Dushanbe, Oct 20: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday called upon Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to work collectively to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism. He said there could be no justification for the menace and no double standards in dealing with those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists. Addressing the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh described terrorism as one of the gravest threats to peace and development, saying it claims innocent lives, disrupts investment and commerce, fuels radicalisation and deprives young people of opportunities. “There can be no justification for terrorism, no double standards in addressing it, and no place for those who finance, support, or provide safe havens to terrorists,” he said. Referring to the deliberations at the SCO Summit in Bishkek in August-September, Singh recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on concrete action by the organisation on security, connectivity and economic opportunities. He said India supported inclusive and mutually beneficial economic engagement among member states, stressing that the SCO must adhere to sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect. Singh said the creation of additional institutions would not necessarily translate into better outcomes, arguing that new mechanisms should address clearly identified needs, avoid duplication and deliver practical benefits to member countries. Highlighting the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, trade and supply-chain disruptions, energy and food security concerns and technological divides, the Defence Minister called for stronger cooperation to facilitate trade and investment, build resilient supply chains and use technology to drive development. He reaffirmed India's support for adopting an action plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030, emphasising that the benefits of economic cooperation must reach all sections of society. Singh also welcomed the decisions taken at the Bishkek summit to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent SCO bodies. Their effectiveness, he said, would depend on efficient coordination and timely implementation. On regional connectivity, Singh said India supported initiatives aimed at linking markets, facilitating trade and opening new avenues for development. He cited the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port as important avenues for connecting Central Asia with wider markets. He however stressed that connectivity projects must be based on consultation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, warning that initiatives lacking these principles would not be sustainable. He also called for moving beyond physical infrastructure by simplifying customs procedures, promoting digital documentation, improving logistics and adopting interoperable digital solutions to reduce the cost of doing business across the region. The Defence Minister highlighted a symposium on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia held in Mumbai earlier this month and thanked Central Asian countries and SCO partners for their participation. He also acknowledged the organisation of the first SCO Asian Economic Dialogue. Emphasising the need to measure cooperation through tangible benefits, Singh said the SCO's success should be judged by the opportunities it creates for youth, markets opened for entrepreneurs, technologies made accessible to farmers and small businesses, and connections fostered among societies. He cited India's Digital Public Infrastructure as an example of technology-driven development, saying it had transformed public service delivery and strengthened financial inclusion. He also highlighted India's start-up ecosystem and its focus on women-led development. Singh said India's initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, contributed to affordable clean energy and climate-resilient development. He also referred to Mission LiFE, which promotes sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption, and the Global Biofuel Alliance, aimed at advancing cleaner energy solutions. Calling upon the SCO to build on its 25-year foundation, Singh urged member states to pursue a forward-looking roadmap centred on consensus-driven cooperation and tangible outcomes. He reaffirmed India's commitment to working with all member countries and invited them to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, to be hosted by India later this year. The meeting reviewed progress in multilateral economic and trade cooperation and discussed ways to strengthen collaboration in transport, finance, the digital economy and social development. The heads of delegation adopted a joint communiqué covering the meeting's outcomes, the SCO budget for 2027, relevant financial and administrative decisions, and the action plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030. The SCO Council of Heads of Government is a key mechanism for promoting economic and other forms of practical cooperation among member states. India has been a full member of the organisation since 2017.
New Delhi, Oct 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated five development projects covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity in Ladakh worth around Rs 3,350 crore. The projects include a new passenger terminal at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, built for Rs 640 crore. Spread over 23,800 square metres, the modern terminal is designed to handle 35 lakh passengers annually, officials said. It incorporates geothermal energy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, reflecting the importance of sustainable infrastructure in Ladakh’s ecologically sensitive environment. Blending modern passenger amenities with elements of Ladakh's rich cultural heritage, the terminal will improve passenger convenience and strengthen air connectivity with the rest of the country, the officials said. Modi also dedicated to the nation the 298-km-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Connecting Nimmu in Leh with Darcha in Himachal Pradesh through the remote Zanskar Valley, the road provides an alternative connectivity corridor to Ladakh, supplementing the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways, an official statement said. Traversing the challenging Himalayan terrain, including the high-altitude Shinkun La Pass, the road marks a significant engineering achievement. Its strategic importance lies in enhancing operational mobility and strengthening logistical support for the armed forces, the statement said. It will also benefit the residents of Zanskar by improving access to healthcare, education, markets and essential services, it said. “Today, another chapter is being added to Ladakh’s progress and development. I am happy to be part of this occasion through technology. Several important development projects have been inaugurated in Ladakh today. “These projects will make travel easier for many people, improve electricity facilities in some areas, increase water availability in others, and strengthen the preservation of our ancient heritage,” Modi said. As part of the efforts to strengthen energy security and harness Ladakh’s renewable energy potential, the prime minister inaugurated the 9 MW Hanu small hydroelectric project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi transmission line. The projects will strengthen power evacuation infrastructure and improve the reliability of Ladakh’s electricity network, marking a step towards harnessing the region’s hydropower resources. Recognising the importance of preserving Ladakh’s ancient archaeological heritage, the prime minister also inaugurated India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh. Ladakh is home to hundreds of prehistoric rock art sites featuring carvings of wildlife, human figures and symbolic representations that offer valuable insights into thousands of years of human history. The prime minister also inaugurated 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar, an initiative aimed at addressing Ladakh's unique geographical and climatic challenges through water conservation, in line with the objectives of Mission Amrit Sarovar. Agriculture in Ladakh faces a seasonal imbalance between water availability and demand. Farmers often experience water scarcity during the crucial sowing season, even as snowmelt and glacial runoff provide substantial water resources during other periods. Project Him Sarovar seeks to address this challenge by conserving water when it is available and ensuring its availability when required, thereby supporting irrigation, sustaining agricultural livelihoods and strengthening long-term water security in the region, the statement said. (PTI)
Mumbai, Oct 15: Mumbai Police have directed Bollywood actor Imran Khan, a US citizen, to leave India by October 28 for allegedly violating provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act by participating in a political protest in Mumbai, officials said on Thursday. The notice follows Khan’s participation in an agitation at August Kranti Maidan on October 10, where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police had briefly detained the actor during the demonstration. A police official said foreign nationals were prohibited under relevant provisions of the law from participating in political protests or activities in India. The formal notice directing Khan to leave the country by October 28 has been served on him, and he has received a copy, officials said, adding that further administrative procedures were underway. The actor was unavailable for comment. Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who had sought action against Khan over his participation in the protest, welcomed the police move and demanded similar action against others allegedly involved in political activities despite holding foreign citizenship. Somaiya said he had approached the Union government’s immigration authorities, the Airports Authority and Mumbai Police after Khan joined the agitation. He had also urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene. “I filed a complaint on Saturday and followed it up on Sunday. I had sought a report on how long Imran Khan had been a US citizen,” Somaiya told reporters, thanking the authorities for acting on his complaint. The BJP leader alleged that Khan had participated in activities opposing the government despite being an American citizen. He demanded a thorough investigation to identify others allegedly involved in similar activities and called for action against them. Khan, 43, is the nephew of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and has appeared in several Hindi films, including I Hate Luv Storys (2010) and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011). He recently made a cameo appearance in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, a film backed by Aamir Khan. Following the October 10 protest, a video surfaced showing the actor responding to a reporter’s question about his participation in the agitation while being escorted towards a police vehicle. “I have no demands. I am not part of any organisation,” he said. Somaiya had questioned Khan’s participation in the protest, which he described as being held in support of the Cockroach Janta Party, and sought clarity on whether a foreign national could take part in such political demonstrations. He said the action against Khan should serve as a warning to others and urged authorities to identify and take action against foreign nationals allegedly engaging in similar activities.
New Delhi, Oct 13: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained by police on Tuesday after they reached Jantar Mantar despite heavy barricading and a strong security presence, the CJP said. In a post on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said other team members, including Ajinkya Shinde, had also been detained. "Cockroaches with the Tiranga sneaked into Jantar Mantar early this morning before they were picked up by Delhi Police," Dipke said. He said Ranka, Das and Shinde, along with other team members, have been detained. "You cannot denotify the resistance," Dipke said, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dipke also shared a video showing CJP members jumping over a gate to enter Jantar Mantar and raising slogans like "Bharat Mata ki Jai". Police personnel were seen rushing to grab them. CJP members said they had entered Jantar Mantar to assert their right to protest at the designated site and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. "Jantar Mantar has been breached. The resignation of Gyanesh Kumar will happen at Jantar Mantar. Do what you can," Ranka said. Das questioned the Home Ministry's restrictions on access to the protest site, saying, "Who is the Home Ministry to take away our Jantar Mantar? This is the designated protest site, and we will get the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar from Jantar Mantar." Das also flashed a copy of the Constitution and said, "Constitution is with us." The CJP members raised slogans of "Bharat Mata ki Jai", "Inquilab Zindabad" and "Jai Bhim". They also recited the revolutionary poem "Sarfaroshi ki Tamanna" and raised slogans against the authorities. In a statement, the CJP described its action as reclaiming Jantar Mantar, saying that its members had entered the heavily barricaded protest site and hoisted the Tricolour there. "Fortress Jantar Mantar has been reclaimed," said the statement. The detentions come amid heightened security in New Delhi following protest calls given by different organisations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Delhi Police has deployed a large number of personnel across the city to maintain law and order. (PTI)
New Delhi, Oct 11: At least 11 Indians were injured in the deadly attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed 12 people and wounded more than 300 others, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday. In a statement on X, the Indian Embassy said it had been following up on Saturday's attack, in which 12 people were killed and more than 300 injured. "It is learnt that 11 Indians are among those injured in the attack. Embassy has been in touch with local authorities to enquire about their well being. Our officials have also reached out to the hospital authorities. We will provide further updates as they become available," the embassy wrote in a statement on X. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong condemnation of the repeated attacks on King Khalid International Airport over the past several days, including the October 10 strike. "We strongly condemn the repeated attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport over the past few days, including the dastardly attack on October 10, which have led to loss of lives, injuries and damage to property. We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured persons," the ministry said. New Delhi also called for an immediate end to attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. "The repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately," the statement added. India expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, emphasising its support for the kingdom’s sovereignty and its hope for a return to peace and normalcy in the region. "We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty, and hope that peace and normalcy returns to the region at the earliest," the MEA said. Meanwhile, the Houthis renewed warnings to airlines, travellers and airport workers, urging them to avoid Saudi airports and airspace following the deadly attack. "We renew our warning to all airlines, experts, employees, workers and travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace, as they are vulnerable to attack and have become a theatre of operations for our forces, with the exception of the airports in (the holy cities of) Mecca and Medina," the group said in a post on X. "We urge everyone to take our warnings seriously, and Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions." Saudi authorities have temporarily suspended airport operations while assessing the damage and safety conditions. The airport attack comes amid an intensification of fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. Saudi Arabia has stepped up its military involvement in Yemen in recent weeks, launching strikes against the rebels and backing a government counteroffensive after the Houthis seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast last month. The Houthi-run foreign ministry warned that further Saudi military action would prompt a stronger response. "Unless the Saudi enemy stops its aggression and interference in Yemen, worse is yet to come, God willing," the ministry said in statements carried by Houthi-run Al Masirah television. Despite the security concerns, Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said a major international energy conference would proceed in Riyadh. The five-day WPC Energy Congress is being held at a convention centre around 10 kilometres from the airport. Saudi authorities have also shifted schools in Riyadh to remote learning from Sunday until Thursday as precautionary measures remain in place.
Chennai, Oct 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he has taken development as his 'mantra,' and reaffirmed his commitment to serve the people of Tamil Nadu and ensuring the state's progress by working with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. He listed the rapid strides made in various sectors in the last 12 years, including the significant jump in defence exports. In his address after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for railway, road and petroleum-related projects worth about Rs 13,000 crore with Vijay, the PM underscored his commitment to ensure development. During the inauguration, the prime minister invited Vijay with a gesture to jointly flag off the Chennai Metro Phase-2 network, marking a milestone event carrying immense political and administrative significance for the centre-state ties. He held Vijay’s hand and jointly flagged off the service. The Chennai Metro Phase 2 network has been executed as a joint venture between the Central and Tamil Nadu state governments. Later, at the launch of infrastructure projects too, the PM held CM Vijay's hand to jointly inaugurate the initiatives. During his subsequent address, Prime Minister Modi said, "I have always taken the country's development as my mantra". "As chief minister, I understood the expectations of a state. After becoming PM, not only did I try to fulfil the aspirations but also made efforts so that the states meet their aspiration goals," he said. Referring to Tamil Nadu, he said when he was CM, he got the opportunity to interact with late leaders M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa when they headed Tamil Nadu. And, after becoming prime minister, he could work with former CMs O Panneerselvam, Edappadi K Palaniswami and M K Stalin. "Governments may change, but my resolve for Tamil Nadu's development, serving its people remains steadfast. With this determination to serve people, together with CM Vijay, we are taking forward the development of the state," he said. TVK founder Vijay had ushered in his maiden government by winning the April Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Referring to his completion of 25 years as PM and CM, Modi said, "As head of government, my trust in people and cooperative federalism has grown strong". "A few days ago, with the blessings of the people, I completed 25 years of public service as a head of government - an important milestone. In October 2001, I took the oath as the chief minister of Gujarat. From there onwards, the people allowed me to serve them, first as chief minister and later as prime minister. Over these 25 years, my faith in two great strengths of our democracy has grown even stronger. First, the people of the country; and second, cooperative federalism," the PM said. He said Tamil Nadu has played a significant role in the journey of strengthening port infrastructure to take the shipping sector to new heights. With an investment of around Rs 17,000 crore, V O Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi is being developed into a world-class mega container and green energy hub. Once completed, the port will be able to accommodate the world’s ultra-large container vessels. "This will help transform Tamil Nadu into a global hub for industry and transportation," he said. He noted that since 2014, India’s electronics exports increased 11-fold, while defence exports have grown 50-fold. Engineering exports have also reached new records. The growth in manufacturing has created lakhs of jobs for the youth, and the people of Tamil Nadu have played an important role in driving this manufacturing growth. "I have always believed that urbanisation is not a challenge but an opportunity, and public transportation plays a crucial role in realising that opportunity. Good public transport improves the ease of living for people. However, better transportation requires more than just widening roads. Modern cities need holistic infrastructure. That is why, over the last decade, we have focused on expanding metro connectivity across the country," he said. In 2014, metro services were available in only five cities, but today, they are operational in 25 cities across the country. From mandir to metro, these experiences of Tamil Nadu reflected the spirit of India, which draws strength and inspiration from its cultural heritage, he said and noted that the Rs 13,000 crore worth of projects that he inaugurated and laid foundations for new ones would make daily travel easier; others will strengthen industry and trade. "Together, they will create jobs for young people across Tamil Nadu," Modi said. Following the inauguration, PM Modi took a ride on the Chennai Metro from Porur Bypass Station to Poonamallee Bypass Station and back, accompanied by Chief Minister Vijay and senior officials. (PTI)
Srinagar, Oct 11: Union Minister of State (MoS) for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale on Sunday defended the Election Commission’s exercise of deleting names from electoral rolls and accused the Congress and other opposition parties of targeting the poll body to corner the government. Addressing media persons at the State Guest House Hari Niwas in Srinagar, Athawale said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would not resign despite protests by the Congress, saying that the deletion of voter names was based on an examination of electoral rolls. “If you continue to protest, Gyanesh Kumar will not resign,” Athawale said while responding to the Congress-led protests seeking accountability from the Election Commission. He claimed that around 13 crore entries were removed from electoral rolls across the country, including those of people who had shifted residences, voters whose names appeared at multiple locations, and individuals who could not be traced. Athawale said the exercise included approximately six crore entries relating to people who had migrated from their original places of residence, while another one crore entries allegedly involved duplicate registrations at two locations. He further claimed that around three crore voters could not be traced and that approximately 2.8 crore entries related to deceased persons were alsk identified during the scrutiny of electoral rolls. He defended the Election Commission and said the deletions could not be viewed as an exercise directed exclusively against the opposition, saying that voters belonging to his own party could also have been affected. “Why to object the Election Commission when the exercise has been carried out across the country?” he said, adding that it was not justified to assume that all deleted entries would otherwise have benefited the Opposition. Athawale accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties of deliberately targeting the government and attempting to create difficulties for the public through protests. While acknowledging that protests were a democratic right, he said political parties should not resort to activities that lead to disorder and inconvenience for ordinary citizens. “Everyone has the right to protest in a democracy, but creating anarchy is not right,” he said. Athawale also criticised the opposition’s agitation against the Chief Election Commissioner, saying that the protests would not compel Kumar to step down. He also said that Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) should not have been part of the Opposition protest and create chaos in the Country. "'Earlier they (CJP) raised student related issues concerning NEET paper leak and government reacted to that as well. But now protesting with Opposition and demanding resignation of Gyanesh Kumar wonbe accepted," he added.
New Delhi, Oct 11: Stringent traffic restrictions remained in force across several parts of Delhi on Sunday for a second consecutive day as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) renewed its call for protests demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. According to a Delhi Traffic Police advisory, diversions were enforced from 6 am, with traffic movement to be affected around Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Patel Chowk and several other key intersections in Lutyens' Delhi. The restrictions come amid a security clampdown following announcement by CJP and prominent student organisations, including the Students' Federation of India (SFI) that protests would continue until their demands were met. The affected stretches include the Ashoka Road-Jantar Mantar Road roundabout, Tolstoy Marg-Janpath crossing, Jai Singh Road-Sansad Marg crossing, Rail Bhawan roundabout, Patel Chowk, Gol Dak Khana and several intersections around Connaught Place. Traffic movement is also likely to be affected at Mandi House, the Minto Road-Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg junction, the Lodhi Road flyover, Neela Gumbad roundabout, the Samrat Hotel roundabout, the Sardar Patel Marg-Panchsheel Marg crossing and the underpasses beneath the Bhikaji Cama Place and Moti Bagh flyovers. At a press conference at HKS Surjeet Bhawan on Saturday, CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde said marches to Jantar Mantar would be held daily until Kumar was removed as chief election commissioner. Shinde also alleged that protesters, including Abhijeet Dipke, had been subjected to inhumane treatment by the Delhi Police during detention. Police said on Sunday that CJP leaders Dipke, Ranka and Das have been placed under preventive arrest and will be produced before the Executive Magistrate at Delhi Cantt Police Station on Sunday. SFI general secretary Srijan Bhattacharyya said students would hold peaceful demonstrations and that places where police barricades stopped them would become their protest sites. The traffic police have advised commuters to avoid non-essential travel and set aside additional time for journeys to railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and the airport, particularly when travelling through New Delhi and central Delhi. It said restrictions would be regulated or relaxed based on real-time assessments of the situation and urged commuters to follow updates on its official website and social media platforms.
Srinagar, Oct 10 : A high-level team of the Union Home Ministry will hold a fresh round of talks with Ladakh's political leadership here on October 15, with the Centre and local groupings still appearing divided over the way forward on the region's core demands. Top sources said the Leh Apex Body (LAB) will submit its replies to nine queries raised by the MHA in the previous rounds of discussions. The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). However, is pressing for a draft proposal from the Centre before the talks proceed — a demand that has become a sticking point between the two sides. Ladakh MP, a former MP and other senior leaders from the region are likely to attend the meeting, sources said. The MHA has been engaging with Ladakh's stakeholders since 2023, but the talks are yet to produce a breakthrough on the demands for full statehood and Sixth Schedule status — the twin issues that have driven sustained protests in the union territory.
Roorkee, Sep 19: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval said on Saturday that India's GDP would increase from the current USD 4.015 trillion to USD 38 trillion in the next 20 years. Addressing the convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee as the chief guest, Doval said that the students are fortunate to be living in a transformative era where their future holds great promise. Citing the example of Lord Ram, the NSA urged students to be courageous in their lives. He said that sage Vishwamitra chose Lord Ram to annihilate demons because of his courageous nature. "Massive changes are taking place in India, and the country is moving towards a magnificent future," the NSA said. "As the prime minister has termed the period leading up to 2047 as 'Amrit Kaal', it is truly a wonderful Amrit Kaal. India's current GDP stands at USD 4.015 trillion, and it will reach USD 38 trillion in the next 20 years," Doval added. "The Current generation is the luckiest with abundant opportunities, unlike past struggles. This is the age of technology, engineering, and innovation, which drives societal growth, with the youth having decades for progress," he said. The NSA further said that decision-making and building one's own doctrine are critical to becoming a leader. “You will never become a leader if you are not a decision maker. You have got to make a decision… you have got to build your own doctrine," he said. Doval also shared an anecdote from his early career days while posted in Sikkim, recounting how he learned three mantras for success in life from a Sherpa. Doval explained that the first mantra is knowing where one stands on the map; the second is knowing where one needs to go; and the third is knowing the path to get there and come back.
New Delhi, Aug 18: India on Tuesday condemned cross-border terrorism and said its fight against terrorism would continue and New Delhi would take “whatever action is required” to defeat the menace. Addressing media persons in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India wanted the global community to understand that the country was being targeted by global terrorism and had made sustained efforts over the years to build international action against cross-border terrorism. “Our fight against terrorism will continue further and we will take whatever action is required to defeat terrorism,” the MEA spokesperson said. On the unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Jaiswal said a large number of people were killed by Pakistani forces and many others injured. He alleged that the Pakistan government had also restricted the supply of essential commodities in the region. India, he said, urged Pakistan to ensure the provision of basic amenities to the people of PoK, while calling for international support and sympathy for those affected by the situation. On ties with Bangladesh, Jaiswal said India continued to have energy cooperation with the neighbouring country and was examining its requirements, refinery capacity and availability in connection with Dhaka’s request for additional energy supplies. He said India desired a “positive, constructive and forward-looking” relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual interests. On Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Jaiswal reiterated India’s consistent position that the request was being examined through established processes between the two countries. Meanwhile, on India-Afghanistan relations, the MEA spokesperson said deep-rooted ties between the two countries continued to drive their historic relationship and were helping strengthen bilateral ties further. Jaiswal also conveyed India’s condolences over the loss of lives in the earthquakes in Indonesia. He said a large number of people had been killed and many others injured, expressing India’s solidarity with Indonesia during the difficult hour.
Ahmedabad, Aug 18: Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) has launched a week-long certificate course on Information Warfare to examine the role of perception, narratives and influence in contemporary security and conflict. The programme was inaugurated by the university’s School of Internal Security, Defence and Strategic Studies. Addressing the inaugural session online, Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.) spoke about information warfare as a continuous cognitive contest and highlighted the growing influence of social media and strategic communication. Hasnain discussed the “10 Cs” of strategic communication and said the impact of narratives can extend beyond individuals to wider sections of society. He also emphasised the changing nature of conflict, where information and perception increasingly form part of the security environment. The week-long course will cover psychological warfare, regional case studies, cyber operations, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and social media. It is aimed at providing participants with an understanding of emerging informational and cognitive dimensions of conflict. The opening day also included sessions examining diplomacy and strategic communication in the global arena, providing participants with perspectives on the relationship between information, foreign policy and security. The programme is being organised as part of RRU’s academic and training initiatives in the fields of internal security, defence and strategic studies.
New Delhi, Aug 14: India on Friday reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were an integral and inalienable part of the country saying that there was no change in its position on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). Addressing a media persons, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it was ready to extend assistance to Colombia following the devastating earthquake disaster. He said that India’s existing arrangement to supply diesel to Bangladesh was continuing, while any additional request would be examined keeping in mind India’s own refining capacity and availability of diesel. On the Indus Water Treaty, Jaiswal said India’s position remained unchanged and was already well known. “India’s position on the Indus Water Treaty is well-known. There is no change in it,” he said. He expressed condolences over the earthquake disaster in Colombia and said India had conveyed its readiness to assist the country in whatever manner possible. Jaiswal said India had already sent 20 metric tonnes of relief material to Colombia, including medical supplies, medical equipment and other items required for post-earthquake recovery. He said India was in touch with the Colombian government through its diplomatic mission and was monitoring the situation. India’s offer of assistance comes as part of its continued humanitarian outreach during major natural disasters and emergencies affecting friendly countries. On remarks by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, Jaiswal once again underlined New Delhi’s position on Jammu and Kashmir. “The whole of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is an integral and inalienable part of India,” he said. Jaiswal said the issues that should concern the international community were the alleged atrocities being perpetrated in illegally Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and the use of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for cross-border terrorism. India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and that Pakistan should end its illegal occupation of areas under its control. On Bangladesh’s request for additional fuel supplies amid its energy concerns, Jaiswal said the existing arrangement between the two countries for the supply of diesel remained operational. “There is an ongoing arrangement with Bangladesh for supply of diesel, which is continuing,” he said. However, he made it clear that any additional requirement would have to be assessed against India’s own domestic needs. The spokesperson said such a request would be examined keeping in mind India’s refining capacity as well as the availability of diesel in the country. On the upcoming BRICS Summit in September, Jaiswal said India had extended invitations to several countries to participate in the summit. He said Bangladesh Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus had also been invited for a bilateral visit to India, along with an invitation to participate in the outreach session of the BRICS Summit. The outreach component is aimed at expanding engagement with countries beyond the BRICS grouping and strengthening dialogue on issues of common regional and global interest. On the issue of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), Jaiswal said legislative matters concerning India were internal matters to be decided through the country’s constitutional and parliamentary processes. “Legislative matters concerning India are our own internal matters on which the Parliament of India is there to decide,” he said. He also urged the media to disregard what he described as “mischievous reports” on the issue. Reacting to the Congress’ remarks against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Jaiswal said India maintained strong relations with Italy, which had expanded and strengthened in recent years. He said diplomatic engagement between countries was guided by mutual respect and understanding. “India has strong ties with Italy which have expanded and strengthened in recent years,” Jaiswal said, adding that as part of diplomatic practice, India worked to strengthen bilateral relations while remaining respectful of each other and the mutual understanding between the two sides. On Afghanistan, the MEA spokesperson said India had undertaken several engagements with the country that had contributed to strengthening the partnership in several areas. “We have longstanding ties with Afghanistan and we look forward to strengthening these ties,” Jaiswal said. India has maintained engagement with Afghanistan on humanitarian assistance and other areas while continuing to assess developments in the country. On India-Nepal relations, Jaiswal described the ties between the two countries as longstanding, warm and multifaceted. He said the relationship was underpinned by unique people-to-people ties and remained strong, while acknowledging that issues could arise between the two neighbours that needed to be addressed through dialogue. “There will be issues which we need to sit together and discuss. For any such issues, we have bilateral mechanisms in place,” he said.
New Delhi, Aug 14: The Supreme Court on Friday quashed criminal defamation proceedings against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, holding that the requisite sanction from the Uttar Pradesh government for prosecution had not been obtained. A Bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu allowed Gandhi's plea and set aside the summons issued against him by the lower court. The case relates to remarks Gandhi made during the Congress's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Maharashtra in 2022, when he described Savarkar as a “servant of the British” and alleged that he received a pension from the British. SC Stays HC Order on Karur Stampede Jobs The Supreme Court on Friday stayed a Madras High Court order that had quashed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to provide government employment to family members of those killed in the Karur stampede last year. A Bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran passed the interim order while hearing the Tamil Nadu government's challenge to the July 27 verdict of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. During the hearing, the apex court questioned the challenge to the state's decision, observing that the government had offered employment to bereaved families following an unfortunate tragedy. The High Court had struck down the decision to provide compassionate appointments to families of those who died in the September 2025 Karur stampede.
New Delhi, June 23: Google restored instant messaging app Telegram on Tuesday morning as a temporary ban imposed by the government ended in the midnight of June 22. The platform was accessible to some existing users before Google restored it. The app continued to remain delisted on Apple's Appstore till around 10 am. An emailed query sent to Apple did not elicit an immediate response in this regard. The government had temporarily imposed a blanket ban on Telegram until June 22 and sources indicated that there is no change or extension of timelines in the order. The government had ordered the ban on Telegram following its failure to prevent the circulation of fake examination papers of NEET, dissemination of misleading information and other fraudulent activities that impacted the examination process. Before imposing the ban, government officials met Telegram representatives on June 3 where these concerns were flagged. Thereafter, the Centre decided to block the app and its associated web links, including the web version, till June 22. Telegram has also been directed to block its message editing feature till June 30. The NEET re-examination was conducted on June 21 and so far there has been no report of any fraudulent activity. Telegram Founder and CEO Pavel Durov had criticised India's IT ministry for banning Telegram for one week because some users shared leaked exam questions. He alleged that Reliance, in which Meta has a partial stake, may have lobbied, along with its competitor WhatsApp, to impose the ban on the company's app in the country.
New Delhi, Jun 23: Every file represents the aspirations, concerns and lives of countless citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told young IAS officers on Tuesday, while asking them to place people at the centre of every decision and ensure that governance remains empathetic, responsive and inclusive. Interacting with 183 officer trainees of the IAS-2024 batch, who have been attached as assistant secretaries in various ministries and departments here, the prime minister also said major developmental challenges cannot be solved in silos and effective coordination across departments is essential for achieving meaningful and lasting outcomes. He told the young civil servants to dedicate themselves to nation-building with a strong sense of purpose, innovation and citizen-centric governance, and urged them to always remember the human impact behind every administrative file. Modi said every file represents the aspirations, concerns and lives of countless citizens, according to an official statement. Stressing the mantra of "Nagrik Devo Bhava", the prime minister called upon the young officers to place citizens at the centre of every decision and ensure that governance remains empathetic, responsive and inclusive, the statement said. He urged them to constantly evaluate their own contribution towards nation-building and derive satisfaction not from positions held, but from measurable outcomes achieved. Modi said after two years of field exposure and administrative learning, the officers now stand at a crucial stage where their decisions will shape not just their own careers, but the future of crores of citizens. He emphasised that the real test of public service begins by handling real-life situations with integrity, sensitivity and commitment. Highlighting the vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047", Modi noted that every policy and administrative decision over the coming decades must contribute towards building a developed India. Calling for a whole-of-government approach, he stressed that the country's priorities today include "Aatmanirbhar Bharat", "Make in India", manufacturing growth, energy security and creating opportunities for youngsters. The prime minister underlined the transformation in governance over the last 10 years, noting that administration has moved from a process-centric model to a result-oriented approach. He cited the growing role of digital governance, artificial intelligence and technology in improving service delivery, enabling citizens to access services with ease and transparency. Emphasising the importance of data-driven governance, Modi said data must not be viewed merely as numbers, but as a reflection of the collective lives, challenges and aspirations of millions of people. He asked the officers to regularly verify whether policies are effectively translating into outcomes on the ground. The prime minister also highlighted the growing role of women in nation-building, noting that more than 40 per cent of the current batch comprises women officers. He expressed confidence that their energy, talent and dedication would play a pivotal role in taking India's development journey to new heights. The young officer trainees also shared their experiences from their field training and attachment in ministries. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretaries to the Prime Minister P K Mishra and Shaktikanta Das, Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan, Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration Sriram Taranikanti, among others, were present on the occasion.
New Delhi, Jun 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan amid buzz over a reshuffle of the Union council of ministers. The president's office shared pictures of the meeting in a post on X. "Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan," the post said. The meeting, which took place soon after the civil investiture ceremony to confer Padma awards, assumes significance as political circles in the national capital are buzzing with the growing possibility of a cabinet reshuffle. Earlier in the day, veteran BJP leader from Kerala George Kurian resigned from the Union council of ministers following the expiry of his Rajya Sabha term. Kurian (65) was Union minister of state for minority affairs and also for fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying. President Murmu has accepted Kurian's resignation, a communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. The BJP had decided not to renominate Kurian, whose term ended on June 21, in the recent Rajya Sabha polls. Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh, whose Rajya Sabha term ended on June 21, has also not been renominated by the BJP to the Upper House. Singh, who had been a Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan since August 2024, also holds the charge as the Minister of State for the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. Of late, a few Union ministers have been given key organisational responsibilities in their home states. Their appointment has also led to speculation of an imminent cabinet reshuffle. BJP national president Nitin Nabin had on May 28 appointed Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra as Delhi BJP chief. Malhotra (62) is also Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs. He currently holds both portfolios. Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary was in December last year named the new president of the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit.
New Delhi, Jun 22: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Monday held wide-ranging talks with senior Iranian security official Ghadir Nezamipour focusing on the evolving security environment in West Asia. Nezamipour, the Deputy Secretary for Defence Affairs at Iran's powerful Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), is in New Delhi to attend a conclave of BRICS. "Both sides reviewed the ongoing situation in West Asia. They also discussed cooperation under the BRICS platform and India-Iran bilateral ties," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said on social media. It is the first visit to India by a senior official from Iran after it struck a peace agreement with the US. The NSAs of BRICS nations will hold extensive discussions on the security scenario in the region on Tuesday. The conclave officially begins on Monday. India to host key BRICS security conclave amid rising geopolitical tensions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu, and other top BRICS security officials are set to be part of the deliberations. The conclave will be chaired by NSA Doval. New Delhi is hosting the conclave in its capacity as the current chair of the influential grouping. BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Indonesia joining in 2025. BRICS has emerged as an influential grouping as it brings together 11 major emerging economies of the world, representing around 49.5 per cent of the global population, around 40 per cent of the global GDP and around 26 per cent of the global trade. The top BRICS security officials are expected to deliberate extensively on the overall regional security scenario including the situation in West Asia as well as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Indian side is likely to raise its concerns over terrorism including cross-border terrorist activities targeting Jammu and Kashmir by terror groups based in Pakistan. The Pakistan-Afghanistan hostilities may too figure in the deliberations, people familiar with the matter said. The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in May had ended without a joint statement as sharp differences between Iran and the UAE over the West Asia conflict were on full display. BRICS operates under a framework of consensus and India had issued a chair's statement and outcome document featuring two specific paragraphs where unanimity could not be reached.
New Delhi, Jun 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress on Monday for decades of unabated Maoist violence in the country and said the hands of those who are waving the Constitution now were trembling then. Addressing the "Republic Summit 2026" here, Modi also said Bharat is not only a fast-growing economy, but also a credible and reliable global power and the country is scripting the future of the next 1,000 years. He said the previous Congress governments had labelled Naxal-affected areas as backward regions but the NDA government undertook the challenge of transforming those areas, helping the people there rise above despair and igniting their aspirations for progress. To reflect this new approach, Modi said his government renamed those areas as aspirational districts and blocks and today, these aspirational districts and blocks are driving the growth of those regions. He said a significant proportion of the population in these regions lived in poverty but over the last few years, 25 crore people have overcome poverty, with aspirational districts playing a crucial role in this achievement and those areas that were once affected by Naxalism are seeing new rays of development now. The prime minister said even in the 21st century, terrorists had prevented any facility from being established in the tribal areas. He added that even a government vehicle could not pass through as it would be riddled with bullets. Governments came and went, generations came and went and it seemed that this misfortune of violence would persist just like that, Modi said. "Between 2004 and 2014, more than 17,000 violent incidents occurred due to Maoist terrorism and nearly 7,000 lives were lost. After 2014, we moved forward with the resolve of Nation First to change the situation. "Today, Maoist terrorism in the country is counting its final breaths. This became possible because it required total dedication. Today, those who are waving the Constitution, their hands were trembling to even show the Constitution then," he said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been seen carrying a copy of the Constitution for different occasions, including while taking oath as an MP after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
New Delhi, June 22: The Ministry of Minority Affairs on Monday announced the Haj Policy 2027, outlining a series of measures aimed at enhancing pilgrim services and streamlining the pilgrimage process. Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, formally released the policy and announced the commencement of applications for Haj-2027. As per the official handout, the prospective pilgrims can submit their applications online through the Haj Committee of India portal (hajcommittee.gov.in) and the Haj Suvidha mobile application. The government said the digital application process has been designed to make registration simpler, more accessible and transparent. Under the new policy, the allocation of the Haj quota between the Haj Committee of India and private operators is expected to remain unchanged at a 70:30 ratio. Of the total quota allotted to India last year, 1,22,518 seats were allocated to the Haj Committee of India and 52,507 to the private sector. The Centre, however, said it would continue efforts to secure an increase in India's Haj quota beyond last year's total allocation of 1,75,025 pilgrims. The policy was finalised following a Haj review meeting chaired by Rijiju on June 18, during which the arrangements for Haj-2026 were assessed and preparations for Haj-2027 were approved. The Ministry said the early release of the policy and opening of applications would facilitate timely planning in accordance with the schedule prescribed by the Saudi authorities. Building on several pilgrim-centric initiatives introduced during Haj-2026, the new policy seeks to further improve comfort, safety and convenience for pilgrims. Measures introduced last year included sofa-cum-beds in Mina, high-speed train travel between Makkah and Madinah, hotel-style accommodation in Makkah and a 20-day Short Haj Package. The Indian Haj Mission was also awarded two Labbaytum Awards by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the category of "Best Haj Coordination and Communication" for Haj-2026. Among the major reforms announced for Haj-2027 is the enhancement of on-ground assistance through an improved State Haj Inspector-to-pilgrim ratio, which has been revised from one inspector for every 150 pilgrims to one for every 135 pilgrims. To address the growing waiting list, the policy provides preferential consideration to the top 20 per cent of applicants who remained on the final waiting list for Haj-2026. The Short Haj Package has also been retained, with Kolkata added as a new embarkation point following strong demand from the region. The policy further aligns medical screening procedures with Saudi health guidelines and introduces stricter checks to ensure that individuals suffering from chronic medical conditions are not cleared for the pilgrimage, citing health and safety concerns. In a significant push towards technology-driven management, the Ministry is planning to introduce artificial intelligence-based interventions across various stages of Haj operations. These include AI-assisted application and document verification, demand forecasting for flight allocation and real-time grievance monitoring. A key feature under consideration is a multilingual conversational AI assistant capable of providing round-the-clock support in Hindi, Urdu and other regional languages. The system is expected to assist pilgrims with applications, payments, travel details, accommodation, baggage-related information and grievance redressal through voice and text-based interactions. The Ministry said the proposed AI platform would reduce errors in applications, minimise dependence on intermediaries and improve access to accurate information, particularly for first-time and elderly pilgrims. Plans are also underway to integrate the system with Saudi Arabia's Nusuk platform to enable seamless coordination and real-time information sharing throughout the pilgrimage. Rijiju urged all eligible pilgrims to complete their applications within the stipulated timelines and directed the Haj Committee of India and other concerned agencies to ensure a smooth, transparent and efficient application process. He reiterated the government's commitment to providing every Indian pilgrim with a safe, comfortable and dignified Haj experience.
New Delhi, May 31: Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Sunday sad that the Indian Navy was deeply committed to jointness, Atmanirbharata, and indigenisation, and that will also be one of his key result areas. "I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity to work with the men and women of the Indian Navy, whom I consider the finest professionals anywhere in the world," he said. He said their welfare, well-being, professional performance, and personal growth shall be of the highest importance to him. "I shall remain invested in that very sincerely in the days to come. At this stage, I would like to express the collective gratitude of the Indian Navy to Admiral Dinesh Tripathi for his highly meritorious and illustrious service to the nation," he said. Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said Tripathi, the outgoing chief of Navy has been an extremely effective CNS, "led us very successfully, and given us the benefit of his guidance and vision at every turn." "On behalf of a grateful Navy, I wish him the very best as he transits to a new phase of his life," he said Swaminathan said he will devote every single day of his life to making the Navy a better, stronger, sharper, and more impactful service so that it can serve the interests of national security, national development, and national economic prosperity to the best of its ability.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
Srinagar, Feb 12: Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 15.48 lakh traffic violation cases in 2025, with authorities collecting more than Rs 34.17 crore as penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha in response to a question raised by MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal. According to the official data, 15,48,525 challans were issued across the Union Territory in 2025, while the penalty amount recovered stood at Rs 34,17,36,740. The figures further show that in 2024, a total of 15,44,105 violations were registered with a penalty collection of around Rs 43.40 crore, while in 2023, 12,38,584 challans were issued and Rs 34.56 crore was collected. For the current year, till February 8, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 1,63,531 traffic violation cases, with revenue collection of about Rs 2.11 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that stricter penalties under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 are aimed at ensuring better compliance and deterrence. It also said that traffic enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of States and Union Territories. The government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for electronic monitoring and is promoting technology-driven enforcement through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras integrated with the VAHAN database. Awareness campaigns under the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan are also being carried out to improve road safety.
New Delhi, Jan 25: The Dental Council of India (DCI) has directed all universities and dental colleges across the country to strictly ensure a minimum of 80 percent biometric attendance for Post Graduate students before allowing them to appear in examinations. The decision has been taken to curb absenteeism among postgraduate dental students. According to a circular issued by the Dental Council of India-a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the decision has been taken after multiple complaints were received from dental colleges in Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh regarding non-attendance of PG students. "The matter was examined by the Grievance Sub-Committee of the DCI in its meeting held on November 24, 2025," the circular reads. It reads that after detailed discussion and deliberation, the committee recommended that all universities and dental colleges must ensure compliance with Regulation 18(a)(i) of the DCI Master of Dental Surgery Course Regulations, 2017, which mandates at least 80 per cent attendance. "The recommendation of the Grievance Sub-Committee has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Dental Council of India through circulation and has now been formally communicated for information and necessary action," the circular reads. As per the circular, all the universities and dental colleges have been directed to ensure minimum 80 per cent biometric attendance of all PG students before permitting them to appear in examinations. The order, issued by Deputy Secretary Dental Council of India Mukesh Kumar, is expected to be implemented with immediate effect across the country.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Srinagar, March 6: Around 17 candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have qualified the Civil Services Examination (CSE)-2025, the result for which was declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday. The commission recommended a total of 958 candidates for appointment to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and various central services. Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate, has topped the civil services examination 2025, while Rajeshwari Suve M and Akansh Dhull have got the second and third ranks respectively. According to the official list released by the UPSC the 17 candidates from J&K who have figured in the final merit list include Suvan Sharma (Rank 148), Sugandha Gupta (207), Towseef Ganie (Rank 254), Ritika (Rank 456), Sooyash Shivam (Rank 572), Muneeb Parrah (Rank 581), Ghulam Din (Rank 683), Dwarka Gaadhi (Rank 721), Akash (Rank 747), Koh E Safa (Rank 763), Yasaar (Rank 811), Abhishek (Rank 820), Pankaj (Rank 856), Mohammad Ajaz (Rank 869), Azhar (Rank 886), Sarfraz (Rank 936), and Irfan (Rank 957). The results were declared after conducting the written examination in August 2025 followed by the personality tests (interviews) conducted between December 2025 and February 2026. As per the result notification issue by the UPSC, a total of 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment against 1087 vacancies reported by the government for the examination cycle. These include 180 vacancies in the IAS, 55 in the IFS, 150 in the IPS, 507 in Central Services Group A and 195 in Group B services. Of the total recommended candidates, 317 are from the general category, 104 from the economically weaker sections, 306 from other backward classes, 158 from scheduled castes and 73 from scheduled tribes. A consolidated reserve list of 258 candidates has also been published in accordance with the rules. The claims of recommended candidates regarding reservation categories will be subject to verification by the concerned authorities. The UPSC has stated that the candidature of 348 recommended candidates has been kept provisional, while the result of the two candidates has been kept withheld. The CSE is conducted annually in three stages- preliminary, Mains and interview by the UPSC to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. The civil services (preliminary) examination 2025 was conducted on May 25 of 2025. A total of 937876 candidates applied for this examination, out of which 5,76,793 actually appeared in the test. A total of 14,161 candidates qualified for appearance in the written (Main) examination which was held in August, 2025. Of these, 2736 candidates had qualified for the personality test (interview) of the examination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the candidates who qualified the UPSC exam. "Congratulations to all those who have successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination, 2025. Their dedication, perseverance and hard work have led to this significant milestone. Wishing them the very best as they embark on a journey of serving the nation and fulfilling the aspirations of the people," PM Modi wrote on his official X handle. "To those who may not have secured the desired outcome in the Civil Services Examination, I understand that such moments can be difficult. However, this is only one step in a larger journey. Many opportunities lie ahead, both in future examinations and in the many avenues through which you can contribute to our nation. My best wishes for the road ahead," his post on X reads. UPSC chairman Ajay Kumar announced the declaration of the result and congratulated the candidates who qualified the exam. "Congrats to all successful candidates as you begin a career of service to the nation. For those who did not make it-the learning from this journey will guide you in the paths ahead," UPSC Chairman wrote in a post on X. Among the 17 candidates from J&K who qualified UPSC exam inlcude a visually impaired candidate Irfan Ahmad Lone, a resident of Manzpora in the Naidkhai area of Bandipora.
