Kashmir Reader

Jammu: The Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set to witness a diverse range of private member resolutions during the second leg of the budget session, ranging from environmental to cultural issues. The Assembly Secretariat has selected 14 resolutions through a draw of lots, which will be listed in the business of the House on []

Gulmarg: Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani on Monday said the government is working to develop Gulmarg into an international skiing destination as the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games got underway with participation from across the country and abroad. Addressing athletes, officials and spectators at the opening ceremony, the Advisor, []

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Minister Satish Sharma on Monday said the region will respond firmly to terrorism while continuing to promote tourism and sports as key drivers of growth. Speaking at the inauguration of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 in Gulmarg, Sharma, said the event reflects Jammu and Kashmirs resilience and confidence amid []

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a CBI investigation into the plane crash that killed Deputy CM Ajit Pawar last month, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said. The Mahayuti government will ensure that all doubts regarding the plane crash are cleared, Fadnavis said at a press conference on []

NEW DELHI: Voter base in nine states and Union territories has shrunk by more than 1.70 crore following the publication of final electoral rolls as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR), according to official data. The data shared by the chief electoral officers of Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar []

SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to launch a focused solarisation drive across organised industrial estates, leveraging central MSME schemes to convert idle rooftops into productive, power-generating assets, enhancing sustainability and energy self-reliance in the region. Highlighting rooftop solarisation as a transformative infrastructure initiative, []

NEW DELHI: Indias next agricultural revolution will be driven by artificial intelligence, Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh said on Sunday, positioning AI as the central pillar of farm policy, research and investment architecture. Addressing the inaugural session of the Global Conference on AI in Agriculture and Investor Summit []

JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Sunday chaired a virtual review meeting to assess the progress of ongoing development works being executed by Public Works Department (PWD) in Mendhar. The meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer PW (R&B) Pir Panjal, Executive Engineer PW (R&B) []

UDHAMPUR: The Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, Field Office, Udhampur organized the second day of its pre-publicity programme at Gujjar &Bakerwal Hostel, Udhampur in continuation of the upcoming Multi Media Exhibition scheduled from 23rd to 27th February, 2026 at Government Degree College Boys Udhampur. The programme witnessed enthusiastic []

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit out at Congress, accusing it of using a global event for its dirty and naked politics after its youth wing leaders staged a shirtless protest during the recent India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. PM Modi said, You are already naked, then why did you []

Pledges to stand against communal forces NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sundayalleged that divisive forces were attempting to malign and target Bengali-speaking people by labelling them as ghuspaithiya (illegal infiltrators), subjecting them to humiliation and persecution. Strongly condemning such attempts, Mamata asserted that she would continue to stand firmly against those []

NEW DELHI: India and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the postal sector, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral collaboration in postal services, digital transformation, and inclusive service delivery. The MoU was signed by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and his counterpart Frederico de Siqueira Filho during the State Visit of []

NEW DELHI: Domestic macroeconomic data, monthly F&O expiry and global developments following US President Donald Trumps tariff hike after the Supreme Court verdict are likely to keep equity markets volatile next week, analysts said. Besides, the trading activity of foreign investors, developments between the US and Iran, movements in crude oil prices and global monetary []

TEL AVIV: Arab and Muslim nations have sharply condemned comments by the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who said Israel has a right to much of the Middle East. Huckabee made the comments in an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that aired Friday. Carlson said that according to the Bible, the descendants of []

Jammu: A top Jaish-e-Mohammad commander was among two militants killed in a gunfight with security forces in Chatroo area of Kishtwar district on Sunday. Official sources said that on specific input a joint team of police, army and 2 Para launched an operation. During the exchange of fire two terrorists were killed. One among []

Kishtwar: An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district on Sunday, officials said. An official said that a joint team of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon-and-search operation following intelligence inputs. As forces approached a suspected hideout, the terrorists opened fire, triggering an []

DC Srinagar, Principal GMC, SSP Traffic conduct spot review of work on alternate entry gate, additional parking space, LMV underpass SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo along with the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar, Dr Iffat Shah and SSP Traffic Srinagar, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat on Saturday conducted a comprehensive spot inspection to review []

Mirwaiz calls for revival of moral, family values Highlights Hazrat Fatima (RAs) timeless role as daughter, wife, mother SRINAGAR: On the third of Ramzan, the death anniversary of Hazrat Fatima (RA), the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), was observed with deep devotion and reverence. In keeping with tradition, a Majlis Waaz-o-Tableeg []

Addresses party functionaries at Nawa-e-Subha SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar Saturday reiterated the partys firm resolve that the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is central to achieving sustained development, effective governance, lasting peace in the region. Addressing party functionaries and media representatives, Sagar underscored that []

GANDERBAL: Dean Students Welfare (DSW), in collaboration with the Department of Kashmiri, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) organized a debate competition and a signature campaign on the International Mother Language Day here. The event was held under the theme, Digitizing our Roots: Preserving Language Through Technology, reflecting the growing need to safeguard linguistic heritage in []

Peddler arrested, vehicle seized BARAMULLA: Continuing the drive against drug trafficking, police in Baramulla arrested a drug peddler and recovered contraband substance from his possession. A police team at a checkpoint established at Dhobiwan Crossing, intercepted a vehicle (Tavera) bearing registration number JK01BD-2547 driven by Adil Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar resident of []

GANDERBAL: Department of Management Studies (DMS), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), celebrated Management Day 2026 under the theme Nurturing Future Leaders at varsitys Green Campus here on Saturday. In his welcome address, Head of the Department, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, encouraged students to act responsibly and uphold ethical values, emphasizing that they are the prospective []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir Saturday chaired a detailed review meeting with senior party functionaries at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, regarding organisational and commemorative arrangements for the upcoming 11th death anniversary of the partys stalwart and former General Secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmad. The meeting focused on finalising the []

KULGAM: Under Football for Schools (F4S) initiative, JNV schools Kulgam carried out football distribution Programme here at Mini-Secretariat which was presided by District Development Council Chairperson, Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parray and distributed 383 footballs among 81 schools of the district under the nationwide initiative aimed at promoting football at the grassroots level. Additional District Development []

KULGAM: A one-day capacity building program on Design, Packaging and Branding for Artisans, weavers and other producer groups engaged in GI/ODOP/DEH products of Kashmir division was organised today at Conference Hall Mini SecretariatKulgam under RAMP (Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance) Scheme by Handicrafts and Handloom (H&H) department Kulgam. The program witnessed enthusiastic participation of []

GREATER NOIDA: The foundation of developed India will be laid on the basis of self-reliance for which having chips made in India is very important, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. In a virtual address to lay the foundation stone of India Chip Pvt Ltd the HCL Group and Foxconn JV Modi []

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Friday said he used tariffs to end the war between India and Pakistan, as he lashed out at the Supreme Court for its decision to strike down his sweeping tariffs imposed on countries around the world. In a 6-3 vote, the judges found that the International Emergency Economic []

Srinagar: Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Saturday accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of betraying the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging political deceit, double standards and governance failures, particularly on employment. Speaking at the BJPs Mega Joining Programme at SKICC, Srinagar, Sharma, said the NC had misled voters during []

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on Saturday administered the oath of office to Shantmanu as the State Election Commissioner at Lok Bhavan. The oath-taking ceremony was held after the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced his appointment to the constitutional post. Earlier, the General Administration Department had issued an order appointing retired []

Srinagar: At least nine CRPF personnel were injured on Saturday after a bunker vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a canal in the Dagpora area of Soura, Srinagar, officials said. An official said that the accident occurred near Umar Hair on Dagpora Road in Ahmad Nagar when the driver lost control of the []

Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday reiterated that his government is committed to filling vacancies in a time-bound manner, announcing that over 30,000 vacancies will be filled during current year. The Chief Minister made these remarks while replying to a question raised by member Prof. Gharu Ram Bhagat during the Question Hour of the []

Jaamu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the Legislative Assembly that there has been no hike in power tariff since December 2023. He stated that billing in metered areas is carried out strictly as per actual electricity consumption, while in non-metered areas, bills are raised on a flat-rate basis in accordance with the agreed load, []

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for political maturity on Friday, urging lawmakers to desist from doing politics on everything, after a government order regarding Zakat (alms) collection was painted as interference in religious matters. Immediately after the Question Hour ended in the Assembly, Abdullah raised a point of order as he []

Preachers call for compassion, unity Srinagar: The first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan witnessed thousands of devotees flocking to mosques, shrines and khanqahas across Kashmir, expressing deep spiritual devotion and communal solidarity. From the bustling streets of Srinagar to smaller towns in districts such as Budgam, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama and Kupwara, believers offered []

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said that the Union Territory has witnessed a sharp surge in tourist arrivals in the post-2019 period, with over 7.85 crore tourists visiting between 2023 and 2025, compared to 4.76 crore visitors during 201618. Replying to a question by NC MLA Javid Hassan Baig in written form []

Politics of hate has torn social fabric New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has condemned the alleged attacks on Kashmiri students and shawl sellers, saying the politics of hate has not only corroded institutions but torn our social fabric. Gandhi made the remarks in a letter written to Jammu and []

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday offered a threefold resolution for the future: We must transform India into the preeminent nation of the world, forge it into the most formidable global power, and establish it as the ultimate sanctuary of knowledge and intellectual wealth on Earth. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that every citizen must []

Srinagar: Emphasising that the interim Indo-US trade deal would take a toll on the nations farmers and fruit growers, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revisit the deal and implement a 50 per cent import duty on apples to protect Jammu and Kashmirs horticulture industry. The farmers of []

Srinagar: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, chaired a high-level security review meeting on Friday at PCR Kashmir in preparation for the forthcoming VVIP visit to Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting was attended by senior officers from various security and intelligence agencies, including Police, Army, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, SSB, CID, Traffic, Railways, and []

NEW DELHI: Dismayed over ongoing tussle between the West Bengal government and the Election Commission, the Supreme Court on Friday issued an extraordinary direction to deploy serving and former district judges to assist the poll panel in the controversy-ridden special intensive revision of electoral rolls in the state. Ruing the unfortunate blame game and the []

Srinagar: Authorities on Friday cracked down on unlabelled honey in HMT Srinagar, seizing 725 kg of the product that lacked essential details such as expiry dates and manufacturer information, officials said. The Drugs and Food Control Organization (DFCO) warned that selling unlabelled food is illegal and poses serious health risks, signaling zero tolerance for []

Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday told the J&K Legislative Assembly that the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar issued the order regarding charity collections at the insistence of religious leaders and not on his own. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, the CM, said that he had inquired into the matter after allegations surfaced that the []

Srinagar: The government on Friday informed the House that 65 Water Supply Schemes have been sanctioned for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir under AMRUT 2.0, including one scheme for the Sopore constituency. In response to a query by MLA Irshad Rasool Kar, the Chief Minister, who is also the Minister in charge, []

Srinagar: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday informed the House that 44,301 beneficiaries have been covered under the Marriage Assistance Scheme during the current financial year 2025-26 (as on date), with Rs 234 crore disbursed so far, while under the Ladli Beti Scheme, 1,98,024 cumulative beneficiaries have been sanctioned, with Rs 300 crore []

Jammu: The Government on Friday informed the House that the proposal for enhancement of stipend for MBBS/BDS interns is presently under examination in the Finance Department. Replying to a question tabled by MLA Hasnain Masoodi, the Health & Medical Education Department, said that a committee constituted vide Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023 had recommended []

Srinagar: The Government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that over 1.62 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir so far in 2025, with the administration pursuing a structured roadmap for the sustained revival and growth of the tourism sector. Replying to a question tabled by MLA Javid Hassan Baig regarding tourist footfall, the Tourism []

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON: The US will strengthen the United Nations, make it viable and help it money-wise, President Donald Trump said Thursday, as he asserted that his Board of Peace will be looking over the global organisation, making sure it runs properly. Trump made the remarks in his address to the inaugural meeting of the Board []

BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Cricket Association on Thursday confirmed that the upcoming Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir will be played at Hubballi, a decision the officials took to further speed up the ongoing safety enhancement works at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Ranji Trophy final will start from February 24 and []

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for global collaboration to turn the disruption brought about by artificial intelligence into humankinds greatest opportunity. Speaking at the Leaders Plenary Session of India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, PM Modi said humans have transformed every disruption into an opportunity if []

NEW DELHI: Sam Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, on Thursday hailed the rapid advancements witnessed in India in the field of AI, stating that the South Asian country is well-positioned to lead in artificial intelligence. Delivering his keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Altman said he was amazed to witness the []