CM inaugurates 368 residential units for Govt employees

May 2, 2026

CM inaugurating residential units for Govt employees at Sempora, Pampore on Friday.

Excelsior Correspondent

PAMPORE, May 1: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated 368 newly constructed residential quarters for Government employees at Sempora in Pampore, developed across 23 blocks at an estimated cost of Rs 90.65 crore.
Constructed by the Estates Department, the project marks the completion of a major residential infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening government housing facilities in the Kashmir Valley. It forms part of the government’s push to enhance employee welfare by providing modern, well-equipped residential spaces.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Pampore Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, Additional Chief Secretary Estates Shaleen Kabra, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom, Director Estates Ashwini Khajuria, along with senior officers, engineers and other concerned officials, were present on the occasion.
Click here to watch video
The Chief Minister inaugurated the Estates Quarters and inspected the newly constructed residential flats, including 2BHK and 3BHK units. He also visited the canteen and mess facilities and was briefed by senior officers of the Estates Department on upcoming and proposed housing projects.
With its completion, the quarters are expected to significantly enhance the availability of accommodation for Government employees and help ease long-standing shortage.
The project assumes added significance in view of the restoration of the annual Darbar Move by the present Government, which has revived the need for adequate residential facilities for employees relocating between Jammu and Srinagar.
The residential quarters will particularly benefit a large section of Darbar Move employees, many of whom have faced persistent challenges in securing suitable accommodation for their families over the years. The availability of these units is expected to reduce dependence on private housing and improve overall working conditions by ensuring stability and convenience.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reiterated his Government’s commitment to providing suitable family accommodation to employees. He said that strengthening employee welfare remains a key governance priority, and that efforts are underway to further augment residential infrastructure in a phased manner across Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasized that residential accommodation plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity and morale among government employees, adding that the government will continue to invest in infrastructure that directly impacts their well-being.
Highlighting the importance of efficient project management, the Chief Minister stressed the need for timely execution of public infrastructure works. He directed the concerned departments to ensure optimal utilization and proper maintenance of the newly created facilities so that they continue to serve employees effectively in years to come.

Nepal’s top leadership stresses unity, peace on Buddha Purnima

Daily Excelsior

May 2, 2026

KATHMANDU, May 1 : National unity can be strengthened by following Lord Buddha’s guiding principles of tolerance and mutual goodwill, Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel said on Friday, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

The Himalayan nation is observing the 2570th Buddha Jayanti, or the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, who was born in Lumbini, Nepal, around the 6th century BC.

Buddha Jayanti is celebrated on Baishakh Poornima or the full moon day in the month of Baishakh of the Lunar calendar every year.

The birth anniversary of the Buddha, regarded as the messenger of non-violence and peace, is being celebrated across the country with hopes for peace.

Traditional pujas are performed by Buddhists, with lamas and Buddhist gurus conducting ceremonies in Chaityas, monasteries, viharas, and other sacred sites.

Various programmes are being organised at important pilgrimage sites like Lumbini, Swayambhu, and Bouddha to commemorate the day.

In his message on the occasion, President Ramchandra Paudel said that national unity could be further strengthened by maintaining tolerance and mutual goodwill amid religious, social and cultural diversities, abiding by the messages and guiding principles of Lord Buddha, the proponent of non-violence and peace.

Extending his greetings to all through social media, Prime Minister Balendra Shah said that Nepal, blessed by the birth of Buddha, has always been in favour of non-violence and peace.

“The path shown by the Buddha is the path to end suffering by seeking knowledge,” he said.

“As a ray of light enters, darkness automatically disappears; likewise, our journey should be in search of the light of knowledge, should be on the path to solve problems,” said Shah.

Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (death) all occurred on the full moon day of Baisakh. Thus, Buddhists worldwide, including those in Nepal, celebrate Buddha Jayanti with deep reverence and devotion.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Nepal on Thursday celebrated Buddha Jayanti in Lumbini in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust and Lumbini Buddhist University.

The celebration held on the eve of Buddha Jayanti featured a painting exhibition by school students, chanting of prayers by monks from Nepal and India and a vibrant cultural evening.

On the occasion, a Buddhism-themed Kathak dance was performed by a troupe from ICCR, India, headed by Deepti Gupta and a musical presentation by a Nepali band led by sarod maestro Suresh Raj Bajracharya.

Lumbini Province Governor Krishna Bahadur Ghartimagar was the chief guest on the occasion. (PTI)

MP CM meets kin of cruise boat tragedy victims; says won’t spare guilty, announces high-level probe

Daily Excelsior

May 2, 2026

BHOPAL, May 1 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday met family members of the victims of the cruise boat accident that claimed nine lives at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, and said those found guilty will not be spared.

He also announced the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the circumstances and other aspects related to the incident that occurred on Thursday.

During his meeting with the kin of the victims in Jabalpur, the CM turned emotional. He tried to console the family members.

Nine people died and 28 were rescued after the cruise boat overturned in the Bargi Dam, built on the Narmada River in Jabalpur district, after it encountered a sudden storm on Thursday evening.

CM Yadav visited Jabalpur and met the victims’ families. He assured them that the state government stood firmly with them in this hour of crisis.

Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda and Public Works Department Minister Rakesh Singh accompanied him.

Yadav travelled from Kotwali to Darhai Road. There, he visited the residence of Neetu Soni, who died in the accident, and expressed his condolences.

On seeing the CM at their home, a girl from the family could not hold back tears. Moved by it, Yadav placed his hand on her head and tried to console her and other family members. He also embraced two young children.

After that, Yadav met Riyaz Hussain, who narrowly escaped the cruise boat accident and was rescued nearly four hours later, at his home.

During the interaction, Riyaz told the CM that he felt he would not survive after the boat accident.

Talking to reporters later, CM Yadav said the tragedy occurred in the Narmada river, in which nine people died and 28 others were rescued.

The incident has shocked the entire state, he said.

As Jal Jeevan Mission work was underway near the site of the accident, a team involved in it extended help in the rescue operation. After being informed, the administration sent National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and SDRF teams to the spot, the CM said.

Skilled Army divers also took part in the rescue and relief efforts, he added.

“Riyaz Hussain was trapped in the cruise ship for four to five hours after the accident. I met him and the families of other victims,” he said.

The CM said a cash reward of Rs 51,000 would be given to those who saved the lives of others in the accident.

“The MP government has announced Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh each as financial assistance,” Yadav said.

The government is forming a high-level committee to investigate this incident. It will comprise the Director General of Home Guards and Civil Defence, Secretary of the state government, and Commissioner of Jabalpur Division, he added.

This committee will focus on three aspects of the tragedy – firstly, its initial probe; secondly, the circumstances leading to the tragedy, and thirdly, whether protocols were followed at the time of the accident, he said.

“Our government will prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all activities, including boat tourism, cruise tourism, and adventure sports, to prevent such accidents in the future,” he said.

“Whoever is found guilty in the investigation report will not be spared. We must all take the weather department’s information seriously,” CM Yadav added.( PTI)

India, UAE trade pact helps boost bilateral trade to cross USD 100 bn: Goyal

Daily Excelsior

May 2, 2026

NEW DELHI, May 1: The India-UAE free trade agreement, which came into force in May 2022, has helped the bilateral trade to cross USD 100 billion, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE acts as a gateway to Africa, other GCC and Middle Eastern countries, CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries and some European countries.

Bilateral merchandise trade has grown strongly, crossing USD 100 billion, with services trade also rising steadily and opening new markets and greater value, he said in a social media post.

The bilateral trade stood at USD 101.25 billion in 2025-26 compared to USD 100.03 billion in 2024-25.

The trade, he said, has expanded in key sectors like gems and jewellery, engineering goods, electronics, and agriculture.

During 2025-26, India’s exports to the UAE rose about 2 per cent to USD 37.36 billion, while imports were up 0.77 per cent to USD 63.89 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 26.53 billion.

Foreign direct investment from the UAE into India stood at USD 2.45 billion during April-December 2025-26. It was USD 4.34 billion in 2024-25. *PTI_)

Lok Bhavan J&K celebrates Gujarat, Maharashtra’s Foundation Day

Daily Excelsior

May 2, 2026

LG addressing a gathering at Lok Bhavan, Jammu on Friday.

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, May 1: The Foundation Day of Gujarat and Maharashtra was celebrated with great enthusiasm at J&K Lok Bhavan here in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha.
Addressing a gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said that Gujarat and Maharashtra are growth engines of the nation and besides massive contribution to country’s GDP and exports, their social, cultural, and spiritual legacies stand unparalleled.
“Gujarat’s soil is renowned for nurturing entrepreneurial spirit, zeal, simplicity, and innate warmth, while Maharashtra commands global respect for its enterprise, valor, and spiritual genius. I view both states as engines propelling India’s development trajectory forward,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that Gujarat’s history brims with countless sons of Bharat Mata, who elevated the nation’s honor. Revered Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi transformed India’s destiny through unyielding resolve, selfless dedication, and profound self-belief. He said Mahatma Gandhi gifted the nation the philosophy of truth, non-violence, selfless service, sacrifice, love, and tolerance, turning the freedom struggle into a mass movement. Lieutenant Governor also observed that Gandhiji’s life inspires us to stand firm by our principles amid any adversity.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that India’s pride as the world’s largest democracy is deeply rooted in the vision and ideals of Sardar Patel.
“His unwavering belief in unity amidst diversity stands as our greatest achievement, a testament to his resolute commitment to “Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat.” The strength we draw from weaving together our traditions, cultures, and heritage into the fabric of progress is a living reflection of Sardar Patel’s steadfast determination and enduring legacy,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said Maharashtra is the land of industries, spirituality, selfless-service and sacrifice. He said icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Peshwa Bajirao, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar devoted themselves to Mother India and for the cause of national unity.
“At every sacred pilgrimage across India, the name of Ahilyabai Holkar resounds. Her vision and devotion breathed new life into the nation’s spiritual traditions and carried them forward with renewed strength,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has discovered a renewed spirit of confidence, dignity, and progress. He said over the past 12 years, his guidance has inspired citizens to transform resolve into action, reshaping the nation’s landscape with development and determination and his tenure has marked a historic milestone, making him India’s longest-serving elected Head of Government.
“Today, Indian diaspora across the world is radiating with pride, as Prime Minister has restored the nation’s timeless prestige. A new sense of self-respect stirs within every citizen, uniting all sections of society in the shared vision of a developed India by 2047. By abrogating Article 370 on August 5, 2019, he also fulfilled the unfinished dream of Sardar Patel, strengthening the foundation of Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Inconsistent CSK, struggling MI face off in battle for survival

Daily Excelsior

May 2, 2026

CHENNAI, May 1: Their IPL 2026 campaigns hanging by a thread, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians face a must-win showdown here on Saturday, with both sides desperate to reverse their inconsistent form and stay afloat in the playoff race.
The two most successful franchises in IPL history have endured a forgettable campaign so far, with neither side able to build sustained momentum.
While CSK have found conditions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium more familiar, their performances have lacked the clinical edge that has defined them over the years.
Their batting has been inconsistent, particularly in the middle overs, while the bowling unit, traditionally their strength at home, has struggled to close out games under pressure.
Mumbai Indians, too, have blown hot and cold this season. Despite flashes of brilliance from their top order, the five-time champions have been let down by a fragile middle order and an underwhelming bowling attack that has failed to defend totals or contain opposition batters at crucial junctures.
With the league entering a decisive phase, this contest assumes added significance as both teams look to turn their fortunes.
CSK will hope their spinners can exploit the slow Chepauk surface, while MI will bank on their power hitters to counter the spin threat.
Given their current form, neither side starts as a clear favourite, making this clash a battle of survival rather than dominance in what has traditionally been the IPL’s marquee rivalry.
Placed sixth in the points table with three wins from eight matches, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK are facing playoff uncertainty due to inconsistency, a negative net run rate, and the prolonged absence of MS Dhoni. Dhoni has been sidelined with a calf strain injury sustained during pre-season training, and despite initial hopes of a faster return, he has missed the first half of the tournament.
New recruit Sanju Samson has been CSK’s standout batter, scoring over 300 runs in eight innings including two swashbuckling hundreds, and he will once again shoulder the responsibility in batting.
With the ball, Jamie Overton and Anshul Kamboj have been impressive for CSK, with the former recording the best bowling figures of the season, taking 4/18 against Delhi Capitals.
MI’s campaign turned from bad to worse when they failed to defend 243 against Sunrises Hyderabad on Wednesday at their own den, exposing their inconsistency and inadequacy in bowling.
CSK are placed slightly better than MI’s ninth in the pecking order, and the latter must win all six of their remaining matches to reach 16 points and take a shot at qualification for playoff.
Even one more loss will leave MI heavily dependent on net run rates and other results going their way. (PTI)

Teams
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), MS Dhoni (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Kartik Sharma (wk), Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Urvil Patel (wk), Aman Khan, Shivam Dube, Zak Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Matthew Short, Prashant Veer, Rahul Chahar, Shreyas Gopal, Gurjapneet Singh, Matt Henry, Akeal Hosein, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary and Noor Ahmad.
Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Robin Minz (wk), Danish Malewar, Sherfane Rutherford, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Will Jacks, Mayank Rawat, Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur, Ashwani Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Krish Bhagat, AM Ghazanfar, Keshav Maharaj, Mayank Markande, Mohd Izhar and Raghu Sharma.

EC orders repoll in 15 booths of two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal on May 2

Daily Excelsior

May 2, 2026

KOLKATA, May 1: The Election Commission on Friday ordered repoll in 15 polling stations of two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, to be held on May 2, following reports of electoral malpractices.

The repolls were ordered in 11 polling stations of Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency and four in Diamond Harbour.

Voting will be held between 7 am and 6 pm, the EC order said.

Polling in these two Assembly constituencies was held in the second phase of the state election on April 29.

The repoll order was based on reports received from returning officers and observers of the two constituencies and “material circumstances”.

The BJP had alleged rampant electoral malpractices in certain polling stations of both the Assembly seats under the Dimanod Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, which is represented by TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

The EC had deputed its special observer, Subrata Gupta, to fact-check the allegations from the ground.

“BJP knows it will be defeated by a big margin in Diamond Harbour and Margahat, and that is why they are demanding a repoll in these places. With the EC’s assistance, the BJP is forcing people of these areas to go through the rigours of the voting process yet again. The mandate is against the BJP, and it will remain the same,” TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said.

On the other hand, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said, “There had been malpractices in several booths in these areas to favour the TMC. We are happy with the repoll decision of the EC.” (PTI)

India, Tanzania discuss settling trade transactions in local currencies

Daily Excelsior

May 2, 2026

NEW DELHI, May 1 : India and the East African nation Tanzania discussed settling trade transactions in local currencies to boost bilateral economic ties, an official statement said on Friday.

The two have also discussed facilitating long-term business visas for Indian business persons, strengthening regulatory collaboration in pharmaceuticals and capacity building in areas of health, education and shipbuilding.

The issues came up for deliberations during the India-Tanzania Joint Trade Committee, held on April 29-30, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

It was co-chaired by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Samwel William Shelukindo.

“The discussions covered the promotion of trade settlement in local currencies,” the commerce ministry said, adding that collaboration in the mining sector, including geological exploration and mining, value addition in the gemstone sector, regulatory developments related to gemstone exports, and opportunities for capacity building and skill development were also discussed.

It added that opportunities for collaboration in real-time payments, Digilocker, and digital services were explored.

India offered its expertise in shipbuilding and highlighted shipyard development and port infrastructure alongside potential partnerships with Tanzanian institutions.

It added that India also extended support in the supply of locomotives and rolling stock, modernization of railway infrastructure, and capacity building through specialized institutions.

Bilateral trade reached USD 9.02 billion in 2025-26, rising from USD 8.64 billion in 2024-25. (PTI)

A living depiction of victory over terrorism

Daily Excelsior

May 2, 2026

Prof Ajeet Kumar Sharma, Sunil Sharma
ravinder.jugran1@gmail.com
Author – Ravinder Jugran
Name of Book: Jammu Kashmir Aatank Par Vijay Ki Shaurya Gatha
Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan

This is an inspiring and living historical narrative of courage, depicting the valor, struggle, and sacrifices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their fight against terrorism. It is a glorious saga of how society struck back at terrorism and ultimately achieved victory over it.In this book, you will learn how the personal bravery of individuals filled with patriotism, combined with the collective organized strength of society — even while remaining unarmed — can confront heavily armed modern terrorists and completely thwart their designs to disintegrate the country.
Right at the beginning of the book, the article “From Kashyap Marg to Kashmir Valley” outlines the historical events of Jammu and Kashmir and describes its changing present scenario. Along with this, it vividly portrays the horrific face of terrorism. After providing valuable information for researchers, the book then begins the real saga — the stories of brave local residents who, in the face of terrorist bullets, courageously stepped forward with their chests exposed and fought back.
When in 1990 the Kashmir Valley was devastated by terrorist atrocities and more than three lakh Hindus were forced to flee, the separatist forces celebrated their “success” and started dreaming of spreading their reign of terror. Armed with modern weapons like AK-47, AK-56 rifles, and rocket launchers, they planned to shake the Pir Panjal, Chenab Valley, and Krishna Valley, and displace their inhabitants as well. They were fully confident that within a few months they would bring the entire mountainous region under their terrorist control.But the brave patriots of the Chenab Valley — the courageous residents of its towns and villages — stopped the advancing footsteps of terrorism. Society continued to suffer from terrorist atrocities and became victims of terrorist bullets, yet the courage and resolve to fight terrorism remained unshaken. As a result, society did not get displaced — it stood firm, and terrorism began to suffer defeat.
In this book, you will be introduced to those inspiring stories of courage, determination, bravery, and sacrifice. You will read how a patriot, knowing fully well that he would become a victim of a terrorist attack, fearlessly declared: “Until a Hindu leader is martyred, society will not awaken.” The very next day, that brave man was shot dead by terrorists and became a martyr — but he awakened the entire society against terrorism.You will read how a school teacher single-handedly twisted the necks of two terrorists and saved the lives of thirty-five bus passengers, before laying down his own life as an immortal sacrifice.
You will learn how groups of young men joined hands with the army in anti-terror operations, dug the graves of terrorism, and themselves embraced death.Your heart will swell with pride when you read how a young girl, who used to cut grass and milk cows, showed extraordinary courage and with a single blow of an axe, chopped off the head of a terrorist Area Commander.Not only this, you will read stories of Kashmiri youth who joined the army, destroyed terrorist hideouts, dreamed of transforming their Kashmir, and attained martyrdom. Some were awarded the Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra. Many brave fighters cheated death repeatedly and rose again to fight.In the end, the courage and fighting spirit of society exhausted terrorism. Fear of terrorists gradually diminished. The land and faith of the local people were protected. This living history of extraordinary bravery is still scattered across the soil, courtyards, lanes, and streets of Jammu and Kashmir.
This book, with eighty such inspiring narratives, is dedicated to the people of India and the world so that the entire nation and the global community may know about this societal victory of Jammu and Kashmir over terrorism. It pays humble tribute to those valiant fighters. The book presents a vivid and living portrait of courage before your eyes, which will make every pore of your body thrill with pride, righteous anger, and deep compassion.
Therefore, this is not just an ordinary book — it is a living depiction of victory over terrorism. Hence, let us all read this book and encourage others to read it too, so that society continues to rise, awaken, and draw continuous inspiration filled with the spirit of patriotism.

Ladakhi leaders’ meeting with HM yields no breakthrough

Daily Excelsior

May 2, 2026

Tsewang Rigzin

Leh, May 1: A delegation of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), comprising MP Ladakh Hanifa Jan, CEC Kargil Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, former MP and LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook, and LAB member & climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Leh last evening.
The delegation raised key demands concerning Ladakh and urged the Home Minister to convene the High-Power Committee (HPC) meeting in Leh itself under his chairmanship. However, the request was not accepted. According to Chering Dorjay Lakrook, the delegation had gone into the meeting with high expectations but found the outcome “not very productive.”
The Home Minister informed the delegation that discussions would first take place in the sub-committee meeting scheduled for May 22, and that the HPC meeting would follow due procedure thereafter.
Dorjay also informed that Joint Secretary, Home Affairs, in charge of Ladakh and J&K, Lokande, has been meeting various leaders in Leh individually. “I was also called for a meeting, but I did not go as we had decided not to engage individually,” he said.
Sonam Wangchuk said the Home Minister informed the delegation that his visit this time was purely spiritual. He added that while the delegation appreciated being invited for the meeting, they were disappointed over the lack of concrete progress. He, however, expressed hope that discussions would move forward in a positive way after the May 22 sub-committee meeting.
Wangchuk further said the delegation raised concerns about “healing the wounds of Ladakhis,” withdrawal of cases, and those injured during the protests. He said the Home Minister indicated that these issues could be addressed after the May 22 meeting. He hoped these will not be made conditions for the talks. “We are disappointed, but we hope things will improve,” he concluded.

1...262728...87,730 Page 27 of 87,730