Friday, September 25, 2026
Home Blog Page 149

Indian Sailor Killed, Several Injured in Dhow Fire Near Strait of Hormuz

Indian Sailor Killed, Several Injured in Dhow Fire Near Strait of Hormuz
A vessel on fire after being hit in Strait of Hormuz (file pic)

New Delhi, May 09: An Indian sailor lost his life and four others sustained burn injuries after a wooden dhow caught fire and capsized near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, government sources confirmed.

The vessel was carrying 18 Indian crew members when the incident occurred close to the vital maritime chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Seventeen crew members were rescued by a passing ship operating in the area.

The injured sailors are currently receiving medical treatment in Dubai and are reported to be in stable condition. Officials from the Indian Consulate in Dubai met the rescued crew members and are coordinating assistance, including communication with the dhow’s owner.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

The incident comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s crude oil supply passes.

Authorities are continuing efforts to ensure the safe repatriation and support of the affected Indian nationals.

LG Manoj Sinha Joins Padyatra in Anantnag, Calls for Whole-of-Society Fight Against Drugs

Srinagar, May 9 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday joined a padyatra in Anantnag as part of the “Drug-Free J&K Campaign” and urged people to break their silence against drug abuse, saying the menace could only be eradicated through a “whole-of-society approach”.

Addressing a gathering during the campaign, Sinha said every section of society, including schools, colleges, families, sports grounds, villages and cultural platforms, must raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction.

“The challenge of drug addiction can be eradicated only through a whole-of-society approach. From now on, every corner of the Union Territory should give voice to this cause with firm resolve,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the administration and society must understand the connection between drugs and terrorism, asserting that narcotics smuggled from across the border were being used to fund terror activities and radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Our neighbouring country is smuggling drugs into Jammu Kashmir by design. Drug money is being used for terrorism and radicalisation while the youth are being pushed towards destruction,” he said.

Sinha termed drug addiction and terrorism as “two faces of the same problem” and vowed strict action against drug peddlers and their networks.

Highlighting action taken in Anantnag district since April 11, he said 108 NDPS cases had been registered, properties worth Rs 3.5 crore allegedly built using proceeds from drug trafficking had been demolished, 22 vehicles seized, eight driving licences and vehicle registrations cancelled, and 13 drug stores sealed for violating laws.

“I assure the people of Anantnag that not a single smuggler will be left untouched, and the entire machinery involved in drug smuggling will be uprooted,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the police and civil administration to cover every panchayat in Anantnag during the next 71 days and focus particularly on vulnerable areas under the anti-drug campaign.

Calling women and youth the “greatest strength” in the fight against drugs, Sinha appealed to sportspersons, teachers and religious leaders to dedicate the coming weeks to awareness and rehabilitation efforts.

He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice for families affected by terrorism.

During the event, Sinha laid the foundation stone for sports infrastructure projects worth Rs 20.60 crore in the district, including development and expansion of sports facilities at several locations in Anantnag.

He said the new facilities would help channelise the energy of youth towards sports and discipline.

The Lieutenant Governor also felicitated youth icons and distributed sports kits among young participants.

Artists performed traditional Nukad Natak, Baand Pather and mime shows as part of the “Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan” to spread awareness against drug abuse.(NVI)

India Tests Advanced Agni Missile with which multiple targets can be hit
Single Missile Capable of Striking Multiple Targets; Major Boost to India’s Strategic Deterrence

New Delhi, May 9 (NVI): India has achieved a major success in its nuclear deterrence as it tested an advanced version of long-range Agni missile which can be used to hit multiple targets with a single missile system.

The successful MIRV-capable Agni trial is being seen as a major strategic advancement for India, placing it among a select group of nations possessing advanced multi-target ballistic missile technology

The successful flight-trial of the Missile equipped with the sophisticated Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) system marks a major milestone in the country’s strategic defence capabilities.

The missile, test-fired from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, carried multiple payloads aimed at different targets spread across a vast geographical area in the Indian Ocean Region, a Defence ministry spokesman said.

The mission was closely monitored through an extensive network of ground and ship-based telemetry and tracking stations, which tracked the missile’s trajectory from launch to the successful impact of all payloads.

Flight data confirmed that all mission objectives were successfully achieved during the trial.

The successful test has demonstrated India’s capability to strike multiple strategic targets with a single missile system, significantly strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrence and long-range precision strike capability amid evolving regional security challenges, he said.

The advanced missile system has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with support from domestic defence industries under India’s indigenous defence development programme.

Senior scientists from DRDO and personnel of the Indian Army witnessed the trial.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army, and the defence industry on the successful flight-test, stating that the achievement would significantly enhance India’s defence preparedness against emerging security threats. (NVI)

Six-Month Rainfall Deficit Triggers Water Crisis Fears Across J&K
Kashmir Valley Among Worst Hit as Dry Spell Continues; Experts Warn of Severe Impact on Drinking Water, Farming, Power Generation

Representational image

Srinagar, May 9 (NVI): Jammu & Kashmir is staring at a looming water crisis as the Union Territory continues to witness below-normal precipitation for the sixth consecutive month, raising serious concerns over shrinking water resources, agriculture losses, and hydroelectric power generation.

According to official weather data, April recorded only 86.5 mm rainfall against the normal 99.6 mm, marking a 13 percent deficit across J&K. Environmental experts and climate observers have warned that the persistent dry spell could trigger acute water shortages during the peak summer months if immediate conservation measures are not taken.

The impact is already becoming visible in several rural and far-flung areas where fears of drinking water scarcity are growing amid declining water levels in rivers, streams, and natural reservoirs.

Experts said the prolonged rainfall deficit is part of a worrying climate trend, noting that Jammu & Kashmir has now witnessed seven consecutive winters of below-normal precipitation, severely affecting the region’s natural water recharge systems.

The district-wise rainfall figures for April reveal an alarming situation in several Kashmir districts. Shopian recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 67 percent, followed by Kathua at 60 percent and Anantnag at 46 percent. Major shortfalls were also recorded in Kulgam (39%), Pulwama (38%), and Srinagar (32%).

Other districts including Kishtwar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, and Baramulla also remained below normal rainfall levels, further intensifying concerns over water availability.

Meanwhile, a few districts witnessed surplus rainfall during the month. Samba recorded 96 percent excess rainfall, followed by Rajouri (46%) and Reasi (40%). Districts including Jammu, Udhampur, Poonch, Kupwara, Ramban, and Doda also reported rainfall above normal levels.

Experts warned that the uneven rainfall distribution and continuous dry weather could lead to a sharp decline in water discharge in major rivers, including the Jhelum River, directly impacting irrigation and hydroelectric projects across the region.

With climate concerns mounting, calls are intensifying for the administration to implement long-term water conservation policies, strengthen reservoir management systems, and prepare emergency contingency plans to tackle possible shortages across Jammu & Kashmir.(NVI)

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani Appointed New Chief of Defence Staff, To Succeed Gen Anil Chauhan
Former Vice Chief of Army Staff to Take Charge as India’s Top Military Officer After May 30

New Delhi, May 9 (NVI ): The Government of India on Saturday appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Anil Chauhan, who is set to complete his tenure on May 30, 2026.

According to an official order, Lieutenant General Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd), will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, from the date he assumes charge and until further orders.

Currently serving as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat since September 2025, Lt Gen Raja Subramani earlier held the key post of Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 2024 to July 2025. Before that, he served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, the officer was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985. He has also trained at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom and the National Defence College in New Delhi. He holds higher academic qualifications from King’s College London and Madras University.

In a military career spanning more than four decades, Lt Gen Raja Subramani has commanded several prestigious formations across sensitive operational theatres, including counter-insurgency operations in Assam under Operation Rhino, formations in Jammu and Kashmir, and the strategically significant 2 Corps on the Western Front.

He has also held a wide range of operational, intelligence, instructional and diplomatic assignments, including Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan, Chief Instructor at Defence Services Staff College Wellington, and Chief of Staff at Northern Command.

Officials said his vast operational experience on both the Northern and Western borders, along with his strategic and administrative expertise, made him a natural choice for the country’s highest military post.

For his distinguished service to the nation, Lt Gen Raja Subramani has been conferred with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.(NVI)

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Appointed Next Navy Chief

New Delhi, May 9 (NVI): The government on Saturday appointed Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of the Naval Staff, officials said.

Vice Admiral Swaminathan, presently serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, will take over from Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi upon his retirement on May 31, they said.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence said Vice Admiral Swaminathan brings nearly four decades of distinguished service and has held several important operational, strategic and personnel management appointments in the Indian Navy.

A recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), the officer is regarded as one of the Navy’s most experienced commanders.

Officials said the appointment was approved by the government ahead of the scheduled change of command later this month.(NVI)

SIT Completes Probe in Farooq Abdullah Firing Attempt Case; Chargesheet Filed Before Court

File photo: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah

Jammu, May 9 (NVI): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the firing attempt on former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has completed its investigation and filed a chargesheet against the accused, Kamal Singh Jamwal, officials said on Saturday.

The chargesheet and related documents have been submitted before a Jammu court, and the case is scheduled to come up for hearing before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, they said.

The incident took place in March this year during a function at a banquet hall in Jammu, when the accused allegedly attempted to target Abdullah. Security personnel deployed at the venue acted swiftly, secured the National Conference leader and overpowered the accused on the spot, officials said.

Given the sensitivity of the case, police had constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the incident from all angles. During the course of investigation, the accused was questioned extensively, evidence was collected and inquiries were conducted at multiple locations, officials said.

According to investigators, preliminary findings suggested that personal rivalry and certain past disputes could have been the motive behind the attack.

Police have placed all relevant material before the court, while further legal proceedings in the case are expected during the next hearing, officials added.(NVI)

J&K Working on Long-Term Rehabilitation Model for Drug Abuse Victims: CS
Focus on Treatment, Social Reintegration, Livelihood Support to Prevent Relapse; Dedicated Mentors, Digital Monitoring Portal Planned

Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir administration is working on a comprehensive long-term rehabilitation plan for victims of drug abuse, with emphasis on treatment, social reintegration and livelihood support to prevent relapse after recovery, officials said on Friday.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting of senior officers to review the rehabilitation framework prepared by the Social Welfare Department in consultation with various departments and stakeholders.

According to officials, the proposed plan envisages a structured three-year rehabilitation model aimed at treatment and stabilization of victims, followed by reintegration into society, livelihood generation, post-care monitoring and social inclusion.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Sarmad Hafeez and other senior officers.

Dulloo stressed the need for an effective and practical rehabilitation strategy capable of delivering tangible results on the ground. He directed that the framework be further refined through consultations with all stakeholders, particularly professionals from the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) and Psychiatry Departments of Government Medical Colleges.

Highlighting the role of mentors in the rehabilitation process, the Chief Secretary said trained patient mentors should be identified and provided specialised training at IMHANS. He suggested creation of a dedicated pool of 30 to 40 mentors in each district to support the long-term rehabilitation programme.

“He emphasized that the mentors should have clearly defined responsibilities based on the needs of individual patients and an appropriate incentive mechanism should also be devised,” officials said.

Dulloo also stressed convergence of various government schemes to provide livelihood opportunities, skill development and educational support to rehabilitated individuals. He directed the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to develop a dedicated digital portal for monitoring the rehabilitation process and ensuring long-term stabilization of affected persons.

Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar suggested categorisation of patients according to severity of addiction so that rehabilitation interventions can be tailored accordingly. He also proposed exploring Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding and utilisation of psychologists available in different departments to strengthen counselling services.

Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti said the rehabilitation structure should be designed after assessing ground-level requirements and should address the specific challenges faced by victims and their families instead of replicating conventional government schemes.

During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Sarmad Hafeez gave a detailed presentation on the proposed framework and said Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as the first region in the country to work on a structured long-term rehabilitation model for drug abuse victims.

He said the strategy also envisages empanelment of patient mentors for continuous counselling and emotional support, besides establishing monitoring mechanisms at the Union Territory, divisional and district levels for effective implementation of the programme.(NVI)

Kashmir Sizzles as Temperatures Stay Above Normal; Srinagar Records 30°C
Dry Spell Continues Across J&K, MeT Predicts Warm Weather to Persist Over Coming Days

(File)

Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir continued to witness intense dry weather conditions on Thursday, with several places across the Kashmir Valley recording temperatures significantly above normal, while summer capital Srinagar touched 30 degrees Celsius, officials said.

According to Meteorological Department data available  Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 30.0°C, which was 5.9 degrees above normal for the season, while the minimum temperature settled at 13.0°C.

Qazigund recorded a maximum temperature of 29.6°C, remaining 6.4 degrees above normal, while tourist resort Pahalgam registered 24.1°C, which was 3.4 degrees above the seasonal average.

Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 28.3°C, while Kukernag settled at 27.6°C, with both places witnessing warmer-than-usual weather conditions.

Gulmarg, the famous tourist destination in north Kashmir, recorded a maximum temperature of 21.2°C, which was 6.5 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature there settled at 6.5°C.

In Jammu division, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 32.8°C, while Banihal, Batote, Katra and Bhaderwah also experienced mainly dry weather during the day.

Officials said no major rainfall activity was recorded anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir, while humidity levels remained moderate across most areas.

The Meteorological Department has predicted generally dry weather conditions across the Union Territory over the next few days, with temperatures likely to remain above normal in many places.(NVI)

Army Rescues Stranded Tourists After Helicopter Service Disrupted in Gulmarg
CM Omar Abdullah praises rescue operation, calls for stronger tourist safety measures

Srinagar, May 8 (NVI): Several tourists stranded at Sunshine Peak in Gulmarg were safely rescued on Friday after helicopter services were temporarily suspended following a technical snag in a private helicopter, officials said.

Officials said the incident disrupted tourist helicopter operations in the famous ski resort, leaving a number of visitors stranded in the higher reaches of Gulmarg.

The tourists were later evacuated safely with the assistance of Army helicopters after a coordinated rescue operation was launched by the authorities, they said.

Meanwhile, the office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Chief Minister appreciated the prompt response and coordinated efforts of the Army and civil administration in ensuring the safe rescue of the stranded tourists.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister also directed the administration to strengthen safety protocols and ensure a safe and secure experience for tourists visiting the region.

He further stressed the need to prevent recurrence of such incidents through better monitoring and precautionary measures, the statement said.(NVI)

1...148149150...1,752Page 149 of 1,752

MUST READ