RisingKashmir

Srinagar, Sep 25: Darakshan Hassan Bhat, President of Kashmir Womens Organization, represented India at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, where she highlighted the theme Billions Connected, Millions Empowered: Indias Digital Transformation. She highlighted Indias expanding digital transformation and its role in advancing financial inclusion, public-service delivery, and opportunities for women and rural communities. Addressing the Council, Bhat said Indias

Srinagar, Sep 25: Every Saturday afternoon, a group of women sit together to talk about a text, a poem or an essay they have read that week. Nobody lectures, nobody is asked to raise a hand, and nobody is wiser than the other. This is the Reading Circle at Kabo, a reading group only for women that has quickly become one of the most talked-about literary spaces in Srinagar. Founder Maumil Mehraj, 28, said the idea came from something she missed after moving back to Kashmir. She had spent most of

Srinagar, Sep 25: With olive cultivation in Uri facing challenges, including inadequate irrigation, the Jammu and Kashmir government has proposed a field research-cum-feasibility study to assess whether the border area can support large-scale commercial plantations of olive and other suitable non-fruit species. The proposal was disclosed by the Agriculture Production Department in the J&K Legislative Assembly in response to a question raised by MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi, who sought to know whether

Srinagar, Sep 25: A committee constituted to examine the procurement of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF AUS-32) for the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporations (JKRTC) BS-VI fleet has recommended cancellation of the subsequent tender and initiation of a fresh, transparent and competitive procurement process through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), wherever applicable. The committee has also recommended that Reverse Auction be adopted wherever permissible and appropriate to ensure effect

Srinagar, Sep 25: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth on Friday visited forward areas and formations of the Chinar Corps under Northern Command to review operational preparedness and the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterland. During the visit, the Army Chief was briefed by commanders on the prevailing security situation, operational readiness and ongoing efforts to strengthen military capabilities. According to the Army, General Seth was also bri

Srinagar, Sep 25: Jammu and Kashmir has suffered extensive damage to public infrastructure, homes, crops and livestock due to cloudbursts and flash floods over the last two financial years, with official figures placed before the Legislative Assembly showing 3,959 roads, 5,597 water-supply schemes and 24,416 residential structures affected across the Union Territory during 2025-26 and 2026-27. The government data, tabled in response to a starred question by Doda West MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, also

Srinagar, Sep 25: I would like to request the House to pass this Resolution, because without statehood, Jammu and Kashmir has suffered immensely. A promise was made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday, as he moved a resolution in the Legislative Assembly calling upon the Government of India for the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The resolution, moved during the ongoing Autumn Session, seeks to build upon the

Srinagar, Sep 25: Rejecting the resolution moved by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on statehood restoration in the Legislative Assembly, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma Friday said that Omar must clarify why he continued in the NDA government when the autonomy resolution passed in the J&K Assembly was thrown into dustbin. I want to ask the Chief Minister wasnt he part of the then NDA government when autonomy resolution was rejected and thrown into dustbin. Didnt he continue, Sharma to

Srinagar, Sep 25: J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs resolution seeking the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood on Friday reopened an old political faultline in the Legislative Assembly, with the BJP objecting to a reference to the 2000 autonomy resolution, storming the Well and forcing repeated adjournments before the House was finally adjourned till Monday. Moved by Omar after Question Hour, the resolution called upon the Government of India to restore full statehood to J&K and f

Fair price shops are meant to be the first line of support for families that depend on subsidised foodgrains for their daily survival. For many low-income households, the ration they receive through the public distribution system is not an entitlement in the abstract; it is a vital protection against hunger and economic uncertainty. Yet the functioning of many fair price shops continues to raise serious concerns, particularly over irregular supplies, limited timings, overcharging and the uneven

The death of Ishu Sharma in a bus-scooty collision at MH Chowk, Udhampur, is not merely another entry in the daily record of road accidents. It is a human tragedy that once again exposes the vulnerability of two-wheeler riders on busy roads and the urgent need for stronger traffic regulation across Jammu and Kashmir. According to officials, Sharma was riding a scooty when a bus struck her on Friday. She suffered critical injuries and was rushed to Government Medical College, Udhampur, where doct

Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with some of the most spectacular golf courses anywhere in Asia. Few places in the world allow golfers to play amid snow-capped mountains, pine forests, lush meadows and crystal-clear lakes and rivers. From the iconic Royal Springs Golf Course overlooking Dal Lake to the historic Gulmarg Golf Club, one of the highest golf courses in the world, the region possesses golfing assets that many countries would envy. The region is also home to the scenic Pahalgam Golf Cours

Kashmir has long been celebrated for its beauty. Its lakes, meadows, forests and snow-covered peaks have attracted visitors from across India and beyond. Yet the tourism story of the region has often remained confined to familiar images: shikaras on Dal Lake, houseboats, Mughal gardens and the seasonal charm of Gulmarg and Pahalgam. That story is now changing. Adventure tourism is emerging as one of the most promising avenues for expanding Kashmirs tourism economy. Trekking, mountaineering, ski

Kashmir has always been described through its seasons. Spring arrives with almond blossoms and soft sunlight. Summer brings green meadows, clear streams and the cool comfort of the mountains. Autumn paints the valley in gold, while winter covers its roofs and fields with snow. This changing rhythm has shaped the culture, economy and imagination of the people. But that rhythm is no longer as reliable as it once was. The signs of climate change are now visible in the valleys everyday life. Winters

Before Kashmir wakes to the noise of its roads, markets and everyday concerns, it has already spoken. In the fragile hour between darkness and daylight, when the mountains are still wrapped in the last shadows of night, and the first light has barely begun to touch the valley, the air carries sounds that seem older than memory. From a mosque comes the Azaan, rising gently over the rooftops, while from a nearby temple the ringing of bells and the first chants of morning worship begin to mingle w

Srinagar, Sep 25: The 35 Bn CRPF has concluded a one-month skill development programme under its Civic Action Programme 2026, training 50 youth in tailoring and hand embroidery. Of the total participants, 25 were trained in self-employed tailoring and another 25 in hand embroidery. The programme was aimed at equipping participants with practical, employment-oriented skills and encouraging self-employment and entrepreneurship. The closing ceremony was presided over by 35 Bn CRPF Second-in-Command

Srinagar, Sept 25: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Friday urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to address recruitment concerns of agriculture graduates and review the existing recruitment structure in the Agriculture cadre. Un Nabi said there had been no recruitment in the Gazetted Agriculture cadre for nearly two decades, while recruitment to the Non-Gazetted cadre had remained largely absent for around a decade. He said the entry-level Non-Gazetted post was under

Srinagar, Sep 26: Jammu & Kashmir has received national recognition for its efforts under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, with the State Health Agency, J&K, being honoured as the Best Performing Union Territory for achieving saturation of frontline workers with Ayushman Cards. The award was presented at Aarogya Manthan 2026, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as part of the celebrations marking 8 years of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and 5 year

Srinagar, Sept 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has clarified that no officer or official is authorised to unilaterally alter, substitute or change any work or site recommended and approved by an MLA under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) scheme. The clarification was given by the Finance Minister in the J&K Legislative Assembly in response to a question raised by MLA Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, who sought to know whether officers could amend or alter a Constituency Development Plan after it

Jammu, Sept 25: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday observed the birth anniversary of party ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya with programmes in Jammu and Srinagar. At the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, BJP J&K President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, along with other senior party leaders, paid floral tributes to Upadhyaya. Speaking on the occasion, Sharma recalled Upadhyayas role in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and referred to his philosophy of I

Srinagar, Sep 25: The 35th Union Territory Level Security Committee (UTLSC) meeting for Jammu and Kashmir was held here on Thursday to review security arrangements for currency chests, ATMs and movement of cash and other valuables. The meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary, Home Department, Chandraker Bharti, was held under the aegis of Reserve Bank of India Regional Director for J&K and Ladakh, Prabhakar Jha. Senior officials from J&K Police, CRPF, CBI, RBI, J&K Bank, Fire and Emergency Servi

Srinagar, Sept 25: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Friday welcomed Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs resolution in the Legislative Assembly seeking restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. In a joint statement, the partys Additional General Secretaries Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan and Ajay Kumar Sadhotra said the resolution would provide members of the House an opportunity to state their position on the demand for restoration of statehood. The NC leaders said the party had ra

Leh, Sep 25: The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh and the Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM Jammu) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing an IIM Jammu Satellite Campus at Leh. The MoU was signed in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The Leh campus will offer a four-year BBA (Hons.) programme, with an initial intake of 60 students. The programme is scheduled to commence by the end of October 2026. The infrastructure for the satel

Srinagar, Sept 25: Several key developmental projects in Baramulla town, including a multi-level car parking facility, three entry gates and the Municipal Council office building, have missed their originally envisaged timelines due to land-transfer issues, local objections, inter-departmental clearances, court proceedings and security-related restrictions. The details were provided by the government in reply to a starred question raised by MLA Javid Hassan Baig in the Legislative Assembly. Acco

Srinagar, Sep 25: The construction of the 50-bed hospital at Pahalgam has achieved around 75 per cent physical progress, with the government stating that the remaining works are being pursued on priority after resolving issues related to revised approvals. The status of the project was disclosed by the Health and Medical Education Department in a written reply to a starred question raised by Pahalgam MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani in the Legislative Assembly. According to the government, Administrative Ap

Srinagar, Sep 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has yet to approve a proposed hike in the monthly remuneration of Ph.D.-qualified need-based faculty in Government Degree Colleges, with the case currently under examination after the Finance Department returned it with observations. In a written reply to a question by Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh (Langate), the Higher Education Department said the faculty members are currently being paid 28,000 per month under Government Order No. 137-JK(HE) of 2024,

Srinagar, Sep 25 :- The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has outlined a series of measures to address manpower shortages, strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The details were provided by the department in a starred question raised by the MLA Saifullah regarding the upgradation of health institutions, in which it said that efforts were underway to improve the availability of medical

Srinagar, Sep 25 : Settlement operations in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir remain incomplete, with the Government informing the Legislative Assembly that the process in most areas was either completed earlier or is being dealt with through maintenance and updating of land records. The information was provided by the Revenue Department in response to the Starred Question raised by MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para. According to the Government, settlement operations undertaken from the 1990s onwa

Srinagar, Sep 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said that there is currently no proposal under consideration for the return of power projects to the Union Territory, with major hydroelectric projects entrusted to NHPC operating under long-term Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) arrangements. The government has said that Sawalkot (1,856 MW), Uri-II (240 MW) and Dulhasti Stage-II (260 MW) hydroelectric projects had been entrusted to NHPC for implementation on a BOOT basis for a period

Srinagar, September 25 : Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, MLA Budgam, today submitted a notice under Rule 179 seeking an amendment to the Resolution presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah before the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly. While supporting the Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs Resolution, Aga Muntazir has proposed an amendment to further strengthen its language by explicitly addressing the measures initiated on and after August 5, 2019, and reaffirming the demand for the restoration of full

Srinagar, September 25:Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Friday reviewed the preparedness for the timely rollout of healthcare services at AIIMS Awantipora, with directions to concerned departments to resolve all pending issues on priority. Chairing a meeting to assess the operational readiness of the institute, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed key matters including electricity supply for the water supply system, commissioning of the dedicated power sub-station, land-related iss

Washington DC [US], September 25 : United States President Donald Trump on Friday said that he held a very productive meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House as the two leaders discussed AI cooperation between the US and China amid global slowdown calls. Trump said Xi seemed to agree to his Super Intelligence framing instead of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Very productive meeting with President Xi for both the USA and China. Tremendous things will be happening. Like almost

Mumbai, September 25: State Bank of India (SBI) has announced that customers will not be charged for ATM transactions from September 28 to 30, in view of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike. The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to banking services during the strike period. SBI said its banking services would remain available to customers despite the planned industrial action. According to the bank, ATM charges will be waived for transactions made at any bank's ATM during

Udhhampur, Sep 25 : A woman was killed after the scooty she was riding was hit by a bus at MH Chowk in Udhampur district on Friday, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the accident occurred when a bus hit a scooty bearing registration number JK14G-6073 at MH Chowk. He said the woman sustained injuries in the accident and was shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Udhampur, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. She was later identified as I

New York , September 25 : In what appears to be a major concession, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that his country is willing to submit its nuclear program to international inspectors and has no ambition to pursue a nuclear weapon. Speaking to Brett Baier on Fox News along the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, the Iranian President pinned the blame for the West Asia conflict squarely on America. When questioned by Fox News about Iran wanting a nu

Srinagar, Sep 24: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah on Thursday visited the Integrated Mushroom Development Centre (IMDC) at Lalmandi, Srinagar, to review its operations and ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting mushroom cultivation across the Kashmir division. During the visit, the Director took a detailed round of the centre's key sections, including the Spawn Production Centre, Pasteurised Compost Unit, Mushroom Research Laboratory, and other facilities. He interacted extensi

Srinagar, Sep 24: As many as 113 developmental works and projects across Jammu and Kashmir are presently under status quo owing to a decision pending before a competent authority, the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. In a reply to a query in the Assembly, the government said a total budgetary allocation of Rs 244.62 crore has been earmarked for these 113 works during 2026-27, of which Rs 213.17 crore remains unutilised due to the status quo. It further said that an expen

Srinagar, Sep 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said it is actively exploring and promoting new tourist destinations across the Union Territory, with particular focus on diversifying the tourism circuit and developing lesser-known destinations. The government made the statement in response to a starred question tabled by MLA Bandipora Nizam-ud-din Bhat in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly regarding the development and promotion of tourist destinations. The government said several

Srinagar, Sep 24: The proposed construction of a new G+4 building for the Chest Disease (CD) Hospital at Dalgate, Srinagar, is awaiting the requisite permission from the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) and Building Operation and Controlling Authority (BOCA) while the government has said to have earmarked a token provision of Rs 3 lakh for the project under the Capex Budget 2026-27. The Health and Medical Education Department in a reply said the Chest Diseases Hospital at Da

Srinagar, Sep 24: A House Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has recommended scheme-wise financial reconciliation and audit of work-done claims under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to establish whether reported physical achievements correspond with the funds utilised. The committee in its 18-point recommendations has sought liquidation of work-done claims made contingent upon the outcome of such audits. At the same time, the panel clarified that contractors should be paid amou

Parenthood is often understood in terms of providing food, shelter and education. These are essential responsibilities, but they are only the beginning. The deeper duty of parents is to prepare children for lifewith values, discipline, empathy and the ability to distinguish between what is right and what is merely convenient. In a rapidly changing society, parenting has become more demanding. Children are exposed to influences from school, television, social media and the wider digital world. Pa

I have spent a great deal of my life trying to understand people. Somewhere along the way, almost inevitably, I began trying to understand myself too. Perhaps that is what happens when you spend enough time observing human behaviour. The more closely you look at people, the more difficult it becomes to place them into simple categories: good or bad, kind or cruel, right or wrong. We like these categories because they make the world easier to understand. They give us certainty. But human beings r

New York : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday said that American sanctions and coercive pressure will only strengthen Iranian resolve. Addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Pezeshkian rejected Washington's rhetoric and labelling of Tehran, and maintained that while Iran remains open to diplomacy, it will never yield to external coercion or threats. Pezeshkian criticised Trumps remarks against the Islamic Republic as contradictory to the core principles

Ladakh, Sep 23: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), the maker of BharatBenz trucks and buses on Wednesday inaugurated its new service centre operated by PPS Trucking in Leh district of Ladakh. With this launch, PPS - BharatBenz becomes Indias first and only player to offer a commercial vehicle repair facility at one of the highest operational altitudes, located at approximately 11,550 feet above sea level. Established in Phey Village along NH-1 in Leh, Ladakh, the new 20,000 sq. ft. Bhar

Srinagar, Sep 23: J&K Police organised a Drug Awareness Programme at New Child Care High School, Boniyar on Wednesday sensitising students about the serious physical, psychological and social consequences of drug abuse. The session highlighted how substance abuse can adversely affect health, concentration, academic performance, personal development and future prospects, while also addressing the risks associated with peer pressure and addiction. Students were encouraged to adopt healthy and co

Srinagar, Sep 23: A joint meeting of the Hotel & Restaurant Association Katra (HRAK) and PHDCCI Jammu Region on Wednesday expressed concern over the alleged control of Katra Railway Station by touts, anti-social elements and drug peddlers, causing inconvenience to pilgrims and tourists and affecting Katras image. The associations said complaints regarding such activities had been brought to the notice of the Government Railway Police (GRP), Katra, but no effective action had been taken so far.

Srinagar, Sep 23: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar organised an awareness programme on NALSA SAMVAD Scheme, 2025 and NALSA Scheme on Access to Justice for Victims of HumanWildlife Conflict to create awareness regarding free legal aid, legal rights and access to justice among vulnerable and tribal communities, at Check-Sangri, Khonmoh, Srinagar. The programme, held under the 60-Day Mega Drive for implementation of NALSA Schemes at Grassroot level (Phase-I), conducted through the

Anantnag, Sep 23: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the progress of projects being undertaken under Scheme for Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage (RRP&MAH) at various important places in the district. At the outset, the SE PWD briefed the chair about the physical and financial progress achieved under the scheme in the district so far. He informed that under Phase III,

Srinagar, Sept 23: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Wednesday a special lecture on Interface Engineering of 2D Hybrid Materials: From Energy Technologies to Sustainable Geopolymer Nanocomposites, bringing together researchers, faculty members and students to explore emerging developments in advanced functional materials and sustainable technologies. The lecture was jointly organised by the Departments of Physics, Chemistry and Civil Engineering. Dr. Vijay Kumar from the De