PATNA, May 1 : JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar on Friday vacated the Bihar chief minister’s official residence, which he occupied for around two decades, and shifted to a new address.
Kumar, who is now a Rajya Sabha MP, relinquished the chief minister’s post on April 14, and the BJP’s Samrat Choudhary became the CM the next day. The JD(U) leader has served as the chief minister continuously since November 2005.
“We have shifted from 1 Anne Marg (the official CM residence) to 7 Circular Road, and will live there,” Kumar’s son Nishant told reporters.
The 1 Anne Marg house was notified as the Bihar Chief Minister’s residence in 2006.
Nishant also greeted people on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. (PTI)
Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, May 1: Five members of a family from Jammu were injured when their Bolero vehicle collided head on with a passenger bus on Katra-Jammu Road, here today.
The accident took place near Moori Check Post on Katra – Jammu road when the Bolero, bearing registration number JK21A- 1422 collided with the sleeper bus (BP28P- 3779) coming from opposite direction.
The injured persons were first taken to CHC Katra for treatment and later referred to GMC Jammu for further medical care. They were identified as Vishavdeep Singh, aged 45 years, son of Prem Singh, his wife Jyoti Jamwal (40), their daughter, Hrivika Charak (14), Prem Sagar Singh (76), son of Jagdev Charak and his daughter Archana Charak (25). Condition of all the injured was stated to be stable.
WASHINGTON, May 1: The US has sought clarification from the Maldives days after President Mohammad Muizzu lashed out at Washington over the war with Iran.
The matter came up on Wednesday when US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Sergio Gor and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Morrison spoke to Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and discussed the US-Maldives relationship.
Muizzu has slammed the US and Israel for attacks on Iran and repeatedly asserted that he would not allow use of any area of the Maldives, a small Muslim-majority archipelago, in any capacity to aid the war.
“On the call, the Foreign Minister helped clarify recent statements by the Maldivian President. The Minister reiterated that the President of Maldives wanted a positive relationship. We look forward to future engagements,” the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said in a post on X on Wednesday.
The Maldivian president had refused to meet Gor, Trump’s special envoy for South and Central Asia, when he visited Male in March.
However, on March 23, Gor met the Maldivian Foreign and Defence Ministers during a visit to the Maldives.
The US-Maldives diplomatic ties completed 60 years and for the first time Washington established a permanent Chief of Mission’s Residence in Male in December last year. (PTI)
Indian ice hockey team during U-18 Ice Hockey Asia Cup match.
NEW DELHI, May 1: India beat Macau 8–1 in the U-18 Ice Hockey Asia Cup, with captain Gurtej Singh Bhatti leading the charge while scoring four goals in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
India opened strongly and built an early lead, while staying in control through all three periods. Ajay Dangi of Rajasthan opened the scoring for India, and with Bhatti scoring four goals, the team hit their stride as Itfiqar Hussain, Tanzin Tashi and Devansh Sharma added one goal each.
“We started with clear intent and maintained our pace through all three periods. The team created good opportunities and capitalised well. A quick self-assessment and response to the situation helped us come even stronger in the third period. It’s a strong result, but the focus is on staying consistent in the games ahead,” Bhatti said.
Harjinder Singh, General Secretary of the Ice Hockey Association of India, appreciated the performance and the team’s progress at the international level.
“The victory against Macau is a bold statement of intent from this young Indian side. The team showed excellent composure and adaptability, maintaining strong control across all three periods. This win reflects not just skill, but also growing maturity and belief,” he said.
The tournament features ice hockey teams from Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Macau (China), and India. (PTI)
Well known scholar, Prof Rattan Talashi being honoured at Jammu on Friday.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: Glowing tribute were paid to martyr Sarvanand Koul and his son, Virender Koul on their Martyrdom Day today. Both father -son duo was killed on this day in 1990 after kidnapping by terrorists from their native village Soaf Shali in Kokernag tehsil of South Kashmir and their dead bodies after torture were thrown on road side near Anantnag township.
In this regard a literary-cum-musical programme was organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages to commemorate the 36th death anniversary of noted scholar and poet Sarvanand Koul Premi here, today.
Dr. Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), J&K, was the Guest of honour on the occasion, while eminent historian and former VC Central University Allahabad, Dr. Ratan Lal Hangloo presided over the function. Padma Shri awardee, B. L. Bhat was the co- chief guest with Rajinder Premi, the son of Premi.
In his address, Dr. Karwani lauded the sustained efforts of Rajinder Premi in preserving and promoting the rich literary and cultural legacy of Sarvanand Koul Premi. He highlighted Premi’s invaluable contribution to Kashmiri literature and his role in fostering cultural harmony, describing him as a beacon of intellectual and artistic excellence.
Presiding over the function, Dr. Ratan Lal Hangloo underscored the enduring relevance of Sarvanand Koul Premi’s works, stating that his writings continue to inspire generations and reflect the composite cultural ethos of J&K.
Scholarly papers on the life and legacy of the late litterateur were presented by Dr. Sohan Lal Koul and Vinod Kumar, who offered deep insights into his literary contributions and philosophical outlook.
On the occasion, Piare Hatash, Prof. Rattan Talashi and Bal Mukand Sanyasi were honoured for their significant literary and social contributions.
A musical tribute added a vibrant dimension to the programme, with compositions by Kuldeep Sapru and soulful renditions by artists including Harshita Pandita, Shivani Joshi, Gandharv Kaloo, Shriya Gurtoo, Simran Gurtoo and Akash Kaul. The accompanying musicians included Ashish Gill, Rakesh Jasotra, Rajeev, Chandan Kumar and Sahil Jasotra.
The event also featured a Mushaira, where prominent poets such as Santosh Shah Nadan, Bal Mukand Sanyasi, Chaman Lal, Piare Hatash, Maharaj Krishan Bhat, Kundan Paras, Kusum Dhar, Ashok Kumar Dhar, Rajinder Aagosh and Ramesh Kumar Bhat recited their verses.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Vijay Wali, while the vote of thanks was presented by Rajinder Premi.
Acharya Balkrishan of Patanjali Yogpeeth along with other dignitaries on the conclusion of a camp in Haridwar on Friday.
Excelsior Correspondent
HARIDWAR, May 1: The two day camp organised by the officers of Union Tribal Affairs Ministry at Patanjali University here for the empowerment of tribal communities culminated today.
Experts in the camp discussed socio-economic development of tribal communities and threw light on the importance of their health and education.
The camp had started with the recitation of a group song by Dr. Archana Tiwari and her team.
Representative of the Government of India, Manish Tiwari gave detailed information on the livelihood model in rural society.
He shared the developmental works accomplished on ground for the welfare of tribal communities and for improvement of their economic status.
On this occasion schemes for the welfare of tribal communities were discussed and stressed was laid on strengthening the planned schemes for the welfare of tribal communities.
Renowned Sanskrit Scholar, Dr. Jay Madan recited the Vedic hymns to throw light on the subject.
While speaking on the occasion, representative of the Ministry, Atul K Shah, said, “We should avoid unwanted thoughts and use self-confidence to live our lives in a better way.”
He also said that solutions to the problems can also be reached by showing empathy and peace.
Dr. Varnali talked on the topics of health, culture and digital empowerment.
NEW DELHI, May 1 : India is likely to export only 7.5 to 8 lakh tonnes of sugar in the current 2025-26 marketing season (October-September) due to unfavourable global price parity, according to a senior government official.
The world’s second-largest sugar producer keeps exports under government control through quotas distributed proportionally among mills. For 2025-26, the Food Ministry initially allowed 1.5 million tonnes in exports, then opened an additional 500,000-tonnes pool, of which only 87,587 tonnes were approved.
“The full season physical shipments would likely land around 7.5-8 lakh tonnes. There is no parity in global prices for exports to be undertaken at present,” the official said.
India has already exported 5 lakh tonnes as on March 3, and mills are unlikely to utilise the full-season export quota even though outbound sales were more active earlier in the season, the official added.
Domestic sugar consumption patterns have shifted in recent years, with demand growth stagnating as offtake volumes remain flat. The trend has reduced overall consumption, leaving tighter-than-expected surplus availability for exports despite a modest recovery in production.
Domestic sugar production has reached 27.5 million tonnes so far this season, with total output pegged at 28.2 million tonnes — slightly above the 26.1 million tonnes recorded in 2024-25. (PTI)
MLA Nagrota constituency, Devyani Rana leading a protest at Dansal against Jal Shakti Department on Friday.
Orders restoration of dug well
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1:- In a significant outcome of the strong protest led by MLA Nagrota, Devyani Rana, against the acute water crisis in the constituency, the Jal Shakti Department has accorded administrative approval for the restoration of the long-defunct dug well at Hurlani (Kapotha) in Dansal.
The dug well had remained non-functional since August 2025 following flood damage, causing severe hardship to local residents who have been grappling with an acute shortage of drinking water for months.
Taking serious note of the situation, Ms. Rana had raised the issue during her protest and demanded immediate restoration of all defunct water supply systems, particularly highlighting the plight of people in the adjoining areas.
Responding to the pressure created by the public outcry and the MLA’s intervention, the Department has now sanctioned the required funds and initiated steps for the restoration of the dug well. The repair work has been directed to be taken up on priority.
Ms. Rana welcomed the move but stated that such urgent actions should not require public protests. She stated that the Government has allocated nearly Rs 3500 crore to the Jal Shakti Department in the 2026-2027 budget. The J&K Government has also received flood restoration funding from the Centre up to nearly Rs 3000 crore. However the funding is not reflecting on the ground in Jammu division which was adversely impacted during the floods.
She reiterated that the ongoing water crisis is a result of prolonged negligence, lack of planning, and failure in timely maintenance by the Department.
“This action clearly shows that when issues are raised strongly, the administration is compelled to respond. However, people should not be forced to come on roads for their basic rights like drinking water,” she said.
She further emphasized that while the approval for Hurlani dug well is a positive step; many other PHE stations and dug wells across Nagrota constituency are still lying defunct and require immediate attention.
Ms. Rana urged the Department to ensure quality repair works, proper technical supervision, and accountability to prevent recurrence of such failures.
“The people of Nagrota deserve reliable access to drinking water, and I will not allow administrative lapses and lethargy that has crept into the system to deprive them of this basic necessity,” she asserted.
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 1: In continuation of Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan, Udhampur Police has attached immovable property worth Rs 40 lakhs belonging to drug peddler Rafiq Ahmed, son of Abdul Karim of Haji Basti, Sainik Colony, Jammu, under NDPS Act.
The attachment has been made in connection with FIR number 49/2026, under section 8/21/22/29 NDPS Act of Police Station Rehambal.
During the course of investigation, it came to fore that the accused had acquired a residential house from the proceeds of illicit narcotics trade. Accordingly, the said property has been attached/seized under the provisions of Section 68-F of the NDPS Act for further legal proceedings, Police said.
Dr S P Verma, president of GGF during a function in Jammu.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: The Scientists, Engineers and Architects (SEA) wing of the Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation (RERF), in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris today organized a function to mark the conclusion of its “ECO Care and Disaster Management” campaign at the Om Shanti Meditation Centre here.
The event began with a silent meditation session followed by a cultural welcome dance. The function was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by chief guest Dr S P Verma, president of Gandhi Global Family (GGF) along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Verma emphasized the relevance of Gandhian philosophy in today’s environmental challenges, stating that sustainable development requires a balance between spiritual awareness and scientific advancement to ensure a disaster-resilient future.
National Coordinator of SEA Wing, BK Bharat Bhushan, highlighted that the ecological crisis is deeply rooted in human consciousness and stressed the need for value-based living and meditation to promote environmental responsibility.
Chairperson of Brahma Kumaris J&K, Rajyogini BK Sudershan, underlined the connection between inner well-being and environmental health, noting that a purified mindset leads to a healthier planet.
Delhi Zone Coordinator BK Piyush presented an overview of the campaign’s impact, citing increased awareness across the region.
The event was attended by several prominent guests, including Rajeev Gupta, Suresh Gupta, Ankush, and Punit Choudhary, who shared insights on water conservation, research and disaster preparedness.
The campaign focused on promoting environmental sustainability and strengthening disaster management awareness through a blend of scientific knowledge and spiritual practices.
The event was managed by BK Ravinder.
