Sports

Kane Williamson announces retirement from International Cricket

SRINAGAR — New Zealand’s most prolific all-format run scorer and arguably greatest ever batsman Kane Williamson has confirmed his retirement from international cricket effective immediately. Williamson’s announcement brings an end to a glittering 16-year international career that has seen him play 378 games for his country, setting countless batting records and earning the respect and […]

Kashmir

Tourist arrivals surge post-2019; over 7.85 crore visitors recorded in J&K from 2023–25: Govt

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp surge in tourist arrivals in the post-2019 period, with over 7.85 crore tourists visiting the Union Territory between 2023 and 2025, compared to 4.76 crore visitors during 2016–18, the government informed the Assembly on Friday. Replying to a written question by NC MLA Javid Hassan Baig, […]

Politics

Waheed Para questions pending Rs 270 crore under Marriage Assistance, Ladli Beti schemes in J&K

JAMMU — PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Friday questioned the non-release of Rs 270 crore under the Marriage Assistance and Ladli Beti schemes over the last three financial years, including the current one, alleging that large portions of the announced funds remain stuck in the treasury. Taking a dig at the National Conference-led government, Para […]

Jammu

IMD plans hyper-local weather system for Himalayan states, two districts from J&K: Omar Abdullah

JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday said the India Meteorological Department is planning to roll out a hyper-local weather forecasting system for Himalayan states, with special focus on early warnings for cloudburst-induced rainfall. Replying to a question by National Conference MLA Sajad Shaheen in the Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the […]

Politics

Indo-US trade deal will hurt farmers, orchardists in J&K, Himachal: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

SRINAGAR — Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, on Thursday said the interim Indo-US trade deal has shattered the dreams of farmers and orchardists, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, warning that its full impact will be felt in the coming years. Speaking to reporters, Sukhu said both regions share similar […]

Governance

Climate response now a ‘compulsion’ for J&K; Omar bats for dedicated department

JAMMU — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said climate response has become a “compulsion” for Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need for a structured and institutional approach to address climate change. Replying to the discussion on Demands for Grants in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdullah said last year’s extreme weather events including, […]

Biz-Tech

SCARD Bank not bankrupt; liquidation initiated due to financial distress, says J&K Govt

JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday clarified that the State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development (SCARD) Bank Ltd has not been declared bankrupt, but liquidation proceedings have been initiated in accordance with law due to prolonged financial and operational distress. Replying to questions by legislators Dr Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, Vikram Randhawa, Surjeet […]

Governance

J&K Assembly passes Rs 74,690 crore grants for 13 departments; CM outlines fiscal, governance roadmap

JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed grants amounting to Rs 74,690 crore for 13 departments, including Finance, Power and Housing, after two days of extensive deliberations in the House. The Assembly also approved 19 supplementary grants totalling Rs 3,523 crore. Replying to the discussion on Demands for Grants, Chief Minister […]