Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed support for the Centre's decision to levy charges on UPI transactions, citing the cost of maintaining the digital payment infrastructure. However, he emphasised the need to protect retail consumers from these fees. Abdullah also discussed the upcoming seven-day Assembly session, highlighting the government's commitment to smooth functioning and addressing MLAs' concerns, and touched upon efforts to tackle drainage issues affecting water bodies.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah surprised attendees at the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) tournament in Srinagar by spontaneously singing the iconic Lata Mangeshkar song "Lag ja gale". His impromptu performance drew significant applause. Later, Abdullah addressed the audience, commending golfers and urging youth to work hard and avoid alcohol to achieve sporting excellence. He also mentioned government support for improving the Royal Springs Golf Course.
The Supreme Court has agreed to dissolve the marriage of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his estranged wife Payal Abdullah. The decision came after both parties submitted an application under Article 142 of the Constitution, indicating a settlement and mutual agreement to end their marriage, overturning previous lower court rulings that had denied the divorce.
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP has served a legal notice to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, demanding a retraction and public apology for his allegations that the BJP attempted to bribe National Conference legislators to destabilise his government. The BJP has called the claims "false, baseless and defamatory" and warned of civil and criminal proceedings, including a Rs 100 crore defamation suit, if their demands are not met within seven days.
Omar Abdullah has so far laboured hard to make best of a bad bargain. Even so, the ground reality is anything but reassuring. The Opposition parties, including notably the PDP, appear to be gaining ground, though more by default. Public patience with Omar's government has nearly run out, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.
P B Chandra reports from Kabul on the Afghan presidential election, that has entered a run-off stage for the first time. The battle now is between the two frontrunners Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, with Abdullah holding the edge.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Budgam district, describing it as shocking and deeply distressing.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated 14-year-old boxer Mohammad Yasser from Rajouri on winning a gold medal at the Asian U-15 Boxing Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
A man accused of attempting to assassinate National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has been remanded to police custody for questioning. The incident occurred as Abdullah was leaving a wedding function in Jammu.
Police in Jammu have launched a detailed investigation into the background and motives of Kamal Singh Jamwal, who allegedly attempted to assassinate former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah at a wedding function.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee has strongly condemned the attack on former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and called for accountability from those responsible for maintaining law and order.
The incident took place in the posh Greater Kailash locality when Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary were coming out after attending the marriage function.
Veteran politician Farooq Abdullah survived an assassination attempt during a marriage function in Jammu. Security concerns have been raised following the incident.
Veteran politician Farooq Abdullah survived an assassination attempt at a wedding in Jammu, raising concerns about security protocols for high-profile individuals. Abdullah attributes his survival to divine intervention and the bravery of his security detail, while calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and the apparent lack of police presence.
An attempt on the life of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah was thwarted while he was attending a marriage ceremony in Jammu. Police have arrested the suspect and seized the weapon.
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah cheered from the stands KSCA Cricket Ground in Hubbali on Saturday as the J&K cricket team inched closer to a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced a resolution in the assembly demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood for the union territory. The resolution, which referenced previous autonomy resolutions, led to intense protests and "ugly scenes" from opposition BJP members, resulting in the adjournment of the House. Abdullah highlighted the unfulfilled promise by the Government of India regarding statehood after delimitation and elections.
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood, a move that saw the opposition BJP stage a walkout. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved the resolution, which also referenced previous calls for greater autonomy and special status. The BJP vehemently opposed the resolution, calling it an insult to the Constitution.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated a thorough inquiry into allegations of misconduct against IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, who is accused of using abusive language towards a female JKAS officer during a recent virtual review meeting, an incident that has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for strict action.
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has voiced his concern over the escalating violence in West Asia, urging all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and protect civilian lives.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has affirmed his government's commitment to a transparent recruitment process, aiming to fill 25,000 vacancies this year while avoiding legal complications.
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly has passed a resolution demanding the immediate restoration of full statehood, a move that saw protests and a walkout by BJP legislators. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the Centre's repeated assurances of restoration at an 'appropriate time'.
Saudi Arabia defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-0 to win the 27th Gulf Cup, marking their first title in 22 years. Goals from Hammam Al Hammami and Feras Al Brikan secured the victory, with the Saudi team maintaining a clean sheet throughout the tournament.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore for the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team following its maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah stated that displaced Kashmiri Pandits are welcome to return to their homes in the Valley, but expressed doubt that they would want to return permanently.
Omar Abdullah states that normalisation of relations with Pakistan is difficult due to terror incidents and lack of a credible civilian partner in Islamabad.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor's Dal Lake shikara ride and remarks on J&K signal a warmer US approach towards the Union Territory.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced he would meet US Ambassador Sergio Gor to discuss the regional situation but firmly stated he would not raise internal issues with the US representative. Abdullah emphasised that solutions to J&K's problems lie with the central government, not with foreign entities, maintaining his stance against complaining about India to foreign diplomats.
US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, announced during his visit to Srinagar that the United States would reconsider its travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the efforts by the central government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in enhancing safety in the region, expressing hope that more Americans would visit the "incredibly beautiful place." Gor also met with CM Abdullah to discuss strengthening US-J&K relations.
The BJP has initiated a motion to remove the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather. This action stems from the Speaker's decision to allow a resolution by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah demanding full statehood restoration, which the BJP claims violates assembly rules. The Speaker, however, defended his actions, citing procedural rules for such motions.
A special NIA court in Jammu has issued a non-bailable warrant against Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Saifullah, a key figure linked to several major terror attacks, including the 2025 Pahalgam massacre. The warrant follows the busting of a deep-rooted LeT module and evidence linking Saifullah to providing weapons, funds, and directions for attacks in Kashmir.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has rejected a petition by the Enforcement Directorate to add charges of receiving and concealing stolen property in the alleged Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association fund scam. While the court upheld the ED's right to file such an application, it found insufficient merit in the current material to invoke sections 411 and 424 of the Ranbir Penal Code, stating that the alleged acts were part of the principal transaction of conspiracy and breach of trust.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expresses dwindling hope for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, citing delays and governance challenges in the Union Territory setup.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has renewed his call for the restoration of special status and statehood to the region, asserting that the decision to accede to India 80 years ago was correct. He highlighted the importance of upholding India's federal structure and suggested that if Article 370 hadn't been revoked, PoK residents might be seeking reunification. Abdullah also criticised centralised governance models, arguing they erode state autonomy.
Tensions have emerged within Jammu and Kashmir's ruling alliance between the National Conference and Congress over the full rendition of Vande Mataram at an official state event. While the NC defends it as a "statutory obligation," the Congress expresses strong disapproval, citing historical resolutions and the need to respect India's pluralistic ethos.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Paralympics medallist Sheetal Devi for winning a gold medal at the World Archery Para Series Stage III in Ahmedabad. The 19-year-old from Kishtwar also secured a bronze in the mixed team event, making the nation proud.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh clarified his stance on his political future and loyalty to the BJP, stating it is his duty to voice his feelings about Punjab to the party, but this does not imply he is quitting. He also reflected on his long political career and the current "difficult times" while attending a book launch.
Indian squash players Anahat Singh and Ramit Tandon secured victories in their respective first-round matches at the London Squash Classic, a PSA Gold event.
Umar Ganie captures glimpses of Srinagar's Waste to Wonder Flower Garden.
