HYDERABAD, Apr 29 : Telangana Endowments Minister Konda Surekha on Wednesday announced that the Saraswati Antya Pushkarams will be held with grandeur at Kaleshwaram from May 21 to June 1.
The minister unveiled the official poster and teaser at the Secretariat, along with IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu.
She said 162 development works worth Rs 30.63 crore have been taken up to facilitate the event, with arrangements being made to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for devotees.
An estimated 30 lakh pilgrims are expected to attend the 12-day event. Surekha directed officials to ensure coordination across departments so that devotees can perform the holy dip and have darshan in a peaceful atmosphere.
Sridhar Babu stressed that all arrangements should be completed at least 10 days in advance and called for close coordination among departments, including police, to avoid traffic issues. He also thanked Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for allocating Rs 198 crore for the redevelopment of the Kaleshwaram temple complex.i
Endowments Principal Secretary Sailaja Ramaiyer said the inaugural holy dip will be performed at 5:43 AM on May 21 by Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi (Head of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham).
She added that spiritual leaders will perform daily rituals, while a grand Harathi will be conducted every evening at 6:30 PM at the Triveni Sangamam.
Officials from various departments attended the programme.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 29: Commissioner Secretary, Cooperative Department,. Yasha Mudgal, today chaired a meeting to review progress on the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) under Phase-II across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by the Special Secretary, Cooperative Department, FA/CAO Cooperative Department, Joint Registrar (Audit), Deputy Registrars of the Cooperative Department and other senior officers of the Department.
During the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary was informed that the Union Ministry of Cooperation, has approved 171 PACS for coverage under this phase in J&K. It was further highlighted that while 8 out of 20 districts have successfully completed the identification and approval process through their respective District Level Implementation and Monitoring Committees (DLIMCs), progress remains pending in the remaining districts.
Yasha Mudgal reiterated that PACS, being grassroots-level cooperative institutions, play a pivotal role in providing credit and essential services to farmers and rural populations. She emphasized that the computerization initiative, envisioned by the Government of India, aims to strengthen these societies through digital enablement, ensuring greater transparency and modernized service delivery.
Taking serious notice of the slow progress in the remaining districts, the Commissioner/Secretary issued a stern directive to all the Deputy Registrars of the lagging districts. She ordered the immediate expedition of the approval process and set a hard deadline of May 5, 2026, for completion of all DLIMC approvals, making it clear that timely completion of formalities is non-negotiable for the onboarding and digitization of these societies.
The Commissioner Secretary underscored that the success of this centrally sponsored initiative depends on accountability and proactive follow-up at the district level. She called for rigorous monitoring to ensure that the structural benefits of the scheme, primarily improved efficiency and transparency, reach the rural communities within the stipulated timelines.
Participants posing along with dignitaries during a programme.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 29: The Department of English, Central University of Jammu, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain, organized a literary event titled “Commemorating the Writers’ Series: On William Shakespeare.”
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dean Prof. Vandana Sharma and Head of the Department Dr. K Rajesh, along with faculty members. Students of B.A. and M.A., along with research scholars, actively participated in the event.
A major highlight of the programme was a vibrant dramatic presentation by the students. The first segment featured iconic scenes from the plays of William Shakespeare, showcasing their theatrical skills and understanding of classical literature.
The second segment presented a comparative study of “Abhijnanasakuntalam” by Kalidasa and “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, offering insights into Eastern and Western perspectives on love and their cultural nuances. The performances reflected creativity, critical thinking and the spirit of performative learning.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation and was well received by the audience. In their remarks, Prof. Vandana Sharma and Dr. K Rajesh appreciated the students’ efforts and emphasized the enduring relevance of classical literature. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the convener, Dr Neena Gupta Vij.
Lal Chowk Srinagar witnesses drizzle on Wednesday. —Excelsior/Shakeel
Heli-service to Mata Vaishnodevi hit
*Jammu’s temp falls 7 deg below normal
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU/ SRINAGAR, Apr 29: Heavy to moderate rain in many parts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and light snowfall on the higher reaches, led to significant drop in the temperatures in the region while helicopter service to Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine from the base camp Katra, remained suspended almost throughout the day due to bad weather today.
Official sources said that with the snowfall on the higher reaches, a few passes including Sinthan Top on the Kishtwar-Kukernag-Anantnag highway was closed while traffic on Mughal Road continued slowly despite light snowfall on the Peer Ki Gali. Higher Reaches of Gulmarg and Sonamarg-Zojila axis also received fresh snowfall, but the traffic movement continued, the sources said.
Entire Chenab region including Bhaderwah, Paddar-Gulabgarh, Chatroo, Gandoh-Bhalessa, Batote, Banihal, Gool and Ramban belt; Katra, Mahore and Reasi besides Dudu-Basatgarh-Latti, Chenani-Kud- Patnitop in Udhampur and Bani-Duggan and Machedi areas of Kathua received heavy to moderate rain while other plain and semi-hilly areas of these districts experienced light rain. Rajouri and Poonch belt also received light rain during the day today.
A few areas of Jammu district received light rainfall while clouds kept hovering over the skies of the winter capital city during the day. The Jammuites experienced hardly an-hour’s drizzle during morning hours.
With rain in the region and snowfall on the higher reaches of Pir Panjal mountains, a significant drop in the temperate has been witnessed.
A MeT official said that a sharp decline in the Jammu’s temperature has been observed as the Temple City that experienced a day temperature of above 40 degrees Celsius hardly 3-4 days ago, today recorded the maximum temperature of 28.5 deg C, about 7.2 degrees below normal. The night temperature in the City, however, remained 20.6 deg C on Wednesday.
Katra town experienced a maximum temperature of 23 Deg C and minimum 18.2; Bhaderwah a day temperature of 14.2 and night 9.0 deg C; Batote a maximum temperature of 13.1 deg C, about 11.6 deg below normal and minimum 12.6 while Banihal town registered a day temperature of 13.9 deg C, 11 degrees below normal.
Srinagar city and many parts of the valley also experienced light rain during the day. A drop in the temperature has been witnessed in the entire Valley. Srinagar recorded a day temperature of 16.7 deg C, Gulmarg 12.0, Pahalgam 12.6 and Kukernag 13.2 deg C today.
The weatherman said that on April 30, the weather will partly remain cloudy with brief spell of light rain/ thunder at few places towards late afternoon. On May 1-2, it will generally remain dry with brief showers in the evening.
From May 3 to 5, the weather will generally remain cloudy with one or two spells of light rain/ thunder shower at scattered to many places, towards afternoon/evening hours in the region.
Reports said that helicopter service to Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine from base camp Katra remained suspended due to rain and bad weather. The service was resumed briefly during afternoon but it was again suspended due to clouds and bad weather. This disrupted the by-air pilgrimage, however, the on-foot yatra continued despite rain.
WASHINGTON, April 29 : President Donald Trump said that King Charles III “agrees” with his position that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
The remarks, however, sit awkwardly with the constitutional role of the British monarch, who is expected to remain politically neutral and does not publicly comment on government policy or international conflicts.
“We’re doing a little Middle East work right now, as you might know, and we’re doing very well. We have militarily defeated that particular opponent, and we’re never going to let that opponent ever, Charles agrees with me even more than I do, we’re never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said on Tuesday while speaking on Middle East policy.
However, the British monarch is constitutionally expected to remain politically neutral and does not comment on government policy or international conflicts. Under long-standing constitutional convention in the United Kingdom, the King does not express partisan positions or intervene in political affairs.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has clearly stated that Iran war is not Uk’s war and is not in favour of getting involcved in the conflict. “This is not our war,” he said earlier this month. “We will not be drawn into the conflict.”
Starmer has also held international discussions aimed at diplomatic efforts, including attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for global trade. He has previously said that Iran should not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, urging Tehran to “abandon its aspiration to develop a nuclear weapon and cease its destabilising activities across the Middle East,” adding that this remains the position of successive British governments.
Earlier this week, King Charles delivered a historic address to a joint meeting of the US Congress, emphasizing shared values between the United States and the United Kingdom and calling for stronger international cooperation during a period of heightened global tensions.
His visit was widely seen as an effort to ease rising diplomatic strains between the two allies.
Trump has suggested the possibility of withdrawing the United States from NATO following disagreements with some allies over the handling of the Iran conflict, a move that would require congressional approval and is expected to face significant opposition.
Moreover, King Charles III delivered a light-hearted rebuke to President Donald Trump during a White House state dinner on Tuesday, joking that without British influence, Americans might be speaking French.
In their formal toasts, the two leaders exchanged humorous remarks, with the King referencing Trump’s past comments about European allies. “You recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German. Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French,” Charles said, drawing laughter from the audience.
Notably, Trump’s earlier statements at the Davos summit in January, where he said that without U.S. involvement in World War II, “you’d be speaking German and a little Japanese.”
The King’s joke played into historical references involving British and French colonial influence in North America, as well as the rivalry between the two powers before U.S. independence.
As per US media reports, Charles also touched on more contemporary subjects, noting “readjustments” to the White House East Wing, which Trump has reportedly redeveloped as part of a large new ballroom project. He then made a historical reference to the War of 1812, when British forces burned the White House.
“I am sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814,” the King said.
He also referenced the Boston Tea Party, joking that the state dinner was “a very considerable improvement” on the 1773 protest in which American colonists dumped British tea into the harbor.
The exchange highlighted a warm tone between the two leaders, reflecting the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, even as differences persist over global issues including the war in Iran.
BEGALURU, Apr 29: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site of the Bengaluru hospital wall collapse, which claimed the lives of seven people on Wednesday and ordered an enquiry into the mishap.
The chief minister also announced Rs 5 lakh solatium to the kin of each of the deceased in the incident.
Seven people, including two children, were killed and seven others injured when the compound wall of a hospital collapsed here on Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed.
The injured people are out of danger, he added.
The incident occurred in the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital.
When the heavy rains, coupled with strong winds and hailstorms, battered the area, the seven victims were taking shelter near the wall, which suddenly came down crashing, he further said. All seven people were killed on the spot.
Police and emergency services personnel rushed to the spot with an earthmover to bring out the bodies and the injured from the debris with the help of other citizens. (PTI)
LONDON, April 29: iFOREX today announced its recent admission to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) under the ticker IFRX, at a market valuation of approximately £43.3 million. This milestone marks a significant step in the Company’s long-term growth strategy and supports its continued expansion across international markets, including a growing focus on India. With over 30 years of experience in the online trading industry, iFOREX has established a strong global presence built on proprietary technology, consistent innovation, and disciplined risk management. The Company continues to deliver advanced trading solutions alongside a high standard of client support, designed to meet the evolving needs of retail traders in dynamic markets.
Through its proprietary web-based and mobile trading platforms, iFOREX provides access to over 900 financial instruments, including foreign exchange, commodities, indices, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. The Company continuously enhances its technology and product offering to deliver a seamless, secure, and efficient trading experience for its global client base.
India represents an increasingly important market for iFOREX, supported by a rapidly growing base of digitally engaged traders and rising interest in global financial markets. The Company aims to strengthen its presence by offering localized support, tailored educational resources, and technology-driven solutions aligned with the needs of Indian traders.
The Company’s admission to the London Stock Exchange enhances its visibility and credibility as a global fintech provider, focusing on investing in platform development, optimizing client experience, and scaling its international operations to support long-term growth.
“Our listing on the London Stock Exchange represents an important milestone in iFOREX’s evolution as a global trading provider,” said Itai Sadeh, Chief Executive Officer of iFOREX. “We see significant potential in the Indian market, driven by strong demand for digital trading solutions and increasing participation in global markets. We remain committed to expanding our presence in India while continuing to invest in technology, innovation, and client experience.”
iFOREX will continue to monitor market developments, adapt its offering to the needs of traders across different regions, and focus on delivering reliable services, transparent trading conditions, and long-term value to its clients and stakeholders.
Find out more here: iFOREX Website
This press release is intended solely for media use. It is not meant for individual investors and does not contain personal advice or recommendations.
(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). (PTI)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 29: The UT administration said today that six individuals booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Sopore were not students but identified miscreants whose involvement in recent disturbance has been established through footage and other verifiable inputs.
“All these individuals had instigated crowds and pelted stones besides indulging in other illegal activities during a recent incident in Sopore,” the officials said.
They said the preventive orders were issued against miscreants after their involvement was established in recent disturbance in Sopore incident through footage and other verifiable inputs.
“During the incident, these persons were seen instigating crowds, pelting stones, forcibly entering the school premises, climbing the school gate, damaging property, and trying to spread the disturbance from the school area to nearby market areas,” the officials said.
Elaborating, they said, Umer Akbar Hajam, 22, a resident of Seeloo and a barber by profession, was seen in footage available on social media instigating students/public and actively pelting stones while Altaf Ahmed Sheikh, 21, a resident of Tarzoo and a carpenter, was seen leading stone pelting, mobilizing outsiders, climbing the school gate and damaging property.
Majid Firdous Dar, 21, R/o Chinkipora and a driver, was seen leading protests, instigating others and pelting stones while another driver Mubashir Ahmed Gilkar, 21, also a resident of the same village besides entering school premises and damaging property was instrument in stoning, provoking outsiders and students.
Fifth PSA detainee Muzamil Mushtaq Changa, 22, a resident of Yaseen Colony, Arampora and a street vendor, was also visible mobilizing outsiders and instigating students to assemble and protest in footage available on social media.
Yet another detainee Salman Ahmed Shala, 23, R/o Shalpora and a vendor was seen mobilizing crowd, entering school premises, indulging in vandalism, stone pelting and instigating others.
“Pattern of mobilization and actions shows that the miscreants tried to take advantage of a peaceful student protest. Portrayal of these individuals as students or bystanders is not supported by the material on record, which clearly shows their active and leading role in the incident,” the officials said.
They pointed out that the preventive detention of all six individuals has been done strictly as per law to maintain public order.
JAMMU, Apr 29: Young speed skater Puneesh Puri brought pride to Jammu and Kashmir and India with an impressive performance at the World Skate Europe Track Series 2026, competing in Portugal and Germany against top international athletes.
Representing the Simmons Rana Racing Team, Puneesh participated in the 21st International Inline Speed Skating Tournament – Terras do Infante in Lagos, Portugal and the Arena Geisingen International 2026 in Germany. He competed in highly competitive sprint and long-distance events featuring world-class skaters.
Despite strong competition, Puneesh secured an overall Top-10 finish in the Youth Men category, narrowly missing a podium finish but earning appreciation for his grit, composure and fighting spirit.
His performance was lauded by coaches, mentors and the Simmons Rana Racing Team for his promising international potential. Puneesh is now preparing for upcoming Indian team trials and future international events.
LONDON, Apr 29 : The original bell from a UK-made Second World War submarine named HMS Trump was the centrepiece of a set of gifts presented by King Charles III to US President Donald Trump during the State Visit this week.
The “personal gift” was unveiled at the White House state dinner on Tuesday as the 77-year-old monarch delivered his address, striking a friendly and light-hearted note to his formal speech.
Trump looked visibly impressed by the gift and praised “fantastic” Charles at the white-tie event.
“Today, our partnerships in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) and AUKUS (Australia-UK-US alliance) deepen our technological and military cooperation and ensure that, together, we can meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and contested world,” the king said in his address.
“And speaking of submarine alliances, there was one particular AUKUS predecessor, launched from a UK shipyard in 1944, that served for the majority of her life attached to the 4th Submarine Squadron in Australia, playing a critical role during the war in the Pacific. Her name? HMS Trump.
“So tonight, Mr President, I am delighted to present to you – as a personal gift – the original bell which hung on the Conning Tower of your valiant namesake. May it stand as a testimony to our nations’ shared history and shining future. And should you ever need to get hold of us, well, just give us a ring,” he said, evoking laughter and applause.
The more public gift presentation followed an earlier closed-door exchange, when Buckingham Palace said the British monarch presented the American president with a framed facsimile of the 1879 design plans for the iconic desk in the Oval Office at White House – the originals of which are held by the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.
“These drawings show the front elevation, top and projection of the President’s Desk, currently located in the Oval Office of the White House,” the palace stated.
According to the accompanying historic details released in London, the “Resolute Desk” was created from the timbers of the British exploration ship HMS Resolute.
The US government recovered and refitted the ship before sending it back to England where it was presented to Queen Victoria on December 17, 1856, as a “gesture of goodwill and friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom”.
HMS Resolute went on to serve in the Royal Navy until 1879, when it was decommissioned. Three desks were then made from the ship’s timber by master carpenter William Evenden, at the Royal Navy Dockyard in Chatham, Kent.
On November 23, 1880, the finished Resolute Desk was presented to President Rutherford B. Hayes by Queen Victoria.
As is customary, Queen Camilla also presented a brooch by a British designer as her royal gift to First Lady Melania Trump.
“British jewellery designer Fiona Rae has been designing and making jewellery for over 34 years. After graduating from Central Saint Martins, Fiona, a member of the British Society of Enamellers, received advice and a loan from the Prince’s Trust (now The King’s Trust) and is today one of the UK’s few enamel specialists,” Buckingham Palace stated, with reference to the brooch.
Granted the Royal Warrant by the king in 2024, Rae’s work focusses on a fusion of traditional craft skills alongside the latest developments in technology and computer-aided design.
The palace also revealed details of the gifts received by the senior royals from the American president and first lady in exchange.
While Trump presented Charles with a custom facsimile of a letter written from John Adams to John Jay in 1785, Melania gifted Camilla six Tiffany’s English King Sterling Silver Teaspoons and White House Honey.
On June 2, 1785, in a letter from John Adams to John Jay, Adams describes His Majesty King George III receiving Adams as the first US Ambassador to Great Britain at St. James’ Palace in London.
According to Adams, the meeting was marked by the pomp and ceremony required by the occasion of a royal audience. But beneath the pageantry, Adams described a strong undercurrent of emotion as the King and his former subject – once bitter enemies – met face to face, as statesmen.
Adams quoted his speech to the King promising to restore friendship between the two nations and the King’s response saying that although he was “the last to consent to the separation”, he would be the first to meet US friendship.
Adams notes in the letter that this experience might prove useful to later diplomats. The gift is seen as a nod to the so-called UK-US special relationship of later years and symbolic of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which is the theme of the State Visit.
Melania Trump’s teaspoons are described as Tiffany’s interpretation of the “King” designs, which were very popular in England and America in the late 19th century.
Each teaspoon is hand engraved with Queen Camilla’s cypher and the White House honey jar nods to the Queen’s interest in beekeeping and reflects a shared appreciation for sustainability, craftsmanship, and the natural world, the palace noted.
From Washington DC, the royal tour will also take in New York to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (PTI)
