Here are today's top India news headlines.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir busted a terrorist hideout during a joint operation in Poonch district, recovering a large cache of Pika rifle ammunition before destroying the hideout.

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the immediate deployment of a central team to assess the state's worsening drought situation caused by a major monsoon rainfall deficit.

In Kalaburagi, Karnataka Police foiled the escape attempt of a POCSO convict after he and two other prisoners broke out of jail. One accused sustained a bullet injury during the police operation.

Heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods and severe soil erosion in Assam's Chirang district, leaving several families displaced and damaging homes, farmland, and village infrastructure.

FBI declares indian gangster most wanted | J&K terror crackdown | Jaishankar meets EU Leaders

J&K Police have filed an FIR in Baramulla Police Station against Idarah Fallah-u-Darain for alleged unlawful activities. Following specific intelligence inputs, police conducted multiple coordinated raids at various premises, offices, and assets linked to the association.

Baramulla police crack down on two local organisations over unlawful activities and financial irregularities

The SIA said the recoveries indicate possible unlawful possession and suspected linkages with extremist or anti-national elements, and that seized arms, ammunition, and digital devices will undergo forensic and technical examination to trace their origin and any links to proscribed outfits.

SIA raids Kashmir Times office in Jammu, recovers ‘arms and ammunition’; media outlet calls it attempt to silence independent journalism

Shopian Police issued an advisory urging citizens to use social media responsibly. They highlighted instances of insensitive posts and reactions to the recent tragic incident at the Red Fort, terming such conduct as anti-national and deeply offensive. 

J&K Police register FIR in Shopian over circulation of sensitive content on social media

Prominent candidates include NC's Aga Syed Mahmood and PDP's Aga Syed Muntazir, alongside Syed Mohsin (Bharatiya Janata Party), Nazir Ahmed Khan (Awami Ittehad Party), Deeba Khan (Aam Aadmi Party), and independent contender Muntazir Mohiuddin.

J&K By-Elections: NC faces PDP onslaught in historic Budgam stronghold; BJP's dynasty bid in Nagrota after Rana's tragic loss

Earlier, acting on precise intelligence, authorities backed by the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) Anantnag raided the college premises and recovered another AK-47 assault rifle along with ammunition from Dr. Rather’s personal locker at GMC Anantnag.

J&K police foils major terror plot: 360kg of IED material seized after doctor-turned-JeM operative’s tip-off; another medic detained

Several OGWs and suspected associates were detained for interrogation to establish their roles and connections. Incriminating materials and digital devices were seized for forensic analysis.

J&K police intensifies crackdown: Major raids in Kulgam and Sopore target OGWs, terror sympathisers, and cross-border handlers

The action is part of a sustained strategy against funding, logistics, and local facilitation provided to active terrorists. Several suspects have been booked under preventive detention laws, while security proceedings have been initiated against others to curb anti-national activities.

Jammu & Kashmir Police intensify crackdown on terror support networks in Sopore and Handwara

During routine vehicle checking, a Police team from Police Station Khanyar intercepted a black Royal Enfield motorcycle without a registration number. On being signalled to stop, the rider and two pillion passengers attempted to flee but were tactfully apprehended 

Srinagar police foil terror plot; three accused arrested with arms and ammunition

Drung Waterfall close to Gulmarg has frozen completely and turned into a movie scene from the Film Frozen. Hundreds of tourists are visiting the area to witness the unique scene of the frozen waterfall and the whole place looks no less than a winter wonderland.



Cold wave leads to freezing of key water bodies in India's Jammu & Kashmir

The harshest period of cold called ''Chilai Kalan'' is yet to start in the Kashmir Valley but the continuing dip in temperatures has led to severe cold wave conditions across the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Images of terrorists who waged a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal on Sunday (Oct 20) have surfaced now in local media. The attack targeted a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway, killing six labourers and a doctor.

India: Image of terrorist behind Ganderbal attack surfaces, his AK series rifle raises concerns

In North Kashmir’s Gurez area of Bandipora District, cricket enthusiasts aren’t giving up playing cricket despite heaps of snow and minus-degree temperatures. These local cricket lovers from the bordering village known as Markoot, Gurez have started a Cricket tournament on the Ice pitch surrounded by the snowclad mountains.

India: Ice cricket tournament organised in North Kashmir, amid cold temperature

Three soldiers of the Indian Army were killed in North Kashmir's Kupwara district's Machil sector after slipping into a deep gorge. The soldiers were a part of a regular operational task in the Machhal Sector and due to inclement weather and tough terrain, the soldiers slipped into a deep gorge and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

India: Three Indian Army soldiers killed in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district

Christmas decorations hanging on the Christmas trees on the occasion of Christmas. Walls and ceilings of homes and offices are also decorated. But we know as to where these Christmas balls and other paraphernalia related to Christmas is actually made.

Kashmir's Christmas Art Wows Customers

In a significant development, the Indian army chief is on a visit to Jammu and Kashmir for 2 days. This comes after at least 11 people have lost their lives in India Union Territory.

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists target laborers in the latest attack

Jammu and Kashmir, which is one of the biggest tourist attractions of Inida, has been hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

India: Jammu & Kashmir opens for tourism after a long gap

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, said China's stand on the issue of Kashmir is clear, rejecting New Delhi's claim on the region. Qureshi made this statement after recently returning from China for the annual strategic dialogue, where both countries issued a joint statement on Friday which opposed any unilateral action on Kashmir and asked New Delhi and Islamabad to resolve this issue peacefully.

China rejects India's position on Kashmir: Pak Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Four Indian Army personnel and a police sub-inspector were among five security personnel martyred in an encounter in Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir .

Colonel, Major among 5 security personnel martyred in Handwara encounter

Four Indian Army personnel and a police sub-inspector were among five security officials who were killed in action in an encounter in Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir.

Five Indian security personnel killed in action

Government offices and schools reopened in India's Jammu and Kashmir with a mixed response on Monday (August 19), after two weeks of lockdown. Several areas of Jammu and Kashmir were facing a curfew-like situation after the administration imposed restrictions to curb violence in the valley, in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's decision to abrogate Article 370 and 35A, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmir schools, offices reopen amid tight security