RisingKashmir
Elections 2026Politics / RisingKashmir
Jammu, Nov 13: Director Information and Public Relations, Mamta Yadav on Friday chaired a review meeting with the District Information Officers (DIOs) of Jammu Division to assess the functioning and performance of their respective District Information Centres (DICs). The meeting was attended by Joint Director Information (Headquarters), Joint Director Information Jammu, Deputy Director PR Jammu, District Information Officers of Jammu Division, besides the Culture Officer Jammu, Field Publicity O
11% diabetic in Kashmir, 18% in Jammu 569 mn globally; 40% unaware of condition Type 2 accounts for nearly 90% of cases Raises risk of heart attack, kidney failure, eye damage Srinagar, Nov 13: Diabetes has emerged as one of the biggest public health challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, with nearly 11 per cent of the population in Kashmir and 18 per cent in Jammu affected by the disease, according to the ICMR-INDIAB study, even as a large number of people remain unaware of their condition. On World
UT offers Rs 3,000 per kW subsidy, up to Rs 9,000 for 3 kW Several States offer substantially higher financial assistance Srinagar, Nov 13: As the Centre pushes rooftop solar adoption across the country under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Jammu and Kashmir is offering a relatively modest additional subsidy to consumers, with the Union Territory's contribution capped at Rs 9,000 for a three-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system. A comparative statement accessed by Rising Kashmir regarding add
Inter-state Kashmir-Kolkata network busted Over 57 kg narcotics seized in 2025-26 Officials seek public support to eliminate menace Srinagar, Nov 13: Tightening the noose on drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau, Srinagar, has widened its net against narcotics networks in Srinagar and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with 22 people arrested in eight cases registered during 2025 and 2026 so far. According to official data available with Rising Kashmir, the action has also brou
Jammu, Nov 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has paid tribute to the brave personnel of Jammu & Kashmir Police who laid down their lives in line of duty at Kishtwar. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said: I am deeply grieved by the tragic loss of the brave personnel of Jammu & Kashmir Police, Shri Babi Chand and Shri Rashpal Kumar, who laid down their lives in line of duty at Kishtwar. I strongly condemn the cowardly attack. Their courage, unwavering dedication, and selfless service to
Meets field officers, discusses intensifying counter-insurgency ops Massive frisking, vehicle checks across Valley Srinagar, Nov 13: Director General (DG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Gyanendra Pratap Singh, on Friday visited south Kashmir's Kulgam district and reviewed the security situation amid an intensified manhunt for Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Mohammed Lateef Bhat, suspected to be involved in Wednesday's attack on CRPF personnel. Two days after three CRPF personnel were injured in
Srinagar, Nov 13: The Mechanical Engineering Department, Kashmir, on Friday conducted a snow clearance mock drill in Srinagar, deploying its full fleet of 40 machines to test operational readiness and ensure that the city can be cleared of snow smoothly and without delay this winter. The exercise, held in preparation for the upcoming winter season, saw officials review Standard Operating Procedures and assess the preparedness of machinery, operational teams and maintenance staff to ensure an eff
Srinagar, Nov 13: Kashmir woke up to a dramatic winter landscape on Friday as an active Western Disturbance swept across Jammu and Kashmir, drenching the plains in rain, covering mountain peaks in fresh snow and bringing a sharp chill to the Valley. The higher reaches witnessed some of the season's most significant snowfall so far, with mountain passes, meadows and remote villages turning white. The plains experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by falling temperatures and overcast s
Jammu, Nov 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, met in Jammu on Friday for the first time at its full sanctioned strength following the recent Cabinet expansion and the resumption of the Darbar Move, with land transfer proposals for power projects, agricultural and fruit markets, and other administrative matters forming the major part of its agenda. The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat in the winter capital, marked the first full-strength Cabinet sitti
Winter in Kashmir brings the familiar struggle to keep homes warm. Kangris, heaters, gas appliances and traditional fireplaces become essential companions through long, cold nights. But each winter also brings the risk of devastating firesincidents that can destroy homes, displace families and claim lives. These tragedies are too often treated as seasonal misfortune, when many can be prevented through safer practices, public awareness and better preparedness. The danger grows when heating equipm
Public responsibility is often discussed as though it belongs only to those who govern. Roads must be repaired, services delivered and public safety ensuredthese are essential duties of the state. But a society cannot function on official responsibility alone. Its everyday character is shaped by the choices of ordinary people: whether they follow rules, respect shared spaces, care for public property and consider how their actions affect others. In Kashmir, the meaning of this responsibility is
Dear Winter, Welcome home to Kashmir. We have been waiting for you. For your mist-laden mornings. For silver rooftops and frost-kissed windows. For the hush that falls over the Valley when the first snowflake touches the earth. For that magical moment when Kashmir disappears beneath a blanket of white and emerges as poetry. But before you arrive, we have a humble request: Come as we remember you. Bring your familiar chill. Unleash your playful snowflakes. Crown our mountains in white. Dress our
In Kashmir, a story can travel from a neighbourhood gathering to thousands of phones in minutes. A photograph, a short video or a voice note may become the days defining account before anyone has confirmed where it came from, when it was recorded or what happened before the camera began rolling. Now artificial intelligence is making that uncertainty harder to resolve. Images can be altered, voices imitated and convincing videos fabricated with tools that are increasingly accessible. The challeng
In Kashmir, we have a rather interesting relationship with doctors. We generally remember them when our body starts behaving like an old government office Everything slows down, nothing works properly, and complaints begin to pile up! Ask an average Kashmiri when they last checked their blood pressure, and you might get a reply like Why? Is there something wrong with me? Ask them when they last checked their blood sugar and the answer might be, Beh kyaz kr check, Mea kya sugar cha! (Why should
There was a time when Kashmir was not merely a geographical landscape of mountains, rivers and valleys; it was also a landscape of ideas. Its intellectual life found expression in poetry, philosophy, religious thought, literary conversations and the quiet defiance of questioning minds. Its saints, poets, scholars and thinkers did not simply inherit traditions; they examined them, interpreted them and, at times, challenged the very foundations upon which society rested. Ideas travelled through mo
Srinagar, Nov 13: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Friday urged the State Bank of India (SBI) and other public and private sector banks to introduce One-Time Settlement (OTS) schemes for borrowers with outstanding liabilities exceeding Rs 5 crore, saying financial distress should not be judged solely by the size of a loan account. Welcoming J&K Bank's RAHAT Special OTS Scheme, the party said the initiative would provide relief to eligible borrowers with dues of up to Rs 5 crore. However, it stressed
Srinagar, Nov 13: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday returned to the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar after nearly two weeks of house detention and addressed the Friday congregation, expressing concern over repeated restrictions on his religious and public activities. Addressing the gathering, Mirwaiz said arbitrary restrictions cause inconvenience to people and amount to unwarranted interference in the discharge of his religious obligations. He said the pulpit of Jama Masjid has alway
Srinagar, Nov 13: As many as 1,61,961 candidates are set to compete for 600 posts of Accounts Assistant in the Finance Department as the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) conducts its OMR-based written examination across all 20 districts of the Union Territory on November 15. According to the examination-centre details released by the Board, 82,489 candidates from Jammu Division and 79,472 from Kashmir Division have registered for the examination. With only 600 posts on offer, t
Srinagar, Nov 13: Member of Parliament and National Conference Additional General Secretary Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his government for installing an MRI machine at Government Medical College (GMC), Handwara, saying the facility would improve access to advanced diagnostic services in the area. During his three-day visit to different areas of Handwara constituency, Ramzan said the installation of the MRI machine fulfilled a commitment mad
Jammu, Nov 13: Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, on Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Civil Secretariat here, to assess the functioning, progress and implementation of various components of the National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Saugat Biswas; Mission Director, National Health Mission, J&K, Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan; Director Finance, H&M
JAMMU, Nov 13: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday said the restoration of the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir remains the partys foremost priority, urging people from all three regions to support the struggle. He also described the restoration of statehood as an urgent necessity, saying it would provide relief to people and enable the elected government to function effectively and take decisions in the public interest. Abdullah made
Leh, Nov 13: The Union Territory of Ladakh has recorded an impressive rise in tourist arrivals for the sixth consecutive month this year, registering a remarkable 65.90 per cent growth during the first ten months of 2026 compared to the corresponding period last year. According to the tourism figures shared by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, VK Saxena, the region welcomed 4.91 lakh tourists between January and October 2026, against 2.96 lakh visitors during the same period in 2025. October witnes
Ganderbal, Nov 13: The Registrar of Births and Deaths in Kangan Block of Central Kashmirs Ganderbal district has issued 1,294 birth and death certificates during the first ten months of 2026, reflecting the departments efforts to facilitate residents in obtaining essential official documents without unnecessary delays. According to official figures, the department issued 1,193 birth certificates and 101 death certificates between January 1 and October 31, 2026. The certificates are among the mos
Srinagar, Nov 14: With winter setting in across Kashmir, leading pulmonologist Dr Naveed Nazir has warned of a rise in respiratory illnesses, saying cold weather can worsen existing lung conditions, trigger severe attacks and increase hospital visits, particularly among patients suffering from asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Dr Nazir said the number of patients visiting respiratory disease outpatient departments (OPDs) generally increases duri
Srinagar, Nov 13: The first snowfall of the season across Kashmirs higher reaches, including popular tourist destinations Gulmarg and Sonamarg has brought a fresh wave of optimism among tourism stakeholders, who see the early winter spell as an opportunity to revive tourist footfall and give the valleys winter tourism a much-needed boost. With snow-covered meadows and mountains adding to Kashmirs winter charm, tourism players are hopeful that the early snowfall will attract visitors from across
Jammu, Nov 13: A delegation of the Centre for Activities for Advanced, Strong and Progressive India (CAASPI), Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and proposed the creation of Social Defence Volunteer Groups to strengthen emergency response mechanisms across the Union Territory. The proposed groups would provide support to existing Home Guards and Civil Defence personnel at the district level, particularly in border areas, and function as Joint Quick Reaction Te
Srinagar, Nov 13: The divisional administration has directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to identify waterlogging hotspots across the city and deploy adequate dewatering pumps to tackle any eventuality during the winter season. The directions were issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, during a high-level meeting to review winter preparedness across Kashmir Division. Garg also stressed accountability and timely grievance redressal, directing officers to properly doc
Srinagar, Nov 13: With Kashmirs average winter electricity demand hovering around 1,700 MW against an average supply of 1,300 MW and peak demand touching 2,400 MW, the divisional administration has stepped up preparations to ensure uninterrupted essential services during the winter months. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review winter preparedness across the Valley, directing concerned departments to ensure adequate arrangements, coordinate
New Delhi [India], November 13 : Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on Friday clarified that all 893 E20 petrol samples tested across 27 states and Union Territories were found to be within the prescribed ethanol content range of 1921 per cent, amid reports and social media posts raising concerns over the ethanol content in E20 petrol. According to a statement issued by the company, the quality monitoring exercise was undertaken by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in coordination with the
Srinagar, Nov 13: MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi on Friday grilled officials of Tehsil Boniyar over alleged attempts to make caste an unnecessary hurdle in granting Scheduled Tribe (ST-2) status to eligible residents of the area, questioning the basis on which applicants were being subjected to caste-related scrutiny. Taking a strong exception to the issue during a meeting with revenue officials, including Tehsildar, Numberdars and Patwaris, Shafi questioned why caste was being brought into the process
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 13: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a high-level meeting to review winter preparedness across Kashmir Division, emphasising coordinated efforts, timely response and adequate arrangements to ensure uninterrupted essential services during the winter season. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Director Airport Authority Srinagar, SSP Traffic Rural and senior officers from KPDCL, R&B, MED,
New Delhi , November 13 : Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam until November 30, and Jeddah until November 21, citing the prevailing situation in the region, the airline announced on Friday. In an official post on X, Air India said the suspension would remain in place for flights connecting the two airlines with the Saudi cities. Passengers holding confirmed bookings issued on or before November 10, with travel dates up to November 30 for Riyadh a
Chamba , November 13 : Following the killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, the Chamba Police in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh have shifted to a state of high alert. Security arrangements have been tightened along all borders of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh that adjoin Jammu & Kashmir. The police have issued directives for personnel at border check posts, outposts, and all deployed SPOs to remain vigilant. In light of this recent incident, the police d
Srinagarar, Nov 13: Member of Parliament and National Conference Additional General Secretary Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan on Friday welcomed the installation of an MRI machine at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara and the augmentation of three drinking water supply schemes worth Rs 9 crore in Rajwar and Ramhall areas of north Kashmir's Kupwara district. In a statement, Ramzan, who was on a three-day visit to different areas of Handwara constituency, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Oma
Golaghat (Assam) [India], November 13 : At least 24 people were killed following a severe head-on collision between a passenger vehicle and a container truck in Assam's Golaghat district on Friday. The tragedy occurred in the Rongajaan area near the Kaziranga National Park, police said. State Minister and Bokakhat MLA Atul Bora, who rushed to the accident site to personally oversee rescue and relief operations, provided an update over the phone regarding the casualties and medical response. 24 p
Ganderbal, Nov 2: In a bid to promote sports culture, encourage youth participation and channelise their energy towards constructive activities, Ganderbal Police inaugurated a football tournament under the Civic Action Programme (CAP) at the Indoor Stadium, Sehpora. The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, accompanied by Deputy SP Headquarters Ganderbal. As many as 16 teams from different parts of the district are participating in the tournament, p
Srinagar, Nov 2: Jammu & Kashmir Deaf Cricket Team emerged champions of the IDCA 10th T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026, bringing pride to the region with an impressive performance in the national-level tournament held in Surat, Gujarat. The championship was organised by Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) in association with the Gujarat Deaf Cricket Association (GDCA) and Deaf Cricket Association Surat (DCAS). It was held from October 26 to November 1 at Bawaji Cricket Ground,
Kupwara, Nov 2: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kupwara, Abhishek Sharma, on Monday chaired a meeting of concerned officers to review the physical and financial progress of developmental projects being executed under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) across the district. Emphasising the importance of robust road infrastructure, particularly last-mile connectivity, the DDC observed that reliable connectivity
Pulwama, Nov 02: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, on Monday chaired a meeting of District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) under Mission YUVA at the Administrative Complex, Pulwama, to review the implementation of the scheme and discuss cases submitted for approval. At the outset, Assistant Director Employment, Pulwama, presented a detailed presentation highlighting the progress achieved under Mission YUVA, including the status of applications received, verified and
Awantipora, Nov 2: As part of a series of outreach initiatives aimed at promoting health awareness, preventive healthcare, and social responsibility among young people, Syed Mantaqui Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology (SMMCON & MT), in collaboration with the office of Dean Outreach, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), organised an AIDS Awareness Programme at Government High School Chandhara under the Red Ribbon Club. The programme was conducted in collaboration
Budgam, Nov 2: Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Jatin Kishore, on Monday conducted a late evening visit to District Hospital to take stock of the healthcare facilities and assess the functioning of various healthcare services, with a particular focus on patient care and the availability of essential amenities. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner inspected various sections of the hospital, including the Emergency Ward, General Surgery Ward, Gynaecology and other facilities, and reviewed the arr
Srinagar, Nov 02: Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, Srinagar, on Monday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Dialysis Unit, marking a significant step towards strengthening specialised healthcare services and improving patient care. The facility is expected to provide relief to patients requiring regular dialysis, reduce their dependence on distant hospitals and enhance access to essential renal care services in the area. The facility was inaugurated by Executive Director KMCH, I
Srinagar, Nov 02: As Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 celebrations concluded at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, the Institute organised friendly cricket and football matches between faculty members and non-teaching staff, highlighting the importance of integrity, teamwork, discipline and fair play in institutional life. The sporting events witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty and non-faculty members, providing an opportunity for employees to engage in healthy spor
Srinagar, Nov 02: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Monday inaugurated a Special Health Check-up Camp at the premises of the DC Office Complex, with the objective of promoting health awareness and facilitating access to essential healthcare services for employees and visitors. The camp was organised by the District Red Cross Society, Srinagar, in collaboration with Government Gousia Hospital Khanyar and Office of the Chief Medical Office. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy
Srinagar, Nov 02: At Asia's second-largest fruit market in Sopore, the festive rush is bringing brisk business, with hundreds of trucks carrying Kashmir apples to markets across India and neighbouring countries. But for many growers, the busy trading season has a bitter side: while premium apples are commanding good prices ahead of Diwali and Chhath Puja, disease-hit fruit is fetching barely Rs 200 to Rs 250 a box. The contrast is stark. Buyers are looking for large, clean apples, but pest attac
Srinagar, Nov 02: The Jammu and Kashmir Police will further strengthen Srinagar's security grid under its Winter Security Strategy, with particular emphasis on emerging threats, operational preparedness and coordination with adjoining districts. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir chaired a comprehensive security review meeting at Cargo in Srinagar on Monday, assessing the prevailing security situation and threat inputs concerning the city and neighbouring districts. The meeting discussed
Pampore, Nov 02: In Kashmir's saffron fields, where extracting a kilogram of the prized spice requires separating the red stigmas of nearly 1.6 lakh flowers by hand, scientists are testing robots to take over some of the most labour-intensive work involved in its cultivation. On Monday, the experimental machines were put to the test at the Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Seed Spices in Konibal, Pampore, where scientists demonstrated robotic systems designed to remove weeds, pick saffro
Srinagar, Nov 2: When Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi announces his departure from the National Conference on Tuesday, he will be walking away from the party that launched his electoral career 24 years ago. For the NC, it would mean losing one of its most outspoken voices on Article 370. For the Srinagar MP, the harder question will be whether he can retain his political influence without the party's organisation and electoral machinery. Ruhullah has announced plans to resign from both the NC and the Lo
Srinagar, Nov 02: The paddy fields that once dominated South Kashmir's countryside are steadily making way for apple orchards. Over four decades, the area under traditional cultivation in the Upper Jhelum Basin has shrunk by nearly two-thirds, marking a major change in the region's farming landscape. Between 1981 and 2020, cultivated land in the basin declined from 991 square kilometres to 361 square kilometres, a loss of 630 square kilometres, or nearly 63 per cent. During the same period, land
Srinagar, Nov 02: Behind every food delivery that reaches a doorstep in Srinagar is a worker navigating traffic, covering long distances and racing against time, often at the cost of his health, financial security and personal well-being. For thousands of young people seeking livelihood opportunities in a region grappling with persistent unemployment, food delivery platforms have emerged as an accessible source of work. However, a new study examining the working conditions of food delivery worke

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