Kashmir Reader

Srinagar: In a decisive blow to organised cybercrime and its sinister linkage with terror financing, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has intensified its crackdown on an extensive criminal network operating mule bank accounts to launder proceeds of cyber frauds, illegal online gaming, betting rackets and other unlawful activities. According to a statement, acting on credible and []

Bijbehara:Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of remaining silent on issues that directly affect common people, particularly land acquisition and the concerns of orchardists. Speaking on the death anniversary of her father and former Chief Minister Mufti []

DHAKA: Bangladeshs interim government plans to proclaim an ordinance to protect from prosecution the 2024 July warriors whose violent street protests toppled then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League regime, media reports said on Tuesday. The mass circulation Prothom Alo and Ittefaq newspapers said that initiatives were underway to proclaim the ordinance to protect the []

CARACAS (VENEZUELA): President Donald Trump has said on his social media site that Interim Authorities in Venezuela would be providing 30 million to 50 million barrels of High Quality oil to the US at its market price. The announcement on Tuesday came after officials in Caracas announced that at least 24 Venezuelan security officers were []

Engages tribal voices to shape inclusive development agenda SRINAGAR: In a major outreach initiative reflecting the governments commitment towards participatory and inclusive governance, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, on Tuesday chaired an exclusive interactive session with the eminent personalities from the tribal communities of Kashmir division []

Chairs meeting on Meghraj Cloud Services JAMMU: Secretary Information Technology (IT), Piyush Singla on Tuesday chaired a significant meeting in his office chamber focused on the hiring of Meghraj Cloud Services, a critical initiative to strengthen government IT infrastructure and accelerate digital transformation in Jammu and Kashmir. CEO JaKeGA, Special Secretary IT Department, Director Finance, []

Seeks fresh reply within 7 days JAMMU: A meeting of the Committee on Public Undertakings (PUC) was held here on Tuesday under the Chairmanship of MLA, Ali Mohammad Sagar, at Assembly Complex, Jammu to review audit para number 5.1 pertaining to Health & Medical Education Department (Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited) contained in []

SRINAGAR: In a significant academic achievement for the University of Kashmir (KU), faculty member Dr. Riffat John, Department of Botany, has been awarded a major research grant under the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Dr. John has secured the SPARC project titled Unstructured []

BANDIPORA: The Bandipora Sports Advisory Board convened its Annual General Meeting here, bringing together representatives from various sports disciplines, including football, handball, kabaddi, and water sports, along with key office bearers and volunteers to review achievements and chart future priorities for sports in the district. The Board appreciated the growing sporting culture in Bandipora and []

SRINAGAR: Several deputations and individuals on Tuesday called on the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, at Srinagar to apprise him of various public and service-related issues and sought redressal of their grievances. A delegation of the All J&K Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association submitted a detailed memorandum []

SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labrooon Tuesday visited Gangbug area of the District and conducted an on-site inspection of the initiation of work on construction of new building for Government Middle School (GMS) being carried. Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz; Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar; SDM West, Irfan Bahadur and other []

JAMMU: Labour Commissioner J&K, Charandeep Singh on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress achieved in the implementation of the Labour Codes in the Union Territory. The Labour Commissioner reviewed the ongoing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign and emphasized inclusive sensitization of the stakeholders to the provisions and objectives of the []

SRINAGAR:The day is not far when Ladakh will once again become a part of a united Jammu and Kashmir, as there is no other alternative for the Centre, J-K minister Javed Rana said on Tuesday. Rana, who holds the Jal Shakti, forest, ecology and environment, and Tribal Affairs portfolios, was responding to a question on []

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated a 14-day integrated ski training course at world-famous tourist destinations in the Kashmir valley. Abdullah also unveiled the 2026 calendars of the tourism department and the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at the civil secretariat here. He said that 500-600 students in the []

Bandipora: The Bandipora Sports Advisory Board convened its Annual General Meeting at La Vista Restaurant, Bandipora, bringing together representatives from football, handball, kabaddi, water sports and several other disciplines, along with key office bearers and volunteers to review achievements and chart future priorities for sports in the district. The house appreciated the growing sporting []

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump will gather with House Republicans on Tuesday to ensure theyre aligned on their agenda at the start of a critical midterm election year that could alter the course of Trumps final two years in office. GOP lawmakers are hosting a daylong policy forum at the Kennedy Center, the performing arts venue []

BEIRUT: Israels air force struck areas in southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday, saying they are home to infrastructure for the militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas. The strikes came a few days before Lebanons army commander is scheduled to brief the government on its mission of disarming Hezbollah in areas along the border with Israel. []

MEXICO CITY:After the United States military intervention in Venezuela, the Mexican government and analysts discounted the likelihood of unilateral US military action against Mexican drug cartels, despite threats from President Donald Trump. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaums administration has been complying with Washingtons demands and the economic ties between the two countries are vital, they say. []

Addresses Teachers Convention at Udhampur Hails then CM Dr. Farooq Abdullahs decision of introducing ReT scheme UDHAMPUR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Monday addressed the One Day Convention of Teachers here, underscoring the pivotal role of teachers in shaping a progressive and enlightened society. Director School Education Jammu, []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq Monday congratulated the athletes from Jammu & Kashmir for their outstanding performance at the 12th National Dragon Boat Championship, where the Union Territory secured the Overall Second Runners-Up Trophy. A contingent of 30 athletes, including 22 girls and 8 boys, brought laurels to the []

Had falsely promised brothers release SRINAGAR Police in Shopian have arrested a conman who duped an individual by falsely promising to secure his brothers release from police custody at Police Station Zainapora. According to police, a complaint was received via WhatsApp from Asif Ahmad Parrah of Humhuna, Zainapora. He alleged that Sajad Ahmad Bhat, a []

SRINAGAR: Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Syed Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi (Minister of State), on Monday visited Aasar-e-Shareef Kabamarg, Anantnag, and paid respects at the renowned shrine. She participated in a significant inauguration ceremony alongside Waqf Board officials, engineers, and local residents. Dr. Andrabi officially inaugurated the newly constructed Administrative Block and the Ornamental []

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq has expressed deep grief over the demise of Mohammad Sardar Khan of Bahauddin Sahib, Nowhatta, Srinagar a devoted associate of the Mirwaiz family and a committed follower of Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq (RA). Paying rich tribute to the late Sardar Khan for his social services and his []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President for Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir Monday held a series of meetings with various public delegations, community representatives and individual groups at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, in Srinagar. During the interactions, delegations from different parts of the Valley apprised Mir of a wide range of local issues, []

SRINAGAR: In a significant operation aimed at safeguarding public safety, Police in Pulwama successfully seized an illegal fuel consignment during a routine checking operation. A police party intercepted a vehicle (load carrier) at Litter on suspicion. During checking, the vehicle was found carrying six barrels of an inflammable substance, apparently petrol/diesel, which was being transported []

Highlights his contribution, visionary role for societal development JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma on Monday took part in the celebrations commemorating the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji by attending the main function at Chand Buwi []

SRINAGAR: Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office Srinagar organised a Pension Payment Order (PPO) distribution ceremony on Monday at the Conference Hall of RO Srinagar, Batamaloo. During the programme, Pension Payment Orders were distributed to already retired employees of EPFO Regional Office Kashmir by Vinay Kumar, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Srinagar. Speaking on the []

SRINAGAR: Continuing its drive against the drug menace, Police in Budgam arrested a drug peddler and recovered a contraband substance from his possession. A police party from Police Post Narbal at a checkpoint established at Syed Mohallah Narbal, near Peer Masjid intercepted a vehicle (Ertiga) bearing registration number JK05M-8910. During search of the driver, 32 []

SRINAGAR: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the Supreme Court denying bail to activist Umar Khalid in the 2020 Delhi riots case is a travesty of justice, while rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been repeatedly granted parole. The Supreme Court on Monday refused bail to activists Umar Khalid and []

Baramulla:Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday issued a public advisory cautioning people against the illegal use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), stating that such activities are punishable under law. In a post shared on X, police said that VPN usage aimed at concealing unlawful online activities would invite strict legal action. The advisory added []

JAMMU Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Sunday reviewed the progress of the 690-MW Salal Hydroelectric Project in Reasi district as he began his two-day tour of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. NHPCs Salal Power Station, on the Chenab river, is undertaking sediment removal works following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), aimed []

Stresses on hand-holding, inclusive support for specially-abled children Addresses 217th birth anniversary celebrations of Louise Braille at Jammu JAMMU: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Sunday addressed the 217th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Louise Braille at Jammu, to honour the inventor of the tactile reading system that []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday expressed serious concern over the Jammu and Kashmir governments decision to proceed with large-scale recruitments despite the reservation rationalisation proposal, already cleared by the Cabinet, remaining pending final approval and notification. As of January 3, 2026, the government is pushing ahead with recruitment drives for []

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Cabinet ministers on Sunday extended their heartfelt greetings to the people, particularly the Sikh community on the auspicious occasion of Prakash Purab, birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo,in her message, said that Prakash Purab is a sacred occasion that inspires humanity []

SRINAGAR: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Sunday said that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has taken note of the slow pace of works at the DelinaKanispora flyover and Pattan Market/Pattan Bypass following a formal intervention by MP Baramulla Er Rashid. Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, in a statement issued here, said []

Assures support, relief, advises caution while using electrical equipment SRINAGAR: Er. Aijaz Hussain, State Executive Member BJP, Co-Incharge Minority Morcha UT of J&K and DDC Member, on Sunday visited Batmaloo to meet the families affected by the recent fire incident, including prominent singer Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh. He expressed deep concern over the loss of property []

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday flagged off a group of 25 youth from various districts of South Kashmir for a 10-day educational, cultural exchange, and communal harmony tour. He interacted with the youth and extended his best wishes to them. During the 10-day long tour, the students and emerging youth leaders will visit []

Existence is inherently teleological. Creation is neither accidental nor tumultuous; human life, therefore, carries purpose, responsibility, and meaning. Rayeesul Islam Within the Quranic metaphysical paradigm, existence (wujd) is ontologically imbued with divine intentionality, categorically precluding any notion of cosmological accident or existential absurdity. Being is not a contingent or random emergence but a deliberate manifestation []

The rise of event-based travel around New Years marks a fundamental shift from climate-dependent tourism, creating a high-value festive peak within the winter calendar Sumaya Jan Tourism has long been one of the most important economic pillars of Kashmir, shaping livelihoods, regional identity, and external perceptions of the Valley. In recent years, the sector has []

Imad Khursheed Learning is one of the most important activities in a students life. It shapes our knowledge, skills, character, and future success. However, learning is not just about reading books or attending classes. Great learning requires proper planning and effective management. Without planning, even the most intelligent student can struggle. With good planning and []

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON:US President Donald Trump on Sunday posted a list of several countries, including Pakistan, Bhutan, China, Bangladesh and Nepal, to highlight rates of welfare and assistance received by immigrants from those countries in the US, a compilation that does not include India. The Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin list includes about []

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE: President Donald Trump on Sunday told reporters that US national security officials have determined that Ukraine did not target a residence belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a drone attack last week, disputing Kremlin claims that Trump had initially greeted with deep concern. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last week []

l WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump told The Atlantic on Sunday in a telephone interview that Delcy Rodrguez, Venezuelas vice president, could pay a very big price if she doesnt do what he thinks is right for the South American country. That contrasted with the Republican presidents comments about Rodrguez on Saturday when he said []

Additional Commissioner State Taxes leads strategic review emphasizing enforcement, reforms under GST 2.0 to ensure stricter compliance SRINAGAR: In a significant push towards enhanced revenue mobilization and stricter GST compliance, Additional Commissioner, State Taxes (Administration and Enforcement), Kashmir Division, Parveez Ahmad Raina, on Saturday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with senior officials of the department. []

Calls him a beacon of wisdom, courage, justice and piety SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the Youm-e-Wiladat of Ameer-ul-Momineen, Hazrat Ali Al Murtaza (RA). On this revered day, Dr. Farooq emphasised the profound legacy of Hazrat Ali []

SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Saturday kick-started the 7th round of vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) by flagging off mobile veterinary units from the DC Office premises here. The district-wide vaccination drive is being carried out by the District Sheep Husbandry Department with the objective of protecting livestock and strengthening []

SRINAGAR: In a significant effort to strengthen electoral participation, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with the District Election Office (DEO), Budgam launched an innovative voter awareness initiative under the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme. As part of the campaign, the mobile awareness van titled []

HAJIN: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday held a workers meeting at Dak Bungalow, Sumbal, to finalise preparations for the January 7 programme marking the death anniversary of party founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The meeting was convened by the PDP Sonawari constituency in-charge and former MLC Yasir Reshi and was attended by senior party []

SRINAGAR: J&K Police have traced a lady who was missing from November 17, 2025, and reunited with her family in Kulgam. On 26.11.2025, Police station Kulgam received a written complaint from Waseem Ahmad Wani stating therein that his spouse namely Bisma Jan is missing from her rented room at Amnoo, Kulgam from 17th November, 2025. []

SRINAGAR: Reinforcing the Srinagar Municipal Corporations (SMC) commitment to financial sustainability and efficient urban governance, the Commissioner, SMC, Faz Lul Haseeb, on Saturday conducted the inspections of municipal assets with a focused thrust on strengthening revenue generation as the backbone for delivering hassle-free civic services to the citizens of Srinagar. The Commissioner carried out an []