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CM Omar Abdullah Attacks Mehbooba Mufti Over Jantar Mantar Remarks, Rejects AI Explanation

Srinagar, July 27 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday criticised People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti over her reported remarks at Jantar Mantar, accusing her of adopting “double standards” and rejecting her claim that a viral video of the event was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said the PDP chief should explain the remarks attributed to her instead of dismissing the controversy by alleging that the video was AI-generated.

He said any statement appearing to justify the use of force, arrests or denial of rights in Jammu and Kashmir on the grounds of militancy was unacceptable.

Questioning such reasoning, the chief minister said militancy cannot be used to deny justice, restrict passports or justify excessive action against people. He said the law must be applied fairly and citizens’ rights should be protected.

Abdullah also alleged that some political leaders maintain one stand in Jammu and Kashmir and another in the national capital, saying that if the remarks had caused public hurt, an apology would have been more appropriate.

Rejecting the AI claim, he said the event was covered by several media organisations and the footage showed journalists and television cameras, making it difficult to accept the allegation that the video was fabricated.

The chief minister further referred to the PDP’s past political decisions, including its alliance with the BJP in 2015, and said no apology had been offered over those developments.

He also said such remarks could discourage people from raising democratic demands, including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, and urged political leaders to exercise responsibility while speaking on issues concerning the people.(NVI)

CRPF head constable dies after falling unconscious in Kashmir

REPRESENTATIONAL PIC.

Srinagar, July 27 (NVI): A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) head constable died after he suddenly fell unconscious at the District Police Lines (DPL) in Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Monday, officials said.

Head Constable (General Duty) V. Shiv Kumar of the 92 Battalion CRPF collapsed while on duty and was immediately shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC), Handwara, where doctors declared him brought dead, they said.

The body has been kept at the hospital mortuary for medico-legal formalities.

Officials said the exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained, and further proceedings are underway.(NVI)

Over 4 lakh devotees complete Amarnath Yatra so far in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 26 (NVI) Over 4 lakh devotees have completed their Amarnath Yatra till this evening, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said tonight.

“By Lord Shiva’s divine grace, the holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has crossed a remarkable milestone and more than 4 Lakh pilgrims have already completed the sacred journey. Till now, 4.14 Lakh devotees have received darshan. I bow with reverence to Baba Amarnath for this blessing and extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this journey a truly divine experience for all,” he posted on his X handle.

The annual yatra, which was suspended a few days back because of incessant rains which damaged the tracks, resumed today via one of the two routes.

There are two routes to the Holy cave of Lord Shiva situated in the mountains of south Kashmir — one via Pahalgam in Anantnag district in south Kashmir and another via Baltal in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.

The pilgrimage resumed today via the Baltal route while it remains suspended on the Pahalgam route.

“Due to the recent rains, urgent repair and maintenance works are required to be carried out on the Pahalgam Axis of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The Yatra shall continue through the Baltal Axis for which adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth and safe pilgrimage.”, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said in a post last night.

He appealed to all the pilgrims and stakeholders to cooperate with the authorities and adhere to the advisories issued from time to time in the interest of their safety and the smooth conduct of the Yatra.

The pilgrimage began on July 3. (NVI)

Old Mortar Shell Found In J&K’s Rajouri, Safely Destroyed

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, July 26 (NVI): A rusted 51 mm mortar shell was recovered from the Kayan area of Rajdhani in Thanamandi tehsil of Rajouri district on Sunday, officials said.

They said the old mortar shell was spotted by locals, following which the Bomb Disposal Squad of the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles was alerted.

The squad reached the spot and safely destroyed the shell in a controlled operation, officials said.

No casualties or damage to property were reported in the incident, they added.(NVI)

Senior Congress Leader Found Dead in J&K Rajouri Hotel, Probe Underway

REpresentational Image

Shivam Bakshi

Rajouri, Jul 26 (NVI): Senior Congress leader Farooq Khan, a resident of Manjakote, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a hotel near the Bus Stand in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Sunday, officials said.

According to officials, police rushed to the hotel after receiving information about the incident and took the body into custody for medico-legal formalities.

The exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained. Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, officials added.(NVI)

Indian currency of Rs 200, Rs 500 valid in Nepal if issued after demonetisation

New Delhi, July 26 (NVI) Indian currency notes in the denomination of Rs 200 and Rs 500, issued after demonetisation on November 2016, will be valid in Nepal.

Indians and Nepali nationals can carry these currency notes worth up to Rs 25,000 into or out of the country, provided the notes were issued on or after November 9, 2016, according to a notice issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central bank of the country.

However, Indian currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations issued before November 9, 2016, remain prohibited in Nepal, it said.

The latest move eases restrictions on the movement of Indian currency between the two neighbouring countries, which share close people-to-people ties and an open border.

Though the provisions were already notified by NRB through a notice published in the Nepal Gazette on February 11, the central bank issued the fresh notice reiterating the regulations and clarifying its implementation.

Clarifying the new rules, NRB spokesperson Guru Prasad Paudel said on Saturday that Nepalese nationals cannot bring Indian currency into Nepal from any country other than India.

Likewise, they cannot carry Indian currency from Nepal to a third country, except India.

Paudel said the new provision would facilitate Indian tourists visiting Nepal and Nepalese nationals engaged in trade and business with India.

India is Nepal’s largest trading partner and source of tourists, while thousands of Nepalese citizens work, study and conduct business in India.

The notice also said Nepalese nationals and foreign visitors can bring up to USD 5,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies into Nepal without making a customs declaration.

Amounts exceeding USD 5,000 must be declared to customs upon arrival.

India had demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8, 2016, replacing them with redesigned Rs 500 notes and introducing new Rs 2,000 notes, which have since been withdrawn from circulation.

Following the demonetisation, Nepal had imposed restrictions on the use and movement of the old Indian currency notes. (NVI)

Two Indian seafarers missing after attack on vessel near Ukraine; Advisory issued

India Responds to Trump’s ‘Hell-Hole’ Remark: MEA Issues Statement
External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal (file pic)

New Delhi, July 26 (NVI) Two Indian seafarers are missing after an attack on their vessel near the Port of Odesa of Ukraine, according to the government which issued an advisory today for the “nationals employed, or planning to take up employment, on commercial vessels operating in or  transiting the region.”

The Indians were on board the vessel MV AGN Ragnar which was struck at the Port of Odesa yesterday.

A tweet by the Embassy of India in Ukraine, which was retweeted by the spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said, “…Four Indian nationals were on board the vessel. As per the latest information, two have been confirmed safe, and information is awaited regarding the other two nationals. Search and rescue operations are underway. The Embassy is in constant touch with the concerned authorities.”

The social media post added that the Embassy of India in Ukraine is monitoring the situation after the vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck.

Separately, issuing an advisory for Indians, the MEA said that commercial ships passing through Black Sea waters continue to face significant security threats, including missile and drone attacks.

It noted that attacks on merchant vessels have increased since April 2026, resulting in the deaths of five Indian nationals.

Advising Indians to carefully evaluate the risks before accepting such assignments, the ministry urged those choosing to work on vessels operating in the conflict zone to exercise utmost caution and follow a series of safety measures.

The MEA asked seafarers to obtain comprehensive information from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators about the vessel’s intended route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response procedures before joining.

The advisory further urged Indian nationals to keep their families informed about their itinerary and maintain regular communication while at sea.

The ministry also asked seafarers to regularly monitor and comply with advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) and other Government of India authorities, along with safety instructions issued by vessel operators and competent maritime authorities.

It specifically advised Indian nationals to refer to the DGMA’s Security Advisory issued on July 23, 2026.

The MEA said Indian nationals requiring consular assistance should immediately contact the nearest Indian mission in the region. It also shared the emergency helpline numbers. (NVI)

No Talks with Pakistan Except on PoK, Says Rajnath Singh

Drass (Ladakh), July 26 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said India will not hold any talks with Pakistan except on the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), asserting that every threat to the country’s sovereignty will be met with a strong response.

Addressing the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative event at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Singh said any future dialogue with Pakistan would be confined to the issue of PoK, which he described as an integral part of India under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.

The defence minister accused Pakistan of institutionalising terrorism as part of its state policy and alleged there was no distinction between its military establishment and terrorist organisations.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh said the Indian armed forces had demonstrated their capability to respond decisively to terrorism and any hostile act, adding that India would respond with greater force to every threat against its sovereignty.

Paying tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil conflict, Singh described the war as a defining moment that highlighted the courage, determination and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces.

He said the names inscribed at the Kargil War Memorial represent every region, religion and community of the country, reflecting India’s unity and resolve.

Drawing a comparison between the two countries, Singh said India was advancing through innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and space exploration, while Pakistan continued to encourage terrorism, radicalisation and cross-border infiltration.

He said the armed forces remained fully prepared to counter any challenge to the country’s security.

Recalling the sacrifices made during the Kargil War, Singh said many soldiers were in their early twenties but chose to lay down their lives in the service of the nation, while also acknowledging the hardships endured by the families of the fallen personnel.

On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the defence minister paid homage to all soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defence of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.(NVI)

Three chargesheeted in ₹23 lakh fake government job scam in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jul 26 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet against three persons for allegedly duping job aspirants of ₹23 lakh on the pretext of providing government jobs by issuing forged appointment letters and other fake documents, officials said on Sunday.

The chargesheet was filed before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, in connection with an FIR registered earlier this year under various sections related to cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy, an EOW spokesperson said.

According to the investigation, the accused allegedly collected ₹23 lakh from the complainants after promising them government employment and provided forged appointment orders, identity cards, licences and fake police and CID verification documents to make the appointments appear genuine.

The spokesperson said the investigation established that the accused acted in connivance to cheat the victims and dishonestly obtained their money. Following the completion of the investigation and collection of evidence, the chargesheet was filed before the court.

The EOW advised people to remain cautious of fraudulent offers of government jobs and urged victims of economic fraud to report such cases to the Crime Branch for appropriate legal action.(NVI)

Kargil Vijay Diwas: Armed forces fully prepared to meet any challenge, says Rajnath Singh

Ladakh, July 25 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Indian armed forces are fully prepared to meet any challenge, asserting that while India’s adversaries continue to pursue proxy war and infiltration, the country’s military remains vigilant and battle-ready.

Addressing troops during a commemorative event on the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas at Dras, Singh paid tribute to the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War and said their courage, patriotism and sacrifice continue to inspire the nation.

“Even as the enemy’s intentions remain unchanged and it continues to employ proxy war and infiltration, the Indian Defence Forces stand fully prepared to face any challenge,” he said.

The defence minister expressed confidence in the armed forces, saying no one can cast an evil eye on India as long as its soldiers remain committed to protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Interacting with troops during a Barakhana, Singh said the challenges before the country have not diminished despite the historic victory in the Kargil conflict. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers and said sustained efforts are being made to modernise the armed forces with world-class equipment, technology and training.

He lauded the military for adopting advanced technologies and expressed confidence that India’s growing focus on self-reliance in defence production would further strengthen operational capabilities.

As part of the commemorative events, the defence minister attended the “Shaurya Sandhya” at the Kargil War Memorial, where he honoured the next of kin of Kargil War heroes, participated in an inter-faith prayer ceremony and paid homage by lighting lamps at the memorial.

Earlier in the day, he attended the “Yudh Sansmaran” programme at Lamochen View Point, where veterans and families of fallen soldiers were felicitated and documentaries highlighting the bravery of Operation Vijay heroes were screened.

At the Vishwanathan Stadium, Singh witnessed displays of drones, robotic mules, martial arts drills and cultural performances showcasing the region’s heritage. He also joined Kargil War veterans, serving personnel, Veer Naris and civil dignitaries at the “Shaurya Bhoj”.

The Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations will conclude on Sunday with the Defence Minister leading the nation in paying homage to the 545 martyrs of the Kargil War during the “Shradhanjali Samaroh” at the Kargil War Memorial.(NVI)

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