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Jammu and Kashmir

Situated in the northern part of the country and sharing its international border with Pakistan and China, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has largely been known as the area of conflict between various parties, each wanting to assert its dominance and control over the region.

Jammu and Kashmir was one among the many princely States of India which were present during the time when India got its freedom from over 200 years of British rule. It was given a chance to either join India or newly formed Pakistan or exist as an independent individual state. Maharaja Hari Singh, the last regent of the state when faced with a Pakistan backed rebellion decided to join the Indian side and as a result, Jammu and Kashmir officially became a part of India in the year 1954.

Bestowed with the title of ‘heaven on earth’ by Mughal emperor Jahangir, the valley of Jammu and Kashmir is filled with scenic beauty and a variety of flora and fauna. The famous Dal Lake and Saffron and Apple farms, various valleys such as Chenab and liddar as well as various pilgrim sites like Vaishno Devi and Amarnath Temple make the state full of diverse natural resources.

As the place is strategically important for controlling the Northern Valley region, the state has also been the cause of four armed conflicts between India and Pakistan,the last one being at Kargil in 1999. More recently the state was in news after Article 370, which was used for providing special status to the state was revoked in October of 2019 and the state was reorganised as two separate union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

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STORIES

Pak officer claims missiles struck 2 Indian airbases. They don't even exist

While Rajouri is a district in Jammu and Kashmir and does not host any operational Indian Air Force airbase. Mamun, on the other hand, is a military cantonment area near Pathankot, Punjab, not an airbase. Indian users were quick to point out the misinformation and mock the officer for "striking" non-existent military bases.

Pak LeT terrorist with low self-esteem due to baldness arrested after hairline fix

A balding Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist from Pakistan abandoned his mission to spread terror in Jammu and Kashmir after discovering that life in the Valley was far more peaceful and normal than he had been taught in training camps. Struggling with severe hair loss and low self-esteem, he shifted focus from jihad to getting a hair transplant at a Srinagar clinic.

Jailed MP Engineer Rashid gets interim bail for father's funeral

A bench of Justices Prathiba Singh and Madhu Jain said during the interim bail period, Rashid shall always be accompanied by at least two police officials in plainclothes, who shall remain with him from the beginning of the journey from Tihar Jail until his return from Srinagar.

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BJP's Bengal roots traced to the Nehru–Liaquat Pact of 1950

He was the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, and served as president of the Hindu Mahasabha during World War II. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee later resigned from Jawaharlal Nehru’s Cabinet over the pact signed between India and Pakistan, a decision that marked a clear turn in his political course and placed him within the larger narrative of modern India’s political evolution.

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VIDEOS

NEET-UG cancelled after paper leak: Why do paper leaks keep happening?

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate 2026 has been cancelled following a widespread paper leak involving a multi-state organised network. Investigations reveal the paper circulated fifteen days prior to the exam, leading the Central Bureau of Investigation to take over the probe.

Kashmir’s Shias donate cash, gold to Iran amid West Asia war

A wave of solidarity with Iran is sweeping through Kashmir's Shia-majority belt amid the West Asia conflict. Volunteers are conducting door-to-door relief collection drives across towns and villages in the valley, gathering donations that include cash, gold, silver, traditional copper utensils, livestock such as cows and goats, and even cars.

2 Jaish terrorists killed as security forces blow up cave in Jammu and Kashmir

In this Special Report, India Today’s Mir Fareed provides exclusive details on a major counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur. Security forces, including the Army, Jammu Kashmir Police, and CRPF, successfully eliminated two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists who were hiding in a natural cave within a dense forested terrain. Mir Fareed noted, ‘Finally, their luck ran out as security forces used IEDs to blow up the entrance. And with that, they were eliminated.’ One of the deceased has been identified as a top commander, Abu Mavia. The operation involved sophisticated drone surveillance and sharpshooters to pin down the terrorists who had previously evaded capture. The report highlights the evolving tactics of security agencies in tackling infiltrators using the treacherous forest reaches of Jammu. The area is currently being sanitised as per standard operating procedures following the recovery of weapons.

Kashmiri Shawl Sellers Attacked In Uttarakhand; Omar Abdullah Calls Incident 'Unacceptable'

This news report details a distressing incident in Uttarakhand where Kashmiri shawl sellers were allegedly attacked based on their religious and regional identity. The victims claimed that while purchasing snacks, a shopkeeper made casteist and religious remarks, referenced the Pahalgam attack, and physically assaulted them. One individual was reported to be seriously injured during the confrontation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has intervened, speaking with the Uttarakhand Chief Minister and describing the attack as 'unacceptable.' He further urged the Home Ministry to sensitize other states regarding such communal issues. The Congress Party condemned the assault, noting the irony of artisans who create shawls for high-ranking officials facing such harassment. Local police have since registered an FIR and arrested the main accused involved in the case. The programme highlights the growing concerns over the safety of Kashmiri traders and the 'abnormalization' of Kashmir's existence within the country as noted by political leaders.

Omar Abdullah Urges Pushkar Singh Dhami To Ensure Safety Of Kashmiris In Uttarakhand

This report focuses on the recent communication between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami following a mob attack on Kashmiri shawl sellers in Uttarakhand. The incident occurred in the Vikas Nagar area, where a Kashmiri youth was injured and one individual was subsequently detained. During the conversation, Omar Abdullah emphasized that the 'Uttarakhand government and the centre should ensure the safety of Kashmiris' in the state. The attack reportedly involved a mob making objectionable comments against the youth. India Today's Ashraf Ghani provides details on the diplomatic outreach between the two state leaders. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has raised serious concerns regarding the security of Kashmiri traders operating in Uttarakhand, urging the state administration to take proactive measures to prevent such communal incidents and ensure a secure environment for all citizens.

Kashmir Avalanche Alert: Authorities Warn Residents After Heavy Snowfall in the Valley

On this Special Report, the focus is on the critical weather situation in Jammu and Kashmir following heavy snowfall. An Unidentified speaker reports that the 'threat of snow avalanches is looming at large, particularly in the avalanche-prone areas' of the region. The authorities have issued urgent warnings to residents living in hilly terrains to avoid high-risk zones for the next few days. The Jammu and Kashmir disaster management teams have been placed on high alert to respond to any emergencies. The report explains the scientific cause of these disasters, noting that when significant snow accumulates on mountain slopes, the first rays of sunlight can trigger sliding, forming dangerous avalanches. Given that these natural occurrences claim hundreds of lives across Himalayan states annually, the administration is taking proactive measures to ensure public safety. The programme highlights the immediate risks faced by local communities in Srinagar and surrounding hilly districts during this winter season.

Ashraf Wani Reports: Massive Snow Avalanche Hits Sonmarg In Kashmir

On this Special Report, correspondent Ashraf Wani provides details on a massive snow avalanche that struck the Sonmarg tourist destination in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. The chilling footage, caught on CCTV, shows a massive snow slide exhausting close to a hotel zone, which resulted in a significant snow dust cloud covering the area. Ashraf Wani noted, 'After the heavy snowfall, this is the time when these kinds of avalanches hit different areas in the Himalayan region, particularly in the hilly areas of Kashmir Valley.' He further explained that while the completion of the first phase of the Sonmarg tunnel has helped avoid some prone areas, several stretches near the Zojila pass remain active. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported following the incident. The programme highlights the ongoing risks in the Himalayan region during the winter season.

Winter Storm Alert: Heavy Snow In Himachal, Uttarakhand And J&K; US And Canada Face Power Outages

This news bulletin reports on the intense winter conditions across North India and North America. In India, the second snowfall of the season has commenced at Badrinath Dham, while an orange alert in Shimla has led to snow-covered hills and a surge in tourist inflow. The speaker notes that 'Visuals show the holy shrine wrapped in a thick white blanket as temperatures dip sharply.' In Jammu and Kashmir, heavy snowfall in the Pir Panjal mountains has impacted the Kotranka Subdivision, while children were seen enjoying the weather in other districts. Globally, a massive winter storm has left hundreds of thousands without power in the United States, with nearly 200 million Americans under extreme cold alerts. In New York and Toronto, schools remained shut and travel was severely disrupted, with many flights delayed or cancelled due to the icy conditions and heavy snow accumulation.

BSF's Patriotic Display In High-Octane Beating Retreat At Attari-Wagah Border On Republic Day

On this Special Report, India Today’s Kamaljeet Sandhu reports live from the Attari-Wagah border, capturing the high-energy Beating Retreat ceremony on Republic Day. Highlighting the patriotic fervor, Sandhu notes, 'This is where India's United comes alive, a heightened patriotic atmosphere.' The transcript details the synchronized march of the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, including women officers, amidst a crowd of over 20,000 spectators. Sandhu explains that the border gates remain locked due to security protocols following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, marking a shift from past traditions of opening gates and exchanging sweets. The report contrasts the massive, enthusiastic Indian crowd with the lackluster presence on the Pakistani side. The ceremony culminates in the respectful lowering of the tricolour as the sun sets, symbolizing India's strength and commitment to its constitutional values. The BSF remains on high alert along the 553-kilometer Punjab border to thwart drone activities and external disruptions.

Preeti Choudhry and Sandeep Unnithan on Republic Day Parade's Indigenous Military Might

On this Special Report, anchors Preeti Choudhry and Sandeep Unnithan provide a detailed commentary on the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path. Preeti Choudhry highlights the 'chatak chaal' of the marching contingents, noting, 'The chatak chaal is on full display here on Kartavya Path, Preeti, and you know it is such a tough competition every year to judge the best marching contingent.' The bulletin showcases the diverse animal contingents, including the Zanskar ponies, Mudhol hounds, and the double-humped Bactrian camels used in the Siachen Glacier. Sandeep Unnithan provides insights into the newly raised Bhairav commando battalions, describing them as specialized light infantry units for conventional operations. The discussion also covers the historical significance of the Assam Regiment and the role of the Indian Army in 'Operation Sindoor' in May 2025. The programme emphasizes the blend of traditional animal power and modern machine power within the Indian Armed Forces.