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Two earthquakes jolt Gilgit-Baltistan, tremors felt in Kashmir and Ladakh

earthquke
(File/Representational image)

Srinagar, Aug 13 (NVI): Two back-to-back earthquakes jolted the Gilgit-Baltistan region on Thursday, with mild tremors being felt in parts of Kashmir and Ladakh, according to earthquake monitoring data.

The first quake, measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale, occurred at around 6:05 am at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres.

A second earthquake of magnitude 4.3 struck the region at around 9:54 am, also at a depth of 10 kilometres.

Mild tremors were felt in parts of Kashmir and Ladakh following the seismic activity.

There were no immediate reports of any loss of life or damage to property.

Further details are awaited.(NVI)

Security Preparedness Reviewed in Rajouri-Poonch by White Knight Corps GOC

Jammu, Aug 13 (NVI): The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps on Wednesday visited the headquarters of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Romeo to review the security situation and operational preparedness in the Rajouri-Poonch region, officials said.

The Corps Commander was briefed on the prevailing security scenario, surveillance mechanisms, counter-infiltration measures and initiatives undertaken to enhance the operational capabilities of formations and units deployed in the hinterland, they said.

The GOC appreciated the alertness, professionalism and operational acumen of the troops and urged all ranks to maintain a high level of preparedness and responsiveness to effectively meet emerging security challenges.

CIF Romeo is responsible for counter-insurgency operations in the Pir Panjal region and plays a key role in maintaining security in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.(NVI)

J&K poised to script new cinematic chapter with maiden International Film Festival

Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir is set to host its maiden International Film Festival from September 7 to 10, with the administration planning a series of cinematic and cultural events to showcase the Union Territory as major film land tourism destination.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a meeting of senior civil and police officers to review preparations for the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK-2026), stressing that the inaugural edition should set a benchmark for future editions.

Dulloo directed all departments concerned to meticulously plan the event, from the arrival of guests and participants to its conclusion, and ensure seamless coordination and hospitality.

He said the festival, which is envisaged as an annual event, provides an opportunity to showcase Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, handicrafts, landscapes and artistic traditions before national and international audiences.

The chief secretary directed the General Administration Department to designate nodal officers at major airports, including Mumbai and Delhi, besides ensuring smooth reception and facilitation at Jammu and Srinagar airports.

He also asked the Tourism, Handicrafts, Floriculture and Culture departments to organise curated tours, craft safaris and heritage experiences for visiting filmmakers, artists and other guests.

A comprehensive publicity campaign through local and national media, social media and outdoor publicity has also been planned to promote the festival and highlight J&K’s creative ecosystem and tourism potential.

Dulloo directed the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages to organise live cultural performances by local artists at suitable locations in Jammu and Kashmir during the festival.

He also called for adequate security arrangements and close coordination among the Home Department and other security agencies.

According to officials, around 1,100 film entries from nearly 80 countries have been received for the inaugural edition. The entries are currently being scrutinised by a Preview Committee for selection of films to be screened across seven screens over four days.

Film screenings are proposed at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) and INOX Cinemas in Srinagar, Waves Cinema in Jammu, besides select festival sessions in Gulmarg.

The inaugural, closing and award ceremonies are proposed to be held at SKICC, with live broadcasting planned to provide wider reach.

The festival will also feature masterclasses, workshops and roundtable discussions involving filmmakers, industry professionals, artists, students and other stakeholders, including students of mass communication.

Officials said various committees have already been constituted with clearly defined terms of reference to ensure accountability and coordination. A dedicated IFFJK application has also been developed to facilitate registrations and provide real-time festival updates.

The meeting also reviewed arrangements relating to transportation, traffic management, security, hospitality, protocol, invitations and publicity.

Dulloo directed the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir to undertake a micro-level review of all arrangements and ensure that preparations are completed well in advance.

The administration aims to establish IFFJK as a landmark annual cultural event showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s cinematic potential, artistic talent, cultural heritage and tourism appeal to audiences in India and abroad.(NVI)

J&K Govt launches ‘JK Karigari’ marketplace to promote authentic handicrafts

NEW Delhi, Aug 12 (NVI) : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday launched ‘JK Karigari’, an official marketplace aimed at taking authentic handicrafts and products from the Union Territory to national and global markets.

The platform was launched during the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav here as an initiative of the Housing and Urban Development Department under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).

The initiative seeks to empower urban women Self Help Groups (SHGs), preserve traditional crafts and create sustainable livelihood opportunities by connecting artisans directly with buyers.

The platform will showcase Kashmiri handicrafts, including Pashmina, Kani and Sozni shawls, papier-mache, walnut wood carving, crewel embroidery and carpets, besides organic local produce. It will also feature traditional handicrafts and food products from Jammu, including Chabri, macrame home and devotional decor and wooden crafts.

Each product listed on the platform will carry a QR code containing details of the artisan, district and Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officials said. The system is intended to ensure traceability and authenticity, with payments going directly to artisan groups without middlemen.

Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur described the initiative as a “game changer for urban women artisans” and said it would provide them with a government-backed platform to access customers beyond local markets.

She said around 4,000 SHGs, comprising nearly 50,000 women members, are currently associated with DAY-NULM across Jammu and Kashmir.

The government is also exploring further interstate collaborations to expand the market reach of SHG products, she said.

Kaur said the initiative brings together heritage, technology and inclusive growth, with the objective of ensuring artisans receive a fair price while consumers get authentic products directly from their makers.

Officials said SHG members have undergone skill-upgradation and capacity-building programmes aimed at improving craftsmanship, product quality and market readiness.

The launch also builds on an agreement signed in November 2024 between the National Urban Livelihoods Mission, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Uttar Pradesh Handicrafts Development and Marketing Corporation Limited to promote SHG products and handicrafts from Jammu and Kashmir in Uttar Pradesh and vice versa.

The agreement seeks to improve market access, increase incomes and promote economic self-reliance among artisans and SHG members through cross-learning and sharing of best practices.

Several senior officials, MPs and representatives of SHGs attended the launch. The beneficiary artisans also shared their experiences and thanked the government for providing them with a wider marketing platform.

Officials appealed to the public and institutional buyers to explore the ‘JK Karigari’ collection, describing the platform as a bridge between Jammu and Kashmir’s traditional craftsmanship and contemporary markets.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah approves Rs 5.15 crore project for Gurudwara Charan Kamal Sahib

File Photo : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved a Rs 5.15 crore project for the comprehensive development of the historic Gurudwara Charan Kamal Sahib at Bakhta in Kathua district, officials said on Wednesday.

The project envisages construction of a new Langar Hall and Prayer Hall besides provision of modern civic amenities for devotees visiting the revered shrine.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening pilgrimage infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir while preserving the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, they said.

The development is expected to provide improved facilities to devotees and contribute to the conservation and promotion of the Union Territory’s diverse heritage.(NVI)

J&K BJP Won’t Tolerate Indiscipline, Anti-Party Activities

BJP
BJP flag

Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): The BJP will not tolerate indiscipline, anti-party activities or actions against public interest, party’s J&K chief spokesperson and chairman of its Disciplinary Committee, Advocate Sunil Sethi, said on Wednesday.

Sethi said the party had taken prompt action against those found violating organisational discipline within a week of receiving directions from J&K BJP president and MP Sat Sharma.

“The BJP is a cadre-based and ideology-driven political organisation where discipline is the cornerstone of its strength. Every party worker, irrespective of his or her position, is accountable to the organisation and is expected to adhere to its principles, values and code of conduct,” Sethi said.

He said the action reflected the party leadership’s commitment to maintaining organisational discipline and protecting its credibility.

“The BJP will not tolerate any form of indiscipline, anti-party or anti-people activities. Anyone found acting against the party’s ideology, organisational discipline or the interests of the people will face strict disciplinary action,” he said.

Sethi said the disciplinary process demonstrated the party’s internal mechanism of accountability, with organisational interests taking precedence over individual considerations.

He also urged other political parties to take firm and impartial action against those involved in activities that undermine party discipline and public interest.

“Strong organisations are built on discipline, accountability and commitment to public service,” Sethi said.

He reiterated that the BJP would continue to enforce discipline without fear or favour and remain committed to its ideology, public welfare and high standards of public life.(NVI)

Odisha: Virtual graveyard for elephants

Representational image

By Arun Kumar Das

BHUBANESWAR, Aug 12 (NVI) As the world celebrates Elephant Day today, Odisha represents a sorry state as the population of this animal is reducing due to poaching, electrocution and other extraneous reasons.

The state, once known for its magnificent elephants, has virtually become a graveyard for these animals. Electrocution, train hits and poaching deaths are among the top causes for unnatural deaths.

In the last financial year 2025-26, Odisha recorded 84 elephant deaths. Of these, 14 were killed by electrocution, all of which were avoidable.

The death figure of 84 was slightly down from the previous year’s 94 but remains high.

Compared to Karnataka, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the elephant death rate in Odisha is much higher revealing breakdown of protection.

Electrocution deaths since 16 years :

In 2010, the Ministry of Environment and Forest had set up an enquiry committee to investigate electrocution deaths of elephants and recommend steps for prevention.

Most of the recommendations are yet to be implemented since the last 15 years while elephants continued to be slaughtered .

Despite allocation of more than Rs 700 crores funds by the state government for strengthening of power lines, patrolling, insulation of naked overhead 11kv wires in forest areas for barricading of transformers, electrocution death rates have not declined.

From April 2010 to March 2026 (16 years) the state has lost 227 elephants to electrocution, averaging nearly 14 elephants killed in a year.

In Dhenkanal 5 elephants were electrocuted in a horrific case in September,2017 near Meramundali (largest case in India) when a sagging 11kv wire touched a passing herd.

Concealment and cover up and false claim of Anthrax :

Wildlife Society of Odisha (WSO) has noted that 17 concealment cases which have been exposed by the media have been reported since October, 2012 till March 2025 of which the highest reported in 2021-22 (3) and 2022-23 (9). 12 bodies were exhumed – 7 of them in Athagarh Forest division, 3 in Sambalpur Forest Division, 1 each in Boudh Forest Division & Satkosia Wildlife Division.

Athagarh continues to be a hotspot for elephant poaching and the local staff regularly cover up such deaths by burying or burning the carcasses without recording the offence.

Claiming Anthrax as the cause eliminated the need to carry out a proper post-mortem and investigation for the true cause of death and was an excuse to cover up poaching cases.

An RTI response from Animal Disease Research Institute (ADRI), Phulnakhara in 2020 revealed that of the 20 samples received by them mostly from Similipal, Hadgarh and Kuldiha sanctuaries between August, 2017 and December, 2019, only 2 were found to be Anthrax positive which meant 90 percent of the suspected Anthrax cases were false.

Despite demand by WSO to re-open the 90 per cent cases not proved to be Anthrax the department preferred to cover them. Therefore at least 18 cases out of the 503 cases shown as “natural, infighting, disease deaths” have been wrongly recorded.

Lack of action

Not a single power department official was convicted under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 despite the death of more than 227 elephants by electrocution in the last 15 years due to utter negligence and violation of Safety rules.

Trains have killed at least 47 elephants in 16 years. Not a single railway officer or train driver who failed to implement the maximum speed limits in elephant crossing zones has been convicted under wildlife laws. There is no daily monitoring of train speed at vulnerable crossing zones by FD.

No action against senior officers for dereliction of duties- only forest guard or forester is suspended for a few months. Not a single officer or senior officer has been dismissed.

Though a circular by the government issued in 2012 mandates enquiry and fixing of responsibility on Range Officer/DFO in case of every unnatural elephant death, no such enquiry is ever conducted.

The field patrols have failed despite thousands of elephant squads and Gaja Saathi who are supposed to check and seize illegal hooking wire traps and electrified steel wire fences.

Over the last 14 years, at least 17 cases of cover ups of elephant deaths were uncovered by Crime Branch/STF Not a single forest official responsible for such shocking cover ups has been dismissed from service. (NVI)

Path cleared for introduction of polymer currency notes in India

Representative pic of plastic note

New Delhi, Aug 12 (NVI) The government of India has paved the way for introduction of currency notes in Polymer (Plastic) form in the country by approving a proposal of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in this regard.

The RBI has proposed introduction of 2 billion polymer banknotes for field trials.

These will include one billion ₹10 notes and one billion ₹20 notes.

The proposal was submitted by the RBI’s Central Board under Section 25 of the RBI Act, 1934 and the government has approved it, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Rajya Sabha.

The approved plan allows for regular issuance of polymer banknotes in the two denominations if the field trials are successful.

The RBI has said the polymer notes are proposed to circulate alongside existing paper substrate-based banknotes, rather than immediately replacing them.

Sitharaman said the procurement process is currently at an initial stage, meaning the government has not yet determined the exact timeline for introduction or the expenditure involved.

The RBI will assess the performance of the notes during field testing before taking a final decision on wider circulation.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra has indicated that the central bank is targeting the circulation of polymer currency by FY28.

He said the pilot programme remains underway and the notes will be tested before being introduced into the market.

The move could eventually expand the use of polymer currency in India if the field trials demonstrate satisfactory results. (NVI)

J&K Legislative Assembly to Convene from September 21

Srinagar, August 12 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has summoned the Legislative Assembly to meet on September 21, officials said on Wednesday.

The Assembly has been summoned on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The Lieutenant Governor summoned the House in accordance with the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.(NVI)

J&K Weather: Heavy Rain, Landslides Likely During Aug 16-19

(File/Representational image)

Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places over the next few days, with heavy and intense showers expected in some districts between August 16 and 19, the Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.

Director of Meteorological Department J&K, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said Poonch received 53 mm of rainfall, Pulwama 57.5 mm, Awantipora 47.8 mm and Rajouri 44 mm during the past 24 hours.

On Wednesday, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places, with brief spells of intense and heavy rain possible in some districts during the afternoon and evening, he said.

Between August 13 and 15, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely at many places, with brief intense showers possible at isolated locations during the early morning and late afternoon or evening hours.

From August 16 to 19, several spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places. Heavy rain and brief intense showers are likely in some districts, particularly during the early morning and afternoon hours.

The weather is likely to remain relatively drier thereafter, with light rain or thundershowers possible at scattered places from August 20 to 22, according to the forecast.

The Met Department has advised caution as heavy to intense rainfall during August 16-19 could occur in some districts of the Jammu division, while brief intense showers are possible in one or two districts of the Kashmir division.

It warned that torrential rain and intense showers could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides, particularly in vulnerable and hilly areas.

Dr Mukhtar advised residents, especially those living in vulnerable and hilly areas, to remain alert and follow advisories issued by the authorities during periods of intense rainfall.(NVI)

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