DDC reviews SBM-G, NMBA, directs strict action against waste dumping in Water Bodies

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior correspondent

BANDIPORA, MAY 04: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, today chaired a review meeting at the VC Room of Mini Secretariat Bandipora to discuss implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), functioning of youth clubs and District Plan status.

During the meeting, the DDC stressed proper waste management practices including source segregation, waste collection and efficient utilisation of SBM-G funds. The meeting was informed that segregation sheds and vermicompost pits have been established across blocks.

The DDC directed that SBM activities should be planned and implemented effectively at Panchayat level with active involvement of field functionaries and local stakeholders. She also stressed better utilisation of segregation sheds and directed officers to ensure proper waste segregation mechanisms on ground.

Expressing concern over waste being dumped into water bodies in Gurez, Athwatoo and other areas, the DDC directed officers to take strict action against violators and intensify awareness drives. She further directed that people found throwing garbage in open spaces will be penalised as per norms. BDO Gurez informed that sensitisation campaigns are being conducted among people residing near the Kishanganga river.

The DDC also directed that user fees under SBM-G will be made mandatory to ensure sustainability of waste management systems and directed BDOs to hold regular meetings with field functionaries while strengthening sanitation infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by District Programme Officer ICDS Bandipora, Yaar Ali Khan; Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Block Development Officers, District Programme Manager (NRLM) and other concerned officers, while officers from Gurez joined virtually.

DC Kathua discusses District Annual Plan for current fiscal year

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior correspondent

KATHUA, MAY 04: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting of district officers to review the District Capex Plan for the current fiscal year at the DC Office Complex.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed the sectoral officers to incorporate only feasible and need-based works in the Capex Plan so that projects can be executed efficiently and within the prescribed timelines. “Unrealistic or non-viable proposals should be avoided and priority must be given to works with tangible public utility and long-term impact,” he emphasized.

The DC stressed the importance of taking the elected MLAs on board while framing the plan so that developmental priorities of the people are adequately reflected and aligned with public expectations. He asked the officers to maintain close coordination with public representatives to ensure transparency and better planning outcomes.

He further instructed the departments to identify and remove bottlenecks hampering execution of developmental works, including land issues, technical clearances and administrative delays, so that implementation remains smooth and uninterrupted.

The Deputy Commissioner laid special emphasis on early submission of departmental proposals for final approval, stating that timely planning is crucial for effective utilization of funds and prompt commencement of developmental works during the financial year.

He called upon all departments to work in a coordinated manner and ensure that the Capex Plan serves as a practical roadmap for inclusive and sustainable development across the district.

ADDC Surinder Mohan Sharma, IAS Probationer Nidhi, CPO Ranjeet Thakur, ACD Akhil Sadotra and other district and sectoral officers attended the meeting.

More than 300 families evacuate in Philippines due to ashfall from volcano

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

MANILA, May 4 : More than 300 families have been evacuated after massive amounts of ash billowed from the Mayon volcano over the weekend due to the collapse of lava deposits from its slopes, officials said Monday.

There was no explosive eruption from Mayon, which has been erupting mildly on and off since January, but huge deposits of lava on its southwestern slope suddenly cascaded down in a pyroclastic flow – an avalanche of hot rocks, ash and gas – before nightfall on Saturday, said Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

No deaths or injuries were reported, but massive clouds of ash scattered over 87 villages in three towns, catching many by surprise and slowing down motorists due to poor visibility, officials said.

“The ashfall was just so thick and there was zero visibility even in our national road,” Mayor Caloy Baldo of Camalig town, which lies near the volcano’s foothills, said.

“Some villagers panicked but we advised them to calm down,” Baldo told The Associated Press.

Vegetable farms were damaged by the ashfall, which also killed four water buffaloes and a cow in Camalig, Baldo said, adding that a cleanup was underway in his town of 8,000 people in Albay province.

“It’s calm again now but the danger is always there,” Bacolcol said of Mayon’s condition Monday.

The 2,462-metre (8,077-foot) volcano is one of the Philippines’ top tourism draws because of its near-perfect cone shape. But it’s also the most active of the country’s 24 volcanoes.

Authorities raised the five-step alert around Mayon to level 3 in January after a series of mild eruptions that caused intermittent rockfalls, some as big as cars, from its peak crater along with deadly pyroclastic flows.

Alert 5 means an explosive and life-threatening eruption is underway with deadly volcanic lava and pyroclastic flows and heavy ashfall. (AP)

DC reviews relief cases for victims of cross-border shelling and Violence

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, MAY 04: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting of the District Level-cum-Screening Committee to review and process cases under the Central Scheme for Assistance to Civilian Victims of cross-border shelling and other forms of violence.

The meeting focused on the settlement of relief cases pertaining to victims and families affected by terrorist violence, communal incidents, cross-border firing and mine/IED blasts on Indian Territory.

During the proceedings, the Committee thoroughly examined the cases in accordance with the prescribed norms and guidelines of the Government of India to ensure fair and justified disbursement of relief. After detailed discussion, one case was approved by the committee.

Emphasizing strict adherence to norms, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of transparency, accuracy and accountability in the verification process. He stressed that all genuine beneficiaries must receive timely financial assistance without any delay.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Additional Superintendent of Police Ajay Sharma; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan; DSWO, Khalil Ahmed Banday, Chief Accounts Officer, District Fund Office; Saleem Malik, Tehsildar Headquarters, Pallvi Verma; CDPO, Abdul Aziz; Account Officer DC Office, Akshay Sharma and other concerned officers.

DDC reviews progress of Heritage Restoration Projects in Kishtwar

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior Correspondent

KISHTWAR, MAY 04: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of ongoing works and discuss new project proposals for Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Conservation of Architecture & Heritage of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir Scheme.

The Deputy Commissioner undertook a detailed review of the physical and financial progress of ongoing heritage restoration projects under the J&K Architecture & Heritage Scheme works under the UT CAPEX and CSS schemes.

These schemes included the development and beautification of Shri Sarthal Mata Temple; construction of Ghonkhan at Gompa Guldharpatti, Padder; development of Shri Machail Mata Ji Temple Padder and beautification works at Astan Bala Shah Farid-ud-Din Sahib Bagdadi and Astan Pain (Shah Asrar-ud-Din Sahib Bagdadi) in Kishtwar town. The DC emphasized the timely completion of these works while ensuring quality and adherence to approved plans.

Further, the DC reviewed the proposal for development and beautification of Hud Mata, Dachhan, which is being revisited for refinement of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). He also directed to submit DPR for the preservation, development and beautification of Shiv Mandir Sranwan Thakrie.

The DC directed the concerned departments, particularly PWD (R&B) to ensure that tenders are floated with appropriate eligibility conditions, including prior experience in executing similar nature of works. He stressed that all projects must strictly adhere to traditional architectural patterns and historical aesthetics to preserve the authenticity and cultural significance of the heritage sites.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Vinod Kumar Behnal; CPO Akhil Thakur; Executive Engineers besides other officers and concerned staff.

Injured Phil Salt returns home for scans

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

NEW DELHI, May 4: Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Phil Salt has returned to England for scans on a finger injury sustained last month.
The injury has kept Salt out of RCB’s last three matches, with compatriot Jacob Bethell stepping in at the top of the order.
The 29-year-old is reported to have “damaged a finger on his left hand” while diving to save a boundary at deep backward square leg during RCB’s defeat to Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18.
“Salt, who is centrally contracted by the ECB, has since returned home at the request of England’s management and has undergone scans on his finger,” ESPNCricinfo reported.
According to the report, both RCB and Salt are hopeful of a speedy recovery and the opener can return to India later this month.
Salt had enjoyed a strong start to the season, amassing 202 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate of 168.33.
RCB are currently second on the points table behind Punjab Kings. They take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday next. (PTI)

Power shutdown

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL Jammu has informed that the power supply to Keeriyan Gandyal, Keerian Industry and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 05 from 7 am to 2 pm.
Similarly, the power supply to Ward No. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Taraf Sanji, Jarai, Bhagthali, Bhagthali Industry, PHE Installations, Paliwand, Basantpur, RTIC, MES Lakhanpur and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 05 from 6 am to 11 am.
Meanwhile, the Superintending Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL O&M Circle Kathua has informed that the power supply to Baba Sidhgoriya and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 06 from 7 am to 12 noon.

Trump announces ‘Project Freedom’ to escort stranded ships out of Strait of Hormuz

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

WASHINGTON, May 4: US President Donald Trump has announced a naval mission, dubbed “Project Freedom,” aimed at guiding stranded commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz, with operations set to begin in few hours i.e. Monday morning, West Asia time.

In a statement, Trump said multiple countries, most of them not involved in the ongoing West Asia conflict, had requested US assistance to help free ships stuck in the congested and volatile maritime corridor.

“Countries from all over the world have asked the United States if we could help free up their ships, which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, describing the vessels as belonging to “neutral and innocent bystanders.”

Trump stated that US forces would escort ships from non-involved nations “safely out of these restricted waterways,” enabling them to resume normal commercial operations. He added that the initiative would be beneficial not only for the United States but also for Iran and the broader West Asia.

According to the announcement, US representatives have been instructed to inform concerned nations that Washington will use its “best efforts to get their ships and crews safely out of the Strait.” He noted that vessels participating in the evacuation would not return until the area is deemed safe for navigation.

“This process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time,” Trump said, adding that US officials are engaged in “very positive discussions” with Iran that could yield constructive outcomes.

Framing the operation as a humanitarian effort, Trump emphasized that many ships in the region are facing shortages of essential supplies, including food, raising concerns about crew welfare.

“The movement is meant to free up people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong-they are victims of circumstance,” he said. “This is a humanitarian gesture.”

However, Trump also issued a warning, stating that any interference with the operation would be met with a firm response. “If this humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will have to be dealt with forcefully,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments, and has been at the centre of rising geopolitical tensions in recent months.

(UNI(

DC reviews arrangements for Kheer Bhawani Mela 2026

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior Correspondent

GANDERBAL, MAY 04: A high-level preparatory meeting was today convened here under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore to review and finalise arrangements for the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela 2026, scheduled for 22nd June, 2026.

Reviewing the preparedness, the DC noted that the mela witnessed a footfall of more than 15000 devotees in 2025 and said that adequate arrangements should be put in place this year to cater large gatherings. Devotees are expected to start arriving from 21st June, with the main congregation on 22nd June.

It was informed that the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple premises and the Central University of Kashmir campus at Tulmulla have been designated as the main accommodation sites. Adequate tents, bedding and essential facilities will be put in place well in advance.

The DC directed the R&B department to ensure timely completion of all tendering processes so that transit camps are fully equipped before the arrival of pilgrims.

The Irrigation and Flood Control department were directed to expedite desilting and cleaning of the Tulmulla Nallah, particularly in areas requiring manual intervention. Sanitation arrangements will be jointly managed by the Municipal Council and Rural Development department, with strict measures in place to maintain cleanliness across the area.

KPDCL was directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply with sufficient backup at all venues and along approach roads. Street lighting and mobile charging facilities are to be made fully operational ahead of the mela.

Reviewing security and medical preparedness, the DC was informed that comprehensive arrangements are being put in place by the district police, SDRF and traffic authorities. A joint control room will be established for effective coordination. The Health Department will deploy ambulances, specialist doctors and set up a dedicated medical camp at the shrine and other designated venues.

Assistant Regional Transport Officer and District Traffic Police were directed to prepare a comprehensive transport and traffic management plan to ensure hassle free movement of pilgrims during the Mela.

The Floriculture department was directed to ensure beautification of the temple surroundings, while the Social Welfare department was directed to provide facilities for differently-abled pilgrims, including wheelchairs. BSNL and other telecom agencies were asked to strengthen network connectivity in and around the Mela area.

The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, Sudhanshu Dhama; Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Syed Faheem Bihaqi; Superintending Engineer PWD (R&B), Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Chief Planning Officer, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer and other officers and officials of district administration besides representatives of the Dharmarath Trust and Samaj Sudhar Committee.

Police demolish house of drug peddler in Srinagar

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Daily Excelsior

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May 5, 2026

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 4: Police in Srinagar today demolished an illegal residential structure belonging to a habitual drug peddler in the Palpora Noorbagh area.
A police official identified the accused as Mohammad Irfan Sheikh alias Iff, son of Mohammad Ashraf Sheikh, a resident of Pamposh Colony, Palpora Noorbagh.
The official said that 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.
He said that the 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.
He 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.