JAMMU
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has blacklisted M/s Trinity Reinsurance Brokers Ltd for two years, barring it from all government tenders with immediate effect, citing grave contractual violations, professional misconduct and financial irregularities in the implementation of the Group Mediclaim Insurance Scheme for government employees. Engaged in November 2017 to design and administer the scheme, the firm was responsible for beneficiary enrolment, smart cards, grievance redressal, MIS and support services. A tripartite agreement with Reliance General Insurance was signed in October 2018, following which the government released over Rs 61 crore in premiums for employees and pensioners. Soon after rollout, widespread complaints led to the termination of the contract in December 2018. The Finance Department found that the firm failed to enrol beneficiaries, issue cards, set up IT systems, helplines, offices, awareness camps and grievance mechanisms, and did not assist in reconciling unutilised premiums, causing financial loss.
Cyber frauds worth Rs 184.91 crore were reported in Jammu and Kashmir in 2025, with Rs 32.64 crore recovered.
IRAN
For the third time in the last four years, the Government of India has initiated contingency plans to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Iran amid escalating unrest, safety concerns, and disruptions to communication and air travel. The Foreign Ministry has advised all Indian citizens to leave Iran by available means, while avoiding protest zones and remaining in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran. Over 10,000 Indians, a significant number of them students, are currently residing in the country. The first evacuation flight will fly home students from Golestan University, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, and Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The situation has triggered acute anxiety among parents in Jammu and Kashmir, from where nearly 2,000 students are enrolled in Iranian medical universities. Parents and student bodies have flagged difficulties in accessing essentials, funds, and transport amid civil unrest. The Jammu and Kashmir government has appointed a nodal officer to coordinate with the Centre and diplomatic missions, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been assured by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard students. More than 2000 people have been killed in the unrest triggered by the economic crisis that the sanction-ridden country is facing.
In Kashmir, 324 timber smugglers were booked, 149 FIRs were registered, and 9,600 cubic feet of illicit timber were seized across 14 forest divisions during 2025.
JAMMU
In his 2-day visit, Home Secretary Govind Mohan had an extensive review of the security situation, holding high-level meetings with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and the top leadership of the security grid. During an hour-long interaction at Raj Bhawan, the focus remained on counter-terror operations, operational preparedness, and the evolving threat landscape, particularly in the hilly districts of the Jammu division. He, separately, reviewed ground assessments with the BSF, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army, and intelligence agencies, before chairing a joint meeting to finalise a coordinated strategy. Discussions centred on neutralising foreign militants believed to be hiding in mountainous and forested areas of Jammu, strengthening the anti-infiltration grid, and dismantling Over Ground Worker networks. Border management, drone incursions along the LoC and IB, and enhanced surveillance were also reviewed.
DELHI
A Delhi court has convicted proscribed outfit, Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) chief Aasiya Andrabi and her associates Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen in a UAPA case for conspiring to wage war against India and promoting the secession of Jammu and Kashmir. In a 286-page judgment delivered on January 14, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh held that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) proved the trio were active members of the banned all-women separatist outfit and worked in tandem to spread seditious, inflammatory and anti-India propaganda through speeches, public gatherings and social media. The court found that the accused endorsed and encouraged armed struggle, advocated Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan on religious grounds, and denied allegiance to the Constitution of India. Arguments on sentencing are scheduled for January 17.
SRINAGAR
The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) announced the results of Class 10 and Class 12 for the Kashmir division on the same day, triggering not only widespread celebrations but also a visible surge in local economic activity, particularly in bakeries, sweet shops and gift outlets, as families and neighbours marked student success.
In total, 1,26,367 students from Kashmir appeared jointly in the two examinations, 69,525 in Class 10 and 56,842 in Class 12. Of these, 1,08,335 candidates qualified, reflecting a strong overall academic showing across secondary and higher secondary levels. Class 10 recorded an impressive pass percentage of 87.63 per cent, with 60,927 students clearing the exam. Class 12 posted an overall pass percentage of 83 per cent, with 47,408 students qualifying. Science emerged as the strongest stream, followed by Commerce and Arts, while girls outperformed boys across streams and dominated merit lists. Notably, seven speech- and hearing-impaired students achieved 100 per cent success, underlining inclusive academic progress.
JAMMU
The Jammu and Kashmir administration terminated five Government employees for alleged links with militant organisations, acting on the orders of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. The dismissed officials include a school teacher, a laboratory technician, an assistant lineman, a Forest Department Class-IV employee, and a health department driver. Police dossiers allege their involvement with banned groups, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba, including acting as over-ground workers, facilitating arms procurement, providing logistical support, shelter and transport, and misusing official positions as operational cover. Some are accused of aiding cross-border movement of militants, assisting in high-profile escapes, and plotting attacks on security personnel. Several of the terminated employees are currently lodged in jail, with cases registered under the UAPA, Arms Act and Explosives Act. Since 2021, the government has terminated the services of more than 85 government employees.
KASHMIR
Girls once again emerged as the undisputed academic frontrunners in Kashmir as the JKBOSE declared Class 10 and Class 12 results, with female students topping merit lists, posting higher pass percentages, and dominating top grades across streams and subjects. At the higher secondary level, girls recorded an overall pass percentage of 86 per cent, clearly ahead of boys at 82 per cent. Their dominance was most pronounced in the Science and Commerce streams, where girls not only outperformed boys in pass rates but also swept the top merit positions.
The Science topper, Hafsa Sheikh, scored a perfect 500 out of 500, while girls constituted the overwhelming majority in the first three merit brackets across districts and institutions. In Arts and Commerce too, girls led in distinctions and first divisions, particularly in subjects such as Political Science, Education, Biology, Chemistry, and Accountancy. At the secondary level, girls formed a substantial share of the 15,596 A1 and 12,037 A2 grades secured in Class 10, with strong outcomes in languages, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics. The trend underscores not only academic excellence but a broader social shift, with Kashmiri girls increasingly setting the benchmark for educational achievement.
JAMMU
MRI services in Jammu province’s public healthcare system have come to a halt after the sole MRI machine at GMC Jammu developed a technical fault, exposing the region’s dependence on a single facility despite four new medical colleges. With no alternative government MRI units, patients face delays or costly private scans. The machine is under warranty, engineers are assessing the fault, and repairs may take up to two weeks, with interim private tie-ups being considered.
DELHI
Major Aman Dhar was awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) for exceptional bravery during a counter-terror operation in Sopore, Baramulla, on November 9, 2024. Leading a Quick Reaction Team, he rescued seven civilians, including four children, from a terrorist-held house and later neutralised the militant in close combat. His courage, leadership and presence of mind averted civilian casualties and ensured mission success.
KASHMIR
Ulfat Mushtaq from Rafiabad has created history as the Valley’s first female cyclist to compete at the national level. Beginning with local races, including demanding long-distance events across north and central Kashmir, her performances earned official recognition and set the stage for higher competition. Her breakthrough came with selection for the 29th National Cycling Championship and the National Games of India, followed by participation in the 30th National Championship in Odisha. Currently competing in the Khelo India Asmita Women’s League in Haryana, Ulfat continues to post strong results. Despite limited facilities, she credits passion and perseverance for her progress and urges girls to pursue their dreams and represent Kashmir with confidence and pride.
DELHI
Pandit Bhushan Bazaz, a prominent Kashmiri Pandit leader and advocate of inter-community harmony and Kashmiriyat, died in New Delhi on January 12, 2026, after a prolonged illness. He was 91. Chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Forum, founded by his father Prem Nath Bazaz, Bhushan consistently called for India–Pakistan dialogue and engagement between New Delhi and Srinagar. Known for raising human rights concerns, he earned respect across ideological divides, including among separatist leaders. He opposed a separate Pandit homeland and uniquely engaged Pakistan’s leadership during the 2001 Agra summit. He is survived by his wife and son. Mirwaiz Umer Farooq flew to Delhi to condole the death,
CHATTISGARH
Chhattisgarh Police have formed a special team to trace a Rajnandgaon woman missing for six months, who surfaced in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging she is being held as bonded labour. The case emerged after she contacted her parents from Srinagar seeking rescue. Police are probing claims she was taken by a local youth, abandoned after an advance-payment arrangement for domestic work, and are coordinating her recovery.
DELHI
The Supreme Court has asked the federal investigator, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), to place concrete material on record to justify the continued detention of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah, who has been in custody for over six years in a terror-funding case. Hearing his bail plea, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said prolonged incarceration must be supported by specific facts, including speeches and documentary evidence. Shah’s counsel argued that his activities were political and non-violent, citing his engagements with several former prime ministers on the Kashmir issue and asserting he never incited violence. The NIA sought time to compile documents spread across agencies. Shah, arrested in 2019, faces allegations of funding separatist activities, hawala transactions and incitement. The court posted the matter for further hearing on February 10, warning it may consider relief if the hearing remains inconclusive.
