Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: Dr Poonam Sethi has been appointed as Incharge Director Health Services (DHS), Jammu.
According to an order issued today by the Health and Medical Education Department, Dr Sethi, who was serving as Incharge Director Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization, J&K, has been transferred and posted to the new position.
Dr Poonam is new DHS Jammu
Directionless Indian archers face stern test in Shanghai with Asian Games in horizon
SHANGHAI, May 4: Indian archery heads into another major event clouded by poor planning, lack of direction and the absence of a full-time foreign coach, an alarming situation in an Asian Games year, as a strong field assembles for World Cup Stage 2 beginning here on Tuesday.
With the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan scheduled from September 19-October 4 approaching fast, India’s build-up looks far from convincing.
The season began with a disappointing outing at the World Cup Stage 1 in Mexico, where the only saving grace was a gold medal from the women’s compound team.
That result did little to hide deeper concerns.
Despite competing in a depleted field, with powerhouse South Korea skipping the event, India’s recurve archers failed to step up.
It turned into a reality check as none of the leading names, including former Olympians Tarundeep Rai, Atanu Das, Dhiraj Bommadevara, Deepika Kumari and Ankita Bhakat could reach the medal rounds.
Das and Dhiraj managed pre-quarterfinal finishes before bowing out.
The men’s recurve team, seeded 10th, suffered an opening-round exit after losing to Spain in straight sets.
The women’s team cleared the first hurdle but went down to Turkey in the quarterfinals.
In the individual section, Deepika, India’s most decorated archer, exited in the second round.
Ankita, Simranjeet Kaur and Kumkum Mohod progressed one round further before losing in the third round.
The mixed team pairing of Dhiraj and Kumkum also endured a forgettable outing, crashing out in the opening round to Brazil.
Despite such an underwhelming performance, the national federation has retained the same squad for the first two World Cup stages, with selection trials for the Asian Games and the next World Cup legs slated in Sonipat from May 15.
As a result, India will once again rely on an ageing Tarundeep, an out-of-form Dhiraj, inconsistent Atanu and struggling veterans like Deepika and Ankita in Shanghai, this time against a much stronger field.
It will be a miracle of sorts if the Indian recurve side returns with a medal.
South Korea returns with a full-strength men’s team featuring five Olympic gold medal winners in Kim Woojin, Lee Woo Seok, Seo Mingi and Kim Je Deok, a line-up capable of dominating any competition.
The women’s team, though rejigged, still has reigning world champion and world No. 1 Kang Chaeyoung alongside Lee Yunji, Oh Yejin and Jang Minhee.
With the Asian Games on the horizon and in the close proximity of Shanghai, several Asian nations including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia have also sent teams to gain valuable exposure.
A total of 320 archers will compete at the Yuanshen Sports Centre, 48 more than last year.
India’s biggest concern, however, remains off the field.
With just over four months left for the Asian Games, the country still does not have a proper head coach.
The team is being managed by personal coaches, with the archer topping the trials effectively deciding support staff, a system that reflects a lack of structure and long-term planning.
Talks with noted compound coach Sergio Pagni, who guided India to a historic five-gold haul at the last Asian Games, and renowned recurve coach Kisik Lee, who helped the USA win three Olympic medals between 2012 and 2016, have not resulted in full-time appointments due to reported disagreements over remuneration.
There is talk of a part-time arrangement but there is still no clarity, adding to the sense of drift in a crucial year.
Given the current scenario, a podium finish from the recurve section would be a big surprise.
In such a scenario, once again India’s medal hopes will rest on the compound archers.
The women’s team will be led by the consistent Jyothi Surekha Vennam, with support from former world champion Aditi Swami and experienced Madhura Dhamangaonkar.
The men’s side, featuring seasoned campaigners Abhishek Verma and former world champion Ojas Deotale along with Kushal Dalal, will look to improve on their pre-quarterfinal exit in Mexico.
Against this backdrop, Shanghai will offer a clear measure of where India stands ahead of the Asian Games.
Squads:
Recurve men: Tarundeep Rai, Atanu Das, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Yashdeep Bhoge; women: Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, Simranjeet Kaur and Kumkum Mohod.
Compound men: Abhishek Verma, Kushal Dalal, Ojas Deotala and Sahil Jadhav; women: Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Swami, Pragati and Madhura Dhamangaonkar. (PTI)
Tawi Welfare Society observes R C Gupta’s 76th birth anniversary
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: The Tawi Welfare Society today observed the 76th birth anniversary of its founder late R C Gupta with devotion and social commitment at Apnavan, Suray Chak. The event witnessed a large gathering from different sections of society who paid floral tribute to the visionary social reformer.
Late R C Gupta was remembered for his lifelong dedication to the upliftment of the underprivileged and development of the Tawi Island area. Known for his philosophy of “Nar Seva is Narayan Seva,” he was hailed as a selfless personality.
The programme was attended by Choudhary Jagar Singh as chief guest and Amarjeet Kour, Mandal president BJP, as guest of honour. The proceedings were conducted by Nand Kishore, while Yash Paul Mangotra, General Secretary of the Society, delivered the welcome address.
Among those present were Prabha Gupta, wife of late R C Gupta, who expressed gratitude to the Society for continuing his mission.
Prominent speakers including Padma Shri Dr Jatinder Udhampuri, Gopal Sharma (DFO Retd.), Dr Bharat Bhushan Sharma (CMO Retd.) and Subash Chander Sharma paid rich tributes to the late leader and highlighted his contribution to society.
As part of the event, 100 ration kits were distributed among needy families. Speakers including Choudhary Jagar Singh and Amarjeet Kour appreciated the Society’s efforts in carrying forward the legacy of late R C Gupta and urged continued service towards humanity.
5 drug-peddlers among 7 held, contraband seized
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: The police arrested five drug peddlers in separate cases in Jammu, Udhampur, and Reasi districts and recovered contraband substances/ banned drugs from their possession.
Officials said during routine naka checking at Transport Nagar, Narwal, a vehicle (JK02DP-2219) was intercepted.
On search, they said, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Navjot Singh alias Bablu of Indra Nagar, Miran Sahib, was found in possession of approximately 264 grams of heroin-like substance.
Additionally, a cash amount of Rs 4,920 and four mobile phones were recovered from his possession, they said.
Officials said accordingly, the accused individual was arrested and booked in case FIR number 104/2026 under sections 8/22/25/27-A of the NDPS Act and section 11 of the BNS registered at Police Station Bahu Fort, with further investigation set into motion.
According to officials, the accused individual is a known history-sheeter, with involvement in multiple offences for which he is facing around 10 FIRs.
Meanwhile, reports said during routine naka at Phalata area in Udhampur district, a team from Police Station Rehambal apprehended one person namely- Ujwal of Garhi, Udhampur.
During his personal search, 2.42 grams of heroin along with a poly pouch was recovered from his possession.
Accordingly, an FIR No. 96/2026 U/S 8/21/22 NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Rehambal in this connection.
In another case, Police Station Udhampur arrested one Surinder Kumar, son of Satpal of Battal Ballian, from whose possession 3.20 grams of heroin was recovered.
In this regard, FIR No. 182/2026 stands registered at Police Station Udhampur.
Two drug peddlers were arrested by police in Reasi district and recovered heroin from their possession. Reports said during routine naka at Nomian police post, a Tempo Traveler, bearing registration number JK14G-0342 was intercepted for checking. During the frisking of passengers, two individuals were found in possession of contraband substances.
The accused have been identified as Kishore Kumar, son of Sham Lal, resident of Agar Jitto, from whose possession approximately 5.6 grams of heroin (Chitta) was recovered, and Vikas Thakur, son of Satpal Thakur, resident of Amritsar (A/P Kotli Manotrian), from whose possession approximately 5.5 grams of heroin was recovered. In total, 11.1 grams of heroin was recovered from their possession.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 139/2026 under sections 8/21/22/29 NDPS Act stands registered at Police Station Katra.
Meanwhile, the police registered two FIRs at Police Station Katra and seized a substantial quantity of tobacco-related products.
During routine checking on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi track, police teams apprehended two individuals, found illegally selling tobacco products, thereby violating legal provisions.
In the first case, FIR No. 140/2026 U/S 223 BNS has been registered against Jagdish Kumar, son of Krishan Chand, resident of Manoon, Katra. During checking, police recovered 353 Gutka pouches, 70 tobacco pouches, 30 cigarette packs, and 116 Noor Biri bundles from his possession.
In the second case, FIR No. 141/2026 U/S 223 BNS has been registered against Joginder Singh, son of Bodh Raj, resident of Kanjli, in Reasi. During checking, police recovered 520 Gutka pouches, 170 tobacco pouches, 130 Noor Biri bundles and 29 cigarette packs from his possession.
Both accused were found indulging in the illegal sale of tobacco products along the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi track, an area where such activities are strictly prohibited in view of public health and regulatory norms.
Both the accused persons were taken into custody.
ST Dept realizes penalty worth Rs 18.22 lakh
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 4: The Enforcement Wing of the State Tax Department, Udhampur, in its sustained drive against tax evasion, has achieved significant success by realizing a penalty of Rs 11.93 lakh from two tax defaulters during a recent operation.
The interception was carried out on the intervening night of April 30 and May 1 after a well-coordinated efforts by the enforcement team. This operation marks the second major success within a week, the first being a penalty of Rs 6.29 lakh, other than several other minor recoveries.
This achievement reflects the effective command and control of the Commissioner, PK. Bhat, over tax administration and the robust implementation of GST laws by field enforcement formations.
Acting on the inputs, Anil Kumar Chandail, Deputy Commissioner, two teams led by STOs Ayush Sharma and Kamal Gupta were mobilized. The vehicles were found carrying scrap goods without proper documentation, leading to the imposition and recovery of penalties as per GST provisions. The Enforcement Wing has realized a total penalty of Rs 18.22 lakh.
Stalin says ‘DMK bows to people’s verdict, party’s journey will go on uninteruppted’
CHENNAI, May 4 : DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday said his party bowed before and accepted the people’s verdict and asserted that his party which worked well as the ruling party would from now on work well as the main opposition party.
In a social media post, Stalin said, “I bow to people’s verdict…DMK’s political journey will continue without any slackness.” (PTI)
Haryana BJP celebrates with ‘Jalebis’, ‘Jhalmuri’; CM hails Bengal win as ‘triumph of nationalism’
CHANDIGARH, May 4: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that the “resounding victory” of the BJP in West Bengal is a “triumph of nationalism” as he thanked the people of the state for a big mandate to his party.
Saini also thanked the people of Bengal as well as Assam, where the BJP retained power and Puducherry, where the NDA made a comeback.
“This resounding victory for the BJP is a triumph of nationalism; it is a victory of sacrifice; and it is a victory for every citizen and party worker who lost their lives during the period of political violence in West Bengal,” he said.
BJP’s performance in the three states, especially its mega win in West Bengal, ousting Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, triggered celebrations by party workers and leaders across Haryana.
From ‘jalebis’ to ‘jhalmuri’, ‘ladoos’ and ‘burfi’ were distributed on the occasion, the party workers danced to the beats of traditional ‘dhol’, celebrating the BJP’s win in three of the five states which had gone to polls.
In Panipat, BJP MLA Pramod Kumar Vij distributed ‘jalebis’ and ‘jhalmuri’ among the workers to celebrate the party’s win.
Making an stop during his campaign tour in West Bengal last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi savoured ‘jhalmuri’, a popular Bengali street food made of puffed rice, green chillies, and other spices, at Jhargram.
“Heartiest congratulations on the blossoming of the ‘Lotus’, marking a historic victory on the sacred soil of West Bengal, a land graced by the blessings of Goddess Kali,” Saini said in a post on X.
“This great land of Bengal, the symbol of change, has always provided direction to India, a legacy born from the contributions of its luminaries, great leaders, and the struggles of its people,” Saini added.
“The lotus of the ideology of our guide, the late Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, which has blossomed upon this land today, will not only script a new saga of national awakening but will also sound the clarion call to fulfil Modi’s dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India),” Saini said.
“Heartfelt thanks to the esteemed people of Bengal for this resounding mandate,” he said in his post.
About Assam, the chief minister said, “This victory of the NDA is a symbol of the people’s trust, affection, and their aspirations towards development. The visionary thinking of the Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, his people-welfare-oriented and people-friendly policies, and his development-focused leadership have laid a strong foundation for this triumph”.
Under the active and people-centric leadership of the Assam chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, this historic third term symbolises the continuity of development and good governance in Assam. This mandate signifies the beginning of a new era of confidence and progress for the state, he said.
“This support from the people demonstrates that the politics of development, good governance, and stability enjoys the abundant blessings of the populace,” Saini, who had also campaigned in West Bengal for the polls, said.
He also extended his congratulations to the people of Puducherry on the splendid victory for the NDA.
Reacting to the BJP’s stupendous performance in Bengal, Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Anil Vij, said now is the turn of Punjab and claimed that in the Punjab Assembly elections scheduled to be held early next year, the party will form the government with a massive majority.
Vij further said that the BJP’s victory in West Bengal is historic, and expressed confidence that the BJP will achieve a similar big victory in Punjab.
He said that just as the party delivered an unprecedented performance in West Bengal, it will create a new history in Punjab as well.
Taking a dig at AAP, he said that some individuals capitalised on the massive support received during Anna Hazare’s movement, collected supporters’ data, and formed a party that lacks a clear ideology and a concrete programme.
Reacting to the BJP’s victory in West Bengal, Vij said it clearly shows that the people of the country have evaluated other parties and have now placed their trust in the BJP for development, national security, and public welfare.
He added that the BJP is capable of taking the country forward, ensuring border security, and providing better facilities to citizens.
He also said that the BJP is a policy-driven party and is moving forward with a nationalist vision and a commitment toward the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat@ 2047’.
Vij further said that wherever elections have been held, whether in Haryana, Delhi, Bihar, or other states, the BJP has consistently achieved success.
He said that the massive rallies addressed by Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in West Bengal had already indicated that the BJP would form the government there.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, Vij said that its influence is continuously declining and that it will completely disappear from the political landscape in the future.
Senior BJP leader Satish Poonia, the party’s Haryana state in-charge, termed the victories in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry as both historic and a triumph of public trust.
He stated that this victory is the outcome of the strong leadership of the country’s popular prime minister, his pro-people policies, and his unwavering commitment to development.
Poonia remarked that the people of Bengal sought liberation from an atmosphere of fear, corruption, and violence, and desired to move forward on the path of development and good governance.
Driven by this very sentiment, the public reposed its faith in the BJP, he said.
He asserted that this victory is a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Bengal have placed in the party.
Poonia stated that the people of Bengal have decisively ousted the Mamata government’s “policies of fear, corruption, and repression”.
The public has demonstrated its faith in the BJP’s agenda of development and national interest.
He further noted that the voters in Bengal, by rejecting the politics of appeasement, have granted the BJP a massive mandate. By electing the BJP, the people have chosen the politics of development for Bengal, he said. (PTI)
ASKPC asks Govt to hold talks with community leaders on NFSA
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: The All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC), under the leadership of Moti Lal Malla, convened a meeting today to deliberate in detail upon the pressing issues confronting the Kashmiri Pandit community living in exile for over three and a half decades.
During the meeting, threadbare discussions were held on the implications of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and its proposed implementation among the migrant community. The members unanimously expressed deep concern and anguish over what they termed as an unjustified and insensitive move by the authorities.
It categorically stated that the implementation of NFSA is a deliberate attempt to categorize and fragment the victims of genocide, thereby undermining their unique and distinct status as a displaced community. The organization emphasized that the Kashmiri Pandits were forced into exile due to extraordinary circumstances and cannot be equated with any other category under routine welfare schemes.
ASKPC further observed that the move appears to be an effort to impose a flawed and ill-conceived policy on a community that has already suffered immense hardship, displacement, and loss for more than 36 years. Such measures, the organization noted, not only disregard the ground realities but also hurt the sentiments of the community.
The Conference strongly asserted that it will resist any attempt that seeks to dilute the migrant character and legal status of the KPs. It expressed serious apprehension that the implementation of NFSA may adversely affect the existing relief structure, including monthly cash assistance and ration entitlements, which have been the primary means of sustenance for thousands of displaced families.
ASKPC urged the Government to immediately halt the implementation of NFSA in its present form and engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the community before taking any such decisions.
TVK chief Vijay marks arrival of new era with Perambur win
CHENNAI, May 4 : TVK chief Vijay on Monday won from Perambur constituency by defeating his DMK rival R D Shekar by 53,715 votes in the Assembly elections held on April 23.
According to Election Commission data, Vijay secured 1,20,365 votes and Shekar – 66,650 votes.
He later received his certificate at Loyola College counting centre.
Outside the counting centre, a sea of yellow and maroon flags surged.
With this, “Thalapathy” had traded the silver screen for the legislative assembly, dismantling decades of two-party dominance in a single stroke.
Vijay is also competing from Tiruchirapalli East, where he is again leading decisively, signaling more than a debut — it marked the arrival of a new era. (PTI)
NDA secures two-thirds majority in Assam, wins 101 seats in 126-member assembly
GUWAHATI, May 4 : The ruling NDA is set to form the government in Assam for the third time in a row after securing a two-thirds majority, with the alliance winning 101 seats in the 126-member assembly on Monday.
While the BJP won 81 seats till 8.30 pm, its allies — the Bodo Peoples’ Front (BPF) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) — bagged 10 constituencies each. The BJP was leading in one seat.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma won the Jalukbari constituency for the sixth consecutive term, defeating Congress candidate Bidisha Neog by 89,434 votes.
In the opposition camp, the Congress won 15 seats and was leading in four, while the Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF and Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal secured two seats each, and the Trinamool Congress bagged one constituency.
In a major blow to the Congress, its state president Gaurav Gogoi lost in Jorhat to veteran politician and sitting BJP MLA Hitendranath Goswami by 23,181 votes.
Among the prominent BJP winners are ministers Ajanta Neog (Golaghat), Ranoj Pegu (Dhemaji), Pijush Hazarika (Jagiroad), Kaushik Rai (Lakhipur), Prashanta Phukan (Dibrugarh), Krishnendu Paul (Patharkandi) and Bimal Borah (Tingkhong).
Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary won from Tamulpur constituency by defeating former BTC chief Pramod Boro of the UPPL.
Sitting MLAs Mrinal Saikia (Khumtai), Bhuban Pegu (Jonai), Rama Kanta Dewri (Morigaon), Rupak Sarmah (Nagaon-Batadraba), Paramanda Rajbongshi (Sipajhar), Utpal Borah (Gohpur), Biswajit Phukan (Sarupathar), Binod Hazarika (Chabua-Lahowal), Taranga Gogoi (Naharkatia), Bhaskar Sharma (Margherita), Rupjyoti Kurmi (Mariani) and Bhuban Gam (Majuli) also emerged victorious.
AGP ministers Atul Bora and Keshav Mahanta retained their Bokakhat and Kaliabor constituencies, respectively, while first-timer Tapan Das won the Dimoria seat. Among the BPF candidates, cabinet minister Charan Boro retained his Mazbat constituency while the others who won are Maneswar Brahma (Baksa), Paniram Brahma (Sidli-Chirang), Thaneswar Basumatary (Manas), Rihon Daimary (Udalguri) and BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary’s wife Sewli Mohilary from Kokrajhar.
Congress candidates Asif Mohammad Nazar and Aftabuddin Mollah won from Laharighat and Jaleswar constituencies, respectively. AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal won from Binnakandi and Mazibur Rahman from Dalgaon.
Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi retained the Sibsagar seat, while another party member Mehboob Muktar won the Dhing seat and Trinamool Congress’ Sherman Ali Ahmed won from Mandia.
Among the prominent candidates who lost the polls are Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing assembly, Debabrata Saikia, Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Saikia, and former Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Ripun Bora.
Polling in all 126 assembly constituencies in the state was held in a single phase on April 9. (PTI)