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Bank strike called by Unions for Friday

New Delhi, Sep 9 (NVI) Across India, banking services could be disrupted on September 11 as a union of bank employees has announced a nationwide strike over its various demands, including implementation of a five-day week and changes to the government’s revised Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which claims to represent more than 90 per cent of India’s banking workforce, has scheduled another strike from September 28 to 30.

The UFBU has warned that failure to resolve the issues could lead to an indefinite strike from October 26, 2026.

The UFBU comprises seven unions, including AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBOC and INBEF, representing employees across public sector, private, foreign, regional rural and cooperative banks.

The demand for a five-day banking week has been pending for years.

According to the unions, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) agreed to the proposal under the 12th Bipartite Settlement/9th Joint Note signed on March 8, 2024.

The unions have also pointed out that institutions, including the RBI, LIC, GIC, and NABARD already follow a five-day working system.

They maintain that customer service hours would not be affected because of the additional weekday working time.

The second major issue is the government’s revised PLI formula for senior bank officers.

The unions said the earlier arrangement provided performance-linked incentives ranging from one to 15 days’ wages, based on the overall performance of the bank.

However, a revised formula introduced for Scale IV to VII officers could provide incentives of up to 365 days’ wages.

The unions said this provision covers around 40,000 officers, or approximately 5 per cent of the industry’s 8-lakh workforce, while the remaining 95 per cent would continue to have a maximum incentive of 15 days’ wages.

The dispute has continued despite negotiations. The unions said the government again directed banks to proceed with implementation on August 21, 2026, even as the matter remains before the Chief Labour Commissioner and the Delhi High Court.

The UFBU has also raised concerns over pension-related and other pending service issues. Union leaders said the latest agitation was “forced on the Unions due to the actions of the Government and managements. (NVI)

Four arrested for assaulting shopkeeper in J&K’s Reasi

J-K Police
Representational image

Shivam Bakshi

Reasi, Sep 09 (NVI): Police have arrested four persons in connection with an alleged attack on a shopkeeper at Bhambla in Jammu and Kashmir Reasi district on Wednesday.

A senior police officer said that on September 4, four men allegedly armed with lathis attacked shopkeeper Sachin Puri at his shop near a petrol pump in Bhambla, leaving him seriously injured.

Following the incident, a case was registered at Police Station Pouni under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

He said one of the accused, identified as Kartik Uppal of Salyote, Reasi, was arrested shortly after the incident, while the remaining three allegedly fled to Punjab.

A special police team, led by PSI Amit Sharma under the supervision of the SHO Pouni and DySP SOG Pouni, tracked the accused and arrested them from Jalandhar.

The arrested accused have been identified as Shubham Sharma and Mohit Sharma, both residents of Godhar, Pouni, Reasi, and Anmol Sudan, a resident of Salyote, Chowki Choura, Jammu.

All four accused are presently in police custody, while further investigation into the case is underway—(NVI)

Two held for abducting, sexually assaulting Class 7 student in J&K’s Poonch

J-K Police
Representational image

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, Sep 9 (NVI) Two persons have been arrested for allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting a Class 7 student in Mendhar area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, police said on Wednesday.

According to officials, the girl’s father lodged a complaint at Gursai police station alleging that his minor daughter was abducted and assaulted while she was returning home on September 6.

The girl had boarded a cab allegedly driven by Zahoor Mushtaq alias Sonu, who took her to his house along with his associate Mohd Irfan, officials said.

Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Both accused have been arrested and further investigation is underway, police said.—(NVI)

Secure sea lanes, maritime trade vital for IOR security, prosperity: Rajnath Singh

Colombo, Sep 9 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are crucial for the collective security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and called for enhanced maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

Addressing senior Sri Lankan defence officials at the Ministry of Defence in Colombo, Singh said India and Sri Lanka, as close maritime partners, are well positioned to jointly safeguard peace, security and stability across the region.

He stressed the need for the two countries to strengthen their longstanding defence and strategic partnership, with a particular focus on maritime security.

“Secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are pivotal for collective security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region,” Singh said.

The minister said national security and economic growth are intrinsically linked to geography and security, and neither India nor Sri Lanka can remain indifferent to developments in the region.

He called for developing joint protocols, enhancing skills and sharing experiences to deal with emerging maritime threats before they develop into serious challenges to the developmental interests of the two countries.

Singh said the two sides need to develop new paradigms for a closer maritime partnership, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

“India and Sri Lanka are bound by the shared ocean, and maritime security is not a matter of abstract theory but a reality that shapes their trade, security and destinies,” he said.

The defence minister highlighted progress in bilateral maritime cooperation, particularly in search and rescue operations, which have helped save lives at sea.

He said India and Sri Lanka have also been cooperating in counter-narcotics, anti-piracy and combating human trafficking.

Singh said the Colombo Security Conclave, which focuses on maritime safety, counter-terrorism, cyber security and organised crime, has acquired greater relevance in the evolving security environment.

He also highlighted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre established through cooperation between India and Sri Lanka as an example of the two countries’ commitment to maritime safety.

India is ready to assist Sri Lanka in capacity building and joint exercises and help strengthen protocols for effective implementation of joint initiatives, Singh said.

He also proposed closer cooperation towards developing an integrated Maritime Domain Awareness system that could provide real-time maritime information to relevant agencies, navies and coast guards of both countries.

Such cooperation, he said, could help address challenges including illegal fishing, tracking of suspicious vessels, narcotics trafficking, smuggling and terrorism.

On issues concerning fishermen from the two countries, Singh called for mutually beneficial solutions to fisheries disputes while keeping in view applicable laws and geographic jurisdictions.

He said maritime cooperation should extend beyond security to areas such as fisheries and aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean science, protection of the maritime environment and maritime tourism.

Singh also suggested exploring a joint maritime Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mechanism involving disaster management authorities, scientific organisations and other relevant agencies to ensure rapid and coordinated responses to natural and man-made disasters.

As the Indian Ocean undergoes major strategic and economic changes, India and Sri Lanka must work together to address emerging challenges and convert opportunities into shared growth, he said.

Describing India as a “Vishwa Mitra” or trusted global friend, Singh reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to playing a constructive and dependable role in the shared neighbourhood.

“Holistic maritime security and mutual prosperity are two sides of the same coin,” he said, expressing confidence that India and Sri Lanka can jointly safeguard peace, security and stability in the IOR.

Sri Lankan Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, commanders of the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and other senior officials attended the event.

Singh was accorded a Guard of Honour on his arrival at the Ministry of Defence. He also laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force Memorial in Battaramulla and paid homage to the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice during their service.—(NVI)

India Will Continue to Stand by Sri Lanka as First Responder: Rajnath Singh

Colombo, Sep 9 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake here and held discussions on strengthening bilateral ties, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to shared development, people’s welfare and regional security.

During the meeting, Singh conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and underlined the deep historical and civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka, as well as strong people-to-people relations.

The two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of the multifaceted partnership between the two countries and agreed to continue working together for development, peace, security and prosperity in the region.

Dissanayake, while welcoming Singh, recalled his interactions with Modi and reiterated that Sri Lanka would never allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India’s security interests.

The Sri Lankan president also expressed gratitude to India for relief assistance provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah and for the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi for reconstruction and rehabilitation across the island.

Singh said India considers assistance to Sri Lanka not as a favour but as its responsibility as the country’s closest friend and neighbour and would continue to act as a first responder in times of crisis.

The two leaders also virtually inaugurated three Bailey bridges constructed by the Indian Defence Forces.

During the visit, the two sides exchanged memoranda of understanding on the upgradation of six L70 air defence guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force and cooperation between the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Defence Colleges (NDC) of the two countries.

The upgradation of the six L70 guns is being undertaken under a Government of India grant and is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s air defence capabilities. The guns had earlier been provided to the Sri Lankan Air Force by India.

The MoU between the National Defence College of India and its Sri Lankan counterpart will facilitate academic cooperation and knowledge sharing, further strengthening institutional ties.

The agreement on NCC cooperation will formalise the youth exchange programme between the two countries, providing opportunities for Sri Lankan cadets to participate in NCC activities in India along with cadets from other countries.—(NVI)

Ex-terrorist held with pistol, ammunition in North Kashmir terror module case

J-K Police
Representational image

Srinagar, Sep 9 (NVI): Police have arrested an ex-terrorist allegedly operating in a hybrid mode as part of a Hizbul Mujahideen module in the Handwara-Kupwara area of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday.

Acting on specific information about the activities of the former terrorist, a joint team of Handwara Police, 21 Rashtriya Rifles and 92 Battalion of the CRPF launched an operation at an identified location in Handwara town.

The accused, identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Kruhmura in Handwara, was apprehended during the operation, police said.

A Chinese-made pistol, two magazines and 16 rounds of pistol ammunition were recovered from his possession, they said.

According to police, Bhat is an ex-terrorist who had earlier been arrested in two cases.

A case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Handwara police station and further investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of the alleged terror module, its network and other associated activities, officials said.—(NVI)

Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati sworn in as Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court

Srinagar, Sep 9 (NVI) Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati was on Wednesday sworn in as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administering the oath of office at a ceremony here.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Shalimar Auditorium of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir.

Saxena is currently discharging the functions of the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor during the absence of Manoj Sinha, who is on leave.

The ceremony began with the rendition of the national song, followed by the National Anthem. The Registrar General of the High Court subsequently read out the warrant of appointment issued by the President.

Saxena then administered the oath of office to Justice Bhati, following which both signed the oath roll papers. The Lieutenant Governor also handed over the warrant of appointment to the newly sworn-in Chief Justice.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, cabinet ministers, judges of the High Court, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and other senior civil and police officials attended the ceremony.

The programme concluded with the rendition of the national song and the National Anthem.—(NVI)

NIA arrests PNB employee in Rs 17.29-crore fake currency case in Saharanpur

(Representational Image)

New Delhi, Sep 9 (NVI) The National Investigation Agency has arrested an absconding Punjab National Bank employee in connection with the alleged recovery of counterfeit Indian currency notes with a face value of Rs 17.29 crore from the bank’s currency chest in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Amit Kumar, was named in the FIR registered in the case and is suspected to be a key conspirator, the agency said.

The case relates to the alleged concealment and circulation of counterfeit currency notes at the PNB currency chest in Saharanpur.

The matter came to light on August 29 when the Sadar Bazar police in Saharanpur were informed about the recovery of counterfeit currency notes having a face value of around Rs 17.29 crore from the bank’s currency chest.

During the preliminary investigation, the suspected involvement of three bank employees came to light. The bank subsequently suspended the three employees.

An FIR was registered at Sadar Bazar police station on August 29 against three accused persons under Section 178 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The NIA subsequently re-registered the case on September 3 as RC-02/2026/NIA/LKW to probe the larger conspiracy and the possible involvement of other persons.

The agency said its investigation is underway to unravel the entire chain of events and identify the other accused and conspirators involved in the counterfeit currency network.

Kumar had been evading arrest and his apprehension is a significant development in the probe, the NIA said.—(NVI)

India will always stand firmly with Sri Lanka in times of crisis: Rajnath Singh

Colombo, Sep 9 (NVI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India will always stand firmly with Sri Lanka whenever the island nation faces a crisis, asserting that the two countries share close cultural and civilisational ties.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Colombo at the beginning of his maiden visit to Sri Lanka, Singh said these ties have provided a strong foundation for the growth of bilateral relations.

The defence minister highlighted India’s economic transformation over the past decade, saying the country has emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world and contributes more than 16 per cent to global growth.

He said India’s economy, which was around USD 2 trillion in 2014, has doubled to approximately USD 4 trillion over the last decade.

Despite global economic challenges, India’s economy grew by 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year, Singh said, adding that average inflation over the last 12 years stood at around 4.7 per cent, compared with 10-11 per cent during the earlier period.

Singh said India’s goods and services exports increased from Rs 45 lakh crore in 2014 to Rs 79 lakh crore in 2025-26.

He also highlighted the expansion of India’s electronics and mobile phone manufacturing sectors, saying electronic goods production rose from Rs 1.9 lakh crore to over Rs 11 lakh crore, while exports increased from around Rs 38,000 crore to more than Rs 3 lakh crore.

India has emerged as the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with the number of manufacturing units rising from two in 2014 to more than 300 currently, he said.

Singh said mobile phone production increased from Rs 18,000 crore to Rs 5.5 lakh crore, while mobile exports rose nearly 163 times to Rs 2.6 lakh crore. Automobile exports also increased from around Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 1.20 lakh crore annually, he said.

The defence minister said India has concluded trade agreements with 38 countries over the last 12 years, including free trade agreements with eight major nations, compared with four such agreements before 2014.

Referring to the India-EU Free Trade Agreement as the “Mother of All Deals”, Singh said it would provide access to the vast European market and reflected India’s growing diplomatic and economic capabilities.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s increased global stature and said the world today listens when India speaks on international issues.

Singh also lauded the Indian diaspora for acting as a bridge between the people of India and Sri Lanka.

On India’s defence sector, Singh said defence exports have risen from around Rs 600 crore 12 years ago to an all-time high of approximately Rs 39,000 crore.

He said the defence budget has also increased from around Rs 2 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 7.25 lakh crore in 2025-26.

The growth reflected India’s expanding capabilities and its continuing journey towards a stronger and self-reliant defence sector, he said.

Singh also highlighted India’s start-up ecosystem, saying the country has the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem and that the number of unicorns has grown rapidly since 2014.

He said the growth reflected the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial potential of India’s youth.

The minister also spoke about taxation reforms, including the introduction of GST that established the “One Nation, One Tax” regime, and said tax relief measures had helped reduce the burden on individual taxpayers.

On welfare measures, Singh said around 25 crore Indians have been lifted out of the cycle of poverty, while social security coverage has expanded significantly.

He said social security schemes covered around 25 crore citizens in 2014, while approximately 95 crore Indians are now covered by the social security net.

Singh also highlighted the expansion of digital public infrastructure, broadband connectivity and UPI, besides infrastructure development, including highways, airports and transport networks.

Indian Railways is progressing towards 100 per cent electrification, he said, while highlighting the role of the JAM network and Direct Benefit Transfer in ensuring that welfare benefits reach beneficiaries directly.

Around Rs 51 lakh crore has been transferred to people’s bank accounts through the DBT mechanism, Singh said.

Sri Lankan Cabinet Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and senior Indian civil and military officials, besides members of the Indian community, attended the event.—(NVI)

Manoj Sinha goes on ‘leave’, Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena given additional charge of J&K

Srinagar, Sep 8 (NVI) In a surprise development, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has proceeded on “leave” and Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has been assigned the additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir during his absence.

In a statement, Rashtrapati Bhavan said President Droupadi Murmu is “pleased to appoint” Saxena to “discharge the functions of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in addition to his own duties, during the absence, on leave”, of Manoj Sinha.

There was no clarity about the duration of “leave” of Sinha or the reasons for it.

Sinha has been serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir since August 7, 2020.

Saxena took charge as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on March 13, 2026, after serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi from 2022 to 2026.

The Lieutenant Governor of a Union Territory is appointed by the President and holds office during the President’s pleasure.—(NVI)

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