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India, US to push space cooperation, NASA invites ISRO to join its Moon Base Program

India, US Armies

Bengaluru, Aug 11 (NVI) NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base program, building on the two countries’ partnership under the Artemis Accords.

This was stated by the US Embassy after the 9th meeting of the India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG) held at the headquarters of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Bengaluru.

It said the two sides also agreed to advance discussions for cooperation on open scientific data sharing under the Artemis Accords.

The meeting was co-chaired on the Indian side by M. Sankaran, Director of UR Rao Satellite Centre at the ISRO and on the U.S. side by Dr. Wesley Brooks, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and Ms. Kathleen Karika, NASA Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations.

Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of Department of Space, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor addressed the opening segment and highlighted the significance of further strengthening the bilateral space cooperation.

“The meeting advanced civil and commercial space cooperation under the U.S.-India Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) Initiative, in line with the February 2025 Joint Leaders’ Statement issued by Prime Minister Modi and President Trump,” the statement said.

Both sides discussed expanding cooperation following the successful launch of the joint NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission last year, as well as pursuing future science and human space flight technology collaborations, it said.

They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) guidelines on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, as well as reviewed ongoing multilateral efforts for ensuring the Committee’s effectiveness, the statement said. (NVI)

Heavy to very heavy rain likely in parts of J&K on Aug 11-12: MeT

Rainfall
Representational image

Srinagar, Aug 11 (NVI): Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at a few places in Jammu division, while brief intense showers may occur in parts of Kashmir over the next two days, the Meteorological Centre here said on Tuesday.

Several areas of Jammu division received significant rainfall during the past 24 hours, with Kathua recording 156 mm, Jammu 79 mm, Katra 71 mm and Samba 55 mm, according to the weather department.

The MeT forecast one or two spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places on August 11-12, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely at a few districts of Jammu division. Brief intense showers are also likely at a few places in Kashmir division during the forenoon and afternoon hours.

From August 13 to 16, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at many places, with brief intense showers at a few places.

Another spell of rain is expected between August 17 and 19, with heavy rain or brief intense heavy showers likely in a few districts during the early morning and afternoon hours.

The weather department has forecast the possibility of light rain or thundershowers at scattered places from August 20 to 22.

The MeT has advised caution as torrential rain and brief intense showers could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides.

It also warned of heavy rain or brief intense heavy showers in a few districts during August 11-12 and August 17-19, with heavy to very heavy rainfall possible in one or two districts of Jammu division.(NVI)

Multi-Tier Security Blanket Across Kashmir Ahead of I-Day: IGP Kashmir

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Srinagar, Aug 11 (NVI) Security arrangements have been strengthened across Kashmir with multi-tier measures put in place ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, Inspector General of Police V K Birdi said on Tuesday.

Birdi said security arrangements were being made not only at the main venues of the celebrations but also across Srinagar city and all districts of the Valley.

“Multi-tier security arrangements are in place not only at the venues but also around the city and in all districts of the Valley,” he told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to Balidan Stambh at Lal Chowk to review preparations.

He said preparations for the main Independence Day function in Srinagar were underway, with full-dress rehearsals and other arrangements being carried out to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

Asked about the recent terror attacks in south Kashmir and whether investigators had made any headway, Birdi said the matter was under investigation and declined to share details.

“It is a matter of investigation. I don’t think it is appropriate to talk about it at this time. Whenever there is something that can be shared with you, we will share it at the appropriate time,” he said.

The IGP also urged people to participate in the Independence Day celebrations in large numbers, saying the event was meant for the people.

“The function is for the people. The police works as an organiser. Since it is the function of the people, we ask people to participate in this function in large numbers so that it can be carried on successfully,” Birdi said.(NVI)

J&K: 4 suspected terrorists spotted in Baderwah, search operation launched

File Photo

Shivam Bakshi

Doda (J&K), Aug 11 (NVI) A security alert has been sounded in Baderwah in Doda district of Jammu after four suspected terrorists were caught on surveillance cameras.

The terrorists were found moving in Ramtund area of Baderwah, after which security forces launched a massive search operation, sources said.

The search operation is being conducted jointly by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), they said.

Security personnel are scanning all the areas where the terrorists are suspected of hiding.

Further details are awaited as the operation is underway.—(NVI)

Call for intensified protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir on Aug 13

Muzaffarabad (POJK), Aug 10 (NVI) Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (POJK), which is spearheading the ongoing two-month-old mass agitation against Pakistan, tonight gave a call for intensified protests throughout the region on August 13.

JAAC leader Sardar Umar Nazir urged people, including women, to stage mass protests against the “brutalities” committed by the Pakistani forces over the last two months and since the last 78 years, after it militarily captured the region.

The date of August 13 is significant as it was on this day in 1948 that the UN Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution with regard to Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of Pakistani military aggression, because of which parts of the erstwhile Princely State came under the illegal occupation of Pakistan.

Nazir, in a video message, said August 13 has been chosen to “raise our voice in reference to the UNSC resolution of 1948” and to highlight the “barbarity and brutalities committed by the Pakistani forces in the region particularly during the last 2 months”.

He urged people to stage protests in all big and small towns and villages.

Pakistan militarily annexed these parts of Jammu and Kashmir after launching an invasion on October 22, 1947. The matter was taken to the UNSC by India.

Significantly, the UNSC Resolution of August 13, 1948 which came after an investigation by its fact-finding team, mandated Pakistan to withdraw all its personnel, including regulars and irregulars, from all parts of Jammu and Kashmir forthwith.

Pakistan never fulfilled that resolution, thus defying the world body.

Meanwhile, Pakistan carried out massive suppression and brutalities in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir over all these decades.

The people of the occupied region have finally risen against Pakistan, declaring that they are no more willing to suffer the atrocities and extreme forms of human rights violations. (NVI)

Third round of polling in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir sees mass boycott

Sea of people at a protest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir

Muzaffarabad (POJK), Aug 10 (NVI) Mass boycott by locals marked the third round of elections to the so-called Assembly of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), which is being dubbed as “sham exercise” conducted by Pakistan by “force”.

Voting was scheduled for 4 constituencies of Bagh and Haveli districts but most of the polling stations wore a deserted look in response to the call by J&K Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for boycott of these elections being held amidst massive two-month-old agitation against Pakistan.

Locals said while most of them did not come out to vote, the Pakistani forces and polling staff themselves cast votes to claim that balloting took place.

At some polling stations, physical fights were witnessed with some people trying to snatch ballot papers or capture the booths.

Pakistan imposed tough curbs in these areas, including shut down of internet.

Among the candidates in the fray today were the incumbent so-called Prime Minister of POJK Faisal Mumtaz Rathore.

These elections have already been declared as a “sham” exercise by JAAC, which is spearheading the ongoing mass agitation for the due rights of people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and against Pakistan’s unending interference in political and other matters.

JAAC leader Sardar Umar Nazir said yesterday that these elections are being conducted by “force” by Pakistan against the will of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The first two rounds of elections to the 53-member Assembly were also held in a similar farcical and rigged manner.

Voting at 7 constituencies has been postponed indefinitely as these fall in the areas where massive protests are going on. These include Rawalakot, which has become the epicenter of the ongoing agitation because the Pakistani forces have committed the worst brutality here.

According to indications available from the first two rounds of polling, Pakistan Muslim League (N) of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has got the simple majority.

These elections are contentious and questioned mainly because of the 12 seats reserved for so-called ‘refugees of Jammu and Kashmir’ settled in various parts of Pakistan. These 12 seats are given, in all elections, to the party ruling in Islamabad.

JAAC’s main demand includes scrapping of these 12 seats, which are used by the Pakistani establishment to make or break governments in POJK. (NVI)

UPI-related Taxation bill passed by Parliament

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament (file pic)

New Delhi, Aug 10 (NVI): Parliament today cleared the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which contains amendments related to the UPI transactions.

The bill was cleared by the Rajya Sabha four days after the Lok Sabha passed it.

Replying to a discussion on the bill, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the UPI-related amendment is only an enabling provision and does not itself impose any tax or transaction charge on users.

“The enabling provision that we are bringing in today does not impose any tax or transaction charge on UPI users,” Sitharaman said, adding that it enables the government to specify through notification the electronic payment modes that will continue to receive statutory protection against charges.

“No MDR framework has yet been finalised,” she said.

The Bill also carries a wider set of tax and investment-related changes, which include tax exemptions linked to specified data-centre services in India, incentives for global diamond-trading activity, measures supporting electronics manufacturing and relaxation of conditions for eligible investment funds.

On data centres, Sitharaman said the reforms would help expand the domestic ecosystem and stressed that “the investment, the assets, the employment, and also the profit will rest with Indian companies on account of data centre reforms.”

The Bill also provides tax exemptions for certain foreign institutional investors and the Bank for International Settlements on income from investments in government securities, while introducing other changes related to rough-diamond trading and business trusts.

The proposed legislation was considered as a Money Bill, because of which the Rajya Sabha could only make recommendations on its provisions and return it to the Lok Sabha, which may accept or reject those recommendations. (NVI)

IGP Kashmir reviews security arrangements for Independence Day celebrations

Srinagar, Aug 10 (NVI) Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi on Monday reviewed security arrangements for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations and other scheduled events across the Kashmir Valley, officials said.

Birdi chaired a security review meeting at the Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir, which was attended by senior officers from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, BSF, CRPF, SSB, CID, ITBP, RPF, SDRF and other security agencies.

All range DIGs and district SSPs of the Kashmir Zone also participated in the meeting.

Senior officers briefed the IGP about the arrangements being put in place for the smooth and peaceful conduct of Independence Day celebrations, while district SSPs apprised him of preparations in their respective districts, officials said.

Birdi directed officers to complete all necessary arrangements well in advance and reviewed security measures for various events, including rallies, scheduled across the Valley.

He also reviewed security arrangements for the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar and directed officers to further strengthen security measures around the venue and ensure comprehensive arrangements, officials said.

The IGP directed security agencies to strengthen checkpoints, particularly during night hours, at vulnerable locations and along entry and exit routes of the city.

He also called for intensified area domination and patrolling in sensitive and vulnerable areas to maintain a strong security presence and ensure effective surveillance.

Birdi stressed the need for strict vigilance against elements inimical to peace and security and directed officers to maintain a high level of alertness across their respective jurisdictions.

The meeting concluded with directions for enhanced inter-agency coordination and effective implementation of security protocols to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct of Independence Day celebrations and other scheduled events across the Valley, officials said.(NVI)

ACB chargesheets 10 in Rs 7.12 lakh bridge material embezzlement case in Kashmir 

Srinagar, Aug 10 (NVI) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday filed a chargesheet against 10 people, including two former executive engineers and a private contractor, in connection with an alleged Rs 7.12 lakh embezzlement case related to the construction of a steel bridge in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The accused include nine public servants and a private contractor, the ACB said in a statement.

The case pertains to alleged misappropriation of government store material, fraudulent release of a security deposit, forgery, abuse of official position and criminal conspiracy in connection with the Lastiyal-Kalaroose bridge in Kupwara.

According to the ACB, the bridge work was allotted to contractor Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone in September 2010, with the project scheduled to be completed within three months.

The contractor allegedly started the work after a considerable delay, executed only part of it and subsequently abandoned the project, leaving departmental store material, including cement and steel, unaccounted for. The value of the material was assessed at around Rs 5.63 lakh, it said.

The investigation also found that the contractor’s cash deposit receipt (CDR) of Rs 73,000 was allegedly released and encashed fraudulently on the basis of a forged communication purportedly issued by the competent authority.

Besides, bill deposits amounting to Rs 81,400 were allegedly released despite outstanding government liabilities, the ACB said.

The agency alleged that lapses by engineering and accounts officials in safeguarding government material, enforcing contractual conditions and recovering government dues resulted in a total loss of Rs 7,12,150 to the state exchequer.

The chargesheet was filed before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, after completion of the investigation and obtaining the requisite sanction for prosecution against serving public servants, the ACB said.

The accused have been identified as Abdul Majeed Malik, Ghulam Rasool Lone, Mohammad Sultan Sheikh (retired), Ajit Singh Chopra (retired), Nazir Ahmad Shah (retired), Abdul Rashid Dar (retired), Manzoor Ahmad Sumji, Gh Qadir Bhat (retired), Abdul Hamid Dar and private contractor Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone.

All 10 accused were produced before the court on Monday along with the chargesheet and were granted bail after furnishing bail and surety bonds as directed by the court.

The court has fixed November 25, 2026, as the next date of hearing, the ACB said.(NVI)

Srinagar Police Secures Life Term for Ex-Terrorist in Murder Case

Batla House
Representational image

Srinagar, Aug 10 (NVI) An ex-terrorist and founding member of the Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a court here in connection with a 2020 murder case, police said on Monday.

Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Dar, a resident of Bichwara in Dalgate area of Srinagar, was convicted under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the murder of Abdul Gani Dar, a resident of Rassu in Budgam, they said.

The court sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for life and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000, police said.

The case was registered as FIR No. 03/2020 at Maisuma police station.

According to police, Dar was an ex-terrorist and one of the founding members of Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM), a militant outfit that emerged in Kashmir in association with the Jamiat-e-Ahl-e-Hadith movement.

Police said Dar had been involved in various militant activities, including grenade attacks, attacks on security checkpoints, weapon snatching and targeted killings. He was also allegedly involved in providing logistical support and facilitating links with other militant outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, until the 2000s.

He was subsequently arrested, police said.

Srinagar Police said the conviction was secured following investigation and prosecution of the case before the court.

The police said the verdict underlined that serious criminal offences are pursued through due process of law, irrespective of the background of the accused.(NVI)

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