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India commissions indigenous stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri, boosts Navy’s combat capability

New Delhi/Visakhapatnam, July 11 (NVI): India on Saturday commissioned the indigenously-built stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh describing the warship as a major milestone in the country’s drive towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The sixth and final frigate under the Project 17A programme was commissioned at Visakhapatnam in the presence of the defence minister, senior naval officers and other dignitaries.

Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, the warship has over 75 per cent indigenous content and is equipped with advanced stealth features, modern sensors and a range of sophisticated weapon systems.

Addressing the commissioning ceremony, Singh said INS Mahendragiri reflected India’s growing capability in indigenous warship design and construction and underscored the country’s commitment to building a technologically advanced and combat-ready Navy.

He said the frigate would strengthen India’s maritime security architecture, extend its blue-water operational reach and reinforce its presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

The 6,670-tonne warship is capable of speeds of up to 28 knots and can undertake a wide range of operations, including fleet air defence, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, surveillance and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

The ship can be armed with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, anti-submarine rocket launchers, an integrated electronic warfare suite and close-in weapon systems.

Highlighting the changing nature of warfare, Singh said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber warfare and space-based capabilities were transforming military operations, but stressed that conventional military strength remained the foundation of national defence.

“Future wars may be fought with artificial intelligence, but they will still be won by national resolve, trained soldiers and credible military power,” he said.

The defence minister said the government would continue investing in next-generation technologies while simultaneously strengthening conventional military capabilities.

Emphasising the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, Singh said India remained committed to the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), adding that the Indian Navy had emerged as a “first responder” and “preferred security partner” through its humanitarian, anti-piracy and maritime security operations.

He also referred to the Navy’s role in safeguarding merchant shipping during the West Asia conflict, saying it had escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying cargo worth over Rs 9,000 crore under Operation Urja Suraksha.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri marked another milestone in indigenous warship construction and significantly enhanced the Navy’s operational capability.

He said the Project 17A programme had achieved several milestones, including reducing the launch-to-delivery timeline by nearly 50 per cent and cutting the overall construction period by around 20 per cent compared with earlier projects.

Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, INS Mahendragiri was built with contributions from more than 200 Indian industries, including several micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

With its induction into the Eastern Fleet, the warship is expected to enhance the Indian Navy’s operational reach and maritime combat capability in the Indian Ocean Region.(NVI)

Suspected Pakistani drone activity in border area of J&K

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Representational image of a drone

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, July 11 (NVI): Security forces on Saturday launched a search operation in the Dharat-Dandani area of Nowshera sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district following suspected Pakistani drone activity reported late on Friday, officials said.

The search operation was launched by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in the Lamberi area to sanitise the region and verify the reported drone movement, the officials said

Further details are awaited.—(NVI)

Hizbul commander exposes Pakistan’s role in terrorism in Kashmir

Hizbul Mujahideen commander Shamsher Khan

New Delhi, July 10 (NVI) A top commander of Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terror outfit, which has been active in Jammu and Kashmir, has publicly spilled the beans about involvement of Pakistan in terror activities in the Union Territory.

Shamsher Khan, the deputy chief of HM, made revelations about the involvement of Pakistanis in terrorism in J&K at an event organised in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).

The event was organised by HM on the 8th death anniversary of one of its commanders, Burhan Wani, who was killed by security forces in an encounter in Tral area of Kashmir on July 8, 2016.

“From Lolab and Kupwara to Kathua, there is no graveyard where Pakistani nationals, from all corners of Pakistan, are not buried after getting killed there,” Khan said at the event while praising Pakistan for its role in Kashmir.

He added that while “tehreek-e-Islam” is the main reason for the “movement” in Kashmir, “the role of Pakistani rulers is bigger than that”.

Kupwara is a district of Kashmir bordering the Line of Control (LoC) with POJK and Kathua is the district bordering Punjab state of India.

By mentioning “from Kupwara to Kathua”, Shamsher Khan intended to underline that Pakistanis have participated in terror activities through the entire track of Jammu and Kashmir, from LoC up till Punjab.

He was only exposing Pakistan which has been falsely claiming that the “movement” in Jammu and Kashmir was “indigenous”.

The fact is that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and in other parts of the country is a project of Pakistan Army, particularly its intelligence agency ISI, which has been brainwashing, training, arming and funding terrorists, including Pakistanis to carry out the subversive activities.

Khan only highlighted that fact as hundreds of brainwashed and religiously-motivated Pakistani nationals, sent by Pakistan Army to Jammu and Kashmir clandestinely for carrying out terror activities, have been killed by the Indian security forces there.

Their burial is undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir itself because Pakistan refuses to accept them as their nationals after they are killed. (NVI)

J&K Govt Issues Framework for Evaluation of Books, Academic Material in Educational Institutions

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Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a comprehensive framework for the evaluation and periodic review of books and academic material in educational institutions across the Union Territory to ensure that educational resources meet academic standards and do not contain objectionable or unlawful content.

The School Education Department and Higher Education Department have issued separate circulars prescribing a structured mechanism for academic evaluation, content verification and periodic review of books and other educational resources in government and recognised private schools, colleges, universities and public libraries.

The move comes in the wake of recent concerns regarding books available in institutional libraries and the procurement of educational material.

According to the circulars, all educational institutions have been directed to undertake a comprehensive academic and content audit of books, reference material, journals, research publications, dissertations, theses, digital repositories and other educational resources, irrespective of when they were procured or introduced.

The framework seeks to ensure that academic material possesses established academic merit, factual accuracy, pedagogical relevance and educational value while remaining consistent with the Constitution, existing laws, the National Education Policy and the curriculum prescribed by competent authorities.

The government has prohibited the procurement, recommendation, retention, circulation or publication of any material containing factually inaccurate, misleading, distorted, inflammatory or unlawful content. It also bars educational institutions from making available material that promotes or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalisation or activities prejudicial to the sovereignty, unity, integrity and security of the country.

To oversee implementation, the government has constituted a multi-tier mechanism for academic scrutiny and content verification at the institutional, district, directorate, university and departmental levels. The framework provides for periodic review and quality assurance while respecting the statutory autonomy of universities under applicable laws and University Grants Commission regulations.

The circulars assign specific responsibilities to Vice Chancellors, college principals, Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, heads of institutions, librarians and school managements to ensure compliance within prescribed timelines.

The government said institutional heads would be responsible for implementing the framework in their respective jurisdictions, adding that any negligence or deviation from the prescribed procedures would be viewed seriously.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening academic standards, enhancing institutional accountability and ensuring a transparent and uniform system for reviewing educational resources across schools, colleges and universities in Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

Major Boost to Medical Education in J&K, 50 MBBS Seats Added

Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved an increase of 50 MBBS seats at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, taking its annual intake from 200 to 250 students from the 2026-27 academic session, officials said on Friday.

The approval was granted by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the NMC through a Letter of Permission issued under the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.

Officials said the enhanced intake follows an assessment carried out in accordance with the Undergraduate Medical Education Standards Regulations (UGMSR), 2023.

Last year, the NMC had approved 20 additional MBBS seats for GMC Srinagar, increasing the intake from 180 to 200 for the 2025-26 academic session.

The Health and Medical Education Department said the latest approval would strengthen medical education infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and provide greater opportunities to aspiring medical students in the Union Territory.

The department said the increase in seats further reinforces GMC Srinagar’s status as one of the leading medical institutions in the region.(NVI)

J&K DGP Reviews Kashmir Security Situation, Calls for Enhanced Coordination Among Forces

J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat chairing meeting on security

Srinagar, July 10 (NVI): Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Friday chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar with senior officers of the Army, central armed police forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police and intelligence agencies to assess the security situation in Kashmir and review operational preparedness.

The meeting was attended by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the XV Corps, senior officers of the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and representatives of intelligence agencies.

During the meeting, the DGP reviewed the overall security scenario in the Valley and discussed measures to strengthen operational capabilities in view of emerging security challenges.

Prabhat emphasised the need for close coordination, real-time intelligence sharing and seamless cooperation among all security agencies to further strengthen the security grid.

He also reviewed measures to enhance area domination, intensify anti-militancy operations and maintain a high level of operational readiness to ensure peace and public safety.

The meeting also discussed improving inter-agency coordination and reinforcing security arrangements to effectively deal with potential threats, officials said. Senior officers reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and normalcy in the Valley.(NVI)

India Primary Guarantor of Peace in Indian Ocean Region, Says Rajnath Singh

New Delhi Jul 10 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that India is the primary guarantor of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and lauded the Indian Navy for safeguarding the country’s maritime interests amid an increasingly complex global security environment.

Addressing naval personnel during a Barakhana event in Visakhapatnam on the eve of the commissioning of Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, Singh said the Navy is protecting India’s maritime borders, securing vital sea lanes and upholding national interests across the region.

Describing India as the largest and most responsible stakeholder in the Indian Ocean Region, the defence minister said the country remains committed to ensuring peace, stability and a secure maritime environment.

He noted that over 90 per cent of India’s trade by volume is carried through sea routes, making maritime security crucial for economic growth, energy security, the Exclusive Economic Zone and island territories.

Referring to the changing global security scenario, Singh said future conflicts could emerge in new and unforeseen forms, and stressed that armed forces must remain physically and mentally prepared while continuously upgrading their skills and mastering emerging technologies.

“There are conflicts that are fought without a formal declaration of war. The adversary of tomorrow may not look like the adversary of the past,” he said.

The defence minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces with world-class weapons, technology and other resources, while emphasising that it is the personnel operating them who ultimately determine victory.

Highlighting India’s push for self-reliance in defence, Singh described the commissioning of Mahendragiri as another milestone in the country’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla and other senior Indian Navy officers were present on the occasion.—(NVI)

Three Kashmir Train Services Cancelled Till July 25 for Track Maintenance

Indian Railways
Representational image

Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): Three train services on the Banihal-Baramulla rail section will remain suspended from July 11 to July 25 to facilitate essential summer track maintenance, Northern Railway said on Friday.

In a statement, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway said the maintenance work is aimed at strengthening the track, ensuring passenger safety and enabling smooth railway operations in the Kashmir Valley.

The cancelled services are Train No. 74615 (Banihal-Baramulla), Train No. 74632 (Baramulla-Budgam) and Train No. 74628 (Budgam-Banihal).

Northern Railway advised passengers to check the latest train status through the IRCTC website, mobile application or Rail Madad/139 before undertaking their journey.

The Railways expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and sought the cooperation of passengers during the maintenance period.(NVI)

Flash Flood Fury in J-K Poonch: 25 Rescued, Eight Houses Inundated

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Shivam Bakshi

Poonch July 10 (NVI): At least 25 people were rescued after flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall inundated Ari village in the Mendhar subdivision of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Friday evening, officials said.

The sudden flooding affected at least eight houses as rainwater entered residential areas following a sharp rise in the water level, they said.

Teams of the Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out rescue operations and safely evacuated at least 25 people from the flood-hit locality, officials added.

Officials said that despite the heavy rainfall, the water levels in Mendhar Nallah, Poonch River and Suran River were flowing below the alert level at 8 p.m. They said the situation was being closely monitored and an assessment of the damage was underway.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Launches Official Merchandise, Promotional Campaign for Kashmir Marathon 2026

Srinagar, July 10 (NVI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday unveiled the official merchandise and launched the promotional campaign for the Kashmir Marathon 2026, saying the event is aimed at placing Kashmir firmly on India’s marathon calendar while giving a major boost to sports tourism in the Union Territory.

The merchandise, including the marathon cap, finisher’s medal and racing kit, was unveiled during a function held at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) in Srinagar. The Chief Minister also released the promotional video for the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar Abdullah said the marathon is part of the government’s broader strategy to diversify tourism in Jammu and Kashmir by promoting sports and adventure tourism alongside traditional tourist attractions.

He said the government wants the Kashmir Marathon to achieve the stature of leading marathons held across the country, including those in Delhi, Mumbai and Ladakh, and attract participants from across India and abroad.

The Chief Minister said the event would also send a positive message that Kashmir is peaceful, safe and welcoming for visitors, encouraging more tourists to experience the Valley.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon will be held in Srinagar on October 25, 2026.

According to officials, the half marathon route will pass through the Jhelum riverfront, Lal Chowk, Dalgate and the Boulevard Road along Dal Lake, while the full marathon will extend towards Hazratbal and the University of Kashmir. The course has been designed with a mix of flat and hilly stretches, with an overall elevation gain of around 960 metres.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ashish Chandra Verma, Secretary RSGC Haris Ahmed Handoo, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajad, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta and other senior officers were present on the occasion. (NVI)

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