IBTimes

A 27-year-old man has been detained by Udhampur Police for allegedly setting his stepmother, Sushma Devi, ablaze after pouring diesel on her at their residence in Housing Colony. She suffered 80 per cent burn injuries and later succumbed at GMC Jammu. A suspected family property dispute is being examined as investigators probe the case.

The JAAC is preparing to resume its agitation in PoJK from October 24 over unresolved demands concerning electricity tariffs, wheat flour prices, civil liberties, political representation, and alleged human rights violations. With plans for rallies, sit-ins and road blockades, the renewed mobilisation is likely to intensify pressure on Pakistan's authorities amid growing public frustration.

The next round of talks between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and agitating groups in Ladakh, scheduled for October 22, could not take place as the Ladakhi representatives said they had not received an invitation.

The BJP has identified potential constituencies in the Kashmir Valley to focus on ahead of the 2029 Assembly elections, outgoing party general secretary Ashok Koul said. Despite winning 29 seats in the Jammu region in 2024, the party failed to open its account in the Valley.

Jammu Police recovered 804 grams of heroin and 1.114 kilograms of opium suspected to have been smuggled across the international border using Pakistani drones in the Arnia sector of Jammu. The recovery was made under Operation Sanjeevani during an investigation into a narcotics case registered on October 20.

Ladakh has announced Panchayat elections for November 21, the first since the Union Territory was carved out of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state in 2019. Meanwhile, the administration has increased the number of Autonomous Hill Development Council constituencies from 52 to 100, paving the way for separate councils in all eight districts, including the newly created Sankoo district.

Expelled National Conference leader Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon has resigned as Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, prompting the Ladakh Administration to dissolve the Council with immediate effect. Akhoon's resignation, following his recent praise of BJP leaders, has fuelled speculation about his possible entry into the saffron party.

Indian stock markets rallied as Sensex gained 571 points and Nifty crossed 23,000 on India-US trade optimism, led by IT stocks despite rising crude oil prices.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington opposes terrorism and those who sponsor it, adding that engagement with Pakistan could help the US discourage actions that concern India. He defended continued ties with Islamabad, citing Pakistan's nuclear capabilities and strategic location.

The exposed data reportedly included names, mobile numbers, email addresses, residential addresses and loan-related information. SBI has launched an investigation and said the incident has had no material impact on its business operations or financial performance.

India has raised concerns over the United Nations' financial crisis, with unpaid regular budget contributions reaching $1.46 billion and peacekeeping dues rising to $4.1 billion in 2026. Surendra Adhana, Counsellor at India's Permanent Mission to the UN, urged member states to clear their dues on time.

Milk prices have reached nearly Rs 100 per litre in Bhiwandi and Rs 102 in Mumbai amid rising cattle feed and fodder costs. Karnataka has proposed an Rs 8 hike in Nandini milk prices, taking blue-packet toned milk from Rs 46 to Rs 54 per litre, subject to Election Commission clearance.

IPS officer Ankita Sharma's video of firing multiple rounds from an AK-47 during Dussehra celebrations in Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon. Critics have questioned the display of firearms during religious festivities and the media's portrayal of the officer as 'Lady Singham', raising concerns about responsible conduct and accountability.

The J&K Government has issued the winter Darbar Move schedule for 202627, directing designated offices to shift from Srinagar to Jammu. Offices will close on October 30 or 31, depending on the working week, and reopen in Jammu on November 2. The order also outlines transport, security, medical facilities, employee allowances, and other arrangements for the annual move.

Rebel National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government over its handling of political promises, Article 370, employment, reservation and student grievances. Ruhullah, who has announced plans to resign from the Lok Sabha and the National Conference on November 3, also accused the BJP of creating a hostile atmosphere for Kashmiris since 2019.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Reliance Industries could refine more Venezuelan crude oil as additional supplies become available. He also highlighted India's refining capabilities and the potential for stronger energy cooperation between India and the US.

Ranveer smiles warmly as Deepika, dressed in an embroidered golden outfit, cradles baby Devi in a matching swaddle. Their elder daughter, Dua, kisses her baby sister on the forehead as the family shines in shades of cream and gold.

Actor Tiger Shroff met filmmaker Rohit Shetty and Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar at his residence two days after the firing incident in Mumbai's Juhu area. New pictures showed Tiger without visible bandages on his chest or hand, following reports that his car was targeted by gunmen.

A Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court said on Monday that Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka's conduct showed that they have no respect for the law and that there are serious concerns about them breaching peace and tranquillity.

Kishtwar Police in Jammu and Kashmir have claimed to have solved the murder of Special Police Officer Bashir Ahmad, whose body was recovered from a forested area in Trigam on October 16. A father-son duo has been arrested, with police suspecting a land dispute as the motive behind the crime.

After the shooting in Juhu, the accused reportedly travelled via Andheri, Kandivali and Surat before being arrested at Kota railway station in Rajasthan. Police are investigating a possible link between one of the suspects and an alleged Lawrence Bishnoi gang associate.

Dussehra 2026, celebrated on October 20, marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura. Discover the significance of Vijayadashami and explore 10 ChatGPT and Gemini AI prompts to create festive images, greeting cards and WhatsApp Status designs.

Gold prices declined on Dussehra, October 20, 2026, with 24K gold falling by 870 per 10 grams and 22K gold dropping by 800. Check the latest reported 24K, 22K and 18K gold rates, along with silver prices in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.

Daler Mehndi landed in controversy after Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted his performance at a Navratri event. The minister objected to the singer's alleged alcohol consumption, saying it hurt religious sentiments.

The three-day Basohli Utsav 2026 commenced on October 19 with cultural programmes, a cartoon workshop, traditional Santholia matches and a JammuBasohli bike ride to promote the region's rich heritage, artistic traditions, tourism potential and the message of a drug-free society. The festival will continue until October 21.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered a 15-day inquiry into allegations that IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan verbally abused JKAS officer Beenish Wani during a virtual official meeting. The incident sparked political criticism, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah calling for accountability and JKAS officers demanding an impartial investigation.

Srinagar Police has launched a major crackdown on drug trafficking by freezing and attaching multiple residential properties and a vehicle allegedly acquired through illicit drug proceeds. The action was carried out by six police stations under the NDPS Act as part of efforts to dismantle the financial networks sustaining the drug trade.

The J&K government has suspended Abdul Latief Banday, a teacher in Grade II, following his arrest in connection with the case of a minor tribal girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted and later died following complications during an attempted pregnancy termination.

A proposal to introduce coordinated themes for Friday sermons at mosques and shrines across Jammu and Kashmir has triggered controversy with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq opposing the reported move, alleging interference in religious affairs.

Four terrorists, including a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, were reportedly killed in a powerful landmine blast near the Line of Control in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said Jammu and Kashmir aims to become the first Himalayan territory to adopt a Mountain Development Policy, emphasising the need to balance environmental protection, economic growth and livelihoods. He called for practical recommendations to address climate change, glacier retreat, water scarcity, landslides and the environmental impact of tourism, while promoting sustainable infrastructure, agriculture and horticulture.

Sharadiya Navratri began with religious fervour across Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with large numbers of devotees visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra. Elaborate security arrangements and improved facilities have been put in place to ensure a smooth pilgrimage during the nine-day festival.

Climate activist and Leh Apex Body leader Sonam Wangchuk has criticised the arrest of three CJP leaders in Delhi, describing the situation as an undeclared emergency. He warned that he would consider an indefinite fast or a padyatra if the leaders were not released by the following day. Wangchuk had earlier announced that he would skip the CJP's October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar due to preparations for the approaching winter in Ladakh.

The J&K Government has approved 15 crore for restoring the traditional pilgrimage route to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine through Nagrota and Bamyal. Residents of around 25 villages have long sought the route's revival, saying it would ease pressure on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, provide pilgrims an alternative route to Katra, revive the historic Deva Mai Temple link and promote socio-economic development in villages along the stretch.

Ladakh has launched a pilot project to cultivate premium saffron on reclaimed barren land in Leh, using around 800 kg of high-quality Iranian saffron corms. The initiative, undertaken under Project Him Sarovar, aims to diversify agriculture, explore new income opportunities for farmers, and assess the suitability of saffron cultivation in Ladakh's high-altitude agro-climatic conditions.

The SIA Kashmir conducted searches at two residential premises in Kulgam and Qazigund as part of an investigation into an alleged transnational human trafficking and cyber fraud network. The investigation concerns the alleged trafficking of unemployed youth to Myanmar through Thailand on the pretext of overseas employment and their subsequent exploitation in cyber scam operations.

Srinagar Police has busted an organised inter-state pharmaceutical drug-trafficking network and arrested eight persons in connection with an FIR registered at Police Station Safakadal. The investigation has led to the recovery of over 2.19 lakh drug tablets/capsules, codeine-containing liquid, a heroin-like substance, 85.75 lakh in cash, gold worth crores, luxury items, a pistol and other articles.

A heated exchange erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the functioning of unregistered social media news handles, with Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo alleging that a domestic worker associated with the family of a sitting legislator was running a Facebook news page allegedly used to target political opponents.

Security forces killed Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa in an overnight operation in the Yousmarg forests of Budgam district. Moosa, a former Pakistani Army commando, was reportedly involved in several attacks on security forces in Rajouri, Poonch, Kulgam and north Kashmir. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site.

Jammu and Kashmir's pace sensation Auqib Nabi has made his India ODI debut against the West Indies in Guwahati. The Baramulla-born pacer, who played a key role in J&K's historic Ranji Trophy triumph and claimed 60 wickets in the 2025-26 season, became the third cricketer from J&K to represent India at the international level.

Four CISF personnel, including an assistant commandant and a sub-inspector, were killed in a firing incident at a CISF camp at the Sewa-II Hydroelectric Power Project in Basohli, Kathua, on Tuesday. A CISF head constable, who allegedly opened fire on his colleagues with his service weapon, was taken into custody.

Ladakh has taken a major step towards promoting commercial floriculture as Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena flagged off the first air consignment of 15,000 A-grade Lilium stems from Leh to national markets. Cultivated at an altitude of 10,600 feet, the flowers will be marketed in Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh, with the initiative aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods and new economic opportunities in the region.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police busted an alleged fake currency printing gang in Jammu and arrested three persons from a rented accommodation in Chowadhi. Police recovered counterfeit notes with a face value of Rs 13,500, along with a printing machine, paper cutter, ink bottles and other materials used in the alleged operation.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday withdrew a Bill seeking amendments to the salaries and allowances of legislators after strong opposition from BJP MLAs in the Assembly. The BJP members demanded that the government should first regularise daily wagers, while Omar said he had decided to withdraw the Bill if even one member opposed it.

The J&K Legislative Assembly witnessed unprecedented uproar during the discussion and passage of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's resolution seeking restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory. Four BJP and Congress MLAs were marshalled out amid sloganeering and protests, while BJP members objected to references to autonomy and the pre-1953 situation. The resolution was passed after heated proceedings, with the BJP later walking out of the House.

BJP MLAs have served a notice seeking the removal of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, alleging repeated violations of parliamentary rules, constitutional principles and established conventions. BJP MLA R.S. Pathania placed the notice before the Speaker, citing provisions of the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, and the Assembly's Rules of Procedure. The notice has been signed by 26 BJP MLAs.

The J&K Horticulture Department has established 1,103.79 hectares under high-density apple plantations across Kashmir, benefiting around 4,428 farmers, with Gala and Red Delicious strains accounting for nearly 90 per cent of the area.

On the first anniversary of the September 24, 2025 violence in Leh, climate activist and LAB leader Sonam Wangchuk demanded that the findings of the judicial inquiry headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B. S. Chauhan be made public. He also questioned the police firing, sought dignified compensation for victims' families and raised concerns over his nearly six-month detention under the NSA.

Climate activist and Leh Apex Body leader Sonam Wangchuk defended his comparison between the situation in Ladakh and China's treatment of Tibetans, saying he was referring only to the Leh violence of September 24 and not to the decades-long suffering of Tibetans. He also apologised to Tibetan friends who were hurt by his remarks. The Central Tibetan Administration criticised the comparison as misplaced and inaccurate.

The J&K Legislative Assembly witnessed a major uproar after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved a resolution seeking immediate restoration of full statehood, with the BJP strongly opposing the reference to the 2000 autonomy resolution. BJP MLAs stormed the Well, tore copies of the resolution and raised slogans, prompting Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to adjourn the House until Monday.