JAMMU LINKS

Jamia Milia Islamia to resume student union elections after two decades, and days of protests

Jamia Millia Islamia plans to conduct students' union elections within 15 days after the constitution's approval. Protests for restoring the elected student body have been ongoing for nearly two weeks. Students launched an indefinite hunger strike and demanded a clear election schedule. The university has formed a committee to draft the new constitution while addressing the union's past dissolution.

Bank holiday tomorrow, October 26: Banks to remain closed in select cities, check state-wise list

Bank holiday tomorrow, October 26, 2026, will affect select cities, including Agartala, Chandigarh, Jammu, Shimla and Srinagar, for regional observances. Banks are not scheduled to close nationwide. Check the state-wise list to see where branches are expected to remain shut and whether your local bank is likely to operate as usual.

First terrorism, then Naxalism, now drugs: By 2029, Amit Shah sets hard deadline to wipe out India’s narcotics menace & Punjab crisis

Union home minister Amit Shah has set December 31, 2029, as the target to make India drug-free, saying the Centre will focus on tackling the narcotics menace after its fight against terrorism and armed Naxalism. Speaking on Police Commemoration Day, Shah also credited security forces for their role in LWE-affected regions. Around 7,000 people from 126 districts affected by left-wing extremism will attend the Ekta Diwas parade in Gujarat on October 31.

India eyes a $20 billion pot of gold in New Zealand as its trade pact goes live

The free trade agreement between India and New Zealand promises to promote trade and enhance professional movement. While some goods may enjoy duty-free status, a significant rise in merchandise exports might take time. However, New Zealand's engagement in several service sectors holds potential benefits for Indian companies. The agreement also opens up new job opportunities for Indian students and creates pathways for skilled professionals.

Railways' Big Kashmir Plan: New warehouses near Anantnag & Pampore stations to help apple growers and saffron traders reach bigger markets

Northern Railway has invited tenders to develop warehouses near Anantnag and Pampore railway stations in Kashmir under its Cargo Related Facility policy. The facilities, along with a proposed warehouse at Bari Brahmana near Jammu, aim to improve storage, reduce transportation costs and support apple growers and saffron traders.

Army Major's wife, ChatGPT, Claude & China links: How this Indian woman landed in the middle of Jammu espionage probe

An Army officer’s wife has been booked in Jammu in an alleged espionage case for reportedly preparing research papers on sensitive national security issues using AI tools ChatGPT and Claude. Officials, as cited by PTI, alleged that she was in contact with foreign nationals, including individuals suspected of links to Chinese intelligence agencies. Her mobile phone has been seized for forensic examination, and investigators are probing whether sensitive information was shared.

Delhi Police prevents potential losses of Rs 1.53 crore in five 'digital arrest' scams

Delhi Police successfully intervened to stop significant financial losses from digital arrest scams in various states. The Financial Monitoring Cell traced suspicious transactions and contacted victims to prevent further payments. Several elderly people were targeted, with some initially transferring large sums of money out of fear. Intervention efforts included counseling and assisting victims in filing complaints with local cybercrime helplines.

ECI finally restores special summary revision of electoral rolls for Gen Z voters

Election Commission of India has announced the resumption of the special summary revision of electoral rolls. This decision affects 17 states and Union Territories and ensures new voter registrations. Integrated draft electoral rolls will be published on November 12, allowing time for claims and objections. Final electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on January 4, 2027, aligning with upcoming assembly polls.

Chenab railway bridge to open new tourists viewing deck; vistors will see Himalayan peaks from the world’s highest railway arch bridge standing 359 metres above riverbed

World's highest rail bridge: Indian Railways is setting up a dedicated viewing deck and an engineering museum near the Chenab bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. Standing 359 metres above the riverbed, the world's highest railway arch bridge will now offer tourists sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks alongside detailed exhibits on how the structure was built.

Jammu and Kashmir Dy CM Surender Choudhary dismisses resignation reports, says cabinet expansion is leadership's call

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary clarified that no ministers have been asked to resign. He addressed the media after his visit to Kali Mata Mandir during the Navratra festival. Choudhary encouraged news outlets to focus on significant issues rather than political speculations about cabinet expansion. He stated that decisions regarding ministerial changes are for the Chief Minister and National Conference president to make.

Vande Bharat races across world’s highest Chenab & first cable-stayed Anji bridges at 100 kmph as Katra-Banihal speed limit rises from 75 to 100 kmph

Vande Bharat milestone: The maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal railway section has been increased from 75 kmph to 100 kmph. A Vande Bharat Express successfully crossed the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, at 100 kmph. The speed upgrade is expected to reduce travel time and improve connectivity under the USBRL project.

Linking flydubai co-pilot to Oman establishment ‘uncalled for’, sources say

Linking the flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the pilot and attempting to crash the Tel Aviv-bound flight to Oman’s establishment or Royal Family is “completely uncalled for” and called for a thorough probe into his background, diplomatic sources told ET.

Jammu and Kashmir government notifies Electric Vehicle Policy 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government notified the Electric Vehicle Policy 2026 after its approval by the council of ministers chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The policy has set a six-year roadmap to expand sustainable electric mobility across the state, which also caters to its geography and climate. It targets 1.40 lakh electric vehicles by 2032. The policy also brings in infrastructure and regulatory enhancements.

Hashim Musa, LeT terrorist and one of the key plotters of Pahalgam attack, eliminated in army operation

A joint team of the Army, police and security forces killed top Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Mohammad Asif, widely known as Hashim Musa, in an encounter in the upper reaches of Yousmarg, about 60 km from Srinagar.

Election Commission rolls back SIR add-on in Form 6 for new voters in states where revision is complete

The Election Commission has withdrawn the additional SIR-related declaration from Form 6 in states where SIR is completed. This decision followed the September 26 meeting among Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The declaration requirement will only apply during the Special Intensive Revision period moving forward. Sandhu and Joshi had raised multiple objections regarding modifications to the Form 6 process.

"Vote theft is theft of democracy": Congress' Rakesh Sinha backs SC plea seeking SIT probe against CEC amid SIR row

Congress leader Rakesh Sinha has filed a plea in the Supreme Court against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This plea raises serious concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral process and claims crores of voters were deprived of their rights. The opposition has intensified its criticism of the Election Commission amid the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

'Voices are rising from within EC': Pawan Khera says CEC 'safety lies in resigning' amid SIT row

Congress leader Pawan Khera has called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amidst ongoing electoral controversies. A Supreme Court plea has been filed seeking an investigation into Kumar's alleged unilateral decision-making in the Election Commission. Opposition parties have expressed concerns over electoral transparency and have demanded accountability from the Election Commission. Protests have erupted nationwide, with Congress workers advocating for fair electoral practices and accountability.

'A terrorist country is asking me that question, come on': Jaishankar's blunt retort to Pakistani reporter at UN briefing in New York

S Jaishankar firmly responded to a heckling question from a Pakistani reporter at a press conference. The event was held during the High Level Week at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. India continues to emphasize Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism and urges credible actions against it. Recent attacks, including the Pahalgam terror attack, were acknowledged internationally for their severity.

'Pakistan spreads lies on the world forum': Defence expert Anil Gaur backs Jaishankar's response to Pak reporter

Defence expert Captain Anil Gaur supported Jaishankar's condemnation of Pakistan's actions concerning terrorism. Gaur highlighted Pakistan's admission of needing to control its terrorists during a UN address. Jaishankar firmly responded to a Pakistani reporter at a press conference regarding terrorism queries. India's actions against cross-border terrorism have garnered international recognition and resulted in increased scrutiny on Pakistan.

33 hours to 12, 14 to 6 & 8 to 30 minutes: How Vande Bharat trains, expressways, bridges & new-age infrastructure are shrinking travel times

India travel time reduction: India’s expanding network of bridges, tunnels, expressways and faster trains is significantly cutting travel times across major routes. From the Delhi-Mumbai journey targeted to fall from 33 hours to 12 and the Delhi-Katra trip from 14 hours to six, to the Kosi Rail Mahasetu cutting an eight-hour journey to 30 minutes, infrastructure projects are reshaping connectivity. Vande Bharat services and planned high-speed rail corridors are expected to bring further reductions in journey times.

Village heads of Ladakh get more than three-fold hike in emoluments

Ladakh village heads' monthly pay has been increased significantly. The emoluments for these local leaders have risen more than three-fold. This revision marks the first increase in ten years for the village heads. The decision aims to provide greater financial support and strengthen governance. This enhancement recognizes their crucial role linking administration and villagers.

NIA raids 10 locations across Jammu & Kashmir in LeT-linked terror conspiracy case

NIA raids 10 locations in Jammu and Kashmir in LeT-linked cross border terror case

In a significant operation, the National Investigation Agency executed searches at ten different locations in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing ties to a cross-border terror plot involving handlers from Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba. Incriminating materials were gathered and are under scrutiny. This investigation was initiated following the arrest of an Over Ground Worker discovered with a grenade and ammunition, with the goal of exposing the full extent of the cross-border terrorism infrastructure.