Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 6: An army officer died after slipping in a mountainous area and falling into a deep gorge during an anti-terror operation in Rajouri district this evening.
The officer, a Lieutenant, was part of the security forces engaged in Operation Sheruwali, which entered its 15th day.
Operation Sheruwali is underway in the Dorimaal and Gambhir Mughalan belt to track down two to three Pakistani terrorists believed to be hiding in the forests of Rajouri district.
During the search operation, the lieutenant reportedly slipped and fell into a 30-metre-deep gorge in the Dorimaal area, the officials said, adding that he succumbed to his injuries.
The body has been recovered, and further details are awaited.
Excelsior Correspondent
DEHRADUN, June 6: The Jammu and Kashmir police has arrested another woman from Haridwar in much talked about suspected financial transactions linked to Pakistan few days back.
Sources said that a team of Kathua police which is investigating the suspected financial transaction case arrested Puja from Dhanauri in Haridwar. Earlier police had arrested Sonam from Asafnagar village of Haridwar’s Kalyari Kotwali area.
The arrest of two women from Haridwar by Jammu and Kashmir Police for suspected financial transactions linked to Pakistan, has created a flutter among Uttarakhand security forces.
Sources said after the arrest of the first woman, Sonam, from Asafnagar village of Haridwar’s Kaliyar Kotwali area, relating to her alleged financial transaction linked to Pakistan on May 26, Jammu and Kashmir police on June 4 took her friend Pooja along with them for investigation.
The women were arrested following an input received from a man named Rahul Khan of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir who was arrested by Lakhanpur police last month along with his wife for suspected bank transactions from across the border.
Khan confided to police about his Pakistan connection and links with Sonam and Puja in Haridwar.
Khan, who is accused of being involved in financial transactions worth crores of rupees from Pakistan, revealed the involvement of Sonam.
According Haridwar police, Rahul Khan informed J&K Police he was operating a bank account in the name of Sonam for conducting illegal financial transactions worth crores.
According to Haridwar police, Sonam used to transfer the money to other states on behalf of Rahul Khan for a fixed commission in return.
A police official from Haridwar shared on condition of anonymity that Puja, a resident of Dhanauri in Haridwar, had introduced Sonam to a man identified as Umar, following which the latter got Sonam in touch with Rahul Khan.
Haridwar police stated that earlier Jammu and Kashmir police arrested Sonam and took her away with them.
After this talk of the involvement of another woman working with Sonam in the illegal transactions from Pakistan surfaced. On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Police arrived in Dhanauri and took Puja into custody who was evading arrest till then.
On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir police sought her transit remand for further probe. Following this, her transit remand was secured on Thursday and late in the evening Jammu and Kashmir police left with Pooja for further probe.
Haridwar Police confirmed that Jammu and Kashmir Police team questioned Puja and took her with them for more investigation.
Sources said police is also investigating the role of one Umar in the case.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 6: Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road, Srinagar, has been conferred the Gold Award for Green Campus and Sustainable Initiatives by the Climate Reality Project: India & South Asia, recognising its efforts to promote environmental sustainability and climate action.
The award was announced during the valedictory function of the college’s week-long Environmental Week celebrations held from June 1 to 6.
College authorities said the recognition was awarded for a range of sustainability measures implemented on the campus, including air quality monitoring, solar energy adoption, waste segregation and composting, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity conservation, plantation drives and environmental awareness programmes.
Principal Prof. Yasmeen Farooq termed the award a significant achievement for the institution and credited students, faculty members and staff for contributing to the college’s environmental initiatives.
She said the recognition would encourage the institution to further strengthen sustainable practices and continue its efforts towards environmental protection and climate resilience.
The Environmental Week celebrations were organised by the Eco Club in collaboration with the NSS units under the theme “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future.”
Activities conducted during the week included cleanliness drives, waste audits, awareness programmes, biodiversity competitions, renewable energy presentations and plantation campaigns.
The concluding function at the college’s Lalla Ded Auditorium was attended by Prof. Azra Nahid Kamili, Director and Head of the Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, and Aadil Bhat, Climate Reality Leader and Programme Officer of The Climate Reality Project J&K.
UNITED NATIONS, June 6:
India has slammed Pakistan for its “unwarranted reference” to Jammu and Kashmir at the UN, telling the current non-permanent member of the global body that it was a huge responsibility and not a forum for peddling “biased and false narratives”.
“The unwarranted reference by Pakistan to a matter strictly internal to India, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has compelled me to respond,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said on Friday.
The strong retort by Harish came after Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in his remarks in the UN General Assembly on Friday on the ‘Annual Report of the Security Council’.
Pakistan, which constantly raises the issue of Jammu and Kashmir as well as other topics internal to India at various UN platforms, currently sits in the Security Council as a non-permanent member and its tenure will end this year.
Harish said in the UNGA hall that Pakistan has decided not to spare this forum either from their characteristic misuse of august UN platforms for their divisive political interests.
“Abuse of its presence on the Security Council by Pakistan, including through the circulation of several misinformed and misleading communications also testifies to this counter-productive approach. I would like to remind Pakistan that being a member of the UN Security Council is a huge responsibility. It is not a forum for peddling biased and false narratives,” Harish said.
Making it clear that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India, Harish emphasised that any assertions to the contrary are baseless, devoid of and inconsistent with historical facts.
“Empty rhetoric and hollow claims by Pakistan would not change this fundamental reality. In the interest of time of the wider UN membership, I would not delve any further into this,” he said.
The Indian envoy also pointed out that the international community recognises the importance of reform of the Security Council to make it fit-for-purpose to handle contemporary and future challenges we face.
“The current structure reflects geopolitical realities of 1945. Retaining the staus quo has so far not enabled effective functioning of the Security Council and cannot do so in future,” he said.
He noted that the “marginal” reform in the 1960s that expanded only the non-permanent category has not changed the fundamental mode of functioning of the Security Council in any impactful manner.
“Expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories is central to implementing real and meaningful reform,” he said. (PTI)
KAKAMIGAHARA, June 6: Ashish Purti struck a fine hat-trick as a dominant India defeated hosts Japan 4-1 in the final to lift the men’s Under-18 Asia Cup title here on Friday.
Purti scored in the 2nd, 28th and 34th minutes while captain Ketan Kushwaha (30th) also found the back of the net as India produced a commanding display against the home team.
Numada Gaku scored Japan’s lone goal of the contest in the 52nd minute.
Acknowledging the team’s achievement, Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 3 lakh for each player of the gold medal-winning team and Rs 1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff.
Hockey India also announced a cash award of Rs 1 lakh for each player of the Indian women’s U-18 team that secured the bronze medal earlier in the day, along with Rs 50,000 for each member of the support staff.
India wasted no time in making their presence felt, winning a penalty corner inside the opening 90 seconds. Purti made no mistake with the finish, giving India an early lead.
Japan grew into the quarter, testing India with four circle penetrations. But the Indian defence stood firm throughout as the first quarter ended with the visiting team leading 1-0.
The second quarter saw India extend their advantage despite sustained pressure from the hosts. Japan earned their first penalty corner of the night and looked threatening, but the equaliser continued to elude them.
India responded with purpose, earning a penalty corner of their own in the 28th minute. Purti stepped up once again and delivered, driving a powerful shot into the net to make it 2-0.
The momentum was firmly with India, and it showed almost immediately. Prahalad Rajbhar won the ball in a dangerous area, surged forward, and laid it off to captain Kushwaha, who finished coolly to put India 3-0 ahead at halftime.
India remained relentless in the third quarter. A slick run from Varinder Singh resulted in another penalty corner, and Purti completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish in the 34th minute to hand India a commanding 4-0 lead.
Japan pushed hard in the final quarter and, in the 52nd minute, Numada Gaku converted a penalty stroke to reduce the deficit to 4-1.
However, the goal proved to be little more than a consolation. Japan earned three more penalty corners in the closing stages but could not find a way past the resolute Indian defence.
Puti was adjudged player of the match for his stellar performance, capping of an exceptional campaign that saw him emerge as the top scorer with 13 goals in the competition. (PTI)
Dignitaries posing along with winners during a programme.
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, June 6: The Cycling Association of Jammu & Kashmir (CAJK), under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India, today organised the ASMITA Cycling League 2026 at MA Stadium, Jammu, promoting women’s participation in sports and competitive cycling.
More than 30 women cyclists from different age groups participated in the event, displaying impressive athleticism and determination. A World Bicycle Day Rally was also organised on the occasion, drawing over 60 cyclists, fitness enthusiasts and cycling advocates. The rally highlighted the importance of physical fitness, healthy living, environmental sustainability and the use of bicycles as an eco-friendly mode of transport.
MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi inaugurated the event as the chief guest, while Anisa Nabi, Deputy Director, Urban Local Bodies, Jammu, attended as the guest of honour. Both dignitaries lauded the efforts of the organisers in encouraging women’s sports and promoting fitness through cycling. They also distributed medals among the winners.
The competition was flagged off by Ravinder Singh, Chairman, CAJK and Joint Secretary, Cycling Federation of India, who reiterated the association’s commitment towards nurturing cycling talent and creating greater opportunities for women athletes.
In the Sub-Junior category, Hiranya won the gold medal, Aditi secured silver and Praznath claimed bronze. In the junior category, Kumari Jyoti clinched gold, Chandani Kumari bagged silver and Viva Sharma secured bronze. In the Elite category, Anu Talwar emerged victorious with the gold medal, while Harpreet Bhalla and Payal Jain won silver and bronze respectively.
Among those present were Sarwant Singh Gill, Chief Coordinator; Om Parkash, General Secretary; Tejinder Singh, Treasurer; Ravi Salgotra, Chief Executive Officer, CAJK; Vikesh Sharma, Director Physical Education; and Sahil Raina from the Rajouri Cycling Association.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting women’s participation in sports, fitness awareness and sustainable mobility through cycling.
NEW DELHI, June 6:
The All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference has urged the Centre and states to provide adequate protection to journalists and to reform Government advertising policies to ensure the survival of small and medium newspapers, warning that economic pressures and attacks on the press threaten grassroot journalism and democratic accountability.
At its Annual General Meeting and Annual Conference held on Saturday at Tej Building, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, under National President Ramesh Gupta, editors and representatives from across the country deliberated on journalist safety, press freedom, and the growing challenges facing small and medium publications.
The Conference unanimously adopted a resolution urging Central and State Governments to provide “adequate protection, support, and assistance to journalists and media professionals so that they may discharge their duties without fear, intimidation, or interference.”
Members stressed that “a free and fearless press is essential for safeguarding democratic values and protecting the citizens’ right to information.”
Special attention was given to the difficulties faced by small and medium newspapers, which members said play a crucial role in disseminating local news, highlighting grassroot issues, and representing community concerns in towns, districts, and rural areas.
While large newspapers focus primarily on national and international affairs, the Conference observed that small and medium publications remain the backbone of local journalism. However, the existing advertisement policies of the Central and State Governments, as well as those of the Central Bureau of Communication, tend to favour larger publications. As a result, many small and medium newspapers are facing serious financial constraints that threaten their sustainability and continued service to local communities.
Accordingly, the Conference urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to give due consideration to the concerns of small and medium newspapers and to formulate policies ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of Government advertisements. “Such measures are essential for strengthening grassroots journalism, preserving media diversity, and ensuring that local communities continue to receive reliable information,” the Conference observed.
To pursue these issues, the Conference constituted a five-member committee under the chairmanship of Padam Mehta, Vice President of AINEC and Editor-in-Chief of Dainik Jalte Deep, Jodhpur. The committee includes Bishambhar Newar from Kolkata, Suman Gupta from Lucknow, Chelverajam from Karnataka, and Pramod Agrawal from Agra, and has been entrusted with addressing issues relating to the protection, development, and welfare of small and medium newspapers and undertaking necessary representations before Central and State Governments.
The proceedings were conducted by Secretary General Bishambhar Newar. Among those who shared views were Bishambhar Newar, Padam Mehta, Dr. Suman Gupta, Suryamani Raghuvanshi, Chelverajam, Pramod Agrawal, Anil Gupta, Harshad Bhai Khamar, and Randheep Singh. Speakers discussed press freedom, journalist safety, challenges facing the media industry, and measures required to strengthen small and medium newspapers.
The meeting was also attended by Raza Rizvi, N Muniyappa, and Venkateshaiah M.U., among other members. Participants emphasized the need for collective efforts to address the challenges facing the newspaper industry and to strengthen AINEC’s role in promoting independent and responsible journalism.
The Conference resolved with a renewed commitment to safeguarding press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and protecting the democratic values that underpin a free and independent media. (UNI)
MARGAO, June 6: India clinched the SAFF Women’s Championships football title for the sixth time and their first after seven years, with a dominant 3-1 win over Bangladesh in the summit clash here on Saturday.
Pyari Xaxa (42nd), Sanfida Nongrum (46th) and Lynda Kom Serto (82nd) scored the goals for India, while Ritu Porna Chakma (45+2) pulled one back for Bangladesh.
The hosts had beaten the same opponents 3-0 in the group stage.
India ended the tournament unbeaten, scoring 18 goals while conceding just one, showcasing their dominance in the tournament. They had begun their campaign with an emphatic 11-0 victory over Maldives before convincingly blanking Bangladesh 3-0 to top Group B.
After five title wins on the trot, India could not even reach the finals in the last two editions when Bangladesh walked away with the trophy after beating Nepal on both occasions in 2022 and 2024.
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
DODA, June 6: Kimlore Cricket Club, Thathri, defeated Kings XI Kastigarh by 89 runs in the sixth match of the 16th All India Gufran Memorial Cricket Tournament at the J&K Sports Council Ground, Doda, today.
The tournament, being held for the first time since 2019, is being organised by Young Star Cricket Club under the banner of Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan.
Kings XI Kastigarh won the toss and elected to field, hoping to dismiss the opposition early. However, Kimlore hammered 221 runs in 16.3 overs before being bowled out. Skipper Tariq Hussain scored 61 off 29 balls with 12 fours and a six. Opener Talib Hussain chipped in with 25 off 10 balls (3x4s, 2x6s). Abid remained unbeaten on 22 off 11 balls. Ishaq Ahmed was the most successful bowler for Kings XI Kastigarh with figures of 4/46.
Kings XI Kastigarh began the chase on the right note, hammering 67 runs in the powerplay (5.2 overs, as the match was reduced to 18 overs). However, they lost momentum in the sixth over, losing a couple of wickets. Thereafter, they failed to recover and were bowled out for 132 in 14.2 overs. Fida Hussain took 2/11, while Abid picked up 2/19.
Kimlore skipper Tariq Hussain was declared Player of the Match. In an earlier game, Alpha Riders registered a narrow one-wicket win over Sahara Cricket Club, Kishtwar. This was Alpha Riders’ second win in two matches. Alpha Riders dismissed Sahara Cricket Club for 87 in 16 overs. Anil Aryan was the top scorer for Sahara with 37 off 32 balls (4x4s, 1×6). Shakeel Ahmed (2/13) and Momen Batt (2/22) were the chief wicket-takers for Alpha Riders.
The target of 88 was expected to be an easy one. However, Alpha Riders lost wickets in quick succession as Affan Hussain Zargar (5/28) wreaked havoc. Alpha Riders were reduced to 23 for six at one stage. However, Sajid Malik (18 off 26 balls) stayed at the crease and guided his team home in 10.5 overs. Sajid Malik added 21 runs for the last wicket with Sajid Ahmed. Despite the loss, Sahara’s Affan Hussain Zargar was adjudged Player of the Match.
MUMBAI, June 6: Winds of change swept across India’s T20I set-up as Shreyas Iyer on Saturday took over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav, and wonder kid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi found a place in the squad for the twin tour of Ireland and England.
At 15 years and 71 days old, Sooryavanshi becomes the youngest ever player to feature in an Indian cricket team, surpassing the long-standing record held by the great Sachin Tendulkar.
India will travel to Ireland for two T20Is (June 26 and 28), followed by a five-match T20I series against England between July 1 and 11.
Shreyas has returned to the national T20 side for the first time after a match against Australia at Bengaluru on December 3, 2023.
His impressive leadership credentials in the IPL – leading KKR to title in 2024 and PBKS to final in 2025 – along with two seasons of consistent outings with the bat prompted the selectors to zero in on Shreyas to replace T20 World Cup 2026 winning captain Suryakumar.
Middle-order batter Tilak Varma will be Shreyas’ deputy, while pacer Prince Yadav, who had an impressive season for Lucknow Super Giants, was drafted for the series against England and Ireland.
Sooryavanshi’s inclusion was a foregone conclusion after the 15-year-old bagged the Orange Cap in 2026, scoring 776 runs with a hundred and five fifties at a strike rate of 237.30.
India squad for Ireland and England T20 series: Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vc), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
India squad for Asian Games: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (VC), Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Vaibhav Sooryavnshi.
India squad for multi day matches in Sri Lanka: Dhruv Jurel (c&wk), Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh, Saransh, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Yash Thakur, N Jagadeesan, Aman Mokade, Sheikh Rashid and Ansari. (PTI)
