Walnut and almond prices are set to firm up ahead of the festive season as import of dry fruits along the Wagah-Attari border has come to a halt. The wholesale prices of walnuts and almonds have shot up 50% and 20% over the last year because of supply constraints from Pakistan and Afghanistan. "The prices are likely to increase further," said the source.

Wing-Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who spent nearly 60-hours as a prisoner of the Pakistani military after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down by Pakistan Air Force F-16s in February, is to undergo further medical-tests ahead of returning to active duty status. Abhinandan Varthaman, 36, had been taken-off flying duties after sustaining injuries as a result of ejecting from his damaged plane and parachuting to safety.

Two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday, police said. According to a police official, security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Braw Bandina area of Awantipora in the district in south Kashmir after receiving intelligence input about presence of militants in the area.