Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): A balloon resembling an aeroplane and bearing the inscription “Pakistan International Airlines” was recovered from the Reshipora Singhpora area of Chhatroo sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Friday, officials said.
The balloon was spotted by locals, following which police were informed and the object was taken into custody, they said.
Police have seized the balloon for examination and further details are awaited, officials added.(NVI)
Leh, Mar 13 (NVI): Vinai Kumar Saxena was sworn in as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh on Friday at a ceremony held at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Choglamsar.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Arun Palli, officials said.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra read out the warrant of appointment issued by the President of India, following which Saxena assumed charge as the Lieutenant Governor. He succeeds Kavinder Gupta in the post.
After the ceremony, Saxena was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Ladakh Police.
Speaking to reporters, Saxena expressed gratitude to Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for entrusting him with the responsibility and said he would work in line with the aspirations of the people of Ladakh.
He said the administration will prioritise tourism development, environmental protection and sustainable growth in the region, and added that he plans to visit remote villages to interact with local communities and understand their concerns.(NVI)
Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): The Jambu Zoo has welcomed a pair of hippopotamuses brought from Arignar Anna Zoological Park as part of an animal exchange programme approved by the Central Zoo Authority, officials said on Friday.
The pair of hippos was brought to Jammu in exchange for a pair of Himalayan Black Bear from the zoo, they said.
The initiative to bring hippopotamuses to the zoo was conceived by Sarvesh Rai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Jammu and Kashmir, who earlier served as the Chief Wildlife Warden of the Union Territory.
Officials said the Hippopotamus, one of the largest land mammals and native to sub-Saharan Africa, arrived at the zoo on Friday after being transported from Chennai by train under special arrangements to maintain their body temperature using water sprinklers during the journey.
The animals will remain under a mandatory quarantine period of 15 days before being put on public display, they added.
The transportation team included Noor-ul-Amin, Sudesh Kotwal, animal keepers Anwar and Mukhtiar, and veterinary assistant surgeon Dr Ranjit Katoch.
Chief Wildlife Warden Chaturbhuja Behera welcomed the new arrivals and said the hippopotamuses are expected to become a major attraction for visitors. He also.—(NVI)
Kishtwar, Mar 13 (NVI): A shell was found in the Bindraban area of Kishtwar along the National Highway 244 on Friday, officials said.
Official said that soon after receiving information about the presence of the shell, a Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) rushed to the spot and took necessary measures to neutralize it.
The squad later safely disposed of the shell by following standard safety procedures, they said.
Officials added that no loss of life or damage to property was reported in the incident.(NVI)
Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): Manoj Sinha on Friday inaugurated a two-day literary-cultural conclave titled “Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam” at University of Jammu and urged writers, artists and cultural practitioners to preserve the rich heritage of the Jammu division and connect the younger generation with their roots.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Sinha said the traditions of Jammu in literature, culture and spirituality inspire people to rise above divisions of caste, creed and artificial boundaries, and place humanity above all.
He said a region’s identity is not defined merely by economic progress but also through its stories, songs and the creativity of its artisans. “Society’s enlightened minds must recognise folk arts and folk literature as the living vitality of Jammu,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Emphasising the importance of cultural heritage, Sinha said a society shaped by strong literary and cultural values determines what it becomes in the future. He urged people to reflect on the identity that binds communities together and instils a sense of belonging.
Highlighting the role of language and traditions, he said safeguarding language helps preserve memories while nurturing regional art forms builds self-confidence in society.
The Lieutenant Governor also called upon the youth to actively contribute to the preservation and promotion of literature and culture, saying it carries forward the legacy of values passed down through generations.
The two-day conclave features cultural processions, exhibitions of indigenous attire, handicrafts, traditional cuisines, books and artworks, besides panel discussions and activities highlighting the region’s languages, folklore and literary traditions.
On the occasion, the first edition of the university’s multilingual magazine “The Litzine” was also released.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu, Prof Umesh Rai, along with other academic leaders, journalists, faculty members and students attended the event.(NVI)
Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): Northern Command Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma visited Basantgarh in Jammu and Kashmir to review the prevailing security situation and ongoing counter-terrorist operations in the region, officials said on Friday.
During the visit, the Army Commander was briefed on the coordinated intelligence grid and the enhanced security measures being implemented in the area.
Officials said detailed discussions were held on further strengthening the security architecture in coordination with all stakeholders to ensure effective counter-terror operations.
Lt Gen Sharma also interacted with the troops deployed in the region and commended them for their professionalism, commitment and steadfast resolve towards maintaining peace and ensuring a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)
New Delhi, Mar 13 (NVI): The Union Government has approved Rs 330.34 crore as additional central assistance for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to support relief and recovery operations following damages caused by floods, flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides during 2025.
The decision was taken by a High-Level Committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which sanctioned a total of Rs 1,912.99 crore for six States and Union Territories affected by natural disasters, including the cyclonic storm ‘Montha’.
The funds will be released from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), with adjustment of 50 percent of the opening balance available in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) of the respective States and Union Territories.
Apart from Jammu and Kashmir, the committee approved relief assistance of Rs 341.48 crore for Andhra Pradesh, Rs 15.70 crore for Chhattisgarh, Rs 778.67 crore for Gujarat, Rs 288.39 crore for Himachal Pradesh and Rs 158.41 crore for Nagaland.
Officials said the central assistance is over and above the funds already released under existing disaster management mechanisms. During the 2025–26 financial year, the Centre had disbursed Rs 20,735.20 crore to 28 States under SDRF and Rs 3,628.18 crore to 21 States under NDRF, along with additional mitigation funds to strengthen disaster preparedness across the country.
A government spokesperson, citing the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said the Centre remains committed to supporting states and Union Territories during natural calamities and will continue to provide assistance for relief, rehabilitation and mitigation measures.(NVI)
Srinagar, Mar 13 (NVI): Around one lakh devotees gathered at the revered Hazratbal Shrine here on Friday to offer prayers on the occasion of Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan, officials said.
Large congregations of worshippers were seen at the shrine from early morning as people offered special prayers and supplications for peace, prosperity and well-being, they said.
Authorities had made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the smooth conduct of the congregational prayers.
Security was tightened in and around the shrine, with police and other security personnel deployed to maintain law and order.
Officials said security was also heightened at several sensitive locations and major religious places across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure the peaceful observance of Jumat-ul-Vida.
Reports of special prayers were received from mosques and shrines across Kashmir where devotees gathered in large numbers and prayed for peace and harmony in the region, officials added.(NVI)
Srinagar, Mar 13 (NVI): Farooq Abdullah on Friday arrived at the revered Hazratbal Shrine to offer congregational prayers on the occasion of Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan.
The senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference joined thousands of devotees who gathered at the shrine to participate in the special prayers, marking one of the most significant days of Ramzan observed by Muslims across Kashmir and other parts of the world.
Jumat-ul-Vida, regarded as the last and most sacred Friday of Ramzan, witnesses large congregations at mosques and shrines, with devotees offering prayers and seeking peace and prosperity.
Authorities had put in place necessary arrangements and security measures in and around the shrine to facilitate smooth conduct of the prayers.(NVI)
Shopian, Mar 13 (NVI): Police have arrested three persons for allegedly circulating fake currency notes in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district and recovered counterfeit notes worth ₹79,000 from them, officials said on Friday.
The action was taken following a complaint by a local shopkeeper, after which police launched an investigation and busted the fake currency circulation racket in the south Kashmir district, they said.
A case has been registered and further investigation is underway to trace the origin and wider network behind the counterfeit notes, officials added.(NVI)
