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US conducts airstrikes on Iran again

New Delhi, June 28: The US military has carried out more air strikes last night at multiple locations.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the forces conducted additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran at the direction of Commander in Chief, President Donald Trump.

This was the second round of air strikes by the US on Iran since the two countries signed a peace deal on June 19.

“CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping.

“U.S. military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities,” the CENTCOM said.

“After yesterday’s U.S. strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honor the ceasefire agreement but (it) elected not to (honor) when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET,” the CENTCOM said.

The Panama-flagged tanker was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz with more than two-million barrels of crude oil, it said.

ICGS Akshay commissioned into Coast Guard fleet, boosts maritime security

New Delhi, Jun 27 (NVI): The Indian Coast Guard on Saturday commissioned ICGS Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), into its fleet at Goa Shipyard Limited in Goa as part of its ongoing force modernisation drive.

The vessel, designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited, was commissioned by Additional Secretary (Personnel), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Parama Sen, in the presence of Coast Guard Region (West) Commander Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Deputy Director General (HRD) Inspector General Jyotindra Singh and other senior officials.

According to an official statement, the vessel has been named Akshay, meaning “Indestructible”, symbolising the Coast Guard’s commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime interests.

The ship is equipped to undertake a range of missions, including maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue operations, marine environmental protection and assistance to mariners in distress, thereby enhancing the operational capabilities of the Coast Guard.

The statement said the induction of ICGS Akshay is another milestone in indigenous shipbuilding and reflects the government’s push for self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative while strengthening the country’s maritime security and domestic shipbuilding ecosystem.(NVI)

 

Govt refutes claims on Indian soldiers killed during Op Sindoor

Top officials of Indian Army, IAF and Indian Navy briefing media on Operation Sindoor in Delhi (File Pic)

New Delhi, June 27 (NVI): The Government today termed as “incorrect” the reports circulating in sections of the media and on social media which claim that the supreme sacrifice of six bravehearts during ‘Operation Sindoor’ have been acknowledged or brought to public notice for the first time only recently.

“Certain reports circulating in sections of the media and on social media platforms have incorrectly suggested that the supreme sacrifice of six bravehearts during Operation Sindoor have been acknowledged or brought to public notice for the first time only recently,” said a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.

The ministry said the nation had honoured the six bravehearts at the earliest opportunity.

It said the then Director General of Military Operations paid tribute to the fallen soldiers during the official press briefing on May 11, 2025, acknowledging their sacrifice in the line of duty during Operation Sindoor.

The ministry said the six soldiers were conferred gallantry awards, which were officially announced through a press release on August 14, 2025, while the Indian Army simultaneously paid tribute to them through its official social media platforms.

It further said the families of the martyrs continued to be honoured at military ceremonies, with the Chief of the Army Staff presenting the Sena Medal (Gallantry) to the next of kin of three soldiers during the Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 15, 2026, while the Chief of the Air Staff honoured others during a ceremony on October 8, 2025.

Refuting allegations regarding the engraving of the martyrs’ names on the National War Memorial, the ministry said the process is governed by established protocols and carried out with due diligence, care and reverence.

Any suggestion that due procedure was not followed was “factually incorrect.”

Expressing concern over what it described as an “avoidable and unfounded controversy”, the MoD said such narratives misrepresent facts, cause unnecessary anguish to bereaved families and detract from the dignity owed to those who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.

The ministry urged all stakeholders to exercise responsibility and restraint while reporting on matters concerning fallen soldiers and refrain from disseminating unverified information.

Reaffirming its commitment to honouring every soldier who lays down his life in defence of the nation, the ministry said the six bravehearts of Operation Sindoor are national heroes whose courage, devotion to duty and sacrifice will continue to inspire generations of Indians.—(NVI)

ACB Traps Labour Department Senior Assistant Taking Rs 40,000 Bribe

Jammu, Jun 27 (NVI): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday arrested a senior assistant of the Labour Department after he was allegedly caught  red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 on behalf of an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) in Jammu, officials said.

The ACB said it registered an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against AEE Ravinder Krundu, posted as Inspector of Factories and Boilers, and Senior Assistant Gurdass following a complaint alleging a demand for a bribe to clear a boiler inspection case.

According to the complaint, the AEE had allegedly demanded Rs 60,000, which was later negotiated to Rs 40,000 to be paid through the senior assistant.

After conducting a discreet verification that substantiated the allegations, the ACB constituted a trap team.

The officials said Gurdass was caught red-handed while allegedly accepting the bribe amount from the complainant on behalf of the AEE in the presence of independent witnesses. The tainted money was recovered from his possession.

The AEE was not present in his office when the trap was laid, they said.

Searches are being conducted at the residences of both the accused in accordance with the law, while further investigation into the case is underway, the ACB added.(NVI)

LG Meets Civil Society, Religious Heads, Business Leaders Ahead of Amarnath Yatra; Seeks Collective Support

Srinagar, June 27 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday appealed to civil society groups, religious leaders and business representatives to extend full support for the smooth and successful conduct of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, describing the pilgrimage as a symbol of social harmony, selfless service and communal unity.

During an interaction with stakeholders in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor, according to an official statement issued here, urged people from all sections of society to come forward and contribute towards ensuring a safe, comfortable and memorable spiritual experience for pilgrims.

He said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra presents an opportunity to showcase Jammu and Kashmir’s tradition of compassion, hospitality and selfless service to the world.

“Let us unite across all sectors to make this year’s pilgrimage a beacon of faith, unity and devotion. As pilgrims embark on the sacred journey to Baba Barfani’s cave, let us transform our devotion into compassionate action, making this Yatra a true testament to human kindness,” Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the annual pilgrimage, scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28, has been an integral part of the region’s faith, culture and identity for centuries.

He said people from different faiths and communities have always come together to serve the pilgrims, adding that this spirit of unity remains Jammu and Kashmir’s greatest strength.

Sinha also said that the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and other stakeholders have, over the past few years, undertaken significant measures to make the Yatra safer and more convenient by upgrading roads, communication facilities and other infrastructure.

According to the statement, members of civil society, religious organisations, trade bodies and business associations assured the Lieutenant Governor of their full cooperation for the successful conduct of the pilgrimage. They also appreciated the improvements made in infrastructure, security, healthcare, sanitation and other pilgrim facilities.

The Lieutenant Governor welcomed the suggestions put forth by the participants and assured that all genuine recommendations would be examined for implementation.

The meeting was attended by legislators, senior police and civil administration officers, representatives of religious and social organisations, trade bodies and other prominent members of civil society.—(NVI)

6.2-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Afghanistan, Tremors Felt Across J&K

Earthquake
Representational image

Srinagar, June 27 (NVI): A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan on Saturday evening, with tremors being felt across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, triggering panic among residents.

According to seismic data, the earthquake occurred at 7:04 pm IST. The epicentre was located about 74 km south of Fayzabad in Afghanistan at a depth of 215 km.

Tremors were reported from Srinagar and several other districts of the Kashmir Valley, prompting people to rush out of their homes, offices and commercial establishments as a precaution.

There were no immediate reports of any casualty or damage to property from anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.—(NVI)

 

Baramulla Man Killed as Old Shell Explodes Near Gulmarg

Chhattisgarh
Representative pic of a blast

Srinagar, June 27 (NVI): A man was killed in an explosion after he allegedly mishandled an old unexploded shell near Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday, officials said.

The incident occurred near Sumli Wali Dhok area when the shell exploded, they said.

The deceased was identified as Zabir Ahmad Bajad, a resident of Galibal Chandoosa in Baramulla district.

Officials said preliminary information suggests the blast occurred while the victim was allegedly handling the old unexploded shell. However, the exact nature of the explosive device and the circumstances leading to the explosion are being ascertained.

Police and other security agencies have launched an investigation into the incident, officials added.(NVI)

NIA files supplementary chargesheet against 3 more accused in Red Fort blast case

New Delhi, Jun 27 (NVI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday filed a supplementary chargesheet against three more accused, including an absconding alleged conspirator, in connection with the November 2025 vehicle-borne IED blast near the Red Fort that killed 11 people.

The agency said the supplementary chargesheet was filed before the NIA Special Court at Patiala House Courts against Zameer Ahmad Ahanger, Tufail Ahmad Bhat and Muzafar Ahmad alias Faraz alias Zafar, all residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

With the latest filing, the total number of accused chargesheeted in the case has gone up to 13, including deceased accused Dr Umer Un Nabi.

According to the NIA, absconding accused Muzafar Ahmad, a pediatrician by profession, was one of the key conspirators in the case and a founding member of “AGuH Interim”, which the agency described as an active offshoot of the Al-Qaeda terror network.

The agency alleged that Muzafar played a central role in planning the conspiracy, attended a secret meeting in Srinagar in 2022 for formation of the module and was involved in the manufacture, testing and storage of TATP-based explosives at a facility in Faridabad. A non-bailable warrant has been issued against him, it said.

The NIA alleged that Zameer Ahmad Ahanger worked as an overground worker for the module and acted as a courier for weapons, ammunition and funds while remaining in contact with foreign-based handlers.

Tufail Ahmad Bhat, the agency said, was a former overground worker of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba and allegedly procured weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, a Krinkov rifle, a pistol and ammunition, which were later sold to Dr Umer Un Nabi.

The accused have been booked under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Explosive Substances Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

The investigation is continuing, the NIA said.—(NVI)

LG Says India’s Civilisational Ethos Rooted in Mutual Respect, Interfaith Harmony

Srinagar, Jun 27 (NV): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said India’s civilisational ethos is rooted in mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, asserting that the country’s ancient philosophy offers a guiding light to a world grappling with conflict and intolerance.

Addressing an Interfaith Dialogue organised by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and the Inter-Faith Harmony Foundation of India here, Sinha said Hinduism, or Sanatana Dharma, never imposed itself on others but embraced diversity and coexistence.

“The world recognises that Hinduism, the world’s oldest living religion, never imposed itself. Instead, it embraced diversity and coexistence, giving Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Zoroastrianism the freedom to flourish in ancient India,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the core spirit of Sanatana Dharma and Indian philosophy has the power to bridge divisions based on religion, language and race.

He described India as “a living idea” that teaches humanity to live together as one family and urged the younger generation to carry forward this vision of peace and mutual respect.

Sinha said the concept of “Bhartiyata” or Indianness embodies equal respect for all religions, unity in diversity and the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, he said the spirit of harmony and coexistence has been an integral part of the region’s culture for centuries, adding that “Kashmiriyat” draws inspiration from the broader philosophy of Bhartiyata.

The Lieutenant Governor also said Sufi saints who came to India found a culture rooted in love, compassion and spirituality, and were inspired by the teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads, Buddhism and Jainism.

He said India’s spiritual tradition has always encouraged people to practise their own faiths while living together in harmony.

Former Union minister Karan Singh, Kashmir University Vice Chancellor Nilofer Khan, senior government officials, academicians and literary personalities were among those present at the event.—(NVI)

Heat Likely to Intensify Across Kashmir Over Next Three Days; Monsoon Spell Expected in Early July

Srinagar, June 27 (NVI): Hot and humid weather conditions are expected to prevail across the Kashmir Valley over the next three days, with maximum temperatures likely to rise further, according to a local weather forecaster.

The forecaster said June 29 and 30 are expected to be the hottest days of the current spell, with daytime temperatures remaining above normal across the plains.

The first spell of monsoon rainfall is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir during the first week of July, bringing relief from the prevailing heat, the forecaster said. However, the timing and intensity of the rainfall may become clearer over the coming days.—(NVI)

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