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TTP claims killing 9 Pakistani soldiers, injuring several since yesterday

TTP
Cadres of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) - File Pic

Peshawar, Sept 27: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) tonight claimed to have killed more than 9 Pakistani military personnel and injured several others in 9 operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan since yesterday.

The biggest among these attacks was in Dera Ismail Khan district, where TTP ambushed a military convoy in Daraban, killing 6 soldiers and injuring 4, its spokesman Muhammad Khorasani said.

Two military vehicles were completely destroyed in the attack, he said, adding there is also a strong possibility of further casualties whose details were not available.

In South Waziristan district, a soldier was killed and another was injured in an attack on an army foot patrol party in Shakai yesterday, he said.

Separately, an attack was carried out on a military post in Dand area of Shakai, in which there is a strong possibility of Army casualties, the spokesman said.

TTP also carried out a drone attack on a military post in a fort in Azam Warsak in South Waziristan district, which possibly caused casualties and property losses to the enemy, Khorasani said.

A rocket attack was carried out on a military post in Ghora area of Makin in South Waziristan district, in which there is a strong possibility of casualties and property losses to the enemy, he said.

In Peshawar, one officer was killed in a sniper attack on a military post.

In anothe sniper attack, a soldier was killed in Tirah Maidan in Khyber district, he said.

A Pika gun attack was carried out on a military post in Ali Khel in Bannu district, in which several soldiers were believed killed or injured. (NVI)

India, UAE Review Defence Cooperation at Army Staff Talks

New Delhi, Sept 27 (NVI) : The fifth India-UAE Army-to-Army Staff Talks were held in Abu Dhabi, with both sides reviewing existing defence cooperation and discussing ways to expand professional exchanges and training engagements.

During the talks, the two sides focused on sharing best practices and enhancing participation in courses and workshops in India, the Indian Army said.

They also agreed to strengthen bilateral training through the participation of an integrated combat team in the next edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone.

The Indian Army delegation visited the Tawazun Industrial Park, where it witnessed a display of new-generation equipment.

The delegation also called on Brig Gen Staff Mohamed Khamees Mohamed Al-Hassani, Deputy Commander of the UAE Land Forces, and India’s Ambassador to the UAE Dr Deepak Mittal.

The engagements further reinforced institutional ties and the Comprehensive Strategic Defence Partnership between India and the UAE, the Army said.—(NVI)

FDA seals unlicensed packaged drinking water unit in J&K’s Pulwama

Srinagar, Sep 27 (NVI): The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sealed a packaged drinking water unit at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Lassipora in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district for operating without a valid FSSAI licence, officials said on Sunday.

Acting on a complaint, a Food Safety team inspected the premises of M/s Swat Industries, which was processing and packaging drinking water under the brand name “ICY Wave”, they said.

The inspection found that the unit was operating without the mandatory FSSAI licence for processing and packaging drinking water.

The team also found that the FSSAI licence number displayed on the bottles had been obtained for wholesale and retail business of fruits and vegetables and did not cover the processing or packaging of drinking water, officials said.

Two samples of the packaged drinking water were lifted for analytical examination, following which the premises were sealed and operations suspended.

A show-cause notice was also served on the person-in-charge of the firm, seeking an explanation within three days.

The FDA said action has been initiated for filing a complaint/prosecution before the competent court under the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Under Section 31 of the Act, food business operators are required to obtain a licence, wherever applicable. Operating a food business requiring a licence without obtaining one is punishable under Section 63, with a penalty that may extend to Rs 10 lakh, it said.

The department said packaged drinking water and mineral water fall under the high-risk food category and require enhanced regulatory oversight.

The FDA reiterated that all food business operators must obtain and maintain a valid FSSAI licence or registration appropriate to the nature of their business and said enforcement action would continue against violations of food safety laws.—(NVI)

WMDA conducts awareness drive around Manasbal Lake on World Tourism Day

Srinagar, Sept 27 (NVI): The Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) on Sunday organised an awareness drive around Manasbal Lake to sensitise locals about protecting the water body from pollution and solid waste dumping, officials said.

The drive, held on the eve of World Tourism Day, saw participation of WMDA officials, workers and volunteers, civil society representatives and students, who visited villages in the catchment areas of the lake carrying placards and banners.

The participants interacted with locals and urged them to cooperate with WMDA’s field sanitation volunteers to improve cleanliness around the lake and promote eco-tourism in the area.

They also apprised residents about compliance with waste management rules and environmental laws.

An interactive session was later organised in collaboration with a local NGO, where speakers discussed best practices for nature and environmental conservation.

WMDA Chief Executive Officer Dr Ahsanul Haq Chishti said the authority would continue to provide a platform for creative initiatives aimed at environmental conservation and waste management.

He said WMDA would encourage and support such initiatives.

ACR Bandipore Shabir Ahmad, senior faculty members of the Central University of Kashmir, representatives of civil society groups and students from various educational institutions attended the session.—(NVI)

IAF begins operational phase of multilateral air exercise Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur

New Delhi, Sep 27 (NVI) The Indian Air Force on Yesterday commenced the operational phase of the multilateral air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, with seven foreign countries participating in the drills.

The exercise, being conducted from September 26 to October 12 under the theme “Power in Partnership”, aims to enhance interoperability, exchange operational expertise and strengthen cooperation among participating air forces.

Australia, the US, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are participating in the exercise.

The foreign aircraft taking part include the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A, bringing together a mix of combat, airlift and air-to-air refuelling capabilities, the IAF said.

Building on the inaugural edition held in 2024, the exercise will provide participating air forces an opportunity for advanced joint training and exchange of operational experience.

The participating contingents will operate alongside the IAF across a range of missions involving frontline combat aircraft and support elements. Several other friendly foreign countries will also participate as observers.

The exercise will also facilitate interaction among aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel, with a focus on interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and understanding of operational procedures.

Apart from flying operations, Tarang Shakti 2026 will include professional, cultural and outreach activities such as a seminar, industrial tours, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions.

The IAF said the exercise will provide an opportunity to showcase its operational capabilities and professional standards, besides highlighting India’s indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities.

The exercise is aimed at strengthening military cooperation and partnerships through shared operational experience and is intended to contribute to regional peace, security and stability, it said.—(NVI)

India will safeguard security, strategic autonomy when threatened: Rajnath

Balakot Air Strikes
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

New Delhi Sept 27 (NVI) : India does not seek to occupy the territory of any country but will safeguard its security and strategic autonomy whenever threatened, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, underlining the country’s growing focus on self-reliance in critical sectors.

Addressing a gathering, Singh said India’s rise as a civilisational power is in the interest of the entire world and asserted that the country is moving from being a defence importer to becoming a trusted global defence supplier.

Highlighting efforts to address strategic vulnerabilities in technology, energy, data and supply chains, he said steps are being taken to strengthen domestic capabilities in semiconductors and critical minerals, diversify energy sources and enhance energy security.

On defence indigenisation, Singh said 509 defence equipment, weapon systems and platforms have been included in five positive indigenisation lists issued by the armed forces.

The Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have also issued six indigenisation lists covering 5,417 items, including strategically important line-replaceable units, subsystems, spares and components, of which around 3,300 have been indigenised, he said.

Singh highlighted the growing participation of the private sector, startups and MSMEs in defence manufacturing.

India’s defence ecosystem now includes DPSUs, private industries, more than 16,000 MSMEs, startups, universities and research institutions, with manufacturing capabilities emerging across several regions, he said.

Investment proposals worth about Rs 70,000 crore have been received in the Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridors, with around Rs 10,000 crore already invested, Singh said.

He also highlighted the role of the SRIJAN and SRIJAN DEEP portals in strengthening indigenous defence supply chains.

Around 33,000 imported items have been identified for import substitution through SRIJAN, of which approximately 15,700 have been indigenised, he said.

SRIJAN DEEP has created a national digital database covering more than 40,000 manufacturers and sellers and lakhs of products, Singh said.

The minister also underlined the transformation of the DPSU and Ordnance Factory ecosystem following the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factories.

He said the move has enhanced their technology orientation, output and accountability, adding that all 16 DPSUs are currently operating without losses and are increasingly focusing on research, development and exports.

Highlighting the role of youth and innovation, Singh said initiatives such as iDEX and iDEX-Prime are providing opportunities for startups and innovators to contribute to national security, while programmes such as ADITI are supporting advanced defence technologies.

As of March 2026, 676 startups and innovators had been engaged through iDEX and 551 contracts signed, he said, adding that the Defence Ministry had approved procurement worth more than Rs 2,400 crore from startups and MSMEs and development projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore.

In a significant move, Singh announced the decision to transfer DRDO-developed technologies for conventional missile systems to eligible Indian industries, allowing qualifying private companies to undertake their production.

The move would strengthen the preparedness of the armed forces and facilitate timely delivery of missiles, he said.

Singh said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is increasingly being positioned to focus on research and development, while industry assumes a greater role in production.

The Defence Minister said India’s objective is to build indigenous capabilities across the entire defence spectrum, from individual components to complete weapon systems, and develop technologies domestically rather than remain dependent on imports.

He stressed that the approach is aimed at strengthening strategic autonomy, defence preparedness and a resilient indigenous defence-industrial ecosystem.

Singh also emphasised the importance of national unity for national security.—(NVI)

EOW Kashmir arrests man accused in multi-crore migrant land fraud

Srinagar, Sep 27 (NVI) The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has arrested a man who had allegedly been absconding for several years in connection with five cases of cheating, forgery and land-related fraud involving migrant properties, officials said.

The accused, identified as Soom Nath Koul, was arrested in compliance with the orders of a Sub-Judge court in Srinagar, they said.

A special team of the EOW was constituted to execute the court orders and traced and apprehended Koul after sustained efforts, officials said.

The accused had allegedly evaded arrest for several years and was reportedly using different identities. Hue and cry notices had also been issued and published from time to time to trace him, they said.

Five cases have been registered against Koul in connection with alleged cheating, forgery and land fraud involving migrant properties through purportedly fake powers of attorney and agreements to sell, officials said.

In one of the cases, a chargesheet was filed against him in absentia under Section 512 of the CrPC, they said.

During investigation, it allegedly emerged that Koul induced people to purchase land while using different identities, including Brij Nath Bhat, Mohan Lal Dhar and Hadi Nath Dhar, according to officials.

The investigation also revealed alleged financial fraud involving crores of rupees and the suspected involvement of other persons, they said.

Another accused, Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Dar, was arrested last week in connection with the same case, officials said.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of the alleged financial fraud, details of the land transactions and the role of other persons allegedly involved in the cases, they said.—(NVI)

Afghan forces foil Pakistan’s sinister plan; Thwart infiltration by militia, ISIS terrorists

Representational image

Kabul, Sept 26: Afghan forces today foiled a nefarious attempt by Pakistan to push militia, including ISIS terrorists, into Afghanistan to cause disruptions as they reportedly killed around 25 of them and captured 30.

The infiltrating group from Pakistan was intercepted after it crossed the ‘Durand Line’ border in Kamdesh area in Nuristan Province.

The group was surrounded by the Afghan forces who carried out an onslaught on the infiltrators.

According to reports, at least 25 infiltrators were killed and several others fled back into the Pakistani territory.

At least 30 were captured alive and taken into custody by the Afghan forces.

During their interrogation, the captured infiltrators admitted that they had been trained by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies and sent to Afghanistan to carry out disruptive activities.

The development highlights that Pakistan is trying to cause destruction in Afghanistan and threaten its territorial sovereignty.

As part of this sinister plan, Pakistan is arming, financing and supporting ISIS (Khorasan) terrorist outfit, whose camps have been set up by the Pakistani military in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. (NVI)

Rs 82.45-Cr Development Works Underway in J&K Migrant Camps

Jammu, Sep 26 (NVI): Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Arvind Karwani on Saturday inspected ongoing development works at migrant camps in Jagti and Nagrota and reviewed the implementation of social sector schemes for eligible beneficiaries.

Karwani, accompanied by senior officers of the Relief Organisation and officials of various departments, took stock of infrastructure, water supply, power, sanitation and other basic amenities at the camps.

The Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Nagrota, briefed him about repair and renovation works covering more than 200 building blocks and around 5,000 flats and community halls across migrant camps in Jammu.

The government has recently accorded administrative approval involving a financial outlay of Rs 82.45 crore for the works, officials said.

The PWD has also formulated a comprehensive project for development of internal roads and lanes, parks, and facelift of migrant schools, health dispensaries and Sub-District Hospital Jagti.

Karwani directed officials to conduct structural audits of all buildings and ensure quality execution of works in consultation with the public and concerned camp commandants.

Reviewing water supply, he was informed that infrastructure damaged in last year’s floods has been restored and all borewells made functional.

He directed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure uninterrupted water supply and adequate deployment of tankers wherever required. A long-term project, with a tentative cost of around Rs 10 crore, has also been conceived to augment water supply in Jagti Township, officials said.

Karwani also stressed regular testing of water quality to ensure safe drinking water.

The UEED informed him that sewage treatment plants costing around Rs 11.5 crore have been finalised for the Nagrota, Muthi-Buta Nagar and Purkhoo migrant camps, with work expected to commence shortly.

Tender formalities for construction of multipurpose community halls in all migrant camps, involving around Rs 20 crore, are also at an advanced stage, officials said.

The facilities are envisaged to provide space for women’s self-help groups, libraries and promotion of culture and heritage.

Reviewing the extension of social sector schemes, Karwani was informed that nearly 3,000 families have availed benefits following the digitisation and integration of migrant ration cards with the national database.

The next round of outreach camps will begin from September 30 at various locations in Jammu to facilitate online applications for social welfare, self-employment and skill development schemes.

Karwani directed senior officers of the Relief Organisation to undertake weekly visits to assigned camps, review development works and address grievances, including issues related to immovable properties in the Kashmir Valley.

He also directed officials to supervise door-to-door campaigns to identify eligible beneficiaries and assist them with documentation and online applications.

Karwani reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible migrant family is covered under social sector and welfare schemes.—(NVI)

Yet another attack on Pakistani forces leave 12 dead, dozens injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Chhattisgarh
Representative pic of a blast

Peshawar, Sept 26: Pakistani forces today faced one more major attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with a suspected suicide assault killing at least 12 people, mostly security personnel, and leaving dozens of others injured.

The attack was carried out on a security post in Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan district.

The post was attacked with explosives-laden vehicle which rammed into the complex, destroying it and causing human casualties.

Pakistani forces have been subjected to increasing attacks in recent months by TTP and Baloch freedom-seeking groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The latest attack came less than a week after two major back-to-back assaults on Pakistani forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which killed around 40 security personnel and injured nearly 200.

Pakistan blamed elements based in Afghanistan for those attacks and carried out airstrikes in the neighbouring country twice, including one targeting the spiritual base of the Taliban regime in Kandahar.

As a result, tensions have been escalating between the two countries on their border. (NVI)

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