Kashmir Reader

NEW DELHI:Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level review meeting on Thursday with senior officials from the Ministry of Education, state governments, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and higher education institutions to assess preparedness for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21. The NEET-UG for admissions into medical courses took place on May 3 []

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday claimed that the rebel MPs of his party had been given an additional Rs 10 crore and moved to a safe location in Rajasthan, as the Uddhav Thackeray-led party faces an imminent crisis. Addressing a news conference in New Delhi, Raut said the traitors, a reference []

Poonch: Three women were seriously injured in separate bear attacks in the Biddar and Chhamber areas of Mandi, Poonch, while they were engaged in routine daily work. Officials said that the three women were seriously injured in separate bear attacks and they have been identified as Najma Akhtar, daughter of Abdul Karim and a resident []

NEW DELHI: The writing appeared to be on the wall for Shiv Sena (UBT) as six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs skipped its parliamentary party meeting here on Thursday, signalling that a formal crossover to the ruling Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde may be only a matter of time. Sena (UBT) MPs Arvind []

Ganderbal: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed arrangements for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district, stating that all pending works would be completed ahead of the festival on June 22. Speaking to reporters during his visit to the shrine, CM Omar, , said devotees from across the country []

EVIAN-LES-BAINS (FRANCE): (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump directed their officials to work towards a balanced, mutually beneficial and commercially meaningful trade agreement at the earliest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said this on Thursday, a day after the two leaders held wide-ranging talks for the first time in 16 []

Poonch: An Army jawan died at the headquarters of 16 Rashtriya Rifles in Draba, Surankote area of Poonch district, in the early hours on Thursday. Officials said that the incident occurred early morning when the jawan, who was on night duty and was found dead at the post. The deceased has been identified as Naik []

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran Wednesday that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives US-backed sanctions on the country, immediately allowing Iran to sell its oil freely in a major concession from Washington, according to details released by both countries. The initial deal to end []

BARAMULLA: Director, Libraries & Research, J&K, Mohammad Rafi, who is also the designated visiting officer for the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Phase-II, on Wednesday visited the border villages of Trikanjan and Chotali in Uri Sub-Division to review the progress of developmental initiatives being implemented under the programme. During the visit, he interacted with local residents, []

WASHINGTON: The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump signalled a pathway to progress with both sides channelling their best efforts to give final touches to a long-pending trade deal, according to a leading India-US business advocate. Modi and Trump met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains on []

Interacts with public, individual delegations at Nawa-e-Subha SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar Wednesday said that the Omar Abdullah-led government has significantly accelerated the pace of development across Jammu and Kashmir with special emphasis on strengthening basic infrastructure, improving public services and ensuring the welfare []

JAMMU: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday remarked that respect for senior citizens is their rightful entitlement and not a favour as they have contributed immensely for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister made these remarks while felicitating senior citizens of Day Care Centre Roop Nagar []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Wednesday expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic road accident in the Aru area of Pahalgam in south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Wednesday, which claimed the lives of at least two persons and left six others injured. In his condolence message, Dr. Farooq []

SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess and finalize arrangements for the observance of International Yoga Day across the Kashmir Division. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Director AYUSH, Director SKICC, and senior officers from various departments, including Health, School Education, []

JAMMU: As part of the 100-Day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan launched on 11th April 2026, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Crime Branch J&K on Wednesday commenced a two-day specialised training programme for Investigating Officers at the Police Auditorium, Gulshan Ground, Jammu. The programme was inaugurated by Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti, []

Awareness campaign, boat rally, cleanliness drive held in Srinagar SRINAGAR: As part of the ongoing Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026, the Agriculture Department, Kashmir organized a one-day awareness programme in Srinagar to promote the conservation of agricultural land and raise public awareness about the importance of protecting valuable farming resources for future generations. The programme was []

SRINAGAR: A meeting of the Committee on Public Undertakings was held on Wednesday at the Legislative Assembly under the chairmanship of MLA Mir Saifullah. Legislators Ajaz Ahmed Jan, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Shafi Ahmad Wani, Rajiv Jasrotia, Mehar Ali, Reyaz Ahamad Khan, Arjun Singh Raju, Rafiq Ahmad Naik besides Chairman Bureau of Public Enterprises Talat Parvaiz, []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said National Conference Parliament members will not support the NDA government at the Centre. Responding to a question about factions of Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena backing the government at the Centre, Abdullah said he could not comment on their reasons for doing so. Neither []

Bandipora: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday gave Bandipora district a massive developmental boost by inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 18 major projects worth approximately 100 crore. These multisectoral projects span higher education, roads, bridges, clean drinking water, urban development, and agriculture infrastructure, aiming to directly address the key needs of the local []

MeT warns of hailstorms, flash floods at isolated places Srinagar: Several parts of Kashmir witnessed rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds on Wednesday, bringing down temperatures across the Valley, while the Meteorological Department warned of brief intense showers, hailstorms and flash floods at isolated places. Officials said that a spell of rain and thundershowers affected many []

High-level meetings to be held in in Jammu, Kashmir to review security arrangements Srinagar: A high-level team of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir regions for two-days on June 20 and 21 to assess preparedness especially security arrangements for forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have expressed profound grief over the tragic road accident in Pahalgam that claimed two lives and left six others injured. The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. He also prayed for strength []

Srinagar: A comprehensive research study conducted by the District Institute of Educational Research and Training (DIET) Srinagar has highlighted alarming trends related to drug and substance abuse among secondary and higher secondary school students in the district, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention and intervention measures within educational institutions. The study, titled Drug and []

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Assemblys Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Wednesday described the ruling National Conferences proposed protest at Delhis Jantar Mantar over restoration of statehood as an eyewash, saying that the Abdullah government was trying to divert peoples attention from its zero-governance. It is an eyewash, Sharma told reporters here when asked about []

Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the current status of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) in Jammu and Kashmir and deliberated upon targeted interventions required for further reducing poverty levels across the UT. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Additional Chief Secretary, []

12.89 lakh farmers covered under PMFBY in J&K 6.85 lakh benefited through claim settlements Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a review meeting of the State Level Coordination Committee on Crop Insurance (SLCCCI) to assess the implementation and progress of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and related crop insurance []

SRINAGAR: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has readied a Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) of its personnel who will provide emergency help to the pilgrims during the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra through the Baltal route in Jammu and Kashmir. The 30-personnel team will be equipped with all the basic rescue and medical aid kit like oxygen []

NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee has expressed concern over continuing examination irregularities despite measures taken by the government, and recommended that the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for implementing reforms suggested by a high-level panel. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh, []

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday alleged that some Maharashtra MPs were being offered Rs 50 crore to switch sides and challenged dissidents to quit, amid heightened speculation of an imminent split in the Uddhav Thackerayled party. Holding a press conference in New Delhi, Raut said the people of Maharashtra and Shiv []

Srinagar: At least two persons were killed and several others injured in a road accident in the Aru area of Pahalgam in south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Wednesday. Officials said that a vehicle bearing registration number JK03C-6737 skidded off the road near Gudkhoom on the AruPahalgam route, resulting in the on-the-spot death of two persons []

Baramulla: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday attached an immovable property belonging to an arrested accused in the Kanispora area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district. Officials said that the attached property belongs to Shaheen Ahmad Lone, son of late Nazir Ahmad Lone, and comprises 7.5 marlas of land under Survey No. 1192 situated in []

Jammu: A 45-year-old man died during treatment at GMC Rajouri after he was allegedly assaulted over a land dispute in Behrote, Thanamandi. Officials said that Munir Hussain, son of Hassan Mohammad and a resident of Behrote, was allegedly attacked with wooden sticks by three family members on June 16 around 3:00 pm. The injured was []

Srinagar:District Police Baramulla has issued an advisory urging media persons, news portals, social media handlers, freelance journalists, and content creators to exercise caution while recording or publishing visuals of police and security personnel in the district. In a handout, the police said that the advisory states that recording, publishing, or circulating videos and photographs of []

WASHINGTON: Two Democratic Senators have urged President Donald Trump against granting any further exemption from US sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil, contending that there is no rationale for such a move, as the war with Iran is now over. In a statement here on Tuesday, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren said the []

Highlights 12-year infrastructure overhaul JAMMU: Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways Ajay Tamta concluded a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with an extensive inspection of key national highway projects, followed by a high-level review meeting at the Jammu Convention Centre on Monday. During his visit, MoS Tamtatraveled the entire []

MLAs raise constituency specific concerns SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday said that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed towards protecting and preserving the treasured houseboat heritage of Kashmir. He made these remarks during a meeting with the All Kashmir []

JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday met several public delegations and individuals at Civil Secretariat here and listened to a wide range of public issues and developmental concerns raised by them. The delegations, representing different areas and sections of society, apprised the Minister of matters pertaining []

Amit Sharma chairs Census review meet at Kupwara KUPWARA: Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations (DCO) for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma, along with Principal Census Officer and Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, held a review meeting at the DC Office Complex to assess the progress of Census 2027 []

Finalizes arrangements for smooth conduct of upcoming Yatra SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Tuesday undertook a site visit of Yatra Transit Camp (YTC) at Panthachowk to oversee the arrangements being put in place for the Yatries expected to participate in upcoming annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra (SANJY-2026) set to begin in July. During []

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the International Day of Yoga (IDY)-2026, scheduled for June 21, 2026, with the theme Yoga for Healthy Ageing. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Commissioner Secretaries of H&ME, YS&S, Social Welfare, School Education; Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir; and other concerned officers. []

Assures in-depth investigation of incident, road upgradation BUDGAM: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather on Tuesday visited Neegoo Brenwar, Chadoora, the site of a recent fatal accident, to assess the situation and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. During the visit, the Speaker met the bereaved families and conveyed his sympathies, []

AWANTIPORA: As the nation celebrates Bharat Innovates 2026 at Nice, France, IUST has crossed the significant milestone of 113 patents, reflecting the Universitys growing culture of innovation, creativity, and translational research. Bharat Innovates 2026 aims to showcase Indias innovation and deep-tech capabilities to the world by connecting Indian startups, and global partners to accelerate technology []

Planned dev of Batmaloo; Sangarmal Shopping Centre to be made fully functional Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired the 84th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) here at the Civil Secretariat. The meeting reviewed the implementation status of decisions taken in the previous Board meeting and considered []

Projects worth over 26.5 crore to strengthen wastewater management, improve urban sanitation Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday laid the foundation stones for two major sewerage infrastructure projects in Srinagar aimed at strengthening wastewater treatment facilities and improving urban sanitation in the city. The projects include the augmentation and upgradation of the 17.08 MLD []

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday met several public representatives at the Civil Secretariat here and listened to their concerns, suggestions and issues requiring government attention. The Chief Minister met Legislators Iftikhar Ahmad (Rajouri), Rafiq Ahmad Naik (Tral), Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi (Pampore), Javed Reyaz Bedar (Pattan), Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh (Langate), Arjun Singh Raju []

World should move from donor-recipient to partnerships based on solidarity, equality Evian-les-Bains: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the G7 leaders that the world should move from donor-recipient to partnerships based on solidarity and equality. Speaking at the Outreach Session on Forging new Partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity here, Modi also underscored the importance []

Over-the-counter sale of syrups discontinued to curb misuse Doctors prescription now mandatory for purchase of all syrups Srinagar: In a significant move aimed at strengthening drug regulation and promoting the rational use of medicines, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified an amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, making it mandatory for []

Grand Mumtaz & Radisson owner Mushtaq Chaya among those summoned Bank accounts, assets, rev records, lease deeds, Roshni Act applications sought Srinagar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned nine prominent Gulmarg hoteliers, including Grand Mumtaz and Radisson Group owner Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai alias Chaya, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with []

Seeks roadmap for reforms New Delhi: A parliamentary committee has expressed concern over continuing examination irregularities despite measures taken by the government, and recommended that the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for implementing reforms suggested by a high-level committee. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Rajya []

Srinagar: Continuing its dedicated efforts to combat drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, Srinagar Police has attached immovable properties worth 1.5 crore belonging to two notorious drug peddlers, under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. At Police Station Batamaloo, authorities exercised powers under Section 68F(1) read with Section 68E of []