Jammu, Aug 29: Union Home Minister Amit Shah likely to visit Jammu for two days on August 31 and September 1.
He will conduct aerial survey of flood affected areas of Jammu.
The post Amit Shah likely to visit Jammu for two days from Aug 31 appeared first on Greater Kashmir.
Tokyo, Aug 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it is important for India and China to work together to bring stability to the world economic order as he asserted that New Delhi is ready to advance bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.
In an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun published during his ongoing visit to Japan, Modi also asserted that stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, as two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity.
Asked about the importance of improving relations with China at this time, Modi said, “At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, I would be travelling to Tianjin from here to take part in the SCO Summit. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, steady and positive progress has been made in our bilateral ties.”
Stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, as two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity, he said.
This is also crucial for a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world, he added.
“Given the current volatility in world economy, it is also important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world economic order,” Modi said.
India is ready to advance bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, and to enhance strategic communication to address our developmental challenges, he said.
On his views on the Japanese government’s concept of a free and open Indo-Pacific, Modi said there is a strong convergence between Japan’s vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and India’s own approach encapsulated in our Indo-Pacific vision, in the ‘Vision MAHASAGAR’ and the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative.
India and Japan are committed to an Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, prosperous, stable and where the territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations are respected, the prime minister said.
“Both our countries have strong and extensive linkages with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, and we both engage with some of them in plurilateral formats to give expression to our shared objectives,” he said.
Talking about his recent conversations with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, Modi said India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the conflict, which is equally appreciated by both President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“In line with this, both the leaders spoke to me to share their perspectives on the developments related to the conflict. I reiterated India’s principled and consistent stand and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. I have already indicated India’s willingness to support meaningful efforts aimed at achieving peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he told the Japanese newspaper.
“I believe, by virtue of our good relations with both sides, including key stakeholders, we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace in Ukraine,” Modi said.
Stressing the importance of the Global South, Modi said the global community has made a commitment to create a more equitable world through achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
“If we have to live up to this commitment, then the Global South must be given priority. In a highly interconnected world, we have seen the debilitating impact of the pandemic, conflicts and supply chain disruptions on the Global South,” the prime minister said.
They continue to face myriad challenges involving global governance, climate change, food and energy security, debt and financial stress, all having a significant impact on their development priorities, he said.
“As members of the Global South, we clearly understand these concerns and their effects on people’s lives. We have made strenuous efforts to bring these to the forefront of the global agenda,” he said.
“All our global initiatives, like Mission LiFE, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, International Solar Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, focus on promoting the interests of the Global South. Our G20 Presidency saw the inclusion of the African Union and gave voice to the aspirations of the Global South,” Modi pointed out.
Similarly, in BRICS, India is actively engaged in working toward the benefit of the Global South, he added.
India attaches importance to its engagement with BRICS, which has emerged as a valuable forum for consultation, and cooperation and has helped promote mutual understanding, on a specific set of issues of common interest to emerging economies, he said.
Under the rubric of the Quad, he said they have worked for the development and progress of the countries in the Indo-Pacific.
“India has also consistently called for urgent and comprehensive reforms of the global multilateral institutions to make them more effective and reflective of the current geopolitical and economic realities,” he said.
He pointed out that in the last 20 years, since its inception in 2004, the Quad has emerged as a force of global good, delivering positive outcomes for the people of the Indo-Pacific region.
Rajouri, Aug 29: The Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri has announced the postponement of the written examination for the post of Junior Residents in view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions in the region.
The examination, which was earlier scheduled to be held on August 31, 2025, could not take place as per the original schedule due to continuous bad weather affecting normal activities.
According to the fresh notification issued by the Principal GMC Rajouri, the examination will now be conducted on September 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Mehra Campus.
The decision was taken to ensure the safety and convenience of the candidates appearing for the test, given the challenges posed by heavy rains and road blockades in the area, the notification reads.
Srinagar, Aug 29: A video allegedly showing a traffic policeman slapping a civilian during document checking between Shalteng and Bemina has gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to order a fact-finding inquiry.
The clip, widely circulated online, has sparked public outrage and raised concerns over accountability in enforcement duties.
SSP Traffic City Srinagar, Aijaz Ahmad, told JKNS: “Taking suo motu cognisance of the viral video where a traffic cop is seen slapping someone, a fact-finding enquiry has been initiated. Action as warranted under rules will follow once the enquiry is completed.”
Asked what led to the incident, the officer said the details were part of the inquiry and he could not comment further.
Srinagar, Aug 29: The Ministry of Home Affairs has promoted 1995 batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer Shailendra Kumar to the Apex Scale (Level-17 in the Pay Matrix) with effect from September 1, 2025, or from the date of assumption of charge, whichever is later.
Kumar, who has served Jammu and Kashmir in various key roles, including Principal Secretary in Agriculture and PWD, is currently posted in the cadre.
Srinagar, Aug 29: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a petition challenging the Jammu and Kashmir government’s notification declaring 25 books — including works by A.G. Noorani, Arundhati Roy and Anuradha Bhasin — as “forfeited” for allegedly promoting secessionism and endangering India’s sovereignty.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi granted liberty to the petitioner, Advocate Shakir Shabir, to approach the J&K and Ladakh High Court. It requested the Chief Justice of the High Court to list the matter before a three-judge bench and decide it expeditiously, reported Live Law.
The petition had also challenged Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers state governments to forfeit publications deemed unlawful. Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the provision had “pan-India application” and was “overbroad.”
Deprecating the trend of litigants bypassing High Courts, the apex court said the J&K High Court was best suited to examine the issue, especially since some of the banned works are authored by locals. It rejected a plea to transfer the case to another High Court, observing that such a move would be “demoralising.”
The J&K Home Department’s August 5 notification claimed the books distorted history, glorified terrorists and vilified security forces, thereby fostering radicalisation among youth. Titles on the list include Sumantra Bose’s Contested Lands, Noorani’s The Kashmir Dispute 1947–2012, Roy’s Azadi, and Bhasin’s A Dismantled State.
Rajouri, Aug 29: A soldier dies of cardiac arrest in Rajouri and was laid to rest on Friday with full military and state honours at his native place.
As per news agency Kashmir News Corner— the young soldier Karan Kumar was undergoing training at Sarol Camp, Keeri, when he tragically suffered a cardiac arrest during the course of training and passed away.
The last rites, held this morning, were attended by a large gathering of locals, family members, Army personnel, and civil administration officials. Emotional scenes were witnessed as people from different walks of life paid their final tributes to the fallen soldier.
Army officers present on the occasion said Rifleman Karan Kumar’s dedication and service would always be remembered, and the nation stands with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.
Srinagar, Aug 29: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Tehsildar Bijbhera, in connection with an alleged land scam investigated by the Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch), Srinagar.
According to details available with Kashmir News Corner (KNC), the case stems from a complaint filed by a Srinagar woman who claimed she was cheated after purchasing over five kanals of land in Balhama in 2012. It was alleged that revenue records were tampered with, mutations fraudulently inserted, and part of the land later sold to a third party.
Investigations revealed that mutations had been altered in connivance with revenue officials, including then Tehsildar Nusrat Aziz and a Patwari. The Crime Branch registered FIR No.14/2025 under Sections 167, 420, 120-B RPC read with the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The petitioner argued that she had been falsely implicated due to personal vendetta and cited her long service record, health issues, and earlier interim bail as grounds for anticipatory bail. However, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani observed that given the gravity of the allegations and ongoing investigation, anticipatory bail could not be granted at this stage.
The court stressed that investigation must proceed “with a free hand” and noted that the evidence so far indicates a “well-planned conspiracy” involving manipulation of official records to benefit private individuals.
Dismissing the plea, the court concluded that the petitioner is “not entitled to the concession of anticipatory bail at this stage.” (KNC)
Tokyo, Aug 29: India and Japan will together shape the Asian century for stability, growth and prosperity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday as he began a two-day crucial visit to the east Asian nation.
In an address at a business forum, Modi said Japan’s excellence and India’s scale can create a perfect partnership and mutual growth.
The prime minister landed in Tokyo this morning on a two-day visit that comes amid a strain in New Delhi’s relations with Washington over President Donald Trump’s policies on trade and tariffs.
Showcasing India as an attractive investment destination, Modi said the country has political and economic stability as well as transparency and predictability in policy decisions.
In India, capital does not just grow, it multiplies, he said.
“Today, India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world and very soon, it is going to become the third largest global economy,” he said at the India-Japan Economic Forum.
Modi said India has taken bold and ambitious initiatives in a range of key areas, including artificial intelligence, semiconductor, quantum computing, biotech and space.
Technology of Japan and talent of India can together lead the technology revolution of this century, he said.
Modi also said that India is the “springboard” for Japanese business to the Global South.
India and Japan can replicate successful auto sector partnership in areas of robotics, semiconductors, ship-building, and nuclear energy, he noted.
In India’s development journey, Japan has always been an important partner, Modi said.
From Metro to manufacturing, from semiconductors to start-ups, India-Japan partnership in every sector became a symbol of mutual trust, he said.
India and Japan can make a significant contribution to the development of the Global South, especially in Africa, he added.
Srinagar, Aug 29: According to the latest UDISE+ data from the Education Ministry, total school enrollment in India declined for the third consecutive year. From 2022‑23 to 2024‑25, enrollment fell from 25.18 crore to 24.80 crore, and further down to 24.69 crore in 2024‑25—marking a reduction of approximately 11 lakh students (0.5%) compared to the previous year The Indian Express.
The UDISE+ 2024–25 report also showcases modernization efforts: now, over 63% of schools have computers and internet access. However, gaps persist—such as nearly 8,000 schools with zero enrollment, over 1 lakh single-teacher schools, and only 55% of schools being inclusive with barrier-free infrastructure like ramps and handrail.
As per an Indian express report, the decline was predominantly in government and government-aided schools, while private school enrollment increased from 8.42 crore (2022‑23) to 9.59 crore (2024‑25). As a result, private schools now account for 39% of total enrollments—the highest share since at least 2018‑19. In contrast, government school enrollment dropped sharply, from 13.62 crore in 2022‑23 to 12.16 crore in 2024‑25
Notably, the sharpest decline in student enrollment was seen in primary classes (Grades 1–5). In contrast, other segments—including pre-primary, upper primary (Grades 6–8), secondary (Grades 9–10), and higher secondary (Grades 11–12)—experienced slight increases in enrollment numbers.There was also a significant improvement in the secondary-level dropout rate, which dropped from 13.8% in 2022–23 to 8.2% in 2024–25.
As per reports, when it comes to the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER):
The foundational stage (pre-primary to Grade 2) remained mostly unchanged at 41.4%—nearly identical to the previous year’s 41.5%.
The preparatory stage (Grades 3–5) recorded a small decrease, slipping from 96.5% to 95.4%.
However, GER figures increased for both middle and secondary levels, reflecting modest progress.
As per officials these figures are based on population projections from the 2011 Census, and emphasized that a new census is necessary to produce more reliable and up-to-date estimates.
In response to questions about the continued drop in enrolment, a senior official from the Ministry of Education explained that the trend likely reflects a shift in demographics, especially due to declining birth rates.
