JAMMU, Apr 29: The State Election Commission has extended the deadline for filing claims and objections for the revision of Panchayat Electoral Rolls-2026 to May 5, 2026, with 01.04.2026 as the qualifying date.
In a communication issued today, the Commission said the extension follows requests from several districts. The revised schedule is in continuation of its Notification No. SEC/Pyt/03/2026/607-639 dated 25.03.2026.
Under the revised schedule, claims and objections for addition, deletion, correction or transposition in the electoral rolls can be filed from March 27 to May 5. Special camps will be held at polling booth locations on May 2 and May 3, where the Panchayat Election Booth Officials including VLW, MPW and GRS, along with the Assembly BLOs, will be available with requisite forms and the draft electoral roll to assist voters.
The Electoral Registration Officer will dispose of all claims and objections by May 14 and the final Panchayat Electoral Roll-2026 will be published on May 21.
The Commission has directed the District Panchayat Election Officers to strictly follow the revised timeline and ensure wide publicity at the grassroots level through field staff of all departments, including Numberdars and Chowkidars, so that no eligible voter is left out.
The PEBOs have also been asked to conduct house-to-house surveys to enroll left-out and new voters in their respective Panch wards and Panchayats, and to organize remaining special camps at the Panch ward level.
NASHIK, Apr 29 : A court in Nashik on Wednesday extended till May 2 the police custody of four TCS employees in connection with the alleged religious conversion of their male colleague to allow investigators to probe the money trail and suspected international links.
The accused, Raza Rafiq Memon (35), Tausif Bilal Attar (37), Danish Ejaz Sheikh (32), and Shahrukh Husain Shaukat Qureshi (34) are also accused of sexually harassing some women colleagues at the local unit of the leading global IT services, consulting, and business solutions organisation.
They were booked under sections 75 (sexual harassment), 79 (act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 302 (deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person) of the BNS.
An SIT took their custody on April 23 from the Nashik Road Central Jail to investigate their alleged role in the religious conversion of their male colleague. A case was registered at the Mumbai Naka police station. On April 24, the court remanded them in police custody till April 29.
On Wednesday, the additional chief judicial magistrate extended their police custody till May 2 after the prosecution stressed the need to investigate the money trail and international links.
Of the two female accused in the sexual harassment and religious conversion case, a court on Tuesday extended the operations manager Ashwini Chainani’s judicial custody till May 5 after public prosecutor Ajay Misar sought time to present the government side as he is new in the case.
Advocate Misar has replaced Kiran Bendbhar in the TCS case, which is now being heard in-camera.
TCS had stated that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of coercion or misconduct and is focused on supporting employees and ensuring a safe and respectful workplace across all locations.
It continues to extend full cooperation to the law enforcement agencies so that the matter is investigated thoroughly, transparently and brought to a rightful conclusion. (PTI)
MUMBAI, Apr 29: Benchmark Sensex rebounded nearly 610 points and broader Nifty settled above 24,100 on Wednesday following value buying in FMCG, auto and telecom shares amid earnings optimism and a rally in Asian markets.
In a volatile session, the 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 609.45 points, or 0.79 per cent, to settle at 77,496.36. During the day, it surged 1,095.6 points, or 1.42 per cent, to a high of 77,982.51.
The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 181.95 points or 0.76 per cent to end at 24,177.65.
Among Sensex firms, ITC, Tech Mahindra, Maruti, Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the biggest gainers.
In contrast, InterGlobe Aviation, NTPC, Bajaj Finserv and ICICI Bank were among the laggards.
Maruti climbed 2.82 per cent after the country’s largest carmaker reported a record annual consolidated net profit of Rs 14,679.5 crore in FY26, a year-on-year growth of 1.24 per cent, riding on its best-ever annual sales of over 24.22 lakh units, propelled by GST rate reduction.
“The core driver of today’s strength remained earnings. Strong results from key companies reinforced confidence in underlying domestic demand and balance sheet resilience. This fundamental support, combined with easing geopolitical concerns, helped markets shift focus away from macro stress toward corporate performance,” Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.
Hopes of potential de-escalation in geopolitical tensions helped stabilise crude oil expectations, which is critical for India’s macro outlook, he said.
Broader markets also rallied as the BSE SmallCap Select index climbed 0.75 per cent, while MidCap Select index declined 0.49 per cent.
Among sectoral indices, FMCG jumped the most by 1.57 per cent, followed by Realty (1.42 per cent), Telecommunication (1.28 per cent), Energy (1.14 per cent), Auto (1.02 per cent), MidSmall Private Banks Quality Tilt (0.83 per cent) and IT (0.81 per cent). Utilities dropped 1.22 per cent, Power (1.05 per cent), Consumer Durables (0.43 per cent), Hospitals (0.42 per cent), PSU Bank (0.42 per cent) and Bankex (0.07 per cent).
“The up move was primarily driven by optimism around earnings announcements and buying interest in select heavyweights across sectors. However, elevated crude oil prices near the USD 110 mark, along with persistent foreign institutional outflows and a weak rupee, continued to cap the upside and kept participants cautious,” Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said.
In Asian markets, South Korea’s benchmark Kospi, Shanghai’s SSE Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng ended higher. Equity markets in Japan were closed due to a holiday. European markets were trading lower. US markets ended lower on Tuesday.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped 2.85 per cent to USD 114.4 per barrel.
“Despite weak global cues, elevated crude prices, and a depreciating INR, India’s equity markets rebounded from recent lows as investors used the correction to add exposure, supported by better-than-expected earnings despite geopolitical uncertainty.
“Gains were led by FMCG, auto, and realty stocks on strong results and positive commentary, while financials lagged due to regulatory tightening and provisioning concerns,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 2,103.74 crore on Tuesday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth Rs 1,712.01 crore, according to exchange data.
On Tuesday, the Sensex declined 416.72 points, or 0.54 per cent, to settle at 76,886.91. The Nifty dropped 97 points, or 0.40 per cent, to end at 23,995.70. (PTI)
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Apr 29: Indresh Kumar, national Executive Member RSS today said that India showed its might to world during Operation Sindoor in May last year.
Maintaining that these are shining days for India under PM Narendra Modi, Indresh Kumar said the world’s smallest battle was won by India in four days and 25 minutes during Operation Sindoor from May 7-10.
Delivering keynote address during the celebration of the Foundation Day of Laghu Udyog Bharti here today, Kumar said China had constructed nine airports in Pakistan to make its permanent base there, which were completely destroyed by India forces during the Operation Sindoor.
He said Pakistan had used Chinese and Turkey technology and India has its indigenous technology and we showed the world that we are on the top. “China had constructed airports in Pakistan to be permanently there which Pakistan was going to use to attack India but they were completely destroyed by the Indian Armed forces”.
He said China had never dreamed that its airports will be destroyed by India. Besides, India also destroyed within seconds three army bases in Pakistan, he added.
The RSS senior leader said the drones supplied by Turkey to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor also met the same fate as they were also destroyed by Indian forces in air. He said Pakistan attacked mosques, Gurudwaras and temples but India maintained restraint and it did not touch the civilian localities with this belief that someday Pakistan as a whole will be again part of India.
He said there is total unrest in Pakistan and people are in great distress there whether it is Sindh, Baluchistan, Pakhtunistan, Baltistan or other provinces, there is unrest. The Mohajirs are not being considered the citizens of Pakistan even after over 75 years of its formation, he added.
Kumar reiterated that within 10 to 15 years, India will expand its boundaries and Pakistan will be our part again.
He said India is becoming self-reliant. He said that India is becoming self-reliant and progressing rapidly. The purchasing capacity of every citizen has increased, and in the last 4 to 5 years, country has defeated hunger and no one is facing starvation now. This progress has been possible because both the Government and the people have worked together, he added.
He said India’s capacity and dominance has gone up all over globe and after the Pound and Dollar the third currency has evolved in the world in which 30 countries have started trade and that is Indian currency.
Referring to the unfortunate incident in Pahalgam, he appealed to the public to celebrate “Sainik Vijay” from 7th May to 10th May under Operation Sindoor in any form. He said that after the shameful incident in Pahalgam, within just 4 days and 25 minutes, Operation Sindoor created a successful story. Everyone present took a pledge, raising both hands, to celebrate this military victory with great enthusiasm.
He further said that India is moving ahead with confidence in defence, economy, employment, and global recognition. He appealed to entrepreneurs to think positively, work with self-respect, and prepare a strong economic roadmap for Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized that industrialists are not only running businesses but are also generating employment, supporting families, and contributing to nation building.
On the issue of employment, he said that the NC Government had made promises, but today the people of Jammu & Kashmir are still waiting to see real results, with only promises visible so far. Through the efforts of Laghu Udyog Bharati, industrialists have taken a pledge to support the Prime Minister’s call of becoming job “providers, not job seekers.” He said that together, industries will be developed that can create up to 10,000 employment opportunities and strengthen the economy of the region.
The programme was attended by industrialists, entrepreneurs and members of various industrial associations from across Jammu & Kashmir.
Sat Sharma (CA), MP Rajya Sabha and State president BJP J&K, as chief guest; Gulam Ali Khatana, MP Rajya Sabha; Ch. Vikram Randhawa, MLA Bahu; Yudhvir Sethi, MLA Jammu East; Arvind Dhumal, national vice president and Prabhari North Zone, Laghu Udyog Bharati; and Parveen Pargal, National Working Committee Member and Prabhari Jammu & Kashmir.
Sat Sharma (CA) appreciated Laghu Udyog Bharati for raising important issues of MSMEs in a disciplined and constructive manner. He said that the industrial sector is the backbone of employment and economic development in Jammu & Kashmir. He assured that all genuine demands of entrepreneurs will be taken up strongly at both Central and State levels. He said that with the collective efforts of MPs, MLAs and industry representatives, issues related to incentives, infrastructure, ease of doing business, payments and policy support will be pursued for early resolution.
Gulam Ali Khatana addressed the gathering and assured full support to the industrial fraternity. He said that MSMEs play an important role in balanced development and employment generation, especially in Jammu & Kashmir, and their genuine issues will be raised at the appropriate platforms.
Arvind Dhumal spoke about the nationwide work of Laghu Udyog Bharati. He said that the organisation is working in many states and hundreds of districts across the country and has become a strong voice of micro and small industries. He highlighted that small industries provide employment to crores of people and make a major contribution in manufacturing and national economy.
Parveen Pargal placed important industrial issues before the dignitaries and demanded extension of the NCSS package, a new 10 year Central and State package for micro, small and existing industries, establishment of a Rail Coach Factory in Jammu, and implementation of procurement policy with purchase and price preference.
The proceedings were conducted by Aagam Jain, general secretary while, Dinesh Gupta , president delivered the welcome address. Besides Ankit Gupta, UT vice president, Ishant Gupta , treasurer, Pranav Gupta and Mukul Gupta, joint general secretaries and Rajinder Sadotra , joint treasurer were present.
Wushu players posing along with Director of Physical Education and Sports, Cluster University of Jammu.
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 29: Cluster University of Jammu has announced that its Men’s and Women’s Wushu teams will participate in the All India Inter-University Wushu Tournament, scheduled to be organized by the University of Kashmir from May 4 to May 9, 2026.
The contingent assembled and met with the Director of Physical Education and Sports, Cluster University of Jammu, before their departure for the national-level event.
The men’s team comprises Amanjot Singh, Vedant Singh Jamwal, Antrikish Singh, Vasu Singh, Vasudev Sharma, Kartavy Gupta and Ishmeet Singh, under the guidance of Manager and Coach Hrithik Charak. The women’s team is represented by Anshika Gupta, accompanied by Coach Mehul Sharma.
LONDON, Apr 29 : London police say the stabbing of two Jewish men has been declared a terrorist incident.
Metropolitan Police say they are investigating whether Wednesday’s attack specifically targeted the Jewish community.
The force says the attack in the Golders Green area left two men, aged 34 and 76, hospitalized with knife wounds. A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. (AP)
JAMMU, Apr 29: In a major step towards strengthening women’s participation in Bar leadership, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has directed all Bar Associations across the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh to ensure 30 percent reservation for women advocates in their governing or executive bodies.
The direction has been issued through a circular by the office of the Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, in compliance with the directions passed by the Supreme Court in Deeksha N Amruthesh Versus State of Karnataka & Ors, Special Leave to Appeal (C) Nos. 1404 of 2025.
As per the circular, all Bar Associations falling within the jurisdiction of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh have been impressed upon to reserve 30 percent of the posts of governing or executive members for women advocates to ensure their adequate representation in Bar bodies.
The circular further provides that where women advocate members are not available or do not contest elections, the shortfall in representation shall be filled through nominations. Such nominations will be made by the concerned Administrative Judge in consultation with the concerned District and Sessions Judge, elected office bearers and the senior-most women members of the respective District Bar Associations.
It has also been clarified that the tenure of nominated women members shall remain co-terminus with that of the elected members, meaning they will continue only for the same term as the elected executive body.
The J&K High Court Bar Association Jammu, Kashmir Advocates Association and all District and Tehsil Bar Associations across J&K and Ladakh have been asked to take immediate steps for implementation of the directions.
The High Court has also directed the concerned Bar Associations to submit compliance reports within one week from the date of issuance of the circular.
The circular has been issued by order of Registrar General M K Sharma and circulated to Principal District and Sessions Judges, Presidents of Bar Associations, Registrars of the High Court, Judicial Academy and other concerned authorities for information and necessary compliance.
CHANDIGARH, Apr 29: In a step towards strengthening disaster preparedness, the Haryana government will conduct a mock exercise on a flood disaster scenario on May 14, covering 13 flood-prone districts.
Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Sumita Misra, said here on Wednesday that the exercise is being organized in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as part of the annual State/UT mock exercise calendar for 2026’27.
According to the official communication issued by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, the mock exercise will be conducted in four stages to ensure comprehensive preparedness.
The first stage, orientation and coordination conference, will be held on May 6, through video conferencing, involving officials and stakeholders from the State and district levels.
This will be followed by a table top exercise on May 12, where various response scenarios will be discussed and strategies tested.
The third and the key phase, the physical mock drill, will take place on May 14, involving active participation of all concerned agencies on the ground.
Misra stated that the exercise will be conducted in 13 identified flood-prone districts — Gurugram, Ambala, Faridabad, Fatehabad, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Panipat, Palwal, Sirsa, Sonipat and Yamunanagar.
These districts have been selected due to their proximity to rivers and canals and their geographical vulnerability to flooding, making them critical for preparedness planning.
The primary objective of the exercise is to review disaster management plans and standard operating procedures at the State, district and departmental levels. It will also focus on defining stakeholder roles under the Incident Response System (IRS) and integrating them into the overall response mechanism.
Misra further said the drill will strengthen coordination among district-level emergency support functions and improve communication systems during disaster situations.
The mock exercise will also emphasize building public awareness through media, local bodies, non-governmental organizations and community participation.
Authorities aim to identify gaps in resources, logistics, communication and response capacity so that corrective measures can be implemented ahead of the monsoon season, she added.
Misra highlighted that such exercises are essential to ensure that all stakeholders, from administration to emergency responders, are fully prepared to handle flood situations efficiently.
The initiative is expected to enhance the State’s readiness and ensure a coordinated and timely response in the event of an actual disaster. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, Apr 29 : Gold prices declined by Rs 1,500 to Rs 1.52 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday due to profit booking as rising crude oil rates raise concerns over inflation ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s decision.
However, silver prices posted a modest gain of Rs 500 to Rs 2,44,500 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes) from Tuesday’s closing level of Rs 2,44,000 per kg, as per the All India Sarafa Association.
Gold of 99.9 per cent purity decreased by Rs 1,500, or 1 per cent, to Rs 1,52,800 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes). The yellow metal had settled at Rs 1,54,300 per 10 grams in the previous session.
Bullion traders weighed higher energy costs tied to tensions in West Asia, which could keep inflation elevated and force central banks to stay restrictive for longer.
Gold traded weak on Wednesday as continued profit booking and rising crude-led inflation concerns kept pressure on precious metal prices, Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst – Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said.
Higher oil prices are reinforcing expectations that the US Federal Reserve may maintain a tighter stance on monetary policy, which supports the dollar and limits upside in bullion rates, he added.
Traders are now focused on the Fed’s policy decision and comments from Chair Jerome Powell for signals on how officials view shaping the outlook for interest rates amid ongoing US-Iran uncertainty, Trivedi said.
According to the World Gold Council, India’s gold demand rose 10 per cent on-year to 151 tonnes during the January-March quarter, led by strong investment demand despite elevated prices.
In the international market, spot gold fell USD 23.31, or 0.51 per cent, to USD 4,573.75 per ounce, while silver traded 0.18 per cent lower at USD 72.99 per ounce.
Gold was trading near USD 4,570 per ounce after US President Donald Trump ordered preparations for an extended blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as Washington and Tehran remained divided over issues including nuclear enrichment, Praveen Singh, Head of Commodities at Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said.
On the outlook, Hareesh V, Head of Commodity Research, Geojit Investments Ltd, said: “Gold may not immediately surge to USD 5,000, as ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to weigh on investor sentiment.”
However, the long-term outlook remains firmly bullish, supported by strong fundamentals such as central bank demand, inflationary pressures, and limited supply growth, he added. (PTI)
Winning team posing along with dignitaries during a programme.
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SAMBA, Apr 29: The Inter APSs Cluster-I Football Tournament for U-17 Girls, hosted by Army Public School Samba, concluded on an exciting note with APS Jammu Cantt emerging as champions.
In the final match, APS Jammu Cantt defeated APS Samba by 2-1 in a closely contested encounter, showcasing excellent teamwork, discipline and tactical play. APS Samba secured the runners-up position after a spirited performance, while APS Damana finished third with a commendable display of skill and sportsmanship.
The three-day tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from various Army Public Schools of Cluster-I, providing a platform for young players to display their football talent, coordination and competitive spirit.
The tournament was conducted under the guidance of the school administration of Army Public School Samba with active support from the organizing committee, officials and staff, ensuring smooth conduct of the event. The prize distribution ceremony marked the conclusion of the tournament, where winners and participants were felicitated with trophies, medals and certificates. The Principal and Chairman, APS Samba congratulated all teams for their performances and appreciated their sportsmanship.
