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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.
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