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LG calls for reviving India’s knowledge legacy, strengthening cultural diplomacy

Srinagar, Jun 20 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called for reviving India’s rich traditions of knowledge and spirituality and strengthening cultural diplomacy, saying the country must build a future-oriented education system that connects youth with both ancient wisdom and modern technology.

Addressing the Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue here, Sinha said the country’s goal should be to revive its knowledge heritage, strengthen civilisational traditions and promote an education system rooted in cultural values while embracing technological advancements.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Culture, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the National School of Drama and Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University.

Sinha said good governance and cultural dialogue together shape the moral, cultural and human character of society and help formulate inclusive policies.

“Together, the scholars of Jammu and Kashmir and Nalanda shaped one of the world’s oldest living civilisations. This heritage is our guiding light. The Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue is our opportunity to carry that light forward with wisdom, courage and a new vision for Viksit Bharat,” he said.

The lieutenant governor stressed the need to strengthen India’s soft power and promote cultural diplomacy.

“Centuries ago, India’s knowledge unified the globe. Today, we can be the bridge the world needs. The world is watching. Let us lead with confidence and compassion,” he said.

Highlighting India’s cultural diversity, Sinha said the younger generation had inherited a rich legacy of languages, beliefs, artistic traditions and philosophical schools.

“From Bihar to Jammu and Kashmir, from the temples of Tamil Nadu to the monasteries of Ladakh, each region preserves its distinct cultural identity and rhythm of life. Our shared aim should be to weave these diversities into a harmonious unity that enriches the nation’s collective consciousness,” he said.

Sinha said Indian civilisation had long been defined by centres of learning such as Nalanda, Takshashila and Vikramashila, which attracted scholars and travellers from across Asia and beyond.

He described Nalanda as a centre of critical thinking and intellectual inquiry, while referring to Jammu and Kashmir as the historic seat of learning associated with Sharda Peeth.

The lieutenant governor said there was a need to revive the tradition of open exchange of ideas and intellectual engagement, drawing inspiration from the historical links between Nalanda and Kashmir.

He also underscored the importance of preserving and promoting ancient towns with rich cultural and educational heritage, including Srinagar, Nalanda, Jammu, Varanasi, Hampi, Sanchi, Madurai, Puri and Thanjavur.

Sinha said infrastructure development, heritage conservation and platforms such as the Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue were essential to fostering cultural exchange and promoting India’s civilisational values.

Several academicians, literary personalities, senior officials and students attended the event. (NVI)

EOW files chargesheet in telecom project fraud case

Srinagar, Jun 20 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet against a Kanpur-based man in connection with an alleged telecom project fraud case, officials said on Saturday.

The chargesheet was filed before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sopore, in FIR No. 44/2023 registered under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, they said.

According to officials, the accused, identified as Harkeet Singh, a resident of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly induced a complainant to invest money on the promise of providing an inbound sales call project of US-based telecom company AT&T.

During the investigation, it was found that the accused had allegedly deceived the complainant and obtained money through false assurances regarding the telecom project, officials said.

Based on the evidence collected during the probe, the allegations were substantiated and a chargesheet was filed before the competent court for judicial proceedings, they added.

The EOW advised the public to remain vigilant against economic frauds and report such incidents to the authorities. Victims can also submit complaints through the official email of the Economic Offences Wing, officials said.(NVI)

Baramulla admin bans gatherings near NEET re-exam centres on June 21

Maharashtra
(Representational/file photo)

Baramulla, Jun 20 (NVI): The district administration in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla has imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) around 11 examination centres for the smooth conduct of the NEET (UG)-2026 re-examination scheduled on June 21, officials said on Saturday.

According to an order issued by District Magistrate Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, the restrictions will remain in force within a 200-metre radius of all designated examination centres from 10 am till the conclusion of the examination.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the re-examination from 2 pm to 5 pm, while an additional hour has been provided for PwD/PwBD candidates, the order said.

Only candidates carrying valid admit cards and identity documents will be allowed entry into the examination centres, while examination staff and other authorised personnel will be permitted after verification of their photo identity cards and biometric authentication wherever applicable, it said.

The order prohibits entry of unauthorised persons within the restricted zone and bars candidates from carrying mobile phones, electronic gadgets, calculators, books, notes or any other material that could facilitate unfair means.

Gatherings of more than five persons around the examination centres have also been prohibited, while the use of public address systems and loudspeakers has been banned from noon to 6 pm on the day of the examination, officials said.

The restrictions have been imposed to prevent external interference and ensure a fair and transparent examination process, they added.

The order, however, exempts law enforcement agencies, magistrates and personnel officially associated with the conduct of the examination.

Officials said violators will face action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).—(NVI)

Trump insults Meloni, She hits back

Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni at G7 Summit in France

New Delhi, June 19: US President Donald Trump today kicked off a diplomatic spat with Italy, as he publicly insulted its Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who hit out at him for “lying”.

Trump, in a mocking tone, claimed that at the recently G7 Summit in France, Meloni “begged” for a photo with him and that he “felt sorry for her.”

The US President made the controversial statement in a TV interview.

Shortly afterwards, Meloni issued a video statement, condemning Trump for making such an irresponsible statement.

Calling Trump’s claim as “completely fabricated”, she said, “I am frankly appalled… I don’t know why the President of the United States behaves this way towards his allies.”

She added that Trump appears to show more accommodation towards “the enemies of the West” than America’s allies.

Concluding, Meloni said, “Italy and I never beg.”

Amidst the spat, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his planned two-day official visit to Washington that was to begin on June 21.

This is not the first time that Trump has insulted and humiliated a leader of another country.

More than a year back, he humiliated Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky in front of the media during their meeting at the White House.

He has done similar acts to demean leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other countries. (NVI)

Indian Navy Set to Induct Three Home-Built Frontline Vessels

New Delhi, Jun 19 (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission three indigenously built frontline naval platforms — INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray — at a ceremony in Kolkata on June 21, the Indian Navy said on Friday.

Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by grse in the three platforms represent key operational capabilities in maritime combat, hydrographic surveying and anti-submarine warfare.

INS Dunagiri, the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate, is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile system, enhancing the Navy’s combat capabilities.

INS Sanshodhak, the fourth Survey Vessel (Large), is designed to undertake coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys and collect oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civil applications. It is equipped with advanced survey systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Remotely Operated Vehicles.

INS Agray, the fourth Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, is fitted with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and shallow-water sonar systems to detect and engage underwater threats in littoral waters.

According to the Navy, the three vessels have an indigenous content of over 75 per cent and were built with the participation of more than 200 MSMEs, generating significant direct and indirect employment.

The commissioning of the platforms underscores India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and reflects the country’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, officials said.(NVI)

MoD signs Rs 425 crore deal with Bharat Forge for marine gas turbine generators for Navy

New Delhi, Jun 19 (NVI): The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday signed a contract worth around Rs 425 crore with Bharat Forge Limited for the procurement of 12 sets of 1.25 MW Marine Gas Turbine Generators for the Indian Navy, officials said.

The contract was signed under the Buy (Indian) category in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

According to the ministry, the generators will have a minimum indigenous content of 60 per cent and are aimed at strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities while promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The project is expected to support the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives by creating a domestic manufacturing ecosystem for critical naval equipment.

Officials said the contract marks a significant step towards developing indigenous capability for manufacturing marine gas turbine generators, which are used for power generation in naval warships and support critical combat systems, advanced weapons and sensors.

The ministry said indigenous production of the generators, along with end-to-end lifecycle support, would enhance maritime self-reliance in strategic technologies and improve the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness.(NVI)

Kathua SPO disengaged over alleged corruption, absenteeism

Shivam Bakshi

Kathua, June 19 (NVI): A Special Police Officer (SPO) has been disengaged from service in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district over allegations of involvement in corrupt practices and unauthorised absence from duty, officials said.

According to an order issued by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, SPO Rishi Sharma, a resident of Keerian in Kathua district, was found to be allegedly involved in immoral and corrupt practices through which he had amassed significant movable and immovable assets.

The order stated that the action was taken on the basis of information received from the District Special Branch, Kathua. It also noted that the SPO had not been performing assigned duties to the satisfaction of supervisory officers and had been continuously absent from duty.

Sharma has been disengaged from the service of SPOs with effect from June 12, 2026 — the date from which he was marked unauthorisedly absent from Outpost Sarla, the order said.

The SSP directed the disengaged SPO to deposit all uniform articles and arms/ammunition issued to him with the district police authorities immediately.(NVI)

Attempt to sell land of displaced Kashmiri Pandits foiled, 5 booked

Srinagar, Jun 19 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Jammu and Kashmir Police has booked five persons in connection with an alleged fraud involving the attempted sale of land of displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Baramulla district.

The case relates to land situated at Goshbugh Pattan in Baramulla, which was allegedly sought to be sold through fake agreements, fraudulent means and criminal conspiracy, an EOW spokesperson said.

The land measurs 14 kanals and three marlas.

During the investigation, five accused persons were found involved in allegedly duping the complainant of crores of rupees on the pretext of selling the land without the consent of its actual owner, the spokesperson said.

The EOW Kashmir, a wing of the Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police, conducted a house search in Banit area of Beerwah in Budgam district as part of the investigation into the case registered at Police Station EOW Kashmir, he said.

Also read:

IGP Kashmir V.K Birdi Reviews Security, Coordination Arrangements for Amarnath Yatra 2026

Further investigation is underway, the spokesperson added.

The EOW also advised the public to remain vigilant against economic frauds and report such incidents to the authorities. (NVI)

India must be future-ready, meet defence needs on its own: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Nagpur event

Nagpur, Jun 19 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said India must take control of security-related necessities to remain future-ready, asserting that a nation capable of meeting its own requirements moves ahead with confidence in safeguarding its interests.

Speaking after performing the Bhoomi Pujan for a 10,000-tonne Aluminium Extrusion Press at Ordnance Factory Ambajhari, a unit of Yantra India Limited (YIL), in Nagpur, Singh said the project symbolises a shift from dependence on imports to domestic production of critical strategic materials.

The proposed facility, one of the most advanced of its kind in the country, will manufacture large and complex aluminium alloy profiles for defence systems, aerospace structures, missile programmes, railways and other strategic sectors.

Singh said modern fighter aircraft, missiles and space programmes require lightweight yet highly durable metals capable of withstanding extreme conditions, and the new extrusion press would help meet that critical requirement through indigenous production.

Highlighting the role of domestically manufactured equipment in the success of Operation Sindoor, the defence minister underlined the need to strengthen indigenous production capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

He said the government is steadily moving towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with defence production rising from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26.

Defence exports, which were below Rs 1,000 crore in 2014, have surged to Rs 38,424 crore, he said.

“We are poised to achieve our targets of Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports ahead of schedule,” Singh said.

The minister also highlighted the impact of the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), saying its production increased from Rs 12,755 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 26,282 crore in 2025-26.

Defence exports by the former OFB entities rose from Rs 81 crore before corporatisation to Rs 4,561 crore, with YIL contributing Rs 397 crore, he added.

Singh identified research and development (R&D) and capital infusion as the two key drivers of industrial growth, stressing that investment in modern machinery and advanced production systems is essential for long-term competitiveness.

He urged defence public sector undertakings to adopt best practices and modern technologies to meet national expectations and strengthen their global presence.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was present on the occasion, described the aluminium extrusion press project as a major step towards achieving the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.

He said the world’s growing recognition of India’s defence sector and increasing collaboration between public sector undertakings and private industry were helping position the country as a major exporter of defence equipment.

Senior officials from the Department of Defence Production, Yantra India Limited, the armed forces and industry representatives attended the event.(NVI)

IGP Kashmir V.K Birdi Reviews Security, Coordination Arrangements for Amarnath Yatra 2026

Srinagar, Jun 19 (NVI): Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V K Birdi on Friday reviewed security, coordination and operational preparedness for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 and directed officers to ensure seamless arrangements for the annual pilgrimage.

Birdi chaired a meeting of zonal and sector officers deputed for the yatra and stressed the need for maintaining high standards of professionalism, vigilance and public service to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, an official spokesperson said.

The meeting was attended by senior police officers, including the Deputy Inspectors General of Central Kashmir Range, South Kashmir Range and Armed Kashmir, besides other officers associated with the yatra arrangements.

The IGP directed officers to remain fully prepared to meet security and logistical challenges and ensure effective implementation of the established security grid along the yatra routes.

He asked zonal officers to regularly brief sector officers and personnel deployed under their command so that all ranks remain aware of their duties, responsibilities and the prevailing security situation.

Birdi also emphasised close coordination with sister security agencies to facilitate information sharing and ensure a coordinated response mechanism during the yatra.

Highlighting the importance of public service, he urged personnel to extend all possible assistance to pilgrims and maintain a people-friendly approach while discharging their duties.

The meeting also reviewed coordination mechanisms and contingency measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and incident-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, the spokesperson added.(NVI)

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