NEW DELHI, May 12:
India on Tuesday said that reports of China helping Pakistan during Operation Sindoor corroborate what was known earlier and it is for nations that consider themselves responsible to reflect whether supporting attempts to protect terrorist infrastructure affects their standing.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated this while responding to a question on Chinese official media reports that admitted to Beijing providing technical support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor carried out by India in May 2025 to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack.
“We have seen these reports that corroborate what was known earlier. Operation Sindoor was a precise, targeted and calibrated response to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, aimed at destroying state-sponsored terrorist infrastructure operating out of Pakistan and at its behest,” Jaiswal said at the press briefing.
“It is for nations who consider themselves responsible to reflect whether supporting attempts to protect terrorist infrastructure affects their reputation and standing,” he said.
Last week, China, for the first time, confirmed that it provided on-site technical support to Pakistan during the four-day conflict with India, according to Chinese official media reports.
China’s state broadcaster CCTV on Thursday aired an interview with Zhang Heng, an engineer from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s (AVIC) Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, a key developer of China’s advanced fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle design.
Zhang had provided technical support to Pakistan during the four-day war last May, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported, quoting CCTV.
Pakistan’s air force operates a fleet of Chinese-made J-10CE jets, produced by an AVIC subsidiary. (PTI)
Excelsior Correspondent
MUMBAI, May 12: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) today organised the ICC World Technology Convention 2026 at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
The convention was held under the theme “Technology for Make in India”.
Rahul Sahai, Chairman, Jammu Chapter, Indian Chamber of Commerce, chaired key sessions on “Global Capability Centers (GCC) Ecosystem: Reimagining Global Capability centres – Vision 2040 and Beyond” and “Next Gen Tech Mobility & Infra”.
In his addresses, he highlighted that India’s mobility and infrastructure sector is witnessing unprecedented expansion driven by investments in logistics, railways, and electric mobility.
Earlier The inaugural session was chaired by Dr P Anbalagan, Principal Secretary, Industries, Investment & Services, Government of Maharashtra, Abhijeet Sinha, National Program Director, Ease of Doing Business, Government of India, Deepak Bagla, Managing Director, Atal Innovation Mission, Government of India and Lt. Gen. L.C. Mangal, Director General, DRDO, in the presence of the Director General , Regional Directors of ICC, National Committee Chairs, State Chairs, industry leaders, delegates and participants from across the country.
The two-day convention brought together leading industry experts, policymakers, technology leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and government representatives from across the country.
The convention featured a series of insightful sessions including Energy & Greentech, Maharashtra State Session, Mining 5.0, Defence, Aero & Space Technology, The Fintelligence Leap, Agri & Foodtech, Healthcare & Medical Technology – Medtech, Rajasthan State Session, Educational Technology – Edtech, Cyber Risk – The Boardroom Agenda, Next Gen Tech Mobility & Infra, The Smart Water Revolution: Technology Driving the Circular Economy, India Tech Competitiveness for Make in India, Industry 4.0, Academic Tech Excellence Showcase and GCC Ecosystem.
The event also included B2B networking sessions, the ICC Tech Excellence Awards Ceremony and extensive stakeholder interactions, providing a vibrant platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships.
Srinagar, May 12: Hailstorm and gusty winds triggered panic among the residents in Kashmir today causing widespread damage to the orchards and crops.
A severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds struck several areas of Kashmir this evening, triggering panic among residents and causing widespread damage to orchards, crops, and property.
The upper reaches of Baramulla town, Pattan, Kreeri, and several adjoining areas of district witnessed intense hail and heavy rains.
The hail storm and rains also lashed parts of central Kashmir districts of Budgam, Ganderbal and South Kashmir districts of Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag. This caused severe damage to the orchards and crops. Click here to watch video
The hailstorm caused extensive damage to apple orchards and standing crops, while cherry and apricot orchards were among the worst affected, raising fears of major financial losses among fruit growers ahead of the harvesting season. Several vehicles parked in open spaces were also reportedly damaged due to the intensity of the storm.
Residents described the weather disturbance as sudden and severe, with strong winds and continuous hail creating panic-like scenes across the district as people rushed indoors for safety.
Farmers and orchardists have urged the administration to immediately assess the damage and provide compensation and necessary relief to the affected growers.
Kashmir has been witnessing gusty winds and rains and hail storm during last three days.
The weatherman today forecast spells of light to moderate rain, thundershower at most places in the region with hailstorm and gusty winds at few places.
TEL AVIV, May 12: Israel sent Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel to operate them to the United Arab Emirates to defend the country during the Iran war, the US ambassador to the country said Tuesday.
Mike Huckabee made the comment on stage at an event in Tel Aviv, Israel.
“I’d like to say a word of appreciation for United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham accord member,” Huckabee said at the Tel Aviv Conference. “Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”
The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, diplomatically recognised Israel in 2020.
The UAE did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the acknowledgment by Huckabee, though it underlined the growing defence relationship between the countries long suspicious of Iran. (AP)
Renowned hepatologist and gastroenterologist, Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin, inaugurating a J&K Bank ATM at ILBS New Delhi on Tuesday.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 12: J&K Bank today commissioned two new ATMs at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in New Delhi and Rakiban area of Rajouri district to strengthen its digital banking network and improve customer convenience.
The ATM at Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Vasant Kunj, was inaugurated by Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin in presence of Bank’s General Manager and Divisional Head (RoI) Riaz Ahmad Wani, Zonal Head Delhi Rozy Tickoo and other senior officers.
Speaking on the occasion, Riaz Ahmad Wani said the Bank was committed to expanding customer-centric digital banking infrastructure at premier institutions and important locations across the country.
He said the new ATM at ILBS would provide convenient and secure banking facilities to patients, attendants, healthcare staff and the general public besides strengthening the Bank’s outreach outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the Bank also commissioned an onsite ATM at Rakiban in Rajouri district.
The facility was inaugurated by Zonal Head Rajouri Rajeev Kumar Digra in presence of customers, elected representatives, senior Bank officials and local residents.
With the addition of the new ATM, the total number of ATMs in Rajouri and Poonch districts has gone up to 86.
Rajeev Kumar Digra said J&K Bank was continuously working to improve digital banking infrastructure and ensure better financial accessibility in remote and semi-urban areas.
He said the commissioning of the ATM at Rakiban would help bring modern and secure banking services closer to the people.
Participants at both events appreciated the Bank for expanding its digital banking network and enhancing customer facilities across diverse regions.
Rich Harvest School management and faculty posing during a programme.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: Rich Harvest School (RHS) celebrated its Foundation Day with reverence and dignity on the school campus, paying rich tribute to former Chairman, late Gulchain Singh Charak, whose visionary leadership continues to inspire the institution.
Floral tribute were offered to the late Chairman as a mark of respect and gratitude for his immense contribution towards the growth and development of the school.
On the occasion, Head of the Institution Anita Bhatia expressed gratitude to Vice-Chairperson Uma Katal for her continuous guidance and support. She also administered the oath to the teachers, reaffirming their commitment towards academic excellence, discipline, moral values and the holistic development of students. The teachers pledged to uphold the noble ideals of the teaching profession and work with sincerity and dedication for the betterment of society.
The programme concluded in an atmosphere of pride, remembrance and renewed commitment to carry forward the vision and mission of the institution with unity, service and excellence in the new academic session.
LUCKNOW, May 12: In a bid to create employment opportunities for the rural youth, the Uttar Pradesh government will develop about 7,500 cow shelters across the state into organic fertiliser production centres, officials said on Tuesday.
The objective is not to limit cow protection only to religious or cultural sentiments, but to link it with farmers’ income, natural farming, women’s empowerment and rural employment generation, an official statement said.
Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Cow Service Commission, Shyam Bihari Gupta, said that currently, there are around 12.5 lakh cattle in nearly 7,500 cow shelters across the state, which the state government plans to develop into organic fertiliser production centres.
A strategy has been prepared to promote a natural farming model based on cow dung and urine to reduce farming costs and increase farmers’ income, Gupta said.
One cow produces approximately 5 litres of urine and 10 kg of dung every day, which will be used to produce organic fertiliser, natural pesticides, and other products to reduce dependence on chemicals and improve soil fertility, the official said.
The state government has approved Rs 2,000 crore for the cow protection campaign, while a separate provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for the establishment of about 155 large cow protection centres, he said.
The official also said that women self-help groups and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) will now be roped in the operation of the shelters. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, May 12 : India’s crude oil purchases from Russia dropped over 15 per cent in April after the country’s buyer shut the refinery for routine maintenance, European think tank Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said in a report.
India imported Euro 4.5 billion worth of crude oil (raw material for making fuels like petrol and diesel) from Russia in April, down from Euro 5.3 billion worth of imports in the preceding month.
CREA said India was the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels in April 2026, importing a total of Euro 5 billion of Russian hydrocarbons.
“Crude oil constituted 90 per cent of India’s purchases, totalling Euro 4.5 billion. Coal (Euro 297 million) and oil products (EUR 209 million) constituted the remainder of their monthly imports,” it said.
In March, India imported a total of Euro 5.8 billion of Russian hydrocarbons. That month, crude oil products constituted 91 per cent of India’s purchases, totalling Euro 5.3 billion. Coal (Euro 337 million) and oil products (Euro 178.5 million) constituted the remainder of their monthly imports.
“India’s total crude import volumes recorded a 3.7 per cent reduction in April. This is partially explained by a 19.4 per cent month-on-month decrease in Russian imports.
“There was a substantial change in the installations’ unloading of Russian crude, with Vadinar and Jamnagar refineries’ imports decreasing by almost 92 per cent and 38 per cent, respectively, while the state-owned IndianOil Vadinar’s increased by 87 per cent,” CREA said.
The decline in Russian crude imports by Nayara Energy’s Vadinar refinery was driven by maintenance-related shutdowns beginning on April 9, 2026, as the refinery runs exclusively on Russian feedstock. Russian oil giant Rosneft is a major shareholder in Nayara Energy.
The state-owned New Mangalore and Visakhapatnam refineries had stopped Russian imports at the end of November 2025, but purchases resumed in March 2026 and continued into April, with Visakhapatnam’s Russian imports increasing by 149 per cent month-on-month.
The spurt in Russian oil imports in the last two months followed the United States granting of a sanctions waiver on Russian oil covering cargoes already at sea and shipments on previously sanctioned vessels. The move was to ease prices that had spiked following Washington’s going to war with Iran.
The waiver led to state refiners, which had previously paused Russian oil purchases, resuming imports from Moscow.
CREA said from December 5, 2022, until the end of April 2026, China purchased 37 per cent of all Russian coal exports. India (19 per cent), Turkiye (15 per cent), South Korea (12 per cent), and Taiwan (4 per cent) round out the top five buyers’ list.
China has bought 49 per cent of Russia’s crude exports, followed by India (37 per cent), Turkiye (6 per cent), and the EU (5 per cent).
“Refineries using Russian crude in India, Turkiye, Brunei, and Georgia exported Euro 760 million of oil products to sanctioning countries in April 2026. The importers included the EU (Euro 145 million), Australia (Euro 399 million), and the US (Euro 216 million). An estimated Euro 232 million of these products were refined from Russian crude,” the think tank said.
In April 2026, the average price of Russia’s Urals crude rose further, up by 19 per cent month-on-month to USD 112.3 per barrel, remaining more than double the updated EU and UK price cap of USD 44.1 per barrel, which took effect on February 1, 2026.
The price discount of Urals-grade crude oil relative to the global benchmark Brent in April plummeted as demand for Russian crude increased following the extended US sanctions waiver, amid constraints on tanker availability and other market factors.
“While Russian crude prices have increased significantly, influenced by higher freight and insurance costs for the longer voyages involving sanctioned Russian crude, Free on Board (FOB) prices are likely still at a discount to Brent,” CREA said. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, May 12:
A high-powered committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met here this evening to decide on the appointment of the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Other members of the important panel — Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi — also attended the meeting at the prime minister’s 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence.
The tenure of the current CBI Director, Praveen Sood, is set to end on May 24, 2026.
The meeting lasted over an hour, sources said, but there was no official word on the discussions.
The decision on the next CBI Director is likely to be announced soon, they said.
The key committee is responsible for finalising the selection of next CBI Director. The selection is done from a panel of officers.
The sources indicated that several senior IPS officers from different states are part of the list of officers being considered for the top CBI post. Some of the names of IPS officers that are understood to be under consideration include Parag Jain, Shatrujeet Kapoor, Yogesh Gupta, GP Singh, and Praveer Ranjan.
The premier investigation agency is currently handling a number of high-profile and politically sensitive cases. (PTI)
SRINAGAR, May 12: Apni Party president, Altaf Bukhari today called on J&K Government to draw inspiration from Tamil Nadu’s newly elected Government and implement a ban on liquor in the Union Territory. He said that people, irrespective of their religious affiliations, want a complete ban on liquor in J&K, and that the elected Government is obligated to respect public sentiment in this regard.
In a post on X, Bukhari said, “Since taking office, Tamil Nadu’s newly elected Chief Minister, Joseph Vijay, has shown what true public leadership looks like. His decisions clearly reflect the will and emotions of the people who elected him. Just two days after being sworn-in as Chief Minister, he ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops located near temples, schools, and bus stands across the state.”
Calling the move courageous, he added, “This was not an easy decision, especially when a major share of Tamil Nadu’s revenue comes from liquor sales. Yet, he chose to stand with the people and fulfill a long-pending public demand.”
Praising the Tamil Nadu CM’s decision, Bukhari said, “This is how true public representatives use power to serve society with courage and sincerity. Joseph Vijay’s decision should serve as an eye-opener for our government here in Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately, our political parties are indulging in a blame game.”
