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Showing posts with label NATIONAL. Show all posts


Wang Yi and S. Jaishankar meet in New Delhi to discuss India-China relations


New Delhi, August 2025:
The latest meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi is being seen as a small but important step forward in India-China relations 2025. After years of mistrust following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, the two Asian giants are trying to rebuild communication and cooperation.

A Small but Important Step

One major decision taken was to restart the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra, which had been suspended for five years due to COVID-19 and border tensions. This pilgrimage, which holds cultural and spiritual importance, is now being seen as a gesture of goodwill between India and China.

During talks, Wang Yi promised peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), while Jaishankar repeated India’s stand on “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest.” Both sides agreed that dialogue is necessary to prevent future clashes.

Why This Dialogue Matters

Despite tensions, India and China share common strategic and economic interests. Both countries want regional peace for economic growth and global influence.

Wang Yi said, “While pursuing our respective rejuvenation, we can contribute to each other’s success and provide certainty to Asia and the world.” This shows recognition that prolonged hostility benefits neither nation.

Another key factor is the impact of US tariffs, which have hit both economies. To reduce dependency on the US, India and China may now explore new trade partnerships and supply chain cooperation.

Balancing Hope with Caution

Analysts warn that China has often used friendly moves only for temporary relief, later returning to aggressive policies. For India, cautious diplomacy is essential.

While engaging with China, India must continue building global partnerships—through the Quad and regional initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

The Way Ahead: From Symbolism to Real Progress

For true improvement in India-China relations 2025, both nations should focus on:

  • Strengthening Border Mechanisms: Add joint monitoring systems along the LAC to avoid future clashes.

  • Reviving Economic Dialogue: Promote trade opportunities but avoid overdependence in sensitive sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics.

  • Encouraging People-to-People Ties: Restart and expand cultural programs, including the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra, to reduce public mistrust.

  • Clarity on Security Issues: China must be transparent about military aid to Pakistan, while India strengthens its partnerships with trusted allies.

Conclusion: A Turning Point or Just Symbolism?

The Wang Yi–Jaishankar meeting in New Delhi shows willingness to reduce tensions and rebuild ties. But real progress will depend on sustained dialogue, strong agreements, and political will at the top level.

For Asia’s future, India and China hold the key. If this fragile improvement continues, the whole region will benefit. If not, mistrust could once again damage peace and growth.

The world is watching closely—what happens next could shape the Asian Century.


🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is the Wang Yi–Jaishankar meeting in 2025 important?
👉 It is the first major step in improving India-China relations after years of tension following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

Q2: What is the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra, and why is its resumption important?
👉 It is a holy pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Restarting it after five years shows goodwill and helps build cultural ties between the two nations.

Q3: What are the main issues between India and China?
👉 Key issues include border tensions along the LAC, China’s support to Pakistan, trade imbalances, and strategic rivalry in Asia.

Q4: How do US tariffs affect India-China relations?
👉 Both countries face economic pressure from US trade policies, which pushes them to explore bilateral trade cooperation and reduce dependency on Western markets.

Q5: Can India and China really trust each other again?
👉 Trust remains fragile. Experts suggest India should continue dialogue but also strengthen ties with global partners like the Quad while keeping a close watch on China’s actions.

Remembering Sergeant Surendra Kumar’s Sacrifice in Operation Sindoor

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh Pays Tribute to Sergeant Surendra Kumar in Jhunjhunu
 
RAJASTHAN, 13, August, 2025: In a heartfelt gesture, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Sarita Singh, visited Mehradasi village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district to pay respects to Sergeant Surendra Kumar, an Indian Air Force (IAF) hero who died in service. The visit highlighted the IAF’s commitment to honoring its brave personnel who make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

Sergeant Kumar, a medical wing member with 14 years of service at 39 Wing in Udhampur, lost his life on May 10, 2025, during Operation Sindoor. The mission targeted terrorist hideouts along the India-Pakistan border. Kumar was killed while supporting troops in the RS Pura sector under heavy cross-border fire, as confirmed by Army Headquarters to his family. His sacrifice reflects the IAF’s vital role in challenging operations, as noted in recent Press Information Bureau reports.

During the visit, the Air Chief Marshal and Mrs. Singh met Kumar’s family, including his mother, Mrs. Nanu Devi, his wife, Mrs. Seema, and their children, Vritika and Daksh. The family, dressed in traditional Rajasthani clothing, welcomed the IAF chief with a blend of pride and sorrow. Images from the event captured the Air Chief Marshal saluting a garlanded portrait of Kumar, surrounded by IAF personnel and local villagers.

Jhunjhunu, a district with a strong military heritage, is home to 3,552 active air warriors and 21,700 retired service members, showcasing its significant contribution to India’s defense. The region’s cultural charm, particularly the Mandawa area, has also made it a favored backdrop for Bollywood films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, depicting diverse settings.

Sergeant Kumar’s dedication to service was inspired by his late father, a former CRPF member, who instilled values of duty and bravery in him. His legacy endures through his family and the IAF’s ongoing commitment to its personnel.

This visit serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s armed forces and the deep-rooted warrior spirit of Jhunjhunu.

Public Safety vs. Animal Rights: A Growing Debate

August 11, 2025: A group of animal lovers and activists gathered in Delhi's Rohini for a candlelight march to protest a recent Supreme Court ruling. The court has ordered the relocation of all stray dogs in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) to shelters within eight weeks, aiming to address rising concerns about dog bites and rabies. This decision has ignited a fierce debate over balancing public safety with animal welfare.

The Supreme Court's directive was prompted by increasing reports of dog bite incidents across India, particularly in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi. The ruling mandates the creation of shelters to accommodate at least 5,000 stray dogs initially, with a policy preventing their release to ensure public safety.

However, the march in Rohini, organized by concerned citizens and animal welfare groups, highlighted the potential harm to stray dogs. Protesters held signs reading "Save Dogs" and "Every wagging tail of a stray brings a promise of unspoken love," calling for a compassionate approach to managing the stray dog population. One notable banner stated, "हम बेज़ुबानों पर अत्याचार नहीं होने देंगे; उन्हें अकेला छोड़ दो" (We will not allow atrocities on the voiceless; leave them alone), capturing the protesters' strong feelings.

The issue of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR has become highly contentious. While the court aims to reduce public health risks, activists warn that relocating dogs to shelters could lead to overcrowding and neglect the connections stray dogs have with local communities. Participants in the march, carrying candles and Indian flags, urged authorities to explore solutions that prioritize both safety and kindness.

Public figures and celebrities have also criticized the court's order, calling it a "death sentence" for stray dogs and advocating for more humane policies. Meanwhile, authorities are moving forward with the directive, planning to monitor shelter conditions using CCTV to prevent unauthorized releases.

The candlelight march underscores the ongoing challenge of finding a balance between protecting public health and ensuring the well-being of stray animals in India's urban areas.

 

New UPI Rules

New Delhi, India – Significant changes to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, implemented by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), have come into effect from August 1, 2025. These new guidelines aim to enhance the efficiency, security, and reliability of digital transactions, addressing concerns such as system load during peak hours and preventing fraudulent activities. The changes will impact how users interact with popular UPI applications like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm.

The roll-out of these revised rules follows an NPCI circular issued earlier this year, outlining the necessary adjustments for Payment Service Providers (PSPs) and UPI ecosystem members. The primary motivation behind these updates is to streamline the burgeoning volume of UPI transactions, which has seen remarkable growth, with India accounting for an astounding 49% of all global real-time payment transactions in 2023, according to an ACI Worldwide Report.

Detailed Changes and Their Impact:

  • Limited Balance Checks: Users will now be able to check their bank account balance through each UPI app a maximum of 50 times per day. This measure is designed to reduce the strain on UPI servers, particularly during peak hours, and deter excessive or automated inquiries. After every successful financial transaction, the updated account balance will also be displayed automatically, minimizing the need for separate balance checks.

  • Fixed Timings for Autopay Transactions: Recurring payments, such as EMIs, SIPs, and OTT subscriptions, processed via UPI Autopay, will now be executed only during non-peak hours. Specifically, these transactions are to be processed either before 10 AM, between 1 PM and 5 PM, or after 9:30 PM. This aims to distribute the processing load more evenly throughout the day, improving system performance. Each autopay mandate will be allowed one initial attempt and up to three retries.

  • Faster Transaction Status Updates: To address instances of transactions remaining in "pending" or "processing" status, UPI apps are now mandated to display the final transaction status (success or failure) within seconds. Users will be able to check the status of a pending transaction a maximum of three times, with a mandatory waiting period of 90 seconds between each attempt, to prevent server overload from repeated refreshes.

  • Limited Access to Linked Bank Accounts: Users can now view the list of bank accounts linked to their mobile number through a specific bank in a UPI app a maximum of 25 times per day. Explicit consent will be required each time a user attempts to view or verify a linked account, adding an extra layer of security.

  • Recipient Name Visibility: A crucial security enhancement is the requirement for UPI apps to display the registered name of the recipient before a transaction is confirmed. This aims to prevent errors and reduce the risk of sending money to the wrong person or falling victim to fraud.

  • Compliance Measures for PSPs: The NPCI has stated that non-compliance with these new guidelines by Payment Service Providers by the stipulated deadline of July 31, 2025, could lead to various actions, including restrictions on UPI API access, penalties, and even the suspension of new customer onboarding.

Background and Context:

UPI has rapidly transformed India's digital payment landscape since its inception. However, with its exponential growth, especially with billions of transactions processed monthly, instances of server strain, transaction failures, and potential vulnerabilities have emerged. The new rules are a proactive step by the NPCI to optimize the system's performance, ensuring a smoother and more secure experience for its vast user base. This move aligns with the larger objective of promoting wider adoption of digital payments while maintaining robust infrastructure and user trust.

Impacts and Consequences:

For the average UPI user, these changes are largely aimed at improving the overall experience by reducing transaction failures and enhancing security. While some users might need to adjust their habits regarding frequent balance checks, the benefits of a more reliable and efficient system are expected to outweigh these minor adjustments. Payment aggregators, such as RazorPay, Cashfree, and PayU, are also facing new charges on UPI transactions from some banks, like ICICI Bank, to cover the maintenance costs of the UPI system. However, these charges are generally not being passed on to individual customers or merchants.

The new UPI rules, effective from August 1, 2025, mark a significant step in the ongoing evolution of India's digital payment ecosystem. By focusing on system efficiency, user security, and transaction reliability, the NPCI aims to further solidify UPI's position as a cornerstone of India's digital economy. As these changes are assimilated, the digital payment landscape is poised for a more robust and secure future, benefiting millions of users across the nation. Ongoing developments and user feedback will likely shape further refinements to these guidelines in the future.


 


New Delhi, June 18: In a moment of pride and recognition, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, one of India’s most respected academics and policy thinkers, was honoured during a prestigious ceremony commemorating five years of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The landmark event celebrated the growing collaboration between the two nations and paid tribute to individuals who have played a pivotal role in nurturing and advancing this vital bilateral relationship.


Held in the presence of senior dignitaries, diplomats, and thought leaders from both countries, the felicitation ceremony recognised Prof. Mattoo’s enduring contribution as a bridge of understanding, cooperation, and strategic trust between India and Australia. A renowned international affairs scholar and former Advisor to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Prof. Mattoo has long championed the cause of deeper academic, cultural, and strategic ties between the two democracies.

Prof. Mattoo was the inaugural Director of the Australia India Institute both at the University of Melbourne and at its New Delhi Chapter, where he played a transformative role in shaping the intellectual and diplomatic dialogue between the two countries. He also holds the position of Honorary Professor at the University of Melbourne, further solidifying his influence and commitment to Indo-Australian collaboration in higher education and public policy.


The event witnessed Prof. Mattoo being presented with a token of honour and appreciation on stage, amidst resounding applause. Expressing his emotions on social media, Prof. Mattoo shared, “A deep honour, humbling & overwhelming.”

Over the years, Prof. Mattoo has been instrumental in forging robust partnerships across educational institutions, think tanks, and policy circles. His visionary leadership has led to several high-impact academic and policy exchanges that have enriched the strategic relationship between India and Australia.

Launched in June 2020, the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has since evolved into a multifaceted framework encompassing cooperation across defence, trade, education, technology, and regional security. Honouring Prof. Mattoo at this milestone celebration is a testament to the impact of individuals who have laid the intellectual and strategic foundations of this vital global partnership.

Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, Vice President of the Shiromani Akali Dal, speaks to media representatives in Chohla Sahib.

Chohla Sahib, Punjab
– Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, Vice President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), former MLA, and in-charge of the Khadoor Sahib constituency, launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today, calling the upcoming Ludhiana West by-election a decisive moment in Punjab’s political landscape.

Speaking to media representatives, Brahmpura said, “The presence of Delhi’s AAP leadership in Ludhiana is not a demonstration of strength but a desperate attempt to salvage their shrinking support base. The people of Punjab can see through this panic.”

He claimed that disillusionment with AAP is growing across the state. “Even former critics of SAD now acknowledge that only our party can restore law, order, and communal harmony. Punjab needs experienced leadership now more than ever.”

"AAP Has Betrayed Punjab"

Brahmpura criticized the AAP government for what he described as systemic failures and betrayal of public trust. “They sold Rajya Sabha seats to outsiders for personal gain, neglected the rising drug crisis, and created an atmosphere of fear that has left traders and ordinary citizens feeling unsafe,” he alleged.

He further asserted that Ludhiana, Punjab’s industrial hub, mirrors the frustrations of its people. “The city’s rejection of AAP will be a resounding message — a vote against deceit, misgovernance, and false promises.”

SAD’s Promise: Stability and Progress

Looking ahead, Brahmpura expressed confidence in the resurgence of SAD. “Punjab is ready for change — not the destructive change promised by AAP, but a return to peace, development, and dignity. The Ludhiana by-election will mark the beginning of this transformation.”

Prominent personalities present during the interaction included Former Sarpanch Amrik Singh, Social Worker Dilbar Singh, Avtar Singh Raymond, Harbans Singh Fauji, Dr. Jatinder Singh, Gurdev Singh, Balbir Singh Balli, and Kurinder Singh.

 


PM Narendra Modi Flags Off Vande Bharat Train Between Katra and Srinagar: A New Era of Connectivity and Development in Jammu & Kashmir

Katra, June 6, 2025 — In a landmark moment for Jammu & Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express train service between Katra and Srinagar. The high-speed train will now cover the 272 km journey in just 3 hours, which previously took over 6 hours by road.


The grand inauguration ceremony was held in Katra and witnessed the presence of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This train service is a major part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which was declared a national project in 2002.

Key Features of the Vande Bharat Train:


FeatureDetails
RouteKatra to Srinagar
Distance272 km
Travel Time3 hours
Frequency6 days a week
Train Numbers26404/26403 and 26401/26402
StopOnly at Banihal
Fare (AC Chair Car)Starting from ₹660
Special FeaturesHeated windshields, insulated toilets, seismic dampers, snow removal systems


Engineering Marvels and Infrastructure:

The train route includes 36 tunnels (totaling 119 km) and 943 bridges, making it one of the most complex rail engineering projects in India. The train passes over the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 meters, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. With advanced features, the train is equipped to operate efficiently in the region’s extreme weather and challenging terrain.

Economic and Social Impact:

In his address, Prime Minister Modi termed the service a “catalyst for economic and social transformation.” Enhanced connectivity is expected to boost tourism, trade, and generate local employment. The construction of infrastructure like the Chenab Bridge has already created thousands of jobs, and the new train service is likely to further accelerate this impact.


Interaction with Youth:

PM Modi also interacted with school children aboard the Vande Bharat train, as seen in his post on X (formerly Twitter). He described the event as a proud moment and emphasized the importance of engaging with the country’s youth. This interaction aligns with his vision of youth empowerment and their role in national development.

Future Expansion Plans:

Currently operating between Katra and Srinagar, the service is expected to be extended to Jammu Railway Station once ongoing infrastructure upgrades are completed. This will eventually allow seamless connectivity between Jammu, Delhi, and other parts of India via high-speed rail.

The inauguration of the Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar marks not just a technological achievement, but also a symbol of unity, progress, and national integration. It opens the door to new economic opportunities and enhances accessibility in one of India’s most strategic and scenic regions. As a milestone in modern infrastructure, this train is a testament to India's growing capabilities and inclusive development.

 

PM Modi Plants Sindoor Sapling on World Environment Day

New Delhi, 5 June 2025: On World Environment Day, Prime Minister planted Sindoor plant, a unique confluence of Nari Shakti and environmental protection

On the occasion of World Environment Day today, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in a special tree planting program at the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi. During this, he planted a Sindoor plant presented by the brave mothers and sisters of Kutch. This plant was presented by those 300 women who showed indomitable courage during the Indo-Pak war of 1971, who made a significant contribution in the war by rebuilding the Bhuj airstrip in 72 hours. Lok Sabha MP Bansuri Swaraj in her social media post on this occasion termed this event as "a unique confluence of respect for Matri Shakti and inspiration for environmental protection". She wrote in her post, "Sindoor of Nari Shakti: It is a confluence of beauty and power which decorates and beautifies life like nature." She described this step as very inspiring from an emotional and cultural point of view.

Historical background and example of women power

During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, more than 300 women of Madhapar village in Kutch district of Gujarat repaired the Bhuj airstrip damaged by Pakistani bombing in just 72 hours and made it useful for the Indian Air Force again. These women are known as "Veeranganas". Recently, some of these surviving women met Prime Minister Modi in Bhuj and presented him this sindoor plant. During this meeting, PM Modi praised the bravery of these women and said, "These women re-prepared the runway in 72 hours, allowing our Air Force to resume attacks. I am proud that I have received their blessings today."

Sindoor Plant: Cultural and Environmental Importance

The sindoor plant, scientifically called Bixa Orellana, is culturally and religiously important in Nepal and India. This plant provides red sindoor, which is used for worship and to be applied on the forehead of married women. By planting this sapling, the Prime Minister not only promoted environmental protection, but also expressed respect for women power and cultural traditions.

Launch of #Ek_Ped_Maa_Ke_Naam campaign

On this occasion, the Prime Minister also planted a Peepal tree in the Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi on the occasion of World Environment Day and launched the #Ek_Ped_Maa_Ke_Naam (#Plant4Mother) campaign. The aim of this campaign is to inspire people to plant trees in honor of their mothers, so that along with environmental protection, emotional attachment is also promoted.

Source of inspiration

This event is a unique confluence of women power, environmental protection and historical bravery. These brave women of Kutch not only showed their bravery during the war, but even today their gift is inspiring the coming generations. On this occasion, Bansuri Swaraj said, "This act of the Honorable Prime Minister on World Environment Day is very inspiring from an emotional and cultural point of view." This event once again proved that women empowerment and environmental protection can go together, and together they can give a new direction to the society.


Lucknow, June 4, 2025: Taking a big decision, the Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh has approved 20% reservation in the recruitment of State Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary, Mounted Police and Firemen for former Agniveers. This decision was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on June 3, 2025. Along with this, Agniveers will also be given a relaxation of three years in the age limit.

Under the Agneepath scheme, which was launched by the central government in 2022, youth aged 17.5 to 21.5 years are recruited in the Army, Navy and Air Force for four years. Agniveers trained under this scheme are now being given a chance to join the police force by the Uttar Pradesh government. State Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said that this reservation will apply to all categories—general, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The first recruitment is expected to begin in 2026, when the first batch of Agniveers will complete their four years of service.

Several experts and social media users have expressed support for the decision. One popular news update platform described it as “breaking news.” Many believe that the military training of Agniveers will enhance the overall quality of the police force, noting that a significant number of police personnel currently lack even basic weapon-handling skills. One user remarked that this initiative could address gaps in police training, adding that the discipline and skills acquired through army training will significantly bolster the capabilities of the police.

However, opposition parties have raised concerns over this decision. Congress and Samajwadi Party called it an extension of the "Agneepath Yojana" and said that it is playing with the future of the youth. At the same time, supporters say that this decision will give respectable employment to Agniveers after their service and strengthen the security system of the state.

Before this move of Uttar Pradesh, states like Haryana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have also announced reservation for Agniveers in police and other government jobs. Haryana has offered 10% reservation and age relaxation, while Uttar Pradesh's 20% reservation is the biggest move so far.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier said that in 2022, his government would give priority to Agniveers in police and allied forces. To implement this decision, the state government has planned to take all necessary steps. This step will not only increase employment opportunities for Agniveers but will also help in further strengthening the law and order of Uttar Pradesh.


Bengaluru, June 4, 2025 (ANI) - At least 11 people died while many others were injured in a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday during the celebration of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) victory in IPL 2025. Political rhetoric has started after this tragic incident, and Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra has made serious allegations against the state government.

Vijayendra said, "The state government has to take full responsibility for this tragedy. When the whole country and Karnataka were celebrating RCB's victory, the state government hastily organized a victory rally without any prior preparation, which resulted in this big tragedy." He further said that the state government had no concern for prior preparation and they were more interested in just publicity, due to which more than 11 people died and some youngsters are still in critical condition in the ICU.

Vijayendra said he spoke to some of the victims, and found that there was neither police nor any ambulance facility at the spot. He demanded that the Chief Minister send the matter for a judicial inquiry and fix responsibility.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru police issued a traffic advisory after the incident, stating that the RCB team arrived in Bengaluru on June 4 with the trophy and a special felicitation ceremony was organised at the stadium at 5 pm. However, the situation went out of control due to the large number of fans who rushed in, leading to a stampede.

State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the crowd had gone out of control and there was no time to make arrangements. The incident has once again raised questions over the management and security arrangements of large public events.

Earlier, BJP national spokesperson Amit Malviya also accused the Congress-led state government of negligence, while opposition parties have demanded accountability from the government.

The incident is not only a sad day for sports lovers but also shows how lapses in public safety and event management can lead to grave consequences. There is now increased pressure on the state government to conduct a thorough investigation into this tragedy and take action against the culprits.


New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has taken an important decision and decided to change the name of its Vice Chancellor post. From now on, the Vice Chancellor in JNU will be called 'Kulguru'. This change has been made with the aim of adopting a gender neutral term and reflecting the Sanskrit tradition.

The current Vice Chancellor of JNU, Professor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, formally announced this change. He said, "Kulguru is a more appropriate term, which is gender neutral and more accurate in Sanskrit. It better reflects my position, where I am first among equals in academia."

This decision follows a similar initiative in Rajasthan, where the state government introduced the Rajasthan University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in February 2025. Through this bill, it was proposed to replace 'Vice Chancellor' and 'Prati Chancellor' with 'Kulguru' and 'Pratikulguru' respectively in all state university laws written in Hindi.

The Madhya Pradesh government also said in a statement in July 2024 that the Vice Chancellor (Vice Chancellor) in universities will now be known as 'Kulguru'. This address implies a sense of affection, attachment and respect.

Academics believe that the term 'Kulguru' reflects the ancient Guru-Shishya tradition and better defines the role of the academic head in the Indian knowledge system. This change is being seen as a cultural and philosophical restructuring.

There have been varied reactions on social media to this change. Some are considering it a positive step, while others are calling it part of a cultural change. A user tweeted, "Very big news from JNU - Vice Chancellor's name changed in JNU, now Vice Chancellor will be called Kulguru. This is like a thunderbolt on the urban Naxal gang."

JNU's move marks a significant shift in the Indian higher education system, where traditional and gender neutral terminology is being adopted. It will be interesting to see how other institutions take steps in this direction.

 


Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand – The sacred portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham are set to reopen on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 7:00 AM in the auspicious Vrishabha Lagna (Taurus ascendant), as announced by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). This event marks the official commencement of the Char Dham Yatra 2025, a significant pilgrimage in Hinduism encompassing four revered shrines in Uttarakhand: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Due to extreme winter conditions, the temple remains closed for six months annually, during which the deity is ceremonially relocated to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. 

The reopening date was determined on Mahashivratri (February 26, 2025) at Omkareshwar Temple, following traditional Panchang calculations.


In keeping with tradition, the Panchmukhi Doli (palanquin) of Baba Kedarnath commenced its journey from Omkareshwar Temple on April 28, 2025, after the worship of Lord Bhairavnath on April 27. The procession made overnight halts at Shri Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi, Phata, and Gaurikund, before reaching Kedarnath on May 1.

The BKTC, along with the Uttarakhand government, has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience. An advance team has been dispatched to Kedarnath to oversee arrangements, including accommodations, medical facilities, and crowd management.

Online and offline registrations for the Char Dham Yatra have been initiated to manage the influx of pilgrims. Devotees can register through the official Char Dham portal or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile application. 

Following the reopening of Kedarnath, the Badrinath Temple is scheduled to open on May 4, 2025, at 6:00 AM. Earlier, the temples of Gangotri and Yamunotri opened their doors on April 30, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

The reopening of Kedarnath Temple heralds the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra 2025, inviting devotees from across the nation and abroad to embark on this sacred journey. With meticulous preparations in place, authorities aim to provide a spiritually enriching and safe pilgrimage experience.

 

229 BLOs, 12 EROs and 2 DEOs take part in the training program at IIIDEM in the National Capital

Specialized one-day training programme for State Police Nodal Officer

(SPNO) and Police Officers from Bihar also begins

 


The Election Commission is organising a 2-day training and capacity building of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) at the India International Institute of Democracy & Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi. This is the third such batch of BLOs to be trained from the poll-bound state of Bihar. 229

BLOs, 12 EROs and 2 DEOs from the State are participating in the 2-day training programme. A specialized one-day training programme for the State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) and Police Officers from Bihar also commenced today. The training programme was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner of India Shri Gyanesh Kumar in the presence of Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi at IIIDEM, New Delhi and was followed by an interaction with the participants.

 


The training is planned to familiarise the BLOs with their roles and responsibilities as per statutory framework and equip them to ensure error- free electoral rolls. They will also be trained in the IT applications designed to support their roles.

 

This is the latest in the first phase of the ongoing physical training programmes at IIIDEM in which 555 BLOs from poll-bound states of Bihar, West Bengal and Assam and 279 Booth Level Agents (BLA-1s) of 10 recognised national and state political parties from Bihar have already been trained. These well-trained BLOs will form a corps of Assembly Level Master Trainers (ALMTs) to strengthen the entire network of BLOs nationwide.

 


The training of SPNOs and Police Officers from Bihar aims to improve coordination between election authorities and the police for enhanced electoral management, especially in the areas of law and order, vulnerability assessment, Paramilitary forces (CAPF) deployment, and model code of conduct (MCC) enforcement.

 

Till date over 3000 participants from 141 countries including large democracies such as Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Brazil, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Israel, Russia and South Africa have benefited from training programmes from India’s globally acclaimed election management practices at IIIDEM.

JAMMU