efforts to dismantle the terror ecosystem and its support structures []

SRINAGAR: Prof Wahid Makhdoomi, Registrar of the Islamic University of Science and Technology, is set to be appointed as Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education. Highly placed sources in the Jammu and Kashmir government said that the Cabinet, in its last meeting, recommended the appointment of Makhdoomi as Chairman of BOSE. []

SRINAGAR: Senior IAS officer Ashish Kundra on Thursday took charge as the Chief Secretary of Ladakh, with the administration saying he has reaffirmed his commitment to effective governance, transparent administration and inclusive development across the Union territory. A 1996-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, Kundra succeeds Pawan Kotwal, who retired from service on Wednesday, []

SRINAGAR: The District Magistrate Shopian has imposed a complete ban on the use of loudspeakers, public address systems, microphones and other sound-amplifying equipment across the district, declaring noise pollution a public nuisance under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. According to the order issued today, the decision follows numerous complaints and direct []

SRINAGAR: An NIA-designated court in Pulwama on Thursday convicted three persons and awarded them jail terms for providing shelter and support to terrorists, the police said. A police spokesman said that in what was described as a significant legal breakthrough, the police in Pulwama secured the conviction of the accused in a case registered under []

SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdary on Thursday reminded New Delhi of its commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and urged the Centre to fulfil the promise without further delay. Talking to reporters in Jammu, Chowdary said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were repeatedly assured that statehood would be restored at an []

SRINAGAR: The Finance Ministry has notified a major revision in excise duty on cigarettes and other tobacco products, with the new rates set to come into effect from February 1, 2026. According to the official notification, the government has imposed an additional excise duty on cigarettes ranging from Rs 2,050 to Rs 8,500 per 1,000 []

by Maleeha Sofi SRINAGAR: Indian scientists have reported a major advance in cancer treatment after using artificial intelligence to redesign CAR T cell therapy, a complex and life-saving form of immune-based cancer care that has so far remained prohibitively expensive for most patients. The study, led by Dr Tanveer Ahmad, a Kashmiri-origin geneticist, has been []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has largely remained dry, with no major rain or snowfall recorded across the Union Territory, except in a few higher-altitude areas, according to the latest weather assessment. Independent forecaster, Kashmir Weather, said that light snowfall or rain was reported in select locations, including Tulail Valley, Razdan Top, Machil, Sadhna Top, and []

SRINAGAR: Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the mayor of New York City shortly after midnight during a private ceremony held at the long-disused Old City Hall subway station, setting the stage for a full day of public inaugural events, including a formal swearing-in and celebrations outside City Hall. The 34-year-old was administered the oath []

SRINAGAR: The year 2026 has begun with a sharp price shock for commercial LPG consumers across India, as oil marketing companies increased the price of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders by up to Rs 111 with effect from Jan 1. The revised prices apply to commercial cylinders used by hotels, restaurants, eateries and other business []

SRINAGAR: Security forces on Thursday recovered a consignment suspected to have been dropped by a drone near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Chakha Da Bagh area of Poonch district in Jammu Kashmir. Official sources said that the recovery was made during routine surveillance in the border area. A suspicious bag was also found []

by Iqbal Ahmad Kashmirs Dhamali dance could be a possible offshoot of Rumis Darvish whirling, indicating shared spiritual symbolism, historical links, cultural decline, and the enduring Sufi legacy associated with the tradition. One of the most forgotten performing arts, called Dhamali, is mostly practised by Dhamali Fakirs (saintly people), particularly the followers of Baba Naseeb []

SRINAGAR: South kashmirs Kulgam district recorded an unprecedented surge in revenue and enforcement outcomes following a sustained crackdown on illegal mining activities in the month of December. The District Mineral Office, with consistent backing from the District Administration, realized revenue exceeding Rs 57 lakh in a single month. Officials described the figure as the highest []

After losing a friend to overdose, four Srinagar youths anonymously rescue addicts through counselling, early intervention, rehabilitation, dignity, and community responsibility, reports Afreen Ashraf When we lost Uza to an overdose, we decided we would never let another Uza die, said Ali, one of four young men who have grouped to fight drug abuse in []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Mechanical Engineering Graduates Association (JKMEGA) unveiled its Annual Calendar2026 at a function held in Srinagar, highlighting the contribution of mechanical engineers to public service and infrastructure development in the Union Territory. The calendar was released in the presence of Chief Engineer, Mechanical and Hospital Engineering Department (MHED), Kashmir, Er Bodraj, []

SRINAGAR: Sports in Jammu and Kashmir have thrived on raw talent and resilience for decades despite limited infrastructure and exposure. However, in 2025, that approach changed as potential turned into recognition, systems began delivering results, and athletes made their mark nationally and globally. At the heart of this sporting renaissance stood Baramulla pacer Auqib Nabi []

SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) has filed a chargesheet before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Chadoora, Budgam, against two persons in a case related to the use of forged appointment orders in the Agriculture Department, allegedly aimed at cheating aspirants of government jobs. Officials said the chargesheet has []

SRINAGAR: Police in South Kashmirs Kulgam arrested a woman pickpocket following a theft incident reported from District Hospital Kulgam, where a complainant alleged that cash was stolen from her pocket while she was attending a patient. Officials said information regarding the theft was received at Police Station Kulgam during the evening hours, prompting immediate action []

SRINAGAR: On the eve of 2026, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, extending New Year greetings and calling for renewed commitment to development, social harmony and environmental protection. In her message, the President said the New Year offers an opportunity for renewal and self-reflection, and urged citizens to resolve to bring about positive change in []

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Umar Farooq on Friday strongly criticised the authorities for what he described as the default use of force in response to political and social issues in Jammu and Kashmir, condemning the detention of political leaders and student activists supporting a peaceful protest over the reservation policy. In a statement, the Mirwaiz said even []

SRINAGAR: Defending the right of ministers to appoint their staff, Member Parliament Choudhary Ramzan on Wednesday reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir will soon receive good news concerning the empowerment of the government. Speaking to reporters in Kupwara, MP Ramzan said that measures are being taken to ensure better redressal mechanisms for public issues through stronger []

SRINAGAR: In 2025, the Government Medical College Anantnag registered over 700 new Cancer cases taking the total to 3500. Principal GMC Anantnag Prof Dr Rukhsana Najeeb said that there is a growing burden of Cancer in the region and GMC Anantnags expanding role in providing comprehensive oncology services. She informed that 730 new Cancer patients []

SRINAGAR: After a prolonged period of subdued tourist activity, the picturesque hill resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmirs Anantnag district has once again come alive with a significant influx of visitors on the occasion of New Year, bringing cheer to the local tourism industry. According to tourism stakeholders, hotel bookings in the town have surged []

SRINAGAR: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Srinagar Zonal Office, has filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) before the Court of the Principal and Sessions Judge (Designated Special Court under the PMLA) in Srinagar against four persons in connection with an alleged bogus cryptocurrency fraud involving Emollient Coin. In a statement, a ED spokesman said, The complaint []

SRINAGAR: A fire incident partially damaged the Ahlihadees Masjid at Naibasti in Anantnag district of south Kashmir on Wednesday, prompting swift action by the Fire and Emergency Services, Anantnag Police, and local residents. An official said that the timely and coordinated response helped contain the flames before they could spread further, thereby preventing major damage []

SRINAGAR: The budget session of the Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly is likely to be held in two parts- the first before the holy month of Ramadhan and the second after Eid-ul-Fitr, sources said. Sources said that the NC-led government is considering holding the budget session in two phases. If all goes as per plan, the []

SRINAGAR: Authorities have beefed up the security across Kashmir as tourists in large numbers have arrived in the Valley to celebrate the New Year. According to the details, popular destinations including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam are full. Authorities have made the security arrangements stringent to ensure a safe and orderly festive environment. A tight vigil []

SRINAGAR: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Japans northern Iwate Prefecture on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The tremor occurred at 5:26 pm local time (1426 GMT) at a depth of about 19 kilometres, according to the USGS. Japans public broadcaster NHK, citing the countrys meteorological agency, reported the []

SRINAGAR: Across 35 sports disciplines, the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), Jammu Kashmir, mobilised an unprecedented wave of participation in 2025, with around 21 lakh young athletes taking part in structured sports activities and an additional 16 lakh youth engaged through diverse youth-oriented initiatives, marking one of the most expansive outreach efforts in []

SRINAGAR: In the year 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) intensified its anti-graft campaign by registering 78 FIRs, including major trap and land scam cases, and securing 13 convictions. Alongside robust investigations, the Bureau reinforced preventive vigilance through 41 alert notes, 91 advisories and extensive public awareness initiatives, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on []

SRINAGAR: Rajasthan Police seized 150 kg of ammonium nitrate, along with 200 explosive cartridges and 1,100 metres of safety fuse wire, from a Maruti Ciaz car on the Tonk-Jaipur National Highway 52 on Wednesday, arresting two men in a major security operation ahead of New Years Eve. India Today reported the explosives were concealed in []

SRINAGAR: Shopian Police delivered decisive blows to narcotics networks during 2025, reaffirming its resolve to safeguard society and uphold the rule of law across the district. Officials said that during the year, a total of 72 FIRs were registered under relevant provisions of law at various police stations, leading to the arrest of 84 accused []

SRINAGAR: Two persons were injured after falling from a height while installing an advertisement board near the Barsoo area of Awantipora in south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Wednesday. Officials said that both the injured were initially taken to PHC Awantipora and later referred to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for specialised treatment. They identified the injured as []

SRINAGAR: The Union Health Ministry has banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of all oral formulations of the popular painkiller nimesulide exceeding 100 mg in immediate-release form, effective immediately, due to serious health risks, including potentially fatal liver damage. Business Standard reported that the decision followed a recommendation from the Indian Council of Medical Research []

SRINAGAR: Fire and Emergency Services, Jammu and Kashmir, reported a fall in fire incidents in 2025 and presented a string of preparedness and public-safety gains on Wednesday, saying the decline reflected intensified prevention work, large-scale awareness drives and improved operational capacity. In a press conference, deputy director Aqib Hussain said the number of fire incidents []

SRINAGAR: The Cyber Police Station Kupwara has reported significant progress in handling cybercrime cases during the year 2025, reflecting growing public awareness and effective coordination with banks and other agencies. According to official figures released by the police, a total of 692 online cyber complaints were received during the year. These included 596 cases related []

SRINAGAR: Traffic enforcement in Srinagar witnessed marked improvement during 2025, with higher disposal of challans, reduced pendency and increased revenue generation, Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic City Ajaz Ahmad Bhat said on Wednesday. Addressing a year-end press conference, SSP Bhat said the disposal rate of traffic challans rose to 56 per cent in 2025, compared []

SRINAGAR: Stating that the government has no blanket policy for the re-engagement of retired employees, Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar on Wednesday said that such extensions are granted only in exceptional cases where specific expertise is essential. Speaking with reporters in Srinagar, the minister said that as of now, no such extension []

SRINAGAR: Road accidents and fatalities across rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir have registered a significant decline over the past year, with accident cases down by 15 per cent and deaths reduced by 22 per cent, Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic Rural, Ravinder Paul Singh said. Addressing a press conference, SSP Singh said sustained enforcement, []

SRINAGAR: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper train successfully underwent a trial run conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). Sharing a video of the trial on X, the Minister said the test was carried out on the KotaNagda section, where the train achieved a speed of 180 kilometres []

SRINAGAR: The Reserve Bank of India imposed smaller monetary penalties on banks in 2025 even as the number of enforcement actions rose, with Jammu and Kashmir Bank emerging as the single largest recipient of fines during the year, a Mint analysis has shown. According to the analysis, the RBI levied penalties in 38 instances in []

by Sri Varshith Kumar Reddy E Jammu and Kashmir ended 2025 with an elected government constrained by external assent, centralised finances, and trade decisions beyond its control. Its political economy reflects these limits: 7.06 per cent growth alongside 23.2 per cent unemployment, untendered lithium reserves, and an apple economy hit by FTA import shocks the []

SRINAGAR: In a major crackdown on terror networks, a Special Court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Guwahati has convicted and sentenced a key accused in a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) terror conspiracy case linked to Assam. A statement reads that, a Key accussed of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) terror conspiracy case was on Tuesday convicted and sentenced []

Women in Kashmir face distress and delayed care due to scarce female diagnosticians, forcing uncomfortable scans, triggering trauma, avoidance behaviours, and exposing gaps in healthcare, reports Babra Wani Early 2025, one lazy Sunday, Basima, 28, woke up with a sharp pain in her right breast. On inspection, she found a lump. Panicked, she threw away []

SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) has filed a chargesheet in a fake job scam case in which a complainant was allegedly cheated of lakhs of rupees on the false promise of securing government employment. The chargesheet has been submitted before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Budgam, []

SRINAGAR: A weak Western Disturbance is affecting Jammu and Kashmir, bringing light rain and snowfall to parts of north Kashmir, officials said. The upper reaches, including Gulmarg, Sadhna Top, and Tulail Valley, received light to moderate snowfall, while most other areas remained generally cloudy, an official said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir faced one of its deadliest years for weather-related disasters in 2025, as monsoon rains, cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides claimed lives, destroyed property, and left numerous families searching for missing loved ones. The Jammu division was worst affected, while the Kashmir Valley reported comparatively milder impacts, according to official data. []

SRINAGAR: After a gap of nearly eight years, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) is set to conduct elections for its office bearers and Apex Council on January 16 at GGM Science College in Jammu, marking a significant step towards restoring democratic governance in the Union Territorys cricket administration. Affiliated members of the JKCA []

by Asad Mirza On Friday last (26 December), Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, a breakthrough in its quest for international recognition since it declared independence from Somalia 34 years ago. However, the move has prompted a critical international and regional response. The Guardian has reported that the Israeli []