Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) camp was organized here today at Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission (SVMM) Charitable Hospital, Ambphalla in collaboration with Sun Pharma (Pantocid Division).
About 76 patients, along with their attendants, management members and the hospital staff, benefited from the initiative aimed at early detection of osteoporosis and related bone disorders.
The screening was conducted by a technical expert from Delhi.
A handout stated that the BMD test, which costs about Rs. 1200 in market, was provided free of cost during the camp.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajesh Gandotra, Senior Orthopaedic Consultant emphasized that early diagnosis through BMD screening is vital in preventing long-term complications and fractures.
Dr. Sham Jurangal, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon also spoke on the occasion.
The event was graced by Amar Chand Gupta, president, SVMM, who lauded the initiative and reiterated the organization’s commitment to selfless service.
B.S Jamwal, general secretary, SVMM, B.B Gupta, senior vice president, Dr. Sachin Gupta, treasurer and Dr. Yash Pal Karsayal, Assistant Medical Superintendent SVMM Charitable Hospital were also present in the camp while representatives from Sun Pharma (Pantocid Division), Varun Sudan and Area Manager along with his team, coordinated and supported the smooth execution of the camp.
Dr. Arvind Kohli, Medical Director SVMM and Dr. Rabinder Rattan Pal, Medical Superintendent SVMM commended the dedicated efforts of the medical and paramedical teams in ensuring the successful conduct of the camp.
SVMM Charitable Hospital organises BMD camp
LAB accepts Thupstan’s resignation
Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, May 4: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) today formally announced that it has accepted the resignation of its Chairman, Thupstan Chhewang, calling it necessary for the organisation.
The announcement was made at a press conference chaired by Co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook here. The LAB said Chhewang had tendered his resignation as Chairman on July 6, 2025, which has now been accepted after due deliberation.
The Apex Body admitted that there had been several instances of differences of opinion between Chhewang and other members, including during high-level representations before the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and the Union Home Minister.
It also stated that Chewang had been unable to attend crucial meetings since last year due to health and personal reasons.
“In view of these circumstances, the members have decided to accept and respect his decision to step down as Chairman,” the LAB’s written statement added.
Despite accepting his resignation, Leh Apex Body unanimously urged Chhewang to continue as a primary member, acknowledging his invaluable contribution to the cause of Ladakh.
A written press statement on this important development issued by LAB was signed by Chhering Dorjay Lakrook (President, Ladakh Buddhist Association), Gelong Dorjay Stanzin (President, Ladakh Gonpa Association), Ashraf Ali Barcha (President, Anjuman Imamia Leh), Mohd. Shafi Lassu (President, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam), Tsering Angchuk (President, Goba Thundel Tsogpa), Sonam Wangchuk (Member, Apex Body), Padma Stanzin (Coordinator, LEAF), Stanzin Chospel (Coordinator, Apex Youth), Rigzin Namgial (President, District Congress Committee Leh), Dechen Chamba (President, Christian Community Leh), Gelek Phunchok (Apex Body Convenor), Tsering Stanzin (Apex Body Coordinator), Tsering Gonbo (Apex Body Organizing Committee Coordinator), Mehdi Shah (Apex Body Youth Member), and Jigmat Paljor (Coordinator, Apex Body).
IDA conducts CDE prog on pain mgmt & medical emergencies
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: Indian Dental Association (IDA), Jammu branch, conducted a one-day Continuing Dental Education (CDE) program and hands-on workshop on “Pain Management and Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice”.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 65 dental practitioners, specialists, and interns from across the region. It was organized in association with Septodont and supported by Colgate and Faith Innovations.
The session was led by noted oral surgeon Dr Vimal Kalia, who delivered an engaging and practical lecture, focusing on effective pain management strategies and the importance of being well-prepared to handle medical emergencies in dental settings.
Dr Nipun Gupta, president, IDA Jammu, noted that with increasingly complex patient needs and rising expectations for pain-free treatment, dentists must stay updated on pharmacological advances and evidence-based protocols to ensure safe and effective care.
Dr Bhupinder Singh, president of the J&K Dental Council, attended the event as the guest of honour while Dr Gautam Sharma, Dental Surgeon, University of Jammu, was the observer, J&K Dental Council, for the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vibha Raina, secretary of IDA Jammu, emphasized the growing importance of pain management in modern dentistry.
Dr Himja Mengi, vice-president of the Association, remarked that the program was particularly valuable in strengthening clinical decision-making, risk assessment, and the development of robust emergency protocols.
Dr Abhimanyu Rohmetra (editor IDA), Dr Aayush Sharma (treasurer) and Dr Pankaj Bhagat (joint secretary), also spoke on the occasion.
A hands-on workshop conducted by Septodont provided participants with practical training in the technique of loading and administering local anaesthesia, especially, articaine.
Monish Wattal, Area Sales Manager, along with Team Faith Innovations, New Delhi, showcased advanced dental products, including Single Tooth Anesthesia systems, Conscious Sedation solutions, and Stericyn HOCL-based oral healthcare products.
Sumeet Gandotra from Colgate also presented a range of products to the attendees.
Dr Ambreen Choudhary compered the event while Dr Payal was instrumental in planning and execution of the CDE.
Law should be same for all, not selective: Lone
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 4: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference Chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajjad Lone, today accused the Centre and the Union Territory administration of selective enforcement of law and inequality in governance.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at the Handwara area of north Kashmir, the party chief appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, asking whether they represented only the affluent.
“Are you only the Prime Minister of the rich? Are you only the LG of the rich? The poor who are jailed for months or years for the same offences-are not they your citizens too?” he said. He called for uniform application of the law. “If there is a law, it should be the same for everyone. Not pick and choose.” Click here to watch video
He warned against policies that could provoke unrest, saying he did not support any return to violence. “What is wrong for my children is wrong for everyone’s children,” he said, adding that any assertion of authority must remain within legal bounds.
The leader also criticized prolonged administrative decisions, alleging inconsistencies and delays, and referred to what he termed a “one country, two laws” situation. While expressing support for free speech, he opposed punitive action based on social media activity unless applied uniformly.
He also accused both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party of tacit coordination in electoral matters, claiming such arrangements influenced parliamentary outcomes.
The chairman also raised concerns over police verification processes, calling them burdensome for ordinary citizens while suggesting that influential individuals remain unaffected.
Rohit, Rickelton power Mumbai Indians to 6-wicket win over LSG
MUMBAI, May 4: Rohit Sharma (84) made a gratifying return from an injury-enforced layoff and Ryan Rickelton (83) gave another account of his hitting prowess as Mumbai Indians crushed Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets in their Indian Premier League match here on Monday.
Openers Rohit and Rickelton put on their third century partnership in the IPL — this time 143 runs — and laid the foundation for the much-needed win. MI overhauled LSG’s 228/5 with 229/4 in 18.4 overs.
After Nicholas Pooran made the most of some ordinary bowling from MI with a 21-ball 63, Rohit and Rickelton made merry during their 65-ball stand.
The former Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit had missed five matches due to a hamstring injury which he sustained while batting against Royal Challengers Bengaluru here on April 12.
But the 39-year-old showed no discomfort while clobbering seven sixes and six fours during his 44-ball knock, and Rickelton continued his rich vein of form with commanding stroke play around the park.
But Rickelton fell to Mohsin Khan in the 11th over, playing one straight to cover after a two towering sixes previously.
Rohit looked set for his third IPL ton but he top-edged impact sub Manimaran Siddharth (2/47) to be caught at short fine leg in the 14th over.
Tilak Varma (11) failed to make a dent, while MI stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav (12) was once again caught near the ropes, instilling some nerves in the hosts.
But Naman Dhir (23 not out) and Will Jacks (10 not out) completed the task.
In the Power Play, MI weren’t off to a flier but 50 odd runs came off in first five overs. The hosts found the launchpad in the sixth when Avesh Khan was pulverised for 21 runs by Rohit.
The LSG seamer constantly missed his lengths and Rohit followed a couple of fours with as many sixes.
Rickelton, who began with a six off Mohsin over deep square leg, lit up the chase with compelling shot-making against pace and spin alike.
Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants rode on a whirlwind 20-ball 63 from Pooran to survive a mid-inning slowdown and post a par 228 for five.
Pooran cashed in on poor line and lengths from MI bowlers to pepper the on-side with eight sixes and a four in his minute-a-mile knock, which gave LSG the impetus along with Mitchell Marsh’s 44 (25 balls; 4x4s, 3x6s) at the top.
While Jasprit Bumrah (0/45) remained wicketless and overstepped thrice, Corbin Bosch (2/20) applied the brakes on LSG’s charge in the middle-overs as they looked set for a total in excess of 240 at one stage.
Perhaps, jaded after months of T20 cricket, an off-colour Bumrah not only missed nailing his yorkers twice but also overstepped on one and Marsh smacked fours on both the occasions.
As many as 21 runs came off the fourth over from Bumrah and there was further misery in store for MI in the powerplay.
Will Jacks fed Pooran with deliveries in his zone and the former West Indies skipper obliged with three massive sixes to race to 22 off eight from 3 off three.
Pooran then tore into AM Ghazanfar, clobbering two sixes and a four off the sixth over to fire LSG to 90 for one in the powerplay, which is now the joint second-highest score in that phase for any visiting side against Mumbai Indians here.
Pooran had gone without a half-century for 17 innings but he was certainly aided by MI’s poor execution. He completed his 16-ball fifty with a six off Chahar in the eighth over and hit one more.
Pooran and Marsh put on 94 for the second wicket off only 35 balls and at 123 for one after eight overs, LSG had the game firmly in their control.
But Bosch derailed LSG’s charge with a double-wicket over in which he dismissed both Pooran and Marsh.
From 123/1, LSG slipped to 160/4 after 12 overs and it might have been 160/5 had Bumrah not overstepped when he had Himmat Singh (40 not out) caught behind. Himmat did well to put on 68 runs unbeaten with Aiden Markram (31 not out).
Brief Scores: Lucknow Super Giants: 228 for 5 in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 44, Nicholas Pooran 63, Aiden Markram 31 not out, Himmat Singh 40 not out; Corbin Bosch 2/20).
Mumbai Indians: 229 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Ryan Rickelton 83, Rohit Sharma 84, Manimaran Siddharth 2/47). (PTI)
MLA Jasrotia rolls out Rs 4.30 crore development package for Jasrota
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, May 4: Bringing a major development push to the Jasrota constituency, MLA Jasrota, Rajiv Jasrotia today launched and initiated three key public welfare projects with a combined outlay of Rs 4.30 crore, aimed at strengthening education infrastructure and transforming irrigation facilities in rural areas.
As part of the package, the MLA laid the foundation stone for a new classroom block at Government Higher Secondary School Hatli, being constructed at a cost of Rs 1.15 crore. The project is expected to significantly improve learning conditions for students by addressing space constraints and enhancing the overall academic environment.
In addition, two major irrigation projects under the Command Area Development (CAD) programme were also set into motion to directly benefit the farming community. The first project involves the remodeling and reconstruction of field channels on the Hamirpur-Mangtian Canal, covering villages Hamirpur, Mangtian, Tharedu, and Hardo Muthi. Being executed at a cost of Rs 1.40 lakhs under the NABARD Scheme, the project will develop 6.37 kilometers of field channels and cover a command area of around 400 hectares.
The second irrigation project, launched at village Seswan, includes the construction of field channels on the Seswan link of the MRC and direct outlets of the Ujh Canal. With an estimated cost of Rs 1.75 lakh, this project will benefit villages Seswan, Tanda, Chandwan, Fathu Chak, Ghair, and Bann Thathi. It will cover approximately 502 hectares of agricultural land with a total field channel length of eight kilometers. Click here to watch video
These projects are expected to bring tangible and long-term benefits to the people of the region. The new classrooms at HSS Hatli will provide students with a more conducive learning environment, reduce overcrowding, and support quality education in rural areas.
With improved water management, farmers can diversify crops, increase yields, and enhance farm incomes. Execution of these projects will also create local employment opportunities during construction and maintenance phases. Strengthened infrastructure and increased farm output are expected to boost the local economy and improve the standard of living in these villages.
Addressing the gatherings at different project sites, MLA Rajiv Jasrotia reiterated his commitment to grassroots development, stating that providing basic amenities such as education and irrigation remains his top priority.
AWWA, FICCI FLO JKL organize entrepreneurship talk
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 4: FICCI FLO Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Chapter (FLO JKL), under the leadership of chairperson Varsha Bansal, conducted an engaging and insightful session for the Army Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) at Northern Command Udhampur, further strengthening its commitment to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.
FLO JKL has been closely associated with AWWA under the leadership of Shinei Sharma, Regional president, AWWA Northern Command, working collaboratively to support and uplift Army spouses through meaningful initiatives.
The session featured two accomplished women entrepreneurs. Varuna Anand, National Initiative Head for Textile, Handlooms and Handicrafts at FICCI FLO, shared her inspiring journey of building The Splendor of Kashmir. She elaborated on her distinctive module of selling through curated stand-alone exhibitions alongside a strong digital presence, where social media has played a transformative role in brand building.
With a community of over 3.5 lakh followers on Facebook and 47,000 on Instagram, she highlighted how strategic storytelling, consistent engagement, and authenticity have enabled her to scale her enterprise while preserving the rich legacy of Kashmiri craftsmanship. Her address encouraged women to recognize their strengths and translate their passions into sustainable and scalable enterprises.
The session was conducted under the leadership of Vandana Nair, chairperson, Talent & Entrepreneur Committee, AWWA Northern Command, who has been instrumental in creating platforms that nurture talent and entrepreneurial aspirations among Army women.
Rupika Sahai presented vote of thanks.
Darakhshan addresses social awareness prog ‘Asluk Aalav’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi today participated in the social awareness programme `Asluk Aalav’ at Srinagar organised by Al Rahim Trust at Govt Girls Higher Secondary School Sonwar.
The programme was aimed at social harmony, awakening Swadeshi sentiment, civic duties, family entitlement, environmental conversation and strengthening moral values among new generation.
“It also ment for raising awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to promote moral and ethical values, social responsibility and a healthy lifestyle among youth. Such programmes are the need of the hour as we have to reach to the grassroots within our society to create a healthy future through our brilliant youth”, Dr Andrabi said.
Praising the mega anti-drugs initiative by the LG of J&K Manoj Sinha throughout the Union Territory, Dr Andrabi said that we have to collectively end narco-terror from our society.
BJP J&K general secretary Ashok Koul, Ex -DG CRPF SS Sandhu, Vice Chairman Minto Circle Altaf Hussain, religious preacher Molvi Owais Qadri, CMO Srinagar Dr Tahir, BJP leaders Arif Raja, Bilal Parray, Arsheed Bhat and Nazir Gilkar also participated in this grand event involving civil society members, students, parents and the teachers.
Dr Andrabi thanked the school administration and the Al-Rahim Trust for organizing such s meaningful and significant programme.
DyCM visits Shopian, reviews development works
Excelsior Correspondent
SHOPIAN, May 4: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today conducted an extensive tour of Zainapora Constituency in Shopian district to assess the progress of ongoing development projects across Chitragam, Zainapora and adjoining areas.
During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected the ongoing construction of a vital 45-meter span bridge on the Sugan-Chitragam-Zainapora road.
The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineer PMGSY Ashwani Kumar, Additional District Development Commissioner Dr. Nasir Lone, SDM Zainapora, Tehsildar, DMO and senior officers from PWD, PMGSY and Mechanical Engineering departments.
Emphasizing strict adherence to quality standards, he directed the concerned authorities to ensure timely completion of the bridge to enhance connectivity and facilitate smooth movement for the local population.
“Ensure use of quality material including cement and iron and dedicate the bridge to the public at the earliest,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also assessed the progress on the under-construction Health Care Centre at Chitragam.
Stressing the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure, he directed for expeditious completion of ground levelling works and called for immediate initiation of construction activities. He reiterated the government’s commitment towards ensuring seamless delivery of essential healthcare services to the people.
Reviewing the pace and quality of work on the other road bridge projects, the Deputy Chief Minister instructed the officials to maintain efficiency, transparency and quality in the execution of all projects to meet the public expectations and ensure holistic growth across the district.
Stressing on labour welfare, he called for organising the awareness-cum-registration camps to facilitate workers’ enrolment for labour cards and enable them to avail benefits under various government schemes. He further directed the Assistant Labour Commissioner (ALC) Shopian to ensure strict adherence to SOPs by workers during project execution for safety of life.
The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed ongoing road and bridge projects across Shopian district and underscored the need for timely and quality execution. He also directed that the local representatives be actively involved in project implementation to ensure smooth and effective execution on the ground.
Taking stock of mining operations in the district, he instructed the officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of construction material while strictly adhering to mining regulations.
DIG U-R Range reviews security, training preparedness at SKPA Udhampur
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 4: DIG Udhampur-Reasi (U-R) Range and Incharge Director of Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy (SKPA) Udhampur, Shiv Kumar Sharma, today chaired a security review and preparedness meeting at the academy in Udhampur to assess arrangements for upcoming training courses.
The meeting was attended by senior officers including Deputy Directors of Indoor and Outdoor training, Commandant IRP 24th Battalion, CPO SKPA, Additional SP Udhampur and other officers.
A detailed review of security and training preparedness was conducted, with emphasis on heightened vigilance, better intelligence coordination and strengthening security at vulnerable points.
The DIG directed officers to intensify patrolling, maintain alertness and ensure all logistical and administrative arrangements for training programmes are completed well in advance.
He also asked officers to work in close coordination and remain proactive to maintain a secure environment and uphold training standards at the academy.