Greater Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 18: The first batch of 431 Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir left for Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saw them off at the airport here, officials said. The pilgrims, including 230 males and 201 females, left in three flights, they said. Officials said all required arrangements for transportation, baggage handling and documentation have been put in place at the Haj House in Bemina here to ensure a smooth departure process. Hundreds of family members of pilgr

New Delhi, Apr 18: The Union Cabinet on Saturday approved a 2 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and pensioners, offering relief amid rising inflation. The hike, which is linked to the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), will result in a modest increase in salaries and pensions. Dearness Allowance is revised twice a yeartypically in January and Julyto offset the impact of inflation on earnings. However, this time the announcement saw a

Jammu, Apr 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday continued his campaign for a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir by leading a padyatra in Rajouri. He said that 63 smugglers have been arrested with 45 FIRs registered during the past five days of a relentless crackdown. Sinha launched a 100-day intensive campaign under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan on April 11 from Jammu, followed by programmes on April 13 in Kathua and on April 15 in Ramban district. Sinha, who led the padyatra in Rajour

Srinagar, Apr 18: A fire broke out in a five-storey commercial building near the Lal Chowk city centre here on Saturday, but was doused before it could spread in the congested business hub, officials said. They said firefighters recovered 19 gas cylinders during the operation and there were no casualties in the incident. Assistant Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Aqib Mir, said, The fire originated from the attic portion of the building, which houses the kitchen of a restaurant. The cause

Srinagar, April 17: Intensifying its crackdown on the misuse of prescription drugs, Srinagar Police on Friday conducted a series of inspections at chemist shops located in the vicinity of major hospitals across the city. The drive is part of the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, a comprehensive campaign aimed at curbing drug abuse and dismantling supply networks. Srinagar Police inspects chemist shops near hospitals to check misuse of prescription drugs. Strict action against

Srinagar, April 18: An earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter Scale struck Afghanistan on Saturday morning at 8:24 am, jolting parts of Jammu and Kashmir. However, there have been no immediate reports of any kind of damage. According to European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake occurred at a depth of 190 kilometres in the Zaybak area of the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan. An EMSC spokesperson said the epicentre of the quake was recorded at 36.5536N / 70.9259E. The spokespers

Srinagar, Apr 18: Two flights from Srinagar Airport were cancelled on Saturday due to operational reasons, officials said. An airport official said that Air India flight AI 1799/1810 (Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi) and SpiceJet flight SG-161 (Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi) have been cancelled for the day. Passengers have been advised to contact the respective airlines for rebooking, refunds, and further assistance before heading to the airport, the official added. The inconvenience caused to flyers is regretted,

District Youth Services and Sports Baramulla continues to energise the district with a powerful blend of sports excellence and social awareness under the ongoing Inter-School Zonal Level Competitions and the Nasha Mukt J&K 100 Days Campaign. In an inspiring display of commitment towards a drug-free society, as per an official statement, multiple zones across Baramulla actively participated in both sporting events and awareness initiatives, engaging hundreds of students in meaningful and transfor

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML) and J&K Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving access to vehicle financing for customers purchasing electric commercial vehicles. According to a press note, the partnership will enable easy and accessible financing solutions for buyers of Mahindras last-mile mobility vehicles. The initiative is expected to simplify loan procedures and strengthen on-ground engagement through J&K Banks branch network. Mahindra Last Mile M

Ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, Reliance Digital has announced its Digital Discount Days campaign, offering deals across a wide range of consumer electronics. Under the campaign, customers can avail up to Rs 26,000 instant discount on leading bank cards or opt for cashback of up to Rs 30,000 on paper finance. The retailer is also offering a flat 50% discount on a second product, encouraging bundled purchases across categories such as audio devices, wearables, mobile and laptop accessories, home entert

The J&K chapter of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) held its third bi-monthly meeting at Hotel Palm Spring, Srinagar, drawing a full-house attendance of members and stakeholders from the travel and tourism sector. The meeting featured knowledge sessions and presentations, including an AI Masterclass by expert Aman Kaushik, alongside inputs from Asego Global Insurance and GRN Connect. The session focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the travel industry and was widely

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo convened a high-level meeting of the Finance Department, attended by the Administrative Secretaries, to review the progress of departmental work plans and the status of reforms under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). During the meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed expenditure trends and underscored the importance of timely and efficient utilisation of allocated resources. He emphasised the need to prioritise capital expendit

India participated in a high-level international meeting in Paris on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even as the United States remained absent from the summit, highlighting parallel diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region. Confirming Indias participation, Randhir Jaiswal said in a media briefing that New Delhi had been invited to the meeting, which brought together around 40 countries to address maritime security and energy disruptions. The conference, led by French President Emmanuel Macron

In Kashmirs masjids on Friday, the message was clear, urgent, and unified: drugs are destroying the Valleys youth, and the community must act now. As part of the governments Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan, a large-scale campaign to curb rising substance abuse, religious leaders across the region used the powerful platform of Jumuah (Friday prayers) to confront the growing crisis. From Jamia Masjid to smaller mosques in Anantnag, Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla and Shopian, imams devoted significant porti

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President, Altaf Bukhari on Friday said reservation and job allocation in Jammu and Kashmir must be strictly aligned with population, asserting that the present system is unjust and deprives the majority of their rightful share, while launching a sweeping attack on parties like the National Conference (NC) and PDP over their decades of unfulfilled promises. Addressing a mediamen in Srinagar, Bukhari made the reservation issue the central theme of his remarks, stating

Kashmir witnessed light rainfall on Friday, while higher reaches received fresh snowfall, leading to a drop in temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded 2.6 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, while Qazigund received 4.4 mm, Kupwara 6 mm, Gulmarg 7 mm and Pahalgam 5.4 mm. Higher-altitude areas experienced snowfall, with Razdan Passconnecting Bandipora with Gurezwitnessing moderate snowfall, forcing closure of the road fo

The Gauri Kaul Foundation, a cardiac healthcare initiative penetrating the peripheries in Kashmir, marked its fifth foundation year today. In a relatively short span of time, the Foundation has established two well-equipped Cardiac Centres in Kashmir and delivered meaningful interventions to hundreds of lives in the remotest corners of Kashmir. Its contribution to valuable healthcare data resources, strengthening the foundation for future outreach and research, has also been remarkable. Reflecti

The Hajj operations will begin on Saturday, with pilgrims from India and Pakistan departing on special flights for the holy city of Makkah to perform one of the most important rituals of Islam. Over 4700 Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir (including Ladakh) are scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia, starting Saturday in special Hajj flights. More than 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India are set to embark on the pilgrimage. The authorities have ensured regional accessibility and efficient logistics fo

The handicrafts sector in Kashmir, once a thriving pillar of the regions economy and identity, is facing a deep and gradual decline amid rising imitation, weak policy enforcement, and changing market dynamics. The issue has come into renewed focus following the inauguration of the 'Know Your Artisan' exhibition by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Kashmir Haat, where narratives of survival and revival were highlighted. However, experts and stakeholders argue that what is being showcased today as h

In what is being described as a significant and landmark step, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Collegium has recommended 10 names from the Bar quota and one name from the Bench quota for elevation to the High Court, marking the first time such a large number of appointments have been processed in a single exercise. According to sources, the High Court is presently functioning with 13 Judges against a sanctioned strength of 25, leaving 12 vacancies, including 10 from the Bar quota.

As anticipated earlier, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 to implement 33 percent women reservation in legislatures in 2029 elections failed to clear two-third majority test in the Lok Sabha on Friday. However, the Women's Reservation Act 2023 Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023- passed by the Parliament (in 2023) already came into force a day earlier (on April 16) through a notification of Union Law Ministry. In case of Jammu and Kashmir and other Union Territories, the Minist

Srinagar, Apr 18: Tears, prayers, and heartfelt hopes filled the air at Hajj House Bemina here on Saturday morning as Kashmirs first batch of pilgrims prepared to depart for Saudi Arabia. The departure marked the beginning of the Valleys annual spiritual journey to Islams holiest sites, with families bidding an emotional farewell to their loved ones embarking on the sacred pilgrimage. According to the details available with the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), from the early hours, hundre

Slamming the Congress and its allies for the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill to implement 33 percent womens quota in legislative bodies before the 2029 Parliamentary polls, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said their mindset is neither in the interest of women, nor the country. The Congress and its allies did not allow the passage of the essential bill, which would have given 33 percent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state/UT assemblies, he said. Rejecting the bill that wou

In a major setback to the government, a Constitution Amendment Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 was defeated on Friday, with the ruling dispensation asserting that the struggle to give the rights to women will continue. While 298 members voted in support of the bill in Lok Sabha, 230 MPs voted against it. Out of 528 members who voted, the bill required 352 votes for a two-third majority. According to the

Ramban Apr 17: In a coordinated move to safeguard public order and communal harmony, district administrations in Reasi, Kishtwar, and Ramban have issued separate orders imposing strict restrictions on the misuse of social media platforms. The directives, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will remain in force for 60 days unless modified or withdrawn earlier. Officials across the three districts cited growing concerns over the spread of provocative, m

Rajouri, Apr 17:Reiterating the commitment for eradication of drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir under 100 days aggressive campaign of Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that drug peddlers will not get any safe place in Jammu and Kashmir. He made these remarks while addressing vibrant village programme in Saryah LoC village in Nowshera sub division of JK's Rajouri district. We have taken up Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan and every citizen is appealed to extend cooperation

Rajouri, Apr 17:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday emphasized that a nation is defined by its remotest village where our borders begin and our identity shines before the world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India advances with renewed resolve. Border areas are no longer the nation's edge but its first village and foremost opportunity. New commitment thrives and connection with mainstream has taken root, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant

Srinagar, Apr 17: A Hajj training programme was organised jointly by Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam and Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar at the Central Hall Auditorium of Islamia Higher Secondary School. The programme was attended by male and female pilgrims scheduled to undertake the sacred journey of Hajj this year, said a press release. It is noteworthy that, as in previous years, thousands of pilgrims from Kashmir will depart for the holy lands to perform Hajj and visit the Haramain Sharifain. T

Srinagar, Apr 17:A large number of political leaders and workers from Hazratbal, Srinagar, joined the Apni Party today. In a statement, JKAP spokesperson said the new entrants were mostly from the PDP. According to the press note, the vision that the Apni Party has for the infrastructural development of Srinagar city is attracting people towards it. Today, a large number of political leaders and senior workers from the Hazratbal constituency joined the Apni Party. They have responded positively

Srinagar, Apr 17: Asia's largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden here, saw its visitor numbers plunge by more than half this season, marking a dramatic reversal from the record-breaking turnout it had achieved just a year ago and raising fresh questions about the fragility of Kashmir's tourism ecosystem. The garden, which drew an unprecedented 8.55 lakh visitors during the 2025 season the highest in its history could manage only 3.90 lakh visitors this year. Of these, 1,2

Srinagar, Apr 17:In a significant step towards strengthening the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, the District Administration Kupwara organized mega Pad Yatras across the district to create mass awareness against drug abuse and promote a healthy, drug-free society. A Mega Pad Yatra was held in Kupwara which was attended by MLA Kupwara, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, SSP Kupwara, Syed Al Tahir Gilani and witnessed overwhelming participation from officers, governmen

Sopore, Apr 17:Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, on Friday said that police have intensified their crackdown against drug-related activities, registering 34 FIRs and arresting 40 individuals so far as part of an ongoing anti-drug campaign in the region. Addressing the media, SSP Talib emphasised that tackling drug abuse is not the responsibility of law enforcement alone but a collective fight involving the public and all sections of society He described drug addiction as a

Ganderbal, Apr 17:As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt campaign, Ganderbal Police organised a series of awareness programmes across the district on friday to highlight the dangers of drug abuse. The events were held in Ganderbal town, Gund, Kangan, Safapora, and Sonamarg, with participation from students, traders, transporters, and civil society members. Police officials spoke about the health, social, and legal consequences of substance abuse and urged youth to channel their energy into sports and

Shopian, Apr 17:Residents in several parts of south Kashmirs Shopian town have been consuming turbid water for the past several weeks, raising concerns about a possible outbreak of water-borne diseases. People in Gagren, Bonabazar, Nakhasi Mohalla and other localities complained that the water supplied to their homes is muddy and unfit for consumption, particularly during the ongoing rainy spell. The water supplied to us is not fit even for doing laundry, let alone for drinking, said a group of

Srinagar, Apr 17: The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has released a comprehensive schedule of camps, trials and selection matches across age groups for the AprilJune period, with activities split between Jammu and Kashmir divisions. According to the schedule issued by JKCA, the season will begin with the U-19 womens physical fitness and fielding camp from April 20 to 26 at Hostel Ground, Jammu. This will be followed by U-23 mens deep selection matches from April 27 to May 3 in Jammu,

Each year in Kashmir, the same argument returns with renewed intensity. Parents protest rising school fees. Schools defend themselves with rising costs. Government steps in with circulars and warnings. For a few weeks, there is noise. Then the system settles back into the same uneasy silence, until the next hike, the next protest, the next cycle. Something deeper is being missed. The crisis is not only about how much schools charge. It is about what happens to the money after it is collected. Pa

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was in Mauritius earlier this week to participate in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference. It has been Indias endeavour to foster an Indian Ocean consciousness and on that foundation an Indian Ocean Community. This attempt has not remained confined to Indian governments but has also been promoted by Indian think tanks. Specifically, Indian Ocean Conferences have been organised at the initiative of the India Foundation. Jaishankar rightly commended the efforts of

In the corridors of power, the Narendra Modi government is preparing to fast track a constitutional cum delimitation package that will increase Lok Sabha strength from the current 543545 seats to around 815850 and expand state assemblies by roughly 50% on a prorata basis. On paper, this is framed as a decisive step toward 33% womens reservation in Parliament and state legislatures by 2029, bypassing the earlier first census after 2026 timeline that could have deferred it to 2034. Beneath this pr

What unfolds in this poem is not merely a sequence of reflective couplets, but a sustained and penetrating meditation on the contradictions that define human conduct. It is a work that interrogates the uneasy relationship between Zahir the outward expression of civility, refinement, and social graceand Batin , the inner landscape of intention, impulse, and moral truth. The poem does not confine itself to addressing an individual; rather, it expands into a broader social commentary, exposing a co

Employee compensation under the Code on Social Security, 2020 (Code) forms a crucial part of Indias labour welfare framework, ensuring financial protection to employees in cases of workplace injury, occupational disease or death. It lays down clear principles governing employer liability, compensation and procedural safeguards, reflecting a strong commitment to social security and worker protection. What is required when a fatal accident or serious bodily injury occurs at the workplace? (a) Wher

Srinagar, Apr 17: In a latest development, the J&K government has ordered comprehensive inspection of all the high and higher secondary schools across Jammu and Kashmir. In this regard, the government has also nominated officers to conduct inspection of the schools allotted to them. The order in this regard has been issued by the General Administration Department (GAD). As per the order, around 1742 high and higher secondary schools- 939 in Jammu division and 803 in Kashmir division have been id

New Delhi, Apr 17: A Constitution Amendment Bill to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of seats of the Lok Sabha was defeated on Friday in the Lower House. While 298 members voted in support of the Bill, 230 MPs voted against it. Out of 528 members who voted, the Bill required 352 votes for a two-thirds majority. According to the Constitution Amendment Bill, Lok Sabha seats were to be increased to a maximum of 850 from the current 543 to operationalis

Rajouri, April 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday emphasized that a nation is defined by its remotest village where our borders begin and our identity shines before the world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, India advances with renewed resolve. Border areas are no longer the nation's edge but its first village and foremost opportunity. New commitment thrives and connection with mainstream has taken root, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant G

New Delhi, Apr 17: MPs Chowdry Mohd Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, and Shammi Oberoi, along with MLAs Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi and Qaisar Jamsheed Lone, met today with the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, at Parliament House, New Delhi, and took up various public concerns and developmental demands pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister for the approval of MachilKeran & Gurez Tunnel, while urging that the work on the project be expedited in view