Border polling booth

J&K names Shantmanu as SEC; Panchayat, ULB elections likely soon

The J&K administration has appointed former IAS officer Shantmanu as State Election Commissioner, ending a key vacancy that had stalled local body polls. With the tenure of Panchayats, Municipal bodies, and DDCs nearing or already expired, the move is expected to accelerate preparations for long-pending Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections, likely in 2026. Feb 19, 2026
schools

Nearly 15,000 teaching posts acant in J&K, govt tells Assembly

The J&K government informed the Legislative Assembly that 14,943 teaching posts, including 12,977 teachers and 1,946 Masters, are lying vacant across the Union Territory. While the Jammu division accounts for the majority of vacancies, the government said promotional posts are being filled through departmental committees. Feb 18, 2026
J&K team

J&K on brink of maiden Ranji Trophy final; 83 runs from scripting history

J&K is within touching distance of a historic maiden Ranji Trophy final after bundling out Bengal for 99 in the second innings of the semifinal. Chasing 126, J&K are comfortably placed at 43/2 with two days remaining. Pace spearhead Auqib Nabi and Sunil Kumar shared eight wickets to put the team firmly in control. Feb 17, 2026
New AI tool analyses DNA for faster, affordable cancer monitoring

Cancer Cases Surge in J&K, Over 32,000 Patients Reported in Three Years

Cancer is emerging as a growing health challenge in Jammu and Kashmir, with 32,425 cases reported over the past three years, according to data shared in the Assembly. While specialised treatment is available at SKIMS Soura and GMC Jammu, limited facilities in district hospitals and a steady annual rise in cases have raised concerns about access and preparedness. Feb 14, 2026
LG Manoj Sinha

Pratham Pooja for Amarnath Yatra 2026 on June 29; Insurance Cover Doubled to ₹10 Lakh

The SASB has announced that the Pratham Pooja for the 2026 Yatra will be held on June 29 on Jyeshtha Purnima. In its 50th meeting, chaired by LG Manoj Sinha, the Board approved doubling accidental insurance cover to ₹10 lakh, strengthening infrastructure on Baltal and Pahalgam routes, enhancing medical and disaster preparedness, and introducing laser shows in Jammu and Srinagar to showcase spiritual heritage. Feb 13, 2026