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CM Omar Launches J&K AI Centre of Excellence at IIT Jammu

Jammu, Aug 7 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday launched the J&K Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) and dedicated Project Phoenix, an AI-enabled digital commerce platform, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu.

The initiatives aim to strengthen technology-driven governance, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhance economic opportunities through artificial intelligence and improved digital market access.

Addressing faculty members, students, entrepreneurs and officials, Abdullah said artificial intelligence should be leveraged to improve governance and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

“Artificial Intelligence must ultimately translate into better outcomes for people. The Centre of Excellence will help us build more efficient, responsive and citizen-centric governance, while Project Phoenix will create new opportunities for artisans, self-help groups, startups and MSMEs to access wider markets,” he said.

The chief minister said AI should be deployed in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and disaster management to improve public service delivery and bridge the urban-rural divide.

Referring to recent cloudbursts in Rajouri and Poonch, Abdullah stressed the need for AI-based early warning systems to identify localised risks and issue timely alerts. He also said AI could help farmers and horticulturists by providing timely information on crop diseases, treatment and scientific use of agrochemicals.

He said Project Phoenix would complement the government’s flagship Mission YUVA by improving market access, mentorship and incubation support for startups and local enterprises.

The AI Centre of Excellence, established at IIT Jammu with support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Jammu and Kashmir Information Technology Department, will function as a hub for AI research, solution development, technology evaluation and deployment support.

The Centre will collaborate with government departments, academia, startups and industry to develop AI-enabled solutions in governance, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and disaster management.

Project Phoenix is designed to connect artisans, self-help groups, cooperatives, startups, brands and MSMEs from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with national and global markets through a digital commerce platform.

IIT Jammu Director Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur said the institute remains committed to translating research into solutions with societal impact and strengthening collaboration with the government, industry and startups to build an innovation-led ecosystem.(NVI)

J&K Security Forces Hold Mock Drill on Rajouri-Poonch Highway

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 7 (NVI): Security forces on Friday conducted a mock drill along the Rajouri-Poonch National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district to assess preparedness and coordination among various agencies in handling emergency situations, officials said.

The exercise was carried out near the Bagnoti-Rajal area and involved security forces, police personnel and other concerned agencies.

During the drill, the participating teams rehearsed standard operating procedures, including rapid response, area domination, traffic regulation and inter-agency coordination in the event of an emergency, the officials said.

They said the exercise was aimed at strengthening the security grid and evaluating the preparedness of the agencies to respond effectively to any contingency.(NVI)

J&K Likely to Receive Fresh Spell of Rain; MeT Warns of Heavy Showers, Flash Flood Risk Aug 9-11

File photo

Srinagar, Aug 7 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness a fresh spell of rain over the next 10 days, with the Meteorological Department warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the Jammu division and the possibility of flash floods and landslides between August 9 and 11.

According to the MeT Department, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places on August 7 and 8, with brief intense showers likely at isolated locations.

From August 9 to 11, most parts of the Union Territory are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thundershowers. The department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in a few districts of the Jammu division, while some districts in the Kashmir division may experience brief spells of intense rain.

The weather office said intermittent light rain and thundershowers are likely to continue at many places from August 12 to 17, with isolated intense showers also expected.

The MeT Department warned that torrential rain and intense showers during August 9-11 could trigger flash floods, landslides in vulnerable areas and waterlogging in low-lying localities.

It advised people to avoid venturing near nallahs, landslide-prone areas and other vulnerable locations during the forecast period, while asking the concerned authorities to remain on alert.(NVI)

J&K BJP Suspends 9 Anantnag Leaders Over Tiranga Rally

Srinagar, Aug 7 (NVI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended the primary membership of nine leaders of its Anantnag district unit and removed them from organisational posts over an alleged unauthorised Tiranga rally held in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district earlier this week.

According to an office order issued by BJP Anantnag district president Rakesh Koul, the rally held at Housing Colony, Khanabal, on August 5 was neither organised nor authorised by the party and had not received the required permission from the district administration.

The party also objected to alleged derogatory remarks against women made during the rally, saying such conduct was against the BJP’s values and organisational discipline.

The disciplinary action was taken after consultations with senior BJP leaders in Jammu and Kashmir and the district core committee, the order said.

Those suspended from the party’s primary membership and removed from their organisational posts pending an inquiry are Nisar Ahmad Bhat, Khursheed Ahmad Sofi, Aabida Rafiq, Irshad Ahmad Malik, Mohammad Maqbool Ganie, Waheed Ahmad Itoo, Nisar Ahmad Hakeem, Feroz Ahmad Hajam and Sabrooza Akhter.

The district unit also clarified that Alveer Ahmad Dar and Fancy Akhter are not associated with the BJP’s Anantnag district unit and do not hold any organisational responsibility.

The action comes amid controversy over alleged objectionable slogans raised during the Tiranga rally. The BJP had earlier distanced itself from the remarks, saying they did not reflect the party’s official stand.(NVI)

Police Open Fire after Suspicious Vehicle Doesn’t Stop at Checkpost in J&K

Shivam Bakshi

Ramban, Aug 7 (NVI): Police fired at an SUV after it allegedly didn’t stop at a checkpoint in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district today.

The vehicle was traced soon after, but its occupants had fled, officials said.

The incident occurred in the early hours near the Chanderkote checkpoint on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway when the vehicle, travelling from Srinagar towards Jammu, was signalled to stop.

According to officials, the driver ignored repeated signals to halt, prompting police personnel to fire three rounds as a precautionary measure.

The vehicle then sped away towards the Nashri area.

The abandoned Scorpio was later traced by security forces, but the occupants had escaped before they could be apprehended.

A joint search operation involving the police, CRPF and the Army has been launched to trace the suspects, officials said.

An investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.(NVI)

Agni-4 Ballistic Missile Successfully Test-Fired from Odisha

New Delhi, Aug 6 (NVI): India on Thursday successfully test-fired the medium-range ballistic missile Agni-4 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha, the Defence Ministry said.

The ministry said the launch validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.

The test was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, it said.(NVI)

Srinagar Police Summon Iltija Mufti After FIR in Protest Scuffle

Srinagar, Aug 6 (NVI): Srinagar Police have summoned People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti for questioning in connection with an FIR registered over the alleged assault of a police officer during a protest in Srinagar earlier this week, official sources said on Thursday.

According to the sources, the protest, led by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and Iltija Mufti at S.K. Park on August 4, turned tense after some protesters allegedly attempted to march towards Lal Chowk in violation of restrictions, prompting police to intervene.

During the ensuing scuffle, Iltija Mufti allegedly assaulted a police officer who was on law and order duty. Police have alleged that she grabbed the officer and bit his forearm, causing a bleeding injury.

The injured officer was shifted to a hospital, where he received medical treatment.

Following the incident, police registered an FIR under relevant provisions of law and launched an investigation.

As part of the probe, Iltija Mufti has been asked to appear before the investigating officer on August 7 to join the investigation, the sources said.

They said investigators are examining eyewitness accounts and other evidence to ascertain the sequence of events.

There was no immediate response from Iltija Mufti or the PDP over the police allegations.

Police said the investigation is underway and appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the findings of the probe.(NVI)

Union Cabinet approves GOBARdhan scheme to generate energy from cow dung

Cabinet meeting
File photo

New Delhi, Aug 6 (NVI) The Union Cabinet today approved the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, named ‘GOBARdhan’, which entails generation of energy from agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, municipal organic waste and other biomass resources.

With a total outlay of Rs.23,731 crore, the Scheme is to be implemented from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 and establish Compressed Biogas as a major pillar of India’s future energy mix.

The Scheme aims to increase domestic Compressed Biogas (CBG) production nearly ten-fold, mobilize large-scale private investment and create a vibrant circular bioeconomy across the country,” an official spokesman said.

Administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Scheme creates one integrated platform across the entire CBG value chain, he said.

“CBG is chemically equivalent to natural gas and can be seamlessly integrated into the existing gas ecosystem. It therefore combines the benefits of a renewable fuel with the reach and utility of India’s expanding gas infrastructure,” the spokesman said.

The Scheme supports both cluster-based and standalone pipeline infrastructure connecting CBG plants with trunk pipelines and City Gas Distribution networks.

Greater pipeline connectivity will reduce evacuation costs, improve reliability, expand market reach and enable higher utilization of domestically produced CBG.

A dedicated Credit Guarantee mechanism will strengthen lender confidence and expand the flow of institutional credit to eligible MSME-based CBG projects.

By sharing a portion of lending risk, the mechanism will improve access to affordable finance, reduce collateral requirements and support faster project development. (NVI)

Lok Sabha passes bill to amend tax and regulatory norms

Lok Sabha of Parliament (File Pic)

New Delhi, Aug 6 (NVI) A bill providing for a series of tax and regulatory changes was passed by the Lok Sabha today.

According to the government, the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 aims at attracting foreign investment, strengthening domestic manufacturing, improving tax certainty and supporting India’s digital economy.

The legislation replaces the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, while incorporating additional measures following stakeholder consultations.

The Bill amends the Income-tax Act, 2025, the Finance Act, 2026 and the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

The Bill now has to be approved by the Rajya Sabha before becoming law.

According to the government, the objective is to shield the domestic economy from external shocks, improve ease of doing business and make India a more predictable destination for global capital and manufacturing investments, according to the government.

One of the key provisions simplifies the tax framework for eligible offshore investment funds and fund managers.

The proposed legislation also grants tax exemptions on interest income and capital gains earned from government securities by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), subject to prescribed reporting conditions.

To support India’s electronics manufacturing ambitions, the Bill extends the tax exemption available to foreign companies supplying capital goods, equipment and tooling to Indian contract manufacturers of specified electronic products until the tax year ending March 31, 2041, instead of the earlier sunset date of 2030-31.

The list of eligible products has also been expanded to include laptops, tablets, servers, hearables, wearables and related accessories.

In another push for the sector, foreign companies storing electronic components in customs-bonded warehouses for supply to Indian contract manufacturers will receive a 15-year income tax exemption, a measure intended to strengthen India’s electronics supply chain.

The Bill also seeks to support digital infrastructure by removing approval requirements for foreign cloud service providers using Indian data centres.

It further allows data centres to operate on leased infrastructure instead of requiring direct ownership, a move expected to lower entry barriers for global cloud companies.

To reinforce India’s role in the global diamond trade, the legislation extends tax exemptions until March 31, 2041, for eligible foreign diamond mining companies, brokers, aggregators, sightholders and auction entities selling rough diamonds through notified special zones.

For REITs and InvITs, the Bill removes a restriction that denied tax exemption on dividends received by unit holders when the underlying special purpose vehicle (SPV) opted for the new tax regime. To maintain revenue neutrality, it introduces a corresponding tax levy at the SPV level.

The legislation also amends the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, empowering the Centre to notify electronic payment modes on which banks or payment system providers cannot levy charges. The amendment removes references to the Income-tax Act from these provisions and broadens the scope of payment modes that may be notified in future.

FAQs on Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026

1. Why has CBDT released an FAQ on the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026?

CBDT has issued a detailed FAQ to help taxpayers, businesses, professionals and other stakeholders understand the key proposals in the Bill and how the amendments are expected to work.

2. What is the main objective of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026?

The Bill aims to promote manufacturing, attract foreign investment, strengthen India’s electronics and data centre ecosystems, support the diamond trade, simplify tax rules for investment funds and improve ease of doing business.

3. What change has been proposed for electronics manufacturing?

The Bill proposes extending the tax exemption available to foreign companies supplying capital goods, equipment or tooling to Indian contract manufacturers of specified electronic goods by another 10 years, up to Tax Year 2040-41.

4. Which products qualify as “specified electronic goods”?

The Bill proposes to define specified electronic goods to include products such as laptops, tablets, servers, hearables, wearables and related accessories, among others.

5. How does the Bill support India’s data centre industry?

The proposed amendments relax certain conditions applicable to foreign companies procuring data centre services from Indian facilities, making it easier for them to use India’s data centre infrastructure.

6. What tax benefit has been proposed for foreign cloud and data centre companies?

The proposal seeks to improve ease of doing business by relaxing compliance requirements for foreign companies using Indian data centres, encouraging greater investment in digital infrastructure.

7. What is the new tax proposal for the diamond sector?

Foreign mining companies selling rough diamonds through Special Notified Zones (SNZs) in Mumbai and Surat will be eligible for a tax exemption, subject to prescribed reporting requirements. The exemption is proposed until March 31, 2041.

8. How does the Bill strengthen the electronics supply chain?

It proposes a 15-year tax exemption for foreign companies that store electronic components in customs-bonded warehouses and supply them to Indian contract manufacturers producing specified electronic goods.

9. What changes have been proposed for business trusts such as REITs and InvITs?

The Bill proposes extending dividend tax exemption to unit holders even when the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has opted for the new tax regime. To maintain revenue neutrality, a 15% additional surcharge is proposed on such SPVs.

10. How will foreign investment funds benefit from the Bill?

The Bill proposes simplifying eligibility conditions for foreign investment funds whose managers relocate to India by reducing the number of qualifying conditions from 13 to 5, making the framework more investor-friendly.

11. Why is the government simplifying tax rules for foreign fund managers?

The objective is to provide greater tax certainty, reduce compliance burden and encourage more global investment funds to establish fund management operations in India. (NVI)

Two Booked for Violating Firecracker Ban During Wedding Celebrations in J&K’s Shopian

Firecrackers banned in Telangana

Srinagar, Aug 6 (NVI): Police have registered two FIRs against organisers of separate wedding functions in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district for allegedly violating the District Magistrate’s prohibitory orders by bursting firecrackers, officials said on Thursday.

The cases were registered after firecrackers were allegedly used during marriage celebrations despite an existing ban imposed by the district administration, they said.

According to officials, the FIRs have been registered at Shopian Police Station and an investigation has been initiated into the incidents.

Police said the prohibitory orders banning the use of firecrackers remain in force and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the restrictions.

They also appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration and ensure that all social and public events are conducted in accordance with the law.(NVI)

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