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Indian Army tests war readiness by conducting live-fire exercises in Sikkim, bordering China

Live-fire demonstration conducted by Indian Army in Sikkim

Gangtok (Sikkim), Feb 4 (NVI) With an aim of validating its battle readiness, rapid deployment and precision strike capabilities, the Indian Army has successfully conducted a live-fire exercises and performed other activities in Sikkim state, bordering China.

 

The exercises were conducted by Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, which is headquartered in Sukna in North Bengal.

 

“The units (involved in the exercise) were specifically preparing for battle in the high-altitude mountains of Sikkim, showcasing their adaptability and readiness for diverse operational environments,” said a statement issued by the Guwahati-based Defence PRO.

 

“Through coordinated firepower and precision engagement, the units demonstrated their preparedness for a variety of challenges, including those posed by high-altitude warfare,” he said.

 

“This exercise underscores the Army’s commitment to maintaining high standards of efficiency, agility, and mission readiness, regardless of the terrain,” the spokesman said.

 

He noted that the Indian Army continues to enhance its capabilities, ensuring it remains fully equipped to meet evolving security requirements across varied landscapes. (NVI)

 

 

Pakistan: TTP says it killed & injured 155 military personnel in January month

Leaders of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) -- File Pic

Peshawar: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) killed and injured 155 personnel of Pakistani military and police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and some other places of Pakistan during the month of January, according to the Islamist organisation.

In a detailed statement to NVI, the TTP said it carried out 110 operations during the month which resulted in heavy human and material losses to the Pakistani military.

The ‘enemy casualties’ included 75 dead and 80 injured, said the statement issued by its spokesman Muhammad Khorasani.

Giving a break-up, the statement said the casualties included 73 personnel of the Pakistan Army/SSG, 48 of the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC), 31 of the Police/Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and 3 of the Secret services.

At least 10 military personnel and their agents were also “arrested” by the TTP, it said.

The TTP operations resulted in the destruction of 8 military vehicles, 1 tanker, 30 solar plates, 17 CCTV cameras and 1 drone camera.

Among the places, Tank and North Waziristan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw 17 operations each, Dera Ismail Khan recorded 13 operations, South Waziristan, Khyber Agency and Bannu witnessed 13 operations each, Laki Marwat 6, Khurram Agency 3, Peshawar, Mohmand and Bajaur 2 each and Orakzai 1.

In Punjab Province, South Punjab recorded 3 operations and North Punjab and Mardan 1 each.

In Balochistan, one operation each was carried out in Zhob and Pishin.

The nature of operations included 46 Sniper/Laser Attacks, 28 Guerrilla attacks,

10 Ambushes, 14 Counterattacks, 6 Targeted Attacks, 5 Grenades/Bombings and one Suicide attack.

In these operations, the TTP seized from the Pakistani forces 13 Kalashnikovs and 16 magazines, 2 walkie talkies, 1 jeep, 1 motorcycle and other military equipment, it said.

Ex-soldier killed, wife & minor niece injured by terrorists in Kashmir

Ex-Serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay who was killed by terrorists today in Kulgam, Kashmir.

Srinagar, Feb 3 (NVI) Some unidentified terrorists today killed a former Army man and injured his wife and a minor niece in an attack in Kulgam district of Kashmir.

The Ex-Serviceman, identified as 39-year-old Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, and his family were targeted at their residence in Behibagh area of Kulgam district, sources said.

They — Manzoor Ahmad, his 32-year-old wife Aina Akhtar and 13-year-old niece Saina Hameed – were shot and injured by the terrorists who fled after the attack, the sources said.

The injured persons were evacuated to a government hospital where Manzoor Ahmad succumbed to his injuries after some time, the sources said.

Soon after the attack, security forces started an operation to hunt down the terrorists responsible for the criminal act.

“The cowardly act of terror on unarmed citizens was perpetrated by the inimical elements who do not want peace and prosperity which defines Kashmir of today,” the Army said.

“In this dastardly act of terror, even the innocent woman and child were not spared,” it said. (NVI)

Flight-trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System conducted

Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) being tested.

New Delhi: India successfully conducted today three successive flight-trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

These tests were carried out by DRDO against high-speed targets flying at very low altitude.

During all the three flight-tests, the missiles intercepted and completely destroyed the targets having reduced thermal signature mimicking low flying drones at different flying conditions, an official statement said.

The flight-tests were carried out in final deployment configuration where in two field operators carried out weapon readiness, target acquisition and missile firing.

A group of people shooting a rocketDescription automatically generated

The flight data captured by various range instruments like Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking System and Radar deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, confirmed the pin-point accuracy and established the unique capability of VSHORADS missile system in neutralizing drones along with other classes of aerial threats.

The flight-tests were witnessed by senior officials of DRDO, Armed Forces and development and production partners.

VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence system designed and developed indigenously by Research Center Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Development cum Production Partners.

The missile system has the capability to meet the needs of all the three branches of the Armed Forces, viz. Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Armed Forces and the industries for the successful flight tests, terming it as a great success.

Kashmiri Pandit delegation meets Mirwaiz Umar; decide on Inter-Community Committee for return

Kashmiri Pandit delegation meeting Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

New Delhi, Feb 1 (NVI) In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits held a meeting with Mirwaiz of Kashmir Maulvi Umar Farooq and the deliberations led to the decision of forming an Inter-Community Committee to be headed by the Muslim religious head of the Valley.

The meeting of the Kashmiri Pandit delegation, under the banner of JK Peace Forum and leadership of Satish Mahaldar, with the Mirwaiz of Kashmir was aimed at “fostering greater cooperation and healing between the communities of Kashmir”.

“The meeting, which lasted about one and a half hours, represented a crucial step towards addressing historical grievances and working towards a peaceful and inclusive future for Jammu and Kashmir,” said the JK Peace Forum in a statement.

The Inter-Community Committee will represent all communities of Kashmir, with focus on facilitating the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland; addressing the concerns of other minority communities; promoting economic development, trade, and employment generation; preserving Kashmir’s unique cultural heritage and encouraging cooperation among the region’s young professionals.

Additionally, the committee will explore initiatives such as government support for the rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, including the creation of inclusive designated colonies to aid their reintegration into society, the statement said.

The Kashmiri Pandit delegation emphasized that religious leaders, particularly Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, hold the moral authority to lead this initiative given their influence across the region.

Furthermore, the delegation, during the meeting yesterday, reminded Mirwaiz that as the spiritual leader of Kashmir, he represents not just the Muslim community, but also all minorities, and that his leadership is crucial in restoring the region’s peace & harmony.

During his opening remarks, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq emphasized the shared suffering of both Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits over the decades, it said.

The Mirwaiz “acknowledged the painful exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90, a chapter that continues to affect both communities, and reaffirmed that the plight of Kashmiri Pandits is a humanitarian issue and must be addressed with care and urgency,” the statement said.

He said, “Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits. The suffering of Kashmiri Pandits needs to be addressed earnestly, and this has been a point I have raised repeatedly in my discourses.”

The head priest of Kashmir’s Jamia Masjid, who addresses Muslim devotees after every Friday prayers at the historic mosque, said, “The younger generation must be made aware of Kashmir’s composite culture.”

In response, the Kashmiri Pandit delegation mentioned the deep hardships the community had to face after being compelled to leave the Valley under duress in 1990 for no fault of theirs.

The community members, in tented camps in Jammu, suffered from scorching heat and snake bites and were forced to sell all their properties at low prices to educate their children, the Mirwaiz was told.

The Kashmiri Pandits highlighted that despite being forced out of their homeland, they always extended support to their Muslim brothers and sisters in times of distress, and vice versa. (NVI)

Huge attack on Pakistani military in Kalat in Balochistan, 18 soldiers killed by freedom fighters

Baloch fighters somewhere in Balochistan (File Pic)

Quetta (Pakistan-occupied Balochistan), Feb 1 (NVI) Baloch freedom fighters have caused a huge blow to the Pakistani military as it carried out a major attack at a military camp and laid siege of a key highway in Balochistan, leaving at least 18 soldiers dead and many injured.

Dozens of fighters of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)-Azad faction launched simultaneous attack on the main camp of paramilitary force Frontier Corps (FC) and set up check posts on the Quetta-Karachi highway in Mangocher area of Kalat district last night.

The attack on the FC camp was marked by explosions and heavy gunfire, heard up to several kilometers away.

At the same time, the freedom fighters set ablaze some government buildings, including a bank, and established pickets on the highway between Quetta and Karachi in Sindh province, with all the vehicles getting checked along with their occupants.

Pakistan military spokesman — Inter-Services Press Relations (ISPR) — in a statement issued this afternoon, admitted that 18 soldiers were killed in the assault by the rebels and claimed 12 attackers were also eliminated. (NVI)

Now, no Income Tax on earning up to Rs 12 lakh per annum: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting Budget 2025-26 in Parliament today

New Delhi, Feb 1 (NVI) In a huge relief to the Middle Class and Income Tax payers, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today proposed sweeping tax reforms in the Budget 2025.

She said there will be “Zero tax” on income of up to Rs 12 lakh per annum and announced new Income Tax slabs which came as much-needed relief for the India’s middle class.

Following the announcement, tax payers with a normal income (excluding special rate income like capital gains) of up to Rs 12 lakh per financial year will have no tax liability due to a rebate and reduced slab rates.

Those earning up to Rs 12 lakh per annum will receive a tax benefit of Rs 80,000, which covers 100% of their tax payable under existing rates.

For an income of Rs 18 lakh per annum, there will be a benefit benefit is Rs 70,000, covering 30% of the tax payable.

Similarly, a person earning Rs 25 lakh per annum will get a benefit of Rs 1,10,000, which accounts for 25% of their tax liability under the current rates.

In other tax-related reliefs, Sitharaman proposed increase in the threshold for Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) on rent from Rs 2.40 lakh per annum to Rs 6 lakh per annum.

This effectively raises the monthly limit for TDS deduction on rent from Rs20,000 to Rs50,000, benefiting small taxpayers and easing compliance burdens.

In relief to the senior citizens, she proposed to double the limit for tax deduction on interest from the present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per annum.

The Finance Minister also announced that Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on remittances under the RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) has been increased from to Rs 10 lakh from Rs7 lakh, and TCS on remittances for education purposes, where the remittance is out of a loan from a financial institution, has been removed. (NVI)

Post-Article 370 Era: President Murmu highlights Kashmir Rail link as a major achievement

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 31(NVI) President Droupadi Murmu on Friday emphasized the significant transformation in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, citing the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway project as a landmark achievement for the government.

Addressing a joint session of Parliament at the start of the Budget Session, President Murmu stated that the railway connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari symbolizes a major infrastructural milestone. She also highlighted the construction of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, calling it an engineering marvel.

“In the past six months, the government has made record investments in future infrastructure, significantly improving connectivity and development in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

Discussing national security, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding borders and ensuring internal stability. She also underlined India’s advancements in the defense sector, stating that the country has transitioned from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Make for the World’, reinforcing domestic manufacturing for global defense exports.

The completion of the rail link to Kashmir is expected to boost economic activity, enhance tourism, and strengthen regional connectivity, marking a new phase of development and integration for Jammu and Kashmir.

(News Vibes of India)

Army foils infiltration attempt by terrorists along LoC in Poonch

Some unknown location near Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir (File Pic)

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 30(NVI): Army thwarted an infiltration attempt by a group of heavily-armed terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Khari Karmara area of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, on January 30.

Security officials confirmed that the alert Army personnel detected the movement of the terrorists attempting to infiltrate from across the LoC, leading to a gunfight between the two sides. In the exchange of fire, at least two terrorists were reportedly hit by Army bullets. However, it remains unclear whether they were killed or merely injured in the incident.

Following the confrontation, additional reinforcements were deployed to the area, which is characterized by thick foliage. A search operation is currently underway to track down the remaining infiltrators, and security forces are working to secure the region.

Further details regarding the operation are awaited as the Army continues to assess the situation. This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges along the LoC, where infiltration attempts remain a persistent threat.

Authorities have not yet provided official confirmation on the status of the terrorists or the outcome of the search operation. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.(News Vibes of India)

Er Rashid to begin indefinite hunger strike in Tihar Jail from tomorrow, AIP workers to protest in Kashmir, Delhi

File Photo : Er Rashid

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 30(NVI): In a major political development, Awami Itehad Party (AIP) chief and Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid, is set to go on an indefinite hunger strike from tomorrow inside Tihar Jail, where he is currently lodged. The move comes in protest against his continued detention, which prevents him from attending the upcoming Parliament session beginning tomorrow.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, senior AIP leaders expressed strong resentment over what they termed the “deliberate denial of democratic rights” to their party chief. They argued that Er Rashid’s absence from Parliament means that the voice of 18 lakh people of North Kashmir remains unheard, effectively nullifying their representation at the national level.

In solidarity with their leader, AIP workers have announced mass hunger strikes in both Kashmir and Delhi, vowing to continue their protest until Er Rashid is either released or allowed to attend the parliamentary proceedings.

“Despite being elected by the people of North Kashmir, Er Rashid is being prevented from performing his constitutional duty as an MP. This is not just an injustice to him but also to the democratic mandate of the people who voted for him. If the government truly believes in democracy, they should let him take his rightful place in Parliament,” an AIP spokesperson stated.

The party has also appealed to civil society, political groups, and human rights organizations to intervene and ensure Er Rashid’s participation in the parliamentary session. They warned that continued suppression of democratic voices could have serious consequences for the political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir.

Growing Pressure on Govt Over Rashid’s Detention

Engineer Rashid, who defeated former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla constituency, has been in Tihar Jail since 2019 in connection with a terror-funding case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Despite his landslide victory, the government has not taken any steps to facilitate his release or temporary parole for parliamentary duties, unlike some other political figures in the past who were allowed to attend sessions under judicial supervision.

AIP leaders have criticized the selective application of legal provisions, alleging that Er Rashid is being singled out for his strong political stance on Kashmir’s affairs.

With protests planned in both Kashmir and Delhi, political observers believe that this issue could snowball into a major controversy, putting the government under pressure to justify its stance on an elected representative’s prolonged incarceration.

The coming days will be crucial as the Parliament session begins, and it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its position in light of growing protests and political pressure.(News Vibes of India)

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