Jammu & Kashmir

A nomadic Bakerwal family's tent in Kulgam was struck by a falling tree and boulders due to strong winds and rain. The incident killed a father and daughter and injured two other family members. The injured are hospitalized in stable condition.

Ladakh is launching a tourism campaign to attract visitors. The administration plans to partner with Bollywood stars and social media influencers to promote its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism, aiming to establish Ladakh as a premier global travel destination.

Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University faces a critical faculty shortage. Over 60% of teaching posts are vacant, including all professor positions. Junior staff are overburdened, impacting education quality and administrative functions. Numerous support staff positions are also unfilled.

Engineer Rashid, a newly elected MP, seeks to modify a Delhi High Court order requiring him to pay for custodial escort while attending Parliament, arguing it hinders his ability to represent constituents. He claims he didn't consent to the cost and previously attended without expense. The court will hear the matter further on August 12.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration banned 25 books, including works by Arundhati Roy and AG Noorani, citing false narratives and secessionism. The government claims these books mislead youth, glorify terrorism, and incite violence, contributing to radicalization.

The CIK arrested two individuals in Delhi, alleging they facilitated terror funding for Lashkar-e-Taiba from across the LoC. Raids on a textile business uncovered a cross-border financial network using couriers and hawala channels. Digital evidence suggests links to Pakistani handlers and Gulf-based sympathizers.

Hanle, Ladakh, India's first Dark Sky Reserve, is training locals as astro-ambassadors to guide stargazers. This initiative, supported by local authorities, boosts tourism and local income. Efforts are underway to manage light pollution and preserve the dark sky, a key element of the village's identity.

An anti-terrorist operation in Kulgam district entered its sixth day. Security forces, using drones and helicopters, are battling terrorists in a forest area. Two terrorists have been killed, and at least two security personnel were injured. The identities of the slain terrorists are unknown.

The PDP welcomed Omar Abdullah's call for statehood in Jammu and Kashmir but criticized its focus on statehood alone. The PDP believes restoring Articles 370 and 35A, which define the region's special status, is crucial and accuses the NC of downplaying this issue. They view the statehood emphasis as aligning with the BJP's agenda and pledge to fight for complete restoration of rights.

Lt Gen PK Mishra, GOC of the White Knight Corps, reviewed security in Poonch district. He focused on operational dominance and integrated threat response to counter enemy actions. He commended the troops' morale and readiness.

Prime Minister Modi will launch a Vande Bharat Express train connecting Katra and Amritsar on August 10th. Train 26406 will travel from Katra to Amritsar, and Train 26405 will run the reverse route, six days a week. The train offers faster travel for those visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine.

Omar Abdullah is urging national parties to support a bill restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood in the current Parliament session. He emphasizes the promise made to the people and welcomes the Supreme Court hearing on the matter. He hopes for statehood restoration, either through the government or the court.

2 terrorists have been killed while at least two security forces personnel were injured in the gunfight which began on Friday

Accident took place near Jakhani along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway    

Malik had denied receiving Mufti’s letter claiming NC, Cong support

An anti-terror operation in Kulgam forests entered its fifth day, involving the police, army, and CRPF. One militant's body was recovered, with a second likely killed. Security forces are using helicopters, drones, and special forces against an estimated five militants, hampered by the dense forest. Top officials are overseeing the operation.

The Supreme Court will hear a petition on August 8th regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Petitioners argue delaying statehood violates federalism. The Court previously upheld the abrogation of Article 370 but stated statehood should be restored 'at the earliest.' Elections were held in 2024.

PDP, NC, Congress accuse Centre of betrayal; BJP hails development post abrogation

Jammu and Kashmir launched an enforcement drive against pharmacies to ensure legal compliance. Inspections led to the cancellation of eight licenses and the disallowing of 75 retail establishments due to violations. Over 500 drug samples were collected for testing, and drugs worth ₹8.4 lakh were confiscated.

MLAs met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss constituency issues, including infrastructure, public services, and welfare schemes. They urged for swift action on public demands and the reopening of tourist destinations. The MLAs thanked the Chief Minister for extending the power amnesty scheme. Abdullah assured the government's commitment to addressing concerns.

Udhampur students are making rakhi and cards for soldiers this Raksha Bandhan, their first after Operation Sindoor. They honor soldiers who protected the nation, especially those involved in the retaliatory strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack. IIT Jammu also hosted a session on Operation Sindoor.

Amir Khan, also known as Meedu, was arrested in Udhampur under the PIT-NDPS Act. He's accused of drug peddling. The police obtained detention orders from the appropriate authority for his arrest.

J&K Police held a 'Day of Resolution for Freedom from Corruption' across the Valley. Pledge ceremonies were organized at police establishments where officers pledged to uphold honesty and accountability in public service.

The Economic Offences Wing in Kashmir achieved convictions in two cases. In the first, two individuals were convicted of defrauding a foreigner of Rs 34 lakh. In the second, seven were convicted for forging class X marks cards. All convicted received two-year imprisonment and fines.

A Central University of Jammu engineering student, Kaif Ahmed, was arrested for running an illegal arms racket. He supplied at least 11 firearms to gangsters, including pistols trafficked from Bihar. Police recovered a pistol and are investigating his criminal network and potential links to Punjab.