RisingKashmir
Elections 2026Jammu & kashmir / RisingKashmir
Srinagaragar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 23 : Union Minister Jitendra Singh attended a BJP state office-bearers meeting in Srinagar on Sunday, where party leaders discussed public issues and their strategy ahead of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, said the meeting brought together BJP office-bearers from different regions of the Union Territory to deliberate on issues concerning the public. He also slammed
Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 23 (ANI): The Budha Amarnath Yatra continued in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district amid tight security arrangements on Sunday, with authorities making provisions for medical assistance and emergency services to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims. As pilgrims continued their journey along NH-144A, the state's Health Department established medical facilities at key points where devotees halt during the pilgrimage. Speaking about the arrangem
Faridabad, August 23: Social and political activist Rakesh Handu, a close friend of late Satish Tickoo, has called for a fast-track trial in Tickoos killing, alleging that the case has remained unresolved for nearly 36 years despite the alleged identification of the accused. Handu, in a statement issued here, said the recent reopening and investigation of several cases related to killings in Kashmir had raised hope among the families of victims, but questioned why similar action had not been tak
Jammu, Aug 23 : Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Saturday accused the Union Territory government of failing on issues of unemployment, grassroots democracy and corruption, saying his party would raise people's concerns in the upcoming Assembly session. Addressing a BJP meeting attended by senior party leaders and office-bearers from across Jammu and Kashmir, Sharma said the meeting would discuss the party's future strategy, organisational activities and issue
Tokyo [Japan], August 23 : A preliminary 5.9-magnitude earthquake rattled eastern Japan early Sunday, resulting in multiple injuries across prefectures surrounding Tokyo and causing widespread transit disruptions, according to local authorities and meteorological officials. The temblor struck at 2:00 am, with its epicentre located in the southern section of Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of 68 kilometres, Kyodo News reported. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that the seismic event did no
Ramban , August 23 : Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, prompting district administrations to issue safety advisories. In Ramban district, intense downpours and lightning were reported in different parts of the district. Taking precautionary measures, the Ramban district administration issued an alert, advising residents--especially those living in upper reaches and in close proximity to rivers, streams, and other water
Srinagar , 23 August : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended greetings to scientists, engineers and the entire space community on the occasion of National Space Day. In a post on X, Sinha lauded the perseverance and brilliance of Indias space professionals, saying their achievements have made the country proud and strengthened the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also highlighted the role of Indias space programme in inspiring the younger generation to explore new frontiers
Tehran [Iran], August 23 : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (local time) said Tehran has not compromised on any clause of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed amid efforts to address the ongoing tensions with the US and Israel, while asserting that Iran seeks a solution through dialogue and logic, Al Jazeera reported. We signed the memorandum of understanding because we believe that we cannot achieve anything through war, Pezeshkian said in a speech to mark Doctors' Day, Al
Srinagar, Aug 22: Government Degree Colleges across Jammu & Kashmirhaverecorded a sharp rise in undergraduate admissions for the 2026-27 academic session, with 47,150 students admitted during Phase-I. According to Directorate of Colleges, HED, J&K, the admissions are around 16 per cent higher than the nearly 40,800 students admitted during the corresponding phase last year. Of the total admissions, 35,040 were made through direct allocation, while 12,110 students secured seats through the walk-i
Anantnag, Aug 22: The sacred Chhari Mubarak, the holy silver mace of Lord Shiva, reached the Shiv Temple in Bijbehara onSaturday withMahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of Chhari Mubarak,leadingthe contingent of Sadhus. The holy mace was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, SSP Anantnag and local residents of Bijbehara, who gathered at the temple to receive the religious procession. Speaking to reporters, Mahant Giri said that the procession was being taken forward on the auspic
Srinagar, Aug 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that educational institutions are not merely producing educated girls but are nurturing confident young women, whose confidence provides a strong assurance that the future of Jammu and Kashmir is secure. The Chief Minister was addressing the Annual Day function, titled Clock Tower Cosmos, organised by Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Rajbagh, Srinagar. The school is also commemorating 250 years of the Presentation Congr
Jammu, Aug 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the real examinations take place in corporate boardrooms, markets and in life itself, where the data is often incomplete, stakeholders have differing opinions and there is no teacher to provide readymade answers. The LG joined the Board of Governors, faculty, students, alumni and dignitaries to celebrate 10 years of IIM Jammu. In his address, he said, IIM Jammu should define its own bold and distinctive ideas and turn the boardrooms
Srinagar, Aug 22: The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has strongly opposed the latest electricity tariff hike approved by the Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), terming it an additional burden on consumers, traders and businesses at a time when the economy of Jammu and Kashmir is already passing through a difficult phase. KTA president Aijaz Shahdhar, in a statement issued here, said the tariff increase could further weaken economic activity and hurt businessesthat arealrea
Srinagar, Aug 22: Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday opposed the hike in the power tarrif by over six per cent, saying it would put an additional burden on consumers. The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh has approved a 6.83 per cent average hike in power tariff for J-K, which would come into effect from September 1. People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Para said the hike comes when inflation is iting the people ha
Srinagar, Aug 22: The approved subsidised electricity tariff rates for the financial year 202627 have been notified for different categories of consumers, including domestic, commercial, agricultural, industrial, government, electric vehicle charging stations, and traction supply. According to the latest details, the tariff schedule specifies separate energy, fixed, and demand charges, wherever applicable. Domestic consumers For Below Poverty Line (BPL) consumers with consumption up to 30 units
Ganderbal, Aug 22: A District Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting to review registrations on the My Bharat Portal was held on Saturday at DC Office, Ganderbal, under the chairmanship of the District Development Commissioner (DDC), Ganderbal. The meeting was attended by the District Youth Officer (DYO), My Bharat Ganderbal, along with concerned Nodal Officers (BDOs) and other officials. During the meeting, the progress of My Bharat registrations across Ganderbal district was reviewed in detail. Th
Srinagar, Aug 22: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), J&K conducted a special enforcement drive across the Union Territory to check the quality and safety of milk and milk products and ensure compliance with the prescribed food safety standards. During the drive, 198 inspections were conducted and 178 samples of milk and milk products were collected from different districts for testing of prescribed quality and safety parameters. The inspections also covered establishments dealing with milk
Srinagar, Aug 22: The Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD), J&K, has taken serious note of the advertisement and sale of an electrically operated shock device being marketed as a Dog Stick and promoted for safety from dogs and wild animals in streets. The device is being advertised by M/s Gambs Enterprises, Old Bus Stand, Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir. The Department has cautioned that electric shock guns, stun devices, electric prods or similar devices shall not be used for stray animals
Srinagar: Rahul Bansal, Managing Director of Kashmir Ispat, and business leader Amogh Bansal underlined the importance of quality, technological advancement and customer service as Shakti Thermex hosted its Dealer Meet 2026 in Srinagar, bringing together dealers and distributors from across Kashmir. The event was organised to appreciate the companys dealer network, showcase its latest manufacturing capabilities and brief business partners about the companys new technological initiatives and fut
Srinagar, Aug 22: Woodlands House School hosted a vibrant Science & Art Exhibition as part of its 60th Anniversary Celebrations, showcasing the creativity, curiosity, and talent of its students. The exhibition featured innovative science models, colourful paintings, drawings, and creative artworks. Students enthusiastically presented their projects, reflecting their imagination and dedication. The event was graced by Dr Sameer Kaul, renowned oncologist, Riki Singh, Chairman WHS, Farid Singh, &
Srinagar, Aug 22: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah on Saturday visited Seed Multiplication Farm Tapper Kreeri and took stock of various agriculture activities there. The Director inspected different blocks, hi-tech poly houses at the farm and reviewed various innovative interventions and technologies adopted at the farm. Speaking on the occasion, the director expressed satisfaction over the transformation of the farm and appreciated the concerned officers for their role in the s
Srinagar, Aug 22: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar hosted KATHE 2026: AI Challenge for Kashmiri Language Translation, a national-level initiative aimed at advancing artificial intelligence and machine-learning applications for the Kashmiri language. It focused on English-to-Kashmiri machine translation, bringing together students, academics, linguists, technology professionals and volunteers to address challenges associated with low-resource language technology. The event wa
Srinagar, Aug 22: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, who is also the President, Zila Sainik Welfare Board on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the construction of an Additional Accommodation Block at Zila Sainik Bhawan in presence of Director Sainik Welfare Department, J&K, Brigadier Pankaj Chib, SM, VSM. The proposed block is aimed at strengthening the existing infrastructure of Zila Sainik Bhawan and providing additional accommodation and welfare facilities for ex-servicem
Srinagar, Aug 22: Jammu and Kashmir electricity consumers are set to face higher power billsfromSeptember 1, 2026,withthe Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC)approvinga 6.83 per centhike in tariffsacrossconsumer categories. The increase comesat a time when households are already grapplingwith rising living costs, adding to the financial burden on consumers across the Union Territory. The decision comes despite repeatedassurances from the governmentthat consumers would not face a genera
New Delhi, Aug 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and presented him with a specially curated coffee table book documenting the journey and collective efforts of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan 100 Days Campaign. The book, designed, curated and published by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) J&K, captures the spirit and impact of the 100-day campaign aimed at building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. The c
(The Author is a Former Tutor, Department of Health Services, Jammu & Kashmir)
There was a time when a library was imagined as a quiet hall lined with shelves, where knowledge waited patiently between the covers of books. Today, that image is changing. Across Jammu & Kashmir, libraries are gradually evolving into dynamic centres of digital learning, research and knowledge discovery. The transformation is not about replacing books with computers. Rather, it is about extending the reach of the library beyond its physical walls and connecting readers with a much larger world
The political confrontation between jailed Pakistan Tehreek- e- Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and Pakistans powerful military establishment appears to have entered another critical phase, with both sides facing off over his possible release and medical treatment. According to political experts, developments being discussed in Pakistan, Army Chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has made it clear that any arrangement concerning Imran Khan, whether related to his relea
There was a time when music and art in Kashmir were not merely forms of entertainment. They were woven into the very fabric of life. A song accompanied a wedding, a wanwun brought women together in celebration, a mystic verse became a vehicle of spiritual contemplation, and a craftsman transformed wood, paper, wool or stone into an expression of an inherited aesthetic. Poetry was sung, stories were narrated, and music travelled from one generation to another without the need for institutions, ar
At four in the afternoon, when the light begins to thin over a mountain valley, a teacher closes her notebook and waits for the last question. The class has been discussing a story, but one child has hardly spoken. He is bright, the teacher knows, yet the language of the textbook is not the language in which he thinks at home. She tries a question in another language, draws a picture, waits again. The boy smiles and answers. Nothing dramatic has happened. No certificate has been awarded. Yet thi
Srinagar, Aug 22 :- Despite repeated warnings, public advisories and restrictions on bathing and swimming, another life has been lost in the dangerous waters of Nallah Sindh, raising fresh questions over public compliance. An 18-year-old Srinagar youth, identified as Danish Bilal, drowned while reportedly taking a bath near Kijpara in Kangan in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. The incident has once again highlighted the gap between repeated safety advisories issued by authorities and the co
Srinagar, Aug 22: India has made significant progress towards eliminating major vector-borne diseases, with the Health Ministry reporting substantial declines in malaria and sustained gains in controlling Kala Azar and lymphatic filariasis. As per the Annual Report 2025-26 of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), three diseasesMalaria, Kala Azar and Lymphatic Filariasisare currently under an elimination
Budgam: MLA Beerwah Assembly Constituency Dr Mohammad Shafi Wani on Saturday said that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to 8.50 crore has been submitted to the Jammu and Kashmir Government for road macadamisation and construction of culverts across the Beerwah Assembly constituency. Speaking to reporters, Dr Wani said the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department has undertaken extensive macadamisation work on roads across the constituency during the current year. We have conducted a review
Vellore, Aug 22: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday called on Indias youth to move beyond consuming artificial intelligence and focus on developing homegrown AI technologies, saying graduates could play a key role in making the country a global technology creator. Addressing the 41st convocation of VIT University in Vellore as chief guest, Gupta said India must transition from being an AI user to an AI creator and contribute to solving challenges facing society through technology and i
Shopian, Aug 22: Prominent religious scholar Molana Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri on Saturday visited a private school in South Kashmirs Shopian district, where he delivered a lecture titled Roshni Ka Safar and interacted with students on education, moral values and responsible citizenship. Addressing the students, Veeri said education plays a vital role in shaping character and building a healthy society. He stressed that modern education should be complemented by Islamic education and moral teachings fr
Budgam, Aug 22: Budgam Police have intensified their crackdown on illegal mining and the unlawful extraction and transportation of minerals, registering 34 FIRs and seizing 182 vehicles and heavy machinery involved in such activities across the district during the last four months. According to a police official, the enforcement action was undertaken to curb illegal extraction and transportation of minerals and to prevent the misuse of public and natural resources. Police have also arrested 16 p
Srinagar, Aug 22: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday accused the elected government of adding to the hardships faced by people instead of addressing their grievances, warning that his party would oppose any move to further burden consumers, including a hike in power tariffs. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party event, Bukhari said the Apni Party would continue to raise issues affecting the public and oppose decisions that increase their financial burden. We
Srinagar: A 14-member cycling group from Karnataka has embarked on an adventurous Srinagar-Leh expedition, combining a passion for fitness and exploration with a journey through some of the Himalayas most challenging terrain. The group, comprising experienced cycling enthusiasts from different parts of Karnataka, began its journey from Srinagar and is scheduled to reach Leh after covering several high-altitude stretches. Among the riders are cyclists aged 61 and 62, who say age should not preven
Srinagar, Aug 22: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir on Saturday said addressing public grievances and ensuring timely resolution of peoples issues remained the foremost priority of the Omar Abdullah-led government and elected representatives. Mir made the remarks while interacting with NC leaders, office-bearers, workers and public delegations from Central, North and South Kashmir. The delegations apprised him of issues confronting people in their respe
Srinagar, Aug 22: JSrinagar, Aug 22: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Saturday criticised the government over the latest power tariff hike, citing an official communication showing that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as Minister in-charge of the Power Development Department (PDD), had approved a proposal for a 5 per cent increase. Lone referred to a communique submitted by the PDD to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), which stated that
Srinagar, 22 August: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Saturday strongly criticised the National Conference (NC)-led government over the reported 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs, terming the move a betrayal of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, Sharma said the NC had come to power with a clear promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to every household, but nearly two years after the 2024 Assembly elections,
Srinagar, Aug 22: National Conference (NC) Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs meeting with US Ambassador Sergio Gor during the envoys recent visit to Srinagar, stating that the political and constitutional affairs of J&K were an internal matter. Reacting to Gors recent remarks describing Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India, Mehdi said the region did not require validation from any foreign representative. Who is part of what
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that educational institutions are not merely producing educated girls but are nurturing confident young women, whose confidence provides a strong assurance that the future of Jammu and Kashmir is secure. The Chief Minister was addressing the Annual Day function, titled Clock Tower Cosmos, organised by Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Rajbagh, Srinagar. The school is also commemorating 250 years of the Presentation Congrega
BARAMULLA, August 22: Two persons were injured, one of them critically, in a road accident on the National Highway at Chakloo near Yawar Motors in Baramulla on Saturday. According to reports, the accident occurred when a motorcycle bearing registration number JK05P-2284 collided with a dumper bearing registration number JK05F-6564. The injured have been identified as Azaan Ali Sofi (25), a resident of Chakloo, and Mudasir Ali Sofi (24), son of Mohd Sofi, also a resident of Chakloo. One of the in
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a post on X, Office of PM Modi wrote, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri @manojsinha_ , met Prime Minister @narendramodi.
Ramban, August 22: MLA Banihal-Gool Sajjad Shaheen today flagged off a 52 lakh state-of-the-art Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) at Ramban, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Ramban Ilyas Khan and former DDC Chairperson Shamshada Shan. Speaking on the occasion, Shaheen said the Mobile Medical Unit is an important step towards taking quality healthcare services closer to people living in remote and far-flung areas of Khari Block of his constituency. The MMU has been equipped with modern medical and
Banihal, August 22: In a significant political development, scores of workers and activists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joined the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) at a joining programme held in Banihal, further strengthening the partys organisational presence across the Banihal-Gool constituency. Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, NC leader and MLA Banihal-Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, said the growing support for the National Conference reflects the peoples increasing
Ramban, Aug 22 : A 14 year old boy was injured after being attacked by a bear in the Asher area of Banihal in Ramban district on Saturday, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the teenager was attacked by the wild animal in his residential area near Seeri, Ramban. He said the boy was shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal, where he is undergoing treatment. The boy was identified as Akram Ahmed Chohan (14), son of Nazir Ahmed Chohan, a resident
Srinagar: Kashmirs ace cyclist and two-time Guinness World Record holder Adil Teli has left for Japan to participate in the prestigious UCI Gran Fondo World Series, where he will compete against cyclists from across the world. Teli earned his qualification for the championship through his performance at the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycling Challenge in February 2026, securing his place among the qualifiers for the international event. A native of Kashmir, Teli has emerged as one of the regions most pro
Srinagar, Aug 22 : The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh has approved a 6.83% average hike in power tariff for Jammu and Kashmir for 2026-27. According to an order issued by JERC, a copy of which is in posession of news agencyKashmir News Observer( KNO), the hike will come into effect from September 1, 2026, and bills issued for consumption from that date will be charged at the new rates. The regulator said JPDCL and KPDCL had sought a tariff hike to bri

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