RBI cautions against misleading campaigns promising loan waivers

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May 5, 2026

MUMBAI, May 4 : The Reserve Bank on Monday cautioned the public against unauthorised and misleading campaigns promising loan waivers, and asked them to refrain from associating with such individuals or entities.

“RBI has observed, with serious concern, the continued occurrence of such campaigns, through various media channels and direct outreach, by certain individuals and entities,” the central bank said, reiterating a similar caution it had issued in December 2023.

Such campaigns not only mislead the general public but also interfere with the orderly functioning of the credit system of the country, it said.

These campaigns, among others, involve false promises of waiver of outstanding dues to banks/non-banking financial companies (NBFCs); issuance of ‘debt waiver certificates’ or similar documents; and collection of fees under various pretexts, including service or legal charges, from the uninformed public.

“It is reiterated that any claims by individuals/entities offering such services are false, misleading, and liable to attract appropriate legal action under applicable statutes,” RBI said.

The Reserve Bank also emphasised that such activities undermine the stability of financial institutions, affect the interest of depositors, and engagement with such individuals/entities can result in direct financial loss.

“Members of the public are therefore requested to refrain from associating with or availing services from such individuals/entities and instead approach their lending institutions directly for any information related to their loans,” it said.

The RBI has advised the public to promptly report any such misleading campaigns to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. (PTI)

Pak foreign minister discusses regional situation with Iranian counterpart

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

ISLAMABAD, May 4: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the situation in West Asia and Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, officials here said on Monday.

Dar and Araghchi held a telephonic conversation late Sunday night, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

“The discussion focused on the regional situation and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region,” it said.

Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and its mediation efforts between the concerned parties.

Dar, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting constructive engagement, underscoring that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward peaceful resolution of issues and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

The development comes after US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he was reviewing a fresh Iranian proposal aimed at ending the conflict, while expressing scepticism about the prospects of a deal.

According to reports, Iran has sent a 14-point proposal via Pakistan in response to a nine-point US proposal.

Pakistan is mediating the peace talks between the US and Iran.

The Iran war, triggered by joint strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, has been on hold since April 8, with one round of peace talks having taken place in Islamabad since then.

Pakistan hosted the first round of direct talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad on April 11, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement to end the war.

On April 21, Trump extended the two-week ceasefire with Iran indefinitely to give Tehran more time to prepare a unified proposal to end the war, just hours before the truce was set to expire. (PTI)

Long queues at fuel pumps in Latur; collector issues fresh guidelines on supply

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May 5, 2026

LATUR, May 4: Long queues were seen at several fuel pumps in Latur on Monday due to a reported shortage of petrol and diesel.

The shortage is being attributed to a halt in fuel supply from wholesale dealers to local pump operators, creating what officials and traders described as an artificial scarcity in the district.

Many pumps displayed boards reading ‘Diesel Out of Stock’ and ‘Petrol Not Available,’ while some dispensed fuel in limited quantities.

According to petrol pump operators, the wholesale fuel depot is located in Solapur, where tankers from Latur district have been waiting in long queues to procure petrol and diesel.

However, tanker drivers are reportedly not being allowed entry into the supplier’s premises, delaying the return of fuel-laden vehicles, they alleged.

Several outlets remained completely shut due to depleted reserves. The developments have led to panic buying, officials admitted.

Pump operators said efforts are underway to restore supply at the earliest and ensure normal fuel availability for consumers in the district.

Acting on complaints that some pumps were deliberately shutting operations despite having adequate stock, in-charge District Collector Rahul Kumar Meena issued guidelines and directives to all fuel station operators.

The decision was taken during a review meeting held via video conferencing with petrol pump owners and their representatives in the presence of District Supply Officer Venkatesh Rawlod, an official said.

“As per the new directives, petrol pump operators have been instructed not to stop fuel sales under any circumstances if stock is available. They must not refuse fuel to customers, avoid unnecessary restrictions on sales, and ensure that pumps remain operational during prescribed working hours,” he said.

Clear display of fuel prices at prominent locations has been made mandatory, along with daily updates of stock and sales records, which must be made available to inspection on demand, the official added.

Hiding stock or intentionally creating scarcity will be treated as a serious violation, he said, adding that all pumps have been directed to keep CCTV systems operational round the clock and provide footage to authorities whenever required.

“To ensure strict implementation, special teams have been formed at the tehsil level. These teams will conduct surprise inspections of petrol pumps within their jurisdiction. Each team will be led by the concerned Supply Inspection Officer, assisted by officials from the revenue and supply departments,” the official said.

Violations of guidelines will result in action under Petroleum Rules 2002, Essential Commodities Act 1955, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and Disaster Management Act 2005, the official said.( PTI)

12 Judicial Officers Transferred In J&K And Ladakh

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Daily Excelsior

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May 4, 2026

Srinagar, May 4: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered the transfer and posting of 12 judicial officers in the interest of administration.

See Order Copy Click Here……

Lotus Blooming From Gangotri To Gangasagar: PM Modi On BJP’s Assembly Election Win

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Daily Excelsior

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May 4, 2026

4MAYRD33U — Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets his supporters as he arrives at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters as BJP celebrates its win in the West Bengal and Assam states' assembly elections BJP HQ, in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI, May 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the lotus is now blooming from Gangotri to Gangasagar with the BJP’s historic victory in West Bengal and asked all parties to work for change, not revenge, and ensure that the state’s future trumps over fear.
Addressing BJP workers at the party headquarters after the win in assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry, Modi said it was a special day in many ways as it heralds a bright future for the country.
“It is a day of trust in the great democracy of India, trust in the politics of performance, trust in the resolve of stability, trust in the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat.
“I bow before the people of West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Keralam,” he said at the victory celebration event where BJP President Nitin Nabin, Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, among others, were present.
Modi said on November 14 last year, when the Bihar election results came in, he told the BJP workers from this very spot that the Ganga flows onward from Bihar all the way to Ganga Sagar (in West Bengal).
“And today, with victory in West Bengal, from Gangotri (Uttarakhand) to Ganga Sagar (West Bengal), it is nothing but the lotus in full bloom. Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal today, in these states surrounding Mother Ganga, there are BJP-NDA governments,” he said.
Democracy, not fear, won in this festival of democracy in West Bengal, Modi said.
When the BJP has won in Bengal, there should be talk of ‘badlav’ (change) not ‘badla’ (revenge), ‘bhavishya’ (future) not ‘bhay’ (fear), he said.
The Prime Minister said winning and losing are a natural part of democracy and politics, but the people of the five states have shown the world why the country is the mother of democracy.
“Democracy is not just a system for us; it is the river of traditions in our veins. Today, not only has India’s democracy triumphed, but India’s Constitution has also triumphed. Our constitutional institutions have triumphed; our democratic processes have triumphed,” he said.
Modi said the nearly 93 per cent voter turnout in West Bengal has been historic in itself, and new records of voting have also been set in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala.
He said women’s participation in this election has been exceptionally high and this is emerging as the brightest picture of Indian democracy.
” Today is a historic day, unprecedented. When years of penance transform into attainment, the joy that appears on the face, that joy today I am seeing on the faces of BJP workers across the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the Election Commission, all its employees, all the personnel involved in the voting process, especially the security forces, for the successful conduct of the assembly elections. “History will always remember your contribution to maintaining the dignity of India’s democracy,” he said. (Agencies)

Missile Alert Sounded In United Arab Emirates For First Time Since Ceasefire With Iran

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May 4, 2026

Dubai, May 4: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a emergency missile alert urging residents to immediately seek shelter.
The alert was issued shortly after the United States military announced that two merchant ships had transited the Strait of Hormuz.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, and an all-clear signal was later sent. (Agencies)

People’s Power Prevailed In Bengal; Resounding Mandate In Assam: PM On Poll Results

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Daily Excelsior

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May 4, 2026

Commissioning Ceremony of INS Vikrant — FILE - Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi, May 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said people’s power has prevailed and the BJP’s politics of good governance has triumphed in West Bengal, while in Assam, the NDA’s win illustrates the unwavering support for the ruling alliance’s emphasis on development.
In a series of posts on X, Modi also said West Bengal has given a spectacular mandate to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and assured the people of the state that the party will do everything possible to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.
“The Lotus blooms in West Bengal! The 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections will be remembered forever. People’s power has prevailed and BJP’s politics of good governance has triumphed. I bow to each and every person of West Bengal,” he said.
Modi said the BJP’s record victory in West Bengal would not have been possible without the efforts and struggles of countless karyakartas (workers) of the party over generations.
“I salute them all. For years, they have worked hard on the ground, overcome all sorts of adversities and spoken about our development agenda. They are the strength of our party,” he said.
Modi said the BJP will provide a government that ensures opportunity and dignity to all sections of the society in West Bengal.
On Assam, the prime minister said: “Assam blesses BJP-NDA once again!”
He said the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) victory in the Assam election illustrates the unwavering support for its emphasis on development and bringing a positive difference in people’s lives.
“I thank my sisters and brothers of Assam for the resounding mandate. I also assure them that we will keep working for the state’s transformation,” he added.
Applauding all BJP-NDA workers for their round-the-clock efforts among the people of the northeastern state, Modi said it is commendable how the party and the alliance have grown over the last 10 years.
“Their efforts have ensured our positive agenda has struck a chord with the people,” he said.
The prime minister also thanked the people of Puducherry for giving the NDA another victory.
“Thank you Puducherry! Based on our track record of good governance and the work of the government led by Shri N Rangasamy, the people of Puducherry have blessed NDA with another term. These blessings will add momentum to our collective efforts to boost good governance,” he said.
Modi said he is very proud of the NDA workers of Puducherry for their exceptional efforts on the ground as they have constantly been among people and elaborated on the coalition’s vision and track record.
“This has ensured people blessed us again,” he said.
On the Kerala polls, the prime minister said he would like to thank all those who have voted for the BJP-NDA in the southern state.
“We will keep raising issues vital to Keralam’s progress and work hard to realise vision of a Vikasita Keralam. I congratulate the UDF on its victory in the Keralam Assembly elections. The Centre will always keep supporting the developmental aspirations of the people of Keralam,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the voters of Tamil Nadu who supported the NDA in the state Assembly polls, Modi said the coalition will always remain at the forefront in addressing people’s issues and improving their lives.
“Congratulations to TVK on their impressive performance. The Centre will leave no stone unturned in furthering the progress of Tamil Nadu and the well-being of their people,” he said.
Extending its saffron brushstroke in northeast and east India, the BJP is set for a decisive poll victory over the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in long-elusive West Bengal and headed for another term in Assam, while actor-politician Vijay’s TVK has made a stunning electoral debut in Tamil Nadu, emerging as the single-largest party in terms of the number of seats won or led.
As votes were counted for the Assembly polls in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, Election Commission (EC) trends showed a wipeout of the Left and a solitary win for the Congress that has been battling diminishing electoral returns. That silver lining for the opposition party came from Kerala where the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won or was leading in 101 of the 140 Assembly seats, while the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) was ahead in just under 40 constituencies. (Agencies)

Dr Poonam Sethi Transferred As I/C Director Health Services Jammu

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Daily Excelsior

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May 4, 2026

JAMMU, May 4: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the transfer and posting of Dr. Poonam Sethi, I/C Director Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization, J&K, as I/C Director Health Services, Jammu, in the interest of administration and patient care.
According to Government Order No. 392–JK (HME) of 2026 dated May 4, 2026, the appointment has been made on a temporary basis and will remain subject to the outcome of any pending writ petitions before courts of law. The order further states that the arrangement will not confer any preferential rights for regularization or promotion, which shall be governed strictly as per rules.
The order has been issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, Civil Secretariat, Jammu/Srinagar, with directions circulated to concerned administrative and health authorities across the Union Territory for necessary action.

Lieutenant Governor Chairs 7th J&K UT Wildlife Board Meeting

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Daily Excelsior

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May 4, 2026

Srinagar, May 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired the 7th meeting of the Wildlife Board for the Union Territory of J&K, at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar.
The Board deliberated on key conservation and development matters and accorded approval for the construction of the Asha–Cheema–Gurdaligali–Aphrawat–Sarson–Anita Road at Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, Baramulla. Now, the proposal will be recommended to the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL) for grant of wildlife clearance.
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the importance of balancing developmental needs with ecological sustainability. He emphasized the need to safeguard and strengthen the unique biodiversity of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Board was also apprised of various initiatives undertaken by the Department for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources across the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs Departments; Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal and Mian Mehar Ali, Members of the Legislative Assembly; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Ms. Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department; Sarvesh Rai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force; Chaturbhuja Behera, PCCF & Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, along with eminent conservationists, ecologists, environmentalists, representatives of the Army, NGOs working in the wildlife sector, and other members of the Board.

Srinagar Police Demolishes Illegal Structure Of Notorious Drug Peddler, Issues Stern Warning

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May 4, 2026

Srinagar, May 4: In a decisive action under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, Srinagar Police on Monday demolished an illegal residential structure belonging to a habitual drug peddler in the Palpora Noorbagh area of the city.
The accused has been identified as Mohammad Irfan Sheikh alias Iff, son of Mohammad Ashraf Sheikh, a resident of Pamposh Colony, Palpora Noorbagh. He is a known narcotics offender involved in multiple cases under the NDPS Act, including FIR No. 134/2024 registered at Police Station Safakadal under sections 8/21, 29, and FIR No. 48/2025 registered at Police Station Sangam under section 8/21.
According to officials, investigation and verification revealed that the demolished structure had been illegally raised on land acquired and developed using proceeds generated from drug trafficking. The construction was carried out without lawful authority, in violation of revenue laws.
Police further stated that close associates and family members of the accused are also reportedly involved in multiple NDPS cases across the Valley, indicating the existence of a wider narcotics network.
Acting on credible inputs and following due legal procedures, the demolition was carried out in coordination with concerned authorities after completing all codal formalities.
The action sends a strong message that properties created from the proceeds of drug trafficking will not be spared, and individuals involved in the narcotics trade will face strict and visible consequences.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy, Srinagar Police urged citizens to come forward and support efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs and safeguard the youth and society.(KNC)