Thailand and India to elevate relationship to ‘Strategic Partnership’ during PM Modi’s visit

Guwahati, Feb 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Advantage Assam Summit in Guwahati on Tuesday, highlighted India’s growing global influence, robust economic policies, and the state’s rapid development under the double engine government of the BJP.

PM Modi said that many experts in the world have certainty about one thing and that is India’s rapid growth. He said there is a very solid reason for this trust in India.

“Today’s India is taking one step after another, working on a large scale, keeping in mind the long-term vision of the 21st century of the coming 25 years… Today, the world trusts India’s young population which is getting skilled very fast. Today, the world trusts India’s neo-middle class which is coming out of poverty and which is excelling towards a new horizon…Today, the world trusts India’s 140 crore people supporting political stability and policy continuity. Today, the world trusts India’s governance which is constantly reforming… The government’s reforms are strengthening India’s position on the global stage,” the PM stated.

Referring to India’s expanding global trade partnerships, PM Modi underscored the country’s participation in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with multiple nations. He emphasized that growing international trust in India is a testament to its strong governance and economic policies.

“The world’s trust in India is increasing gradually. This is why we have all gathered today in the land of Maa Kamakhya to celebrate the opportunities Assam holds,” the Prime Minister remarked.

The Prime Minister drew attention to Assam’s remarkable progress since the first Advantage Assam summit in 2018.

He credited the BJP-led government for its relentless focus on infrastructure development, connectivity, and industrial growth.

Highlighting key advancements, PM Modi spoke about the enhanced transportation networks, particularly in the aviation and railway sectors.

He said, “In 2014, Assam had only seven flight routes — today, it boasts 30 routes, significantly improving air connectivity. The introduction of a high-speed train from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri marks a milestone in railway modernization. Assam’s river connectivity has also seen a major boost; while the Brahmaputra had only three bridges earlier, four new bridges have been built in the last ten years.”

PM Modi lauded Assam’s increasing contribution to India’s overall growth. He reiterated that institutional reforms, industrial policies, and a business-friendly environment are shaping the state’s bright future.

“Assam is a land of unlimited possibilities. Its rapid growth is a reflection of the impact of the Double Engine government, ensuring development at both the state and central levels,” he asserted.

With Assam emerging as a crucial player in India’s economic expansion, PM Modi reinforced his government’s commitment to sustaining this momentum through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and international trade partnerships.

As the Advantage Assam Summit unfolded, industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders echoed the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming the northeastern region into an economic powerhouse.

–IANS

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Giridih, Feb 6 (IANS) A shocking incident has come to light from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Gandey, Giridih district, Jharkhand, where the body of an 11th class student was found hanging from a tree in the school premises on Thursday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Ramkumar Yadav, a resident of Bharona village under the Dhanwar police station area. The discovery of his body sent shockwaves across the school campus.

It remains unclear whether the student died by suicide or if there was foul play involved. Authorities are investigating all possible angles to ascertain the circumstances leading to his death.

As soon as the incident came to light, the school administration immediately informed the Gandey police station. Upon receiving the information, a police team arrived at the scene, recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem examination.

The student’s family has been informed of the incident. Authorities are ensuring a thorough investigation into the matter, considering both personal and institutional factors that could have contributed to this tragic event.

Gandey police station in-charge Anand Singh stated that there were no visible injury marks on the student’s body. However, the exact cause of death will only be determined after the post-mortem report.

Police are also probing whether the student had any disputes or conflicts with anyone in the school. Initial statements have been recorded from the principal and hostel warden, and further questioning of students, teachers, and other staff members may be conducted if required.

This is not the first time that Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Giridih, has been in the news for disturbing incidents. The school has previously faced allegations of ragging, fights, and indiscipline among students.

In February last year, a violent ragging incident was reported, where senior students allegedly assaulted juniors, leaving four students unconscious. The incident sparked an uproar, prompting the school administration to intervene. A meeting was held with parents, and affidavits were taken from students accused of the assault and their guardians.

–IANS

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Jaipur, Jan 13 (IANS) As part of the mission for a ‘Developed Rajasthan 2047’, preparations for the 2025-26 state budget are underway, an official said on Monday, adding that Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will engage in pre-Budget consultations with various stakeholders from January 16 to January 22 to collect their feedback and input.

In this series of discussions, an important meeting with employee organisations is scheduled for January 16 (Thursday). CMO officials said that employees play a pivotal role as Karmayogis in delivering transparent, efficient, and corruption-free governance to the people.

They implement the policies and vision of the state government at the grassroots level. Recognising this, the state government remains committed to their welfare.

To address staffing needs and provide employment opportunities for the youth, the government has set a target of creating 4 lakh government jobs over five years.

So far, more than 59,000 appointments have been made, and recruitment is underway for approximately 15,000 additional positions.

Moreover, a recruitment examination calendar for 81,000 posts has already been released. In the interim and revised budgets, the state government announced several measures to benefit employees.

These included a two-year relaxation for DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee) promotions, option for male and female employees to choose either their parents or in-laws for availing medical benefits under RGHS (Rajasthan Government Health Scheme), notional salary increments effective July 1 for employees retiring on June 30 of the same year, increasing the maximum gratuity limit from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, raising the reimbursement limit for outdoor medical services for pensioners from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 and providing an enhanced family pension for 10 years in case of an employee.

–IANS

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