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Power Shutdown update on 12-08-26 & 13-08-26 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

*Public Notice*
Driving License Skill Test from 10 Aug 2026 shall be conducted on 17 August 2026.

DIG-P JSK RANGE REVIEWS SECURITY PREPAREDNESS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY-2026 AT SAMBA; DIRECTS HEIGHTENED VIGILANCE, SURVEILLANCE & INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION

Samba: August 11, 2026: In view of the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations, a comprehensive Security Review-cum-SMAC meeting was chaired by the DIG-P JSK Range Jammu, Shridhar Patil, IPS along with SSP Samba, Anuj Kumar-IPS at the Conference Hall DPO Samba. The meeting was convened to review and further strengthen the security arrangements for the smooth, peaceful and incident-free conduct of Independence Day-2026 celebrations across District Samba.

The meeting was attended by senior officers and representatives from the Army, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CRPF, GRP, Traffic Police, CID, IB and Police Telecom, besides the Addl. SP Samba, all supervisory officers and SHOs of District Samba.

At the outset, SSP Samba welcomed the chairing officer and participating members and gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the proposed security deployment plan for Independence Day-2026. He briefed the meeting about the point-wise security arrangements being put in place at important locations and venue to ensure the smooth conduct of the Independence Day celebrations.

The SSP further apprised the meeting about the proactive security measures being undertaken by Samba Police, including regular area domination exercises, patrollings, CASOs, mock drills and strengthening of border grid. He also informed the meeting that census and tenant verification drives are being carried out as part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the security grid and maintain close watch over vulnerable and sensitive areas.

Addressing the meeting, the DIG-P JSK Range Jammu appreciated the efforts of Samba Police and all participating CAPFs/security agencies involved in SANJY-2026 for ensuring the smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra so far.

Govt approves ₹5.78 Cr for restoration, preservation of historic Lah Wali Bowli in Rajouri
Initiative to revive architectural heritage, strengthen cultural identity, unlock tourism potential
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 11: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has approved ₹5.78 crore for the comprehensive restoration and preservation of the historic Lah Wali Bowli in Rajouri, marking another significant step towards safeguarding J&K’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
The conservation project will focus on restoring the historic stepwell and its architectural features while preserving its cultural character and historical significance. The initiative is also aimed at enhancing the site’s tourism potential and creating a heritage attraction for visitors to the district.
The approval forms part of the Government’s broader efforts, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to conserve and revitalise historically and culturally significant sites across Jammu & Kashmir.
In recent months, the Government has approved a series of heritage conservation initiatives covering both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. These include the repair and renovation of the historic Rattan Garh Fort in Bhaderwah, Doda; restoration and renovation of Ziyarat Sharief Khiram; repair and renovation of the historic Shiv Mandir at Thajiwara, Bijbehara; and restoration and revival of the historic heritage site of Purmandal in Samba.
Other approved initiatives include the conservation and upgradation of the historic Imambara Zadibal in Srinagar, development of the revered holy spring of Khoo Sahib at Yarwan in Pulwama, restoration of the historic Jamia Masjid Sharief in Shopian, and restoration of the revered Sarvadhar Chaumanda Mata Mandir in Ramban.
The Government’s heritage conservation programme seeks to preserve the architectural legacy of Jammu & Kashmir while integrating heritage sites into the region’s broader tourism and cultural development framework.
The restoration of Lah Wali Bowli is expected to provide a renewed identity to the historic site in Rajouri, while contributing to local tourism and strengthening efforts to preserve the region’s diverse cultural heritage for future generations.

Frame by Frame: The Story tellers’ Meet held at Jammu ahead of 1st IFFJK-2026
DIPR invites Film fraternity to participate in large numbers
JAMMU, AUGUST 10: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) organised Frame by Frame: The Storytellers’ Meet at DIPR Media Complex, Jammu, as a precursor to the upcoming 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK)-2026.
Commissioner Secretary, Information, R Alice Vaz graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and interacted with filmmakers, actors, producers, artists and other stakeholders from the film and media fraternity.
Director Information, Shreya Singhal; Special Secretary, Information, Pawan Singh Rathore; Director Floriculture, Nagendra Jamwal; Director Tourism, Jammu, Vikas Gupta; Additional Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Sonali Arun Gupta; Joint Director Information, Jammu, Deepak Dubey; and prominent members of the film fraternity, including Padma Shri awardee and artist Mohan Singh Slathia, actor Ajay Pal Andotra, director/producer Tariq Khan, line producer Atul Duggal, artist Kusum Tickoo, Rajesh Khajuria of Cine Association of J&K, members from media fraternity, artists, writers and other distinguished were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Secretary Information, R Alice Vaz, described the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir as a landmark initiative aimed at opening a new chapter in the cultural and creative journey of the Union Territory.
“Jammu and Kashmir has a rich and enduring association with cinema. The first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir is an important step towards building on this legacy and creating new opportunities for the film fraternity,” she said.
She said that the department has taken note of the valuable suggestions and expectations put forth by members of the film fraternity during the interaction and assured that these inputs would be duly considered while framing policies and initiatives to facilitate the growth of the film sector in Jammu & Kashmir.
“The department is committed to creating a more conducive and enabling environment for filmmakers, artists and other creative professionals. The suggestions received today will certainly be considered while shaping future initiatives for the benefit of the fraternity,” she added.
R Alice Vaz said that the festival, being organised by DIPR, is envisioned not merely as a platform for film screenings but also as a space for meaningful dialogue, interaction, collaboration and cultural exchange.
She invited filmmakers, producers, directors, actors and other members of the film fraternity to participate in the festival in large numbers, saying that elaborate arrangements have been made for the screenings and associated activities.
“The festival is not only about showcasing films, it is about bringing together filmmakers, producers, artists, audiences and the wider creative community. We want this platform to encourage dialogue, collaboration and new creative possibilities,” she said.
The Commissioner Secretary also underlined the wider potential of the festival in promoting Jammu & Kashmir as an attractive destination for filmmakers and visitors.
“While cinema remains at the heart of the festival, we also expect important collateral benefits, particularly in terms of tourism and showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, culture and creative potential of Jammu & Kashmir to audiences across the country and the world,” she said.
She expressed satisfaction over the enthusiasm displayed by the young artists and members of the creative community and said that their energy and aspirations would be an important part of the festival’s journey.
Director Information, Shreya Singhal, in her address, said that the first IFFJK marks a significant moment for Jammu & Kashmir, which has shared a deep and historic relationship with cinema.
“Jammu & Kashmir has been closely associated with films for decades. For many people across the country and the world, the landscapes and identity of Jammu & Kashmir have been introduced through cinema. It is therefore fitting that the Jammu and Kashmir now hosts an International Film Festival of its own,” she said.
Giving an overview of the festival, the Director Information said that IFFJK-2026 will be held from September 7 to 10 in Srinagar, Jammu and Gulmarg, bringing together actors, producers, directors, writers, cinematographers and other professionals from across India and the world.
She said the festival seeks to establish Jammu & Kashmir as a premier destination for filmmaking while reigniting the spirit of filmmaking in the region.
“The festival seeks to reignite the spirit of filmmaking in Jammu & Kashmir and establish it as a premier destination for filmmakers. At the same time, one of our key objectives is to celebrate and empower the immensely talented young people of J&K associated with the film industry,” she said.
Shreya Singhal said the festival would provide local talent with opportunities to interact with leading voices from the film industry, hone their skills and develop professional networks.
“We want to give our young filmmakers and artists a platform where they can learn, interact with established names and gradually emerge as leading voices themselves,” she said.
She informed that the festival has received an overwhelming response in its maiden edition, with entries coming from more than 80 countries, describing it as a strong indication of the global interest in Jammu & Kashmir as a cultural and cinematic destination.
The Director Information said the festival will feature screenings of feature films, short films and documentaries from international, national and regional cinema, besides masterclasses and technical sessions on contemporary aspects of filmmaking.
She said sessions would cover diverse themes including the filmmaking process, sound and editing, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence in filmmaking, animation and other contemporary areas.
Emphasising the importance of sustained outreach, Shreya Singhal said DIPR has undertaken an extensive publicity and social media campaign through a dedicated team to give the festival a distinct identity and reach audiences beyond the region.
“Our endeavour is that IFFJK should not remain merely a local or regional celebration. We want it to develop its own identity as a distinctive international platform that creates value for filmmakers, artists, audiences, tourism stakeholders and the wider creative ecosystem,” she said.
She added that a dedicated website and application have also been developed to facilitate registrations, film submissions and dissemination of curated festival updates.
The Director Information further informed that gala opening and closing ceremonies would be held on September 7 and 10 respectively, with participation of acclaimed members of the film fraternity.
Earlier, the meet provided an opportunity to members of the film fraternity and creative community to share their views, experiences and suggestions regarding the development of the film sector and the upcoming festival.
They appreciated the Government and Information department for organising 1st IFFJK 2026 in Jammu and Kashmir. They underlined that there is a need to promote local artists also so that they can get due exposure from these kind of grand events.
Pertinently, the 1st IFFJK-2026 is slated to be held from 7th to 10th September, 2026, with an aim to promote artistic excellence, cinematic innovation, and cultural exchange, while fostering a deeper appreciation for world cinema.
In a significant initiative to encourage and promote emerging filmmaking talent from Jammu & Kashmir, the DIPR has also announced the IFFJK Emerging Filmmakers Competition 2026, as part of the festival with registrations for the competition commenced from 6th August, 2026.
The competition is exclusively open to aspiring filmmakers from Jammu & Kashmir and aims to provide a prestigious platform for young storytellers to showcase their creativity, cinematic vision and technical skills through original short films. The last date for submission is August 26, 2026.

Prabhakar Jha takes over Regional Director RBI, UTs of J&K and Ladakh
JAMMU, AUGUST 10: Prabhakar Jha, Chief General Manager has taken over charge as Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh with effect from August 10, 2026.
Before joining RBI Jammu, he was Regional Director of RBI, Panaji Office. Chandrashekhar Azad, former Regional Director has been transferred to RBI Central Office, Mumbai.

CM Omar Abdullah honours 580 outstanding J&K sportspersons with ₹2.71 cr cash awards
Calls for stronger sports infrastructure, greater support for athletes; launches anti-drugs, anti-doping campaign
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented cash awards amounting to ₹2.71 crore to 580 outstanding sportspersons and international athletes from Jammu and Kashmir at a Special Cash Award Ceremony held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here, recognising their achievements in the field of sports.
The cash awards pertain to the years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The Chief Minister personally handed over awards to 22 sportspersons, while the awards to the remaining beneficiaries were disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into their bank accounts.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister congratulated the awardees and said the cash awards marked the beginning of the Government’s efforts to provide greater support and encouragement to sporting talent in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I would like to congratulate all the awardees from the bottom of my heart. This is the result of your hard work,” he said, stressing that athletes can deliver better results when provided with the right facilities, coaching, equipment and training opportunities.
Acknowledging the contribution of parents and families in supporting young athletes, the Chief Minister said efforts would be made to ensure that sportspersons do not face undue financial pressure for coaching, training, equipment and travel.
“We should also increase this gradually, so that our athletes do not have to worry about investing in coaching, training, equipment, travel, etc. We should not put too much pressure on your families and parents,” he said.
Emphasising the need to address gaps in sports infrastructure, Omar Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir must significantly improve facilities at the grassroots level. He pointed to the shortage of synthetic tracks, quality playing surfaces, indoor facilities and other training infrastructure, particularly in mountainous and winter zones where adverse weather limits outdoor training for several months.
The Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir’s altitude was an inherent advantage that could be leveraged to establish high-quality training centres for athletes.
“We have to capitalise on this. We have to use this by establishing high-quality training centres. And we have to pay attention to different sports,” he said.
Calling for greater attention to both established and emerging sporting disciplines, the Chief Minister referred to the recent achievements of J&K sportspersons in cricket and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), stressing the need to maintain a balance in promoting different sports.
He also called for greater support for disciplines beyond cricket and welcomed growing corporate participation in sports, particularly in coaching and athlete development.
Linking sports with the wider effort to keep young people away from drugs, the Chief Minister said sustained investment in sports infrastructure and engagement with youth was essential to making the anti-drug campaign effective.
“Staying away from drugs is not just a slogan for one day a year. Twelve months of that year, seven days a week, and that will only happen when we can give infrastructure to sports and get the attention of the kids,” he said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated J&K MMA fighter Owais Yaqoob for his remarkable victory at BRAVE CF 107 in Bulgaria, where he defeated an unbeaten two-time IMMAF World Champion in a display of skill, determination and grit.
He also launched an anti-drugs and anti-doping campaign by handing over a campaign torch to a sports icon from Jammu and Kashmir. The torch will travel through different schools and areas of Srinagar as part of the awareness campaign.
The Chief Minister said sports icons would play an important role in spreading awareness against drug abuse and doping, while promoting clean and fair competition.
Minister for Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretary Sports Council, sports icons, sportspersons, athletes, coaches, awardees and their parents were present on the occasion.

Movement of heavy axle-load vehicles, including dumpers, buses and other similar heavy vehicles, over the 22-metre span bridge at Nau Devian, Katra has been restricted for 72 hours from 6:00 PM on August 11 to August 13, 2026, as a precautionary safety measure.