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Army Commander Reviews Security Preparedness Along LoC in J&K

Jammu, June 1 (NVI): General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, accompanied by the GOC of the Ace of Spades Division, visited forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness, officials said on Monday.

During the visit, the Corps Commander interacted with troops deployed in forward locations and commended them for their high morale, professionalism and dedication in challenging operational conditions.

Officials said the senior officer reviewed measures undertaken to strengthen surveillance, enhance precision strike capabilities and improve preparedness for future warfare requirements. He expressed satisfaction over the formation’s operational readiness and the steps taken to maintain a robust security posture along the LoC.

Reaffirming the Indian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders, the Corps Commander emphasised the importance of continued vigilance and operational excellence to ensure effective domination of the LoC, officials added.(NVI)

Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty Takes Charge as 20th Commander-in-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command

New Delhi, Jun 1 (NVI): Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty on Monday assumed charge as the 20th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only tri-service operational command.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1989, Vice Admiral McCarty is a specialist in gunnery and missiles and has over 36 years of service spanning operational, staff, training and tri-service appointments. He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College.

His sea tenures include being part of the commissioning crew of INS Delhi and commanding INS Ajay, INS Khanjar and INS Shivalik.

Vice Admiral McCarty has also held several key staff and training appointments, including Training Commander at the Indian Naval Academy, Command Plans Officer at Headquarters Eastern Naval Command and Commodore Naval Plans at Naval Headquarters. After promotion to Flag Rank in 2020, he served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Staff Requirements), Controller of Personnel Services and Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet in 2023. He later became the tenth Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy in 2024.

Before taking over the ANC, he held consecutive tri-service appointments at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Policy, Plans and Force Development) and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training) during 2025-26.

His overseas assignments included serving as Directing Staff at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Sri Lanka and as Defence Advisor to Singapore and the Philippines between 2011 and 2015.

On assuming charge at Sri Vijaya Puram, Vice Admiral McCarty underscored the strategic importance of the Andaman & Nicobar Command in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and ensuring security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. He reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing operational preparedness, strengthening jointness among the armed forces and further reinforcing the command’s role in the Indo-Pacific.(NVI)

Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry Takes Charge as AOC-in-C, Central Air Command

New Delhi, June 1 (NVI): Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry on Monday assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force’s Central Air Command.

Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1989, Air Marshal Chaudhry is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare and National Defence College.

During his career spanning over three decades, he has held several key operational, staff and diplomatic assignments. He served as Defence Attaché at the Embassy of India in Sweden, with concurrent accreditation to Norway, Finland and Denmark. He has also undertaken important staff appointments at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and Air Headquarters, focusing on projects, acquisitions and human resource management.

The Air Marshal has been associated with a number of capability enhancement initiatives and projects involving the induction of advanced technologies in the IAF. Before assuming his new appointment, he was serving as the Senior Air Staff Officer at the Headquarters Southern Air Command.

Air Marshal Chaudhry succeeded Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, who retired on May 31 after four decades of service in the Indian Air Force.

Officials said the change of command comes as the IAF continues its focus on operational preparedness and force modernisation across its commands.(NVI)

India, Australia Deepen Defence Ties; Focus on Maritime Security, Defence Industry Cooperation

New Delhi, June 1 (NVI): India and Australia on Monday agreed to further strengthen defence and security cooperation with a focus on maritime security, defence industrial collaboration and emerging technologies during the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in New Delhi.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at the Manekshaw Centre.

The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral defence ties since the inaugural dialogue held in October 2025 and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation to contribute to regional peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Both sides discussed maritime security cooperation and efforts to finalise a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap. They agreed to advance maritime domain awareness activities, explore opportunities for cooperation in undersea domain awareness and enhance collaboration between the Indian Coast Guard and Australia’s Maritime Border Command.

India and Australia also reiterated support for a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, underscoring the importance of freedom of navigation, overflight and adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two countries announced plans to begin work on a Memorandum of Understanding for the provision of defence articles and services, aimed at deepening defence industrial collaboration. They also agreed to explore greater cooperation through the Joint Working Group on Defence Industry, Research and Materiel.

The ministers welcomed growing engagement between their armed forces and looked forward to enhanced participation in each other’s military exercises, including Exercise Talisman Sabre, Milan, Kakadu and Pitch Black.

They also agreed to explore future cooperation in defence science and technology, particularly in areas such as sensor technologies, while Australia invited India to participate in the 2026 Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research Summit.

The two sides expressed support for strengthening cooperation under the Quad framework and enhancing maritime domain awareness across the Indo-Pacific through information sharing, expert exchanges and joint exercises.

The dialogue concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to expanding strategic, operational and defence-industrial cooperation in line with their shared vision for regional security and stability.(NVI)

Senior IPS Officer Vidhi Kumar Birdi Appointed CRPF IG on Central Deputation

File Photo : IGP Kahmir, V.K.Birdi

New Delhi, June 1 (NVI): Senior IPS officer Vidhi Kumar Birdi has been appointed as Inspector General (IG) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on central deputation, according to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Birdi, a 2003-batch AGMUT cadre officer, has been appointed as IG in the CRPF against an existing vacancy, the order said.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment in Level-14 of the pay matrix under the usual terms and conditions applicable to central deputation, it said.

The MHA has directed the concerned authorities to relieve the officer immediately to enable him to take up his new assignment.

Birdi has served in various policing and administrative positions during his career and is currently one of the senior officers of the AGMUT cadre.

The CRPF is the country’s largest central armed police force and plays a key role in internal security operations across India. (NVI)

TTP caused heavy losses to Pakistani military in multiple operations

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) cadre in specialised gear. File pic released by TTP

Peshawar, June 1: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed to have caused heavy losses to the Pakistani military in multiple operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during the last few days.

At least 9 Pakistani soldiers were killed or wounded in a major clash in Darra Adam Khel in Kohat district, TTP spokesman Muhammad Khorasani said in a statement.

He said the clash erupted after an attempted raid jointly by the Pakistan Army, paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC), and Police on May 30, which was met with a strong counter attack.

Besides the casualties among the Pakistani forces, three military vehicles also suffered partial damage in the clash, he said.

TTP lost one fighter, identified as Qari Usama, in the firefight, he said.

In Bannu district, several Pakistani soldiers were killed or wounded, and one vehicle sustained partial damage in a defensive action by TTP in Baka Khel, he said.

In Bajaur district too, several Pakistani soldiers were killed or injured in a clash with TTP in Wara Mamond, the spokesman said.

In Peshawar, a sniper attack on military post killed one soldier, he said.

In an attack in Chaman in Pishin district, the TTP killed a “collaborator” of the Pakistani military in a targeted attack.

Earlier, in North Waziristan disrict, sniper attacks were carried out on military posts in Razmak and Mir Ali, in which there is a strong possibility of casualties among the Pakistani forces, Khorasani said.

In Dera Ismail Khan district, a grenade launcher attack was carried out on a military camp in Kulachi, with a strong possibility of casualties among the “Zionist agents”, the TTP spokesman said.

Crime Branch Chargesheets Three in Srinagar Land Fraud Case
Accused Allegedly Sold Same Khushipora Land to Multiple Buyers Using Manipulated Revenue Records

Srinagar, June 1 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet against three persons in a land fraud case involving the alleged sale of the same parcel of land to multiple buyers through separate registered sale deeds in the Khushipora area of HMT, Srinagar, officials said on Monday.

According to a Crime Branch spokesperson, the chargesheet was filed before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, in FIR No. 03/2024 registered under Sections 420, 468, 167 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).

The case pertains to the alleged fraudulent sale of a piece of land located in Khushipora, HMT Srinagar, to several purchasers through separate sale deeds.

Investigations revealed that the accused, Mehraj-ud-Din Khanday and Shabir Ahmad Khanday, both residents of Khushipora Abanshah, Srinagar, allegedly conspired with a Patwari, who has since died, to execute multiple sale deeds for the same land parcel.

The accused allegedly used fabricated and manipulated revenue records to mislead buyers and obtain unlawful financial gains, the spokesperson said.

Following completion of the investigation, the chargesheet was presented before the court for judicial proceedings.

The Crime Branch advised the public to remain vigilant against economic frauds and report such incidents to the Economic Offences Wing. Authorities also urged victims of financial fraud to submit complaints through official channels for prompt action. (NVI)

930 FIRs registered, over 1,000 drug peddlers arrested in J-K: LG Sinha

Srinagar June 01 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said 930 FIRs have been registered and more than 1,000 drug peddlers arrested as part of the administration’s intensified crackdown on narcotics across the Union Territory.

Addressing a function in Kulgam district, Sinha said the government is committed to eliminating the drug menace and achieving a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.

He said strict action is being taken against those involved in drug trafficking and related offences, adding that over 600 driving licences have been cancelled and the cancellation of 124 passports has been recommended in connection with drug-related activities.

The lieutenant governor said the fight against narcotics is not only a law-enforcement challenge but also a social responsibility requiring the participation of families, educational institutions, religious leaders and civil society.

Urging the youth to stay away from drugs, Sinha called upon citizens to support the government’s efforts to curb drug abuse and trafficking.

Reiterating the administration’s resolve, he said the anti-drug campaign would continue until the goal of a drug-free society is achieved in Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

Balochistan: 13 Pakistani soldiers killed, several injured in multiple BLA attacks

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

Quetta, June 1: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) today claimed to have killed 13 and injured several other personnel of occupier Pakistani military in multiple attacks in Balochistan.

These attacks were carried out across various parts of Balochistan between May 23 and 30, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement to NVI.

The 22 operations, targeting the occupying Pakistan army, police, and military-affiliated ‘death squads’, also resulted in the seizure of a large cache of weapons and ammunition, he said.

During this period, the BLA fighters maintained complete control over the main highways of Balochistan, targeting the logistics supply vehicles of the occupying army and arresting active death squad operatives based on intelligence reports from the organization’s intelligence wing, ZIRAB, the spokesman said.

During the operations, BLA lost a fighter, identified as Sangat Chakar.

Giving details, the spokesman said on May 23, BLA fighters trapped and targeted a joint contingent of the occupying Pakistani army and the CTD (Counter-Terrorism Department) that was advancing to launch a military aggression in Panjpai area of Quetta.

The BLA fighters detonated a remote-controlled car bomb on the highway, striking two vehicles and the foot soldiers of the occupation forces.

This successful explosion resulted in the immediate deaths of four CTD personnel and left six others injured, he said.

Immediately after this, the fighters ambushed other military detachments of the occupying army, killing three more enemy personnel, he said.

During this intense clash, BLA fighter Sangat Chakar sacrificed his life in defense of the motherland and attained martyrdom, Jeeyand Baloch said.

On the same day, in the Garuk area of Kharan, BLA fighters targeted a vehicle of the occupying army with a remote-controlled IED, inflicting heavy material and personnel losses.

Furthermore, at Mal in Nushki, BLA fighters took full control of the Quetta-Taftan national highway and set on fire five vehicles carrying logistics supplies for the occupying army, he said.

On May 24, during two different operations in the Kardgap and Kanak areas of Mastung, the occupying army was targeted with IEDs and ambush attacks, resulting in the death of four enemy personnel and injuries to several others, the spokesman said.

In continuation of these actions, a blockade was established on the Quetta-Taftan route at Babri, where eight supply vehicles of the occupying army were set on fire and completely destroyed.

The next day, in the Besima area, BLA fighters intercepted an oil tanker transporting fuel for the Shamsi Airbase during a tactical operation and set it on fire after taking it into custody.

On the same day, another four supply vehicles were destroyed during an operation on the Quetta-Taftan highway in the Kardgap area of Mastung.

Meanwhile, a successful hand grenade attack was carried out against military personnel deployed for security at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in the Chitkan area of Panjgur.

On May 26, BLA fighters used explosives to blow up and destroy the vital Surgal bridge on the Quetta-Taftan highway in Dalbandin, as well as a central bridge on the Kharan-Quetta highway in Kharan, completely disconnecting the enemy’s ground communications.

On the same day, the BLA fighters simultaneously established blockades at two different locations, maintaining organizational control for several hours over the Kharan-Karachi highway at Sarawan and the Kharan-Quetta highway at Nauroz Kalat.

During this period, four supply vehicles of the occupying army were intercepted and set on fire in the Janglat area of Nushki.

In the Garap area of Kalat, foot soldiers of the occupying Pakistani army were targeted while carrying water to their post, resulting in the killing of a soldier and injuries to two others.

On the same day, BLA fighters inflicted heavy personnel losses on advancing enemy detachments in the Kardgap area of Mastung, the spokesman said.

“Following this failure, the occupying army resorted to indiscriminate shelling on the nearby civilian population using gunship helicopters. However, the Sarmachars firmly maintained their positions, launched effective counter-attacks on the enemy’s foot soldiers, and forced them to retreat,” he added.

On May 27, on the day of Eid, BLA fighters fully participated in public Eid gatherings in Kharan, delivering organizational and political addresses to the public.

In the Isplinji area of Mastung, BLA fighters also took control of the entire area on Eid day and met with the local population.

“Due to fear, the occupying army did not dare to venture out of its camp, but instead fired indiscriminate mortar shells from within their camp into civilian areas, injuring four ordinary citizens,” the BLA spokesman said.

On the same day, in the Phalabad area of Panjgur, BLA fighters blockaded the CPEC route for several hours to conduct snap checking, during which a vehicle belonging to the state institution NADRA was taken into custody and set on fire along with its official equipment.

On May 28, in the Balicha area of Tump, BLA fighters fired multiple shells from grenade launchers at the central camp of the occupying army, inflicting significant personnel and material losses on the enemy, the spokesman said.

On May 30, at Nyamdurgi in Nushki, BLA fighters ambushed a military convoy of the occupying army, causing heavy casualties within the enemy ranks.

On the same day, acting on precise intelligence provided by ZIRAB in the Qadirabad area of Nushki, operatives of the state death squad were identified and detained, after which the BLA fighters took over security control of the main highway.

Prices of commercial LPG cylinder increased again

LPG cylinders

New Delhi, June 1: Prices of Commercial LPG of 19 kgs and 5 kgs categories have been increased again with effect from today.

The development will have impact on lakhs of roadside eateries, dhabas, restaurants and hotels.

The price of 19-kg cylinder has been increased by Rs 42 and more and price of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders has also raised by Rs 11.

As a result, the price of a commercial 19-kg LPG cylinder is now Rs 3,113.50 in Delhi.

In Kolkata, the increase is even steeper at Rs 53.50, pushing the price to Rs 3,255.50 per cylinder.

The latest revision will definitely put more pressure on businesses which are already struggle with rising fuel and transportation costs.

The 5-kg FTL cylinders now cost Rs 821.50.

Upward Trajectory continues

Prices of commercial have been increased substantially since the start of the year.

In January, the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder was Rs 1,691.50 in Delhi but now it is nearly double that cost at to Rs 3,113.50.

Repeated increase

In February, prices were raised by Rs 49.

March saw another increase of Rs 115.

Then came the biggest shock in April, when prices jumped by a staggering Rs 993 per cylinder.

After remaining elevated in May, rates have risen again in June.

The result is a near doubling of commercial LPG costs within just five months.

Higher Rates Across Major Cities

The impact is not limited to Delhi.

Commercial LPG prices have risen sharply across major urban centres.

In Mumbai, a 19-kg cylinder costs Rs 3,024.50. Chennai has seen prices rise to Rs 3,232. Hyderabad and Patna are among the costliest markets, with prices at Rs 3,294 and Rs 3,322 respectively.

The nationwide increase reflects broader challenges in energy markets rather than local factors.

CNG Price Hike

The LPG revision comes just days after another fuel cost increase.

The prices of CNG, used by vehicles, was raised by Rs 2 per kg a few days back, making it Rs 83.09 per kg.

It was the fourth increase in less than two weeks.

Since May 15, CNG prices have risen by a cumulative Rs 6 per kg.

Petrol and Diesel

Prices of Petrol and Diesel have also been raised by more than Rs 7 in less than a month.

Petrol rates have increased by Rs 7.35 per litre, while diesel prices have been hiked up by Rs 7.53 per litre in multiple rounds.

For businesses that rely on transportation as well as cooking fuel, the combined impact is significant.

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