Jammu and Kashmir marked the 7th anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A under heavy security across the Valley.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrated August 5 as a landmark in Jammu and Kashmir's integration and development, opposition parties including the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) observed the day as a "Black Day", demanding the restoration of statehood and special constitutional status.

Security was tightened across Srinagar, with checkpoints reinforced and restrictions imposed to prevent protests. Opposition leaders accused authorities of denying them the democratic right to demonstrate, while BJP leaders highlighted improvements in security, tourism, and economic activity since 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described August 5, 2019, as the beginning of a transformative chapter for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, emphasizing peace, prosperity, and development over the past seven years.


Article 370 Anniversary: BJP Celebrates, Opposition Observes Black Day

Security forces recovered 45 scrap shells during a joint search operation in Sopore's Sheer Colony, with authorities launching an investigation to determine their origin and whether any laws were violated.

Security forces recover 45 scrap shells in joint search operation in Sopore

Across the Line of Control, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, residents and independent observers describe persistent shortages in basic services. Health facilities are limited with a doctor-to-population ratio of roughly one to 3,900, well below the World Health Organization’s guidelines.

Seven years after removal of Article 370, J&K expands hospitals & colleges while PoJK is engulfed in violence

The Kulgam killings highlight how terror groups are increasingly targeting vulnerable non-local labourers to spread fear, disrupt economic activity and oppose the settlement of outsiders in Kashmir.

Why militants are targeting non-local workers in Kashmir: Decoding the Kulgam killings

Welcome to today's Top India Headlines, covering the biggest developments from across the country.

Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, Delhi Police has imposed a ban on drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), paragliders, and other aerial platforms from August 2 to August 16. Authorities cited intelligence inputs warning that terrorists or anti-social elements could misuse such platforms to threaten national security.

In Jammu and Kashmir, a cloudburst struck the Doda-Ramban region, while continuous rainfall pushed the Chenab River to dangerous levels. Authorities opened two gates of the Baglihar Dam to regulate rising water inflows, and disaster response teams were deployed as flood alerts remained in effect.

In Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar launched the Freedom From Waste Campaign, urging citizens to participate in keeping the city clean. The campaign was inaugurated near the Kempegowda Statue at the Hebbal Flyover.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana portal. Under the scheme, eligible women will receive ₹2,500 per month in financial assistance. The Delhi Government has allocated ₹5,100 crore for the programme, which is expected to benefit around 17 lakh women.

Delhi Bans Drones Ahead Of Independence Day | J&K Cloudburst | Delhi Launches ₹2,500 Lakshmi Yojana

Farooq Abdullah questioned the timing of the Kulgam migrant killings and called for an investigation, while BJP leader Ravinder Raina criticised his remarks and urged political leaders to stand united against terrorism.

'Whenever we ask for statehood': Farooq Abdullah questions timing of Kulgam migrant killings, BJP hits back

A fresh terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district has heightened security concerns after the Pakistan-backed terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility and threatened more attacks targeting non-local workers in the Valley.

The death toll has risen to two after an injured migrant worker succumbed to injuries at the Government Medical College, Anantnag. The victims were among migrant workers who came under indiscriminate firing by terrorists in the Kalamaria area of Kulgam. Both deceased workers were residents of Chhattisgarh.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, terrorists deliberately targeted non-local workers. Security officials believe the attack was carried out by hybrid terrorists with no prior criminal records. Following the incident, security forces launched a massive search operation, cordoned off the area, and heightened security across the Valley.

Jammu & Kashmir Terror Attack | Security Forces Launch Massive Operation In Kulgam

India's monsoon crisis has intensified after two cloudbursts struck Jammu and Kashmir within hours, triggering flash floods and damaging homes, shops, schools, and commercial establishments.

The first cloudburst hit the Chhatru area of Kishtwar district, while another struck Pahalipora village in Doda district, sending torrents of water and mud through residential areas. Emergency teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and district authorities, launched rescue operations and safely evacuated residents. Authorities have reported no casualties so far, while damage assessments continue.

The latest incidents come as devastating floods continue across several Indian states. Assam remains the worst-affected state, with at least 82 flood-related deaths, while Odisha, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh are also grappling with heavy rainfall and widespread flooding.

Cloudbursts Hit J&K As Monsoon Fury Intensifies | Flash Floods, Assam Death Toll Rises To 82

Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes have long made it one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations. But rapid tourism-driven construction is now raising serious environmental concerns. According to official figures, more than 5,000 hotels have been built across the Kashmir Valley since 2021, with authorities stating that around 90% allegedly lack the required approvals. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Doodhpathri are witnessing a surge in hotels, homestays, and commercial buildings.

Kashmir's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Alarm | 90% of New Hotels Allegedly Illegal

Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes have long made it one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations. But rapid tourism-driven construction is now raising serious environmental concerns. According to official figures, more than 5,000 hotels have been built across the Kashmir Valley since 2021, with authorities stating that around 90% allegedly lack the required approvals. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Doodhpathri are witnessing a surge in hotels, homestays, and commercial buildings.


Kashmir's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Fears | 90% of New Hotels Allegedly Illegal

Kashmir's rapid and largely unregulated tourism-driven construction boom, including a high number of illegal hotels and homestays, is putting forests, water resources and fragile ecosystems at growing risk of irreversible environmental damage.

Kashmir's tourism boom comes at a cost: Forests shrink, illegal hotels rise

A joint search operation was conducted by Kulgam Police, the Army’s 34 Rashtriya Rifles, and the 18 Battalion of the CRPF in the orchards. One AK-56 series rifle, two Chinese-made pistols, 13 hand grenades, two AK-47 rifle magazines, one pistol magazine, and 131 rounds were recovered.

Large cache of arms, ammunition recovered during joint search operation in South Kashmir’s Kulgam

Following the end of the Jantar Mantar protest, Sonam Wangchuk congratulated India's youth and CJP volunteers for maintaining peace throughout the movement. Calling it a victory for democracy, he urged protesters to remain humble in victory and emphasized that one minister's resignation alone cannot transform the nation. Wangchuk appealed for comprehensive education reforms, better governance, accountability, anti-corruption measures, and democratic reforms, while also raising concerns about Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and environmental protection.

Sonam Wangchuk's powerful message after protest victory | Democracy, peace & education reforms

Heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir has triggered landslides, disrupted road connectivity and forced the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, with the IMD warning that another spell of heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected through Thursday.

Rain havoc across J&K: NH-44 shut, landslides block roads

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered devastating flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, killing at least 10 people and leaving many missing. Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, police, and local administration are working round the clock as roads, bridges, and homes have been destroyed. Authorities have issued fresh weather warnings as relief operations continue.

Monsoon fury in Jammu & Kashmir | Deadly flash floods and landslides wreak havoc

The annual Amarnath Yatra is one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimages, drawing thousands of devotees to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. Pilgrims undertake the challenging journey through the Himalayas to offer prayers to the naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam. Extensive security and logistical arrangements are made each year to ensure the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims. The yatra holds deep religious significance and is an important spiritual event in India's annual pilgrimage calendar.

Amarnath Yatra 2026: J&K administration issues advisory as yatra begins

Amarnath Yatra 2026: J&K administration issues advisory as annual Amarnath Yatra begins

The exercise also assessed the effectiveness of communication channels, response time, inter-unit coordination, and compliance with established SOPs.

Anantnag Police enhance Amarnath Yatra security with anti-drone mock drill

During the peak of terrorism in the 1990s, the sound of temple bells across Kashmir was overshadowed by gunfire, forcing thousands of Kashmiri Pandits to flee their ancestral homes. Temples and ashrams that once served as vibrant centres of spiritual and cultural life fell silent.

Emotional homecoming: Kashmiri Pandits gather at historic Habba Kadal Ashram

India rebuked Pakistan at the UNGA for raising Jammu and Kashmir, calling it an internal matter. New Delhi accused Islamabad of spreading false narratives and reaffirmed J&K as an integral part of India.

‘J&K was, is, and will always remain integral part of India’: New Delhi Slams Pakistan at UNGA

Strongly rejecting the references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint press communique issued after the 8th round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India.

‘Unwarranted, categorically reject’: India on reference to Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan-EU statement

Organisers stressed that literature represents only one aspect of a broader civilisational culture and that Jammu and Kashmir deserves a global platform capable of showcasing its rich intellectual and artistic heritage in its entirety.

J&K LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates third edition of Kashmir Literature Festival 2026

On the very first day of the operation, security forces had a brief exchange of fire with the terrorists in the dense forest region. Following the encounter, an extensive search operation was intensified across the area.

Massive search operation continues for seventh day in J&K’s Rajouri

The response came after a China-Pakistan joint statement described Kashmir as an issue “left over from history” and called for its peaceful resolution under the UNSC framework following talks between Xi Jinping and Shehbaz Sharif.

‘Integral and inalienable parts of India’: MEA rejects China-Pakistan ‘unwarranted references’ to J&K