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Indigenous stealth frigate ‘Dunagiri’ delivered to Indian Navy

New Delhi, Mar 31 (NVI): The Indian Navy on Tuesday received the indigenously built stealth frigate ‘Dunagiri’, a major milestone in the country’s push for self-reliance in warship design and construction.

The warship, built under Project 17A, was delivered at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata on March 30, officials said.

‘Dunagiri’ is the fifth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigates and the second of the class constructed at GRSE. The project represents a significant advancement over the earlier Shivalik-class frigates, featuring enhanced stealth, survivability, and combat capability.

Officials said the frigate is equipped with advanced weapons and sensor systems, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, MF-STAR radar, and a medium-range surface-to-air missile system. It also has a 76 mm main gun, close-in weapon systems, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities such as torpedoes and rockets.

Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the vessel incorporates integrated construction techniques and modern propulsion systems, including a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) configuration.

The new frigate is a reincarnation of the earlier INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class ship that served the Navy for over three decades before being decommissioned in 2010.

According to officials, the ship has an indigenous content of around 75 per cent and the project has involved over 200 MSMEs, generating employment for thousands of people.

The induction of ‘Dunagiri’ is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities while reinforcing the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in the defence sector.(NVI)

Constable Dies of Accidental Firearm Injury in J&K’s Shopian

Representational Picture

Srinagar, Mar 31 (NVI): A police constable died on Tuesday, two days after he sustained critical injuries in an accidental firearm discharge during duty in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, officials said.

The 36-year-old constable, a resident of Noorpora in Shopian, was injured on Saturday when a fellow policeman’s service weapon allegedly went off accidentally, causing a gunshot wound to the right side of his abdomen.

He was initially shifted to an Army hospital and later referred to SKIMS Soura, where he was admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU).

Despite medical treatment, the constable succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, the officials said.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the accidental discharge.(NVI)

Tea Processing Unit Sealed in Srinagar Over Unhygienic Practices

Srinagar, Mar 30 (NVI): The Food Safety Department in Srinagar on Monday sealed a tea processing unit after a video showing unhygienic tea blending practices went viral on social media.

Officials said the raid revealed tea blending and packaging being carried out on the floor under unsanitary conditions, along with the use of non-food-grade equipment, posing health risks.

Following the inspection, the unit was sealed and two samples of tea — one loose and one packed — were collected for laboratory analysis.

The Food Safety Department has warned all food business operators to comply strictly with hygiene standards, stating that violations will attract strict legal action under the Food Safety and Standards regulations.(NVI)

LG Manoj Sinha Suspends ADC Anantnag Pending Probe

File Photo : LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Mar 30 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has suspended Additional Deputy Commissioner (Anantnag) Sundeep Singh Bali (JKAS) with immediate effect, pending an inquiry into his conduct, officials said on Monday.

The action was taken under Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, as per Government Order No. 507-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated March 30.

During the suspension period, Bali has been attached to the office of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, the order said.

The decision was issued by the General Administration Department with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor, officials added.(NVI)

Srinagar Administration Issues Weather Advisory Amid Rain, Snow; Public Asked to Limit Movement

Srinagar, Mar 30 (NVI): The district administration in Srinagar on Monday issued a weather advisory warning of intermittent rain and snowfall in higher reaches, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds, and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel till March 31.

According to officials, wind speeds are likely to reach 40–50 kmph, with adverse conditions expected to persist through late evening on March 30 and continue into the next day.

The advisory cautioned tourists, Shikara operators and those engaged in activities around Dal Lake, River Jhelum and other water bodies to exercise extreme caution and avoid venturing out without assessing safety conditions.

Residents have been asked to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure public safety.

In case of emergencies, the administration has advised people to contact the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) Srinagar or the Police Control Room for assistance.(NVI)

LG Notifies J&K Secretariat Subordinate Service Recruitment Rules, 2026

Jammu, Mar 30 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Secretariat (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules, 2026, laying down a comprehensive framework for recruitment and service conditions of subordinate staff in the Civil Secretariat.

The rules, issued under the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India, will come into effect from the date of their publication in the Government Gazette.

The notification, the rules formally constitute the Jammu and Kashmir Secretariat (Subordinate) Service and provide for inclusion of existing employees holding substantive posts within the sanctioned cadre, subject to prescribed eligibility conditions. It specifies that only regular appointees under competent authority will be covered, excluding those on ad-hoc, deputation or stop-gap basis.

The notification designates the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board as the primary agency for direct recruitment, while promotions will be processed through the Departmental Promotion Committee as per existing norms.

It further outlines that appointments will be made through direct recruitment and promotion, with eligibility criteria detailed in the schedules appended to the rules. A two-year probation period has been prescribed for direct recruits, during which their performance will be assessed under the applicable civil services rules.

The rules also provide for determination and periodic review of cadre strength, reservation in appointments as per the prevailing laws, and mandatory training and departmental examinations for appointees.

Seniority and other service matters will be governed by the existing civil services regulations, while any issues of interpretation will be decided by the General Administration Department.

The notification includes a repeal and savings clause, stating that previous corresponding rules stand repealed, but actions taken under them will remain valid.

The new framework aims to streamline recruitment, enhance transparency and strengthen administrative efficiency in the Civil Secretariat, officials said.(NVI)

Army Personnel Hurt in Accidental Firing in Srinagar

Representational Picture

Srinagar, Mar 30 (NVI): A soldier sustained injuries after an accidental discharge from  INSAS rifle while deboarding from a convoy in Srinagar on Monday, officials said.

The injured personnel, identified as Lance Naik was part of a convoy that had arrived from Udhampur and was deboarding at the R Centre here when the incident occurred at around This evening.

He was immediately shifted to Base Camp, Badambagh, for medical treatment, they said.

Further details are awaited.(NVI)

LG Manoj Sinha attends Vande Mataram @150 closing ceremony in Jammu, calls for united push to make India ‘greatest nation’

Jammu, Mar 30 (NVI): Manoj Sinha on Monday said “Vande Mataram is our identity, strength and vow” as he urged people across sections to unite with a shared vision of making India the world’s greatest nation.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the special phase marking 150 years of Vande Mataram at Abhinav Theatre here, the Lieutenant Governor said the song is not merely a set of verses but a profound civilisational experience that revives memories of martyrs and renews commitment to the nation.

“We must unite to realise one dream. When every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir dedicates themselves to building a developed India, that collective spirit will become an unstoppable force,” he said.

The week-long special phase, held from March 23 to 30, commemorated Shaheedi Diwas and honoured freedom fighters whose sacrifices led to India’s independence.

Sinha said the enthusiastic participation of people in earlier phases of the Vande Mataram @150 programme reflected a “transformative power” in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Union Territory has embraced ideals of patriotism and development in recent years.

Highlighting achievements under Narendra Modi, he said Jammu and Kashmir has been integrated into the national mainstream and is setting new benchmarks in development while showcasing patriotism through initiatives like Har Ghar Tiranga.

Referring to global challenges in the past decade, including conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, Sinha said India has remained resilient and continues to be the world’s fastest-growing major economy under the Prime Minister’s leadership.

The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised that true patriotism is the foundation of peace and progress, calling it a sense of responsibility and collective contribution towards a better future.

Describing Vande Mataram as a symbol of the aspirations and resolve of generations, he said the special phase provided an opportunity for reflection at the intersection of history and aspiration, while strengthening commitment to nation-building.

He also called upon political parties, civil society and citizens to join the fight against drug abuse and transform the Nasha Mukt campaign into a people’s movement in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, Sinha paid tributes to freedom fighters and visited an exhibition showcasing their contributions. The event featured patriotic performances by artists of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and students from Cluster University of Jammu.

Several public representatives, senior officials, academicians and prominent citizens attended.(NVI)

CRPF Personnel Injured as Vehicle Skids Off Road in J&K’s Sopore

Srinagar, Mar 30 (NVI): Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured after their vehicle skidded off a slippery road and fell into a roadside nala in Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday, officials said.

The accident took place at Ladoora in Rafiabad when a CRPF vehicle belonging to the 92 Battalion lost control due to the slippery condition of the road, they said.

Constable driver Bhupender Kumar Rajwat sustained a hand injury, while Assistant Sub-Inspector Lakshman Deka suffered a head injury in the incident, officials added.

Both the injured personnel were immediately evacuated from the site and shifted to District Hospital Handwara for treatment. Their condition is stated to be stable, officials said.(NVI)

J&K Assembly Notifies Election Schedule for Three Financial Panels

Jammu, Mar 30 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday announced the schedule for elections to three key financial committees of the House, each comprising 11 members.

An official notification issued by the Assembly Secretariat, the elections will be conducted in line with Regulation 2(1) governing committee polls through proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.

Speaker Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather has outlined the election programme, with April 4, 2026 (till 3 PM) set as the last date for filing nominations. The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on April 6, 2026 (till 3 PM), while the deadline for withdrawal of candidature is April 8, 2026 (till 3 PM).

Polling, if required, will be held on April 13, 2026 (till 3 PM), the notification said.

The Speaker has appointed Bilal Ahmed Bhat, Additional Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, as the Returning Officer to supervise the election process.

The notification stressed strict adherence to the prescribed regulations and timelines to ensure the smooth conduct of elections to the financial committees.(NVI)

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