Two more Hurriyat groups discard separatism, Amit Shah says triumph of unity echoing across Kashmir

28/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 27: In a significant development in Jammu and Kashmir, two more groups affiliated with Hurriyat Conference-- J&K Tahreeqi Isteqlal and J&K Tahreek-I-Istiqamat-- have renounced separatism and expressed their faith in the vision of "new Bharat" being built under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the decision, calling it a reflection of the diminishing influence of separatism in the region. "Another great news from Kashmir Valley. T...

Kathua encounter: 3 terrorists killed, three security personnel martyred

28/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 27: Three terrorists were killed while an equal number of security forces personnel too lost their lives in an ongoing encounter in Sufain forest area of Juthana in Kathua district on Thursday. Meanwhile, four security personnel including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) of Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and one para commando sustained injuries. SDPO Border Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Dheeraj Katoch, who had sustained minor injuries, was doing fine yet other ...

Cash Row: CJI Khanna assures Bar leaders to consider demand against Justice Varma’s transfer

28/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 27: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Thursday assured bar leaders to consider their demand for withdrawal of the collegium’s recommendation to transfer Delhi High Court’s Justice Yashwant Varma, Allahabad High Court Bar Association president Anil Tiwari said. The representatives of six bar associations of different high courts met the CJI and other collegium members — Justices B R Gavai, Surya Kant, Abhay S Oka and Vikram Nath — in the afternoon. They deliberated upon th...

Road projects worth Rs two lakh crore being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir: Gadkari

28/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 27: Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the road infrastructure projects worth Rs two lakh crore are being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, which will boost the connectivity in the region. Replying to supplementaries during question hour in the Lok Sabha, Nitin Gadkari said, "The government is working in converting 25,000 km National Highways into four lanes from two lanes in the next two years." He informed that around 70 per cent of the work of Asia's lon...

HC directs Registering Officers, Sub Registrars to adopt citizen-centric approach while discharging statutory duties, refer to check list as per Govt Order

28/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 27: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh at Jammu, Bench comprising of Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal has passed significant directions to the Registering Officers which including Sub Registrars and Registrars / Appellate authorities wherein the High Court has directed them to adopt citizen-centric approach while discharging their statutory duties, refer to check list as per Govt Order No. 183-JK(REV) of 2022 dated 18.10.2022 for scrutiny of documents during registration prescribing of...

PIL highlighting shortage of doctors: DB directs Sr. AAG to file ATR

28/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 27: In the much publicized Public Interest Litigation filed by a renowned RTI Activist Balwinder Singh highlighting shortage of Doctors in the peripheral areas of both the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, a Division Bench of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh at Jammu comprising the Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice M.A. Chowdhary has directed Sr. AAG S.S. Nanda appearing for UT of J&K to file 'Action Taken Report' on the various communications addressed by the Principal ...

Bye-elections: ECI notifies Special Summary Revision for Nagrota, Budgam

28/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 27: Election Commission of India today notified Special Summary Revision with reference to 01.04.2025 as the qualifying date in 77-Nagrota and 27 Budgam Assembly Constituencies (ACs) where bye-elections are due shortly. As per the schedule issued here today by the Election Commission of India, the rationalization of polling stations will be held on 04.04.2025 (Friday), publication of integrated draft electoral roll on 08.04.2025 (Tuesday), filing of claims and objections would ...

SC raises doubt on whether Indraprastha Apollo gave free treatment to poor; seeks status report from Centre, Delhi Govt

28/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 27: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Centre and the Delhi government to file a status report on whether the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has given free treatment to poor patients in the last five years. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh also directed the aforesaid government authorities to explain whether the 30-year lease deed, as per which 15 acres of land had been given to the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in 1994, had been renewed after its 30-year ...

J&K Govt takes proactive steps to mitigate Glacial Lake Outburst Floods

28/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 27: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir is taking proactive steps to mitigate the risks associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Union Territory. The initiative involved a phased approach, including data collection, identification of high-risk glacial lakes and development of early warning systems. The region's unique geography, with its high-altitude glaciers and lakes, makes it particularly vulnerable to GLOFs. Rising global temperatures are accelerating glacie...

Two SC judges to visit Arunachal Pradesh on March 29-30 to strengthen legal outreach

28/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 27: Supreme Court judges, Justices BR Gavai and Ujjal Bhuyan will visit Arunachal Pradesh for mega legal awareness programme 'camp-cum-sewa apke dwar' on March 29 and 30. Aimed at strengthening legal outreach and awareness among tribal communities in Dirang, Bomdila, West Kameng District and Tawang of Arunachal Pradesh, Justice Gavai, who is also Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), will visit there along with Justice Bhuyan. "India's tribal populati...

Russian President Putin accepts invite to visit India, Foreign Minister Lavrov says preparation on

28/03/2025
MOSCOW, Mar 27: Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India, as confirmed by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov on Thursday, Russian news agency TASS reported. While addressing the "Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda" conference through a video, Lavrov said that India is currently making arrangements for the visit of the Russian President. The conference is jointly hosted by the Embassy of India in Russia and the Russian International Affairs Council (RIA...

I-T Deptt Offices To Remain Open On March 29-31: CBDT

28/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 27: Income tax department offices across the country will remain open on March 29 to March 31 to facilitate taxpayers in completing pending tax-related business for the fiscal year. The ongoing financial year 2024-25 ends on March 31. The Income tax department offices across the country will remain open despite the weekend and Eid-al-Fitr which may fall on Monday. In an order, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said “to facilitate completion of pending departmental work,...

MP Engineer Rashid seeks modification of condition expenses for travel from Tihar to Parliament

28/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 27: Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid has moved to Delhi High Court for modification of order granting him permission to attend Parliament Session in custody. He has sought waiving off the condition of expenses for travel from Tihar Jail to Parliament and back to Jail. It is stated that Tihar Jail authorities are charging Rs. 1.45 lakh for one day travel expenses. He was granted permission on March 25. It is submitted that the cost now being sought by the Jail Authorities is excess...

Govt to assess, address issues of Border, LOC fencing landowners: Omar

25/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 24: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, today assured the House that the government would discuss issues affecting the border and LoC landowners, particularly those with properties within the border fencing area. The Chief Minister, while intervening during the Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly, stated that funds are being disbursed efficiently. Out of the Rs 155 crore received, Rs 144 crore have already been distributed among the landowners, leaving only Rs 11 crore to be re...

We have taken various innovative steps to transform J&K’s Agricultural landscape: LG

25/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 24: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the 'Krishak Mela 2025' at R.S. Pura campus of SKUAST, Jammu. The Lieutenant Governor felicitated the progressive Farmers, and also inaugurated four facilities at the campus that will strengthen education, research, and farmer training. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on the remarkable transformation taking place in the Agriculture and Allied sector of UT of J&K, under the guidance of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri N...

Security forces discover carbine magazines, victuals as search op on in Hiranagar for infiltrators

25/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 24: A large quantity of material, including several magazines of M-4 carbine and a bulletproof jacket, was discovered as a search operation to neutralise a group of infiltrating terrorists continued on Monday in Kathua district, officials said. The operation was launched Sunday evening in the Hiranagar sector and was intensified with additional deployment of commandos, drones, and sniffer dogs this morning, they said, adding that a chopper was also deployed later. The operation...

Centre empowers states to act against Awami Action Committee under UAPA

25/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 24: In a significant move, the Central Government on Monday empowered state governments to exercise its powers under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 to take action against the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which has been declared an unlawful association. Through a notification issued and published in the Gazette of India, the Centre authorized the states to invoke Sections 7 and 8 of the UAPA. This includes the power to seize properties associated with the ...

DB upholds acquittal in ex-minister's assassination case

25/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 24: A Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court Comprising Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Puneet Gupta upheld the acquittal of three accused namely Sayed Shabir Bukhari son of Syed Gh. Mohiuudin r/o Kreeri Pattan, . Shakil Ahmad Sofi son of Habibullah Sofi resident of Kreeri Pattan and Mushtaq Hussain Akhoon son of Gh. Ahmad r/o Zaldar Mohalla, Saeda Kadal, Srinagar in the 2005 assassination case of former Education Minister Gulam Nabi Lone, stating that the "evi...

Police conducts raids across Awantipora in connection with terror-related cases

25/03/2025
AWANTIPORA, Mar 24: Police on Monday conducted raids at multiple locations linked to members of the banned organisations Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), and Jammu and Kashmir People's League. The raids were carried out in connection with their alleged involvement in terror-related cases. According to the police, the raids were conducted in the presence of concerned executive magistrates. "Police Awantipora remains committed to maintaining peace an...

Arms, ammunition, narcotics, war-like stores recovered in Poonch

25/03/2025
POONCH, Mar 24: In a major success, a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police (J&K Police) led to the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition, narcotics, and war-like stores in the general area of Sangla Top at Surankote, in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was meticulously planned and executed by the security forces after extensive intelligence gathering. The recovery included a variety of weapons, including assault rifles, grenades, and a ...

Asia’s largest Tulip Garden to open for visitors on Wednesday

25/03/2025
SRINAGAR, Mar 24: Srinagar's iconic Tulip Garden, nestled in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range, is set to welcome visitors from Wednesday. Officials said the garden will showcase a breathtaking display of over 1.7 million tulips across 74 varieties, and gardeners are making final preparations for the flower carpet. The Tulip Garden, which has earned a place in the World Book of Records London, remains a key attraction and a major draw for tourists with the arrival of spring. La...

Four juveniles among 8 detained for glorifying terrorism through social media platforms

25/03/2025
SRINAGAR, Mar 24: J&K police have detained eight people for allegedly glorifying terrorism through social media platforms. The Cyber Police Srinagar identified eight individuals operating adverse social media handles for posting content that promoted terrorism and extremist ideologies, police said. "During cyber surveillance and patrolling, 8 individuals operating adverse social media handles were identified for posting content that promoted terrorism and extremist ideologies. Following the i...

Centre notifies 24 Per Cent hike in salaries for MPs

25/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 24: The Centre on Monday notified a 24 per cent hike in the salaries of members of Parliament with effect from April 1, 2023, on the basis of the Cost Inflation Index, taking their monthly salaries to Rs 1.24 lakh besides certain allowances and perks. A notification issued by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs also increased the daily allowances for sitting members and pension and additional pension for every year of service in excess of five years for former members. The da...

Govt proposes to abolish equalisation levy on online advertisements

25/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 24: The government on Monday proposed to abolish the Equalisation Levy or digital tax on online advertisements as part of the 59 amendments to the Finance Bill 2025, which is being debated in the Lok Sabha. The proposal to remove the Equalisation Levy on online advertisements, according to experts, is aimed at showing an accommodative stance to the US, which has threatened to introduce reciprocal tariffs from April 2. The Equalisation Levy was imposed on online advertisement se...

Man detained under PSA for anti-national activities in Kathua

25/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 24: A man allegedly involved in various criminal and anti-national activities was detained under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) in Kathua district on Monday, police said. Mohd Ayaz, a resident of Lohai-Malhar, was lodged at district jail Udhampur after his detention warrant issued by the district magistrate was executed by police station Malhar, a police spokesman said. “Ayaz is a habitual criminal involved in various illegal and anti-national activities. In order to prevent...

HC orders swapping of two Sessions Judges

25/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 24: The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court order of Swapping of Courts of Special Judge, NDPS, Jammu and Fast Track Court (POCSO). According to the order issued by Shahzad Azeem Registrar General J&K and Ladakh High Court that in the interest of administration, Sunil Sangra, Special Judge, NDPS, Jammu and Yash Pal Sharma, Presiding Officer, Fast Track Court (POCSO), Jammu shall swap their respective place of postings with the explicit condition that they shall handover/takeove...

House passes grants of Agriculture Production, RDD, Cooperative, Election Departments

25/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today passed the Demands of Grants for various departments. The approved grants included Rs. 258369.98 Lakh for Agriculture Production Department, Rs. 122899.58 Lakh for Animal & Sheep Husbandry Department, Rs. 22524.86 Lakh for Fisheries Department, Rs. 475485.95 Lakh for Rural Development Department, Rs. 70429.33 lakh for Horticulture Department, Rs. 35960.43 lakh for Election Department, and Rs. 9642.4 Lakh for the Co-operatives Depa...

SC Collegium recommends transfer of Justice Varma to Allahabad HC

25/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 24: The Supreme Court Collegium on Monday recommended the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma, Judge of the High Court of Delhi, back to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court. The resolution of the Collegium stated, "In its meetings held on 20th and 24th March 2025, has recommended repatriation of Justice Yashwant Varma, Judge, High Court of Delhi, to the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad." The Allahabad High Court Bar Association had raised an objection over the Suprem...

“No court is dumping ground, he should remain in Delhi under close watch of SC”: Allahabad High Court Bar Association

25/03/2025
PRAYAGRAJ, Mar 24: The controv-ersy surrounding Delhi High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma continued to intensify as Allahabad High Court Bar Association on Monday urged the Chief Justice of India (CJI) not to proceed with the transfer of the Justice Varma stressing that no court should be used as a "dumping ground." Speaking to ANI, President of the Allahabad HC Bar Association Anil Tiwari demanded that all judgments delivered by Justice Varma during his tenure be thoroughly reviewed to re...

ENCOUNTER BREAKS OUT IN HIRANAGAR

24/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 23: An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Kathua on Sunday evening, officials said. The encounter started when security forces launched a search operation in Sanyal village near the International Border (IB) in Hiranagar sector following information about the presence of suspected terrorists in the area, the officials said. They said reinforcements have been rushed to the spot and further details are awaited. An official said that security forces la...

Today I am proud that J&K has found its place in film-making: LG Sinha

24/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 23: Lieutenant Gove-rnor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the 'Tawi Filmotsva', organised by J&K Cine Association, at Abhinav Theatre Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to the organizers, participating Film-makers, and everyone associated with the short film festival dedicated to promote local talents. "Cinema is an effective medium of education and a powerful agent of social change. I want our local talent to maintain a balance between enter...

Security forces launch search operation in Poonch after noticing 'suspicious movement'

24/03/2025
POONCH/DODA, Mar 23: Security forces have launched a joint search operation after some 'suspicious movement' was noticed in the general area of Sangla in Surankot, in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. The joint operation was launched by the Indian Army's Romeo Forces along with the Poonch Police, according to the officials. Further details are awaited in the case. Earlier on Thursday, a blast took place near a police vehicle in the Thanamandi area of Rajouri , the Jammu and Kashmir po...

AAI frames panel for on ground assessment for air connectivity to Udhampur

24/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 23: In view of proposal for air connec-tivity to the Udhampur dist-rict, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has framed a committee that will assess on ground situation. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is member of Parliament from Kathua constituency, posted on X, "As a follow up to our proposal for an air flight to land in Udhampur, it has been intimated that in principle there is no objection to this proposal." The Airports Authority of India has constituted a committee o...

Hopeful, solution will be very soon: Justice BR Gavai on SC delegation visit to Manipur

24/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 23: Supreme Court Judge, Justice BR Gavai who led a delegation of SC judges to Manipur has expressed hope that a solution will come out very soon to the situation in the state which has been in the grip of ethnic violence for almost two years. Justice Gavai stated that the affected people living in relief camps in Manipur are in a "good mood" and want to return to normalcy. On the visit of the delegation of Supreme Court Judges to Manipur, Justice BR Gavai told ANI, "The people...

Challenges in Manipur Can be overcome if people abide by Constitution: Justice Kotiswar Singh

24/03/2025
IMPHAL, Mar 23: Supreme Court judge, Justice N Kotiswar Singh, on Sunday asserted that challenges in Manipur can be overcome if people abide by the Constitution, which provides guidance to work in difficult times. He said the Supreme Court judges’ delegation, led by Justice B R Gavai, witnessed much optimism among people during their visit to Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts on Saturday. Speaking at a function to mark the 12th anniversary of the establishment of Manipur High Court, Justi...

3 family members from Mumbai among 4 dead, 21 injured in Ganderbal road accident

24/03/2025
SRINAGAR, Mar 23: Four people, including three members of a family from Mumbai, lost their lives, and 21 others sustained injuries in a road accident in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Sunday morning, officials said. The accident occurred near a CRPF camp at Gund when a passenger bus and an Etios vehicle collided head-on, leaving at least two dozen people injured. The Etios car, which was carrying tourists, suffered severe damage, resulting in the death of four occupants, including...

SC publishes report on alleged cash stash at Judge's residence

24/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 23: In an unprecedented move aimed at ensuring transparency, the Supreme Court has uploaded a report submitted by Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya regarding allegations of a cash stash found at the residence of High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma, who has categorically dismissed the accusations as a "conspiracy". The report, now available on the Supreme Court's official website, includes Justice Varma's response to the allegations along with relevant documents. S...

New Zealand Khalistan issue: PM Luxon asserts commitment to uphold 'freedom of speech'

24/03/2025
WELLINGTON/NEW DELHI, Mar 23: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who was in India for bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi during which the latter raised the issue of "anti-India activities" by Khalistani elements, has asserted New Zealand's commitment to uphold freedom of speech. In an interview with 1News, Luxon was asked whether he was surprised by comments by PM Modi on alleged "anti-India" and "illegal" terrorist activity in New Zealand. Luxon said he wasn't taken by surprise...

Tourism-related infrastructure being developed along Mughal Road

24/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 23: The Jammu and Kashmir government plans to develop tourism-related infrastructure at several scenic locations along the Mughal road, which connects Poonch and Rajouri with south Kashmir’s Shopian, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said. Dubjan, Mughal Sarai, Peer-ki-Gali and Shakroo Keller located on the Mughal Road are known for their natural beauty and scenic landscapes, making them promising destinations for tourism development, Abdullah, who is also minister in-charge Tourism,...

NIA chargesheets four Khalistani Terror operatives in Chandigarh grenade attack case

24/03/2025
NEW DELHI, Mar 23: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted four terror operatives of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist organisation in the September 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack case, an official statement said on Sunday. The accused include Pakistan-based designated terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, and US-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passi, it said. In the chargesheet filed before the Special NIA court, Chandigarh, all four accused persons h...

Canada's PM Carney calls for snap election on April 28

24/03/2025
OTTAWA, Mar 23: Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has moved to dissolve the Parliament and called a snap election for April 28, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday. The move comes less than two weeks after Carney took office, succeeding former Canada PM Justin Trudeau. Carney cited the need for a strong mandate to deal with the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, sparked by President Donald Trump's trade actions, as per Al Jazeera. Following his meeting with the Governor-General...

1,243 Forest Fire Incidents Reported In J&K In 2024-25 Fiscal: Javed Rana

24/03/2025
JAMMU, Mar 23: As many as 1,243 forest fires were reported in Jammu and Kashmir in the 2024-25 financial year, more than double than the previous fiscal but almost identical compared to 2022-23, Forest Minister Javed Ahmad Rana has said. However, most of the incidents are ground fires where only grass and bushes get burnt and tall trees are not affected, he said in a written reply to an unstarred question by the BJP’s Balwant Singh Mankotia in the Legislative Assembly here on Saturday. The mi...

Religion-Based Reservation Violates Constitution: RSS

24/03/2025
BENGALURU, Mar 23: Amid the ongoing debate over the Karnataka government’s decision to provide a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Sunday asserted that the Constitution does not allow religion-based quota. He also said such reservations go against the architect of our Constitution, B R Ambedkar. Addressing reporters here on the concluding day of Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the highest decision making body of the Rash...