NEW DELHI, May 5: The Congress on Tuesday claimed that TVK chief Vijay has sought its support for government formation in Tamil Nadu and its leadership has directed the state unit to take a final decision on the matter, keeping in view the state’s sentiments.
The party, which fought the assembly election in alliance with the DMK, asserted that the mandate in Tamil Nadu is for a secular government and that it is determined “not to have the BJP and its proxies run the government of Tamil Nadu in any manner”.
Top Congress leaders held a meeting at party chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence on Tuesday evening that was attended by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar, among others.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Congress general secretary, Organisation, K C Venugopal said the Congress leadership discussed the post-election scenario in Tamil Nadu.
“TVK President Thiru Vijay has requested the Indian National Congress for support to form a Government in Tamil Nadu. He has spoken about drawing inspiration from Perumthalaivar Kamaraj as well, in his political mission.
“The INC is clear that the mandate in Tamil Nadu is for a secular government that is committed to protecting the Constitution in letter and spirit. The INC is determined not to have the BJP and its proxies run the Government of Tamil Nadu in any manner,” he said.
“Accordingly, the Congress leadership has directed the TNCC to take a final decision on Thiru Vijay’s request, keeping in view the sentiments of the state reflected in the electoral verdict,” Venugopal told reporters.
Vijay’s TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, falling short of the halfway mark. He needs the support of 10 MLAs to form a government with a simple majority. The results were declared only on Monday.
The Congress has won five seats, while the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has bagged four seats. The CPI and CPI-M have two seats each.
On the other hand, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has won 59 seats while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has won 47 seats.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won only one seat and so have the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and the Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK), while the VCK has won two seats.
The Congress had fought the assembly polls in a pre-poll alliance with the DMK, while the BJP had a tie-up with the AIADMK. (PTI)
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, May 5: Women in Kashmir continue to present with advanced stages of breast cancer due to a mix of sociocultural stigma, delayed healthcare-seeking, and gaps in treatment access, a study conducted at SKIMS has found.
The study, published in The Journal of Medical Research (Wolters Kluwer–Medknow) by the Department of General and Minimal Access Surgery, analysed 30 cases of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) between June 2020 and June 2024 and highlights how cultural norms and structural limitations combine to worsen outcomes in the region.
According to the researchers, all patients in the study were married women aged 32 to 60 years, with a mean age of 48. A majority (86.7%) belonged to rural areas, underscoring the disproportionate burden on populations with limited healthcare access.
The study notes that educational levels were low, averaging just three years of schooling, which it identifies as a key barrier to timely intervention.
Despite this, the researchers found that awareness did not necessarily lead to action.
Around 60% of women had noticed abnormalities but delayed seeking medical care, with the study attributing this gap to deep-rooted sociocultural factors rather than lack of knowledge alone.
As per the study, hesitation and embarrassment in discussing breast symptoms were the leading causes of delay, cited by 46.7% of patients.
Another 26.7% opted for traditional healing methods, while 13.3% reported fear of family abandonment.
The researchers observed severe clinical consequences of these delays. About 80% of patients presented with fungating breast masses, indicating advanced disease.
On average, women delayed seeking care for nearly 14 months, and most cases were diagnosed at stage III.
The study further found significant drop-offs across the treatment pathway. While all patients underwent initial consultation and biopsy, only 73.3% completed the full diagnostic workup.
Of these, 63.6% completed neoadjuvant therapy. Surgical treatment was performed in 85.7% of eligible patients, and 83.3% completed adjuvant therapy.
Overall, however, only 33.3% completed the entire treatment process, indicating major attrition at early stages.
According to the researchers, adherence improved among those who progressed beyond initial barriers, suggesting that early-stage engagement—diagnosis and initiation of treatment—remains the biggest challenge.
The study also highlights concerning mortality trends. Among patients who completed treatment and follow-up, 30% died, a rate higher than global averages for similar cases.
Researchers attribute nearly 60% of delays to cultural factors, including stigma, modesty concerns, reliance on traditional medicine, and fear of social consequences.
Economic and access-related issues were also noted but played a comparatively smaller role.
The researchers recommend a multi-pronged approach, including targeted community outreach in rural areas, involvement of local and religious leaders to counter stigma, and integration of breast health education into maternal and reproductive healthcare services.
They also emphasise the need for patient navigation systems and psychosocial support.
BANGKOK, May 5 : Thailand’s government on Tuesday terminated a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding with Cambodia that was meant to provide a bilateral framework for resolving overlapping maritime territorial claims.
Cambodia said it regretted the Thai Cabinet’s decision but would continue trying to resolve the issue.
The two governments signed the agreement to peacefully pursue maritime boundary delimitation and provide a framework for jointly managing marine resources in accordance with international law. But they failed to make any progress after five rounds of talks over the past two decades.
The decision to terminate, which does not legally take effect until Thailand sends a formal notification letter to Cambodia, ended hopes in both countries that resolving the competing claims would allow exploitation of offshore oil and gas resources in the disputed area.
Thailand’s decision to abrogate the agreement comes after a sharp deterioration of relations and armed combat with Cambodia last year. The countries fought over competing claims to territory along the land border in July and December. Several dozen civilians and soldiers on both sides were killed and hundreds of thousands of people displaced.
A fragile ceasefire was agreed in late December, but tensions continue with sporadic incidents and large-scale deployment of military forces.
The fighting triggered renewed interest in border issues and safeguarding Thai territory, making nationalism a major issue affecting domestic Thai politics. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai Party included terminating the agreement among its promised policies in this year’s election campaign.
The memorandum termination is unrelated and will not impact the current border situation, Anutin said after the Cabinet meeting Tuesday, adding that negotiations over the maritime territory issue are expected to continue in other frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Thai government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek likewise stressed the termination represents an adjustment of the framework for cooperation, not a termination of relations or negotiations.
Thailand will continue discussions with Cambodia, but proposes to shift to mechanisms under the U.N. Convention, which is clearer and more comprehensive and systematic to allow maritime disputes to be resolved effectively, she said.
Cambodia Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, speaking in the capital Phnom Penh, expressed regret and called the Thai decision “a departure from the spirit and political will that enabled our two countries to establish a framework for peacefully resolving these issues in accordance with international law.”
Prak Sokhonn declared Cambodia will pursue compulsory conciliation under the UN framework, which “reaffirms its commitment to resolving maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.”
Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a socia media post, “Cambodia’s decision reflects our sincere hope that both countries can reach a just and lasting solution in line with international law, allowing our peoples to live together in peace, stability, and harmony. ” (AP)
LONDON, May 5: Two schools from India were among the top 50 shortlisted for the USD one million Global Schools Prize 2026.
While Katha Lab School in Delhi was named in the Arts and Culture category, Delhi Public School Bangalore North (DPSBN) has made it in the Inclusive Education category from around 3,000 nominations across 113 countries.
The USD one million prize, organised by UK-based Varkey Foundation, celebrates the world’s most innovative and impactful schools that are reimagining education for the future across 10 categories.
“Congratulations, Katha Lab School and Delhi Public School Bangalore North; your approach to teaching and learning powerfully demonstrates how schools play a defining role in equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to shape our rapidly evolving world,” said Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation.
“By highlighting your achievement, we hope to inspire a global movement to reimagine learning and turn bold ideas into real-world impact. This is more than an award – it’s a platform to spark a global conversation about scaling the best ideas in education and advancing action far beyond the classroom,” he said.
Katha Lab School in Delhi’s slum cluster of Govindpuri serves hundreds of children from low-income families and has the distinction of delivering “extraordinary results”.
Founded by Padma Shri awardee Geeta Dharmarajan, the school pioneered StoryPedagogy – replacing textbooks with storybooks and weaving language, science, mathematics and the arts into one joyful learning experience, the Global Schools Prize noted.
DPSBN, in the running for its inclusive measures, educates over 7,000 students rooted in the principle of “Service Before Self” and has been shortlisted for proving that “inclusion and excellence thrive together”.
The top 50 worldwide schools will now be narrowed down to 10 category winners, who will each be awarded USD 50,000, with an overall Global Schools Prize winner receiving USD 500,000 to scale its impact.
The 10 categories include AI Transformation; Arts, Culture and Creativity; Character- and Values-Driven Education; Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding; Health and Wellbeing; Overcoming Adversity; SEND/Inclusive Education; STEM Education; Sustainability; and Teacher Development.
The winners are expected to be announced at the Education World Forum in London later this month. (PTI)
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 5: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on the ongoing Public Works Department (PWD) projects being executed across Jammu and Kashmir.
While reviewing the division-wise status of works, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the officers to ensure timely completion of projects under R&B, PMGSY, Cities and Towns, Potholes, Mechanical and NABARD, with zero tolerance for delays, spill overs, lapses or quality standards.
Emphasizing quality and efficiency, the Deputy Chief Minister called for strict adherence to timelines in execution of all PWD works, including those related to health and education sectors. He warned that contractors causing undue delays would face strict action. He directed for expediting the renovation and upgradation works of PWD Guest Houses, ensuring completion within the set timelines. He also stressed the timely execution of blacktopping works across J&K.
Highlighting the need for faster implementation of major infrastructure projects, he directed for taking up the big road projects under SASCI for smooth and prompt initiation.
The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the progress under various sectors, including R&B, PMGSY, Cities & Towns, CRIF, RIDF, Pothole and other infrastructure components. He instructed the senior officers, including Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers, to conduct regular site visits to ensure quality and pace of work.
During the comprehensive review, he underscored strict adherence to quality benchmarks in all ongoing and upcoming projects, asserting that there would be no tolerance for substandard execution, delays or administrative lapses. “There is no room for quality compromise. Accountability must be visible at every level,” he stated, directing the officers to ensure close supervision and timely completion of works.
He also emphasized expeditious resolution of land, Forest and compensation cases to avoid project delays and directed that bar charts be prominently displayed at all the project sites for monitoring progress.
The Deputy Chief Minister specifically called for acceleration of work on key projects, including Ramban Bridge, Majalta Bridge, PWD Guest House Udhampur, New Assembly Complex Jammu, Pragwal-Inderpati Bridge, PWD Guest House Hyderpora, Boulevard Road and other major road and bridge projects across J&K.
He further directed for removal of bottlenecks hindering the road widening projects. He stressed that all procedural requirements, including technical sanctions, tendering and allotments, be completed in the shortest possible time to ensure timely execution.
The meeting was attended by Chief Engineers, Director Finance, Planning officials, Superintending Engineers, and Executive Engineers from all engineering wings of Jammu and Kashmir.
ISLAMABAD, May 5 : The Pakistan Navy provided humanitarian assistance to the crew of an Indian offshore tug and supply vessel stranded in the Arabian Sea, according to a media report.
The navy was assisted by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) in the rescue and support operation, the Dawn newspaper reported on Monday, quoting security sources.
The assistance operation for the crew, which included six Indians and one Indonesian national, was launched after the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Mumbai contacted Pakistani authorities and requested assistance, the report said.
The crew had reported a technical fault on MV Gautam, which was en route from Oman to India, the sources said.
Emergency support, including food, medical aid and technical support, was provided to the stranded crew, while efforts to assist the vessel were continuing, the report said.
Last month, the Pakistan Navy rescued 18 crew members, including foreign nationals, from a merchant vessel following a distress call in the Arabian Sea. (PTI)
MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania posing along with young players during an inaugural event at Tikri.
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 5: The annual inter-school zonal level tournament of Zone Tikri commenced today at HSS Tikri, organized by the Department of Youth Services & Sports under the supervision of Zonal Physical Education Officer Pushpinder Kour, Lecturer Ravi Kanchan and field staff. The event was inaugurated by MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania as chief guest, who formally declared the tournament open and emphasized the importance of sports in ensuring holistic development-mental, physical, and spiritual. Ex-Sarpanch Tikri A Lalita Sharma and members of civil society were also present on the occasion.
A total of 360 Under-14 boys are participating in events including Kabaddi, Volleyball, Kho-Kho, and Wrestling. In today’s results, GHS Seen Thakran won the Kabaddi title by defeating GMS Mananu, while GHS Hartayan emerged victorious in Kho-Kho with GHS Jib as runner-up. In Volleyball, GMS Bassani secured first position defeating GMS Moara Gujjran. In Wrestling, Mushtaq Mohd (30 kg), Laheel (35 kg), Aryan Sharma (40 kg), and Sammer Jamwal (45 kg) clinched top positions, showcasing strength and skill.
Meanwhile, Day two of the inter-school zonal-level tournament for Under-14 and Under-17 girls continued in Zone Jib under the supervision of ZPEO Jyoti Rani Gupta as per the 2026-27 calendar. Around 395 students from 29 schools participated in Kabaddi, Cricket, Chess, Table Tennis, and Yoga competitions. The event also highlighted the Nasha Mukht Bharat campaign, with participants taking a pledge for a drug-free society.
In results, Pragya Rajput and Sanvika (APS Dhar Road) won Table Tennis titles, Ishanvi and Tanvi Thakur secured Chess victories, GHS Bali dominated Kabaddi in both categories, while Lalita Devi (U-17) and Babli Devi (U-14) emerged winners in Yoga events.
NEW DELHI, May 5: Silver prices climbed Rs 1,500 to Rs 2.51 lakh per kilogram in the national capital on Tuesday, tracking a firm trend in global markets as geopolitical tensions in West Asia kept the commodity sentiment supported.
The white metal had closed at Rs 2,49,500 per kg in the previous session.
However, gold of 99.9 per cent purity fell Rs 300 to Rs 1,52,500 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes). The yellow metal had finished at Rs 1,52,800 per 10 grams on Monday.
“Gold continued to face pressure on Tuesday as investors responded to escalating tensions in the Middle East and their implications for the overall macroeconomic outlook,” Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst – Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.
The fragile security situation around the Strait of Hormuz, including reported missile strikes and competing claims of control, has reinforces concerns over energy-led inflation and a prolonged period of tighter monetary policy by central banks, he added.
“With the conflict now in its tenth week, in response to changing macroeconomic conditions, investors have increasingly turned to the US dollar and Treasury yields as their preferred safe-haven assets while remaining sidelined by gold, which adds to the downward pressure on precious metals,” Gandhi said.
In the international market, spot silver gained 1.08 per cent to USD 73.51 per ounce while gold was trading marginally higher at USD 4,549.57 per ounce.
Spot gold hovered near USD 4,550 per ounce as crude prices eased on expectations of American military escorts for commercial vessels, though the pullback in oil is likely to be temporary, Praveen Singh, Head of Commodities at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, said.
Meanwhile, upside in gold may remain limited as investors have largely priced out interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve, with the possibility of further tightening gaining traction, he added.
Renewed flare-ups in the region, including missile interceptions by the United Arab Emirates, have weakened confidence in the four-week ceasefire efforts, said Renisha Chainani, Head – Research at Augmont, adding that higher crude oil prices and global bond yields are expected due to tighter monetary policy ahead. (PTI)
KURUKSHETRA, May 5 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday flagged off a special pilgrimage train to Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra’s Nanded.
Addressing a function under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana at Kurukshetra Railway Station, the Chief Minister flagged off a special pilgrimage train to Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib and interacted with the pilgrims, conveying his best wishes for a safe and spiritually enriching journey.
Providing details of the pilgrimage, he informed that more than 800 pilgrims from nine districts are undertaking the journey, with comprehensive arrangements made for their safety, security, food and overall comfort.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the initiative, Saini said that the special train serves as a symbolic bridge between Kurukshetra, the land where Lord Krishna delivered the message of the Bhagavad Gita, and Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, the sacred site where Guru Gobind Singh attained ‘Joti Jot’.
He said this initiative reflects the continuous and vibrant flow of India’s spiritual traditions.
He also announced that a grand Somnath Yatra will be organised from the state on June 8, stating that the Somnath Temple stands as a symbol of India’s eternal faith, rich cultural heritage and the resurgence of national self-respect.
Referring to the Centre’s initiative, he said that under the “Somnath Swabhimaan Parv”, a year-long national commemoration will be observed till January 11, 2027.
Emphasising the broader role of pilgrimage, he stated that such initiatives not only strengthen religious faith but also promote social harmony and connect the younger generation with their cultural roots.
He said that special provisions have been made to ensure that elderly citizens and economically weaker sections are not deprived of pilgrimage opportunities due to financial constraints.
Financial assistance is being provided under various schemes for visits to major pilgrimage destinations, including Sindhu Darshan, Kailash Mansarovar and prominent Sikh shrines such as Sri Hazur Sahib, Sri Hemkund Sahib, Sri Nankana Sahib and Sri Patna Sahib.
In a separate programme, Saini also addressed a seminar and exhibition on the theme “Empowered Women, Empowered Society, Empowered Nation”, jointly organised by Kurukshetra University and the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department at Kurukshetra University.
He said that Kurukshetra is the land where Lord Shri Krishna guided Arjuna by delivering the message of the Gita during the Mahabharata, showing the path of duty and righteousness.
The war of Mahabharata was not merely for power, but against injustice. The insult of a woman conveyed to society that remaining silent in the face of injustice is also unrighteous.
He said that even today, society must raise its voice against injustice by following this ideology.
Earlier, the CM visited the women empowerment exhibition and inaugurated the seminar.
Describing women as the cornerstone of nation-building, he said that the dream of a developed India cannot be fulfilled unless women are empowered.
He emphasised the need to strengthen four key pillars of Viksit Bharat — women, farmers, youth, and the poor.
He said that strengthening farmers strengthens the foundation of the nation, while youth should be encouraged to become job creators rather than job seekers. Empowering the poor is also a priority in nation-building.
Saini said that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, several concrete steps have been taken for women’s empowerment.
He said that the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at Kurukshetra University will be further strengthened. Women trainees will be given up to 50 per cent concession in fees so that they can advance in new technologies and prepare for the future.
As part of taking part of series of events in Kurukshetra on Tuesday, Saini also addressed a fodder grant distribution ceremony at Shri Krishna Gau Shala Society in Ladwa, Kurukshetra.
At the event, Saini said that making the state free from stray cattle is a top priority of the government. For this, two Gau Abhayaarany have been established — one in village Nain in Panipat district and the other in Hisar’s Dhandoor village.
These Gau Abhyarans (cow sanctuary) have been equipped with sheds, water, and fodder facilities. An amount of Rs 8 crore has already been released for them, he said.
He said that for the rehabilitation of stray cattle, a provision has been made in the financial year 2025-26 to grant Rs 10 lakh per gaushala for constructing sheds in 51 gaushalas. Out of these, grants have already been provided to 21 gaushalas.
Similarly, the Haryana Gau Vansh Research Centre has been established at Sukhdarshanpur, Panchkula.
He said today a total grant of Rs 228.58 crore has been released as fodder grant for 619 registered gaushalas across the state in the financial year 2025-26.
The CM also addressed a programme organised in Ladwa, Kurukshetra, on Tuesday on the occasion of the birthday of Union Minister for Power and Housing, Manohar Lal Khattar.
At this event, Saini said Haryana had initiated free single donor platelets for dengue patients in government hospitals. A total of 154 blood centers are currently operational in the state.
The government surpassed last year’s target by collecting more than 4.5 lakh units of blood against the target of 3.3 lakh units. Haryana has also received the Blood Donation Excellence Award from the Government of India for the second consecutive year for the highest blood donation in 2024-25, he said.
Saini expressed happiness at being present among people at the blood donation camp organized on the sacred land of Kurukshetra on the occasion of Khattar’s birthday, who turned 72 on Tuesday.
Extending birthday greetings, Saini said that Khattar’s life is an inspiration for all. Throughout his political and social life, he has always given top priority to service, transparency, and public welfare.
Organising a blood donation camp on his birthday is a true reflection of his values, he said. (PTI)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 5: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has quashed two separate preventive detention orders passed under the Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act, holding that stale allegations cannot be made the basis for curtailing personal liberty under the garb of “maintenance of public order.”
Justice Rahul Bharti, in two similarly reasoned judgments, set aside the PSA detentions of Irfan Majeed Lone, 36, resident of Logripora Zaingeer Sopore and Suhail Ahmad Parray, 27, resident of Bangar Mohalla Hajin, Bandipora and directed their immediate release from the concerned jails.
In the case of Irfan Majeed Lone, the detention order had been passed by the District Magistrate, Baramulla vide Order No. 04/DMB/PSA/2025 dated April 28, 2025. He was taken into preventive custody on April 30, 2025, and the order was subsequently approved and confirmed by the Government through the Home Department.
The petitioner had challenged the detention through his father, pleading that criminal cases pending against him were wrongly used to impose punitive punishment in the garb of preventive detention. He was represented by Advocate Arshad Andrabi, while Dy AG H Aman Ali appeared for the respondents.
In the second matter, the High Court quashed detention Order No. 02/DMB/PSA of 2025 dated May 1, 2025, passed by the District Magistrate, Bandipora, against Suhail Ahmad Parray. He was taken into preventive custody on May 2, 2025, and the order was later approved and confirmed by the Government.
The petition was filed through his brother Aqib Zahoor Parray. Suhail was represented by Advocate Humaira Shafi, while GA Jahingeer Ahmad Dar appeared for the UT.
After examining the grounds of detention, the High Court observed that the alleged antecedents relied upon by the District Magistrates were stale and could not validly justify preventive detention. The Court further held that the material relied upon by the authorities fell within the realm of “law and order” and not within the arena of “maintenance of public order.”
The Court held both preventive detentions to be illegal and accordingly set aside the detention orders along with the approval and confirmation orders passed by the Government of UT of J&K through the Home Department.
Justice Bharti directed that both detainees be restored to their personal liberty by immediate release from the concerned jails, with the Jail Superintendents asked to act in compliance with the Court’s directions.
