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Two Rusted Mortar Shells Found, Safely Destroyed in J&K’s Poonch

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 6 (NVI): Two old and rusted mortar shells were found in a forest area of Choki Sagra in the Mankote sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

The shells were recovered from Ward No. 2 under the jurisdiction of Police Post Balnoi, they said.

An Army Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) later destroyed the unexploded shells at the site following standard safety procedures.

No loss of life or damage to property was reported during the disposal operation, the officials added.(NVI)

Rajnath Chairs Defence Panel Meet, Stresses Stronger Role for Territorial Army

New Delhi 6 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, during which members discussed the role, mandate and future strengthening of the Territorial Army.

According to an official statement, senior defence officials briefed the committee on the Territorial Army’s responsibilities and achievements, while members offered suggestions to enhance its effectiveness.

Addressing the meeting, Singh described the Territorial Army as a “living embodiment” of the citizen-soldier concept, saying its personnel balance civilian careers with military responsibilities to safeguard the nation’s borders and assist in maintaining internal security.

He said the Territorial Army plays a crucial role in creating a reserve of trained soldiers who can be mobilised whenever required, while also serving as a bridge between the armed forces and society after returning to civilian life.

Highlighting the force’s contribution beyond military duties, the defence minister said the Territorial Army has played a key role in disaster relief operations during floods in Kerala and Assam and the Odisha cyclone, besides undertaking rescue operations and providing medical assistance.

Singh also praised the Ecological Task Forces of the Territorial Army for planting nearly 10 crore saplings with a survival rate of 80-85 per cent, saying the initiative supports the government’s environmental and climate goals. He further lauded the force’s role in promoting the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Territorial Army currently comprises around 44,400 personnel organised into 59 units.

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials attended the meeting, the statement said.(NVI)

J&K CM Omar visits flood-hit Rajouri, assures relief and rehabilitation

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, Aug 6 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited flash flood-affected areas of Rajouri district and assured residents that the government would ensure relief, rehabilitation and compensation for all those affected.

The chief minister visited Bella Colony and Behrote Aitti, where he met families impacted by the July 19 flash floods and reviewed the ongoing rescue, restoration and rehabilitation efforts.

Addressing reporters, Abdullah said the government’s immediate priority during the flash floods was to minimise the loss of human lives.

Expressing grief over the loss of four lives in the district, he said the prompt response of the district administration helped avert a bigger tragedy.

“Had the administration not acted swiftly that night, the number of casualties could have been much higher,” he said.

The chief minister said restoration work across the district was being carried out on a war footing. He said electricity supply had been restored almost completely, while efforts were underway to restore damaged drinking water supply schemes.

Abdullah said families whose houses were damaged in the floods would receive compensation as per norms, while those who lost their land would be provided alternate plots for rebuilding their homes.

He also assured assistance to farmers whose agricultural land and crops were damaged, and said free ration would be provided to affected families for up to six months to one year.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to the affected people, Abdullah said all necessary measures would be taken to ensure timely relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in the flood-hit areas.(NVI)

Rain Spell to Continue Across J&K Till Aug 15; Heavy Showers Likely Aug 9-11

Rainfall
Representational image

Srinagar, Aug 6 (NVI): The Meteorological Department has forecast continued spells of rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir till August 15, with heavy rainfall likely at a few places and a risk of flash floods, landslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas between August 9 and 11.

According to the MeT Department, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected at many places across the Union Territory from August 6 to 8, with brief intense showers likely at isolated locations.

The weather is expected to remain active from August 9 to 11, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers forecast at most places. Heavy rainfall accompanied by brief intense showers is likely in a few districts during this period, the department said.

From August 12 to 15, light rain or thundershowers are likely at many places, while brief intense showers may occur at isolated locations.

The MeT Department has advised people to remain cautious, warning that heavy rainfall between August 9 and 11 could trigger flash floods, landslides and shooting stones, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Residents, especially those living near rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas, have been urged to stay alert and follow advisories issued by the authorities.(NVI)

Swan Defence secures contract from Denmark-based company

New Delhi, Aug 6 (NVI) Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), India’s shipbuilding and heavy engineering company, has secured a contract from Denmark-based towage operator Svitzer A/S to construct four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 tugs.

Deliveries are to commence in early 2028 for the order which has been secured after competitive evaluation of leading global shipyards, SDHI said in a statement.

The high-specification vessels will be constructed to Bureau Veritas class.

Co-developed by naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. and Svitzer, the patented TRAnsverse 3200 design is engineered for complex harbour towage and escort operations.

The Transverse 3200 tugs will be biofuel, IMO Tier III emissions standards, and FiFi1 firefighting class ready, reflecting the vessels’ capability for reduced environmental impact and enhanced fire-response readiness in port and terminal operations.

Copenhagen-headquartered Svitzer operates a fleet of over 500 vessels worldwide. This order is a part of Svitzer’s long-term fleet renewal programme, aimed at deploying next-generation, high-efficiency vessels to optimize port and terminal operations globally.

The vessels will be built at SDHI’s yard in Pipavav, Gujarat, adjacent to the port where Svitzer also has a harbour towage operation.

Featuring a unique hydrodynamic hull design and omni-directional propulsion, the vessels are capable of safely guiding large ships through severe weather and restricted port channels.

Delivering an 80-tonne bollard pull, the TRAnsverse design is up to 15% more fuel efficient than conventional tug designs, directly supporting global maritime decarbonization goals.

Commenting on the development, SDHI CEO Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena (retd.) said, “It is indeed a notable achievement for SDHI to construct one of the world’s most sophisticated towage vessels…. As we continue to expand our capabilities, we remain focused on strengthening India’s position as a globally competitive shipbuilding destination.”

Commenting on the partnership with SDHI, Svitzer CEO Kasper Friis Nilaus said, “Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design offers significant benefits to customers in terms of releasing operational constraints and improving port productivity, sustainability and safety margins. We are pleased to partner with SDHI to deliver four of these next-generation vessels to the benefit of our customers and maritime supply chains globally.” (NVI)

J&K BJP Disowns Defamatory Slogans Raised During Anantnag Rally

Srinagar, Aug 6 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday distanced itself from objectionable and defamatory slogans allegedly raised by some individuals during a rally in Anantnag, saying the remarks did not reflect the party’s ideology or official position.

In a statement issued on the directions of BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, the party’s J&K spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the BJP has always upheld the dignity of women and remains committed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of women empowerment.

He said the BJP does not endorse any defamatory or derogatory remarks against any individual and asserted that the slogans allegedly raised during the rally were the personal views of certain individuals and should not be attributed to the party.

“Some individuals may have raised slogans based on their personal thinking or emotions, but those slogans do not represent the BJP’s official stand or the views of the leaders who led the rally,” Thakur said.

Highlighting the party’s commitment to women’s empowerment, he referred to the provision of 33 per cent reservation for women as a reflection of the BJP’s policies aimed at increasing women’s participation in public life.

Thakur said the BJP believes in political decorum, issue-based politics and adherence to democratic and constitutional values. He added that the party would continue to support initiatives for the social, political and economic empowerment of women.(NVI)

Two Soldiers Sustain Injuries in LoC Landmine Blast in J&K’s Poonch

File Photo

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, Aug 5 (NVI): Two Army personnel were injured after a landmine explodes near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district on Wednesday evening, officials said.

Officials that the incident occurred in the Kanga Gali area when Army experts were attempting to defuse a landmine that had been detected by a routine patrolling party.

The explosive device went off during the defusing operation, leaving two soldiers injured, they said.

The injured personnel were immediately evacuated to an Army hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Their condition was not immediately known.

Further details are awaited. (NVI)

J&K Police Identifies Terrorist Who Killed Policeman, Offers ₹15 Lakh Reward for Information on him

J&K Police Poster of LeT terrorist who killed policeman in Anantnag last month

Srinagar, Aug 5 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday announced a cash reward of ₹15 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Mohammad Lateef Bhat, who is wanted in connection with the killing of a policeman in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district last month.

Police have pasted wanted posters carrying Bhat’s photographs at several prominent locations across Kashmir, appealing to the public to share credible information about his whereabouts.

Officials said the identity of informers will be kept strictly confidential.

Bhat, a resident of Kulgam district, is accused of fatally shooting Head Constable Ashiq Hussain at Lal Chowk in Anantnag on July 22.

The posters feature CCTV grab images of the accused captured after the attack.

The announcement comes amid intensified efforts by security agencies to trace those involved in recent terror incidents in south Kashmir.

Notably, on July 31, terrorists shot dead two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh in Kulgam district, triggering widespread condemnation and a massive security response.—(NVI)

Plastic currency notes likely to be introduced in India after April next year

Representative pic of plastic note

Mumbai, Aug 5 (NVI) The polymer (plastic) currency notes are likely to be introduced at the start of the next financial year, subject to successful field trials, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra said today.

The Central government has already approved the pilot issuance of polymer currency in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations.

The government has authorised the RBI to print one billion polymer Rs 10 notes and one billion polymer Rs 20 notes for the trial phase.

The exercise is intended to generate operational data before the central bank takes a call on regular issuance.

Malhotra said the central bank is targeting an early next financial year launch if the field trials deliver satisfactory results.

The RBI plans to assess the notes under varied climatic and usage conditions before deciding on a wider adoption, with existing paper currency continuing to circulate alongside polymer notes during the transition.

Polymer banknotes are expected to last significantly longer than conventional cotton-based paper notes, making them more resistant to wear, moisture and soiling.

The RBI has said the move is aimed at enhancing the longevity of frequently used low-denomination currency while strengthening the security of banknotes in circulation.

The central bank clarified that the introduction of polymer notes does not imply an immediate replacement of existing paper currency.

Both formats are expected to circulate simultaneously during the initial phase, with any broader migration depending on the outcome of the pilot programme. (NVI)

J&K LG reiterates resolve to dismantle terror network

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha hands over job letter to kin of terror victim

Srinagar, Aug 5 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said the administration was firmly committed to dismantling the terror network in the Union Territory and ensuring that those responsible for terrorism and their supporters are brought to justice.

Addressing a function here, Sinha paid tributes to civilians killed in terror-related incidents and handed over appointment letters to eligible family members of the victims.

He said the appointments were aimed at restoring dignity and providing livelihood support to families that had endured years of suffering due to terrorism.

The Lieutenant Governor said the government was committed to ensuring a life of peace, equality and hope for every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir.

Referring to the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, Sinha said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir had entered a new phase of social justice and inclusive development.

He said the Union Territory was progressing with renewed confidence, with development contributing to peace and prosperity.(NVI)

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