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Pakistan: 2nd Major attack in 3 days on military; 6 soldiers killed, several injured

Condition of military vehicle which was attacked in Hangu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan

Peshawar, Sept 20 (NVI) In the second major attack on Pakistani military in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in three days, at least 6 soldiers, including a Captain and a Lieutenant, were killed and over a dozen others injured in an ambush today.

The attack on a convoy of Pakistani paramilitary force Frontier Corps (FC) was carried out in Hangu this afternoon.

The attackers first detonated an IED and followed it up with firing from all sides, reports said.

At least 6 soldiers were confirmed dead in the assault, according to the Pakistani military spokesman.

The dead included a Captain and a Lieutenant.

Over a dozen others were injured and rushed to the hospital.

The death toll is likely to increase as some of the injured are in critical condition.

This is the second major attack on Pakistani forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in the last three days.

On Friday, a group of suicide attackers targeted the Police Headquarters of Kohat, killing at least 31 personnel and injuring over 150 during nearly 24-hour operation.

In the recent times, Pakistani forces have been facing huge blows in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in addition to Balochistan. (NVI)

IGP Kashmir reviews security, law and order situation in J&K’s Kupwara

Srinagar, Sep 20 (NVI) Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar on Sunday visited Kupwara district and reviewed the security situation, counter-terrorism grid, law and order preparedness and crime scenario, officials said.

Kumar, accompanied by DIG North Kashmir Range Vinod Kumar, took stock of the overall operational readiness of the district during the visit, they said.

SSP Kupwara Al Tahir Gilani briefed the IGP on the prevailing security situation, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, intelligence inputs, area domination measures, security of vulnerable locations, law and order preparedness and the crime situation in the district, officials said.

The IGP also visited the Tactical Operating Base (TOB) at Dardpora and interacted with personnel of the Special Operations Group (SOG), taking stock of their operational preparedness and field deployment.

Kumar appreciated the commitment and professionalism of the personnel deployed in challenging operational areas and called upon them to maintain a high level of alertness, coordination and preparedness, officials said.—(NVI)

IED detected in J&K’s Shopian

Representational Picture

Shopian, Sep 20 (NVI): An improvised explosive device (IED) was detected in an orchard in the Awneera area of Zainapora in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Sunday, officials said.

Security forces cordoned off the area after the IED was detected, while a bomb disposal squad was called to the spot for examination and necessary action, they said.

Further details are awaited.—(NVI)

IGP Kashmir reviews security, law and order situation in Handwara

Srinagar, Sep 20 (NVI) Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar on Sunday visited Handwara and reviewed the security situation, counter-terrorism grid, law and order preparedness and crime scenario in the district, officials said.

Kumar, who was accompanied by DIG North Kashmir Range Vinod Kumar, was briefed by SSP Handwara Tahir Saleem Khan on various security and operational aspects, including intelligence inputs, area domination measures, security of vulnerable locations and ongoing counter-terrorism operations, they said.

During the review, the IGP stressed the need for a public-friendly approach to policing, improving crime disposal and adopting effective strategies in accordance with field requirements, officials said.

He also emphasised maintaining operational preparedness and ensuring a prompt and effective response to emerging security and law and order challenges.

Kumar appreciated the commitment and professionalism of police personnel deployed in challenging operational areas and urged them to remain vigilant and maintain a high level of preparedness to ensure the safety and security of the public, they said.—(NVI)

India-Sri Lanka maritime exercise SLINEX-26 underway in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, Sep 20 (NVI): The 13th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-26 is being conducted here from September 17 to 21, with the two navies focusing on enhancing operational cooperation and interoperability.

The exercise began with the Harbour Phase under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command and will be followed by the Sea Phase.

The Indian Navy is participating with INS Kavaratti, an indigenous anti-submarine warfare corvette, and INS Jyoti, a fleet tanker, while the Sri Lanka Navy is represented by SLNS Sindurala.

The Harbour Phase included an opening ceremony and reception onboard INS Kavaratti for the visiting Sri Lankan crew. It also featured professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sharing of best practices, yoga, sports and cultural activities.

The Sea Phase will focus on coordinated activities at sea aimed at enhancing operational synergy and interoperability between the two navies.

Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX has evolved into an important forum for strengthening maritime cooperation, mutual understanding and interoperability between India and Sri Lanka.

The exercise is also aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and underscores its commitment to a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment while further strengthening the longstanding maritime partnership between the two countries.—(NVI)

Over 1 lakh witness Suryakiran Aerobatic Team’s maiden display over Meerut skies

Meerut, Sep 20 (NVI): More than one lakh people witnessed the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force perform breathtaking aerial manoeuvres over Meerut on September 19 and 20, marking the team’s first-ever display in the city.

The spectators included students, NCC cadets and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, who gathered to witness the nine-aircraft formation flying by the IAF’s famed aerobatic team.

Notably, three members of the SKAT team, including two pilots who participated in the aerobatic display, are from Meerut.

Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth witnessed the display on Sunday and described it as a demonstration of discipline, precision, teamwork and professionalism. He also commended the team’s courage and dedication, noting that SKAT has completed more than 800 air shows in India and abroad during its 30-year journey.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who witnessed the first day’s display, praised the precision and courage of the SKAT pilots and described the event as a proud and inspiring moment for the state and the country.

Rajya Sabha MP Laxmikant Bajpai, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State Somendra Tomar and Legislative Council members Ashwini Tyagi and Dharmendra Bhardwaj were among the other dignitaries who witnessed the show.

Fresh from the conclusion of its 2026 training season, SKAT unveiled its latest formation over Meerut, flying nine red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft manufactured under licence in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The team performed a series of aerobatic manoeuvres, including loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and the iconic DNA manoeuvre, showcasing precision, coordination and flying skills.

The aircraft flew at distances of less than five metres from each other during the formations, highlighting the high level of discipline, coordination and trust required for such displays.

The Hawk Mk 132 aircraft have also been fitted with indigenously developed smoke pods capable of producing saffron, white and green smoke. The modification was developed at the IAF’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik, enabling the team to create the colours of the national flag in the sky.

Established in 1996, SKAT is the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia and is among a select group of such teams globally.

The team has performed more than 800 displays in India and abroad and represented the IAF at international air shows in countries including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the UAE.

Over the years, SKAT has emerged as an ambassador of the Indian Air Force, showcasing the force’s professionalism, precision and discipline while inspiring young people to consider careers in the armed forces.—(NVI)

Monsoon starts withdrawing, 15% rainfall deficit recorded

Representational/file photo

New Delhi, Sept 20 (NVI) The Southwest Monsoon has started withdrawing from parts of west Rajasthan, slightly delayed than the normal withdrawal date of September 17.

The Monsoon has already recorded a cumulative deficit of rainfall of approximately 15%.

The southern peninsula, as well as east and north-eastern India, are experiencing high deficits.

The normal date of completion of withdrawal of the monsoon, an annual phenomenon lasting four months, is October 15.

In 2025, the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon commenced on September 23—a six-day delay.

Massive dry air is expected to enter northwest and west India next week. This influx of dry air may eliminate any remaining moisture in northwest India and intensify the withdrawal process.

Monsoon withdrawal may not begin in central and eastern India until September 30 and will start shortly after the dissipation of any low-pressure areas.

The Indian Meteorological Department’s bulletin indicates that the line of withdrawal of the southwest monsoon currently passes through Ramgarh, Mohangarh, Phalodi and Khajuwala in Rajasthan.

As of Saturday, India has received 695.6 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal figure of 817.2 mm.

The southern peninsula has experienced a rainfall deficit of 28.5%, followed by eastern and northeast India with a deficit of 25.7%, and northwest India with a deficit of 9.5%. Central India has recorded a deficit of 5.4%.

Rajasthan has experienced its lowest rainfall in the past 16 years. In 2025, the total seasonal monsoon rainfall across the country was 936.8 mm, which is 108% of the long period average.

There is also a possibility of the first cyclone of the year forming in the North Indian Ocean, which may approach Odisha and Andhra Pradesh next week. If formed, it will be named Arnab and will be the first cyclone to form in the region since Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025. (NVI)

Aadhaar biometric authentication mandatory for LPG subsidy from Oct 1

LPG cylinders
New Delhi, Sept 19 (NVI) From October 1 this year, domestic LPG consumers will need to have completed Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (BAA) to book refills at the regulated Retail Selling Price (RSP) with applicable subsidy.
“Linking each connection to the Aadhaar-authenticated consumer helps prevent diversion of subsidised domestic cylinders for commercial and industrial use, removes duplicate and ineligible connections, and makes subsidy delivery transparent and targeted,” the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) said in a statement.

 

It added that the process is not meant to deny LPG to any genuine household, and every eligible consumer has several easy ways to complete it. Starting October 1, consumers who have already completed BAA do not need to do it again and their refills will continue as before.

However, for consumers who have not completed BAA, refill booking at RSP with subsidy will be enabled once authentication is completed.

 

Consumers can complete BAA during refill delivery or at the distributor’s showroom. They can also complete the process on the oil marketing companies’ mobile applications.

 

“Consumers who are unwilling or unable to complete BAA can still receive LPG. They will need to register this choice on their OMC’s digital channels: the consumer web portal, mobile app, WhatsApp chatbot, IVRS or other available channels. These consumers will be supplied LPG at the applicable market price, without any subsidy, in 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders, subject to local availability with the OMC,” the ministry said.

 

It added that 27.43 crore active domestic LPG consumers have completed BAA, a coverage of 89.9 per cent, as of September 19, 2026. Consumers were first asked to complete BAA by June 30, 2026. The deadline was extended several times to give consumers more time: to July 31, August 7, August 15, August 23, August 31, September 7 and finally September 14, 2026.

 

Since October 2023, the OMCs have run a nationwide outreach drive, with more than 12 crore SMS and WhatsApp messages sent for the purpose. Distributors and delivery staff have followed up individually with consumers yet to authenticate.

 

The ministry said domestic LPG is sold below cost and the implicit subsidy for September 2026 is around ₹210 per 14.2 kg cylinder. In June 2026, it had reached ₹721 per cylinder.

 

In order to keep domestic LPG affordable, the government paid OMCs compensation of ₹22,000 crore in FY23 and is paying ₹30,000 crore during FY26 and FY27. Even after this, accumulated under-recoveries of public sector OMCs on domestic LPG exceeded ₹62,000 crore as of August 31, 2026.
According to the government, directing the subsidy only to genuine consumers is essential to sustaining it. (NVI)

J&K CM attends high-level conference on financing India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat

New Delhi, Sep 19 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended a two-day high-level conference on “Financing India’s Journey towards Viksit Bharat” organised by the Union Finance Ministry in New Delhi, which concluded on Saturday.

The conference brought together the Union Finance Minister, chief ministers, finance ministers and leading public finance experts to deliberate on strategies for India’s long-term development.

Abdullah said the conference was valuable in shaping key strategies for the long-term growth of the country and Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the areas of developmental financing, agricultural marketing and renewable energy.

He said the deliberations provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore approaches to strengthen development financing and promote sustainable growth.—(NVI)

Arms, ammunition recovered from forward area in J&K’s  Kupwara

File Photo

Kupwara, Sep 19 (NVI) Security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the forward Sudhpora area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Saturday, officials said.

The recovery was made during a joint operation conducted by security forces in the area, they said.

The operation is underway and further details are awaited, officials added.—(NVI)

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