Kashmir Reader

GENEVA: Rivers across the world experienced one of their driest years in decades in 2025, with below-normal flows recorded in more than a third of the worlds river basins, the World Meteorological Organisation said on Thursday. The UN agencys State of Global Water Resources report said terrestrial water storage including groundwater, lakes, vegetation, ice []

Reaffirm readiness to meet defence pact obligations ISLAMABAD: Pakistans defence minister Khawaja Asif has said on Thursday that the country is fully prepared to meet its obligations under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone near Mecca. Asif made the remarks while speaking to []

NPCI circular offers no advantage to foreign credit cards NEW DELHI: The Finance Ministry on Thursday dismissed allegations that US pressure influenced the decision to levy a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI payments, saying the latest NPCI guidelines do not offer any advantage to international credit cards over RuPay on []

NEW DELHI: India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people and will continue to pursue diversified sources based on evolving market dynamics, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday, while reacting to legislation passed by the US House of Representatives that could enable steep tariffs on major buyers of []

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday released a book titled Journal of the Waypoints, based on the Kashmiri poetry of acclaimed multilingual poet Dr Satish Vimal. The book, authored by eminent writer, translator and poet, Mushtaque B. Barq, features forty selected Kashmiri poems of Dr Vimal, translated into English and critically elucidated by Barq, []

Says open merit youth losing opportunities SRINAGAR: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Thursday said that the continued delay in rationalising Jammu and Kashmirs reservation policy was causing a growing loss of opportunities for Open Merit aspirants, who have already waited for nearly two years for a final decision. Nearly two years of the Omar Abdullah []

Presides over Thana Diwas BARAMULLA: As part of the ongoing public outreach and community policing initiatives, DIG North Kashmir Range, Dr Vinod Kumar-IPS presided over Thana Diwas at Police Station Bomai, Zaingeer, in PD Sopore, where he interacted with a large gathering of people from different walks of life. The programme witnessed participation of respectable []

Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) on Thursday announced extension of its ongoing peaceful protest/strike by another 72 hours across the Union Territory. In a communication addressed to the Mission Director, National Health Mission, J&K, the association said the extended strike will commence from September 18, 2026. The association said []

Anantnag: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Thursday said that if the government has no authority to take decisions, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should dissolve the Assembly. Speaking to reporters, Sharma, if the government has no authority and is only taking salaries, it would be better []

Srinagar: Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Thursday appealed to National Health Mission (NHM) employees to call off their ongoing strike and resume their duties, assuring that the government would examine their concerns and make every possible effort to address issues falling within its purview. Speaking to reporters in Pampore Itoo said the []

Srinagar: Peoples Conference chairman and MLA Sajad Lone on Thursday questioned the J&K Assembly Secretariat for not informing him about the status of his resolution seeking discussion on the alleged rigging of 1987 Assembly elections. Lone said he had submitted two resolutions for the upcoming autumn session one concerning the recent power tariff hike []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary and MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Wednesday said Omar government is committed to ensure balanced development across all regions of Jammu and Kashmir and is working tirelessly for the welfare, prosperity and well-being of the people. He made these comments while interacting with public delegations, []

Udhampur: Two terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Maljata area of Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Thursday. Officials said that arms and ammunition have been recovered from the possession of the slain terrorists, whose identity is yet to be ascertained. Search operation by joint team of []

Jammu: A pigeon believed to have flown from Pakistan was recovered in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district. They said that the pigeon was found carrying a ring tied around its leg and is suspected to have crossed over from across the border. This is the fourth such incident reported from the Hiranagar sector in recent []

WASHINGTON: ( The US House of Representatives passed a bill that would authorise President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Russia and steep tariffs on its trading partners in oil and gas, including India and China. The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed by the US Senate last month, was []

NEW DELHI: Indias foreign ministry said on Wednesday that it had summoned the top Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest over what it said was unacceptable and unprofessional conduct of Pakistani naval units at sea that led to a collision with a unit of the India navy. The Union Ministry of []

NEW DELHI: NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri on Wednesday defended the governments decision to impose merchant charge on UPI transactions saying that the government has to find ways of sustaining businesses without having to give subsidy. Quoting ancient Indian teacher and philosopher Chanakya, who had said a ruler should collect taxes from citizens []

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to raise the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to Rs 25,000 per month from Rs 15,000, a move expected to extend social security benefits to more than 51 lakh additional employees. The wage ceiling revision comes after 12 []

Cites unfair trade practice NEW DELHI: The government has ordered cab aggregators to stop providing advance tipping options even before booking a ride as the practice is misleading and unfair, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said on Wednesday. The secretarys comment comes a day after the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) slapped a Rs 10 []

BARAMULLA: The Rev. Fr. C.B. Simons Memorial Football Tournament concluded on Wednesday at St. Josephs School Ground, Baramulla, with the finals of the Under-15 Boys and Girls categories. In the Under-15 Girls final, Presentation Convent School, Srinagar, emerged as the champions, while Netherfield School, Sopore, clinched the Under-15 Boys title. Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) []

SRINAGAR: The Inter-School District-Level Gatka Championship for all age groups concluded successfully on Wednesday at the Indoor Hall of Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Rawalpora, Srinagar. The event was organized by the District Youth Services & Sports Office, Srinagar, with the participation of students from various educational institutions across the district. The championship provided young []

KULGAM: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kulgam, Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami on Wednesday inaugurated the U-19 inter-district boys baseball tournament at L/NK Shri Nazir Ahmad Wani Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Kulgam. The tournament is being hosted by the Youth Services and Sports Department, Kulgam, and organised under the supervision of the Joint Director, Youth Services []

KARGIL: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Tuesday announced a major protest rally here on September 20 to demand justice for the four people killed in police firing in Leh last year and protest what it termed the central governments lack of seriousness and sincerity in talks on Ladakhs demands. The KDA also rejected as []

Govt committed to creating sports opportunities: Minister Satish Sharma SRINAGAR: Minister for FS&CA, IT, Youth Services and Sports, Science and Technology Satish Sharma and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani on Tuesday highlighted the importance of providing sustained platforms to young sporting talent and strengthening the sports ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir while []

SRINAGAR: The Khelo India ASMITA Womens Wushu League Srinagar 2026 and the District Wushu Championship Srinagar 2026, organised by the District Wushu Association Srinagar, concluded successfully on Tuesday at the Shri Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex, Srinagar. The closing ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Nighat Amaan, SSP, who appreciated the efforts of the organisers, coaches []

BARAMULLA: The first edition of the Chinar Premier League (CPL) Cricket Tournament 2026 concluded on September 15 at the Gen Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla, marking a significant milestone in the regions sporting calendar. Organized by the Chinar Corps, the event drew widespread participation and enthusiasm, with a record 130 teams registering across the Kashmir []

SRINAGAR: In a landmark moment for sports in Jammu & Kashmir, fencers Shriya Gupta and Vishal Thapar have been selected to represent India at the 20th Asian Games, to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. The duo becomes the first Sabre fencers from J&K to earn selection to the Asian Games. Shriya will compete []

The world does not become brighter only through great achievements. It is illuminated by countless small lamps lit by ordinary people with extraordinary hearts. Every good word, every helping hand, every honest action, and every compassionate gesture adds one more ray to the light of humanity. A small, good deed may appear insignificant in isolation, []

Over the years, NHM has become an important component of healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir. Behind the acronym are thousands of men and women working at different levels of the health systemnurses, paramedical staff, community health workers, programme managers, and other personnel. They have contributed to the functioning of healthcare institutions and public health []

The real purpose of education is not merely to create educated professionals but to create educated human beings. Degrees should be accompanied by wisdom, skills by ethics, knowledge by compassion, and success by responsibility. If education teaches people only how to earn money, compete with others, and protect their own interests, society may continue to []

CAIRO: With his kingdom under attack, Saudi Arabias crown prince on Tuesday reached out to Egypt for support against Yemens Houthi rebels who have disrupted key shipping routes, contributing to a spike in the cost of oil around the world. Egypt is unlikely to offer military help to Saudi Arabia, but the country is influential []

WASHINGTON: The US military said Tuesday that it opened fire and destroyed two small Iranian boats this week that were trying to steal a drone ship in the waters off Iran, the latest back-and-forth fire in the stalemated war. Capt. Tim Hawkins, US Central Command spokesman, said the Iranian boats recently attempted to take possession []

Civil society lauds SSP Aijaz Zargar, SDPO Sumbal Nawaz Khanday and DO Ajas Aeraf Niyaz for swift action and professional investigation Bandipora, September 15: Bandipora Police have cracked a theft case involving 3.30 lakh within 24 hours of receiving the complaint, recovering the stolen cash and arresting a suspected accused in the case. The theft []

Srinagar,: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said he is not worried about his MLAs switching sides, asserting that he had faith in them. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at SKICC, the Chief Minister, said, I have faith in my MLAs. I am not afraid that my MLAs will move. On []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) should be brought before Parliament if the BJP-led government has the numbers to pass it, asserting that legislation of national importance cannot be decided by individual states. Talking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar,questioned why the government is pursuing []

Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K on Tuesday said its swift and time-bound action in the Shopian HDFC Bank irregularities case led to the refund of around Rs 4.50 crore to 13 affected depositors. In a statement a spokesperson said HDFC Bank had refunded the amounts to 13 depositors affected []

Calls for addressing gaps in manpower, equipment, healthcare infrastructure Srinagar, Sep 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired a meeting to review the health sector reforms and the roadmap for further strengthening healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the []

Warns it will threaten religious, cultural identities Srinagar, Sep 14: National Conference has strongly opposed the Bharatiya Janata Partys reported plans to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across 21 states, calling the move a serious threat to the countrys secular fabric. Shammi Oberoi, Treasurer National Conference (NC) and Rajya Sabha Member, Oberoi reiterated the []

Srinagar, Sep 14: Director of Meteorological Department Srinagar Dr Mukhtar Ahmad on Monday said that Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience a relatively mild and dry winter this year under the influence of El Nino, though one or two major spells of snowfall during the peak winter months cannot be ruled out. Addressing concerns []

New Delhi, Sep 14: China has reduced the deployment of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2025, a latest report by the defence ministry said. The ministry mentioned this in its annual report for 2025-26. The year 2025 witnessed significant reduction in deployment of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) forces opposite Northern Borders, []

Srinagar, Sep 14: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness brief spells of rain and thundershowers at scattered to many places during the early morning and afternoon hours from September 15 to 17, the Meteorological Department said on Monday. The MeT department said the Union Territory is expected to remain generally dry between September 18 []

Srinagar, Sep 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Reasi district, in which two persons were killed and five others injured. The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and directed the authorities to []

Jammu, Sep 14: Northern Railway has announced a temporary change in the entry and exit arrangements at Jammu Tawi Railway Station from September 16 to facilitate the ongoing redevelopment work while ensuring smooth passenger movement. Under the revised traffic arrangement all passengers will enter the station through the Platform No. 1 side (Old Entry), while []

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday took a swipe at the government over the recent Wholesale Price Index data, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi keeps saying sab changa si, but actually sab mehenga si. Wholesale price-based inflation rose to 9.92 per cent in August, compared to 9.78 per cent in July, on rising prices of []

SRINAGAR:The 10-day autumn Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, beginning here on September 21, is expected to be stormy as opposition parties plan to corner the Omar Abdullah government over issues like job outsourcing, rising unemployment, and the ruling partys failure to fulfil electoral promises. The BJP, the main opposition party in the []

Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K on Monday chargesheeted a man accused of duping people on the pretext of securing government jobs through fake appointment orders. In a statement, a spokesperson said that the EOW Kashmir has filed a chargesheet before the Court of Forest Magistrate, Srinagar, in case FIR []

Srinagar: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo on Monday extended greetings to people celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi and appreciated the arrangements made by the civil and police authorities for the festival at Ganpatya Temple in Srinagar. Speaking to reporters during his visit to the temple, the DC Labroo, said Ganesh Chaturthi has been celebrated at the temple []

Reasi: A person was killed and several others injured after a passenger Matador overturned near the Bakkal Tunnel area of Reasi district on Monday, officials said. An official said that the Matador, bearing registration number JK14B-2973, was travelling from Bakkal towards Reasi when the accident took place. He said the vehicle overturned on the road []

Rajouri: Three goats were killed while two others sustained critical injuries after a leopard attacked a herd in Manjakote area of Rajouri district. They said that the incident took place at Hayatpura village, where a leopard attacked the livestock belonging to Mohd Nisar Khan, son of Mohd Shareif. As per locals, the leopard attacked the []

Srinagar: A tourist from West Bengal went missing from the Teetwal area near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district, prompting a manhunt after his Aadhaar card was allegedly found to be fake, officials said here on Sunday. They said 38-year-old Sanjay Sardar, a resident of Kolkata, went missing on Saturday after leaving behind []