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.
Er Rashid’s Father Passes Away; AIP Seeks Humanitarian Release for Baramulla MP
Srinagar, May 18 (NVI): The father of jailed Baramulla MP Er Rashid passed away on Monday, following which the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) appealed to the Government of India to grant him temporary release on humanitarian grounds to attend the last rites.
According to AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, the deceased, Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, was a retired teacher known for his integrity, dedication to education and community service. He said the late Sheikh remained a strong pillar of support throughout Er Rashid’s political journey.
Inam Un Nabi urged the authorities to allow the MP to participate in his father’s funeral, saying that “it is a son’s basic right to bid farewell to his father” and that humanitarian considerations should prevail beyond political differences.
The AIP leadership and party workers also expressed condolences with the bereaved family, terming the demise a major loss for the family, former students and people across Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)
Self-Enumeration for Census 2027 Begins Today: SMC Commissioner Urges Public Participation
Srinagar, May 17 (NVI): Principal Census Officer (Urban) and Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Faz Lul Haseeb on Sunday briefed the media about the launch of the Self-Enumeration phase for Census 2027, which commenced today and will continue till May 31, 2026.
Addressing the media in Srinagar, Haseeb said the Self-Enumeration initiative allows citizens to voluntarily submit their household and demographic details through a simple digital platform, aimed at enhancing public participation and ensuring greater accuracy in the Census process.
He said the initiative is being introduced for the first time in the history of the Indian Census, enabling residents to furnish their details from the comfort of their homes. He added that the move has been designed to promote transparency, convenience and efficiency in the Census exercise while strengthening public outreach and welfare-oriented planning.
Haseeb appealed to the general public to actively participate in the Self-Enumeration process within the stipulated timeline and extend full cooperation to the administration for the smooth conduct of Census 2027.
He also urged citizens to provide accurate and complete information so that the Census exercise reflects a reliable demographic profile, which would help in effective planning and developmental initiatives.(NVI)
Ladakh LG Announces Wage Hike for Daily Wagers, Terms Old Pay Structure ‘Against Social Justice’
Leh, May 17 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Sunday announced a major wage rationalisation for daily wagers, part-time and need-based workers engaged in various government departments across the Union Territory.
The LG said workers such as sweepers, cleaners, gardeners and other wage earners, who had been receiving monthly payments ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 500 for years, would now get substantially revised wages under a new wage matrix.
According to the revised structure, skilled workers will receive Rs 575 per day, while unskilled workers will be paid Rs 450 per day on a pro-rata basis.
Saxena said directions have been issued for comprehensive verification of all such workers and implementation of the revised wages within 20 days.
In a post on X, the LG described the earlier wage structure as “abysmal” and said it violated the principles of social justice.
“We are committed to ensuring fair and dignified wages for all wage-earners as per the Minimum Wages Act, while acknowledging their immense contribution in delivering critical public services across Ladakh,” he said.(NVI)
CBSE Reduces Rechecking, Answer Sheet Copy Fees; Full Refund if Marks Increase
New Delhi, May 17 (NVI): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has significantly reduced the fees for obtaining answer sheet copies and re-evaluation of marks, aiming to ease the financial burden on students and prioritise their mental well-being.
Speaking in Delhi, Education Ministry Secretary Sanjay Kumar said the fee for obtaining a copy of the answer sheet has been reduced from Rs 700 to Rs 100, while the validation fee has also been slashed from Rs 500 to Rs 100.
He said students seeking rechecking of a single question would now have to pay Rs 225. “If the re-evaluation process results in an increase in marks, the entire fee paid by the student will be refunded,” he added.
Highlighting the board’s focus on students’ welfare, Kumar said, “We are more concerned about the well-being, welfare, and mental state of our children. Money is important, but it is not the priority in this particular matter.”
He further said students would be provided scanned copies of their answer sheets, allowing them to clearly understand the marking process and identify any discrepancies. He added that since the answer sheets are already scanned, there is no need for any additional method of re-examination.(NVI)
Balochistan: BLA says it seized control of a city, killed 11 Pakistani soldiers
Quetta, May 16: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight claimed to have seized complete control of a city of Balochistan from the occupying Pakistani military for hours, in second such operation in two days.
During these two days (May 15 and 16), at least 11 personnel of Pakistani military were killed and several injured in multiple operations in Balochistan, said BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch.
“Today, in a highly organized and large-scale assault, BLA freedom fighters gained complete control of Dalbandin city. All government buildings, including the local police station, remained under the full control of the freedom fighters for hours,” he said in a statement to NVI.
A large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment was seized from the police station and taken into custody, while the official vehicles present there were set on fire, he said.
During this operation, the advancing occupying army was subjected to intense attacks at the bypass location, resulting in the death of 6 personnel of the occupying army, while the remaining personnel fled, leaving behind their numerous injured comrades, the BLA spokesman said.
In this successful counter-attack, 2 vehicles of the enemy army were completely disabled, he added.
Separately, at the location of Abad in the Kanak area of Mastung district, BLA fighters ambushed a regular convoy of the occupying forces on the Quetta-Taftan highway, Jeeyand Baloch said.
In this coordinated attack, 3 personnel of the occupying army were killed and several were injured, while an enemy military vehicle was disabled on the spot, he added.
Earlier, yesterday (May 15), the BLA fighters carried out multiple operations, he said.
Giving details, he said on the Quetta-Taftan main highway in the Kanak area of Mastung, BLA fighters seized 5 large trailers involved in looting Baloch resources and carrying minerals (chromite), and subsequently set them on fire.
On the same day, in the Sheikh Wasil area of Mastung, the freedom fighters planted explosives and completely destroyed an important bridge on the Quetta-Taftan main highway, disrupting the enemy’s supply system.
In Nushki, at the location of Mal, Jeeyand Baloch said the BLA fighters gained full control of the Quetta-Taftan main highway and conducted snap-checking for hours, during which 4 suspicious individuals associated with the Saindak Project were detained for interrogation.
During this time, the occupying Pakistani army made a failed attempt to advance into the area, which was targeted by the freedom fighters who had secured their positions with heavy weaponry, the spokesman said.
In this attack, 2 personnel of the enemy army were killed on the spot and several were injured, while an occupying army vehicle sustained severe damage.
In the Armagai area of Kharan, BLA fighters took action to seize 2 cargo trucks carrying minerals and later set them on fire.
“Through this press release, the Baloch Liberation Army wishes to clarify that the BLA has now established complete control over the Quetta-Taftan main highway, and this entire highway now falls within the region under BLA control,” the statement said.
“We will no longer, under any circumstances, allow trucks, trailers, or any convoys carrying looted Baloch resources and minerals to pass through here. Any companies, contractors, or transporters who choose to be a part of this exploitative plundering of Baloch resources will be solely responsible for all of their own life and financial losses,” the spokesman said.
The BLA maintains a firm commitment to protecting the lives and property of the Baloch public and ordinary commuters and every possible cooperation will be extended to them on the highways for their convenience, he said.
“All of these resources belong solely and exclusively to the Baloch nation; therefore, protecting our national wealth from this state-sponsored plunder is our collective and primary national duty,” the BLA spokesman said.
He added a “final and stern warning to all local and non-local companies, as well as elements involved in transporting minerals, to immediately abandon all attempts to steal Baloch resources from the soil of Balochistan. Otherwise, the next strikes by BLA sarmachars will be even more exemplary for them.”
Old grenade recovered, destroyed in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, May 16 (NVI): Police on Saturday evening recovered and destroyed an old hand grenade in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Official sources that a suspicious object, later identified as an old grenade, was found inside a wall during a search operation conducted by Ganderbal Police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Gulab Sheikh Mohalla area of Safapora.
The grenade was safely destroyed without causing any damage or injuries, officials said.(NVI)
Drug-Free Kashmir Drive Reviewed in Pulwama, Vikramjit Singh Calls for Mass Awareness
Pulwama, May 16 (NVI): Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Vikramjit Singh on Saturday reviewed the implementation of activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) in Pulwama district and stressed the need for intensified awareness campaigns against drug abuse.
Chairing a review meeting as the District Mentor for overseeing the implementation of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan in Pulwama, Singh highlighted the importance of sensitising youth about the harmful effects of substance abuse and called for preventive awareness at the grassroots level.
He directed concerned departments to effectively utilise audio-visual tools, including documentaries, short films and testimonials of rehabilitated victims, to strengthen public outreach and awareness.
Emphasising community participation, Singh asked departments to intensify awareness drives, outreach programmes and youth engagement initiatives across schools, colleges and rural as well as urban areas of the district.
He called for coordinated efforts among the administration, police, civil society and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the campaign and transform it into a mass movement.
Officials informed the meeting about various activities being conducted under NMBA, including awareness programmes, counselling sessions, sports activities, pledge ceremonies, padyatras, signature campaigns and community outreach initiatives across the district.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, briefed the meeting on department-wise activities being carried out under the campaign. He also highlighted the district action plan, role of the Youth Services and Sports Department, involvement of self-help group members, revitalisation of youth clubs and constitution of Mahila Nigrani Samitis in panchayats and urban wards.
The Deputy Commissioner further informed about the participation of religious leaders and elderly clubs, besides de-addiction, counselling, rehabilitation and follow-up mechanisms available for affected individuals in the district.
Senior Superintendent of Police Pulwama, Tanushree, and Senior Superintendent of Police Awantipora, Sajad Ahmad Shah, also briefed the chair on anti-drug operations and enforcement measures being undertaken to curb drug abuse in the district.
Later, Vikramjit Singh visited the Sports Stadium Pulwama to review arrangements being made for a mega padyatra and the proposed VVIP visit to the district scheduled on May 19.
Senior officers from the civil administration and police department were also present during the meeting.(NVI)
Rusted Shell Found in Forest Area of Nowshera
Jammu, May 16 (NVI): A rusted shell was found in a forest area of Baba Khori in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district on Saturday, officials said.
They said the shell was noticed by personnel of the 57 Artillery Regiment during routine movement in the forest area.
The area was subsequently secured and the shell was taken into safe custody for further examination, officials added.
No loss of life or damage to property was reported in the incident.(NVI)
Northern Command Reviews Veterans’ Welfare, Resettlement Measures at Synergy Conference
Srinagar, May 16 (NVI): Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Saturday chaired “Synergy Conference 2.0” to review key issues concerning welfare and support mechanisms for ex-servicemen and their families, officials said.
The conference was attended by officers of the Zila Sainik Boards and other stakeholders, who discussed resettlement initiatives, welfare measures for dependents of veterans, and ways to enhance the contribution of ex-servicemen towards nation building, they said.
During the deliberations, Lt Gen Sharma reaffirmed Northern Command’s commitment towards the welfare and well-being of the veterans’ community and stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure proper care and support for former servicemen.
Officials said the conference also reviewed agendas for the upcoming meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board aimed at strengthening welfare frameworks and improving support systems for veterans across the region.
The event highlighted the Indian Army’s emphasis on welfare-oriented initiatives and civil-military cooperation under the spirit of “Nation First” and “We Care”, officials added.(NVI)
Soldier Injured in Accidental Firing Incident in Udhampur
Udhampur, May 16 (NVI) : An army soldier was injured after his service weapon accidentally discharged in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Saturday, officials said.
The injured soldier was identified as Sepoy Chaudhary Akash Mahorar, a resident of Maharashtra, currently posted with 17 Rashtriya Rifles, they said.
The soldier was performing duty at the headquarters During the incident, his weapon accidentally went off and the bullet struck him in the abdomen.
He was immediately shifted to Command Hospital Udhampur for treatment, where his condition is stated to be stable, officials added.(NVI)
