The nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan on May 28, 1998, in Chagai mountains of Balochistan have resulted in devastating consequences for the region and its people, according to activists. The radiation emitted from the atomic explosions have caused serious health problems for the people, particularly the children. It has also seriously impacted the water bodies and flora of Balochistan. #nuclear #nucleartests #Chagai #balochistan #health #Pakistan #atomic What We Offer In-Depth Analysis and Exclusive Reports: Our team of experienced journalists and analysts delve deep into the complexities of regional and international issues, providing you with exclusive reports and thorough analysis. Whether it’s the intricate political dynamics of Balochistan, the ongoing developments in POK, or the security challenges in Kashmir, we bring you stories that matter. Timely and Accurate Updates: Stay informed with our timely updates on the latest events and trends. From breaking news to detailed feature stories, NVI ensures you are always ahead of the curve with accurate and reliable information.
Persecution of Hindus, Christians and other minorities in Pakistan
Minorities, like Hindus and Christians, have been suffering immense atrocities in Pakistan. Very frequently, some or the other member of a minority community, whether Hindu or Christian, is subjected to humiliation, tortrure and cruelty in various forms. While men are thrashed and even lynched, their girls are raped and forcibly converted to Islam to be married to a Muslim man against their choice. Most tragically, the victims of these victims get no support from the police, the government or even the judiciary. #pakistan #minorities #Hindus #christians
India’s neighbours participate in Modi’s grand oath-taking ceremony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the visiting leaders who congratulated him for the historic third consecutive term in office.
New Delhi, June 9: Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive time, in a grand ceremony on Sunday evening that saw the leaders of seven neighbouring countries invited as honoured guests.
Modi, clad in white kurta and churidar and donning a blue jacket, was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashparati Bhawan here.
The 74 year old leader took the oath in the name of God to loud cheers from the large number of guests, which included leaders from India’s neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean Region.
The leaders who attended the ceremony included President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe; President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu; Vice-President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif; Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina; Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth accompanied by his spouse; Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’; and Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay. Leaders of Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan were accompanied by Ministers.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the visiting leaders who congratulated him for the historic third consecutive term in office. Thanking them for gracing the occasion, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR Vision’.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that in his third term, India will continue to work for the peace, progress and prosperity of the region in close partnership with the countries, even as it pursues its goal of VIKSIT BHARAT by 2047, a statement said.
In this context, he called for deeper people-to-people ties and connectivity in the region. He further added that India would continue to amplify the voice of the Global South in the international arena.
The leaders also attended a Banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President while welcoming them and conveying her wishes to Prime Minister Modi in the service of the nation, stated that India’s democratic exercise was not only a moment of pride for its people, but an inspiration to millions around the world.
The participation of leaders from India’s neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region on the momentous occasion of swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, underlines India’s deep-rooted bonds of friendship and cooperation with the region, a statement said.
Journalists, opposition groups boycott controversial Punjab Defamation Bill
The central Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the media bodies announced a total boycott of coverage concerning all government affairs as a mark of protest.
Islamabad, June 9: The controversial Punjab Defamation Bill 2024 was officially brought into effect and became a full-fledged law in Pakistan after the province’s Acting Governor Malik Ahmed Khan signed it. Seen as a draconian bill which curbs press freedom in the country, the bill was boycotted by various organisations and opposition groups in the National Assembly.
Drawing great ire from journalist groups and civil society organisations, the central Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the media bodies announced a total boycott of coverage concerning all government affairs at both the provincial and federal proceedings in the National Assembly as a mark of protest.
The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), held an emergency meeting to discuss the development and decided to record their protest against the law.
Just hours after the bill was passed, a joint petition was filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) by journalists Riaz Ahmad Raja and Jaffar Ahmad Yar challenging its legality. The petition asked the high court to strike down the defamation law, saying it violated the fundamental rights of citizens protected in the Constitution.
The plea lamented that journalists were not consulted before the passing and approval of the defamation law, arguing that it was ludicrous and unconstitutional to allow a person to bring a claim of defamation without any proof.
Srinagar Bribery Case: ACB Arrests Two Police Officers
Srinagar, Sep 1 (NVI) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday arrested two police officers for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 in Srinagar, officials said.
The ACB received a complaint alleging that PSI Karanjeet Singh, investigating officer in a case registered at Ram Munshi Bagh police station, had demanded the bribe through his accomplice, Sub-Inspector Ravi Jee Bhat, they said.
The money was allegedly sought for closing the case as “not admitted” between the parties, according to the officials.
Following verification of the complaint, the ACB registered a case under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and laid a trap.
Bhat was caught allegedly demanding and accepting the Rs 15,000 bribe on behalf of Singh, the officials said.
The bribe amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses, following which Bhat was taken into custody.
Singh was subsequently arrested by the ACB for his alleged involvement in the offence.
Further investigation in the case is underway, the officials said.—(NVI)
Northern Army Commander visits Madras Regiment units in Jammu, lauds troops
Shivam Bakshi
Jammu, Sep 1 (NVI) Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Tuesday visited units of the Madras Regiment deployed at Miran Sahib, BD Bari and Samba in the Jammu region and reviewed their operational preparedness.
Lt Gen Sharma, who is also the Colonel of the Madras Regiment, interacted with troops and veterans of the regiment during his visit and enquired about their welfare and operational readiness.
He commended the soldiers for their professionalism, dedication and high morale, and exhorted them to continue striving for excellence in all fields.
The visit underscores the Northern Command’s focus on maintaining operational readiness and boosting the morale of troops deployed in forward areas, officials said.—(NVI)
Rajnath Singh reviews performance of 16 DPSUs, calls for timely delivery, higher exports
New Delhi, Sep 1 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reviewed the annual performance of 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and called upon them to focus on timely delivery, reducing import dependence, boosting exports and ensuring global-standard quality.
During the review meeting, Singh, along with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, was briefed by Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar and the chairmen and managing directors of the DPSUs on their performance, key achievements and future roadmap.
The review covered progress in indigenous production and manufacturing capabilities, development of advanced defence technologies, defence exports, strengthening of supply chains and execution of major projects.
Singh commended the DPSUs for their contribution to strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and advancing the vision of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
He noted that India achieved defence production worth around Rs 1.8 lakh crore in 2025-26, with DPSUs contributing Rs 1.29 lakh crore.
The defence minister said the achievement reflected the country’s progress towards building a self-reliant defence industrial base.
Singh urged the DPSUs to reduce import dependence, transform research and development into technology leadership, increase defence exports, enhance productivity through capital expenditure, provide greater support to startups and MSMEs, and raise product quality to global standards.
“The progress of DPSUs is not merely an economic or industrial necessity; it is a national security imperative,” Singh said.
Recent global conflicts have demonstrated the importance of assured supply chains, surge capacity, availability of critical spares, rapid repair capabilities and the ability to sustain production during prolonged conflicts, he said.
Welcoming increased investment by DPSUs in research and development, Singh said its success should not be measured merely by the amount spent but by the development of new technologies, intellectual property, prototypes and operational products.
“We must identify niche technology areas where India can become not just self-reliant, but a global leader,” he said.
Singh also called for continued efforts to bring DPSU products on a par with global standards.
“In pursuit of the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ objective, we must resolve to transform all DPSUs into global giants,” he said.
During the meeting, CMDs of seven DPSUs — Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), BEML and MIDHANI — presented dividend cheques totalling Rs 3,951 crore for the government’s equity shares for 2025-26.
On the occasion, Singh also released four publications highlighting efforts towards self-reliance, indigenisation, innovation and development of future-ready defence capabilities.
The publications include ‘Aatmanirbhar DPSU – A Journey of DPSUs Towards Self-Reliance’, which outlines indigenisation targets, new products and processes planned over the next five years.
The other publications are ‘DISHA’, focusing on industry interaction with students and hands-on awareness of defence technologies and modern manufacturing processes; the ‘Modernisation Roadmap of HAL’ aimed at transforming the aerospace company into a future-ready enterprise; and the ‘Indigenisation Roadmap of HAL’ for greater self-reliance in the aerospace and defence sector.—(NVI)
Man Allegedly Shoots Himself Dead With Rifle in J&K’s Rajouri
Shivam Bakshi
Rajouri, Sep 1 (NVI) A man allegedly died by suicide using a 12-bore rifle in the Kalakote area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Tuesday, officials said.
The deceased, a resident of Behramarhote area, allegedly used the rifle to end his life, they said.
Information about the incident was received by police, following which a team rushed to the spot to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police have initiated proceedings in the matter, officials said.—(NVI)
IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar meets CM Omar Abdullah
Srinagar, Sep 1 (NVI): Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Sujit Kumar on Tuesday called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat here following his recent assumption of charge as the head of the Kashmir Zone.
During the meeting, Abdullah enquired about the prevailing security and law and order situation in the Valley and wished Kumar a successful tenure.
Kumar, a senior IPS officer, recently took charge as IGP Kashmir, succeeding V K Birdi.(NVI)
Rise of 14.8% in gross GST collections in August on year-on-year basis
Prices of Commercial LPG, 5 Kg cylinder, ATF raised from today
New Delhi, Sep 1 (NVI) The prices of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder and 5 kg LPG cylinder, used by hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries, were raised along with that of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) with effect from today.
The cost of a 19-kg LPG cyclinder was hiked by ₹9.50, making the price ₹2,747.50 each.
The price of the 5-kg LPG cylinder, called 5-kg FTL or ‘chotu’, has also been increased from ₹762 to ₹764.
Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices were increased by ₹6.28 per litre, or 5.46 per cent, to ₹121.28 per litre for domestic airlines, according to state-owned oil firms. The increase comes on the back of a ₹5 a litre rise in rates on August 1.
The two increases will add to the financial burden of airlines, for whom ATF makes up to 40 per cent of operating costs.
After the outbreak of the conflict in late February, commercial LPG rates had risen by a massive ₹1,373 per 19-kg cylinder — from ₹1,740.50 in February to ₹3,113.50 in June.
Rates of domestic LPG used in household kitchens remain unchanged at ₹942 per 14.2-kg cylinder. Prices of domestic LPG were last raised by ₹29 per 14.2-kg cylinder on June 7.
Rates had been raised by ₹60 in March after the West Asia crisis led to supply disruptions and a surge in international energy prices.
Petrol and diesel prices, which were hiked by about ₹7.50 a litre each in May, too, remained unchanged. (NVI)
Nepal flood death toll rises to 1,000, search continues for 4,000 missing
Kathmandu, Sep 1 (NVI) The death toll in Nepal floods has risen to over 1,000 while more than 4,000 people are still missing since the devastating deluge hit central parts of the country on August 26.
More than 11,800 people have been rescued and intense searches continue to trace the missing ones, with assistance from India and other countries.
India says its teams have established a foothold at the tunnel of Chilime hydropower project and probed 185 metres into a tunnel at Langtang.
Meanwhile, weather forecasters have predicted fresh spell of heavy rains, raising concerns regarding the search and rescue operations.
Forecasters in China have warned of renewed rain in Gyirong that could push up water levels in a nearby barrier lake, while officials have raised concerns over possible glacier collapses.
The coming days, therefore, remain critical even as communities cling to hope.
The humanitarian needs are mounting.
The United Nations estimates that around 65,000 people urgently require water, sanitation and hygiene support, while families of those still missing struggle to find information.
Prime Minister Shah said power has been restored to around 30% of households in hard-hit Rasuwa district, while six 48-metre Bailey bridges and a 70-metre bridge are being deployed to reconnect communities cut off after roads and bridges were destroyed. (NVI)
Record number of 78 million Income Tax Returns filed this year
New Delhi, Sep 1 (NVI) Over 78 million Income Tax Returns (ITRs) have been filed for assessment year (AY) 2026-27 till yesterday, which is a record, the Income Tax Department said today.
Last year, over 73 million income tax returns (ITRs) were filed by September 16, 2025, the extended deadline for filing returns for non-audit cases for AY 2025-26.
“A record 78 million+ ITRs have been filed for AY 2026-27 as on August 31,2026,” the I-T department said in a X post.
This also includes over 59 million ITR-1 and ITR-2, which were filed by the due date of July 31.
August 31 was the last date for filing ITRs for AY 2026-27 for taxpayers with business or professional income who are not subject to audit.
If a taxpayer falls in the non-audit category, he/she can file the applicable ITR (ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5 or ITR-7).
ITR-3 is filed by individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) with income from a proprietary business or profession.
ITR-4 is a simpler form that caters to small and medium taxpayers.
ITR-5 is filed by firms and Limited Liability Partnership and Cooperative Societies. ITR-6 is filed by companies registered under Companies Act and ITR-7 by trusts and charitable institutions. (NVI)
J&K panel clears urban projects worth Rs 2,692 crore under Urban Challenge Fund
Srinagar, Sep 1 (NVI) The Union Territory-level High Powered Steering Committee (UTHPSC), chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, has approved three major urban development projects worth Rs 2,692.58 crore under the Centre’s Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), officials said on Tuesday.
The projects include TARANG (Tawi Area Regeneration and Green Growth) in Jammu, Walled City and Nigeen Lakefront Revitalisation in Srinagar, and KRIPA (Katra Revitalisation Through Integrated Pilgrimage Amenities) in Reasi.
The projects aim to promote sustainable urban development by combining government funding with market-linked financing and private participation, the officials said.
TARANG, estimated to cost Rs 1,567.91 crore, envisages comprehensive regeneration of the Tawi riverfront and adjoining urban areas through public infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP) based commercial development.
Under its proposed funding structure, Rs 307.05 crore each would come from the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration, while Rs 953.81 crore would be mobilised through market and PPP financing.
The PPP component includes a residential group housing project, an upscale hotel, a retail mall and associated road infrastructure, besides a luxury resort on the Central Island. The project also includes river protection and structural works such as a diaphragm wall, embankment filling, retaining walls and interceptor drainage infrastructure.
The Walled City and Nigeen Lakefront Revitalisation project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,010.77 crore, seeks to rejuvenate Srinagar’s historic urban core and develop the economic potential of its lakefront areas.
Around Rs 300.77 crore would be utilised for core public infrastructure and revitalisation of the historic city, while the PPP component would support a Hospitality Centre, Pokribal Lakefront and a premium five-star boutique hotel.
The KRIPA project in Reasi, estimated at Rs 113.90 crore, focuses on improving pilgrim amenities, mobility management and institutional infrastructure in Katra.
A key component of the project is the Katra Gateway Centre, proposed as a mixed-use facility with pilgrim dormitories having 480 beds, guest rooms, retail outlets, a community dining hall and prayer spaces.
The project also includes a multi-level car parking facility with a capacity of 365 equivalent car spaces, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and dedicated bus bays near the Yatra Parchi Counter.
An allocation of Rs 15.25 crore has been earmarked for institutional remodelling, including modern office spaces, retail kiosks and upgraded administrative facilities for the Municipal Committee, Katra.
The committee emphasised timely and quality execution of the projects while ensuring their financial sustainability, officials said.
The initiatives are expected to boost urban infrastructure, mobility, tourism and economic activity while creating new public spaces and investment opportunities in Jammu, Srinagar and Katra.
Senior officers from the administration, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism; Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Principal Secretary, Culture; Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, and Commissioners of the Jammu and Srinagar municipal corporations attended the meeting.
