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

China has deployed 11 J-20 "Mighty Dragon" fifth-generation stealth fighter jets near the Indian border. Commercial satellite imagery shows seven jets at the Hotan Airbase facing Ladakh and four jets at the Damxung Airbase facing Arunachal Pradesh.


Unprecedented Chinese stealth deployment near Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh 

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

India has achieved a historic engineering milestone as the Zojila Tunnel, located on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, successfully reached its final breakthrough point this June. This 13.15-kilometer engineering marvel—set to become the world’s longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at high altitude—will finally provide reliable, all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. By bypassing the treacherous, snow-prone Zojila Pass, this project will slash travel times, bolster national security, and integrate the remote Ladakh region into the national economy year-round.


Zojila Tunnel On Srinagar-Leh Highway Nears Completion

Located in Ladakh at an altitude of 4,350 metres, Pangong Tso is a 134-kilometre-long saltwater lake famous for its shifting colours. The water transitions from turquoise to deep blue and red due to high salinity, suspended glacial minerals, and the changing angles of direct sunlight.


Why is this Ladakh lake famous for changing colours?

While popular spots like Pangong Lake draw heavy tourist crowds, Ladakh holds several remote locations worth visiting. From the Balti culture of Turtuk to the Dark Sky Reserve in Hanle and the 19,024-foot high Umling La Pass, these three hidden gems offer a quiet Himalayan travel experience.

Planning a Leh-Ladakh trip? Add these hidden gems to your itinerary

Tourism operators in Sonmarg, one of Kashmir’s premier tourist destinations, believe the Zojila Tunnel will usher in a new era for the sector by making travel faster, safer, and more convenient. The improved road connectivity is expected to boost tourist arrivals.

Year-round access, endless possibilities: Zojila Tunnel fuels tourism dreams

Ladakh earned its famous nickname, the Land of High Passes, from its literal Tibetan translation. The region sits at an average altitude of 3,000 metres and features some of the highest motorable roads globally, alongside a deep cultural connection that earned it the title of Little Tibet.

How did Ladakh get its famous nickname?

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake shook Leh, Ladakh early this morning, according to the National Center for Seismology. The tremor was felt across the region, though there are no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

Ladakh Earthquake: Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake Strikes Leh, Ladakh 

Fresh snowfall in the higher elevations of Kashmir has resulted in the closure of key national highways, as reported by the region's meteorological department. The affected routes include the Srinagar-Leh National Highway and the Bandipora-Gurez road, which closed due to adverse weather conditions.

On Sunday, significant snowfall was recorded in various areas, including popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Gurez, Razdan Top, and the Sonamarg-Zojila Axis. This snowfall was attributed to an incoming western disturbance impacting the region.

India Braces For Wild Weather Mix; Kashmir, Ladakh See Fresh Snow Spell

An avalanche has struck the Zoji La pass in northern Ladakh, killing at least three people and trapping several vehicles.

Local media reported that multiple vehicles were buried under snow following the avalanche.

Authorities have placed relief and rescue forces on high alert in the region as operations continue.

India: Avalanche Hits Ladakh’s Zoji La Pass, Three Killed, Vehicles Buried | WION

Ladakh continues to remain the coldest region in the country, with temperatures in Leh plunging to minus 10.8 degrees Celsius.

No respite from cold wave as sub-zero temperatures grip J&K, Ladakh

A severe cold wave has intensified across North India, with Ladakh recording the country's lowest at Kargil (-11.2°C) and Leh (-10.6°C), while Jammu & Kashmir saw sharp mercury drops like Gulmarg (-6.5°C). 

Mercury Plunges Below Zero in J&K, Ladakh as North India Freezes

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said he will be in Leh, Ladakh, today to inaugurate a series of major infrastructure projects completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Shyok Tunnel Inauguration: Defence Minister To Inaugurate Connectivity Projects in Ladakh

India inaugurates the upgraded Nyoma Airbase in Ladakh, the world’s highest fighter-capable airfield at 13,700 ft. A strategic boost near the China border.

India opens Nyoma Airbase, the world’s highest fighter-capable airfield at 13,700 feet, a strategic edge at LAC

Dras sits along the Srinagar–Leh highway, around 60 kilometres from Kargil, at an altitude of roughly 3,300 metres above sea level. The town lies in a narrow valley surrounded by towering peaks, which trap cold air and create conditions that rival the most frigid regions on Earth.

Not Siberia, not Alaska! The world’s second coldest place is in India

Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, on Thursday witnessed 'Exercise AstraShakti' in the icy heights of the high-altitude areas of the Union Territory of Ladakh, officials said.

The AstraShakti exercise is currently underway as a validation of long-range precision artillery firepower, swarm drones, counter-unmanned aerial surveillance systems, commando operations, and synergy with the ITBP in the icy expanse and high-altitude areas of Ladakh.


Astra Shakti: Indian Air Force To Launch Exercise in Northeast Region

Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, on Thursday witnessed 'Exercise AstraShakti' in the icy heights of the high-altitude areas of the Union Territory of Ladakh, officials said.

The AstraShakti exercise is currently underway as a validation of long-range precision artillery firepower, swarm drones, counter-unmanned aerial surveillance systems, commando operations, and synergy with the ITBP in the icy expanse and high-altitude areas of Ladakh.

Astra Shakti: Indian Army Showcases Next-Generation Warfare, Precision Weapons 

Astra Shakti: Indian army showcases next-generation warfare, precision weapons 

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh visited the Ladakh sector on Diwali. Leh (Ladakh): On the occasion of Diwali, Air Chief Marshal and Chief of the Air Staff AP Singh visited the Ladakh sector and interacted with Indian Air Force and Indian Army personnel deployed in the region on Monday.


Air Chief Marshal A P Singh Visits Ladakh, Greets Troops on Diwali

Gitanjali Angmo, wife of jailed activist Sonam Wangchuk, has sent an emotional appeal to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to understand the situation in Ladakh. In her letter, Angmo highlighted her husband’s peaceful activism on issues like climate change and the rights of Ladakh’s tribal communities, demanding his “unconditional release” after his arrest under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) following protests in the region.

Ladakh Statehood Protests: Sonam Wangchuk's Wife Moves Supreme Court

The Union Territory of Ladakh has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the recent violence in Leh that led to the deaths of four men. Mukul Beniwal (IAS) has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer to investigate the circumstances around the incident and police action. The inquiry hearings will take place from October 4 to October 18, with the report due within four weeks. Authorities urge the public to cooperate for a transparent investigation.

Leh clashes: magisterial probe ordered into violence after civilian deaths | Report in four weeks

Magisterial probe ordered into Leh violence after civilian deaths | Report In four weeks

Curfew was partially lifted in Leh following violent protests over Ladakh’s statehood demand and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule that left four civilians dead on September 24.

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has withdrawn from talks with the Centre, demanding a judicial probe into the killings and the unconditional release of detained protestors. Their move comes just a day after the Leh Apex Body (LAB) also announced a boycott of the upcoming October 6 dialogue with the Home Ministry.

Ladakh Protests: Curfew relaxes, internet remains suspended

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