Tuesday, October 13, 2026
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Coast Guard conducts national maritime search and rescue exercise off Odisha coast

New Delhi, Oct 8 (NVI) The Indian Coast Guard on Thursday conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off the Paradip coast in Odisha to demonstrate preparedness and coordination among various agencies during mass rescue operations at sea.

Conducted under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB), the exercise was held with the theme “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety”.

The exercise was reviewed by Director General of Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani and witnessed participation from the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Shipping Corporation of India, Directorate General of Shipping, fisheries and customs authorities, marine police, Paradip Port Authority and the Odisha administration.

As many as 32 observers from 30 countries also participated in the exercise, aimed at promoting international cooperation, sharing best practices and enhancing interoperability in maritime search and rescue operations.

The exercise involved 15 Coast Guard ships, three Dornier aircraft, three Advanced Light Helicopters, a Chetak helicopter, IAF C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft and two Indian Navy ships, besides civil and state resources.

The sea drill simulated a mass rescue operation following a combined aeronautical and maritime distress scenario.

Under the simulated scenario, a passenger aircraft carrying 228 people ditched at sea near Paradip Port and its fuselage collided with a container vessel, MV Zumba, causing structural damage and fire.

The participating agencies carried out firefighting, helicopter evacuation, deployment of life rafts and air-droppable life rafts, and rescue operations using equipment including Jason Cradle, Gemini boats, rescue baskets and scramble nets.

The exercise also demonstrated the capabilities of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

The Coast Guard said SAREX-2026 reinforced India’s commitment to building a technology-enabled and coordinated maritime search and rescue framework and strengthening cooperation with international partners.

The exercise also reaffirmed the principle that every distress call at sea should receive a coordinated response and all possible efforts should be made to save lives, it said.—(NVI)

J&K waterways to be operationalised for public use in 2026-27: Chief Secretary

Srinagar, Oct 8 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the preparedness for operationalisation of three National Waterways in the Union Territory and directed officials to ensure their readiness for public use during 2026-27.

The three waterways — Jhelum (NW-49), Chenab (NW-26) and Ravi (NW-84) — are being developed for river-based tourism, passenger movement and sustainable inland water transport, officials said.

Chairperson of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Sushil Kumar Lohani said the Jhelum National Waterway stretches 110 km from Sangam Bridge in Anantnag to Wular Lake, while the Chenab waterway covers 53 km between Reasi and Akhnoor and the Ravi waterway extends 44 km from Chamera Dam to Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli.

During the review meeting, Dulloo directed the divisional commissioners to periodically monitor the progress of the projects and undertake on-site visits to facilitate early resolution of bottlenecks.

He said most of the issues affecting the projects were minor and could be resolved promptly through coordination between the divisional administrations and executing agencies.

The Chief Secretary also highlighted the tourism and urban mobility potential of the waterways, saying river cruises could become a major attraction for visitors while providing an alternative mode of transport in congested urban areas.

He directed the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and IWAI to adhere strictly to the prescribed timelines and ensure that the required infrastructure, navigation facilities and river ecosystem were put in place.

On the Jhelum waterway, a 106-km river cruise route from Sangam to Wular Lake has been proposed, covering locations including Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Maharajganj, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang.

A work order has been issued for 10 hybrid electric catamarans, each with a capacity of 20 passengers, at a cost of Rs 66.11 crore. Their designs have been approved and construction is underway, with delivery targeted by March 2027.

All 52 navigational HDPE buoys required for the Jhelum waterway have been delivered, while six of eight concrete pontoons and jetties have been cast and are targeted for completion by December this year.

Construction of eight passenger and tourist terminals along the Jhelum has also commenced and is targeted for completion by June 2027. The terminals will incorporate local Kashmiri architectural features along with modern facilities, officials said.

For the Chenab waterway, the cruise route has been identified between proposed terminal locations, while land for terminals at Reasi and Akhnoor has been handed over to IWAI.

On the Ravi, a cruise route has been identified at Sohar in Jammu, while terminal land at Satwain near Ranjit Sagar Dam is being processed for development.

Civil works for three concrete pontoons across the Chenab and Ravi waterways are underway and targeted for completion by December 2026. Detailed project reports for associated onshore facilities have also been finalised.

IPRCL officials said all 11 identified land parcels for terminal development had been transferred to the Transport Department and formally handed over to IWAI.

The meeting also discussed issues related to modification of overhead power lines to meet navigation safety clearances, removal of coffer dams, shifting of electrical poles, permanent water and power connections, wastewater disposal and widening of approach roads to terminal sites.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, the Chairperson of IWAI, divisional commissioners, Secretary Transport and senior representatives of IPRCL and other concerned departments.—(NVI)

Handicrafts, Handloom Sector Gets Fresh Credit Boost in J&K

Srinagar, Oct 8 (NVI): Loans worth Rs 14.71 crore have been provided to artisans and weavers in Jammu and Kashmir under the Handicrafts and Handloom Department’s Credit Card Scheme during the first two quarters of the current financial year, officials said on Thursday.

Of the 3,885 applications sponsored to banks during the period, 1,332 have been sanctioned and 1,054 disbursed as of September-end, they said.

The scheme is aimed at providing working capital to artisans and weavers to establish independent units and purchase raw materials, tools and other equipment required for production.

The department is coordinating with lead banks and other financial institutions to expand access to formal credit for people associated with the traditional crafts sector, an official spokesperson said.

Beneficiaries are also provided interest subvention of 7 per cent on a tapering basis for five years, aimed at helping new units become financially self-sustaining, the spokesperson said.

Since the credit limit under the scheme was enhanced from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh in 2020 in line with the Wool Processing, Handloom and Handicrafts Policy, more than 10,000 artisans have availed loans totalling Rs 151 crore, he said.

During the same period, the department has provided interest subvention of Rs 19 crore to support the beneficiaries, the spokesperson added.

The scheme seeks to reduce artisans’ dependence on informal sources of credit and provide financial support for setting up small production units, purchasing raw material and tools, officials said.

The department said the initiative is also aimed at expanding production, retaining younger people in traditional crafts and strengthening the handloom and handicraft sector in Kashmir.

Artisans and weavers can apply online through the Jammu and Kashmir government’s single-window portal, while Common Service Centres operating across districts can assist applicants with registration, it said.

The department has also urged financial institutions and lead banks to treat the craft sector as a priority lending area and ensure timely and hassle-free credit to small unit-holders.—(NVI)

Two killed, seven injured as Tata Sumo falls into accident in J&K’s Ramban

Jalgaon

Shivam Bakshi

Ramban, Oct 8 (NVI): Two people were killed and seven others injured when a Tata Sumo carrying nine passengers met with an accident in Senabathi village of Ramban district on Thursday, officials said.

The injured were shifted to hospitals in Ukhral, Ramban, Anantnag and Jammu for treatment, they said.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke to Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and assured all possible assistance to the affected families and the injured.

Further details about the accident and the condition of the injured are awaited.—(NVI)

Veteran actor Nana Patekar passes away, had participated in Kargil War

Iconic shot of Nana Patekar in 'Krantiveer' movie

Mumbai, Oct 8 (NVI) Veteran and powerful actor Nana Patekar passed away today due to cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa.

The sudden demise of the 75-year-old actor sent shock waves across the country.

Known for his powerful acting, Nana Patekar gave several hit movies, with ‘Prahar’, ‘Tiranga’, ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Shagird’, ‘Welcome’ and ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’ being among the most popular ones.

Significantly, he briefly particpated in the Kargil War in 1999 as a soldier of Maratha Light Infantry of the Indian Army for two weeks.

The man from Bollywood chose to leave the comforts of the film world and shouldered responsibilities as a real soldier of the country.

He had undergone extensive military training with the Maratha Light Infantry in 1988 in connection with his 1990 movie ‘Prahar’ which came handy during the war.

He sought special permission from the then Defence Minister George Fernandes to join the troops and it was given.

He was associated with a Quick Reaction Team and lived with the soldiers, experienced their hardships and stood with them in a real war zone.

He even volunteered at a military hospital. (NVI)

J&K to witness light rain, snow over higher reaches during next week: MeT

Srinagar, October 8 (NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir is likely to experience partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain at scattered places over the next few days, while light snowfall is expected over higher reaches, the Meteorological Centre here said on Thursday.

According to the latest weather forecast, partly to generally cloudy conditions with light rain and light snowfall over higher reaches are likely at scattered places from October 8 to 10.

The weather is expected to remain generally dry on October 9, with a brief spell of light rain possible at a few places towards the evening, the MeT centre said.

Generally dry weather is likely to continue till the evening of October 13, with a brief spell of rain expected towards October 13 evening or night.

On October 14 and 15, generally cloudy weather with light rain and light snowfall over higher reaches is likely at many places, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, it said.

The MeT centre has forecast generally dry weather from October 16 to 18.

The weather office has advised farmers to continue harvesting and ensure safe storage of harvested apples and paddy in view of the expected weather conditions.—(NVI)

J&K CGD Policy to expand clean fuel access, boost industrial growth: CM Omar

CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Oct 8 (NVI) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the newly notified City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026 will expand access to clean fuel, strengthen industrial competitiveness and modernise the Union Territory’s energy infrastructure.

The policy, notified after approval by the Council of Ministers, provides a time-bound and investor-friendly framework for expanding the use of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across households, commercial establishments, industries and the transport sector.

It envisages phased expansion of city gas distribution networks across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, bringing natural gas closer to consumers and supporting a shift away from conventional fuels, an official statement said.

The policy provides for single-window, time-bound clearances, streamlined procedures for setting up CNG stations and standardised Right of Way norms to facilitate faster implementation of projects.

It also provides for priority gas connectivity to major industrial estates, including those in Kathua, Samba and Pulwama, with the aim of supporting industrial growth and improving access to reliable energy.

The expansion of PNG and CNG infrastructure is expected to provide cleaner and more affordable energy options, reduce fuel costs, improve industrial efficiency and competitiveness, and encourage investment in the clean-energy sector.

The policy is also expected to generate employment opportunities in construction, operation and maintenance of gas distribution infrastructure, besides promoting apprenticeships and skill development.

Abdullah congratulated Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma and the department on the notification of the policy.

“The City Gas Distribution Policy will help expand clean and reliable energy access while creating an enabling environment for industry and investment. It is an important step towards building a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable energy future for J&K,” the chief minister said.—(NVI)

NCLT Approves Record 107 Resolution Plans in 3 Months

NLCT

By Ssangeeta Sharma

New Delhi, Oct 8: The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has recorded its strongest quarterly performance since its establishment, approving 107 Resolution Plans during July-September 2026, with the approved plans involving more than ₹11,071 crore.

The performance marks a substantial rise in the Tribunal’s resolution activity and comes at a time when faster disposal of insolvency matters is increasingly important for improving certainty for creditors, investors and businesses.

The NCLT had approved 60 Resolution Plans during the corresponding quarter of FY 2025-26, 57 in FY 2024-25, 82 in FY 2023-24, 47 in FY 2022-23 and 20 in FY 2021-22. The latest figure of 107 is therefore the highest quarterly number recorded by the Tribunal.

The latest approvals have taken the number of Resolution Plans cleared during the first half of Financial Year 2026-27 to 185, including 78 plans approved in the April-June quarter. Since the implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), NCLT Benches have collectively approved 1,735 Resolution Plans as of September 30, 2026.

The record quarterly performance comes within months of Justice (Retd.) Anupinder Singh Grewal, former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, taking charge as President/Chairperson of the NCLT.

Justice Grewal was appointed President/Chairperson of the Tribunal on April 29, 2026.

The Tribunal has attributed the improvement to a combination of stronger case-flow monitoring, streamlined Registry processes, structured listing of matters and better utilisation of available judicial resources.

The NCLT has introduced a framework aimed at bringing greater uniformity in registration and listing practices. Older matters have been given priority, including IBC admission cases and applications seeking approval of Resolution Plans. The Tribunal has also undertaken redistribution of workload and constitution of Special Benches wherever required.

The improved disposal rate has come despite the continuing filing of applications seeking approval of Resolution Plans.

As on September 30, 294 Resolution Plans were pending consideration, while orders had been reserved in another 41 matters. Thus, 335 matters were at either of these two stages.

The figure represents an improvement over the position noted by the Supreme Court in April 2026, when 363 applications were awaiting approval before the NCLT.

The Tribunal has simultaneously expanded technology-enabled access to its records by introducing e-Inspection and e-Certified Copy services. The initiatives are part of its wider digital transformation, which also includes the revamped NCLT website and implementation of e-Courts 2.0.

The digital initiatives are intended to make access to judicial records faster and more convenient for advocates, litigants and other stakeholders.

Despite the improved disposal rate, the NCLT continues to face institutional constraints.

Against a sanctioned strength of 62 Members, including the President, the Tribunal presently has 48 working Members, leaving 14 vacancies.

The Tribunal has 16 Benches functioning across the country, with 13 Courts functioning on a full-day basis and 18 on a half-day basis. Four more Members are expected to demit office by the end of the current calendar year.

The Supreme Court has also taken suo motu cognizance of issues concerning appointments of Judicial and Technical Members and inadequate infrastructure in the NCLT.

The latest NCLT figures carry wider significance for India’s investment and business environment. A predictable and time-bound insolvency mechanism is critical for lenders, investors and companies dealing with stressed assets.

Faster approval of resolution plans can help unlock capital, provide greater certainty to creditors and improve confidence in India’s corporate insolvency framework.

The record performance also highlights the importance of expediting legal and institutional reforms, particularly filling vacancies, strengthening court infrastructure, improving case management and reducing delays in commercial dispute resolution.

For India to emerge as a more robust and competitive economy, investor confidence must be supported by speedy justice, predictable enforcement and efficient resolution of commercial disputes.

Continued reforms in these areas can strengthen the ease of doing business and help ensure that capital tied up in distressed companies is returned to productive economic activity.

The NCLT has said it will continue to focus on timely disposal, efficient case management and optimal utilisation of available judicial and administrative resources despite the existing constraints. (NVI)

Old landmine recovered, safely destroyed in J&K’s Poonch Mendhar

File Photo

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Oct 8 (NVI) : An old landmine was recovered near the fencing in Basooni Top area of Mendhar in Poonch district and safely destroyed by a bomb disposal squad on Thursday, officials said.

The landmine was detected by the Army during a search in the area, following which a Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) team was called in and the explosive was destroyed safely on the spot, they said.

No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident, officials said.

The source of the landmine is being ascertained and further investigation is underway, they added.—(NVI)

RBI removes Paytm Payments Bank from list of scheduled banks

RBI
Reserve Bank of India

Mumbai, Oct 7 (NVI) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially removed Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) from the list of recognised scheduled banks following the cancellation of its banking licence.

This comes after the central bank cancelled PBBL’s banking licence in April this year for non-compliance. It stated that the affairs of the bank were conducted in a manner detrimental to the interest of its depositors, the report added.

Later, the Delhi High Court (HC) also ordered that PPBL be wound up.

“Paytm Payments Bank Limited has been excluded from the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934…,” the central bank said in a statement on Wednesday.

A notification in this regard was published on 31 July and published in the Gazette of India in September.

The Second Schedule of the RBI Act is the official list of recognised banks that meet the central bank’s financial standards and get special operational privileges. ‘Scheduled bank’ means a bank included in the Second Schedule.

PPBL, an associate firm of Vijay Shekhar Sharma-promoted fintech firm Paytm, came under the regulatory scanner on multiple occasions earlier, including in March 2022, when the central bank barred it from onboarding new customers.

While cancelling the licence, the RBI said the bank’s affairs were conducted in a manner detrimental to its own interests as well as those of its depositors.

Earlier, PPBL was directed to stop onboarding new customers with effect from 11 March 2022 amid “material supervisory concerns” observed in the bank.

The bank was also directed to appoint an information technology (IT) audit firm to conduct a comprehensive system audit of its IT system.

Thereafter, on 31 January 2024 and 16 February 2024, certain business restrictions were also imposed on the bank, including the prohibition of any further deposits / credits / top-ups to existing customer accounts, prepaid instruments, and wallets.

For customers, the RBI confirmed in April that your money is safe. It specified in its statement that ‘the bank has enough liquidity to repay its entire deposit liability upon winding up.’

Also, you can continue using the Paytm App for UPI, recharges, and payments, etc., as before.

Following the RBI action, One97 Communications, in its company filing, stated that it has no exposure to PPBL as it had already impaired its investment in the beleaguered entity as of March 31, 2024.

It added that key services, including the Paytm app, Paytm UPI, Paytm QR, Soundbox, card machines, and Payment Gateway, will continue to operate uninterrupted despite regulatory action by the Reserve Bank of India against its associate entity, Paytm Payments Bank Limited.

The company further clarified in its filing that its broader ecosystem, including Paytm Gold and Paytm Money, remains unaffected and will continue to operate normally. (NVI)

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