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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)

RBI retains 5.25% Repo Rate, forecasts 6.7% economic growth in current financial year

RBI
Reserve Bank of India

Mumbai, Aug 5 (NVI): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the Repo Rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent as it announced the quarterly Monetary Policy (MPC) today and forecast that the country is expected to have the economic growth of 6.7 per cent in the current financial year 2026-27.

Announcing the policy decisions, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the headline inflation has shot up as per expectations as he referred to the high crude oil prices amid the ongoing Iran war.

However, FY27 retail inflation estimate has been reduced from 5.1 per cent earlier to 5 per cent.

The RBI had also retained the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate at 5 per cent, while keeping the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate unchanged at 5.5 per cent.

According to RBI forecast, the real GDP for current Financial Year 2026-27 would be 6.7 per cent, up from 6.6 per cent projected earlier.

“Growth, although resilient, is expected to be lower in this financial year. The outlook, however, is hazy because of the uncertainties regarding South’s global trade policy. There is a need for greater clarity to emerge, especially regarding inflation, its path and composition before taking any policy action,” he said.

“Realised inflation in the first quarter remained marginally lower than projections, reflecting the limited pass-through of cost pressures… Headline inflation is projected to increase, primarily due to supply-side pressures from food and fuel, while core inflation remains moderate and is expected to decline after peaking in Q3… Excluding precious metals, underlying inflation continues to remain benign and is in line with earlier projections,” he said.

On impact of the Iran war, the RBI Governor said, “The re-escalation of the (Iran) conflict since the first week of July has amplified volatility in energy prices. Early results of corporates for Q1 indicate healthy performance in the manufacturing sector… Private consumption continued to be driven by buoyant discretionary spending. Overall, the Indian economy performed better than expected in Q1.”

Regarding the ongoing Monsoon, he said, “The impact of El Nino on the temporal and spatial distribution of rainfall remains a major risk. Global oil prices have also remained highly volatile, with sharp two-way movements triggered by geopolitical developments, blurring the near-term inflation outlook… While generalised inflation pressures remain modest so far, the risk of second-round effects from higher food, fuel and other input costs translating into broader-based inflation persists.” (NVI)

PM Says Abrogation of Article 370 Opened New Chapter for J&K, Ladakh

PM Narendra Modi (File Pic)

New Delhi, Aug 5 (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A on August 5, 2019, marked the beginning of a “decisive new chapter” for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, asserting that the region has witnessed significant progress over the past seven years.

In a post on X, Modi said infrastructure has expanded and opportunities in sectors such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports have increased since the constitutional changes.

He said the full application of the Constitution has ensured that women and members of marginalised communities, who were deprived of several constitutional rights for decades, have been empowered.

The Prime Minister also noted that this year’s August 5 assumes added significance as the country is observing the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

He said Mookerjee’s lifelong commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations and that his vision found “historic fulfilment” on August 5, 2019.

Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to the region’s development, Modi said the government remains dedicated to the progress of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and to ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to dream big, succeed and contribute to building a developed India.(NVI)

Arms and Ammunition Recovered During Search Operation in J&K’s Poonch

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, Aug. 5 (NVI): Security forces on Wednesday recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation in the Surankote sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, officials said.

The recovery was made from Bhoriwala Dhok, adjoining Hari village, during a joint search operation conducted by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Army’s 37 Rashtriya Rifles.

The seized ammunition included 117 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 17 rounds of 9 mm pistol ammunition and two AK-47 magazines, the officials said.

They said the operation was continuing in the area and further details were awaited.(NVI)

45 Shells Recovered During Search Operation in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 5 (NVI): Security forces on Wednesday recovered 45 shells during a joint search operation in the Sheer Colony area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said.

The shells were recovered during a cordon and search operation launched by security forces in the area, the officials said.

According to the officials, preliminary assessment suggests the shells appear to have been found in scrap material.

The recovered shells have been taken into custody for examination, while further investigations are underway to ascertain their origin and other details, they added.(NVI)

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