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Sharp fall in Gold prices

Mumbai, Sept 14 (NVI) Gold prices fell sharply today as markets increased bets that the US Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its policy meeting this week, with stronger inflation and rising oil prices adding to expectations of tighter monetary policy.

Spot gold fell 1.3 per cent to USD 4,292 an ounce, slipping below the USD 4,300 mark, while US gold futures declined 1.4 per cent to USD 4,348.50.

The dollar also strengthened to its highest level in more than a week, adding further pressure on bullion for buyers using other currencies.

Markets are now pricing in an 89 per cent probability of a Fed rate hike this week, up from 67 per cent before last week’s inflation data. Goldman Sachs and HSBC have also forecast a 25 basis point increase at the Fed’s Tuesday-Wednesday meeting.

US consumer prices accelerated in August, while a key measure of underlying inflation recorded its largest increase in four months. The data has strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could maintain a hawkish stance on monetary policy.

Rising oil prices have added another complication for policymakers. Oil prices gained around 3 per cent on Monday after strikes targeted Saudi energy and civilian infrastructure. Iranian attacks on Gulf shipping also raised concerns over supply, while the closure of a key Saudi oil pipeline further tightened the supply outlook.

Higher interest rates tend to weigh on gold because the precious metal does not generate interest income, making it relatively less attractive compared with interest-bearing assets.

Other precious metals also declined. Spot silver fell 1.9 per cent to USD 63.22 an ounce, while platinum dropped 1.4 per cent to USD 1,770.82 and palladium declined 1.4 per cent to USD 1,280.97. (NVI)

No charges to be levied on UPI transactions by banks, payment system providers: Govt

New Delhi, Sept 14 (NVI) The government has clarified that banks and payment system providers cannot levy direct or indirect charges on UPI transactions of up to Rs 2,000, providing greater certainty over the cost of small-value digital payments.

The clarification comes after amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, had raised concerns that UPI transactions could eventually attract charges.

The government has maintained that consumers will not be charged for using UPI, while any future merchant discount rate (MDR) would be restricted to a limited set of merchant transactions above a prescribed threshold.

Person-to-person payments will continue to remain free, while the government has said the vast majority of merchant transactions will also remain free of charge. Any future MDR would be nominal and apply only to specified merchant transactions.

The clarification also covers payments made through RuPay-powered debit cards, under the government’s broader framework for supporting digital payments.

The government has said the legislative changes are intended to provide an enabling framework for the long-term sustainability of UPI, while supporting financial inclusion, technological development, cybersecurity and resilience against emerging risks.

The move comes as UPI continues to expand rapidly across India’s digital payments ecosystem.

UPI processed 2,366 crore transactions worth Rs 29.9 lakh crore in July 2026, according to the Finance Ministry.

For consumers, the key takeaway is that UPI payments up to Rs 2,000 remain free, while any future charges on higher-value merchant transactions would depend on separate decisions and notifications under the revised framework. (NVI)

Three Held for Alleged Logistical Support to Terrorists in J&K’s Rajouri

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, Sept 14 (NVI): Police have busted an alleged overground worker (OGW) network linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the Pir Panjal region and arrested three persons, officials said on Monday.

The arrested persons have been identified as Zakir Hussain, Mohd Azam, both residents of Kotcharwal Teryath, and Mohd Mushtaq of Udhan in Rajouri.

According to police, the accused were allegedly involved in providing logistical support, safe transit and other assistance to terrorists operating in the region.

The investigation has also revealed that the accused allegedly worked as guides and facilitated the movement of terrorist groups towards the Kashmir Valley. They are also suspected of providing ground support to terrorists linked to multiple attacks, including an attack targeting civilians, police said.

An improvised explosive device (IED) was also recovered based on the disclosure of one of the arrested persons, police said.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the device was allegedly handed over to the accused by members of a terrorist group for safe custody and possible use in a targeted attack.

Police said further investigation is underway to identify other associates, establish the wider network and ascertain the full extent of the accused persons’ involvement.—(NVI)

Army Commander reviews security, operational preparedness in Akhnoor sector

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Sep 14 (NVI): Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Monday visited forward areas of the Akhnoor sector in Jammu and Kashmir to assess the security situation and review the operational readiness of troops deployed in the area.

Lt Gen Sharma took stock of the prevailing security dynamics and the preparedness of units to respond to emerging challenges.

The Army Commander commended the troops for their steadfast resolve and high morale in safeguarding the nation.

He exhorted all ranks to strive for excellence in operational capabilities and remain vigilant, responsive and combat-ready at all times.—(NVI)

Rs 45 Lakh Property of Alleged Terror Handler Attached in J&K’s Rajouri

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, Sep 14 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday attached immovable property belonging to an alleged terror handler in Thanamandi area of Rajouri district under provisions of law, officials said.

The property belongs to Nazarat Hussain, son of Mohd Sadiq, a resident of Niali Thanamandi. It was attached in connection with FIR No. 04/2011 registered under Sections 3 and 4 of the Enemy Agents and Information Act at Police Station Thanamandi, officials said.

The attached land comprises Khasra Nos. 33, 34, 39, 51, 52, 53, 58, 59, 60, 65 and 89, measuring 1 kanal and 2.5 marlas, with an estimated value of around Rs 45 lakh.

During the proceedings, attachment boards were installed on the land, marking the property as attached under law.

Police said the action was part of its ongoing efforts to dismantle networks supporting terrorism and take legal action against individuals involved in anti-national activities.—(NVI)

IAF Dronathon-2026 begins at Pokhran to assess unmanned systems

New Delhi, Sep 14 (NVI): The Indian Air Force on Monday began its first Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer to assess emerging unmanned systems technologies under realistic operational conditions.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, inaugurated the three-day event, which is being held from September 14 to 16 and brings together more than 20 defence companies, start-ups, MSMEs, DPSUs and innovators from India’s unmanned systems sector.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army and Border Security Force.

The IAF said unmanned systems are an important complement to manned aviation, providing commanders with additional options to enhance the reach, persistence, responsiveness and flexibility of air operations.

During Dronathon-2026, participating firms and innovators will demonstrate unmanned aircraft systems and associated technologies across capabilities such as surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies, electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aircraft systems.

The systems are being assessed for reliability and effectiveness in demanding and contested environments, with the focus on moving beyond technology demonstrations towards operational effectiveness, the IAF said.

During the inaugural event, Dixit also released the ‘IAF UAS Roadmap’, aimed at providing greater clarity to the Indian industry on the force’s capability priorities and enabling industry, academia and research organisations to align innovation with future operational requirements.

On the opening day, the IAF demonstrated ‘Vayu UTtaM’, an indigenously developed multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management system, at the Pokhran range.

The system demonstrated its capability to detect and track both military and civil unmanned aircraft systems in real time. The capability is intended to facilitate coordinated management of UAS operations in increasingly congested airspace and support identification and timely mitigation of unauthorised or rogue drones.

The IAF said Vayu UTtaM could also find applications beyond the military domain, including airspace safety, critical infrastructure, civil aviation and public safety.

Dronathon-2026 underscores the IAF’s focus on ‘Atmanirbharta’ in unmanned systems, with emphasis on developing the wider ecosystem covering propulsion, sensors and payloads, communications, autonomy, electronic warfare, countermeasures and airspace management.—(NVI)

India to export 654 MW power to flood-hit Nepal to meet requirements

power sector
Representational/file image

New Delhi, Sep 14 (NVI) India will export up to 654 MW of electricity to Nepal for 18 hours a day till December 31 this year to help the neighbouring country meet its power requirements following damage to hydropower infrastructure caused by recent floods.

The Ministry of Power has permitted export of up to 600 MW through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV double-circuit transmission line and up to 54 MW through the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV single-circuit line.

The power will be supplied to the Nepal Electricity Authority between 0000 hours and 1800 hours from September 13 to December 31, 2026.

The quantum of power to be exported from January 2027 will be reviewed in December this year, the ministry said.

Recent floods in Nepal have caused significant damage to hydropower infrastructure, reducing the country’s domestic power generation capacity and creating an additional requirement for electricity.

The approval is expected to help Nepal meet its power needs during the difficult period and further strengthen the longstanding energy cooperation between the two countries.

India remains committed to supporting Nepal and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, the ministry said.—(NVI)

POJK: 100 days on, Movement by Kashmiris Against Pakistan Continues to Grow

Sea of people at a protest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir

Rawalakot (POJK), Sept 14 (NVI) Pakistan would have never thought it would continue for so long. But here it is. The mass uprising against it in occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) has completed 100 days and there are no signs of it ending anytime soon.

What was initially planned as a ‘Long March’ from all parts of POJK to its capital Muzaffarabad to press certain demands related to basic rights has developed into a full-fledged revolt against the illegal occupation by Pakistan.

Rallies, demonstrations and processions continue unabated with the participation of lakhs of people, including women and elderly.

The resolve of Kashmiris is unwavering even as Pakistan has been using extreme forms of brutalities like direct firing on peaceful protesters which have resulted in the killing of over 100 unarmed people and injuring of hundreds of others. Thousands have been arrested, including top leaders of the agitation.

The Pakistani regime has also resorted to the inhuman act of ‘economic blockade’ on the landlocked POJK by preventing supplies of even essential items like food grains and medicines.

The Pakistani forces have also shut down or seized control of hospitals, clinics and medical shops across POJK.

The Pakistani forces also sealed shops and business establishments in several parts of POJK to punish their owners for participating in the peaceful agitation.

Bank accounts of many locals have been frozen.

Internet has also been shut down in an attempt to prevent the visuals of Pakistani atrocities from going into circulation.

But the undeterred Kashmiris have pledged not to relent before the Pakistani forces, being described as “Zionist”.

Long March

The call for ‘Long March Towards Muzaffarabad’ had been given by J&K Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a conglomerate of several non-political organisations of the occupied region.

The ‘Long March’ was slated to begin on 9 June 2026.

Ahead of the D-day, Pakistan, with the clear intent to thwart the agitation by force, sent tens of thousands of its military personnel to POJK, adding to the lakhs of those already present.

Two days before the planned march, Pakistan launched a brutal crackdown on leaders and activists of JKJAAC and imposed curfew.

Rawalakot in particular witnessed bloodshed caused by the Pakistani forces on June 7 itself.

Despite that, lakhs of protesters reached Rawalakot on 10 June, intending to continue towards Muzaffarabad. Peaceful sit-ins were subsequently established in and around Rawalakot, which became the epicenter of the agitation.

Since then, 100 days have passed but the sit-ins continue day and night and the public participation has continued to swell.

Demands

The agitation was launched for the due rights of the locals for cheaper electricity, subsidised wheat/flour and an end to Pakistani interference in political affairs.

The demand related to end of political interference is about reservation of 12 seats in 53-member POJK Assembly for so-called ‘refugees of Jammu and Kashmir living in Pakistan’.

The voters and candidates of these 12 controversial seats are dubious and linked to Pakistani establishment, i.e, the Pakistani military.

Thus, these 12 seats form the key for the Pakistani establishment to make or break the local governments in POJK, amounting to gross interference in the political affairs of the occupied region.

Kashmiris also say that electricity produced from the rivers of POJK is looted by Pakistan and the locals get no benefit. They want it to be corrected.

It is increasingly becoming clear that people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are not willing to suffer subjugation anymore and are ready to do take on the occupying regime head on.

The façade of “Azad Kashmir” has fallen and the agitation has grown into an uprising against the illegal rule of Pakistan which militarily occupied these parts of Jammu and Kashmir in October 1947 through an invasion.

The people of the POJK, who have remained subdued and submissive for the last 78 years of Pakistani occupation, have finally resolved to chart their political future by breaking the chains of subjugation. And they declare it openly. (NVI)

Suspicious Pigeon Found in J&K’s Samba

Shivam Bakshi

Samba, Sep 14 (NVI): A suspicious pigeon was found in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district on Monday, officials said.

Officials said a ring attached to the pigeon’s leg had a suspicious number written on it.

The pigeon was subsequently taken into custody, and further verification is underway to ascertain the details associated with the marking.—(NVI)

J&K CM Omar Meets Legislators, Horticulture Officials At Civil Secretariat

Srinagar, Sep 14 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday met several legislators, delegations and individuals at the Civil Secretariat here and discussed issues concerning public importance.

Omar met Sonawari MLA Hilal Akbar Lone along with a delegation, which raised various developmental and public welfare issues pertaining to the constituency.

Khansahib MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat also called on the chief minister and apprised him of several constituency-specific matters.

The chief minister also met M K Verma, Director of the ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Srinagar, and Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director of the National Horticulture Board.

During the meeting, various issues related to the functioning and development of the centre were discussed, an official statement said.—(NVI)

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