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Military-Civil Integration Key to Strong Defence Ecosystem: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Aug 3 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday stressed the need for deeper integration between the military and civilian wings of the Ministry of Defence, saying closer coordination is essential to build a robust defence ecosystem capable of addressing emerging security and technological challenges.

Addressing the 85th Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services Day celebrations in New Delhi, Singh said the armed forces and civilian services are united by the shared commitment of “Nation First” and that greater synergy between the two would strengthen India’s national security architecture.

He said military officers bring operational expertise and battlefield experience, while civilian officers contribute policy continuity, administrative knowledge and institutional memory, making their combined role crucial for informed and effective decision-making.

The defence minister called upon the AFHQ Civilian Services to evolve into the “strategic brain” of India’s defence management by enhancing research, geo-strategic thinking and innovation, particularly at a time when modern warfare is increasingly driven by technology.

Citing cyber warfare as an example, Singh said civilian officers could play a significant role by developing defence-specific cyber tools and contributing fresh perspectives through research on India’s military history and strategic affairs.

During the event, Singh launched several digital initiatives aimed at improving administrative efficiency, including an internet-based accommodation management system, integration of digital human resource and payroll platforms, and onboarding of the Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window (SPARROW).

He also released the 34th edition of the Samvad magazine and presented awards to AFHQ personnel for excellence in sports and to children of employees for academic achievements.

Senior defence officials, including Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan’s successor General NS Raja Subramani, the three Service Chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officers attended the function.

AFHQ Civilian Services Day is observed annually to recognise the contribution of civilian personnel serving in the Integrated Service Headquarters, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and various inter-service organisations under the Ministry of Defence.(NVI)

Army Jawan Dies After Accidental Firing in J&K’s Akhnoor

Representational Picture

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 3 (NVI): An Army jawan died after sustaining an accidental bullet injury from his service rifle in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu district, officials said on Monday.

Officials said the incident occurred when the soldier accidentally suffered a gunshot injury from his service weapon. He was immediately provided medical assistance but succumbed to his injuries.

The body has been shifted to the Military Hospital, Akhnoor. Further proceedings are underway.—(NVI)

Heavy Rain Warning for Parts of J&K, Weather Activity Till Aug 10: MeT

File photo

Srinagar, Aug 3 (NVI): The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers across many parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the coming week, while warning of heavy rain and flash flood risks in vulnerable areas.

According to the MeT Department, many places are likely to witness spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers on August 3 and 4, particularly during the afternoon, evening and early morning hours. Heavy rain, brief intense showers and isolated torrential rainfall are also expected in a few districts, especially in the Jammu division.

From August 5 to 7, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected at many places, with the possibility of brief intense showers at isolated locations. Weather activity is likely to reduce between August 8 and 10, when scattered areas may receive light rain or thundershowers.

The MeT Department has advised people to remain alert as heavy rainfall and intense showers could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations during the next five days. Authorities have urged residents, particularly those living in flood- and landslide-prone areas, to follow official weather advisories and take necessary precautions. (NVI)

Two Suspicious Balloons Recovered in J&K’s Kathua, Probe On

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Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Aug 3 (NVI): Two suspicious balloons were found on the rooftop of a house in the Hiranagar area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Monday, prompting police to launch an investigation, officials said.

The balloons were noticed by the owner of the house in Ward No. 4 of Hiranagar, who immediately informed the police, they said.

A police team reached the spot and took the balloons into custody for examination.

Officials said an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the source of the balloons and the circumstances under which they reached the area.

No untoward incident was reported in connection with the recovery, they added.(NVI)

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

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, Aug 3 (NVI): Two rusted unexploded mortar shells were recovered from separate forward villages in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Monday and were safely destroyed by the Army’s Bomb Disposal Squad, officials said.

Officials said that the first mortar shell was spotted by villagers in an open field near Chajjla bridge in the Mankote area. Soon after receiving information, police and security forces rushed to the spot, secured the area and called in the Army’s Bomb Disposal Squad.

They said the bomb disposal experts examined the explosive and later destroyed it in a controlled explosion by following all standard safety protocols.

In a separate incident, another unexploded mortar shell was found in agricultural fields at Adhaki village near Mendhar Nallah. The Army’s Bomb Disposal Squad safely neutralised the explosive without any damage or casualties, officials said.(NVI)

J&K’s Auqib Nabi Replaces Injured Bumrah In India’s Test Squad

Srinagar, Aug 3 (NVI): In a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, Baramulla fast bowler Auqib Nabi has been named in India’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, replacing injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Nabi’s inclusion after Bumrah was ruled out of the series due to an injury.

With the selection, Nabi becomes only the second cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a place in India’s senior men’s team after Parvez Rasool.

The 29-year-old pacer has been rewarded for his outstanding performances in domestic cricket. He claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 season, playing a key role in Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy title triumph.

Nabi also impressed during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets in two matches against Sri Lanka A, strengthening his case for a national call-up.

Bumrah’s absence leaves a significant void in India’s pace attack, with reports suggesting the senior fast bowler is recovering from a recurring knee injury.

Nabi’s selection has sparked celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir, with the achievement being hailed as a milestone for the region’s cricket and an inspiration for aspiring young cricketers.—(NVI)

Price of commercial LPG cylinder cut by up to Rs 209, no change in domestic cylinder

LPG cylinders

New Delhi, Aug 2 (NVI) Price of commercial LPG cylinder has been reduced by up to Rs 209 across major cities with effect from August 1 but the cost of domestic cooking gas cylinder remains unchanged.

Oil marketing companies revised the prices of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders, reducing rates by Rs 202 in Delhi and Rs 209 in Kolkata, with similar reductions announced for Mumbai, Chennai and other cities.

The reduction follows a similar cut in July, signalling a moderation in commercial fuel costs after sharp price increases earlier this year.

Commercial LPG prices had surged significantly during the first half of 2026 due to supply disruptions and volatility in global energy markets, making the latest back-to-back reductions a welcome respite for businesses.

There has been no change in the price of 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders used by households.

Oil marketing companies review LPG prices every month, with revisions largely influenced by international benchmark prices, import costs and foreign exchange movements.

The latest reduction comes at a time when businesses are looking to manage input costs amid improving demand.

Lower commercial LPG prices are expected to benefit sectors such as hospitality and food services, where fuel is a significant operating expense. (NVI)

Man Held With Grenade, Anti-National Posters in J&K’s Pulwama

J-K Police
Representational image

Srinagar, Aug 2 (NVI): A man was arrested during a joint security operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday, and a hand grenade along with anti-national posters was recovered from his possession, officials said.

A joint checking operation was launched by police, the Special Operations Group (SOG), the CRPF and the Army near Pachaar Fruit Mandi in Pulwama, they said.

During the operation, the security personnel intercepted and apprehended a suspect, identified as Tausif Ahmad Dar, a resident of Drubgam Payeen village in the district.

Officials said the security forces recovered a hand grenade, an iPhone, three anti-national posters and a wristwatch from his possession.

A case has been registered and an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the motive behind the possession of the recovered material and to probe any possible links, they added.(NVI)

New trading timings at India’s stock markets from tomorrow

New Delhi, Aug 2 (NVI) Trading timings for India’s stock markets will change from tomorrow as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is rolling out a Closing Auction Session (CAS) for Futures & Options (F&O)-eligible stocks and extends trading hours for the equity derivatives segment by 10 minutes.

Under the revised framework, the cash market will continue to operate between 9:15 am and 3:30 pm, while the equity derivatives segment will now remain open until 3:40 pm, compared with the earlier closing time of 3:30 pm.

The key change under the new framework is the extension of trading hours for the equity F&O segment.

The normal market session will continue to begin at 9:15 am, but trading will conclude at 3:40 pm, providing market participants with an additional 10 minutes to trade derivatives contracts. Trade modification requests will continue until 4:15 pm.

The extension is expected to offer traders greater flexibility while aligning the derivatives market with the new closing auction process in the cash segment.

Another significant reform is the introduction of a Closing Auction Session for stocks that are part of the F&O segment. The auction mechanism is intended to improve the accuracy of closing prices by aggregating buy and sell orders in the final minutes of trading, thereby reducing volatility and strengthening price discovery.

Market regulators believe the revised process will ensure that closing prices more accurately reflect prevailing market demand and supply, benefiting both institutional and retail investors.

While changes have been introduced for derivatives and the closing auction, the equity cash market timings remain unchanged, with the pre-open session continuing from 9:00 am to 9:08 am and regular trading from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm.

The changes are being implemented across stock exchanges in line with Sebi’s efforts to modernise market infrastructure and improve the efficiency of India’s capital markets. (NVI)

Over 5.9 crore individuals filed Income Tax Returns till July 31

New Delhi, Aug 2 (NVI) The Income Tax Department has said more than 5.9 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) were filed for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27 by the end of July 31.

This was the last date for individuals filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 who are not required to get their accounts audited to submit returns without incurring interest or a late-filing fee.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) did not extend the deadline despite expectations from some taxpayers following technical glitches reported on the income tax e-filing portal in the days leading up to the due date.

Government data shows a marginal decline in ITR-1 filings compared with last year. ITR-1 filings stood at 3.15 crore, against 3.3 crore in the previous assessment year, while ITR-2 filings were broadly in line with last year’s levels.

The moderation in ITR-1 filings partly reflects the higher income tax exemption threshold of up to Rs 12 lakh under the new tax regime, reducing the need for some taxpayers to file returns.

With ITR-3 and ITR-4 due by 31 August, the overall filing numbers are expected to increase further in the coming weeks. Taxpayers who missed the 31 July deadline can still file a belated return.

However, they may be required to pay a late fee of up to Rs 5,000, depending on the applicable provisions.

Taxpayers with business income who are not required to undergo a tax audit have until August 31 to file their returns.

Those whose accounts are subject to a tax audit can file their returns by October 31.

ITR-1, also known as Sahaj, is a simplified return form for resident individuals with annual income of up to Rs 50 lakh from salary, one house property and agricultural income of up to Rs 5,000. It is the most commonly used return form among small and medium taxpayers.

ITR-2 applies to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) that do not earn income from business or profession but have income from sources such as capital gains.

For comparison, more than 7.3 crore income tax returns were filed for AY 2025-26 by 16 September, 2025, the extended deadline for that assessment year. (NVI)

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