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J&K to Witness Rain, Snow, Gusty Winds Till March 30; MeT Issues Advisory

rain
File photo

Srinagar, Mar 28 (NVI): The Meteorological Department on Saturday forecast intermittent rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir till March 30, with gusty winds and thunderstorms expected at several places.

According to the MeT Centre Srinagar, the weather will remain generally cloudy towards evening from March 28 to 30, with the possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain in plains and snowfall over higher reaches. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph are also likely during this period.

Officials said moderate snowfall is expected at a few higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir between the night of March 28 and March 30.

On March 31, the weather is likely to remain generally cloudy with brief spells of light rain or snow at scattered places. From April 1 to 2, conditions are expected to be partly to generally cloudy with chances of light rain at isolated locations.

From April 3 to 4, the region may witness light rain or snowfall at scattered places, while between April 5 and 7, the weather is likely to remain partly cloudy with chances of light rain or snow at isolated places.

The MeT department also warned of possible landslides at vulnerable locations due to the wet weather conditions.

Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations on March 29 and 30, while travellers have been urged to follow traffic advisories and plan their journeys accordingly. (NVI)

Toy Drone Found in House in Akhnoor Village, Police Take It Into Custody

Jammu, Mar 28 (NVI): A drone was found lying inside a residential house in Dhok Jagir village of Akhnoor sector on Saturday, prompting police to take it into custody for examination, officials said.

According to officials, the drone was  the house of a resident of Dhok Jagir in Akhnoor tehsil.

Police from Akhnoor station reached the spot and seized the device for verification. Upon inspection, authorities confirmed that the object was a toy drone and posed no security threat.

Further details are awaited.—(NVI)

LG Sinha Takes Stock of Relief Efforts in Zojila Tragedy

File Photo : LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Mar 27 (NVI): Manoj Sinha on Friday spoke to senior officials and reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operations following the avalanche at Zojila Pass in Ganderbal district, officials said.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Sinha directed the officials to ensure the safety of stranded persons and to provide all necessary assistance to those affected by the avalanche.

“Deeply pained by the loss of precious lives due to the tragic avalanche at Zojila. My heart goes out to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.(NVI)

7 Dead, 5 Injured as Avalanche Hits Vehicle at Zojila Pass

Zojila, Mar 27 (NVI): In a tragic incident, seven persons lost their lives and five others sustained injuries after a massive avalanche struck a passenger vehicle at Zojila Pass on Friday, officials said.

A top police officer said the vehicle was hit by a heavy snow slide and debris, resulting in multiple fatalities on the spot while several passengers were injured. The injured were promptly rescued and shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Rescue teams, including local authorities and emergency responders, rushed to the scene soon after the incident and launched a large-scale operation to retrieve victims and clear the affected area.

Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed grief over the loss of lives. In a post on X, he said, “Saddened to learn about the tragic death of 7 persons and injuries to 5 after an avalanche hit the vehicle at Zojila Pass. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families. All required assistance is being provided to the injured.”(NVI)

Massive Avalanche at Zojila Pass Leaves 6 Dead, 5 Injured

Srinagar, Mar 27 (NVI): At least six people lost their lives and five others sustained injuries after a massive avalanche struck a passenger vehicle at Zojila Pass on Friday, officials said.

A top police officer told NVI that the vehicle was hit by a heavy snow slide, resulting in the on-the-spot death of six occupants. Five others who were injured in the incident were immediately rescued and shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Rescue teams rushed to the site soon after the incident and launched a coordinated operation to evacuate the injured and retrieve the bodies from the debris.

Authorities said that rescue and road clearance operations are currently in progress, while further details are awaited.(NVI)

3 Dead, One Injured as Avalanche Hits Vehicle at Zojila Pass; Rescue Ops Underway

Srinagar, Mar 27 (NVI): At least three persons were killed and one sustained injuries after an avalanche struck a passenger vehicle at Zojila Pass on Friday, officials said.

According to officials, the vehicle was hit by a massive snow slide, burying it under heavy debris. Three occupants died on the spot, while another was injured in the incident.

Rescue teams were immediately rushed to the site and launched operations to retrieve the bodies and evacuate the injured. The injured person has been shifted to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Authorities said that rescue and road clearance operations are ongoing, and further details are awaited.(NVI)

MoD Signs ₹858 Crore Defence Deals for Missile Systems, P-8I Aircraft Maintenance

New Delhi, Mar 27 (NVI): The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday inked contracts worth ₹858 crore to strengthen India’s defence capabilities, including the procurement of advanced air defence systems and maintenance support for maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

According to officials, a ₹445 crore deal has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems for the Indian Army. These systems are expected to significantly boost India’s multi-layered air defence network, enhancing its ability to counter aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. The agreement also underscores the continued strategic defence partnership between India and Russia.

In a separate development, the MoD signed a ₹413 crore contract with Boeing India Defense Private Ltd for depot-level inspection of the Indian Navy’s P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The deal, executed under the ‘Buy Indian’ category with 100% indigenous content, aims to ensure maintenance of the fleet within the country.

Officials said the move aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and will strengthen in-country Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.(NVI)

DAC Clears ₹2.38 Lakh Crore Defence Proposals to Boost Military Capabilities:Rajnath Singh

Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (file pic)

New Delhi, March 27 (NVI): The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals worth ₹2.38 lakh crore to strengthen India’s defence preparedness, officials said on Friday.

The approvals include key procurements for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard, aimed at enhancing operational readiness, firepower, and surveillance capabilities across domains.

For the Indian Army, the DAC cleared proposals for advanced systems including Air Defence Tracked Systems, Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition, High Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System, and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance Systems. These are expected to improve real-time air defence coordination, long-range artillery precision, and secure communication networks.

The Indian Air Force will see induction and upgrades through procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft, S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft, and overhaul of Su-30 aero engine aggregates. These acquisitions aim to bolster airlift capacity, strengthen air defence against long-range threats, and enhance strike as well as surveillance capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard will acquire Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles to support high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and logistics operations.

Officials noted that in the financial year 2025–26, the DAC has so far granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 55 proposals worth ₹6.73 lakh crore. Additionally, contracts for 503 proposals amounting to ₹2.28 lakh crore have been signed, marking the highest-ever procurement activity in a single fiscal year.

The approvals underscore the government’s continued push to modernise the armed forces and enhance indigenous defence capabilities.(NVI)

Snow Avalanche Blocks Srinagar–Leh Highway Near Zojila, Rescue Ops On

Zojila, March 27 (NVI): A massive snow avalanche hit near Zero Point along the Srinagar–Leh highway at Zojila Pass on Friday, trapping 3–4 passenger vehicles under heavy snow debris, officials said no casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

Rescue and road clearance operations were swiftly launched by authorities to evacuate the stranded vehicles and restore traffic movement.

The highway has been temporarily closed as teams continue efforts to clear the debris and ensure safe passage.

Authorities have advised travelers to avoid the route until the situation improves.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Urges PM Modi to Use Diplomacy to End West Asia Conflict

Jammu  Mar 27 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leverage India’s diplomatic influence to help end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, describing it as a grave humanitarian crisis with direct implications for India.

Speaking during the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdullah highlighted the escalating war in the region and its widespread human impact, particularly in Iran. He noted that while global discussions revolve around strategic concerns like oil supply routes and geopolitical shifts, the suffering of ordinary people continues largely unaddressed.

The Chief Minister said the crisis is affecting India directly, pointing out that several Indian nationals, including residents of Jammu and Kashmir, are stranded in Iran. He also cited domestic repercussions such as long queues at fuel stations and growing public anxiety.

“As representatives of the people, we have every right to raise our concerns,” Abdullah said, adding that although the Assembly cannot halt the war, India’s strong international ties position it to play a constructive role in de-escalation.

Referring to India’s relations with countries including the United States, Israel, and Iran, he expressed confidence that the Centre could use diplomatic channels effectively to push for peace.

Abdullah condemned what he termed an “unjust and illegal war imposed on Iran” and expressed condolences over the loss of lives, including that of Ali Khamenei and his associates.

Reiterating his appeal, he urged the Government of India to take urgent steps to help end the conflict, stating that an early resolution would benefit humanity at large.

“It is not any one religion that is being killed — it is humanity that is being killed,” he said, framing the crisis as a humanitarian issue rather than a religious one.

He concluded by expressing hope that the entire Assembly would support efforts aimed at restoring peace in the region.(NVI)

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