IBTimes

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is set to replace manual counting of devotees' cash offerings with cash recycler machines at the shrine in Katra. Two machines have already been installed, with six more being added, and manual counting is expected to end within 15 days to improve transparency, security and efficiency.

Ladakh is planning to build the world's highest-altitude cricket stadium at Ranbirpur near Thiksey in Leh at an elevation of around 11,800 feet. The proposed Rs 100-crore project is expected to boost sports tourism, provide better facilities for local athletes and take cricket to a record altitude, surpassing Dharamshala's HPCA Stadium.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said issues concerning the Union Territory must be resolved by New Delhi and not Washington during his meeting with US Ambassador Sergio Gor. Meanwhile, former CM Mehbooba Mufti urged Gor to review and withdraw the US travel advisory for Kashmir, saying it was hurting tourism and the livelihoods of thousands of families.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed the implementation roadmap of the Ujh Multipurpose Project in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it will generate up to 212 MW of electricity, irrigate nearly 90,000 hectares across J&K and Punjab, supply drinking water to Kathua, and strengthen water security, agriculture and border management.

Thousands of residents reportedly boycotted the first phase of PoJK Assembly elections as JAAC-led protests intensified, with demonstrators calling the polls a sham and demanding political rights.

The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha that 35 workers lost their lives and three others suffered serious injuries at NHPC and CVPPL hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district over the past five years. It also stated that compensation has been paid in most cases, safety audits are being conducted regularly, and there is no evidence that project-related blasting or tunnelling has caused damage to nearby houses or structures.

Mehbooba Mufti's remarks at Jantar Mantar on Kashmir protests have triggered a political storm, with the NC, Apni Party and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah demanding a public apology.

The Union Territory of Ladakh will host India's first-ever Global Black-necked Crane Festival from August 10 to 14 across Leh, Tso Kar and Hanle to promote wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism and community participation. Dedicated to the Black-necked Crane, Ladakh's state bird and the world's only alpine crane, the festival aims to showcase the ecological and cultural significance of the Changthang wetlands.

The NIA Special Court in Jammu rejected the 20-day interim bail plea of former DySP Davinder Singh, accused in a high-profile terror-linked case, but granted him five days of custody parole on humanitarian grounds to attend his late father's religious rituals in Srinagar. The court held that with his regular bail already rejected and an appeal pending in the High Court, there was no ground for interim bail.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) would herald a new era in the Union Territory's partnership with the film industry and help restore Kashmir's historic status as a preferred filmmaking destination. Speaking at the curtain-raiser event, he outlined the government's vision to create a filmmaker-friendly ecosystem, promote local talent, and position IFFJK as a globally recognised annual film festival.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured the family of martyred Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the government's full support after speaking to his son over the phone. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the bereaved family in Budgam, paid tributes to the fallen policeman, promised continued assistance, and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to dismantling the terror ecosystem and eliminating terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir.

A political controversy erupted in J&K after security forces demolished the houses of two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists following the targeted killing of Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticised the action as unconstitutional and counterproductive, while security agencies intensified anti-terror operations and detained thousands of suspects across the Kashmir Valley.

At Hyatt Centric Sector 17, a hidden speakeasy, destination-led dining and immersive heritage walks make a compelling case for Chandigarh as more than a stopover

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti joined protesting students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, backing their demands while reviving the debate over the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A. Calling the August 5, 2019 decision unconstitutional, she accused the Centre of undermining democracy, demanded the resignation of the minister concerned, and said India's youth would play a decisive role in safeguarding the Constitution.

A Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable, Ashiq Hussain, was martyred after terrorists opened fire on security forces during a cordon and search operation in Anantnag district on Tuesday. The operation, launched on specific intelligence inputs, remains underway as security forces have intensified the cordon to prevent the terrorists from escaping. Unconfirmed reports suggest that The Resistance Front (TRF) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A devastating cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district reduced Mohammad Latief's home to rubble within minutes after he stepped out to move his car. Eight members of his family were killed or remain buried under debris, while nearby villages also suffered heavy casualties and widespread destruction in the flash floods.

The National Conference and Congress staged a protest in New Delhi, demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood after being prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar. Omar Abdullah accused the Centre of reneging on its promise, while Farooq Abdullah urged the Union Government to honour its commitment.

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir remain divided over the National Conference's July 20 Jantar Mantar protest for statehood restoration. While Congress has extended support, the PDP has demanded inclusion of Article 370 restoration and the release of political prisoners, and the JKPC and Apni Party have declined to participate.

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has announced its participation in the National Conference's July 20 Jantar Mantar protest demanding restoration of statehood, while organising its own march in Jammu on July 19. JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra said Congress has been leading the statehood movement since October 2024 and will intensify its agitation if the Centre delays restoring full statehood.

Former J&K Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah received major relief after a Srinagar court issued a NoC or the renewal of his passport in the alleged JKCA funds misappropriation case. While allowing the passport to be renewed for one year, the court directed that Abdullah cannot travel outside Jammu and Kashmir or abroad without prior permission from the trial court, citing the pending criminal proceedings against him.

In a significant cultural milestone for Jammu and Kashmir, Rajouri's historic Bhairav Yatra has been included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the recognition as a proud moment for the Union Territory, saying it would help preserve and promote the region's rich spiritual and cultural legacy. The centuries-old tradition, known for its deep religious significance and message of communal harmony, is only the second cult

Senior National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Sheikh Mustafa Kamal passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. A veteran politician and the younger brother of Dr Farooq Abdullah, Kamal played a key role in the party for decades. Political leaders across party lines condoled his demise, describing it as an irreparable loss to Jammu and Kashmir.

The BJP has served a legal notice on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, demanding an unconditional apology and withdrawal of his allegations that the party attempted to lure NC MLAs with offers of Rs 30 crore and ministerial berths. The party has warned of a Rs 100-crore defamation suit and criminal proceedings if he fails to respond within seven days.

Three migrant children from Rajasthan drowned in a pond in Jammu's Akhnoor area, while a pony porter was killed after a boulder struck his tent along the Shri Amarnath Yatra route at Chandanwari. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of widespread rain, thunderstorms, flash floods, landslides, and shooting stones across Jammu and Kashmir, urging residents, pilgrims, and tourists to remain cautious.

National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah has written to 52 leaders of national and regional political parties, including the INDIA bloc allies and Jammu and Kashmir-based leaders, inviting them to join the party's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has directed all government and recognised private schools, as well as coaching centres, to conduct a comprehensive screening of books for objectionable content following the controversy over the banned book Personalities and Legends of J&K.

A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall caused extensive damage in Thathri town of Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, damaging houses, shops and vehicles while blocking National Highway-244. Although no casualties were reported, the Kishtwar administration suspended the Shri Machail Mata Yatra due to highway disruption.

During his maiden visit to J&K as BJP National President, Nitin Navin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's dream by abrogating Articles 370 and 35A. Addressing party workers on Dr. Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary, Navin credited the move with bringing eal freedom to Jammu and Kashmir and transforming opportunities for the region's youth.

The NIA has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed in the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. The agency alleges the massacre was orchestrated from Pakistan through LeT and its proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF), and cites forensic, digital, and witness evidence linking the attackers to Pakistani handlers.

The RSS has expressed deep anguish over the alleged theft from the donation boxes at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling it a serious blow to the faith of millions of devotees. It has demanded exemplary punishment for those found guilty, urged reforms in temple management, and appealed for patience while the investigation is underway.

Eleven-year-old karting sensation Atiqa Asif Mir from Srinagar has created history by becoming the first Indian and the first Asian female driver to be selected for the Formula 1 Academy's prestigious 'Discover Your Drive' development programme. Her remarkable achievement has earned praise from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and is being hailed as a milestone for Indian motorsport.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately stop the alleged unauthorised collection of money from livestock transport vehicles transiting through Punjab, saying the practice is inflating transportation costs and driving up mutton prices in the Union Territory. Citing complaints from traders and findings of an internal inquiry, Abdullah said livestock transport is exempt from GST and sought safeguards to ensure the unhindered movement of consignm

The Leh Apex Body has distanced itself from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, clarifying that his participation alongside the Cockroach Janata Party is a personal decision and not part of the ongoing agitation by Ladakhi groups. Wangchuk launched the fast over accountability in education and issues concerning Ladakh's environment, culture, and people's welfare.

AIIMS Jammu has successfully performed Jammu and Kashmir's first interstitial brachytherapy procedure on a 26-year-old woman with Stage II vulvar cancer. The advanced organ-preserving treatment marks a major milestone in the region's healthcare sector, enabling patients to access cutting-edge cancer care within the Union Territory while avoiding major surgery.

Banihal Police have busted an interstate ATM card-swapping racket by arresting three Uttar Pradesh residents from Leh, Ladakh. The accused allegedly targeted elderly and illiterate ATM users by posing as helpers, swapping debit cards, and withdrawing money from victims' bank accounts. Police are probing their involvement in similar frauds across the region.

On the 72nd death anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, senior BJP leaders, including Tarun Chugh and Suvendu Adhikari, renewed their demand for a fresh inquiry into his 1953 custodial death in Srinagar. The party also called for the declassification of official records related to both Mookerjee's arrest and death.

Security agencies have expressed concern that the emergence of Supari killers from rural Jammu could strengthen organised crime networks and potentially make vulnerable youths susceptible to exploitation by anti-national elements.

A woman in J&K's Bandipora district allegedly gave birth on a roadside within 30 minutes of being discharged from a government hospital, triggering public outrage and demands for an inquiry into possible medical negligence. The incident comes amid an ongoing high-level investigation into the death of a pregnant woman at GMC Rajouri, further raising concerns about maternal healthcare services in the Union Territory.

The Indian Army on Friday repatriated a Pakistani national, Asad Khan, who had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control into Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on June 12. After completing legal formalities, Khan was handed over to Pakistan Army officials at the Aman Setu in Teetwal. The Army described the move as a reflection of its commitment to humanitarian values and military professionalism.

The BJP on Wednesday rejected the National Conference's proposal to jointly participate in a protest at Jantar Mantar during Parliament's Monsoon Session, describing the ruling party's statehood campaign as an eyewash. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma accused the NC government of failing to fulfil its election promises and attempting to divert attention from governance issues.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement that the AFSPA will be withdrawn from most Northeastern states next year has reignited the debate over the law in J&K. National Conference leaders, including Minister Sakina Itoo and Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, have urged the Centre to revoke AFSPA from J&K first, arguing that the security situation has improved significantly.

Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, KDA co-chairman Sajjad Kargili and human rights groups have condemned the alleged use of excessive force by Pakistani authorities against protesters in PoJK. While mainstream political parties in J&K have largely remained silent, critics have called for accountability amid reports of civilian deaths, arrests and a widening crackdown across the region.

The BJP on Tuesday criticised the United Nations and international human rights organisations for what it described as their silence over alleged atrocities against civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

In a landmark achievement for India's infrastructure sector, the breakthrough blast at the 13.15-km-long Zojila Tunnel was successfully carried out on Tuesday, connecting the two ends of the strategic tunnel linking Kashmir and Ladakh. Witnessed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the milestone was achieved six months ahead of schedule and brings the dream of all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh closer to reality.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari is set to trigger the breakthrough blast at the 13.15-km-long Zojila Tunnel, marking a major milestone in one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects. Located at an altitude of around 11,500 feet, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley, Kargil, and Ladakh, ending decades of winter isolation caused by heavy snowfall.

A political controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after PDP president Mehbooba Mufti reviewed the progress of the under-construction AIIMS Awantipora project. Health Minister Sakina Itoo and Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone questioned her authority to chair a review meeting, accusing her of overstepping constitutional boundaries.

A week after arresting a school teacher, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a college lecturer from Uttarakhand as investigations into an alleged Pakistan-linked hawala network gather pace. The probe, which began in Kathua district, has uncovered a multi-state network allegedly used to route funds from Pakistan through multiple bank accounts for anti-national activities.

An innocent man from the R S Pura area of Jammu spent 1 year, 7 months, and 11 days in jail after a false rape case. The Fast Track Court directs inquiry against investigating officers and proceedings against the complainant after finding the prosecution failed to prove the rape charge.

After a seven-hour marathon meeting at Dachigam National Park, National Conference MLAs and MPs resolve to intensify the campaign for statehood and constitutional guarantees, while projecting a united front under Omar Abdullah.

Constructed under the 'Sindhu Jal Samriddhi Abhiyan', the innovative dam aims to boost irrigation, strengthen water security, and support sustainable agriculture in Ladakh's remote high-altitude villages.