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Pakistan: TTP claims killing 56 Pakistani soldiers, injuring dozens others

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) cadre in specialised gear. File pic released by TTP

Peshawar, July 25 (NVI) Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed to have caused a huge blow to the Pakistani military over the last two days, killing more than 56 personnel, injuring dozens of others and destroying several military facilities in multiple attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

The biggest hit to the Pakistan Army was caused in Manji Khel area of Tank district, where over 40 soldiers were killed and several injured in several hours of intense gufight after an attack on a military camp.

In a statement, TTP spokesman said its ‘Special Unit’ carried out “a major and highly effective assault on the joint camp of the enemy military and police” in Manji Khel.

Giving details, he said the TTP fighters used mines and heavy weapons, shattering the iron walls and steel gate of the camp during the late night attack on July 23.

As the walls collapsed and left the military personnel stunned, the TTP fighters swiftly entered the camp.

“After that, a bloody face-to-face battle began, which continued throughout the night and reached its peak at 5 o’clock” of July 24 (yesterday), he said.

As a result of this operation, “more than 40 oppressive and tyrannical personnel of the anti-Sharia and anti-nation tyrannical system were killed, and dozens were severely injured,” the TTP spokesman said.

“A large part of the camp suffered extensive destruction, and the enemy faced heavy financial and human losses, which is enough to break their backbone,” he said.

In this blessed battle, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan lost four fighters, according to the spokesman.

Another major attack was carried out in Bannu district, where the TTP fighters ambushed a large convoy of approximately 60 vehicles carrying Army personnel and members of the so-called ‘peace committee’ (associate militia of the army) in Talgi area.

The ambush resulted in the killing of 8 security personnel, including members of the so-called peace committee, and injuries to several others, he said.

Armored vehicles and other convoy vehicles were also reportedly damaged. 

At least 3 soldiers were killed in two separate attacks in Zarmilanah area of South Waziristan district, the spokesman said.

In Khurran district, 3 soldiers were killed and 4 injured in an attack by Grenade Launcher on an army convoy on Dogar, he said.

In Kohat district, an attack was carried out on a police mobile vehicle near on the Main Indus Highway, killing 2 police personnel and injuring two.

One soldier was killed and another injured in an attack on a military camp in Bara in Peshawar district, he said.

This camp is frequently used to target mosques, schools, and public gathering places, the spokesman said. (NVI)

J&K LG reviews restoration of Amarnath Yatra tracks, directs speedy repairs after rains

File Photo : LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, July 25 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reviewed the restoration work on the Shri Amarnath Yatra tracks damaged by recent heavy rainfall and directed officials to expedite repairs while ensuring the safety of pilgrims.

Chairing a high-level meeting with senior civil, police, Army and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board officials, Sinha assessed the damage to the yatra routes, safety railings and other infrastructure, officials said.

He directed the executing agencies to accord top priority to restoring vulnerable stretches prone to mudslides and shooting stones to facilitate the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.

The lieutenant governor also ordered the deployment of additional Mountain Rescue Teams at critical locations and asked officials to provide pilgrims with real-time weather updates to minimise risks.

Sinha instructed the administration to ensure uninterrupted essential services, including electricity, drinking water, communication and healthcare facilities, along the twin yatra routes, the officials said.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the civil administration, police, Army, security forces, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Border Roads Organisation, Health Department, Meteorological Department and other line departments, they added.(NVI)

Indian Oil launches 10 kg XTRALITE NOW LPG cylinder

Indian Oil launches 10 kg LPG cylinder

New Delhi, July 25 (NVI) Indian Oil today launched Indane XTRALITE NOW, a 10 kg composite LPG cylinder offering with an express delivery service.

Indane XTRALITE NOW combines lightweight, rust-free composite cylinder technology with a digitally enabled service ecosystem to deliver greater convenience, safety and transparency, the State-owned company said in a statement.

The cylinder features a translucent body for easy LPG level monitoring and is supported by express delivery within four hours of booking, preferred time delivery, and minimal documentation.

The company also launched express home delivery service for the 5 Kg Chhotu cylinder, which will now be delivered within four hours of booking.

Speaking on the occasion, Indian Oil Company Chairman A. S. Sahney, said, “Indane XTRALITE NOW combines advanced composite cylinder technology with a seamless and enhanced service model to offer a smarter, safer and more convenient LPG experience. The launch reaffirms IndianOil’s commitment to delivering future-ready energy solutions while setting new benchmarks in customer service.”

Saumitra P. Srivastava, Director (Marketing), IndianOil, added: “Consumers today expect speed, convenience and a seamless experience. Indane XTRALITE NOW reflects
IndianOil’s customer-centric approach by combining innovative technology with swift, reliable delivery. It marks another significant step in redefining the domestic LPG experience.”

The offering will initially be available in Pune, Gurugram, Indore and Coimbatore, before expanding to 25 additional cities by mid-August 2026 and major cities across the country by the end of October 2026.

The new offering will be available through IndianOil’s extensive Indane distributor
network and select IndianOil Retail Outlets, ensuring wide accessibility and unmatched convenience. (NVI)

BRO clears landslide-hit roads in J&K’s Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Jul 25 (NVI): The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored road connectivity on several key routes in the border districts of Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi after heavy rains triggered multiple landslides, officials said on Saturday.

The landslides, caused by incessant rainfall between July 19 and July 24, blocked important roads, including the Rajouri-Poonch National Highway (NH-144A), disrupting the movement of security forces, essential supplies and civilians, according to a Defence Ministry statement.

The BRO, under Project Sampark, launched round-the-clock clearance operations by deploying personnel, heavy machinery and equipment despite adverse weather and difficult terrain, the statement said.

It said roads connecting Reasi to Mahore and Rajouri to Budhal, Mahore and Gul were also hit by landslides, while a diversion at Baodra Nallah was washed away due to heavy flow of water.

A 200-foot Bailey bridge installed at Baodra Nallah ensured continued connectivity between Mahore, Rajouri and Budhal, it said.

The statement said heavy rains also damaged road infrastructure and equipment deployed by contractors on the Rajouri-Thanamandi road and NH-144A in Poonch, but BRO teams managed to restore traffic in the affected stretches in the shortest possible time.

While essential connectivity has been restored on all affected roads, BRO personnel remain deployed to repair damaged infrastructure and ensure smooth traffic movement, the statement added.(NVI)

Two killed, four injured as tempo overturns in J&K’s Doda

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, July 25 (NVI): Two persons were killed and four others injured after a tempo met with an accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Saturday, officials said.

The tempo overturned near Jatheli Mohalla in Doda district around 2.30 pm, resulting in the death of two occupants on the spot, they said.

Four injured persons were shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for treatment, officials said.

The identities of the deceased and the injured were yet to be ascertained.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and are investigating the cause of the accident, officials added.(NVI)

Woman Killed, Two Injured as House Collapses in J&K’s Rajouri Amid Heavy Rain

REpresentational Image

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, July 26 (NVI): A woman was killed and two of her family members were injured after a house collapsed following heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said on Saturday.

The incident occurred in Bhatian village of Rajouri district, where the house caved in due to incessant rain, they said.

The deceased was identified as Shahida Parveen, wife of Abdul Rehman and a resident of Bhatian village.

The injured were rescued from the debris and shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri for treatment, officials said, adding that their condition was being monitored.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further proceedings, they added.(NVI)

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns

Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi, July 25 (NVI) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has tendered his resignation in the wake of the agitation by students over the leak of NEET exam papers.

Pradhan said in a social media post that he has sent in his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“…To ensure that anti-national elements are not benefitted by the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that the nation remains united, students in India do not get tangled in legal complexities and focus on their studies and their career, I have tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister..,” said his statement.

His resignation was the prime demand of the students who have been agitating in tens of thousands at Jantar Mantar in Delhi for over a month.

The agitation, originally launched under the banner of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has been spreading across the country with demonstrations and rallies being organised by students.

Reacting to the development, Founding President of Cockroach Janta Party, Abhijeet Dipke said, “Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. And this resignation is proof that if you people are not afraid, if you people do not bow down to this government, then we can take the resignation of anyone.”

On next round of talks with the government, Cockroach Janta Party’s Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das said, “We’ve been called at 3:30 pm. We’re not going anywhere until all our demands are met and they give them in writing. This is a huge victory.”

Cockroach Janta Party’s National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka says, “If you accept our three demands in writing, we will go home. We have requested permission to take out a peaceful candle march across the country. Everyone should take out a candle march across the country at 6:00 in the evening.” (NVI)

Bank of Baroda posts 72% decline in net profit for June Quarter of Financial Year 2027

New Delhi, July 25 (NVI) Government-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) has reported a 72 per cent year-on-year fall in standalone net profit to Rs 1,278 crore for the June quarter of the current financial year.

The impact is mainly due to an exceptional charge of around Rs 5,680 crore following its $600 million out-of-court settlement of litigation involving the collapsed UAE-based healthcare group NMC Health.

Despite the hit, the lender reported healthy business growth during the quarter.

The bank’s net interest income (NII) rose 9.5 per cent year-on-year to Rs 12,525 crore, supported by robust credit expansion, while interest income increased 6.8 per cent to Rs 33,211 crore.

The bank’s loan book continued to expand, driven by strong momentum across retail and other key segments, underscoring the resilience of its core banking operations.

The bank maintained stable asset quality, with its gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio standing at 1.99 per cent at the end of June, compared with 1.89 per cent in the previous quarter, reflecting only a marginal increase.

The lender also reported lower provisions excluding the exceptional item.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Debadatta Chand said the decision to settle the long-running NMC Health litigation was driven by commercial considerations and the advanced stage of the legal proceedings, rather than any change in the bank’s legal position.

He added that the settlement removes a prolonged legal overhang and allows the bank to focus on its growth strategy while maintaining its business guidance for FY27. (NVI)

SAIL posts decline of 10.4% in consolidated net profit in June Quarter of FY27

Steel Authority of India

New Delhi, July 25 (NVI) Government-owned Steel Authority of India (SAIL) has posted 10.4 per cent sequential fall in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,644 crore for the June quarter of the current financial year 2026-27.

The decline is due to lower sales volumes which weighed on revenue despite an improvement in operating margins.

The company reported other income of Rs 206 crore, which is down from Rs 352 crore in the preceding quarter.

Ebitda declined 5.8 per cent to Rs 4,153 crore, reflecting lower turnover during the period.

Revenue from operations fell 14.8 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs 26,246 crore, compared with Rs 30,813 crore in the March quarter.

Despite the decline in revenue and earnings, SAIL’s operating performance improved, with Ebitda margin expanding by 150 basis points to 15.8 per cent, up from 14.3 per cent in the previous quarter.

The margin expansion indicates better cost management and operational efficiency amid a challenging market environment.

SAIL said its June quarter results included a one-time cost of Rs 144 crore, which weighed on profitability during the period. Excluding this exceptional item, the company’s earnings would have been stronger.

During the quarter, crude steel production stood at 4.76 million tonnes, compared with 5.08 million tonnes in the previous quarter, while sales volume declined to 4.16 million tonnes from 5.32 million tonnes.

The moderation in production and dispatches contributed to the sequential decline in revenue.

However, on a year-on-year basis, SAIL’s performance remained significantly stronger, with the company reporting a 138 per cent increase in net profit compared with the corresponding quarter of FY26, reflecting improved steel realisations and operational performance over the past year.

SAIL shares closed 0.34 per cent higher at Rs 161.45 on the NSE on Friday, outperforming the benchmark Nifty 50, which ended 0.43 per cent lower.

The stock has gained nearly 10 per cent year-to-date and over 18 per cent during the past 12 months, reflecting investor confidence in the PSU steelmaker’s long-term prospects. (NVI)

Rain to Continue Across J&K; Heavy Showers Likely in Jammu Division Next Week: MeT

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Srinagar, Jul 25 (NVI): Rain is likely to continue across Jammu and Kashmir till late Saturday afternoon, with the weather expected to improve thereafter, while heavy showers are forecast in parts of the Jammu division during the coming week, the Meteorological Department said.

According to the MeT Department, intermittent rain is likely over most places in the Kashmir division and many areas of the Jammu division on Saturday before the current spell weakens later in the day.

On July 26 and 27, many places in the Union Territory are expected to witness one or two spells of rain and thundershowers. Brief intense showers are also likely at a few places in the Jammu division, particularly during the afternoon, evening and early morning hours, it said.

The department has forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers at most places across Jammu and Kashmir between July 28 and 31.

It said a few districts of the Jammu division could experience heavy rain and brief intense showers during late night, early morning and afternoon-evening hours during the period.

The MeT Department also warned of the possibility of flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations over the next five days.

People, including tourists, travellers and transporters, have been advised to follow weather advisories issued by the administration and avoid travel to landslide-prone areas during inclement weather, the department said.(NVI)

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