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3 Kg Heroin Dropped via Drone Recovered Near IB in Jammu’s Bishnah Sector: Police
Consignment seized following week-long surveillance based on specific intelligence inputs; probe underway to trace cross-border narco network

Jammu, May 20 (NVI): Jammu Police on Wednesday recovered approximately three kilograms of heroin near the International Border in Bishnah sector of Jammu district, officials said.

According to police, the narcotics consignment was suspected to have been dropped through a drone from across the border.

Officials said specific intelligence inputs had been developed over the past week regarding possible drone-dropping activity in the area. Acting on the inputs, police teams maintained continuous surveillance in the suspected zone, leading to the successful recovery of the heroin consignment before it could reach its intended handlers.

A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was called to the spot for examination of the seized material, officials said.

Police said investigation has been initiated to trace both backward and forward linkages connected to the cross-border narco smuggling network.(NVI)

LG Sinha Hands Over Appointment Letters to Over 3,200 Newly Recruited J&K Police Constables
Asks recruits to uphold unity, integrity and strengthen legacy of J&K Police; says terrorism now demands constant vigilance and coordinated response

Jammu, May 20 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday handed over appointment letters to newly appointed constables of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and urged them to dedicate themselves to safeguarding the unity and integrity of the country while strengthening the force’s proud legacy.

Addressing the newly inducted personnel during a ceremony in Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor said the evolving nature of terrorism and law and order challenges requires police personnel to remain “constantly alert and vigilant.”

“We must remain constantly alert and vigilant. The nature of law & order threats and terrorism has evolved, demanding a constant, unyielding vigilance and alert to threats that hide in plain sight,” Sinha said.

He stressed the importance of teamwork and coordination among security agencies, saying the challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir require collective planning and intelligence sharing.

“When we share information, plan strategies, and confront the enemy together, we build capacities that no single institution can create alone,” he said, while asserting that newly recruited constables must stand on the frontlines of national security with determination to eliminate terror threats.

The Lieutenant Governor said terrorism survives through funding, networks and support systems, and called for strict action to dismantle them completely.

“Using the full force of the law, we must trace and neutralize sources of funding. We must identify every network and dismantle every support system completely,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of grassroots policing, Sinha said beat policing remains highly effective in maintaining law and order.

“When a beat constable resolves that no crime will occur within their jurisdiction and that public land will not be occupied illegally, such unwavering commitment inevitably delivers results,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said every uniform of the Jammu and Kashmir Police represents courage, service and commitment to the nation.

“Each time you put on the uniform, remember that you are adding a proud chapter to its legacy,” he told the recruits.

He also praised the Jammu and Kashmir Police for its ongoing crackdown against drug smugglers and peddlers under the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’.

“J&K Police has laid out a comprehensive plan to completely choke drug entry routes. I am confident that the actions in the coming days will be stringent and yield major successes,” he said.

More than 3,200 newly recruited constables were inducted into the Jammu and Kashmir Police force during the ceremony.

Among those present were Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, senior police officers, civil administration officials and family members of the recruits.(NVI)

Hundreds Join Last Rites of Kashmiri Pandit Woman in Tral, Reflecting Communal Harmony
Muslims, Sikhs Stand in Solidarity With Bereaved Family; Villagers Help Arrange Cremation Rituals

Pulwama, May 20 (NVI): In a poignant display of communal harmony, hundreds of Muslims and Sikhs on Wednesday participated in the last rites of an elderly Kashmiri Pandit woman in Midora village of Tral in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

The woman died at her ancestral home in Midora, where her family had continued to live despite the migration of many Kashmiri Pandit families from the Valley during the militancy-hit 1990s.

Her death was mourned across the village, with residents describing her as a respected figure known to people from all communities.

Locals said members of Muslim and Sikh communities, including residents from neighbouring areas, visited the family to offer condolences and support during the mourning period.

Hundreds of villagers joined the funeral procession and participated in the last rites, while locals also arranged firewood and other assistance required for the cremation rituals.

Residents termed the participation a symbol of Kashmir’s longstanding traditions of communal brotherhood, coexistence and mutual respect that continue to endure despite challenging times.(NVI)

Rain, Gusty Winds Likely In Many Parts Of J&K Till May 23

Street in Delhi after heavy rains.

Srinagar, May 20 (NVI): A fresh Western Disturbance is expected to influence weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir from tomorrow late afternoon/evening, bringing rain and thunderstorms to many areas of the Union Territory.

According to Kashmir Weather Watch, intermittent rain and thundershower activity accompanied by gusty winds and hailstorms at isolated places is likely during the period. The weather activity is expected to remain mainly moderate in intensity.

However, the advisory stated that no continuous rainfall is expected.

In view of the forecast, farmers have been advised to avoid spraying pesticides and carrying out other farming operations from tomorrow till May 23 to avoid potential damage due to inclement weather.(NVI)

J&K Govt Assigns In-Charge IGP Rank to Four IPS Officers

Srinagar, May 20 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday assigned the charge of Inspector General of Police (IGP) to four IPS officers in the interest of administration, officials said.

According to an order issued by the Home Department, IPS officer Shakti Kumar Pathak, presently serving as Assistant Director, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), J&K, and also holding additional charge as Director ACB, has been placed as In-charge IGP.

The other officers elevated as In-charge IGPs are Dr Mohd Haseeb Mughal, currently DIG Traffic Jammu; Sheikh Junaid Mehmood, DIG IR Kashmir; and Shahid Mehraj Rather, Director Police Telecom, J&K.

The order stated that separate posting orders for the officers would be issued subsequently.

The appointments were approved through Government Order No. 298-Home of 2026 dated May 20.(NVI)

Army Chief Calls for ‘Smart Power’ to Secure India’s Growth, Strategic Autonomy

New Delhi, May 19 (NVI): Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday stressed the need for a “smart power” approach to safeguard the country’s long-term national interests and growth trajectory.

He said security and economic prosperity are now deeply interconnected in an increasingly volatile global environment, apparently referring to the global fuel crisis caused by the West Asia conflict.

Addressing a seminar titled “Security to Prosperity: Smart Power for Sustained National Growth” at the Manekshaw Centre here, the Army Chief said the evolving geopolitical landscape has created a “new normal of hard power” where supply chains, technology ecosystems and critical resources are increasingly being used as instruments of strategic competition.

The seminar, organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, brought together policymakers, diplomats, senior military officers, industry leaders and strategic experts to deliberate on integrating military, diplomatic, economic and technological capabilities for sustained national development and resilience.

Referring to India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and the Army’s ongoing “Decade of Transformation”, General Dwivedi highlighted digital networking, data-centricity and physical connectivity as key pillars for future preparedness.

Drawing lessons from Operation Sindoor conducted in May 2025, he described the operation as an example of “smart power”, where military precision, information management, diplomatic signalling and economic resolve were synchronised into a coherent national strategy.

“The deliberate termination of operations after achieving clearly defined objectives reflected the calibrated application of national power,” he said.

The Army Chief also outlined a “SMART” framework for India’s strategic approach, focusing on integrated statecraft, manufacturing depth, accelerated innovation, resilience against external dependencies and technology primacy.

Emphasising the importance of Aatmanirbharta and whole-of-nation synergy, he called for stronger collaboration between the military, industry and academia to strengthen India’s strategic autonomy and defence preparedness.

“Peace is sustained not merely through the absence of conflict, but through capability, confidence and national resolve,” the COAS said.

During the event, General Dwivedi also visited a technology exhibition and unveiled the book Maratha Sainya Vyavastha (Shivaji to the Third Battle of Panipat), which traces the evolution of the Maratha military system and its relevance to Indian strategic thought.

The seminar featured special addresses and panel discussions on emerging technologies, geopolitical challenges, cybersecurity and the future of warfare.

Among the speakers were Prateek Kishore, Director General DS and DG (ACE), Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Germany in India.

Discussions also focused on disruptions in global supply chains related to energy, food and critical minerals, and the need for resilient alternatives to protect India’s strategic and economic interests.(NVI)

WHO Declares Ebola Global Emergency: Is Ebola Airborne Like Covid-19

WHO

New Delhi, May 19: World Health Organization has declared the latest Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa a global health emergency after cases surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The announcement has renewed worldwide concern about one of the deadliest viruses known to humans.

Why WHO Declared a Global Emergency

Health officials raised alarm after suspected Ebola infections and deaths increased rapidly in Congo’s Ituri province, while confirmed cases were also detected in Kampala, Uganda. WHO warned that the outbreak could be larger than current official numbers suggest.

Is Ebola Airborne Like COVID-19?

No. Ebola Virus Disease does not spread through the air like COVID-19. Transmission mainly happens through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, saliva, sweat, urine, or semen.

Early Symptoms Can Be Difficult to Detect

The first signs of Ebola often resemble common viral illnesses, making early diagnosis challenging. Symptoms usually include:

  • Sudden fever
  • Severe weakness
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat

As the disease worsens, vomiting, diarrhoea, and internal or external bleeding may develop.

Why Ebola Is Considered So Dangerous

Ebola remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Depending on the outbreak and medical response, fatality rates can range between 25% and 90%.

The virus can rapidly damage organs, weaken the immune system, and cause severe bleeding complications.

Vaccine Challenges Remain

Existing vaccines mainly target the Zaire strain of Ebola. However, the current outbreak reportedly involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which no fully approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists.

Could Ebola Spread to India?

Experts believe the risk of widespread Ebola transmission in India remains low because the virus is not airborne. However, health authorities stress the importance of airport screening, rapid isolation, and public awareness to prevent imported cases.

Colorado Man Dies From Hantavirus: How This Rare Rodent-Borne Virus Attacks the Human Body

Colorado Man Dies From Hantavirus: How This Rare Rodent-Borne Virus Attacks the Human Body
Colorado Man Dies From Hantavirus: How This Rare Rodent-Borne Virus Attacks the Human Body

New Delhi, May 19: Health officials in Colorado have confirmed the death of a man from Douglas County after he developed severe hantavirus symptoms linked to rodent exposure. The case has renewed global attention on the rare but potentially deadly virus following a recent outbreak connected to a South American cruise voyage.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare infection spread mainly through contact with infected rodents, particularly their urine, saliva, or droppings. Humans often become infected after inhaling contaminated particles in enclosed spaces such as garages, cabins, and storage areas.

In North America, the virus is commonly linked to deer mice and can cause severe respiratory illness.

Colorado Case Raises Concern

Authorities said the Colorado victim was infected with the Sin Nombre strain, a hantavirus variant commonly found in parts of the United States. Officials clarified that the case is unrelated to the recent South American cruise ship outbreak involving the Andes strain.

The Andes variant is considered especially dangerous because it can spread through close human contact, unlike the Sin Nombre strain.

How the Virus Affects the Human Body

Symptoms usually begin with fever, fatigue, body pain, headaches, and stomach discomfort. However, the condition can worsen rapidly within days.

The virus triggers an extreme immune reaction that damages blood vessels and fills the lungs with fluid, leading to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Patients may experience severe breathing difficulty, chest tightness, low oxygen levels, and respiratory failure.

Why the Disease Is So Dangerous

Health experts estimate that severe hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a fatality rate of around 35–40% in the United States. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment available.

Critical patients often require oxygen support, intensive care, and mechanical ventilation to survive.

Prevention Remains the Best Protection

Experts recommend avoiding direct exposure to rodents and ventilating enclosed spaces before cleaning. Protective masks and gloves should be used in rodent-prone environments, while dry sweeping should be avoided to prevent virus particles from becoming airborne.

Drugs Destroying Youth, Financing Terrorism: LG Sinha in Pulwama

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Srinagar, May 19 (NVI) : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said drug trafficking was not only destroying the lives of youth and families but was also being used to fund terrorism, asserting that the entire narcotics network would be eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a padyatra in Pulwama under the Nasha Mukht J&K Abhiyan, Sinha said the administration was committed to eliminating the drug menace and taking strict action against peddlers and smugglers.

“Drugs are destroying the lives of youth and tearing apart families. They are also funding terrorism. We must unite to dismantle this entire network,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor assured people that authorities would intensify efforts against drug traffickers and appealed to the youth to actively support the anti-drug campaign.

Officials, students, civil society members and local residents participated in the padyatra and pledged support for making Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.(NVI)

US to give Apache Helicopter Support Package of $198.2 million to India

Naval Anti-ship Short-Range Missile launched from a Navy helicopter
Naval Anti-ship Short-Range Missile launched from a Navy helicopter

Washington, May 19: (NVI) : The United States has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale worth an estimated USD 198.2 million to India for follow-on support services and related equipment for AH-64E Apache helicopters, the U.S. Department of State said.

According to the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, the proposed package includes Apache sustainment support services, engineering, technical and logistics support from the U.S. government and contractors, technical data and publications, personnel training, and other elements of logistics and programme support.

The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified the U.S. Congress of the proposed sale.

The U.S. said the proposed deal would support its foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the U.S.-India strategic partnership and enhancing the security of a major defence partner in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.

“The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats,” the statement said, adding that India would have no difficulty integrating the support services into its armed forces.

The statement further noted that the proposed sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors for the deal will be Boeing Company of Arlington, Virginia, and Lockheed Martin of Orlando, Florida.

The U.S. also stated that the proposed sale would have no adverse impact on American defence readiness.(NVI)

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