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International Arms Trafficking Module Busted in Delhi; 10 Arrested

New Delhi, Mar 25 (NVI): The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has busted a major international arms trafficking module with links to Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, officials said on Wednesday.

Police Sources said that the module was being operated from the Walled City area of Delhi and was involved in supplying sophisticated foreign-made weapons to criminal networks across Delhi-NCR and other states.

In a major crackdown, 10 key operatives associated with the interstate arms trafficking syndicate have been arrested.

Police said a total of 21 high-end weapons were recovered during the operation. The seizure includes submachine guns and a range of foreign-made pistols such as PX-5.7, PX-3, Shadow CZ, Beretta, Taurus and Walther.

Officials noted that the PX-5.7 pistol is typically used by special forces, indicating the high-grade nature of the recovered arsenal.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the weapons were smuggled into India from Pakistan via the Indo-Nepal border and subsequently distributed to various criminal gangs.

Further investigation is underway to trace the wider network and identify other associates involved in the racket, police added.(NVI)

Over ₹22 Lakh Collected, Sent to Iran Embassy from Chainabal Pattan North Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 25 (NVI):Residents of Chainabal Pattan in north Kashmir have contributed over ₹22 lakh to the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi as part of a humanitarian aid drive for people affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Reports said that locals—including men, women, and children—actively participated in the donation campaign, contributing cash and valuables to support civilians impacted in Iran.

The initiative is part of a broader wave of humanitarian efforts across Kashmir, where communities have been organizing door-to-door collections and donation drives in solidarity with the people of Iran.

Sources said the collected funds from Chainabal Pattan were handed over through proper channels to the Iranian Embassy to ensure the aid reaches those in need.

The humanitarian gesture reflects strong public participation and emotional connect, with residents coming forward in large numbers to support the relief effort.(NVI)

Retired Policeman Killed in Road Accident in Magam

Road accidents
Representational image

Srinagar, Mar 25 (NVI): A retired police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) was killed in a hit-and-run accident in the Magam area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident occurred late Tuesday night at Daripora Adina near Badran stop, when an unidentified auto-rickshaw hit the victim, they said.

The deceased was identified as Gh Mohammad War, a resident of Adina in Budgam district.

He died on the spot due to the impact of the collision, officials said, adding that the auto driver also sustained injuries in the incident and was shifted to JVC Hospital for treatment.

Police have taken cognisance of the matter and initiated further investigation.(NVI)

Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Inaugurates Multiple Development Projects in Nowshera

Rajouri, Mar 24 (NVI): Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday inaugurated a series of developmental projects in Nowshera, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and ensuring holistic regional development.

On his arrival, the Deputy Chief Minister paid obeisance at Gari Mata Mandir and later at Thakurdawara Mandir, praying for peace and prosperity in the Union Territory.

He also inaugurated a Mega Job Fair at Dak Bungalow Nowshera, aimed at providing employment opportunities to local youth and facilitating interaction with potential employers.

As part of infrastructure development, Choudhary laid the foundation stone for a receiving station at Hastanagurah, Gagrote. He also inaugurated the road from Gagrote to Shamshan Ghat, which is expected to improve connectivity and ease of movement for residents.

The Deputy Chief Minister participated in multiple public outreach programmes, where he listened to grievances and assured timely redressal. Such interactions were held at various locations, including near Ram Mandir and Behanigala in Kuldabi.

Further boosting power infrastructure, he laid the foundation stone for a 3.15 MVA, 33/11 KV receiving station at Kuldabi to ensure reliable electricity supply in the area.

Additionally, Choudhary laid the foundation for the upgradation of a road from Main Road Sehal (Tutani Galla) to Guard Mohalla in Ward No. 4 Sehal, to be executed by the PWD (R&B) at an estimated cost of Rs 228 lakh.

He emphasized that these initiatives reflect the government’s focus on employment generation, infrastructure development and responsive governance.

Senior officials, including ADC Nowshera, Joint Director Employment, Joint Director Mining, and other district officers, were present on the occasion.(NVI)

Fuel Stocks Stable Across J&K, Govt Assures Adequate Supply

Jammu, Mar 24 (NVI): Fuel stocks across Jammu and Kashmir remain stable, with adequate reserves of petrol, diesel and LPG available, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said on Tuesday while directing strict action against hoarding and black marketing.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on the availability and distribution of petroleum products, Dulloo reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against overcharging, diversion and illegal stocking, and called for heightened vigilance to safeguard consumer interests.

Officials informed the meeting that petrol stocks are sufficient for 9–10 days, diesel for 16–17 days and LPG for 12–13 days, including transit supplies, ensuring uninterrupted availability across the Union Territory.

The Chief Secretary directed deputy commissioners to closely monitor district-wise supply and ensure timely distribution, particularly of LPG to all eligible domestic and commercial consumers. He also stressed doorstep delivery of LPG and maintaining adequate stock at retail outlets and depots.

Reviewing infrastructure, Dulloo asked authorities to expedite land acquisition and resolve bottlenecks for early operationalisation of the under-construction gas pipeline in Kathua, Samba, Jammu and Udhampur districts.

Officials said 100 per cent domestic LPG demand is being met, with no major supply issues reported. Urban areas have around 24 days of LPG coverage, while rural areas have about 35 days.

Between March 17 and 23, authorities conducted 1,418 inspections and raids, taking action against violators and addressing over 1,000 public grievances, the meeting was informed.

The government has also intensified monitoring through real-time tracking of fuel stocks and large-scale e-KYC verification of LPG consumers, with nearly 20 lakh users already verified.(NVI)

JKSSB postpones Junior Assistant exam to April 19

Jammu, Mar 24 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) has postponed the OMR-based written examination for the post of Junior Assistant, which was earlier scheduled for April 5, 2026, officials said on Tuesday.

According to an official notification, the examination will now be held on April 19, 2026. The recruitment was advertised under Notification No. 08 of 2025 dated September 27, 2025.

The board said that admit cards will be issued seven days before the revised date, from April 13, 2026.

Controller of Examinations Reyaz Ahmed Malik advised candidates to regularly check the official JKSSB website for updates and further instructions.(NVI)

Director Agriculture Jammu Reviews Progress of DCS, Flags Poor Performance

Jammu, Mar 24 (NVI): Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta on Tuesday reviewed the progress of various departmental schemes, including the Digital Crop Survey (DCS), at a high-level meeting held here, officials said.

The meeting, conducted at the Directorate of Agriculture, Jammu, was attended by senior officers in person and through virtual mode, including Divisional Nodal Officer Jammu Krishan Kant, Deputy Director Planning Mudassir Yaqoob Zargar and Accounts Officer Vriti Uppal.

Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) of Jammu division, District Nodal Officers of DCS from across Jammu and Kashmir, and the Divisional Nodal Officer Kashmir also participated via video conferencing.

During the review, it was observed that the Digital Crop Survey, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, was showing suboptimal performance in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Gupta directed district and divisional nodal officers to address implementation bottlenecks and step up efforts to ensure timely completion of survey activities.

The meeting also discussed financial progress and expenditure under various schemes, including HADP, CSS, CAPEX and NABARD-funded projects. Emphasising efficient fund utilisation, Gupta called for strict adherence to financial norms and outcome-based implementation.

He further instructed officers to coordinate closely with executing agencies and ensure timely submission of expenditure bills, directing that all pending bills be cleared by noon on Wednesday.

The Director also stressed the need for accountability and responsiveness among officers to meet targets within stipulated timelines, the officials added.(NVI)

Trump calls Modi amid raging war with Iran

Trump and Modi (File pic)

New Delhi, Mar 24: Amidst the raging war with Iran, US President Donald Trump today called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi who pushed for immediate de-escalation and restoration of peace in West Asia.

“President Donald Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. They discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor posted on his X handle at 6.14 PM.

Soon after, Modi also posted on his X handle: “Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest.”

He added: “Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world.”

Trump has been facing widespread criticism for initiating the war by launching attacks, along with Israel, on Iran on February 28.

The war has led to severe impact on the economic conditions of many countries around the world as the flow of oil and gas from the energy-rich region has been disrupted badly, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.

 

ACB books former TSO, others in Reasi ration scam

Srinagar, Mar 24 (NV): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has registered an FIR against a former Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO) and other officials for alleged misappropriation of ration and siphoning of transportation funds in Reasi district, officials said on Tuesday.

According to an ACB spokesperson, the case (FIR No. 06/2026) has been registered under relevant provisions of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and Ranbir Penal Code at Police Station ACB Udhampur against Pranav Gandotra, then TSO Arnas/Dharmari, along with other officials of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) Department.

Preliminary verification revealed that during his tenure from April 2011 to January 2013, the accused allegedly fraudulently obtained 22,298.80 quintals of excess ration and around Rs 1.03 crore as transportation charges in connivance with other officials.

The investigation found that the excess ration was not distributed through designated depots and was instead diverted to the black market, causing substantial loss to the government exchequer.

The ACB said further investigation into the case is underway.(NVI)

Top Army Commander Assesses Counter-Terror Ops, Stresses Coordination

Jammu, Mar 24 (NVI): General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps visited the Romeo Force to review the prevailing security situation and assess the counter-terrorism grid, officials said on Tuesday.

During the visit, the GOC evaluated the operational posture and stressed the need for enhanced coordination among various formations to strengthen security mechanisms.

He emphasised maintaining high standards of operational conduct, sustained readiness and heightened vigilance to ensure effective security and protection, they added.—(NVI)

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