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Indian Navy’s Indigenous Patrol Fleet Gets Stronger With ‘Shruti’ Launch

Kolkata, Aug 11 (NVI): The Indian Navy’s next-generation offshore patrol vessel (NGOPV) ‘Shruti’ was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) here on Tuesday, marking another milestone in the country’s drive towards indigenous warship construction.

The vessel, designated Yard 3037, was launched by Manika Sadhu in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, the Navy said.

Senior officials from the Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence and GRSE attended the launch ceremony, which was conducted in accordance with naval traditions and ethos.

The NGOPVs are being constructed concurrently at GRSE in Kolkata and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Goa. The indigenously designed and built vessels are intended to augment the Navy’s existing offshore patrol vessel fleet and undertake a range of maritime missions.

The vessels will be deployed for maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, protection of offshore assets, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and anti-piracy missions, officials said.

The ship has been named ‘Shruti’, drawing from India’s rich heritage and referring to the four Vedas. Its crest features the constellation of Ursa Major along with a red-and-white lighthouse.

The launch of ‘Shruti’ underscores the Indian Navy’s focus on strengthening indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and is in line with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.(NVI)

Army Chief reviews operational preparedness of Rising Star Corps

Jammu, Aug 11 (NVI): Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday reviewed the operational preparedness of Rising Star Corps during his ongoing visit to Western Command, the Army said.

The Army chief was briefed on the evolving security environment and various initiatives related to technology absorption, it said.

General Seth appreciated the formation’s operational readiness and its efforts towards nation-building, while stressing the need for constant vigilance, battle readiness and a high level of operational preparedness at all times.

The Army chief’s visit comes amid heightened focus on strengthening operational capabilities and ensuring preparedness to meet emerging security challenges, the Army said.—(NVI)

Div Com Kashmir reviews preparations for Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium

Srinagar, Aug 11 (NVI) Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Tuesday inspected the preparations at Bakshi Stadium here for the Independence Day celebrations and directed officials to ensure all arrangements are completed well in advance.

During the inspection, Garg reviewed arrangements including seating, the public address system, overhead covering of stands and adherence to protocol during the signing of the National Song followed by the National Anthem.

He directed officials to ensure the preparedness of contingents from schools, colleges and the Sports Council and called for their enthusiastic participation in the ceremonial proceedings.

In view of the possibility of rainfall, the divisional commissioner directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to put in place an effective dewatering mechanism and ensure that the Fire and Emergency Services dewatering pump remains operational at the venue.

He also directed the concerned agencies to ensure proper floral decoration of the podium and the operational readiness of all seven LED screens installed at the stadium.

Garg stressed the need for close coordination among all departments to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the Independence Day celebrations.

The inspection was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner SMC, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Joint Director Information and senior officers from various departments, including R&B, PHE, School Education, Higher Education, Fire and Emergency Services, Hospitality and Protocol, KPDCL, UEED and Youth Services and Sports.

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, and other senior police and security officials were also present.(NVI)

Udhampur-Reasi DIG reviews security preparedness ahead of Independence Day

Shivam Bakshi

Udhampur, Aug 11 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Police DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Shiv Kumar Sharma on Tuesday reviewed security preparedness in Udhampur and Reasi districts ahead of Independence Day celebrations.

Sharma chaired a meeting attended by senior police officers and representatives of the Army, CRPF, BSF, CID, IB and other security agencies and directed them to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the celebrations.

The DIG reviewed the overall security scenario in both districts and stressed upon officers to maintain close coordination and effective communication among all stakeholders.

He directed the officers to strengthen security around vital installations, religious places, sensitive locations and important public places. Directions were also issued to intensify checking and surveillance, strengthen nakas and enhance security at vulnerable and strategic points.

Special emphasis was laid on security arrangements at venues where Independence Day programmes will be held, including access control, adequate deployment of security personnel and traffic management.

Sharma also called for round-the-clock vigilance and prompt response to any emerging security challenge, while directing officers to ensure all arrangements are put in place well in advance.

The meeting was attended by SSPs of Udhampur and Reasi, Army officers, including Colonel-rank officers, Commanding Officers of CRPF battalions deployed in the two districts, a BSF Commanding Officer, senior police officers and representatives of CID, IB and other security agencies.(NVI)

J&K ACB registers graft case against former Patwari in Kishtwar

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 11 (NVI) The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against a former patwari in Kishtwar district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 3 lakh for issuing a land document, officials said on Tuesday.

The case was registered against Mohd Arif Mir, the then Patwari of Patwar Halqa Trigam, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at Police Station ACB Doda, they said.

According to the ACB, a verification conducted by its DKR Jammu unit found that Mir allegedly demanded Rs 5 lakh from the complainant for issuance of a Fard, a land record document.

The accused allegedly accepted Rs 3 lakh through a cheque as illegal gratification, following which the Fard was issued, the agency said.

During the investigation, the ACB obtained a search warrant from the competent court and conducted a search at Mir’s residential premises at Malipeth near Grid Station in Kishtwar in the presence of a magistrate and independent witnesses.

Further investigation into the case is underway, the ACB said.(NVI)

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)

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