Greater Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 12: Northern Command GOC Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Saturday visited south Kashmir to review the counter-terrorism grid in the region. He also took stock of prevailing security scenario and operational preparedness. The Army commander emphasised on adaptability, precision, sustained vigilance and synergy, the key enablers for successful and intelligence-driven operations and rapid response to any emerging challenges. During his interaction with the troops, the Army command

Srinagar, Sep 12: Srinagar Lok Sabha Member of Parliament, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, expressed solidarity with the protesting veterinary interns at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology - Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shuhama campus. Joining the students at their protest site, the parliamentarian urged the Jammu & Kashmir administration to address their long-pending demand for a monthly stipend hike without delay. The veterinary interns, under the banner of the Jammu & Kashmir Ve

Leh, Sep 12: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday inaugurated four new initiatives of the local Police aimed at strengthening public safety, emergency response, tourist assistance and technology-enabled policing in the Union Territory. The initiatives include the launch of Jullay 2.0 - Ladakh Police Tourist Assistance App; introduction of 20 e-Challan devices by the Traffic Wing; expansion of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 network through five new Rescue Be

Sopore, Sep 12: A tragic incident occurred at Vijibal Doabgah area of Sopore in north Kashmir after a man drowned in the River Jhelum while reportedly trying to drag his boat towards the riverbank for repair on Saturday. According to reports, the man was engaged in taking the boat towards the bank when he accidentally fell into the river. The incident caused panic in the area, following which locals immediately rushed to the spot and informed the concerned authorities about the mishap. Soon afte

New Delhi, Sep 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping to India on Saturday to kick off a two-day BRICS summit aimed at protecting developing economies from the global impact of wars in Ukraine and West Asia. The other leaders attending the summit in New Delhi are Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prab

New Delhi, Sep 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held separate bilateral meetings with leaders from Malaysia, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia, focusing on critical minerals, energy, and food security to shield trade and supply chains from rising global tensions. The meetings took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. In talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Modi discussed with him the overall situation in West Asia and ways to take forwar

Srinagar, Sep 17: Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday appealed to striking National Health Mission (NHM) employees to return to duty, saying their work is sensitive and that the government is examining their demands, including issues related to remuneration, leave salary and pensionary benefits. Itoo said she had met the protesting employees several times and had tried to persuade them to call off the strike. I have never stopped them. Whenever they came to meet me, I spoke

Srinagar, Sept 12: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted search operations at multiple locations across Kashmir as part of an ongoing investigation, officials said. An official said that the searches were carried out at several locations in Kulgam, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts. The NIA teams were assisted by local police and security personnel during the search operations, the official said. Further details regarding the searches and the case are awaited. (KNO)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for BRICS to turn its growing economic weight into greater investment and expanded business ties, stressing that freedom of navigation, secure sea lanes and the safety of seafarers were essential to keeping global trade running. Addressing the BRICS Business Forum in India, Modi urged the grouping to identify and remove its top 10 trade barriers, scale 100 BRICS startups into other member markets every year and build 1,000 new business partnerships a

Riding high on the success of its acclaimed Know Your Artisan series, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, successfully organised its September edition on the sidelines of J&Ks 1st International Film Festival at SK Park, Srinagar. Focused on showcasing Kashmirs high-value GI-tagged and languishing crafts, the Department presented a vibrant blend of art, craft and heritage, drawing an overwhelming response from tourists, art aficionados, students and the general public. In a press st

UPES hosted the International Conference on Advancement in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (ICACSDF 2026), bringing together researchers, cybersecurity professionals, industry practitioners and students to deliberate on emerging cyber threats and the need for resilient digital ecosystems. Organised by the School of Computer Science, UPES, and sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Uttar Pradesh Section, the conference provided a platform for research pres

The 11th edition of the HDFC ERGO Insurance Quiz Junior has attracted over 16,900 students from nearly 4,850 schools across India, with more than 340 students from 151 schools in 15 cities of Jammu and Kashmir registering for the competition. Organised by HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, the flagship initiative aims to promote insurance literacy and financial awareness among students of Classes 8 and 9. Since its launch in 2016, the quiz has expanded from 18 schools in a single city to parti

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has called for greater awareness and clarity among consumers regarding the implementation of the Time-of-Day (ToD) electricity tariff in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly its impact on electricity billing and costs. The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has introduced the ToD tariff from September 1, 2026, for consumers, except agricultural consumers, having a sanctioned load above 10 kW. Under the system, electricity consumed during

A five-day NABL Assessor Training Programme (ISO 15189:2022) on Strengthening Medical Laboratory Quality Assurance in J&K concluded at the University of Kashmir (KU) on Friday, highlighting the need for quality assurance, standardisation and professional competence in medical laboratories. The programme was organised by the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, KU, in collaboration with the State Allied and Healthcare Council, J&K, and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration

Jammu & Kashmir is set to establish a dedicated Project Monitoring Group (JK-PMG) on the lines of the National Project Monitoring Group (PMG) to ensure high-level monitoring of mega developmental projects and facilitate smooth, coordinated resolution of bottlenecks affecting their execution. The institutional framework for replicating the national mechanism in the UT was presented before Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, by representatives of the National PMG. The proposed system is aimed at strengt

J&K Bank has won the Best Bank Award for Digital Transformation in Banking at the Navabharat BFSI Summit & Awards 2026 in Mumbai. This accolade highlights the banks successful deployment of cutting-edge technology to transform customer-facing banking services. Zonal Head (Mumbai) Irfan Kawoosa received the award on behalf of the Bank during the ceremony held at Taj President, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai. Commenting on the achievement, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said that the recognition belongs to th

Automobile retail sales in Jammu and Kashmir registered a strong 42.84 per cent year-on-year growth in August 2026, with all major vehicle segments recording an increase in sales, according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) J&K. Total automobile retail in the Union Territory rose to 21,788 units in August 2026 from 15,253 units in August 2025, an increase of 6,535 units. On a month-on-month basis, retail sales also increased by 3.1 per cent, rising from

J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Friday reacted to the ultimatum of protesting daily wagers, asking whether they would carry out Operation Sindoor. The Deputy CM was responding to a question asked by media persons on the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony of the three-day Kashmir Expo 2026 at Zabarwan Park on Boulevard Road, Srinagar. Reacting to the ultimatum issued by daily wagers that they would stop work if their services were not regularised, Choudhary questioned what

The High Court Staff Welfare Association on Friday accorded a warm and cordial welcome to Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati on his assuming office as the Chief Justice of the High Court. A delegation of the High Court Staff Welfare Association, led by its President, Syed Anvour Shaheen, called on the Chief Justice and conveyed heartfelt felicitations on behalf of the entire Registry and administrative staff. As a mark of respect and traditional Kashmiri hospitality, the Association presen

As the curtains fell on Jammu and Kashmirs first International Film Festival in Srinagar, officials from various states who attended the four-day event returned with more than memories of films and red-carpet ceremonies. The festival gave them an opportunity to experience Kashmir beyond its conventional tourist image, they say. Officials from the Departments of Information, Culture and Tourism said the festival allowed them to interact with local people, explore different parts of the Valley and

A simple cricket game turned into a tragedy on Thursday evening when a 10-year-old boy slipped into the fast-flowing Madhumati Nallah in north Kashmirs Bandipora district. By Friday evening, a massive search operation involving marine commandos, police and hundreds of local volunteers was still desperately looking for him. The boy, Momin Aashiq, was playing near the water in Kaloosa Ganai Mohalla around 7:30 PM. Local resident Sameer Wani said Momin was just trying to retrieve his ball when disa

For Kashmirs walnut workers, the harvest lasts a few weeks. A fall from a tall tree can leave them paralyzed for life. Ashiq Hussain was 17 when he fell from a walnut tree in 2002. The fall left him paralyzed. Now 42, Ashiq of Boniyar in Uri lives in a wheelchair with his 80-year-old mother and has no regular livelihood. He spent about a month undergoing treatment before returning home. His father died in 2011 and his brother, who supported the family, died in 2015. Ashiq receives Rs 1,200 a mon

A congregational memorial programme was held on Friday at Lone Manzil Sogam area of Lolab in north Kashmirs Kupwara district to commemorate the 24th death anniversary of senior National Conference leader and former Home Minister late Mushtaq Ahmad Lone and prominent political and social activist late Ghulam Mohiuddin Lone. The programme was attended by National Conference (NC) District President Kupwara and MLA Lolab Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, who paid rich tributes to the two leaders and remembered

Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Friday criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for saying that failure to comply with the Centres direction on singing the full version of Vande Mataram could land Kashmiris in jail, calling his remarks highly unfortunate and detached from reality. Earlier, while reacting to the controversy over the full version of the national song being played at a film festival, Abdullah asserted that it was a statutory requirement, and questioned whether

Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, undertook an extensive public outreach programme across Kathua and Samba, engaging with people from different walks of life and listening to their concerns. Sharma, as per a party statement, was accompanied by BJP MLAs Chander Prakash Ganga, Devinder Manyal, Surjeet Singh Slathia, Darshan Kumar, Satish Sharma, Vijay Sharma and Dr. Bharat Bushan. A large number of delegations representing different sections of society met the BJP

Jammu, Sep 11: Chief Principal Census Officer (CPCO) and Director Census Operations (DCO), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Amit Sharma on Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with the nodal officers and district coordinators of the Directorate to assess the progress of population enumeration of Census 2027 in the snow-bound areas of two Union Territories (UTs). The meeting was moderated by Arun Kumar, Joint Chief Principal Census Officer and Manmeet Singh Loomba, Deputy Chief Principal Censu

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday presided over an important party meeting attended by party leaders and workers from across Srinagar city. During the meeting, participants, as per a party statement, thoroughly discussed and identified various public issues and grievances, particularly the infrastructural and developmental deficit in Srinagar, which is causing grave hardships to residents. The participants also expressed deep concern over growing unemployment and the lac

Ramban, Sep 11: Two persons, including a woman, were killed while three others sustained injuries after the car they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge at Sarthal Morh in Bani subdivision of Kathua district on Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah road on Friday afternoon. According to officials, the accident occurred when a Baleno car, bearing registration number JK02CD-8457, carrying five persons travelling towards Kathua from Bhaderwah, reportedly went out of control and skidded off the road befor

Jammu, Sep 11: Banking operations were affected on Friday as bank employees and officers in Jammu observed the nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in support of their long-pending demands, prominently the implementation of a five-day work week in the banking industry. The strike was described by union representatives as a strong and successful nationwide action, with employees and officers staying away from work in support of the call. At Jammu, under the leadershi

The Inter-Collegiate Kabaddi (Men) Tournament 202627, organised by the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, concluded with an exciting final at the Gymnasium Hall, University of Jammu, witnessing intense competition, impressive performances and a high level of sporting spirit. In the much-awaited final match, GDC Kathua, as per a statement, emerged as the Champions after defeating MIET College by a margin of 15 points, with a final score of 5237. GDC Kathua displaye

The 13th edition of the iconic Ladakh Marathon wrapped up on Friday after four days of high-octane high-altitude endurance racing, bringing together over runners from across India and around the globe. Recognised as one of the world's toughest and highest marathon events, this year's edition marked a milestone in scale, international participation, and competitive stakes. Organised by the High Altitude Sports Foundation in collaboration with the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh.A major

Banihal, Sep 11:The ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), aimed at providing piped drinking water to every rural household, has hit a major roadblock in Ramban district, with works under several schemes remaining stalled for nearly two years amid mounting unpaid dues of contractors. The situation has left thousands of people in the districts hilly and remote areas, including Banihal, Khari, Ramsoo, Neel, Pogal Paristan, Gool, Sangaldan, Batote, Rajgarh, Gandhari, Chapnari and Thachi Amkote, waitin

Sanctorum North United FC and New JK United FC played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2 on Friday, with both sides sharing the points after an evenly contested encounter. As per a statement issued, New JK United fought back strongly, with Furqan pulling one goal back before Aquib found the net to level the score at 2-2. Despite efforts from both sides to find a winner, neither team could break the deadlock in the closing stages, and the match ended 2-2. In t

Srinagar, Sep 11: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced scheduled power shutdowns on September 12, 13, 14 and 20 in several areas of Srinagar and South Kashmir to facilitate work on various transmission lines. According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, power supply in several areas of Srinagar will remain affected on September 14 from 9 am to 1 pm due to the scheduled shutdown of the 33 kV Airforce line. The affected areas include Peerbagh, Cooperati

For Yasir Hayat Ahangar, the day does not always begin in the boardroom. Some mornings, before the demands of running his businesses take over, he finds time for a workout. Later, when the workday is over, he tries to return home early enough to play badminton with his children. It is a routine that reflects a larger ambition, Ahangar wants sport to become more than a pastime in Kashmir. As the CEO of Swift Multiventures and a football franchise owner in the Kashmir Super League, he sees an oppo

Srinagar, Sep 11:The J&K Regional Branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), in collaboration with the English Debate Club of the Department of Students Welfare, University of Kashmir, organised its Annual IIPA Inter-College/Department/University Debate2026 at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir. The debate focused on the theme, Food Adulteration is the Biggest Public Health Challenge Facing Jammu & Kashmir Today?, bringing together students from 21 colleges, departments an

Srinagar, Sep 11:Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir (KU), Prof Nilofer Khan said that the university continues to remain the first preference of students for admissions, saying that the establishment of new universities and expansion of higher education institutions has not affected its admission intake. In an exclusive conversation with Greater Kashmir, Prof Nilofer Khan said they were very much satisfied with the response to its admissions, saying that there was no significant difference in

Srinagar, Sep 11: The Fast Track Court for POCSO Cases in Srinagar has sentenced a man to seven years simple imprisonment after convicting him for kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault of a minor girl in a case of 2020. In its decision, the Court of Umi Kulsoom awarded the punishment to Aqib Bashir Sofi of Chattabal here after holding him guilty of offences under Sections 363, 506, 323 and 342 of the IPC and Sections 9(m)/10 of the POCSO Act. According to the prosecution, the minor girl had g

Srinagar, Sep 11:The curtains may have risen on the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) with ambitious promises of global cinema, cultural exchange, and an international platform for filmmakers, but for several local artists, filmmakers, and cultural figures, the experience appears to have been marked by confusion, poor coordination and a deep sense of exclusion. Even as the Jammu and Kashmir government highlighted an overwhelming global response, claiming that the fes

Srinagar, Sept 11:Armys Northern Command remains firmly committed to ensuring peace and tranquillity in Jammu and Kashmir while contributing to nation-building and creating greater opportunities for the regions youth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma said on Friday. Addressing a function at Army Goodwill Public School (AGPS), Pahalgam, Lt Gen Sharma said the Armys commitment to Jammu and Kashmir extended beyond security and included empoweri

Srinagar, Sep 11:Just as the ongoing strike of National Health Mission healthcare workers was coming to an end, their Association has announced one more strike, starting 12 September, and ending 72 hours later. The government might have hoped J&K's health worker strike would quietly wind down after 72 hours. However, the contractual backbone of health centres, hospitals and field units across J&K will remain off duty in a standoff over pay, pensions and permanence. The strike is stretched into i

Srinagar, Sep 11: The government has proposed a wide-ranging overhaul of the rules governing construction and development in the Union Territory, introducing changes in building permissions, plot development, parking, professional responsibilities, waste management and the activities allowed in different land-use zones. The Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), in a notification issued on September 9, has proposed amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Unified Building Bye-Laws, 2021, un

Srinagar, Sep 11:Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday attended the interaction with Iranian President in New Delhi. A statement of the Mirwaiz issued here said that on the invitation of the Iranian ambassador to India, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq left for New Delhi on Friday to participate in an interaction with the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, who was in the capital to attend the BRICS Summit. The interaction of religious leaders, intellectuals, and other dignitaries, hosted by the Ambassador of the

Srinagar, Sep 11:Just three years ago, Srinagar was counted among the countrys top-performing cities in GoI survey regarding air quality, city-wise, across India. Now it has found itself at 26th position in the latest Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026.The striking reversal for a city synonymous with pristine mountains, lakes and fresh Himalayan air throws uncomfortable in the air here. The health of citizens and environment in Srinagar is once again under scanner.The latest ranking Of Swatch Vayi Sarv