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Drone Spotted Hovering Over Three Villages in J&K’s Samba District

Representational Image

Jammu, Mar 14 (NVI): A drone was reportedly sighted hovering over several villages in the Ramgarh area of Samba district on Friday evening, officials said.

According to official sources, at around 8:00 pm on March 13, locals from village Kandral informed the police station Ramgarh about a drone hovering over the villages of Kandral, Abtal and Bahadurpur.

Sources said the drone remained visible in the area for about two to three minutes before disappearing from sight.

Security agencies were informed, and further verification was underway.—(NVI)

Geology & Mining Dept Cracks Down, Suspends 9 Mineral Dealer Licences in J&K

Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): The Directorate of Geology and Mining, Jammu and Kashmir, has suspended nine Mineral Dealer Licences (MDLs) across the Union Territory for alleged violations of licence conditions under the Minor Mineral Concession Rules, officials said.

According to an order issued by Director Geology and Mining S.P. Rukwal, the action follows reports of non-compliance submitted by a committee constituted to monitor and regulate Mineral Dealer Licences in the Jammu division.

The licences were earlier granted to individuals and firms for stocking, selling or offering minor minerals and mineral products for commercial purposes under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.

Based on the committee’s findings, licences of several dealers from districts including Jammu and Samba have been suspended for a period of one month or until the reported violations are rectified and compliance is ensured, officials said.

The suspended licence holders include M/S Mahavir Minerals, M/S Baba Chemicals, Harshit Magotra, Joginder Singh, Rahil Choudhary, Digvijay Singh, Asha Devi, Raman Choudhary and Sham Lal Mogotra.

Officials said the step was taken to ensure effective regulation, monitoring and enforcement of mineral trading activities across the Union Territory.(NVI)

Two Back-to-Back Western Disturbances Likely to Bring Rain, Snow to J&K From Mar 15–20

Srinagar, Mar 14 (NVI): Two back-to-back western disturbances are expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir between March 15 and March 20, bringing a temporary return of winter-like conditions across the region.

The weather systems are likely to cause rainfall in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches around March 15–16 and again between March 18 and 20.

Due to increased cloud cover and precipitation, day temperatures are expected to drop noticeably during this period, leading to colder conditions across several parts of the Union Territory.

A detailed weather update is expected to be issued later in the evening, the forecast said.(NVI)

Ex-J&K DGP Rashmi Ranjan Swain Appointed OUSSSC Chairman

Srinagar, Mar 13 (NVI): Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Rashmi Ranjan Swain has been appointed as the Chairman of the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission (OUSSSC), officials said on Friday.

Swain, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre who retired as J&K Police chief in 2024, will serve as the first Chairman of the commission.

A native of Rourkela in Odisha, Swain had a long career in policing and held several key postings during his tenure in Jammu and Kashmir. He served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in districts including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Poonch and Ramban.

He also held important assignments in the J&K Vigilance organisation and later served as Special Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Swain was known for his role in counter-terror operations and efforts to curb terror funding networks during his service in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. (NVI)

LG Mourns Death of Cop, Wife in Tragic Accident in Doda

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): Manoj Sinha on Friday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Doda district.

In a condolence message, the Lieutenant Governor conveyed sympathies to the family of Zulfikar Ali, who died in the accident along with his wife Rehana Begum. Both succumbed to their injuries on the spot, officials said.

Sinha prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident.(NVI)

Suspicious Balloon Bearing PIA Marking Found in Kishtwar’s Chhatroo

Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): A balloon resembling an aeroplane and bearing the inscription “Pakistan International Airlines” was recovered from the Reshipora Singhpora area of Chhatroo sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Friday, officials said.

The balloon was spotted by locals, following which police were informed and the object was taken into custody, they said.

Police have seized the balloon for examination and further details are awaited, officials added.(NVI)

Vinai Kumar Saxena Sworn in as Ladakh’s 4th Lieutenant Governor

Leh, Mar 13 (NVI): Vinai Kumar Saxena was sworn in as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh on Friday at a ceremony held at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Choglamsar.

The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Arun Palli, officials said.

Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra read out the warrant of appointment issued by the President of India, following which Saxena assumed charge as the Lieutenant Governor. He succeeds Kavinder Gupta in the post.

After the ceremony, Saxena was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Ladakh Police.

Speaking to reporters, Saxena expressed gratitude to Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for entrusting him with the responsibility and said he would work in line with the aspirations of the people of Ladakh.

He said the administration will prioritise tourism development, environmental protection and sustainable growth in the region, and added that he plans to visit remote villages to interact with local communities and understand their concerns.(NVI)

Jambu Zoo Welcomes Pair of Hippos from Chennai Zoo

Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): The Jambu Zoo has welcomed a pair of hippopotamuses brought from Arignar Anna Zoological Park as part of an animal exchange programme approved by the Central Zoo Authority, officials said on Friday.

The pair of hippos was brought to Jammu in exchange for a pair of Himalayan Black Bear from the zoo, they said.

The initiative to bring hippopotamuses to the zoo was conceived by Sarvesh Rai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Jammu and Kashmir, who earlier served as the Chief Wildlife Warden of the Union Territory.

Officials said the Hippopotamus, one of the largest land mammals and native to sub-Saharan Africa, arrived at the zoo on Friday after being transported from Chennai by train under special arrangements to maintain their body temperature using water sprinklers during the journey.

The animals will remain under a mandatory quarantine period of 15 days before being put on public display, they added.

The transportation team included Noor-ul-Amin, Sudesh Kotwal, animal keepers Anwar and Mukhtiar, and veterinary assistant surgeon Dr Ranjit Katoch.

Chief Wildlife Warden Chaturbhuja Behera welcomed the new arrivals and said the hippopotamuses are expected to become a major attraction for visitors. He also.—(NVI)

Shell Found Near NH-244 in Kishtwar, Safely Defused by BDS

Kishtwar, Mar 13 (NVI): A shell was found in the Bindraban area of Kishtwar along the National Highway 244 on Friday, officials said.

Official said that soon after receiving information about the presence of the shell, a Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) rushed to the spot and took necessary measures to neutralize it.

The squad later safely disposed of the shell by following standard safety procedures, they said.

Officials added that no loss of life or damage to property was reported in the incident.(NVI)

LG Sinha Inaugurates Literary-Cultural Conclave at Jammu University

Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): Manoj Sinha on Friday inaugurated a two-day literary-cultural conclave titled “Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam” at University of Jammu and urged writers, artists and cultural practitioners to preserve the rich heritage of the Jammu division and connect the younger generation with their roots.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Sinha said the traditions of Jammu in literature, culture and spirituality inspire people to rise above divisions of caste, creed and artificial boundaries, and place humanity above all.

He said a region’s identity is not defined merely by economic progress but also through its stories, songs and the creativity of its artisans. “Society’s enlightened minds must recognise folk arts and folk literature as the living vitality of Jammu,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Emphasising the importance of cultural heritage, Sinha said a society shaped by strong literary and cultural values determines what it becomes in the future. He urged people to reflect on the identity that binds communities together and instils a sense of belonging.

Highlighting the role of language and traditions, he said safeguarding language helps preserve memories while nurturing regional art forms builds self-confidence in society.

The Lieutenant Governor also called upon the youth to actively contribute to the preservation and promotion of literature and culture, saying it carries forward the legacy of values passed down through generations.

The two-day conclave features cultural processions, exhibitions of indigenous attire, handicrafts, traditional cuisines, books and artworks, besides panel discussions and activities highlighting the region’s languages, folklore and literary traditions.

On the occasion, the first edition of the university’s multilingual magazine “The Litzine” was also released.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu, Prof Umesh Rai, along with other academic leaders, journalists, faculty members and students attended the event.(NVI)

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