Kashmir Reader

The Aravallis are the breath of life for every Indian. Older than the Himalayas, this range blocks deserts, recharges water, and hosts prehistoric sites. Now, legal ambiguity and mining threaten to fragment it beyond recovery. If we lose the Aravallis, we lose groundwater, wildlife, clean air, and climate balance. Masroora Jan The Aravallis are a []

The wish to die young reveals a dread of dependence and irrelevance. The solution lies not in escaping life, but in reshaping how we value and support our elders. Rabiya Jaan Many people silently carry a thought they are afraid to say aloud: I dont want to be old. I would rather die early than []

Srinagar: At least two houses have been damaged in a fire mishap in the Nowhatta locality of Srinagar on Thursday, officials said, adding that fire fighting operations are on. An official said that the fire erupted from one of the houses and quickly spread to another adjacent house. He said that locals immediately tried []

KATRA/JAMMU: The National Medical Commissions abrupt decision to withdraw its letter of permission to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Jammu and Kashmirs Katra, just months after the inaugural session of the college commenced, has left the students and faculty staring at an uncertain future. While the Medical Assessment and Rating []

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday launched the e-Pathshala initiative of the school education department, asserting that digital platforms are meant to supplement classroom teaching and bridge learning gaps. The e-Pathshala channel will be available on DTH channel 53 for home-based learning across the Union Territory. The chief minister also inaugurated []

Jammu: At least four people were injured after a vehicle they were travelling in met with an accident at Chaktroo near the police post area of Mandi in Poonch district on Thursday morning. Officials said that a minibus lost control this morning and turned turtle, resulting in injuries to four people in the Chaktroo area. []

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Wednesday proposed setting military spending at USD 1.5 trillion in 2027, citing troubled and dangerous times. Trump called for the massive surge in spending days after he ordered a US military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicols Maduro and spirit him out of the country to face drug trafficking charges []

WASHINGTON: Speaker Mike Johnson has invited President Donald Trump to give the first State of the Union address of his second term on February 24. The invitation sent on Wednesday notes that the nation is marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The invitation touted the work of Trump and a Republican-led Congress in 2025 []

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump abruptly changed his tone on Wednesday about his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, saying the two had exchanged a friendly phone call and that hed invited the leader of the South American country to the White House. It was a Great Honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who []

JERUSALEM: Amid deepening bilateral engagement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday told his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi that Israel values its partnership with New Delhi and their shared determination to defeat terrorism. Netanyahu, in a telephone call with Modi first in 2026 also said he looked forward to meeting the Indian prime minister []

Bandipora: The Indian Army on Wednesday carried out a swift and well-coordinated vehicle recovery operation after a civilian vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a nallah in Bandipora district, officials said. They said trained Army personnel assessed the difficult terrain and deployed authorised recovery drills to safely extract the vehicle. The operation involved []

Expresses concern over NMC revocation of SMVD medical college recognition SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the revocation of the Mata Vaishno Devi Medical Colleges recognition by the National Medical Commission. The Association, in a statement issued here, said that this decision marks yet another erosion of []

SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday inaugurated a dedicated parking facility at the Old Secretariat, Srinagar, for the staff of various offices housed at the Amar Niwas Complex. Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo and other officers including Assistant Commissioner Central, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Chief Planning Officer Srinagar, Deputy Director Planning, and other []

SRINAGAR: In order to assess the progress on the saturation of various Government flagship schemes in the Rural Blocks of the district, a meeting of concerned Officers was on Wednesday held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo here at Meeting Hall of the DC Office. The meeting was convened in the []

Waqf Board Chairperson chairs Meraj-e-Aalam preparedness review meeting SRINAGAR: Continuing the developmental journey of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board, Chairperson, Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Wednesday dedicated new infrastructural works to the public at the famous shrine of Peer Dastgir Sahib in Khanyar Srinagar. The event was held within the campus of the holy []

Mobile van to operate for two days SRINAGAR: In a citizen centric initiative aimed at improving accessibility to passport services, the Regional Passport Office Srinagar, under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, will deploy a Mobile Passport Van in Kupwara from Thursday, 08th January 2026 to Friday 09th January 2026. The initiative is []

SRINAGAR: The UGCMalaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), University of Kashmir (KU), on Tuesday began a week-long Faculty Development Programme on Academic Leadership and Resource Management (Interdisciplinary) at the Main Campus. The programme aims to strengthen leadership capacities among faculty members, enhance effective resource planning, and encourage interdisciplinary approaches to academic governance in higher education []

Slams right-wing outfits for celebrating institution shutdown Orders immediate adjustment of affected batch in hometown colleges Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said he had directed an immediate relocation of students admitted to Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College to facilities in their hometowns. The decision was announced a day after, the []

Jammu/Srinagar: The NMCs decision to withdraw permission granted for setting up an MBBS course in a Jammu college over its non-compliance of minimum standards has evoked mixed reactions, with the BJP and protest groups welcoming the move, while the NC, Congress and PDP have termed it a setback. The Sangharsh Samiti, a recently formed conglomerate []

Flags off J&Ks UT Contingent for 29th National Youth Festival-Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue-2026 Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday virtually flagged off a 53-member Youth Contingent from UT of Jammu Kashmir for New Delhi to participate in the 29th National Youth Festival-Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue-2026. To commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami []

New Delhi: The first phase of Census 2027 houselisting operations will take place between April 1 and September 30 this year in all states and Union territories over a 30-day period specified by each state and UT, a government notification said on Wednesday. There will also be an option for self-enumeration to be conducted in []

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday hit out at Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for maintaining silence on issues concerning the people of the Union territory. In her brief speech while speaking at the tenth death anniversary of her father and PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba said the []

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, on Wednesday expressed concern over the unusually dry winter being witnessed in Kashmir, marked by a worrying absence of rain and snowfall. In a post on X, he said that rain and snow are manifestations of Allahs mercy, and their prolonged absence calls for believers to reflect, return []

Launches key infrastructure, entrepreneurship initiatives in Kathua, Samba districts Kathua/Samba: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday conducted comprehensive district review meetings in both Kathua and Samba districts, emphasizing the importance of timely project completion, transparent governance, and sustainable development. In Kathua, the Chief Minister inaugurated development projects worth 11.58 crore aimed at strengthening infrastructure, boosting []

Srinagar: The Counter Intelligence wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police detained 22 suspects on Wednesday following raids at multiple locations across the valley, officials said. They said the operation was part of an investigation into a cyber terror case involving the use of mule accounts. The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) carried out simultaneous searches []

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 []