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MoD Signs Rs 661.5-Crore Contract for BrahMos Fire Control Systems, Launchers

New Delhi, Oct 6 (NVI): The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday signed a Rs 661.50-crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for procurement of BrahMos fire control systems and launchers for Indian Navy ships.

The contract was signed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the ministry said.

The project has a minimum indigenous content of 68 per cent and is aimed at boosting domestic defence manufacturing, with active participation of various Indian industries, including MSMEs.

The project is expected to generate employment over a period of three years and strengthen India’s maritime security architecture and defence capabilities, the ministry said.

The BrahMos system fitted onboard various frontline warships is the Indian Navy’s primary surface-to-surface missile system for maritime strike operations.

The weapon system is capable of engaging land and sea targets at extended ranges with high precision and at supersonic speeds, it said.

The contract marks another step towards indigenisation of advanced military technology and enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence production.—(NVI)

Rajnath Singh launches India’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship ‘INS Surya’

Visakhapatnam, Oct 6 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), named ‘INS Surya’, at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) here, in a major boost to the country’s maritime capabilities.

Singh also laid the keel of the fifth Fleet Support Ship (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane at HSL.

“The launch of FSS-1 is a symbol of achievement, keel laying of FSS-5 is a symbol of resolve and the new Slipway is a symbol of our growing capability,” Singh said.

He said the milestones would strengthen HSL’s shipbuilding capacity and contribute to India’s maritime power.

Fleet Support Ships are designed to enhance the Navy’s operational reach and endurance by providing at-sea replenishment, logistics and sustained support to warships deployed for extended periods.

The FSS vessels, being indigenously designed and built by HSL, will have enhanced cargo and fluid capacities, first-line maintenance workshops, a helicopter deck for multi-role helicopter operations and self-defence systems.

Singh said India’s objective should go beyond self-reliance to achieving global competitiveness in shipbuilding.

“Self-reliance is an important milestone, but global competitiveness is the next big leap,” he said, stressing the need for Indian shipyards to compete globally on quality, cost, technology, delivery and reliability.

The defence minister called upon HSL to become a benchmark for quality, productivity and timely delivery.

“Our goal should be simple and clear — design better, build faster, deliver on time, operate efficiently and do maintenance effectively,” he said.

The upgraded Slipway-4 has been extended and strengthened to enable HSL to build and launch ships of up to 45,000 DWT. The 300-tonne Goliath Crane, spanning Slipways 3 and 4, is aimed at facilitating faster and more precise handling of heavier ship blocks.

Singh also called for Visakhapatnam to be developed as a major maritime industrial hub, citing the presence of the Eastern Naval Command, Naval Dockyard, HSL and Visakhapatnam Port as a strong foundation for an integrated maritime ecosystem.

He said Andhra Pradesh’s MSMEs, universities, technology companies and startups could play a larger role in developing a complete shipbuilding ecosystem around HSL.

The minister also emphasised greater integration among the Navy, HSL, DRDO, academia, industry, MSMEs and startups to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities.

Recalling the launch of ‘Jala Usha’, the first ship built in independent India, at Visakhapatnam in 1948, Singh described HSL as a custodian of the country’s maritime capability and noted its contribution to India’s defence and maritime requirements for more than eight decades.

He also highlighted HSL’s attainment of Miniratna Category-I status in 2025.

The event was attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Andhra Pradesh Minister Janardhan Reddy, Visakhapatnam MP Sribharat Mathukumilli, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, and senior officials of the Navy and Defence Ministry.—(NVI)

Two held with heroin, opium, pistol in alleged drone-dropping case in Jammu

J-K Police
Representational image

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Oct 6 (NVI) Two persons were arrested in connection with an alleged drone-dropping case in the Arnia area of Jammu district, police said on Tuesday.

During questioning, the accused disclosed that they had received two consignments through drone-dropping, Officials said.

A search during the investigation led to the recovery of an Italian-made Beretta pistol, two magazines, four live rounds, around 500 grams of heroin and 500 grams of opium, he said.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of law and further investigation is underway, the official said.—(NVI)

Army, Assam Rifles Foil IED-Ambush Plot in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, Oct 6 (NVI) : Security forces in joint operations conducted in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh apprehended four active cadres, foiled an alleged IED-cum-ambush plot and recovered weapons, explosives and other war-like stores, officials said on Tuesday.

The intelligence-based operations were carried out between September 28 and October 4 by formations of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles under the Spear Corps, in coordination with state police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), they said.

The operations resulted in the apprehension of four active cadres and the recovery of four weapons, six improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ammunition and other war-like stores, according to the officials.

The joint forces also foiled an IED-cum-ambush plot during the operations, they said.—(NVI)

Mobile Connectivity to Get Boost in 12 Underserved J&K Areas

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Srinagar, Oct 6 (NVI) : The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved land for installation of mobile towers in 12 underserved areas of the Union Territory under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday.

In a post on X, Abdullah said land has been approved in Uri, Tangmarg, Karnah, Kalakote, Kralpora, Basantgarh, Khour, Latti Marothi, Banihal, Pogal Paristan, Ramsoo and Qila Darhal.

The initiative is aimed at expanding high-speed telecom connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

The move will strengthen connectivity in remote and border villages and improve access to online education and e-governance services, besides enhancing emergency communication and helping bridge the digital divide, the chief minister said.—(NVI)

Rajnath Singh Hails Indian Navy’s Growing Maritime Power, Indigenous Capability

Visakhapatnam, Oct 5 (NVI) : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday hailed the Indian Navy’s growing combat prowess and indigenous capabilities, saying the force has emerged as a powerful maritime force with its capabilities being recognised across the Indo-Pacific.

Addressing naval personnel and their families at a Barakhana organised by the Eastern Naval Command here, Singh said the Navy has remained steadfast in all operational conditions while safeguarding India’s maritime interests and keeping the national flag flying high.

He also paid tribute to naval personnel for their courage, dedication and sacrifices, and acknowledged the contribution of their families in supporting them in the discharge of their duties.

Recalling the Navy’s role in the 1971 war, Singh particularly referred to Operation Trident, under which Indian naval forces struck Karachi harbour.

He said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s ability not only to protect India’s maritime frontiers but also to project power and undertake offensive operations against an adversary when required.

Singh said India has emerged as an important maritime power and the Navy has kept pace with the changing security environment of the 21st century.

He highlighted the induction of advanced indigenous platforms, including aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, stealth frigates and Scorpene-class submarines, as examples of India’s growing naval capability and self-reliance.

The minister, however, emphasised that the strength of the Navy goes beyond warships, submarines and technology and rests fundamentally on the professionalism, patriotism, courage and commitment of its personnel.

He called for a broader maritime vision under which the oceans are viewed not merely as boundaries to be protected but also as an avenue for economic development, strategic influence and national prosperity.

Singh said India should move forward with the philosophy of “advancing from the seas towards prosperity and power”, while harnessing the country’s vast maritime potential to drive economic growth and strengthen its strategic position.

Describing naval personnel as heroes and an inspiration for the youth, he said their dedication would contribute significantly to India’s emergence as a stronger, more prosperous and self-reliant nation.

The Defence Minister also underlined the important role played by the families of armed forces personnel, saying they shoulder responsibilities at home while their family members remain deployed at sea.

He described the service of the personnel and sacrifices of their families as a valuable national asset.

Singh said the Barakhana provided an opportunity to strengthen the bond between defence personnel, their families and the leadership.

He noted that such gatherings reflected the fraternity, camaraderie and sense of belonging that bind the armed forces and the nation together.—(NVI)

Two held for alleged job fraud in J&K’s Budgam, more arrests likely: Police

Budgam, Oct 5 (NVI) Two persons have been arrested in connection with an alleged employment fraud in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district, in which several job aspirants were reportedly duped with fake appointment letters and promises of government jobs, police said on Monday.

The accused have been identified as Advocate Jehangir Ahmad Dar, a resident of Ratsun in Beerwah, and Firdous Nabi, a resident of Zabgul in Beerwah and chairman of the Jammu Kashmir People’s Front (JKPF), SSP Budgam Hariprasad K K said at a press conference in Beerwah.

Both accused are being questioned at the Beerwah police station following complaints received by the police, he said.

According to the SSP, the accused allegedly targeted job aspirants from different parts of Budgam by issuing fabricated appointment letters and promising them government employment.

Police have also recovered an allegedly forged official communication bearing fake Ministry of Home Affairs stamps, the SSP said.

The document purportedly carried the name of then Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and was addressed to J-K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat.

The fabricated communication allegedly directed the appointment of 10 youths from different villages of Budgam as Special Police Officers (SPOs) in the J-K Police on the directions of the Union Ministry, police said.

Three FIRs have so far been registered in connection with the alleged fraud, including FIR Nos. 183 and 188 at Police Station Beerwah. A Zero FIR registered at Beerwah police station was subsequently transferred to Police Station Budgam, the SSP said.

The investigation is being conducted by a police team headed by SHO Beerwah Muddasir Nazir under the supervision of SDPO Magam Mohd Ashrif Lissery and SSP Budgam Hariprasad K K.

Police said more arrests and legal action are likely as the investigation progresses.—(NVI)

3.2-magnitude earthquake jolts J&K’s Pulwama

earthquke
(File/Representational image)

Srinagar, Oct 5 (NVI) An earthquake of magnitude 3.2 jolted Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday evening, with tremors felt in parts of the Kashmir Valley, officials said.

The earthquake occurred at 6:44 pm at a depth of five kilometres, according to seismic monitoring authorities.

The epicentre of the quake was located at latitude 33.890 and longitude 74.992, around 28 kilometres southeast of Srinagar.

There were no immediate reports of any loss of life or damage to property, officials said.—(NVI)

Man Shot Dead Over Property Dispute in J&K’s Samba Accused Arrested

Representational Image

Shivam Bakshi

Samba, October 5 (NVI): A man was shot dead allegedly following a property dispute in Jakh area of Vijaypur in Samba district on Monday evening, officials said.

According to officials, the accused opened fire at the victim during the dispute, resulting in his death.

He said the weapon used in the offence belonged to the deceased.

Following the incident, Vijaypur Police arrested the accused, officials said.

A case has been registered at the concerned police station and further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident, officials added.—(NVI)

India, Switzerland sign 5 agreements; to boost trade & investment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in Delhi today

New Delhi, Oct 5 (NVI) India and Switzerland today signed five agreements, including a migration and mobility partnership, an exchange programme for young professionals and a pact to promote cooperation in transportation technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure development.

The two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy and infrastructure as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with visiting Swiss President Guy Parmelin.

Parmelin began his three-day state visit to India on Monday. It is his first state visit to the country and his second visit this year after he attended the AI Impact Summit in February.

The two sides also agreed to expand market access for Indian exports to Switzerland and facilitate greater Swiss investment in India.

Modi said the move would boost exports of Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods while attracting Swiss investment in sectors including biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability.

Switzerland is a major economic partner for India in Europe, with more than 330 Swiss companies operating in India across sectors such as engineering, services, precision instruments, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the four EFTA states — Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway — came into force in October. Modi described the pact as an “ambitious blueprint” for investment, innovation and jobs.

“Through this, we will realise our goals of USD100 billion in investment and one million direct jobs in India over the next 15 years,” Modi said.

Parmelin said Switzerland hoped to conclude an investment protection agreement with India soon to further facilitate investment flows. He also stressed the importance of progress on intellectual property protection.

On infrastructure cooperation, Modi highlighted Swiss involvement in projects such as the ropeway in Varanasi, Jewar Airport in Noida and railway and tunnelling projects in hilly regions. He invited Swiss companies to participate in large-scale investments, capacity building, design and manufacturing in India.

The two leaders also discussed expanding military exchanges and defence production and agreed to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy. New joint research projects in health, clean energy and space are also expected to be launched, Modi said.

The migration and mobility agreement seeks to facilitate movement between the two countries while addressing irregular migration and human trafficking. It provides for multiple-entry visas of up to five years, with stays of up to six months per visit, as well as renewable one-year student permits.

Under the young professionals exchange scheme, up to 300 people from each country can participate annually, with the number potentially rising to 500. The programme is aimed at young people taking up temporary employment to develop professional and language skills.

The Ukraine conflict and the situation in West Asia also figured in the discussions.

Modi said India and Switzerland supported meaningful efforts towards peace and backed reforms of global institutions to address emerging challenges.

The two sides also discussed artificial intelligence, with a focus on promoting innovative and equitable AI governance.

Parmelin said his visit marked the first anniversary of the implementation of TEPA and described the agreement as beneficial to both countries.

The Swiss president is accompanied by a large delegation of senior business leaders. The India-EFTA Prosperity Summit, scheduled for Wednesday, is expected to focus on translating the trade and investment partnership into concrete outcomes.

Modi also congratulated Switzerland on hosting the next Geneva AI Summit, saying both countries would work towards making AI “responsible, inclusive, and human-centric”. (NVI)

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