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J&K Rajouri Hit by Flash Floods After Cloudburst, Rescue Teams Deployed

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, July 19 (NVI): Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and a cloudburst in parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Sunday, inundating residential areas, sweeping away vehicles and trapping several people, officials said.

The overflowing Rajouri river entered Bela Colony, flooding the locality and washing away several vehicles parked at the Bela Bus Stand, they said.
Officials said several families remained trapped in Bela Colony, while livestock losses were also reported from Bela and adjoining areas.

In Thanamandi subdivision, flash floods hit the Churung, Rajdhani and Behrote areas. Labourers working at a stone crusher unit in Behrote were reportedly trapped after the sudden surge in water, officials said.

Meanwhile, a cloudburst in the Kotli Kalaban and Golinari areas of Manjakote tehsil triggered flash floods that washed away a local graveyard into a nearby stream, damaging several graves and causing distress among residents.

Rescue and relief teams have been deployed to the affected areas, while authorities have advised people living in low-lying areas and near water bodies to remain alert.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a weather advisory on Saturday warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and the possibility of flash floods across parts of the Jammu region.(NVI)

Vaishno Devi Yatra Temporarily Suspended Due to Bad Weather Forecast

Jammu, Jul 18 (NVI): The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure in view of an adverse weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), officials said on Saturday.

The decision was taken to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims after the IMD forecast unfavourable weather conditions in the region.

Authorities have advised devotees to cooperate with the administration and refrain from undertaking the pilgrimage until further orders.

Pilgrims have also been urged to follow official communication channels for updates regarding the resumption of the yatra, the officials said.(NVI)

Heatwave Extends Summer Break; J&K Schools Shut Till July 22

Srinagar, Jul 18 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday extended the ongoing summer vacation in all government and recognised private schools across the Kashmir division and winter zone of Jammu division by three more days in view of the prevailing heatwave and an adverse weather forecast.

According to an order issued by the School Education Department, schools will now remain closed till July 22 and reopen on July 23, unless further orders are issued.

The schools were originally scheduled to reopen on July 20 after the summer break.

Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure in view of the continuing heatwave and weather advisories issued by the Meteorological Department.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places and warned of the possibility of flash floods in parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days.

The School Education Department advised parents, students and school authorities to follow official advisories and said any further decision regarding the reopening of schools would be communicated through subsequent orders.(NVI)

Chinar Book Festival a movement to build readers, writers and thinkers: J&K LG Sinha

Srinagar, Jul 18 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the Chinar Book Festival is more than a literary event and has evolved into a movement to build a vibrant community of readers, writers and thinkers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the third edition of the Chinar Book Festival here, Sinha said the initiative aims to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a national hub of knowledge, literature and creativity.

Congratulating the National Book Trust and the organisers, he said the festival has emerged as an important platform for knowledge-sharing, literary engagement and cultural exchange.

“This festival is more than just an event. It is a movement to build a vibrant community of readers, writers and thinkers. Our goal is to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a national hub for knowledge, culture and creativity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Sinha urged the youth to cultivate the habit of reading every day, preserve endangered languages and use literature as a means to promote diversity, mutual respect and social harmony.

He said books encourage critical thinking, spark curiosity and inspire personal growth, adding that literature plays a vital role in strengthening society’s intellectual foundations.

The Lieutenant Governor said the Chinar Book Festival has, in a short span, become a significant platform for the exchange of ideas, literary discussions and creative dialogue. He also stressed the need to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s historical identity as a centre of learning and literature.

Highlighting the importance of the festival, Sinha said its success should be measured not merely by the number of books sold but by the ideas it generates and the impact those ideas have on society and educational institutions.

Encouraging students to develop reading habits, he suggested that every student should read at least one book outside the academic curriculum every month, while aspiring writers should dedicate themselves to writing at least one page every day.

The Lieutenant Governor also appreciated efforts to revive the ancient Sharada script and initiatives promoting cultural integration, including programmes under the “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” initiative.

During his visit, Sinha toured various book stalls, interacted with exhibitors, released several publications in different languages and suggested that a similar book festival be organised in the Jammu region.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, National Book Trust Chairman Prof Milind Sudhakar Marathe, National Book Trust Director Yuvraj Malik and several senior officials, literary personalities, students and book lovers were present on the occasion.(NVI)

Operation Sindoor showcased India’s defence preparedness, self-reliance: Rajnath Singh

Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (file pic)

New Delhi, Jul 18 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s “world-class” defence preparedness and highlighted the success of the government’s push for self-reliance in the defence sector over the past 12 years.

Addressing an event here, Singh said the operation reflected the armed forces’ preparedness and the government’s “Nation First” and “Forces First” approach.

He said advanced indigenous systems, including the Akash missile system, Akash Teer air defence system and BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, were effectively deployed during the operation, which he described as an example of modern technological warfare and India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities.

Referring to the government’s policy against terrorism, the defence minister said Operation Sindoor reaffirmed India’s “zero tolerance” approach and demonstrated the country’s capability to strike terrorists and their supporters wherever required.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to boost indigenous defence production, Singh said five positive indigenisation lists issued by the armed forces cover 509 items, while five similar lists issued by defence public sector undertakings include 5,012 items. He added that another positive indigenisation list would be notified soon.

The minister said India’s annual defence production touched a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, compared to around Rs 40,000 crore in 2014. Defence exports have also risen to over Rs 38,000 crore from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14, he said.

Singh said the government aims to increase defence production to over Rs 2 lakh crore this year and Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029, while targeting defence exports of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.

He said procurement worth more than Rs 2,400 crore has been approved from startups and MSMEs, projects worth Rs 1,500 crore have been sanctioned for developing new technologies, and 676 startups and innovators are currently engaged through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, under which 551 contracts have been signed.

The minister also said investment proposals worth around Rs 70,000 crore have been received for the defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, of which nearly Rs 10,000 crore has already been invested.

Stressing that India has moved from dependence on imports to self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Singh said the country’s defence diplomacy now extends beyond strategic cooperation to industrial collaboration, technology partnerships and integration into global supply chains.

He said the government’s vision is to build an “Aatmanirbhar” and “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 with indigenous weapons, empowered scientists, innovative youth and globally competitive defence industries.(NVI)

Heavy to very heavy rain likely in J-K from July 19-23; MeT warns of flash floods, landslides

File photo

Srinagar, July 18 (NVI): The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of Jammu and Kashmir from July 19 to 23, warning of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and waterlogging in vulnerable areas, officials said on Saturday.

According to the MeT Department, July 18 is expected to remain generally hot and humid, with brief spells of rain or intense thundershowers at scattered places towards late afternoon and during the night or early morning hours.

From July 19 to 23, the weather is likely to remain generally cloudy with spells of rain and thundershowers at most places across the Union Territory.

The department said heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts, while extremely heavy rainfall is possible at isolated places in Reasi and Udhampur districts during the period.

The MeT Department has cautioned that the wet spell could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations. It also warned of a significant rise in water levels in rivers and streams, with the possibility of minor flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

The weather is expected to improve from July 24 to 27, with only brief spells of rain or thundershowers at isolated places.

Authorities have advised people to remain vigilant, follow weather advisories and plan travel accordingly. Farmers have also been advised to suspend agricultural operations during the July 19-23 period.(NVI)

Heat Tightens Grip on Kashmir as Srinagar Touches 35.9°C

Srinagar, Jul 18 (NVI): Srinagar recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season on Saturday as the mercury climbed to 35.9 degrees Celsius, amid prevailing hot weather conditions across the Kashmir Valley.

Despite the season’s highest reading so far, the temperature remained below last year’s peak levels. Srinagar had recorded 37.4 degrees Celsius on July 6, 2025, while the maximum temperature touched 36.2 degrees Celsius on July 29, 2024.

The sharp rise in temperature has intensified heatwave-like conditions in the Valley, with residents experiencing unusually warm weather for this time of the year.—(NVI)

Amarnath Yatra suspended from both routes from Sunday due to adverse weather forecast

File Photo

Srinagar, Jul 18 (NVI): The annual Amarnath Yatra will remain suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes from Sunday as a precautionary measure in view of an adverse weather forecast, officials said on Saturday.

The decision was taken following the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of inclement weather over the next few days to ensure the safety of pilgrims, they said.

According to officials, no fresh batch of pilgrims will be allowed to proceed towards the holy cave shrine from the Baltal and Nunwan-Chandanwari base camps from Sunday.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the suspension was a precautionary measure and the pilgrimage would resume only after a detailed assessment of the weather conditions and confirmation that the tracks are safe for movement.

Authorities said fresh information regarding the resumption of the yatra would be issued in due course.

More than 3.70 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine since the commencement of this year’s Amarnath Yatra, officials added.(NVI)

India to receive anti-drone weapon package from Russia’s AK-rifle maker Kalashnikov

drone
Representational image of a drone

New Delhi, July 18 (NVI) India is expected to receive from Russia a substantial package of anti-drone shotguns, anti-drone cartridges of various calibers, and pistols by the end of this year.

A contract in this regard has been signed by Russia-based arms manufacturer Kalashnikov to supply small arms to partners in India, according to a media report.

Maxim Karavaev, the director of business development for the company in India, has reportedly said that the agreement includes the export of anti-drone shotguns, anti-drone cartridges of various calibers, and pistols to India.

The deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Kalashnikov, famous for manufacturing AK series of rifles, accounts for approximately 95% of the small arms used by the Russian military.

The agreement was signed at the India Homeland Security Expo, an exhibition of equipment and technologies for national and public safety held recently.

Kalashnikov already has partnerships with Indian entities and is involved in joint production of AK-203 variety of assault rifles in Uttar Pradesh.

Indo-Russian Rifles (IRRPL) was formed by Rosoboronexport and Kalashnikov along with two state-owned Indian firms—Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited and Munitions India Limited—and started manufacturing AK-203 assault rifles in India in 2023.

Under the project, 600,000 rifles are being made using Russian technology and certified equipment at the production facility in Korda in Uttar Pradesh.

Karavaev said that “anti-drone protection today is among the most popular in the world. The products of the concern in this niche are effective and proven. We are shipping anti-drone shotguns, anti-drone cartridges of various calibers, and pistols to India.”

At the event, the highlights included the compact Karakurt and Goliath helicopter-type UAVs and the SKAT 350 M high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, known as GARUDA in India.

Two 12-gauge anti-UAV guns—the Saiga and the MP-155 – designed specifically to counter first-person view (FPV) drones were also showcased, as well as uniform kits developed by Kalashnikov for cold, high-altitude environments. (NVI)

Co-heirs get first right of purchase in case of sale of inherited agricultural land: SC

quota
Supreme Court of India

New Delhi, July 18 (NVI) In a significant judgement that will have impact on millions of people, the Supreme Court has ruled that in the case of inherited agricultural land, Class I legal heirs enjoy a preferential right to purchase the property if another heir decides to sell his or her share in it.

 

The judgment means that if and when a Class I heir proposes to transfer an inherited share in agricultural land, other Class I heirs must first be given the opportunity to purchase that interest before it can be sold to an outsider.

 

Class I heirs include the spouse, children and mother of a deceased family member.

 

The ruling by a two-judge bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh came on an appeal filed by a litigant, challenging the applicability of Section 22 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 in relation to agricultural land.

 

The court upheld the claim of a co-heir who sought to enforce the statutory right after several siblings sold their inherited shares in agricultural land to a third party.

 

Section 22 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, grants Class I legal heirs a preferential right to purchase inherited immovable property or a business if a co-heir decides to sell his or her share.

 

The Bench held that once agricultural land devolves by succession under the Hindu Succession Act, it is not excluded from the operation of Section 22 merely because it is agricultural property.

 

The provision, the court said, is intended to preserve the integrity of inherited property by giving co-heirs the first opportunity to acquire the share proposed to be transferred.

 

Rejecting the constitutional challenge to Section 22, the court clarified that its earlier Constitution Bench ruling striking down parts of the Punjab Pre-emption Act had no bearing on the validity of the Hindu Succession Act provision.

 

The judges observed that the Punjab law had been invalidated because it created an unreasonable classification, whereas Section 22 applies uniformly to all Class I heirs and does not suffer from the same constitutional infirmity.

 

The ruling reinforces the statutory protection available to Class I heirs and is expected to guide future disputes involving the sale of inherited agricultural land to third parties. (NVI)

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