Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Dr Sushil Sharma, Head of the Department of Cardiology at Government Medical College Hospital Jammu, organized a day-long cardiac awareness and health screening camp at J&K Mohyal Sabha Jammu, where he highlighted the growing role of environmental factors in heart diseases.
Addressing participants, Dr Sharma said cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. While conventional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity are widely known, he said public awareness must also include harmful environmental exposures at home, workplaces and within communities.
He said air pollution is among the most serious threats to cardiovascular health. Fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, can enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, blood vessel damage and clot formation. Prolonged exposure raises the risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Even short-term exposure during severe pollution can trigger acute cardiac episodes in vulnerable people.
Dr Sharma also termed water pollution an underestimated danger. Long-term intake of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium through contaminated water has been linked to high blood pressure, vascular injury and increased cardiovascular mortality.
He further said persistent noise pollution from traffic and industrial activity activates the body’s stress response, leading to elevated cortisol levels, sustained hypertension and disturbed sleep, all of which adversely affect heart health.
Warning about climate change, Dr Sharma said rising temperatures and extreme heat can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, thicker blood consistency and extra strain on the heart, especially among elderly persons and those with existing ailments.
He said protecting heart health now requires not only medical treatment but also cleaner surroundings and healthier living conditions.
Members of the management committee present included Anil Deep Mehta, M M Bakshi, N K Bali, Arun Chibber, Vijay Chibber, Chander Bakshi, Seema Bakshi, Nanddeep Bakshi and Baleshwer Bali.
Others who assisted included Dr Ventakesh Yellapu, Dr Bhola Kumar, Dr Aditya Sharma, Dr Adarsh Sharma and Dr Adishwar Verma.
Dr Sushil holds cardiac awareness camp, stresses environmental risks
56 bovines rescued
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 3: Udhampur Police foiled five bovine smuggling attempts and rescued 56 bovines besides arresting the alleged smugglers.
A police team of Police Station Majalta intercepted three separate groups of bovines which were being illegally taken on foot towards Kashmir without any valid permission. During the operation, a total of 36 bovine animals were rescued safely and three accused involved in the smuggling were arrested.
Meanwhile, Majalta police intercepted a vehicle No. JK-19A/2576 driven by Sawar Khan, son of son of Abdul Majid of Showa Ranjan Kot Balwal Jammu. During checking, 10 bovine animals were found being transported illegally without valid permission. The accused driver was arrested and all the bovines were rescued safely.
In another similar case, police intercepted vehicle No. JK-19A/2703 driven by Mushtaq Ahmed, son of Mohd Hussain of Gujjar Basti Jammu. During checking, 10 bovine animals were found loaded in the vehicle without valid permission. The accused driver was arrested and all the bovines were rescued.
FIRs have been registered in all the five cases under relevant sections.
Tony slams BJP over LPG price hike
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Senior Congress leader and former DDC Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government over the massive hike in commercial LPG prices, calling it a “direct assault on the common man and small businesses.”
Tony said the recent steep increase of around Rs 933 per commercial LPG cylinder—taking prices to over Rs 3,000 in Delhi—has exposed the “anti-people face” of the government.
“This government is recovering its election expenses from the hard-earned money of the people. First they keep prices under control during elections, and immediately after that, they burden citizens with massive hikes,” he alleged.
Highlighting the widespread economic impact, Tony warned that the LPG hike will trigger a chain reaction across the economy.
“From hotels to dhabas, from small tea stalls to restaurants—everything will become expensive. Even a cup of tea will now cost more. This government has made survival difficult for the common citizen,” he said.
Recent reports show that the sharp surge in commercial LPG prices has already forced eateries across the country to increase food prices by up to 20%, while many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat.
Tony said that small traders, street vendors and middle-class families will bear the brunt of this decision.
“This is not just a gas price hike, this is inflation being pushed deliberately. The BJP government is insensitive to the pain of poor, labourer and middle class,” he added.
Tony urged the Centre to immediately withdraw the hike and provide relief, stating that people will not remain silent if their kitchens and livelihoods are targeted like this.
BBDT seeks urgent restoration of Baba Bhair Dev Shrine infrastructure
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Baba Bhair Devsathan Trust (BBDT) has expressed concern over damage caused to the Baba Bhair Dev shrine infrastructure in last year’s floods and sought urgent intervention from the administration for restoration of facilities before the upcoming Kartik Purnima mela.
At a meeting held at Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, Chanakya Chowk, Jammu, Chairman of the Baba Bhair Devsthan Construction Committee and former DC, BS Jamwal, NMC President, Subash Shastri, Committee General Secretary, Ritiz Khajuria, and other committee members said the steel footbridge over Tawi River at Katal Batal in Nagrota area washed away during the floods, badly affecting connectivity to the shrine. They said several structures developed by the trust were also damaged.
The Committee members criticized the delay in restoration work and appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister to immediately sanction construction of a suitable bridge and approach road to the shrine.
They said smooth access for devotees was necessary in view of the three-day Baba Bhair Dev Kartik Purnima mela.
Trust President Balwant Singh, General Secretary Ramesh Sharma, and Advisor Advocate PC Sharma further said that a DPR for construction of a road from village Aithem to the shrine had already been prepared and submitted, but no action had been taken so far.
Pilgrims also raised concern over lack of temporary arrangements for crossing the river.
They alleged that some unauthorized private boats were operating without safety measures and one boat was dropping devotees near the shrine premises in a manner hurting religious sentiments. They demanded immediate action against such activities.
The trust urged the UT Administration, local MP, MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi and MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana to intervene and ensure restoration of facilities for pilgrims at the earliest.
Koul is provincial president of Lecturers’ Forum; Rakwal chief advisor
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Pardeep Koul was today unanimously appointed as the Provincial President of the All J&K +2 Lecturers’ Forum, Jammu Division, during a well-attended joint meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir divisional units held in Jammu under chairmanship of R S Salathia, Chairman of the Forum.
The state-level meeting was attended by both Provincial Presidents of the Forum-Pardeep Singh Rakwal (Jammu Division) and Mohd Younous Gurezi (Kashmir Division). Kashmir Division leadership attended the meet on virtual mode.
The proposal for Mr Koul’s appointment was jointly moved by Mr Gurezi and Mr Rakwal and was seconded by senior leaders, including R S Salathia (Chairman), Gh Nabi Malik (Legal Advisor), Ghar Singh (Jammu Division General Secretary), Renu Lengeh, R K Padroo, B K Tickoo, Rajeev Sharma, and several other prominent members of the Forum.
Meanwhile Pardeep Singh Rakwal was unanimously nominated as Chief Advisor of the forum for Jammu Division. BK Tickoo was given the responsibility of Provincial Vice President while Ramesh Padroo was nominated as Chief Organizer.
Samba police rescues 7 bovines, arrests smuggler
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, May 3: Continuing its drive against bovine smugglers and their propagators, Samba police has foiled a bovine smuggling attempt in the jurisdiction of Police Station (PS) Samba, arrested a bovine smuggler and rescued seven (07) bovines from his clutches.
Police said acting on information received from reliable sources, a team of Police Post (PP) Mansar of PS Samba has successfully foiled bovine smuggling attempt at Mansar Naka, arrested a bovine smuggler and rescued seven bovines which were being smuggled by foot towards district Udhampur.
The arrested bovine smuggler has been identified as Bilal Ahmed, son of Bashir Ahmed of Manzmoh district Anantnag.
A case FIR No.102 /2026 U/S 223 BNS has been registered at Police Station Samba and investigation started.
SR College launches JKAS 2025 Mains test series
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: SR College of Competitions, a premier institute with 26 years of excellence in civil services coaching officially launched its JKAS 2025 Mains Test Series starting today.
The initiative has received an enthusiastic response from aspirants on its first day.
Designed to ensure holistic preparation, the test series comprises 8 comprehensive tests for General Studies and Optionals, aimed at enhancing answer writing skills, conceptual clarity and exam temperament.
The key features of the test series include timely evaluation, constructive feedback, model answers and weekly paper discussion sessions by experts to address doubts and enhance understanding.
Speaking on the occasion, Parveen Sharma, Director, SR College of Competitions said, “Our goal is to give aspirants real-exam practice with expert support at every step.”
SR College, known for its commitment to UPSC and JKAS coaching along with other competitive exams, recently concluded a Mains test series with 16 tests including sectional and full-length tests, further solidifying its role as a trusted name in the competitive exam landscape.
With a strong start, the JKAS 2025 Mains Test Series by SR College is poised to be a game-changer for serious aspirants aiming for success in this prestigious examination.
Modeled on JKPSC lines, this full-length test series for General Studies and Optionals will help aspirants assess their level of preparation and improve their scores in the Mains examination.
Jatinder Singh elected as Kathua District President of Rajput Sabha
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Jatinder Singh has been unanimously elected as District President of Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, for the Kathua district.
The election was held during a meeting of the Sabha, held at Raj Tilak Bhawan, Purani Mandi Jammu, which was attended by prominent members of the Rajput Biradri and executive committee members of the central body.
Name of Jatinder Singh was unanimously proposed and seconded by the Kartar Singh Jasrotia, outgoing Kathua district president, who has expressed his inability to continue on the post due to his old age.
The meeting was attended by the Rajput Sabha president, Bishan Singh Jamwal; Chairman of the Rajput Sabha Trust, Narayan Singh; vice-president Jagdev Singh, Mohinder Singh, B S Jamwal, all the district presidents and others.
Proceedings of the meeting were conducted by Mangleshwar Singh, general secretary of the Sabha.
Guru Ravidass Sabha holds blood donation camp
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: All J&K Shree Guru Ravidass Sabha in collaboration with JKRCEA and Bhagat Mahasabha organized a series of activities including a blood donation camp in the premises of Shree Guru Ravidass Gurudwara, Krishna Nagar, Jammu.
A large number of followers attended the activities. The blood donation camp was organized in collaboration with Department of Blood Transfusion, GMC Jammu, wherein, 12 volunteers donated their blood.
Chief guest on the occasion was Dr Arfa Khanum Shewrani from “The Wire” whereas Des Raj Bhagat (former member, JKPSC) was the guest of honour on the occasion.
The program started with Buddha Vandana by Savitri Bai Phule Mahil Sangathan and Bheem Qwali by Tapsya Art Group of Krishna Bnagotra. Audiences were thrilled with missionary songs by Sonu Heer and Satish Bhagat.
Tarsem Moolnivasi, Dr Arfa Khanum Sherwani and Des Raj Bhagat while speaking said shed light on Buddha-Ambedkar Jayanti.
Few renowned personalities honored on the occasion were KK Thapa, Bodh Raj Bhagat and Nasib Chand.
The stage was meticulously managed by Mohinder Bhagat (president, Bhagat Mahasabha & general secretary JKRCEA). Tarsem Loach, general secretary of All J&K Shree Guru Ravidass Sabha presented vote of thanks.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by RC Bhasin, president of All J&K Shree Guru Ravidass Sabha.
Arya Samaj nominates Chandan Datta as Sangrakshak of MDG
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: An executive meeting of the Arya Samaj, Purani Mandi was held here today.
During the meeting it was unanimously decided to nominate social activist Chandan Datta as Sangrakshak of Maharishi Dayanand Goushala (MDG) and Swami Shradhanand Gurukul, which is managed and looked after by Arya Samaj Purani Mandi Jammu.
Datta’s name was proposed by the joint meetings held at Arya Samaj Ashram and was approved by Arun Chowdhary, vice president Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Jammu.
Arun Chowdhary expressed full faith on Chandan Datta for his past social service working ethics in Jammu and active participation in promoting culture and his role to strengthen Sanatan dharma through his activities.
Arya Samaj Purani Mandi, Arun Arya welcome the nomination of Chandan Datta and congratulate him for his new role as Sangrakshak of Goushala.
Among others who attended the meeting included Arun Gupta, president stay samaj Dayanand marg, president Arya pritinidhi Sabha Chunni lal, secretary Ravi Gupta, vice president Rajiv Sethi, Satish Kumar, Suman Maaldaar, Anil Gaind, Bhushan Verma, Shobhit Shastri and Sahil Shastri.