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.
Lotus Blooming From Gangotri To Gangasagar: PM Modi On BJP’s Assembly Election Win
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
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
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
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
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
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)
Fake MBBS Admissions Racket Busted, 18 NEET Aspirants Rescued; 4 Fraudsters Held
NEW DELHI, May 4: Delhi Police busted an organised racket that allegedly duped NEET aspirants and their families by promising guaranteed MBBS admissions and arrested four people, including the suspected mastermind and a doctor, an official said on Monday.
Eighteen students, which included minors, were rescued from the alleged fraudsters, who had taken them to undisclosed locations on the pretext of providing “exam questions” — ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 examination on May 3, police said.
The “fake” question papers were allegedly created using previous years’ material and coaching institute content.
They allegedly demanded Rs 20 to 30 lakh from families of the students and took a token payment, claiming to get them guaranteed seats in medical colleges.
The action was initiated following specific input received on May 2 from Surat Police about a suspect operating from Delhi and claiming to facilitate medical admissions through NEET. Technical surveillance led investigators to Mahipalpur Extension, where multiple hotels were searched.
The police eventually zeroed in on four accused persons staying at a hotel, including Vinod Bhai Bhikha Bhai Patel, who had allegedly lured aspirants from Gujarat.
During questioning, it emerged that the accused had collected large sums of money, original class 10 and 12 mark sheets, and blank signed cheques from parents in exchange for false assurances of securing MBBS seats.
Investigators said the accused had taken some students away from their guardians. Police laid a trap near a hospital in Ghaziabad and rescued three students while apprehending the alleged mastermind, Santosh Kumar Jaiswal. Subsequent raids at a flat in Ghaziabad led to the rescue of 15 more students, some of whom were minors scheduled to appear in the NEET exam on May 3.
They were counselled and allowed to sit for the examination, police said. Two more accused — Sant Pratap Singh and Dr Akhlaq Alam alias Golden Alam — were arrested from the flat.
Police said the gang had devised a well-planned modus operandi to exploit the aspirations of medical aspirants. Jaiswal allegedly conceptualised the scheme, while Alam prepared fake question papers using previous years’ material and coaching institute content. Singh arranged logistics and accommodation, and Patel acted as a broker to approach families.
The accused allegedly demanded Rs 20 to 30 lakh from each applicant and collected token payments, documents and cheques as part of the fraud.
During the operation, police recovered 149 pages of purported questionanswer material, three blank signed cheques belonging to victims, and other incriminating documents.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the BNS and further investigation is underway to identify other members of the network. (Agencies)
Stock markets end higher; Sensex rallies 356 points
MUMBAI, May 4: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended higher on Monday, helped by buying in blue-chip stocks and state poll results moving towards an outcome in line with market expectations.
The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 355.90 points or 0.46 per cent to settle at 77,269.40. During the day, it jumped 997.25 points or 1.29 per cent to 77,910.75.
The 50-share NSE Nifty rallied 121.75 points or 0.51 per cent to end at 24,119.30.
From the 30-Sensex firms, Adani Ports, Hindustan Unilever, Reliance Industries, Larsen & Toubro, Eternal and Maruti were among the biggest gainers.
Bharti Airtel, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tata Consultancy Services and ITC were among the laggards from the pack.
“Investor sentiment remained supported by a favourable election outcome in West Bengal and a better-than-expected Q4 earnings, helping markets look past Middle East-related concerns.
“However, intermittent profit booking persisted amid uncertainty surrounding the US ‘Project Freedom’ initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.
While the resolution path may take time, optimism around gradual progress continues, he said, adding that crude prices holding below USD 110 are providing near-term comfort.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped 1.48 per cent to USD 109.8 per barrel.
In Asian markets, South Korea’s benchmark Kospi and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index ended higher. Markets in Japan were closed due to a holiday.
Markets in Europe were trading mostly lower.
US markets ended mostly higher on Friday.
“Early trends from key state election results provided a supportive domestic trigger, while easing geopolitical concerns, like signs of progress in US–Iran discussions, helped cool crude oil prices. This, combined with strength in global markets led by a record run in US tech indices, created a favourable risk environment,” Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.
Stock-specific momentum added to the upside, with leaders like Maruti Suzuki and Hindustan Unilever driving gains on the back of strong operational updates, he said.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 8,047.86 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), however, were buyers as they bought stocks worth Rs 3,487.10 crore.
Stock exchanges were closed on Friday for Maharashtra Day.
On Thursday, the Sensex tumbled 582.86 points or 0.75 per cent to settle at 76,913.50. The Nifty dived 180.10 points or 0.74 per cent to end at 23,997.55. (PTI)
BJP On Course To Make History In Bengal, Poised To Retain Assam; Vijay Rewrites Script In Tamil Nadu, UDF Set To Win Keralam
New Delhi, May 4: The results and trends of assembly polls on Monday signalled some tectonic political changes with the BJP on course to form its first government in West Bengal and actor-turned politician Vijay writing a new script in Tamil Nadu.
BJP-led NDA is on course to a sweeping victory in Assam as is Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Keralam, and NR Congress-led alliance in Puducherry.
BJP’s expected victory in West Bengal will mark a significant moment for the party as it had been for long a marginal player in the state dominated for years by the Congress, Left parties and later Trinamool Congress. It is also the home state of the BJP’s ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerji.
The BJP had won 77 seats in the last assembly polls. According to the latest results from ECI, BJP is leading in 191 seats and has won seven on 293 seats for which counting was held on Monday, reflecting the steadfastness of its campaign during which it amplified every issue on which it could target the ruling Trinamool Congress. BJP also outdid the Trinamool Congress in terms of promises for various sections of society as the election saw a lot of heat and dust over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Trinamool Congress, which swept the last assembly poll by winning 212 of 294 seats, is leading only in 88 seats and has won one seat. The Congress and Left parties again fared poorly in the state. Congress is leading in two seats and the Left parties in one. Trinamool Congress has been in power in West Bengal for 15 years.
In Tamil Nadu, Vijay broke new ground as he took the election away from the two Dravidian parties, which have dominated the state’s politics for over six decades.
Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is leading on 105 seats and has won 3 , DMK is leading on 52 seats and has won six, AIADMK is leading on 45, PMK on 5, Congress is leading on four seats and has won one, BJP is leading on three, DMDK is leading on one, VCK on two, Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMKMNKZ) and CPI(M) is leading on two seats. Polling was held on 234 seats in the state.
As per current trends, Vijay will fall short of a majority in the 234-member state assembly and will need the support of other parties to form a government.
Vijay, who had the massive backing of youth in the state, rode on the popularity that film stars have in the southern state. He combined his appeal with an agenda that heightened the anti-incumbency against the DMK-led government.
People in the state, apparently tired of power alternating between the alliances led by DMK and AIADMK, decided to back the challenger who came with a fresh perspective.
Congress-led UDF is on course for a handsome victory in Keralam and will form government in the southern state after 10 years of LDF rule.
While the Keralam victory is a morale booster for Congress, it failed to perform to expectations in Assam, where its top state leader, Gaurav Gogoi lost his election.
Congress had failed to oust the Pinarayi Vijayan government in the last assembly polls but ran a relatively unified campaign this time, leaving the issue of Chief Minister to be settled after the polls. Keralam victory has come for Congress after a series of losses in assembly polls since the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The Congress was seen to have allowed the victory in the Haryana polls slip from its hands.
Congress has won 39 seats in Keralam and is leading on 24 seats. CPI(M) has won 19 seats and is leading on seven, IUML has won nine and is leading on 13, CPI has won five seats and is leading on three, Kerala Congress (KEC) has won six seats and won seat. RSP has won three seats, BJP has won two seats and is leading on one.
Keralam BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar said party got support from all sections.
“We saw the local body elections when the people of Thiruvananthapuram gave the NDA the mandate to govern the municipal corporation. In this election, there was a strong anti-incumbency against the CPM. We have put forth a vision of PM for development and opportunities for all,” he said.
In Assam, the BJP-led NDA was looking for its third successive win in assembly polls and performed according to its expectations, with the alliance winning close to 100 seats in the 126-member House.
This was the first assembly election in the state with Himanta Biswa Sarma as Chief Minister and the party improved its performance compared to the 2021 polls.
The BJP is ahead in 69 seats in Assam and has won 13, Congress is leading on 20 seats, Bodoland Peoples Front (BoPF) on nine, AGP on 8 and AIUDF on two, Raijor Dal (RJRD) on two, Trinamool Congress on one and independent on one.
In Puducherry, NR Congress has won 9 seats and is leading on two, DMK is leading on four and has won one, BJP is leading on one seat and has won two, TVK has won one seat and is leading on one seat and Congress and AIADMK have won one seat each.
Polling was held in Assam, Keralam and Puducherry on April 9, in Tamil Nadu on April 23 and in West Bengal on April 23 and 29. (Agencies)