Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: JP World School, Channi, Jammu, hosted a three-day inter-school tennis ball cricket tournament organised by the District Jammu Tennis Ball Cricket Association under the aegis of the J&K Tennis Ball Cricket Association and recognised by the J&K Sports Council.
The event witnessed participation of over 500 students from various reputed schools. The tournament aims to promote sports culture among youth and encourage a drug-free society by engaging students in constructive and disciplined activities.
Aparana Kohli, Principal of JP World School, graced the occasion as chief guest. She highlighted that sports play a vital role in the overall development of students, helping build discipline, teamwork, leadership, and a healthy lifestyle.
The tournament is being conducted under the supervision of Joint Secretary JKTBCA, Gulshan Rattan, along with his team, ensuring smooth conduct of matches and fair play. Organisers said the initiative is aimed at encouraging greater youth participation in sports activities across Jammu.
JP World School hosts Inter-School Tennis Cricket tourney
Bank of Baroda delegation, MLAs call on CM
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 4: A deputation from Bank of Baroda, led by its Executive Director Beena Vaheed, today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed plans for expanding the bank’s operations across Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, the delegation outlined its strategy to strengthen its presence in various parts of Srinagar and other regions, with a focus on enhancing banking outreach and contributing more actively to Jammu and Kashmir’s economic growth.
The Chief Minister welcomed the initiative and assured the delegation of the government’s full support in facilitating the bank’s expansion plans. He said the administration would extend all possible assistance to enable a greater banking footprint in the region.
He expressed hope that the proposed expansion would significantly contribute to the growth of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, which is largely driven by agriculture and allied sectors, along with handicrafts, handloom and tourism and also help in generating employment opportunities for local youth.
The Chief Minister also advised the bank to design and promote financial products tailored to these key sectors, enabling wider access to credit and strengthening livelihoods.
Several MLAs of Kashmir valley also called on Chief Minister to appraise him of several issues related to their constituencies.
Those who met the Chief Minister include MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, MLA Beerwah Dr Shafi Ahmed Wani, MLA Khan Sahib Saifuddin Bhat of Budgam district, MLA Pattan Javaid Riyaz Bedar and MLA Pampore Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi and flagged different issues related their constituencies.
The legislators, representing different constituencies of Budgam, Pattan and Pampore areas apprised the Chief Minister of various local issues and demands pertaining to development works, civic amenities and public service delivery in their respective areas.
The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised by the MLAs and assured them that all genuine issues flagged during the meeting would be addressed on priority.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to responsive and people-centric governance, emphasizing that coordination with elected representatives remains key to ensuring effective and timely resolution of public grievances.
The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised by the MLAs and assured them that all genuine issues flagged during the meeting would be addressed on priority.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to responsive and people-centric governance, emphasizing that coordination with elected representatives remains key to ensuring effective and timely resolution of public grievances.
Meanwhile, several Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Srinagar city also called on Chief Minister and expressed their gratitude for the resumption of the traditional Darbar Move after a gap of several years. Those who met the Chief Minister included MLA Eidgah Mubarak Gul, MLA Habba Kadal Shamim Firdous, MLA Hazratbal Salman Sagar, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi and MLA Channapora Mushtaq Guru.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani was also present on the occasion.
The legislators appreciated the restoration of the traditional Darbar Move, which was resumed last year in Jammu, and the subsequent reopening of offices in Srinagar.
They observed that the revival of the Darbar Move is expected to boost economic activity, particularly in the hospitality sector, and enhance overall market vibrancy in the region.
Judicial Officers transferred
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered a reshuffle of judicial officers across the Union Territory in the interest of administration.
As per the order, Renu Dogra, presently serving as Principal Judge, Family Court Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as Presiding Officer, Fast Track Court (POCSO), Jammu against a vacant post.
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Sandeep Gandotra, District Judge, Leave Reserve, High Court Wing Jammu, has been transferred as Presiding Officer, Labour and Industrial Tribunal J&K on deputation basis vice Manoj Parihar.
Manoj Parihar, who was serving as Presiding Officer, Labour and Industrial Tribunal, J&K, has been transferred and posted as One Man Forest Authority against a vacant post.
Ahsan Ullah Parvez Malik, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Poonch, has been shifted as Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bandipora vice Mir Wajahat.
Sushil Singh, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Poonch, has been posted as Principal District and Sessions Judge, Poonch vice Ahsan Ullah Parvez Malik.
Mir Wajahat, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bandipora, has been transferred as Additional District and Sessions Judge, Poonch vice Sushil Singh.
Mehreen Mushtaq, Additional Sessions Judge, Anti-Corruption Srinagar, has been posted as Principal Judge, Family Court Srinagar vice Renu Dogra.
Tabasum, Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar, has been transferred as Sub Judge, LRP, High Court Wing Srinagar against a vacant post.
Touseef Ahmad Magrey, Joint Registrar Inspection, High Court Wing Srinagar, has been posted as Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar vice Tabasum.
Shafeeq Ahmad, Special Mobile Magistrate Poonch and Asma Chowdhary, Secretary DLSA Samba, will swap their respective places of posting.
The High Court also assigned the charge of the court of Additional Sessions Judge, Anti-Corruption Srinagar to the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Srinagar.
Further, Farah Bashir, Principal Magistrate JJB Ganderbal, has been relieved of the additional charge of Principal Magistrate JJB Bandipora. The additional assignment has now been entrusted to Raja Arshad Hamid, Principal Magistrate JJB Srinagar, who will attend the office at Bandipora once a week as per roster.
LG chairs 7th J&K UT Wildlife Board meeting
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired the 7th meeting of the Wildlife Board for the Union Territory of J&K, at Lok Bhavan, here.
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; 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.
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.
Union MoS Health, Parl Standing Committee, ACCIK call on LG
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 4: Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State, Health & Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers called on Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, today.
She was accompanied by Ashish Singh Patel, Minister of Technical Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance headed by Bhartruhari Mahtab also called on Lieutenant Governor.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Associated Chamber of Commerce & Industry Kashmir (ACCIK) led by its President Tariq Ghani today called on Lieutenant Governor and put forth various issues of business community.
The ACCIK delegation also congratulated the Lieutenant Governor for the historic Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign and Padyatra in Srinagar and lauded the initiative aimed at building a drug-free society and safeguarding the future of youth.
LG Ladakh seeks release of pending amount from Union Ministry
Jal Shakti Minister to visit UT with experts
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 4: Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, called on the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, in New Delhi today and apprised him of various ongoing and proposed infrastructure development initiatives in the municipal areas of Ladakh.
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During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor briefed the Union Minister on key projects, including the establishment of decentralised sewage treatment plants (DSTPs), 24×7 drinking water supply systems, and hydroelectric power projects. Highlighting the recent creation of five new districts, he emphasised the urgent need to address sewage management across all seven districts. He informed that small, decentralised blocks have been identified for setting up DSTPs, which are cost-effective, efficient, and well-suited to Ladakh’s unique terrain and dispersed habitation patterns.
Saxena stated that the UT Administration is committed to ensuring that no untreated sewage is discharged into rivers and streams, which are critical to Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. He noted that the DSTP initiative would significantly contribute to ecological sustainability in high-altitude regions like Ladakh while remaining economically viable due to its low-cost design.
The Union Minister appreciated the initiatives such as establishment of DSTPs undertaken by the UT Administration and asked to submit a detailed proposal for the establishment of DSTPs in Ladakh to the Ministry for consideration.
Saxena also raised concerns regarding the inadequate water supply in Leh town. He informed that against a current demand of 8 MLD, only 3 MLD is being supplied. He highlighted a comprehensive proposal for augmentation of the water supply system at an estimated cost of Rs 56.04 crore. Of this, Rs 31 crore has already been sanctioned under the AMRUT scheme, while Rs 25.04 crore remains to be funded. He requested the release of the pending amount to strengthen the transmission systems, reservoirs, and distribution networks to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for residents.
On hydroelectric power development, the Lieutenant Governor discussed the potential for harnessing Ladakh’s resources to meet its energy needs. The Union Minister advised identifying suitable locations for hydroelectric projects to ensure electrification of all villages and to move towards making Ladakh power self-sufficient.
Khattar assured full support from the Government of India in implementing these critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving urban services and promoting sustainable development in Ladakh.
Meanwhile, LG Saxena during his meeting with the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, CR Patil discussed various ongoing water resource, irrigation and flood management projects in Ladakh.
He apprised the Minister about the Project Him Sarovar, an ambitious initiative of the UT Administration launched recently in Ladakh, which aims at conserving the snow and glacial melt by constructing water bodies in villages.
The LG informed that 50 water storage ponds, in the first phase, are being constructed to harness and store snowmelt and glacial runoff.
Patil appreciated the initiative of the Lieutenant Governor in conceptualising Project Him Sarovar and acknowledged its potential in addressing Ladakh’s unique water challenges.
The Minister kindly that a committee of experts would be constituted to examine the technical aspects of the project and explore ways to further strengthen and scale it, to enhance water security in the Ladakh region.
Saxena also extended an invitation to the Union Jal Shakti Minister to visit Ladakh and witness firsthand the ongoing initiatives and the unique water management challenges of the region.
The Minister kindly accepted the invitation and assured the LG that he will visit Ladakh soon, along with the team of experts and officials.
The LG also thanked Patil for sanctioning Central Assistance of Rs 8.75 crore for various water-related projects in Ladakh, which would help improve irrigation efficiency and optimise water usage in command areas.
The LG further highlighted a comprehensive five-year plan for conservation, rejuvenation, and harvesting of water resources, including revival of traditional water bodies, upgradation of irrigation canals, creation of percolation tanks, artificial glaciers, automated ice reservoirs, solar lift irrigation systems and promotion of drip irrigation.
The Union Minister assured that all necessary support would be extended by the Ministry to Ladakh.
Technology-driven innovation key to India’s economic renaissance: Dr Jitendra
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 4: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that the technology-driven innovation pushed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) in last one decade is the key to India’s economic renaissance, with its contribution expanding from research to industry, startups and national growth.
The Minister said science must now move “from laboratories to markets and from ideas to impact,” reflecting a new policy direction that integrates research with economic outcomes.
Dr. Jitendra Singh was addressing the 56th Foundation Day of the Department of Science and Technology at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Auditorium, New Delhi. The event was attended by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Secretary, DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar, along with leading scientists, academicians and members of the scientific fraternity.
The Minister said India’s science and technology landscape has undergone a decisive transformation over the past decade, supported by policy decisions that opened sectors such as space and nuclear energy to private participation. He said these steps have unlocked new opportunities for StartUps and industry, enabling India to leverage its vast human resource and strengthen its position in the global innovation ecosystem.
Referring to the rapid expansion of the space sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that within a few years of opening it to private players, India is witnessing a surge in startup-driven innovation, with new capabilities emerging in areas such as satellite technologies, contributing both to economic growth and national preparedness. He added that similar momentum is building across emerging technology domains.
The Minister said that no country can advance in science by remaining isolated from industry and the private sector, and called for deeper collaboration across Government, academia and industry. He also stressed the importance of indigenous research, noting that India is increasingly developing its own technologies across sectors, including critical areas such as pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s global scientific standing has also strengthened significantly, with a growing share of highly cited research publications, reflecting both quality and impact. He pointed to the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem, from a few hundred a decade ago to over two lakhs today, as evidence of a rapidly maturing innovation landscape.
The Minister emphasised that scientific institutions must actively communicate their achievements and engage with stakeholders, noting that visibility and outreach are essential to attract partnerships and ensure wider societal impact. He said that while innovators must be encouraged, it is equally important to build a transparent and merit-based ecosystem that guides young talent with clarity and realism.
He further referred to ongoing administrative reforms aimed at improving efficiency and aligning institutions with present-day technological needs, including restructuring of legacy systems and greater decentralisation in decision-making.
Earlier, Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood spoke about the need to align research with technology development and commercialization, while Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar highlighted major initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, RDI Fund and National Quantum Mission to strengthen India’s science and innovation ecosystem.
Ministers, Advisor, Admn Secys to remain available in Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued a roster, directing 3 Ministers, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Advisor, and 8 Administrative Secretaries to remain available at Civil Secretariat, Jammu, throughout the month of May 2026.
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As per an order, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary will remain available at the Civil Secretariat Jammu from May 4 to May 8, followed by Sakeena Masood (Itoo), Minister for Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, from May 11 to May 15.
Similarly, Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister, will be available from May 18 to May 22, while Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, will remain present from May 25 to May 29.
Another order said Ashwani Kumar, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Power Development Department and Mohammad Aijaz, Secretary to the Government, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj will remain available at the Jammu Secretariat from May 4 to 8, followed by Shaleen Kabra, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Jal Shakti Department, and Dr Piyush Singla, Secretary to the Government, Information Technology Department, from May 11 to 15.
The order further said that Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretar), Tourism Department, and Naveen S L, Secretary to the Government, Civil Aviation Department, will be on duty from May 18 to 22, while Shailendra Kumar, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance Department, and Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Administrative Secretary, Labour & Employment Department, will remain available from May 25 to 29.
JDA demolishes 15 illegal structures
BJP MLA halts drive
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: A demolition drive by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) in Chak Avtara area along the Ring Road in Bishnah was halted today after BJP MLA Rajeev Kumar Bhagat intervened, even as the authority maintained that more than 15 illegal structures had already been razed during the operation.
According to locals, a JDA enforcement team, accompanied by police and CRPF personnel, reached the area in the early hours around 4 AM and began demolishing residential and commercial structures using heavy machinery.
Residents alleged that some of the structures targeted in the drive had court stay orders, and claimed that shops, sheds and portions of residential properties were brought down without adequate consideration. Click here to watch video
The situation escalated when the MLA reached the site around 5:45 AM and confronted the officials, questioning the demolition of structures reportedly under legal protection and asking why such constructions were allowed to come up in the first place if they were on Government land.
He also raised the issue of non-implementation of the Jammu Master Plan, saying it could have provided an opportunity for regularization of properties in which locals had invested significant amounts.
The MLA further said that residents were already under stress after losing land for the Ring Road project on the promise of development and employment opportunities, which, he alleged, had not materialized.
Following continued resistance by the MLA, affected persons and his supporters, the JDA team halted the drive and withdrew from the spot.
Meanwhile, JDA, in an official statement, said that over 15 unauthorized structures in Bishnah town were demolished for violating approved land use norms and building regulations.
The authority stated that prior notices had been served to the violators as per due legal procedure and adequate time was given for compliance. A JDA official said the constructions were found to be unsafe and encroaching upon critical areas, posing risks to life and property.
The demolition was carried out by the Enforcement Wing with assistance from the local administration and law enforcement agencies, ensuring no untoward incident occurred.
Reiterating its commitment to planned urban development, JDA warned that similar action against illegal constructions will continue in future without exception.
Soldiers’ decisive response to terrorists, their patrons made nation proud: Rajnath
‘Op Sindoor showed military capabilities to world’
PRAYAGRAJ (UP), May 4:
Days ahead of the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday described it as a “unique” example of how the Indian military utilised advanced technology to deliver a decisive blow to terror groups and their “patrons”.
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Addressing the inauguration event of North Tech symposium, Singh emphasised that while the armed forces “showed patience”, they were clinical in destroying terrorist infrastructure.
He added that the operation served as a global reminder of the Indian military’s capabilities.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan.
The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.
“The decisive response our soldiers gave to the terrorists and their patrons made the entire nation proud. It was a good thing that we showed patience and destroyed only the terrorists; otherwise, the whole world knows what our armed forces are capable of,” Singh said.
He described the operation as a unique example of technology use.
“Advanced missile systems like Akash and BrahMos, along with a host of latest equipment, were used in this operation,” Singh said.
“This proved that our forces both understand changes and use them with confidence,” he said.
Singh said that technology is evolving at an extraordinary pace in the present time, and perhaps never in human history has it changed so explosively.
“We have seen how drones and sensors have emerged as game-changing factors.” He added, “Today, it is impossible to predict what can be turned into a weapon. If even a pager can be weaponized, then there is no limit to what might become a weapon in the future.”
Singh said that India must develop capabilities to deliver strikes in ways that adversary nations could never have imagined.
Citing the current geopolitical environment, he underlined the need for the military to remain alert and adapt to the changing environment.
“In today’s complex and rapidly changing environment, there is only one mantra to move forward: adaptability. Changing ourselves according to changing circumstances should be our priority,” he said.
Explaining this, Singh called for “pro-active preparations” for any possible national security challenge.
“When I’m talking about proactive preparation, there’s another important aspect to it — the surprise element. We also need to develop such capabilities so that when the need arises, we can take action that the opponent never even thought of,” he said.
“Let them get surprised. History bears witness that in war, the decisive edge has always been with the one who has the surprise element. I know that our armed forces are working in this direction.”
“But we need to be even more proactive and continue working in this direction,” he said.
Singh also emphasized that there is no alternative to research in today’s world.
The nature of future warfare is being decided in laboratories today. Therefore, the government has placed research at the centre of its priorities, he said.
“Through DRDO, we have decided to take research to the next level. DRDO is also bringing industry along with it. Twenty-five percent of research and development has been allocated to industry, academia, and startups,” he said.
Singh further said that a new policy for technology transfer has been implemented. Earlier, a 20 percent fee was charged for technology transfer, but now this fee has been completely waived for development-cum-production partners, he said.
Besides, he said that DRDO has started providing free access to its patents for Indian industry.
At this three-day symposium organized by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands along with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), more than 250 companies working in the defence sector are showcasing their defence products and technologies.
The event was also attended by Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi and others. (PTI)