India's National Investigation Agency arrested 44 people across the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir, as part of an operation targeting illegal human trafficking networks. The raids followed a case registered in Assam state and were aimed at dismantling networks responsible for the infiltration and settlement of illegal migrants, particularly those of Rohingya origin. Searches were conducted in multiple states and union territories. A Rohingya man named Zaffar Alam was detained in Jammu and Kashmir, and clashes had previously occurred in Hira Nagar Jail between Rohingya refugees and government forces.

Mohammad Yusuf Muran, a deaf and mute walnut woodcarver in Srinagar, Kashmir, is renowned for his intricate sculptures and miniature replicas of historical monuments. Despite his impairments, Muran is a master of this ancient Central Asian craft. His family has a long history of woodcraft, dating back to before the independence of India and Pakistan. Muran's son, Saqlain Ahmad, and nephew, Mudasir Muran, help communicate his story and sell his art, which has been undervalued for years. Muran fears the family legacy may not continue due to the demanding nature of the craft and lack of monetary benefits. Srinagar, recognized by UNESCO, is celebrated for its blend of art, culture, and traditions, influenced by artisans and Muslim saints from Central Asia and the Middle East.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to meet Governor Phagu Chauhan amid speculations of a political shift. Meetings are ongoing with JD(U) and RJD, with the possibility of JD(U) replacing BJP ministers to maintain government control. The RJD, led by Tejashwi Yadav, may join the JD(U)-led coalition. Current assembly seat distribution includes BJP with 77, JD(U) with 45, RJD with 79, Congress with 19, and CPIML(L) with 16.

Journalists in Kashmir face severe intimidation and legal challenges since India's government revoked the region's autonomy in 2019. The crackdown has led to arrests, harassment, and a significant reduction in local journalism. High-profile cases include the arrests of Fahad Shah and Sajad Gul under anti-terror laws. The situation has forced many journalists to leave the profession, with some turning to other jobs. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned the actions, while local media outlets struggle financially due to the lack of government advertisements.

Journalists in Indian-administered Kashmir face increased suppression and threats since India revoked the region's semi-autonomous status in 2019. Authorities have fostered 'systematic fear' to control the narrative, using laws like the Public Safety Act to detain journalists without trial. A new media policy allows bureaucrats to label news as 'fake' or 'anti-national,' leading to self-censorship among journalists. The crackdown has resulted in financial hardships, mental stress, and a decline in local journalism. International organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters without Borders have criticized India's intolerance for press freedom. The Press Council of India found that media in the region is being choked by the local administration.

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Asif Ahmad Beigh, accused of rape under Section 376 IPC. Justice Mohd Akram Chowdhary emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for sensitivity in such cases. The court noted that the accused was prima facie guilty based on preliminary investigation and that bail was not justified at this stage. The accused claimed false implication, but the court upheld the rejection of bail, highlighting the ongoing police search for the absconding accused.

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir issued a notice to government authorities regarding a plea that challenges the expert committee report on the alleged medical negligence leading to journalist Mudasir Ali's death in 2020. The plea, filed by Mudasir's brother Jehangir Ali, claims the committee failed to properly address the allegations of medical negligence by the on-duty doctor and medical staff at SDH, Chrar-i-Sharief. Despite the committee's recommendation to attach the involved medical staff to the Directorate of Health Services, it did not conclude findings on medical negligence. Mudasir Ali died of a cardiac arrest after allegedly not receiving proper treatment at a sub-district hospital.

Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has directed all courts in the Jammu and Kashmir region to conduct virtual hearings. Physical hearings may occur at the discretion of the Bench, based on the urgency of the matter. The Registrar Judicial is tasked with coordinating virtual links for each Bench, which will be made available to advocates and litigants through the High Court's official website or other appropriate modes. Entry of the public into court premises is prohibited, and clerks' access is restricted. Additionally, only 50 percent of staff will be present on a rotational basis to decongest the premises, and physical distancing is mandated during urgent physical hearings.

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a notice seeking responses to a plea filed by Muhammad Latief Magrey, the father of Mohammad Amir Magrey, who was killed in an encounter. The plea requests the return of Amir's body for burial, arguing that denying this violates fundamental rights. The court has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs, J&K government, and police officials to respond within 10 days. Amir's family, who have been supportive of the Indian Army, refutes claims that he was a militant associate and seeks a dignified burial for him.

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh ruled that once a revision application is made to either the High Court or the Sessions Judge, no further application by the same person will be entertained by either. The court dismissed Ishtiyaq Ahmad's revision application against a maintenance order, noting that he had previously filed a similar petition which was dismissed. Justice Sanjay Dhar emphasized that the petitioner had abused the legal process, leading to potential conflicting orders. The court imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the petitioner, to be paid to the respondent after verification.