India has rejected remarks on Jammu and Kashmir made by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, reiterating that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India.

New Delhi also said the international community should focus on developments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), including what India described as human rights concerns and the use of the territory for cross-border terrorism.

MEA Rejects Norway’s Remarks

The response came after Eide discussed regional issues, including Jammu and Kashmir and Afghanistan, during talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Thursday.

Dar reportedly briefed the Norwegian minister on what Pakistan describes as the “long-standing unresolved” Kashmir dispute. He also raised India's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.

Responding to questions about Eide's remarks during his regular media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected the characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed issue in the manner suggested by Pakistan.

‘Integral Part of India’

Jaiswal said New Delhi's position on the territory remained unchanged.

“Let me say that the whole of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India,” he said.

He added that the issue that should concern the international community was the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

According to Jaiswal, this includes alleged atrocities in PoJK and the use of the territory for cross-border terrorism.

India Stands by IWT Position

The MEA spokesperson was also asked about recent comments by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticising India's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.

Jaiswal said there had been no change in India's position on the treaty.

India placed the IWT in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which killed 26 civilians. New Delhi has maintained that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures” its support for cross-border terrorism.

The treaty, signed in 1960, governs the use of the Indus river system by India and Pakistan and has remained an important component of bilateral relations for decades.

Protests Intensify in PoJK

India's latest remarks also come amid reports of growing public unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The region has witnessed protests, clashes, communications disruptions and allegations of excessive use of force by security personnel.

The demonstrations initially focused on issues such as electricity tariffs and the rising cost of essential commodities, but the demands have reportedly expanded to include political reforms, greater transparency and stronger democratic representation.

Security Crackdown Allegations

Videos circulating on social media, including material linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have purportedly shown clashes involving Pakistani security personnel.

Other footage circulating online has reportedly shown women protesters fleeing during a security operation in the Kotli district, accompanied by claims that live ammunition was used. Such material and claims could not be independently verified from the information available.

Large gatherings have also reportedly taken place in several parts of PoJK, with protesters expressing solidarity with the JAAC and raising concerns about alleged violence by Pakistani security forces.

Kashmir Remains a Key Diplomatic Issue

India's response underscores New Delhi's longstanding position that Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh, is an integral part of the country.

At the same time, Pakistan continues to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums and describes it as an unresolved dispute.

With India-Pakistan relations already strained over terrorism, the Indus Waters Treaty and developments in PoJK, New Delhi's rejection of the Norwegian foreign minister's remarks is likely to add another diplomatic dimension to the ongoing regional debate.

The dispute centres on an NYT report covering unrest and local elections in the region, headlined "Clashes Erupt in Pakistani Kashmir as Voting in Local Election Begins." The Indian Embassy in the US responded on X, saying, "There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," and reiterating New Delhi's long-standing position that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh "have been, are and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India."

The NYT's underlying report covered violence that erupted in Mirpur after security forces clashed with members of the Joint Awami Action Committee, a civil rights group demonstrating against alleged police excesses — part of the broader wave of anti-government protests that has continued across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in recent weeks. According to the report, at least two people died from gunshot wounds in the clashes, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan called for an independent investigation. The report also noted that the Joint Awami Action Committee claimed several of its members had been killed in police action, though it said those specific claims could not be independently verified, and that weeks of unrest had already claimed multiple lives and disrupted the local election process in the region.

This is not the first time an Indian government body has publicly challenged NYT coverage of Kashmir. Indian officials have previously accused the paper of bias in its reporting on press freedom and the region's political situation, with past objections centring on similar concerns about terminology and framing seen as inconsistent with India's official position on the territory's status.

Neither The New York Times nor Pakistani officials had issued a public response to the Indian Embassy's objection at the time of publishing. The exchange adds a diplomatic and media dimension to what has otherwise been an ongoing, largely street-level unrest story out of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where anti-government protests have continued for well over a month.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday delivered a strong message to Pakistan while commemorating the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, asserting that any future dialogue with Islamabad would be limited to the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Addressing a gathering at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Singh said India remains fully prepared to counter any security challenge and warned against continued cross-border terrorism and infiltration.

Tribute to Kargil Heroes

The Defence Minister paid floral tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil conflict. He said Kargil Vijay Diwas is not merely a commemorative date but a symbol of courage, sacrifice and patriotism that continues to inspire every Indian.

Singh recalled how Indian armed forces successfully repelled Pakistani intruders during Operation Vijay, reclaiming strategic mountain peaks under extremely difficult conditions.

'Talks Only on PoK'

Sending a clear diplomatic message to Pakistan, Singh said India has consistently sought peace but will not compromise on its sovereignty.

He stated that if bilateral talks are held in the future, they would focus only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reiterating India's long-standing position that PoK is an integral part of India under illegal occupation.

Warning Against Terrorism

The Defence Minister accused Pakistan of continuing to rely on terrorism, infiltration and proxy warfare despite changing global realities.

He said that while India is focusing on development, innovation and technological advancement, Pakistan has failed to abandon policies that encourage cross-border terrorism. Any attempt to threaten India's peace or territorial integrity, he added, would receive a firm response from the Indian armed forces.

Operation Sindoor Mentioned

Rajnath Singh also referred to Operation Sindoor, saying the operation delivered a decisive blow to terrorists and their supporters. He said the success of the mission demonstrated India's resolve to respond strongly to threats against national security.

Armed Forces Being Modernised

Highlighting the government's focus on military modernisation, Singh said continuous efforts are being made to equip the armed forces with advanced technology, indigenous defence systems and better training.

During the event, demonstrations of drones, robotic mules and martial arts drills by the armed forces were also showcased. Cultural performances celebrating Ladakh's heritage were organised, followed by the traditional 'Shaurya Bhoj' attended by military veterans, gallantry award winners, families of martyrs, senior defence officials and local residents.

The Defence Minister said the bravery and sacrifice of the Kargil heroes continue to strengthen India's resolve to safeguard its borders and national interests.

For nearly 30 years, the frozen body of a mountaineer resting on the icy slopes of Mount Everest served as a grim landmark for climbers attempting to conquer the world's highest peak. Known globally as "Green Boots" because of the distinctive green boots visible on the body, the identity of the climber remained the subject of debate for decades. Now, DNA testing has confirmed that the remains belong to Lance Naik Dorje Morup of Ladakh, ending years of speculation and paving the way for his final journey home.

Dorje Morup's family is expected to receive his body by October 2026, offering long-awaited closure after one of the most tragic chapters in Indian mountaineering history.

DNA Test Ends Three-Decade Mystery

For years, many believed the body was that of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Head Constable Tsewang Paljor. However, recent forensic analysis has established that the remains are actually those of Lance Naik Dorje Morup, who disappeared during the disastrous 1996 Everest expedition.

Morup, along with Head Constable Tsewang Paljor and Subedar Tsewang Smanla, formed India's three-member team attempting to summit Mount Everest through the northern Tibetan route.

On 10 May 1996, the climbers were caught in a violent snowstorm near the summit during what later became one of Everest's deadliest climbing seasons. The 1996 Everest disaster claimed the lives of 12 mountaineers, shocking the global climbing community.

A Wife's Wait Nears Its End

In Ladakh, the news has brought hope and emotion to Dorje Morup's family.

His 75-year-old wife, Konchok Yangskyt, has spent three decades waiting for her husband's return. Unable to hear and surviving on her husband's pension, she reportedly expressed her final wish in writing: "I will take my last breath only after seeing him."

Their son, Phuntsog Dorje, who serves in the Indian Army, said the family has not yet received complete details of the recovery mission but remains hopeful that his father's remains will finally return home after decades of uncertainty.

How 'Green Boots' Became an Everest Landmark

British mountaineer and filmmaker Matt Dickinson first filmed the body in 1996 during his Everest expedition. The footage later appeared in the documentary Summit Fever, introducing the world to what would become one of Everest's most recognizable landmarks.

The body rested inside a small rocky cave on the mountain's northern route, later known among climbers as "Green Boots Cave." Nearly every expedition ascending through this route passed the location, making it an unforgettable reference point on the climb toward the summit.

Why Recovery Took 30 Years

Recovering bodies from Everest's Death Zone, located above 8,000 metres (26,247 feet), is among the most dangerous rescue operations in the world.

At this altitude, oxygen levels are roughly one-third of those at sea level, making prolonged human activity extremely hazardous. Helicopters cannot safely operate at such heights, forcing recovery teams to rely on complex, high-risk climbing operations.

These challenges explain why the bodies of many climbers remain on the mountain for decades. Experts estimate that more than 340 mountaineers have died on Mount Everest over the years, with many still resting on its slopes.

An Emotional Homecoming

Dorje Morup's identification marks the end of one of mountaineering's longest-standing mysteries. Beyond solving the identity of "Green Boots," the development offers emotional closure to a family that waited three decades for answers.

As Ladakh prepares to welcome back one of its brave sons, the story stands as a powerful reminder of both the extraordinary courage and immense risks associated with climbing the world's highest mountain.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Central and Delhi governments on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent intervention to safeguard the health of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for the past 18 days.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued notices to both governments after the matter was mentioned for urgent hearing. The petition, filed by activist-lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, has been listed for further hearing on Thursday.

PIL Raises Concern Over Deteriorating Health

According to the petition, Wangchuk has lost around 8.25 kilograms since beginning his indefinite fast and is reportedly experiencing recurrent episodes of low blood sugar, dizziness, severe weakness and muscle loss.

The plea warns that his condition is deteriorating rapidly and urges immediate intervention to protect his life while respecting his democratic right to protest.

The court has sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government before taking further action in the matter.

Fast Linked to Education and Ladakh Demands

Wangchuk began the indefinite hunger strike on June 28 after claiming that the Centre did not respond to his demands within the deadline he had set.

His key demands include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh through Sixth Schedule status and full statehood.

Earlier, Wangchuk had indicated that discussions with the Centre on Ladakh-related issues had shown progress and suggested that the remaining issues could be resolved during the Monsoon Session if the government initiated dialogue.

According to organisers, Wangchuk has been consuming only water and salt during the fast.

Support Grows for Protest

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16 in solidarity with Wangchuk and students supporting the protest.

CJP founder Abhijit Dipke shared an appeal attributed to Wangchuk, stating that instead of urging him to end the fast, people should ask the government why dialogue has not begun.

The protest at Jantar Mantar has continued to draw supporters from civil society, student organisations and activists.

History of Similar Protests

Wangchuk has previously undertaken several hunger strikes and protest marches demanding constitutional protections for Ladakh.

His past campaigns include an eight-day fast in Leh in 2023, the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' in 2024, another hunger strike in Delhi later that year, and a 35-day fast in 2025.

Following protests in Leh in September 2025, Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act and remained in custody for nearly six months before being released in March 2026.

Court to Hear Matter Again

With concerns mounting over Wangchuk's health, the Delhi High Court is expected to hear the matter again on Thursday after receiving preliminary responses from the governments.

The outcome of the hearing could determine whether any immediate medical or administrative intervention is directed while the protest continues.

ISRO Mission Mitra: Psychological Drills Begin in Ladakh

Space agency initiates 'Mission Mitra' to evaluate astronaut endurance and mental resilience ahead of the historic Gaganyaan human spaceflight.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially moved into a critical phase of its human spaceflight program with the commencement of Mission Mitra. Set against the unforgiving, high-altitude terrain of Ladakh, this specialized analogue mission serves as a rigorous testing ground for the mental and physical limits of India’s future space travelers. As the country edges closer to its first crewed mission, the focus has shifted toward the psychological intricacies of survival in extreme isolation.

Simulating Deep Space Isolation

Mission Mitra, an acronym for Mapping of Interoperable Traits & Reliability Assessment, is designed to mimic the profound isolation of a spacecraft. In the desolate stretches of Ladakh, participants are subjected to conditions that replicate the sensory deprivation and confined living quarters of the Gaganyaan module. This latest news update from the space agency highlights a transition from purely technical hardware testing to the human element of the mission.

Testing Mental Fortitude

While technical proficiency is a prerequisite for any astronaut, the psychological toll of being sequestered from Earth is a different challenge altogether. Experts are utilizing this mission to monitor how human subjects manage stress, fatigue, and the cognitive load of complex tasks when resources are scarce. The objective is to ensure that when the final countdown for the Gaganyaan Mission begins, the crew is mentally impenetrable.

Ladakh as Analogue Terrain

The choice of Ladakh is far from coincidental. With its thin atmosphere, sub-zero temperatures, and barren landscape, the region offers a "space-equivalent" environment. These terrestrial conditions allow ISRO to observe physiological changes and decision-making speeds in a low-oxygen setting. Sources indicated that the data gathered here will be instrumental in finalizing the psychological support protocols for the actual orbital flight.

Enhancing Team Synergy

A primary focus of Mission Mitra is the evaluation of interpersonal dynamics under duress. In the vacuum of space, a minor disagreement can escalate into a mission-critical error. By placing team members in high-pressure "survival" scenarios in the Himalayas, ISRO psychologists are studying communication patterns and trust-building exercises. This ensures that the team operates as a single, cohesive unit despite the mounting pressure of the mission.

Global Training Standards

This initiative aligns India with global benchmarks set by agencies like NASA and the ESA. By adopting high-fidelity analogue simulations, ISRO is narrowing the gap between theoretical training and the visceral reality of space. According to officials, these simulations are vital for identifying "interoperable traits"—the ability of an astronaut to switch roles and support peers seamlessly during emergencies.

The Gaganyaan Roadmap

The Gaganyaan Mission remains India's most ambitious leap in the 21st century, aimed at demonstrating indigenous capability to send humans to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 400 km. While the rockets and crew modules have undergone several successful tests, the human component is now being polished. Mission Mitra acts as the bridge between the physical machine and the psychological readiness of the person inside it.

Future Mission Outlook

As the Ladakh trials progress, the findings will be integrated into the final training curriculum at the Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. The success of these simulations will determine the final readiness of the four selected test pilots. This Public Interest Story underscores India’s meticulous approach to safety, ensuring that the first Indians launched from home soil are prepared for every eventuality, both seen and unseen.

Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has already made a significant impact at the global box office, earning over ₹1,100 crore worldwide since its release on December 5, 2025. The film has been praised for its stunning portrayal of Ladakh’s natural beauty, with several key scenes shot in the region. According to Gupta, this cinematic showcase is expected to encourage more filmmakers to consider Ladakh as a prime destination for their projects.

"The movie beautifully showcases the magnificent landscapes of Ladakh, which we hope will inspire more filmmakers to shoot here," Gupta said in a statement. "We believe this will also serve to boost tourism in the region."

The decision to make Dhurandhar tax-free is part of Ladakh’s broader efforts to promote both tourism and its film industry. Gupta also revealed that the Ladakh administration is currently working on a new film policy, aimed at providing greater incentives and support to filmmakers. The policy is expected to streamline procedures and foster a more vibrant film production environment in the region.

In addition to its box-office success, Dhurandhar has garnered attention for recent changes made to its content. On December 31, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered the revision of certain scenes, which led to the muting of two words and a dialogue alteration in the film’s revised version, released on January 1, 2026. One of the muted words was "Baloch," although the full details of the revision remain unclear.

The film features a star-studded cast, including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and Danish Pandor. Its impressive lineup, coupled with the breathtaking visuals of Ladakh, has made it a major cultural and commercial success.

Looking ahead, Ladakh’s focus on cinema is clear. With the implementation of a new film policy, the region aims to position itself as a premier destination for filmmaking, contributing to both the economy and cultural tourism.