RisingKashmir

New Delhi [India], November 8 : Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply on Sunday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping into the 'severe' category at 483 at 8:10 am, as several parts of the national capital recorded pollution levels above 400, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The worsening air quality comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Del

New Delhi [India], November 8 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended Diwali greetings to people across the country, wishing them happiness and prosperity. In a post on X, he wrote, Diwali wishes to everyone! Boundless Diwali wishes to my family members across the country. On Saturday, in a post on X, the Prime Minister extended Diwali greetings to the people of the country, wishing them happiness, peace and prosperity, and said he would continue his tradition of celebrating the festiv

Kupwara, Nov 7: District Administration Kupwara organised a Tabletop Exercise in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at Handwara and Zachaldara, to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure an effective response to emergency situations. The programmes were coordinated by Tehsil Handwara and Tehsil Zachaldara, with Tehsildar Handwara, Zeeshan Khan, presiding over the session at Handwara and Revenue officials at Zachaldar. The exercise focused on reviewing disaster

Ganderbal, Nov 7: The Social Welfare Department (SWD) Ganderbal organised a one-day exposure visit for the boys and girls residing in Child Care Institutions (CCIs) of the district under Mission Vatsalya. As part of the initiative, the children were taken to Bage Gul-e-Dawood and Mughal Gardens to provide them with an opportunity for recreation, social interaction and exposure to places of natural beauty and historical significance. The visit was flagged off by the Additional District Developm

Srinagar, Nov 7: On the occasion of National Cancer Awareness Day, Learning Links Foundation, under its Road to School Program, a CSR initiative by Ashok Leyland Foundation, organised a community-level cancer awareness programme in collaboration with Project Batwara ICDS. The programme was conducted by ESD Rukshanda and ESD Mehren, with the participation of ICDS Supervisor Waheeda, ICDS workers and helpers, ASHA workers, and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare. Dr. Manzoor fro

Kulgam, Nov 7: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, on Saturday chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and review the status of solid waste management in both urban and rural areas of the district. The meeting was convened to assess the progress made by various departments and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) towards effective solid waste management and identify areas requiring further improvement. During the meeting, officers of the conc

Pulwama, Nov 7: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, on Saturday visited various areas of the district ahead of Diwali and reviewed the arrangements put in place for the smooth and peaceful celebration of the festival. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner extended warm Diwali greetings and interacted with the residents. He listened to their issues and concerns and took stock of the availability of essential services and civic amenities in these areas. The DC reviewed t

Anantnag, Nov 07: Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), J&K, Athar Amir ul Shafi Khan, on Saturday visited District Anantnag and reviewed the implementation of various national health programmes and healthcare services in the district. The Mission Director chaired a comprehensive review meeting at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, Dialgam, attended by Principal GMC Anantnag, Heads of Departments, Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, District Tuberculosis Off

Bandipora, Nov 7: Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Kashmir, Qazi Irfan on Saturday visited the office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Bandipora, and reviewed its overall functioning, administrative performance and delivery of public services. During the visit, the RTO reviewed various citizen-centric services, including issuance of driving licences, vehicle registration, permits and fitness certification. He also assessed the pendency of applications and progress in service

Shopian, Nov 7: The first-ever Jashn-e-Harud, organised by the District Administration Shopian, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in Shopian on Saturday, witnessing an overwhelming public response and huge participation from people from different parts of the district. MLA Zainapora Showkat Hussain Ganie, MLA Shopian Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Deputy Commissioner Charandeep Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Mushtaq Ahmed Choudhary, other officers and people from all corners of Sho

Srinagar, Nov 7: Cluster University of Srinagar has won two gold medals at the Inter-University Canoeing and Kayaking Championship held at Mohali, Punjab, which witnessed participation from 35 universities. Mohsin Ali of Amar Singh College and Fida Hussain of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASE), M.A. Road, Srinagar, brought laurels to the university by securing gold medals in the 200-metre singles and 200-metre doubles events. Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Srinagar,

Rice imports rise to 4.86 lakh tonnes, up 30% in two years Mutton deficit touches 175 lakh kg annually 69% shortfall in poultry meat, 97% deficit in eggs Shrinking paddy acreage, livestock gaps expose vulnerabilities Srinagar, Nov 07: Kashmirs food basket is increasingly being filled by supplies arriving from outside, exposing a widening gap between local production and rising consumption. Despite fertile agricultural land, abundant water resources and a strong farming tradition, the Val

Srinagar, Nov 07: In a move towards strengthening electricity transmission infrastructure between Kashmir and Ladakh, the Northern Regional Power Committee (NRPC) has agreed to a proposal for conducting a survey and soil investigation for a new 400 kV double-circuit transmission line from Alusteng in Srinagar to Leh, paving the way for examining a higher-capacity power corridor between the two regions. The decision was taken at the 248th meeting of the NRPC's Operation Coordination Sub-Committee

Srinagar, Nov 07: Diwali, the festival of lights, is all set to be celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with preparations continuing on Saturday as markets across the Valley witnessed a surge in activity ahead of the festival. Shoppers thronged markets to purchase sweets, firecrackers, diyas, decorative items and other festive essentials. From busy markets to roadside stalls, shops witnessed increased footfall over the past few days, with people making last-minute purchases to prepare

Jammu, Nov 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has congratulated Minister for Education Shamim Firdous on the notification of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Rules, 2026, describing it as a significant milestone in the governments efforts to expand access to quality higher education and strengthen the regions academic ecosystem. The Chief Minister said the new Rules establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for setting up and operating private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, crea

Youth must build Viksit Bharat: President Murmu Festival of light over darkness: PM Modi Spread compassion, solidarity: LG Sinha A message of hope, harmony: CM Omar New Delhi/Srinagar, Nov 07: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday extended their greetings to the people on the eve of Diwali, with the President hoping that the country's patriotic youth, guided by Indian values, would contribute enthusias

Shopian records season's lowest at minus 0.9C Srinagar at 2C, Leh plunges to minus 4.2C MeT predicts rain, snow over higher reaches from Nov 10 Dry winter? Too early to say, say experts Experts say too early to predict dry winter Srinagar, Nov 07: Winter is beginning to tighten its grip on Kashmir, with temperatures hovering around the freezing point in several parts of the Valley and residents waking up to increasingly cold mornings. On November 6, Shopian district of south Kashmir re

There is a silence in Kashmir that no human voice can adequately articulate. It dwells in the hollows of ancient trees, trembles through the autumn breeze, and descends upon the valley like an unfinished elegy. It is the sigh of the Chinar. Majestic, primordial, and timeless, the Chinar is no ordinary tree; it is an entire civilisation rooted in the soil. A living testament to a land steeped in beauty, longing, and loss, its sprawling branches are the outstretched arms of history, and its gnarle

Population is not merely a numerical expression of how many people inhabit a geographical area or a territory. It represents a society's continuity, its human resources, cultural inheritance, economic potential and intergenerational relationships. Population growth, when supported by adequate resources, opportunities and institutions, contributes to social and economic development. However, a sustained decline in fertility, particularly when accompanied by increasing life expectancy, can gradual

Autumn in Kashmir is not merely a season. It is a beautiful presence an awaited one that arrives and settles into every corner of life. The Chinar leaves turn gold, the air sharpens with cold, and the valley braces itself for months of stillness. The crimson shades of red, orange, and yellow lend autumn a mellow beauty, a kind of comfort after a year of enduring the elements. But as the days grow shorter and the sunlight begins to fade, the changing season can bring something else entirely for s

The National Conference (NC), one of Jammu and Kashmirs oldest political parties, is once again witnessing an internal revolt against the Abdullah family. Nearly two dozen party legislators have openly raised the banner of rebellion against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and party president Dr Farooq Abdullah, while former Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has taken the confrontation a step further by resigning from the party and his parliamentary seat. What makes the latest political

Srinagar, Nov 07: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Saturday welcomed the launch of KD News Magazine and KDTV digital channel by KDN LLP, describing the initiative as a significant addition to Jammu and Kashmirs media landscape. Speaking at the launch function, Inam congratulated KDN LLP Managing Director Imtiyaz Chesti and his team, saying the initiative brought together traditional print journalism and digital media at a time when the media landscape was undergoing r

Jammu, Nov 07: Rajya Sabha MP (Nominated) and senior BJP leader Er Gulam Ali Khatana on Saturday paid tribute to tribal freedom fighters while attending a Dangal programme at Sydney Ground, Bathindi, organised as part of the week-long Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrations. Recalling the contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Khatana said his courage, sacrifices and role in the freedom struggle, as well as his efforts to protect tribal identity, culture and rights, continued to inspire generations.

Srinagar, Nov 07: Several prominent Apni Party leaders and senior workers from different parts of Kashmir on Saturday visited the bereaved family of party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari at Sheikhpora, Budgam, to express their condolences over the demise of his sister-in-law. The condolence visits continued for the second consecutive day following her death on Friday after a brief illness. The party leaders and workers expressed sympathy and solidarity with Bukhari and his family during th

Bandipora, Nov 07: Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Vinod Kumar on Saturday chaired Thana Diwas programmes at Police Stations Sumbal, Aragam and Hajin to strengthen police-public relations, address public grievances and encourage community participation in maintaining peace and order. The programmes were attended by SSP Bandipora Tahir Saleem, concerned supervisory officers and respective Station House Officers. Prominent citizens, traders and representatives from adjoini

Srinagar, Nov 07: Coming from a small and far-flung town of Uri, Jalil Lone, a humanitarian professional from Bijhama area in north Kashmir has been selected as a registered observer at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to be held in Antalya, Trkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. With nearly two decades of experience working with communities affected by disasters and climate change, Jalils participation in the global climate summit is expected to provide another

Baramulla, Nov 07: Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Circle, Sopore, Irfan Ali Shah, on Saturday conducted a day-long inspection of Jhelum Valley Forest Division, Baramulla, to review ongoing development works, forest conservation initiatives, ecotourism projects and protection measures. Accompanied by Divisional Forest Officer Zahid Aslam Moghal and other senior forest officials, Shah inspected several sites across the division, beginning with the Divisional Forest Office campus. During the

Srinagar, Nov 07: Minister for Power Development Department (PDD), Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Disaster Management and Elections, Ali Mohammad Sagar, on Saturday visited the 220/132/33 KV Grid Station at Alusteng to review the power supply scenario and assess the preparedness of the department for the upcoming winter months. During the visit, the Minister took a detailed assessment of the functioning of the grid station, its existing capacity, power distribution arrangements and measure

Ganderbal, Nov 07 : SSP Tourist J&K Mubashir Rasool on Saturday held an interactive meeting with various tourism stakeholders in Sonamarg to discuss their concerns, listen to their demands and explore measures to improve tourism-related services in the popular tourist destination. The meeting was attended by representatives of ponywalas, traders' associations, taxi stand operators and other stakeholders associated with the tourism sector, who raised several issues concerning their day-to-day ac

Srinagar: Amar Singh College has decided to strictly enforce road safety norms on its campus, with the Principal announcing that students arriving on two-wheelers without helmets or valid driving licences will not be allowed entry. The decision was announced during a road safety awareness programme titled Mission Save Lives, organised at the college auditorium by Traffic Police City Srinagar in collaboration with Kashmir Road Safety Foundation (KRSF), Amar Singh College and Government Polytechni

Srinagar, Nov 07: Government schools across Kashmir are witnessing a positive response to the ongoing enrollment campaign, with several students shifting from private institutions, reflecting growing parental confidence in the public education system, Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani, said. Speaking about the new academic session, Wani said the School Education Department has launched an enrollment drive across the Kashmir province to encourage parents to enrol their children

Srinagar, Nov 07: The Department of Agriculture Kashmir organised a Kisan Mela-cum-exhibition under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan at Harwan on Saturday, with Minister for Agriculture, Cooperatives, Mining and Finance Javed Ahmad Dar and MLA Hazratbal Salman Sagar attending the programme. The initiative is part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan being observed from October 22 to November 30, 2026, to promote awareness about soil conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Addressing the gat

Srinagar, Nov 07: The Jammu and Kashmir Contractors Coordination Committee has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Bank management to include the contractor fraternity in its recently launched RAHAT scheme-2026, saying delayed payments of government liabilities have pushed several contractors' accounts into the Non-Performing Asset (NPA) category. Addressing a news conference, Chairman of the Committee, Ghulam Jeelani Purza, expressed gratitude to the J&K Bank management for introducing the RAHAT scheme

Ladakh, Nov 7 : The Indian Air Force (IAF) has achieved a major milestone in military aviation after its IL-76MD heavy-lift transport aircraft successfully landed at Nyoma airfield in Ladakh at an altitude of 13,629 feet, marking the highest-altitude landing ever achieved by this aircraft anywhere in the world. The Indian Air Force announced the achievement through a post on X, describing the historic landing as a demonstration of the aircraft's exceptional capabilities and the outstanding skill

Srinagar, Nov 07: Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday said the enhancement of PG seats at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu and postings of 300 medical officers will boost the healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir. While speaking to reporters in Kulgam, the Minister said the two initiatives were part of the government's efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve medical education and ensure better access to treatment, particularly in underserved areas.

Srinagar, Nov 7: The mortal remains of Adnan Altaf, an MBBS student from Sopore, Kashmir, who tragically passed away in Bangladesh, are expected to reach India on November 8. The post-mortem examination was conducted at Comilla Medical College on November 4, following which his body was shifted to Dhaka Medical College for preservation. Medical clearance is expected tomorrow morning, following which the mortal remains will be flown to India. His mother and three other family members will accompa

Anantnag, Nov 6: The SHMM Government Degree College Anantnag has scripted a remarkable sporting achievement by winning the Inter-College Volleyball Championship 2026, organised by the Directorate of Physical Education, University of Kashmir. The championship witnessed participation from nearly 40 colleges across the Kashmir Division, with teams competing for the coveted title. Demonstrating exceptional skill, coordination, determination and sporting spirit, the volleyball team of college emerg

Srinagar, Nov 06: The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has directed all selected pilgrims for Haj-2027 to deposit the second instalment of Rs 1.25 lakh per pilgrim by November 30, 2026. In a circular, the HCoI has said the payment has to be made in accordance with the guidelines for Haj 2027 (1448H). The pilgrims can deposit the amount through the e-payment facility available on the official website of the Haj Committee of India or the Haj Suvidha App using credit cards, debit cards or net banking.

Srinagar, Nov 06: The Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department on Friday ordered the posting of 306 newly appointed Medical Officers (Allopathic) across various healthcare institutions in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The doctors have been posted to District Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs) and other healthcare institutions to strengthen medical services at the grassroots level. W

Srinagar, Nov 06: People with disabilities visiting heritage sites in Jammu and Kashmir continue to face accessibility challenges, with only three out of 56 centrally protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) having ramp facilities for wheelchair users. An ASI official told Rising Kashmir that Pari Mahal in Srinagar, the Avantiswami Temple in Awantipora and Akhnoor Fort in Jammu are the only three centrally protected monuments in the Union Territory equipped with wheelch

Farooq hints at R&B portfolio shift from Dy CM; cabinet rejig could take a year Four-MLA consultative groups for ministers discussed Additional adviser from Jammu on cards Omar offers to step aside; legislators rally behind CM, press for action Srinagar, Nov 06: The National Conference leadership moved to contain disquiet within its legislative ranks on Friday, with party president Farooq Abdullah signalling a possible redistribution of ministerial portfolios and greater involvement of M

Medical facilities and burial grounds are built on a deeply sacred promise: that human dignity will be preserved, in life as well as in death. Across the globe, however, regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies occasionally uncover troubling networks operating in the darker corners of healthcare and body disposal serviceswhere living patients, deceased bodies, and grave keepsakes are reduced to commodities for illicit profit. Operating Table Exploitation: Live Organ Rackets Organ traf

Food is more than a commodity. It is a daily necessity, a source of livelihood and, in Kashmir, a part of our social and cultural life. Yet the trust people place in the food they buy is not always matched by the care taken to produce, store, transport and sell it. Food safety cannot be reduced to occasional raids or seasonal checks. It is a public-health responsibility that demands steady vigilancefrom farms and factories to markets, restaurants and household kitchens. The risks are not always

Leh, Nov 06:- Ladakh Police and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) have intensified their campaign against drug trafficking, conducting a series of operations across Leh, Kargil, Drass, Nubra and other parts of the Union Territory between June and November 2026. Data accessed by Rising Kashmir from police records shows multiple seizures during the period, including heroin, charas, ganja, suspected cocaine/MDMA and thousands of psychotropic tablets. A key concern emerging from the operations is

Srinagar, Nov 6: The Department of Posts has extended the working hours of the iconic Floating Post Office at Nehru Park on Dal Lake, which will now remain operational from 9 am to 9 pm. The decision follows the encouraging public response to the recent extension of working hours at the Lal Chowk Head Post Office, which is also functioning from 9 am to 9 pm. Chief Postmaster General, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, Col Sagar Hanuman Singh, IPoS, visited the Floating Post Office along with Director Po

Akhnoor, Nov 06: JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra has asserted that the Congress would continue its fight to ensure free and fair elections and safeguard every citizens right to vote, saying the party would not allow any attempt to undermine democracy in the country. Addressing a Congress gathering at Akhnoor on Friday, organised by newly appointed Chairman of the JKPCC Scheduled Caste Department, Ashok Bhagat, Karra said the efforts of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had exposed various all

Poonch, Nov 06:- Despite its scenic landscapes and vast tourism potential, several picturesque destinations in Poonch district continue to remain underdeveloped, with residents alleging a lack of attention from the government and concerned departments. Locals said the absence of basic tourist facilities at these destinations was discouraging visitors and preventing the district from tapping its tourism potential. They pointed out that while several tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley had witness

Ganderbal, Nov 06: Patients visiting Trauma Hospital Kangan are set to get relief from overcrowding and long queues, as a new ticket counter worth Rs 6.50 lakh is nearing completion and is expected to become operational soon. The facility, funded through Block Development Council (BDC) grants by Block Kangan, has achieved nearly 95 per cent completion and is in its final stage. Sources said that once completed, the facility will be inaugurated by MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali. The new arrangement is

Srinagar, Nov 6: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has cautioned students, parents and public against falling prey to fraudulent medical institutions offering MBBS without obtaining mandatory recognition, approval or permission from the competent regulatory authorities. In an advisory, the NM asked students and parents to verify the authenticity and regulatory status of medical colleges before seeking admission. The commission said it had received information about certain institutions offer

Srinagar, Nov 05: What began as an idea to build something of their own has turned into an effort to give Kashmirs walnuts greater value. Three young friends from Handwara have launched a walnut butter venture, linking local farmers with new markets while creating livelihood opportunities at home. After completing their studies in agriculture, the trio identified as Arfaat Rasool Malik, Raja Shoaib and Mohammad Faizan , initially considered moving outside Kashmir in search of jobs. However, reco