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Rajnath says ‘unparalleled opportunities’ in India, invites global community to take advantage

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Bengaluru, Feb 11 (NVI) Highlighting the “unparalleled opportunities” for collaboration offered by the thriving Indian aerospace and defence sectors, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today invited the global community to join India in the co-development and co-production of advanced systems.

He underlined the need for strong partnerships and innovative approaches while observing that the world order has become “more fragile” due to “increasing number of conflicts, new power plays, new methods & means of weaponisation, growing role of non-state actors and the emergence of disruptive technologies”.

He was addressing the Defence Ministers’ Conclave — ‘Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE)’ — organised as part of the 15th ‘Aero India’ here.

The event witnessed the participation of over 162 delegates from 81 countries, including 15 Defence Ministers, 11 Deputy Defence Ministers, 15 Permanent Secretaries, and 17 Service Chiefs.

“The distinction between border security and internal security is getting blurred as hybrid warfare has the ability to target critical national infrastructure even during peace time,” Singh said.

“Cyberspace and Outer space are challenging the established definition of sovereignty,” he added.

The Defence Minister said disruptive technologies such as Al, quantum technologies, hypersonic and directed energy are transforming the character of warfare, creating new vulnerabilities.

He stressed that these changes would have a deep impact on future warfare, forcing reassessment of the capabilities required to meet the challenges.

Singh said that international order and peace cannot be ensured from a position of weakness, and the Government of India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “is leaving no stone unturned to transform defence capabilities.”

“We have put in place a conducive policy regime which encourages investment and production of an entire range of modern state-of-the-art land, maritime & air systems. India’s emergence as a global hub for R&D and innovation in defence is a testament to our capabilities and aspirations,” he said.

Singh said India possesses a vibrant defence start-up ecosystem which has the third largest number of unicorns in the world.

He highlighted the unparalleled opportunities for collaboration offered by the thriving Indian aerospace and defence sectors, supported by a significant R&D base and an entrepreneurial spirit.

“Our skill base enables us to produce at highly competitive costs. India is committed to share state-of-the-art defence equipment, hardware, services, and technology with our friends and partners,” he told the Defence Ministers and other foreign delegates.

He voiced India’s vision of peace, security and development, which is inclusive & collaborative, stating that it is guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dynamic five ‘S’ approach: Samman (Respect), Samvaad (Dialogue), Sahyog (Cooperation), Shanti (Peace) and Samriddhi (Prosperity). These principles, he added, form the cornerstone of India’s international engagements and resonate strongly in today’s world, which is increasingly witnessing divisions.

Singh asserted that India has embraced the vision of  ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), focussing on key areas such as maritime security, economic development and blue economy.

He added that India’s collaborative efforts in combating non-traditional threats such as piracy, terrorism, illegal & unregulated fishing, and climate-related challenges underline the commitment for global cooperative action beyond IOR.

“Our commitment extends beyond IOR and serves as a blueprint for fostering global partnerships built on equality, trust, mutual respect, and adherence to international law,” he said.

The Defence Minister laid stress on the fact that India does not believe in transactional relationships or imposing solutions, and its approach emphasises on mutual capacity building, prosperity and security for the sovereignty of partner nations.

He stated that the aim is to empower its partners to chart their own paths, through support that aligns with their national priorities.

He described equitable partnership as the foundation of defence collaboration, whether it involves supplying Indian-made ships and aircraft, sharing expertise or conducting joint training programmes.

Singh highlighted that India’s position as a preferred partner for defence exports is reinforced by its adherence to quality, reliability, and commitment to the specific needs of partners.

“Our defence industry is well-equipped to meet diverse requirements from cutting-edge technology to cost-effective solutions. We take pride in offering customised support that strengthens the capabilities of our partner nations, enabling them to address their security challenges effectively,” he said.

He termed the BRIDGE initiative as the commitment to transforming dialogue into actionable outcomes, fostering partnerships that are resilient, adaptable, and forward-looking.

Challenges ranging from terrorism and cyber-crime to humanitarian crises and climate-induced disasters transcend borders, and they demand a united response.

During the meeting, the Defence Ministers lauded the efforts of Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence for organising Aero India and providing an opportunity to world-class manufacturers for showcasing latest innovations and technologies under one roof.

They appreciated the concept of BRIDGE which promises to work for peace and prosperity for all.

They expressed their willingness to work with India for their defence and other requirements, reaffirming their commitment to further deepen the ties with New Delhi.

The delegates conveyed their desire for Transfer of Technology and co-development & co-production of latest equipment and products, terming India as a partner in resilient supply chain.

They acknowledged India’s role in peacekeeping and its efforts towards upgrading the capabilities of many countries in various fields, including defence, health and education.

Shared security concerns also figured during the deliberations, with the Ministers unanimously agreeing to avoid armed conflict, describing it as anti-people and anti-development.

Various challenges such as illegal drug trafficking, illicit fishing, terrorism and cybercrime were discussed, with the nations pledging to fight together against these menaces.

They collectively agreed to move forward together with the idea of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, which was the theme of India’s G20 Presidency. (NVI)

Two Indian soldiers killed in blast near Akhnoor border in Jammu and Kashmir

Chhattisgarh
Representatinal Image of a blast

Jammu, Feb 11 (NVI) In a tragic incident, two Indian Army soldiers were killed today an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast near the border in Akhnoor district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The explosion took place in Laleali area of Aknoor sector of the border in Jammu district during patrolling by the troops, the Army said.

“Suspected Improvised Explosive Device blast reported in Laleali in Akhnoor sector during a fence patrol resulting in two fatalities,” the Army posted on X.

“Own troops are dominating the area and search operations are underway,” it added.

The Army paid tributes to the supreme sacrifice of the two gallant soldiers.

The IED is suspected to have been planted by terrorists or Pakistani troops. (NVI)

 

50 Million people afflicted with Epilepsy globally, 80% in low & middle-income nations: WHO

Representational image

New Delhi, Feb 11 (NVI) Around 50 million people worldwide are afflicted with Epilepsy, a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures, and close to 80 per cent of them live in low and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

A great proportion of the causes of death related to epilepsy, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are potentially preventable, such as falls, drowning, burns and prolonged seizures, it says.

The seizures are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized) and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.

Seizure episodes are a result of excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells and different parts of the brain can be the site of such discharges.

Seizures can vary from the briefest lapses of attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. Seizures can also vary in frequency, from less than one per year to several per day.

One seizure does not signify epilepsy, the WHO says, while noting that up to 10 of people worldwide have one seizure during their lifetime.

“Epilepsy is defined as having two or more unprovoked seizures,” it says.

Epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest recognized conditions, with written records dating back to 4000 BCE. Fear, misunderstanding, discrimination and social stigma have surrounded epilepsy for centuries. This stigma continues in many countries today and can impact on the quality of life for people with the disease and their families.

Characteristics of seizures vary and depend on where in the brain the disturbance first starts, and how far it spreads, the WHO says.

Temporary symptoms occur, such as loss of awareness or consciousness, and disturbances of movement, sensation (including vision, hearing and taste), mood, or other cognitive functions.

“People with epilepsy tend to have more physical problems (such as fractures and bruising from injuries related to seizures), as well as higher rates of psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression.

“Similarly, the risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than in the general population, with the highest rates of premature mortality found in low- and middle-income countries and in rural areas,” according to the global health body.

As Epilepsy affects around 50 million people worldwide, the estimated proportion of the general population with active epilepsy (i.e. continuing seizures or with the need for treatment) at a given time is between 4 and 10 per 1000 people, the WHO says.

In high-income countries, there are estimated to be 49 per 100 000 people diagnosed with epilepsy each year.

In low- and middle-income countries, this figure can be as high as 139 per 100 000.

This is likely due to the increased risk of endemic conditions such as malaria or neurocysticercosis; the higher incidence of road traffic injuries; birth-related injuries; and variations in medical infrastructure, the availability of preventive health programmes and accessible care.

Epilepsy is not contagious. Although many underlying disease mechanisms can lead to epilepsy, the cause of the disease is still unknown in about 50% of cases globally, the WHO says.

The causes of epilepsy are divided into the following categories: Structural, Genetic, Infectious, Metabolic, Immune and Unknown.

For example, brain damage from prenatal or perinatal causes (like loss of oxygen or trauma during birth, low birth weight); congenital abnormalities or genetic conditions with associated brain malformations; a severe head injury; a stroke that restricts the amount of oxygen to the brain; an infection of the brain such as meningitis, encephalitis or neurocysticercosis, certain genetic syndromes; and a brain tumour.

Seizures can be controlled. Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could become seizure free with appropriate use of antiseizure medicines. Discontinuing antiseizure medicine can be considered after 2 years without seizures and should take into account relevant clinical, social and personal factors. A documented etiology of the seizure and an abnormal electroencephalography (EEG) pattern are the two most consistent predictors of seizure recurrence.

In low-income countries, about three quarters of people with epilepsy may not receive the treatment they need. This is called the “treatment gap”.

In many low- and middle-income countries, there is low availability of antiseizure medicines. A recent study found the average availability of generic antiseizure medicines in the public sector of low- and middle-income countries to be less than 50%. This may act as a barrier to accessing treatment.

It is possible to diagnose and treat most people with epilepsy at the primary health-care level without the use of sophisticated equipment.

WHO pilot projects have indicated that training primary health-care providers to diagnose and treat epilepsy can effectively reduce the epilepsy treatment gap.

Surgery might be beneficial to patients who respond poorly to drug treatments. (NVI)

India, UK sign pacts for next-generation weapons

UK-India
Representational Image

Benguluru, Feb 10 (NVI) Taking one more step towards strengthening their strategic partnership, the UK and India today formally launched Defence Partnership–India (DP-I) and signed several defence agreements at the ‘Aero India 2025’ here.

Announcing DP-I, British Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker opened the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion, establishing a dedicated programme office within the UK’s Ministry of Defence that will serve as a one-stop shop for strengthening bilateral defence collaboration between the two countries, said a press statement.

“The UK and India have today agreed to expand their collaboration on next-generation weapons with Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL),” it said.

British company Thales and Indian Public Sector Undertaking Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) signed a contract that will deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), with an initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers to be delivered this year.

This contract represents an important next step for UK-Indian defence co-operation in the critical area of air defence, the statement said.

“It was a pleasure to visit India and continue to grow our already strong defence relationship. Our Defence Partnership and the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion will help strengthen our cooperation further, supporting economic growth in both our countries and India’s Atmanirbhar ambition,” said Lord  Coaker.

“This event showcases our collaboration in next generation capability, and the massive potential the UK and India can unlock by working together,” he added.

Following the signing of this initial LBRM contract, both Thales and BDL will further collaborate to produce Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM).

This develops and expands the partnership between Indian and British industry, laying the foundation for BDL and Indian industry to form an integral part of Thales’ global supply chain.

It will address mutual security concerns, create jobs in both countries and enable interoperability by both armies.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said: “India is taking significant steps in its journey to become Atmanirbhar in its defence capabilities. The UK is really looking forward to working with India as a partner of choice in supporting this ambition: collaborating on defence technologies lies at the heart of this. These are landmark agreements that support our economic growth and joint security.”

In a separate development, MBDA UK and BDL have been working together on the installation of a first of its kind Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility in Hyderabad, arming current fleet of India’s fighter jets as well as exporting to the world.

On the maritime front, the UK and India have signed a Statement of Intent to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet.

As next steps, GE Vernova and BHEL are working to develop India’s first maritime Land Based Testing Facility to deliver LPD in the water by 2030.

The strengthening of UK-India partnership will directly support India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ ambition and deliver the UK Government’s growth agenda and Plan for Change. (NVI)

Aero India 2025: US pavilion to showcase latest defence systems

US Pavilion being inaugurated at 'Aero India 2025' in Benguluru today

Bengaluru, Feb 10 (NVI) As ‘Aero India 2025’ began here today, the US inaugurated ‘Partnership Pavilion’ at the venue, underscoring its commitment to deepening defense and security cooperation with India.

The United States is one of the largest international exhibitors at Aero India 2025, featuring leading American aerospace and defense firms showcasing next-generation aircraft, advanced avionics, unmanned systems, space technologies, and innovative defense capabilities, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Delhi.

Throughout the event, U.S. government and industry participants will highlight and promote technology sharing, joint ventures, and industrial partnerships that support the U.S-India Major Defense Partnership, it said.

The ‘Partnership Pavilion’ was inaugurated by Jorgan K. Andrews, Chargé d’Affaires (of Acting Ambassador) at the US Embassy in New Delhi.

At the inauguration ceremony, he said, “President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have talked about the need to deepen defense trade between our nations. I am happy to report that, from small start-ups to the robust defense public sector undertakings to the expanding private defense sector, bilateral defense trade is deepening.”

He added, “The U.S. defense industry has demonstrated its commitment to partnering with India to provide high-quality, technologically advanced defense equipment and systems that are considered the most operationally reliable in the world.”

Andrews led a high-level U.S. delegation, including Consul General Chris Hodges, U.S. Consulate General Chennai; Brigadier General Patrick Teague, Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché, U.S. Embassy New Delhi;  and Major General Ricky Mills, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs.  (NVI)

IAF chief flies LCA Tejas along with Army Chief

Bengaluru, Feb 9 (NVI) In a unique development, India Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Marshal AP Singh today flew a sortie of indigenously-developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas here with Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi on board with him.

As both Chiefs soared together in the skies, they exemplified the deepening bond and collaboration between the Army and the Air Force, vital to achieving operational excellence, IAF spokesman said.

Today’s flight highlighted the enhanced cooperation between the Services, an essential pillar for modern warfare, the spokesman said.

“This unprecedented flight not only marks a personal milestone for the two Chiefs, who are coursemates, but also underscores the growing synergy and integration between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF),” said a statement by the IAF spokesman.

The flight is a powerful demonstration of India’s advancing defence capabilities, particularly in the realm of self-reliance, he said.

The Tejas, developed entirely within India, is a shining example of the nation’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence, the spokesman said.

The successful operation of this homegrown aircraft signifies the significant strides India has made in the field of indigenous defence aviation, he said.

The Indian Army’s role in the air domain is becoming increasingly pivotal, especially in tactical battle areas where advanced technologies such as helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, and air defence systems play a crucial role.

“This historic moment serves as a clear indicator of the evolving landscape of warfare, where jointness and seamless integration between the Army and the Air Force will define success in the future,” the statement said.

“The ongoing decade of transformation (2023-2032) is reshaping the future of defence operations, and the period of 2024-2025 will be crucial for integrating cutting-edge technologies across all domains,” he said.

The sortie was carried out to coincide with ‘Aero India 2025′, the premier aerospace exhibition which provides an exceptional platform for defence industry leaders to engage, collaborate, and explore emerging technologies.

“It serves as an ideal venue for the Indian Armed Forces to forge stronger ties with the industry and acquire the best solutions to modernize and enhance their operational capabilities,’ the spokesman said. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims killing of 15 Pakistani soldiers

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters at some undisclosed location. File Pic.

Quetta (Pakistan-occupied Balochistan), Feb 9 (NVI): Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) tonight claimed to have killed 15 personnel of the Pakistani army and injured several others in multiple attacks in Balochistan over the last three days.

Two Pakistani soldiers were killed and 3 were injured in an attack by BLA freedom fighters on a post of the occupying Pakistani army in the Rutenko area of Kharan last night, its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said.

The freedom fighters fired several rounds from automatic and heavy weapons, including grenade launchers, at the enemy army, he said in the statement to NVI.

Earlier, on the night of February 7, the occupying Pakistani army surrounded the area at Khazeng in the Zorabad area of Nushki and attempted to arrest BLA commander Naqeeb Jamaldini, the spokesman said.

Naqeeb preferred to fight the occupying Pakistani army instead of surrendering, he said.

During this clash with the enemy, Naqeeb was injured but he continued to fight the enemy army for more than an hour in a wounded state.

During the intense gunfight, 13 enemy army personnel were killed and m4 were injured, Jeeyand Baloch said.

When the bullets ran out, Naqeeb chose to commit suicide, following the philosophy of the last bullet, rather than being captured by the enemy, he added.

He had been associated with the Baloch Liberation Army for the past eight months and was performing his duties as a citizen guerrilla against national slavery, the spokesman said.

Paying tributes to Naqeeb, Jeeyand said within a short period of time, the martyr dealt effective blows to the enemy army in the city of Nushki and its surroundings and carried out organizational responsibilities efficiently.

“He was a high example of courage and bravery. He was a staunch ally in intellectual and ideological terms,” the spokesman said.

He added that the Baloch Liberation Army pays tribute to Shaheed Sangat Naqeeb for this great sacrifice and reiterates its resolve that sooner or later the great mission of the martyrs will be completed. (NVI)

Climate Change: 3.6 billion people live in highly susceptible areas

Climate Vulnerability Assessment
Representative Pic of climate change or global warming

New Delhi, Feb 9 (NVI) As many as 3.6 billion people are living in areas highly susceptible to climate change and between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year, from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

According to the WHO, climate change is directly contributing to humanitarian emergencies from heatwaves, wildfires, floods, tropical storms and hurricanes and they are increasing in scale, frequency and intensity.

The direct damage costs to health (excluding costs in health-determining sectors such as agriculture and water and sanitation) is estimated to be between US$ 2–4 billion per year by 2030, it says.

Areas with weak health infrastructure – mostly in developing countries – will be the least able to cope without assistance to prepare and respond, the global health body says.

Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through better transport, food and energy use choices can result in very large gains for health, particularly through reduced air pollution.

The 6th Assessment Report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concluded that climate risks are appearing faster and will become more severe sooner than previously expected, and it will be harder to adapt with increased global heating, the WHO says.

It further reveals that 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, low-income countries and small island developing states (SIDS) endure the harshest health impacts.

In vulnerable regions, the death rate from extreme weather events in the last decade was 15 times higher than in less vulnerable ones, the WHO says.

Climate change is impacting health in a myriad of ways, including by leading to death and illness from increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms and floods, the disruption of food systems, increases in zoonoses and food-, water- and vector-borne diseases, and mental health issues.

Furthermore, climate change is undermining many of the social determinants for good health, such as livelihoods, equality and access to health care and social support structures.

These climate-sensitive health risks are disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, including women, children, ethnic minorities, poor communities, migrants or displaced persons, older populations, and those with underlying health conditions.

An overview of climate-sensitive health risks, their exposure pathways and vulnerability factors. Climate change impacts health both directly and indirectly, and is strongly mediated by environmental, social and public health determinants.

Although it is unequivocal that climate change affects human health, it remains challenging to accurately estimate the scale and impact of many climate-sensitive health risks.

However, scientific advances progressively allow us to attribute an increase in morbidity and mortality to global warming, and more accurately determine the risks and scale of these health threats, the global body says.

WHO data indicates 2 billion people lack safe drinking water and 600 million suffer from foodborne illnesses annually, with children under 5 bearing 30% of foodborne fatalities. Climate stressors heighten waterborne and foodborne disease risks.

In 2020, 770 million faced hunger, predominantly in Africa and Asia. Climate change affects food availability, quality and diversity, exacerbating food and nutrition crises.

Temperature and precipitation changes enhance the spread of vector-borne diseases. Without preventive actions, deaths from such diseases, currently over 700 000 annually, may rise. Climate change induces both immediate mental health issues, like anxiety and post-traumatic stress, and long-term disorders due to factors like displacement and disrupted social cohesion.

Recent research attributes 37% of heat-related deaths to human-induced climate change. Heat-related deaths among those over 65 have risen by 70% in two decades.

In 2020, 98 million more experienced food insecurity compared to the 1981–2010 average.

The WHO conservatively projects 250 000 additional yearly deaths by the 2030s due to climate change impacts on diseases like malaria and coastal flooding. However, modelling challenges persist, especially around capturing risks like drought and migration pressures.

The climate crisis threatens to undo the last 50 years of progress in development, global health and poverty reduction, and to further widen existing health inequalities between and within populations.

It severely jeopardizes the realization of UHC in various ways, including by compounding the existing burden of disease and by exacerbating existing barriers to accessing health services, often at the times when they are most needed.

Over 930 million people – around 12% of the world’s population – spend at least 10% of their household budget to pay for health care.

With the poorest people largely uninsured, health shocks and stresses already currently push around 100 million people into poverty every year, with the impacts of climate change worsening this trend.

In the short- to medium-term, the health impacts of climate change will be determined mainly by the vulnerability of populations, their resilience to the current rate of climate change and the extent and pace of adaptation, the global body says.

In the longer-term, the effects will increasingly depend on the extent to which transformational action is taken now to reduce emissions and avoid the breaching of dangerous temperature thresholds and potential irreversible tipping points, it says.

While no one is safe from these risks, the people whose health is being harmed first and worst by the climate crisis are the people who contribute least to its causes, and who are least able to protect themselves and their families against it: people in low-income and disadvantaged countries and communities, the WHO says.

Addressing climate change’s health burden underscores the equity imperative: those most responsible for emissions should bear the highest mitigation and adaptation costs, emphasizing health equity and vulnerable group prioritization. (NVI)

BJP defeats AAP to reclaim power in Delhi after 27 years

BJP
BJP flag

New Delhi, Feb 8 (NVI) BJP today reclaimed power in Delhi after a long wait of 27 years, removing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which had been ruling the city-state continously since 2013.

BJP had been out of power in Delhi since 1998 after it lost the Assembly elections to Congress party, which then held power consecutively till 2013 before AAP emerged on the scene as a new political party.

In the 70-member Delhi Assembly, the BJP today won and was leading at 48 constituencies, 13 more than the half-way majority mark.

AAP, which had the sensational number of 63 seats in the outgoing Assembly, bagged only 22 seats this time.

Much of the dent in the votes of AAP was caused by Congress, which, however, was unable to bag any seat.

Interestingly, both AAP and Congress are part of a bloc called INDIA.

AAP founder-chief Arvind Kejriwal, who stormed to politics in 2013 riding on an ‘anti-corruption’ agitation, himself lost the election this time from the prestigious New Delhi Assembly constituency from where he had been elected thrice earlier.

Kejriwal lost by 4,089 votes as he got 25,999 votes while his rival from BJP Parvesh Verma got 30,088 votes.

He was the Chief Minister of Delhi from December 2013 to September 2024 before he was forced to resign from the post, ironically, in the wake of allegations of corruption against him and his government.

Months before the Assembly elections held on February 5, Kejriwal was arrested and spent some weeks in prison.

His Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia too spent 17 months in jail on charges of money laundering. His trial is continuing.

Contending that Kejriwal and other leaders were being hounded by the central BJP government in “false” cases, the AAP had projected this Assembly election as a referendum on its governance and their innocence.

The campaigning was very bitter, with both AAP and BJP levelling serious allegations against each other. (NVI)

J&K: Brief exchange after terrorists fire at Indian troops near LoC

MHA
Indian Army on patrolling somewhere in Jammu and Kashmir (File Pic)

Jammu, Feb 8 (NVI) Indian Army troops had a brief exchange of fire today with a group of terrorists near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The exchange of fire took place in Baratgala area of Keri sector at around 2 pm after hiding terrorists fired at the Indian troops in a forest area, sources said.

The terrorists fired a few rounds and the Indian troops immediately retaliated, they said.

No loss of life or injury was reported, the sources said.

As the guns fell silent, the troops launched a search operated in the area. (NVI)

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