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J&K: Two Killed, Two Injured In Lightning Strike In Anantnag

Srinagar, Aug 13 (NVI): Two persons were killed and two others injured after lightning struck at Gawran Nard area of Kokernag in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, officials said.

The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Faizan Ahmad, son of Mohd Yaqoob Chard, a resident of Gawran, and 16-year-old Bilal Ahmad Battana, son of Nazir Ahmad, a resident of Redwani Gawran.

The injured have been identified as 15-year-old Sajad Ahmad Battana, son of Sai Battana, and Shareef Ahmad Battana, son of Jumma, both residents of Redwani Gawran.

The injured were shifted to PHC Larnoo for initial medical treatment.

Further details are awaited.(NVI)

New Labour Codes to Transform Workers’ Welfare in J&K: Chief Secretary

Srinagar, Aug 13 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the financial and social security benefits emerging from the implementation of the four new labour codes for private sector workers in the Union Territory, stressing the need to ensure that the reforms translate into greater financial security and statutory protection for employees.

Chairing a meeting attended by senior officials of the Finance, Law, Labour and Employment departments, Dulloo said the new framework should not be viewed merely as a compliance exercise but as a step towards creating a more equitable, transparent and financially secure employment ecosystem.

The four codes — Code on Wages, 2019; Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Code on Social Security, 2020; and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 — consolidate 29 existing labour laws into a unified framework.

The Chief Secretary directed the Labour and Employment Department and other concerned departments to ensure that workers and employers are made aware of the financial and social security benefits available under the new framework.

He also emphasised that the implementation mechanism should take into account the changing nature of employment and ensure that workers engaged outside traditional permanent arrangements are not excluded from social security benefits.

The meeting was informed that the new framework provides for universal wage protection, with minimum wage provisions extended across employments, replacing the earlier scheduled-employment approach.

It also provides for a National Floor Wage, below which minimum wages fixed by states and Union Territories cannot fall, subject to the applicable framework.

According to the presentation made by the Labour and Employment Department, employers’ EPF contribution is 12 per cent of wages, subject to the applicable statutory wage ceiling. The ESI framework provides for an employer contribution of 3.25 per cent of gross wages for eligible employees within the prescribed wage ceiling, in addition to the employee contribution mandated under law.

A key reform relates to fixed-term employment. Under the new framework, fixed-term employees are recognised as a formal category and are entitled to statutory benefits at par with permanent employees for the period of their employment.

Fixed-term employees would also be eligible for pro-rata gratuity after one year of continuous service, calculated at the applicable rate of 15 days’ wages for every completed year of service, subject to statutory provisions and the prescribed ceiling.

The reforms are expected to provide greater financial certainty and formalisation of employment arrangements in the private sector while giving workers clearer statutory rights and benefits.

The new framework also introduces dedicated provisions for the social security of gig and platform workers, besides strengthening the institutional architecture for unorganised workers and building workers.

The four labour codes envisage a simplified and technology-driven compliance mechanism, including single registration, a single licence and unified annual returns. Mandatory appointment letters for employees are also part of the framework.

The meeting was informed that the reforms would have implications across various employment arrangements, including contractual and fixed-term employment, unorganised workers and emerging categories such as gig and platform workers.

Dulloo stressed that effective implementation of the reforms would be crucial to strengthening the social security net, improving wage protection and enhancing financial security and formalisation of employment for workers in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on ensuring a transparent and simplified compliance environment for employers while safeguarding the statutory rights and benefits of workers.(NVI)

35-Year Manhunt Ends: GRP Nabs 1991 Jammu Railway Blast Accused

J-K Police
Representational image

Srinagar, Aug 13 (NVI): The Government Railway Police (GRP) Jammu has arrested a man who had been absconding for 35 years in connection with a 1991 bomb blast at Jammu Railway Station, officials said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Altaf Hussain Sheikh, son of Nazir Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Marhama-Bijbehara in Anantnag district, was arrested after a sustained investigation and efforts to trace absconders in militancy-related cases, they said.

According to officials, Sheikh was allegedly involved in the blast that occurred on April 2, 1991, at Platform No. 1 of Jammu Railway Station. The explosion had left three people dead, including two paramilitary personnel, and injured 18 civilians.

An FIR was registered at GRP Jammu under sections 307, 302 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code, besides provisions of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act.

During the investigation, one accused, Aman Ullah Khan, was arrested, while three others managed to evade arrest and were subsequently declared absconders by the court, officials said.

GRP Jammu intensified efforts to trace the absconders over the past two years. During the investigation, Sheikh’s identity and whereabouts were verified, and it was found that he had allegedly been living under a concealed identity for several decades and had established himself as a businessman in the Bijbehara area.

Sheikh was arrested and produced before the TADA Court on Thursday for further legal proceedings, officials said.

The arrest, they said, was the result of sustained efforts by GRP Jammu to trace and bring to justice absconders wanted in long-pending militancy-related cases.(NVI)

Process to select Chandrasekaran’s successor as Tata Sons Chairman launched

N Chandrasekaran who has said he will not seek another term as Tata Sons Chairman

Mumbai, Aug 13 (NVI) Accepting the decision of N Chandrasekaran not to seek another term as Chairman of Tata Sons, the company’s majority stakeholder Tata Trusts has initiated the process of selecting his successor.

Chandrasekaran’s current tenure ends on February 20, next year and he announced yesterday that he will leave after that.

Tata Trusts holds a 65.9 per cent stake in Tata Sons, making the Trusts a key shareholder in the holding company.

Chandrasekaran’s decision came against the backdrop of differences within the company.

In a statement issued today, the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) said its nominee directors had received an email from Chandrasekaran on 12 August informing them that he would not offer himself for reappointment.

The Trust also expressed its appreciation for his contribution and stewardship of Tata Sons and the Tata Group over the past decade.

The trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust have passed a resolution to constitute a selection committee under the Articles of Association of Tata Sons.

The committee will recommend a candidate for appointment as the company’s next chairman.

Tata Trusts said it would extend its full support to Tata Sons to ensure a smooth, timely and orderly leadership transition, consistent with the values and long-term interests of Tata Sons and the Tata Group.

“We thank him for his immense contribution during a period of significant change, growth and transformation across the Group,” the Trust said.

Chandrasekaran said he decided against seeking another term after his reappointment proposal did not receive unanimous support from the Tata Sons board.

In his resignation letter, he said the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust had unanimously resolved to recommend a five-year extension, which was subsequently recorded and recommended by the Tata Sons Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the board.

According to Chandrasekaran’s letter, the proposal was placed before the Tata Sons board on 24 February but was not carried through after one board member did not support it. He said that, in the absence of unanimous backing, he chose to defer the decision.

Chandrasekaran also said around six months had passed since the board meeting without a decision being reached. He added that appointing a leader beyond February 2027 was important to provide clarity to employees, investors, partners and other stakeholders. (NVI)

J&K DGP Reviews Security Grid, Directs Heightened Vigilance Ahead of I-Day

Srinagar, August 13(NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Thursday chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Police Control Room Kashmir to assess preparedness for Independence Day celebrations across the Union Territory, officials said.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the J&K Police, BSF, CRPF, SSB and other security agencies, including the IGPs of Kashmir and Jammu zones, range DIGs, district SSPs and other senior officers.

During the meeting, Prabhat reviewed the overall security arrangements and stressed heightened alertness, intelligence-based operations and prompt response to any emerging threat, the officials said.

He directed officers to ensure effective deployment of manpower, intensified area domination and close coordination among all security agencies to strengthen the security grid.

The DGP also reviewed security arrangements at major venues, particularly Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, and emphasised effective traffic regulation and parking management to minimise inconvenience to people attending the Independence Day function.

He directed officers to intensify night patrolling and naka checking, particularly at vulnerable locations and inter-district borders, besides maintaining close surveillance and effective area domination.

The meeting also reviewed access control, anti-sabotage measures, frisking, route security, deployment of personnel and surveillance arrangements at venues across J&K.

Prabhat directed all security and law-enforcement agencies to maintain close coordination and strictly adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure foolproof security.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of Independence Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.(NVI)

Bank of America to invest in Jio Credit Ltd, to acquire up to 49% stake in it

Mumbai, Aug 13 (NVI): Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) and Bank of America Corporation (BofA) have signed a definitive agreement under which the latter will acquire up to 49.9% stake as a joint venture partner in Jio Credit Limited (JCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of JFSL, through a preferential allotment of equity shares and warrants.

The deal will involve an investment of up to ₹18,268 crore (~$1.9 billion USD) by BofA through a preferential allotment of equity shares and warrants.

The transaction initially gives Bank of America a 26.5% equity interest in JCL, which can go up to 49.9% upon exercise of the warrants. The transaction is subject to regulatory and statutory approvals.

The investment will allow BofA to expand its participation in the rapidly growing Indian market, the world’s fastest growing major economy at double the global growth rate, while doing so with a partner that has local expertise and differentiated capabilities.

Both companies share the common vision of improving clients’ financial lives through state-of-the-art digital access, innovation, access to credit and strong risk management.

JCL is among India’s NBFCs, having built assets under management (AUM) of ₹30,667 crore (~$3.2 billion USD) as of June 30, 2026, within just two years of operations.

Beyond securing long-term capital for sustainable loan growth, the collaboration provides the venture with access to BofA’s expertise related to financial services, governance, risk
management, and technology.

Pursuant to the transaction, JCL’s Board of Directors will have equal representation from both JFSL and BofA.

The existing management team of JCL will continue driving the strategy and operations at the NBFC and JCL will continue to be consolidated as a subsidiary in JFSL’s financial reporting.

Commenting on the proposed partnership, Mukesh D. Ambani said: “By combining our digital reach with Bank of America’s global pedigree, we will eliminate friction in credit delivery for all Indians, empowering them to chart a prosperous and inclusive path forward for the entire nation.”

Brian Moynihan, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Bank of America said: “India is one of the world’s most important growth markets, and this investment reflects our confidence in its future, a market we know well and have supported for decades. We are excited to become a partner with Jio Financial Services, which has achieved remarkable scale in a short period of time, growing to more than $3 billion in assets under management in just two years.

“By combining Jio Financial Services’ scale, local expertise and customer base with Bank of America’s global reach, digital experience and close to 250 years of leadership in banking, we can help expand access to financial services and support India’s continued economic growth.” (BVI)

Mines and Minerals Bill passed by Parliament

Parliament new

New Delhi, Aug 13 (NVI) Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to restrict states’ powers to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.

The bill was cleared by the Rajya Sabha today, a day after it was passed by the Lok Sabha.

The bill will become a law after receiving the President’s assent.

Replying to the debate in the Upper House, Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy said the legislation does not seek to interfere with the autonomy or revenue rights of states, but aims to ensure uniform mineral rates across the country.

Reddy said the Centre was seeking to regulate major minerals such as coal, limestone, iron ore, copper and manganese, while states would continue to have powers over 49 minor minerals.

Defending the government’s approach, Reddy said coal was crucial for power generation, with 73 per cent of India’s electricity generation coming from coal.

For Indian industry to remain competitive globally, availability of electricity is crucial.

He also alleged that coal blocks allocated were a “scam” during the previous Congress-led government, while claiming that mineral allocations over the past 12 years had been transparent and through auctions. Unlike past, no block has been allocated on nomination basis.

Reddy said states’ share of mineral revenue had risen from 65 per cent in 2014-15 to 85 per cent now, while their share of coal revenue had increased from 51 per cent to 96 per cent.

He said the Centre receives only about 11 per cent of mineral revenue, with 88 per cent going to states, and asserted that no state would suffer any revenue loss because of the amendment.

The minister cited Entry 54 of the Union List, which empowers Parliament to regulate mines and mineral development in public interest, and said taxation was an important tool for regulating and developing the sector.

The truncated debate on the bill was held amid slogan shouting by Opposition MPs, who since the start of the monsoon session sought the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah in the House to respond to concerns over police using brutal force against students protesting at Jantar Mantar in the national capital over leak of medical college entrance exam papers.

They also raised slogans against the alleged theft of donations made to Ram Temple at Ayodhya.

The Minister replied to the debate amid sloganeering by the Opposition MPs.

The bill was passed after the House negated by a voice vote an amendment moved by Trichi Siva of DMK seeking referal of the bill to a select committee of the Rajya Sabha.

Some opposition MPs wanted a division of votes on the amendment but Chairman C P Radhakrishnan said such exercise could not be taken up amid din in the House. (NVI)

Bomb blast at Red Fort last year was ‘officially attributed’ to Al-Qaeda: UN report

Site of blast near Red Fort (File pic)

New Delhi, Aug 13 (NVI) The bomb explosion near the Red Fort here in November last year has been “officially attributed” to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), according to a UN Security Council sanctions monitoring report.

On November 10, 2025, a car laden with explosives blew up at a busy traffic signal at around 6:50 p.m. The car was being driven by Dr. Umar Un Nabi, a doctor by profession and an assistant professor at Al Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana, and he was killed in the blast.

At least 12 innocent civilians were killed and 32 others were injured in this terror incident.

“The attack in November 2025 on the Red Fort in Delhi was officially attributed to AQIS,” said the 38th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, submitted to the Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee on ISIL and Al-Qaeda.

It said AQIS has continued to evolve from a fragmented outfit into a regional terrorist entity.

“AQIS established logistics and financial networks, working in decentralised small, scattered cells instead of large units.

The report also expressed concern over AQIS seeking to exploit Bangladesh to establish cells there.

It further said Al-Qaeda and ISIL (Da’esh) had maintained a sustained interest in developing chemical and biological weapons, though they had so far failed to overcome the technical challenges involved.

“For example, in February, ISIL (Da’esh)’s English-language Invade magazine included instructions on how to develop botulinum toxin and cyanide,” it said.

The report said ISIL-K had shown “particular interest” in developing ricin and had circulated related instructions over the past year.

It added that Indian authorities arrested three people, including a doctor, at the end of 2025 for allegedly being tasked by an ISIL (Da’esh) cell abroad with developing ricin. (NVI)

NCB Jammu seizes 438 grams of suspected heroin in high-risk operation

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 13 (NVI): The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Jammu Zonal Unit has seized 438 grams of suspected heroin and apprehended a man from Kathua during a high-risk operation near Lower Ragoora along the Tawi River, officials said.

According to officials, the NCB team was conducting the operation when an associate of the accused allegedly brandished a weapon and fled from the spot, posing an armed threat to the officers.

An authorised NCB officer fired two warning shots into the air in a safe direction to defuse the situation, they said.

The accused, a resident of Kathua, was apprehended from the spot, while the suspected heroin was seized.

The operation was successfully completed with critical support from the Border Security Force (BSF), officials said.

Further investigation is underway to trace the forward and backward linkages of the narcotics network and identify other persons involved, they added.(NVI)

Pakistan air force bombs civilian area in Balochistan; kills 27, injures dozens

Photos of those injured in Pakistani air bombing in Balochistan

Quetta (Balochistan), Aug 13 (NVI) In yet another barbaric action, Pakistan has carried out air strikes using fighter jets on an area in occupied Balochistan, killing at least 27 and injuring several other innocent civilians, including infants, women and old people.

Pakistani military aircraft conducted air attacks on Gidar in Surab district of Balochistan, hitting residential structures.

At least 27 civilians, including infants, women and children, were killed and dozens others were wounded in the aerial bombings, according to reports from the ground.

The deceased included a 4-year-old boy and a 75-year-old man.

The air strikes also caused heavy damage to the residential houses.

The brutal act of the Pakistani military triggered mass protests in Surab and other places of Balochistan.

Baloch National Movement (BNM) described the Pakistani Air Force’s bombing as a blatant war crime.

It said innocent 20 civilians, including children under the age of 10, have been killed in this attack by jets on populated areas, raising serious questions about human rights and the safety of civilians in Balochistan.

“The bombing of civilian populations and the killing of innocent children is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions,” said a spokesman of BNM.

“Not only is the Pakistani army involved in this blatant use of military force against civilians in Balochistan, but the local disgruntled politicians and all political parties who facilitate it are also equally complicit in the crime,” he added.

BNM has urged the European Union and international organizations to take immediate and effective measures instead of remaining silent on this humanitarian crisis.

“In particular, the European Union should immediately suspend Pakistan’s GSP Plus status and all other trade privileges, as these international facilities are conditional on respect for fundamental human rights,” the spokesman said.

The spokesperson said that instead of giving space to the one-sided propaganda and false narrative of the ISPR, the international media should report impartially based on facts.

“International intervention and impartial investigations by international rights organizations are the need of the hour. If the international community does not respond immediately, not only will the humanitarian crisis in Balochistan worsen, but the very reputation of international institutions will also be at stake,” the BNM spokesman said.

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