Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: The Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) today conducted multiple sports competitions and selection trials across Jammu division.
The inter-school district level selection trials and competitions in Judo and Karate for Under-14 and Under-17 Girls concluded today at MA Stadium, Jammu.
The trials witnessed enthusiastic participation from young girls across institutions, showcasing their skills in martial arts and competing for selection in higher-level competitions.
In Judo Under-17 Girls category, Manya Kandari of BSF Paloura secured first position in 36 Kg, Mehak Chib of KC International stood first in -40 Kg, Mehrish of JP World secured first position in -44 Kg, while Vanshika of APS Akhnoor bagged first place in -57 Kg category.
In Karate Under-17 Girls category, Suhani of APS Akhnoor won in below 32 Kg, Ritika Kumari of APS Ratnuchak in below 36 Kg, Serish of APS Miran Sahib in below 40 Kg, Anshika of DBN in below 44 Kg, Khushi of Divine Light in below 48 Kg, Navya of APS Kaluchak in below 52 Kg, Nitika of APS Ratnuchak in below 60 Kg, Aania of APS Kaluchak in below 64 Kg, and Niharika of APS Damana in below 68 Kg category.
In another event, in Zone Akhnoor, inter-school zonal level sports competitions commenced with great enthusiasm at Sports Stadium Palwan, Government Higher Secondary School Sohal and Indoor Stadium Akhnoor. Over 600 students participated in Cricket, Football and Kho-Kho competitions in Under-14 and Under-17 categories.
The competitions are being conducted under leadership of DYSSO Jammu Sukhdev Raj Sharma and ZPEO Akhnoor Ashok Kumar. Vice Principal GHSS Sohal Kulzum Begum attended as chief guest and appreciated the initiative, stressing the importance of sports in overall personality development. A Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge was also administered to participants.
Meanwhile, KB Public School delivered a strong performance in the inter-school tournament held at Guru Harkrishan Public School, Nanak Nagar, securing titles in Kabaddi, Volleyball and Kho-Kho across various categories. A total of 42 students from the school have been selected for the district-level competitions. Principal Nehreer Khan and the school management congratulated the students for their achievement.
DYSS holds sports trials, zonal competitions across Jammu
Delhi on high alert over possible terror threat
NEW DELHI, May 9: The national capital is on high alert following intelligence inputs indicating a possible terror threat. This prompted the Delhi Police and other security agencies to intensify vigil across several sensitive locations, sources said today.
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A source said security has been increased at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Marg and nearby government establishments, with additional deployment of armed personnel, barricading and intensified vehicle checks.
According to sources, agencies have received alerts regarding possible attempts to target prominent offices and crowded areas in central Delhi using suicide attacks, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs), shootings and coordinated strikes.
Sources said anti-sabotage checks are being carried out at important government buildings, political offices, markets, transport hubs and other crowded places across the city.
Bomb disposal squads, sniffer dog units and quick reaction teams, including the Delhi Fire Service, have also been asked to stay alert.
“Police have been directed to maintain strict vigil on suspicious movements, unattended objects and vehicles parked in sensitive zones,” said the source.
Security arrangements have also been strengthened at settlements and areas considered vulnerable from a law-and-order perspective; local police are conducting random checking drives and verification exercises.
The source said all district units have been instructed to remain alert and maintain close coordination with intelligence agencies and central paramilitary forces.
Senior officers are continuously monitoring the situation and reviewing security arrangements across the city, said the source. (PTI)
Nepal’s acting CJ Malla cautions efforts to make judiciary obedient institution
KATHMANDU, May 9: Acting Chief Justice of Nepal Sapana Pradhan Malla today called co-justices to carry out their duties impartially, free from fear, pressure or political influence.
Malla’s remarks come two days after the Constitutional Council, headed by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, picked Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma as the new Chief Justice of Nepal, undermining the established practice and seniority protocol.
Addressing a special programme organised here to mark the 74th Law Day, Malla said, the essence of justice must not be undermined by the pressure of a two-thirds majority government or threats of impeachment.
Addressing judges on the occasion, she urged them to work with high morale and integrity. “Justice cannot prevail under fear or influence,” she added.
“Whether it is the fear of a powerful government or the threat of impeachment, judges must rise above such narrow constraints,” Malla added.
She called on the judicial fraternity to uphold the sanctity of justice with courage and impartiality, stressing that fearless decision-making is essential for safeguarding the independence and dignity of the judiciary.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Malla said she has been fighting discrimination and injustice for decades since she chose the legal profession.
During her address, she cautioned not to make the judiciary an obedient institution by weakening the constitutional and judicial supremacy under the pretext of utilising authority and procedure.
“I have spent my life fighting injustice, and that the struggle is not over,” she said. “I remain committed to ensuring competent, clean, and fair justice.”
The post of chief justice had remained vacant since the retirement of Prakash Man Singh Raut on March 31, 2026 upon reaching the constitutional age limit of 65. Malla, who is the senior-most justice among all the justices currently serving at the Supreme Court, had been overseeing the judiciary in the interim.
The Constitutional Council on May 7 recommended the name of Justice Sharma, who is fourth in rank among the current judges of the apex court, bypassing Malla, the senior most.
The development has sparked criticism from the legal fraternity as well as opposition parties.
Senior advocates, including Dinesh Tripathi, on Friday approached the apex court to file a writ against Sharma’s name being recommended for the post of chief justice, however, the court did not entertain the petition.
Sharma will be officially appointed the Chief Justice once the Parliamentary Hearing Committee approves his name.
Shah and his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) formed the government after winning a landslide victory in the March 5 general election, securing a massive 182 seats out of the total 275 seats in the House of Representatives (HoR). (PTI)
NDA Govt’s social security schemes show commitment to bring dignity, financial security: PM Modi
NEW DELHI, May 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his Government’s social security schemes reflect its commitment to bring dignity, assurance and financial security into the lives of the people of India.
Modi said that on this day, 11 years ago, key social security and pension schemes were launched by the NDA government.
“They reflect our commitment to bring dignity, assurance and financial security into the lives of the people of India,” he said in a post on X.
The prime minister said the PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana have had a positive impact at the grassroots.
Launched on May 9, 2015, by the prime minister, the Jansuraksha schemes- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) were envisioned to extend affordable financial protection to all, particularly the underserved and vulnerable sections of society.
These flagship schemes aim to broaden the insurance and pension landscape by shielding citizens against life’s uncertainties and fostering long-term financial resilience. (PTI)
A K Panda takes charge as SAIL Chairman & Managing Director
NEW DELHI, May 9: Ashok Kumar Panda today assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
Panda succeeds Amarendu Prakash, whose tenure ended on April 1, 2026.
Panda was serving as Director (Finance) of SAIL, according to a company statement.
Panda began his journey with SAIL as a Management Trainee (Technical) in 1992 after completing his B.E. in Electrical Engineering.
Over the years, he has steadily risen to the highest levels of leadership within the company, reflecting his unwavering dedication, perseverance, and distinguished service spanning more than three decades. He has held diverse responsibilities across multiple Plants and Units, gaining extensive experience in operational, financial, and commercial domains, SAIL said in a statement.
During his tenure as Director (Finance), he spearheaded several strategic initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and overall profitability.
“SAIL is on track for its next phase of capacity expansion to 35 MTPA. Alongside expansion, we will continue to place the highest priority on safety across all our workplaces.
“Strengthening raw material security through enhanced domestic mining and exploration of overseas assets will be critical to support our growth ambitions. At the same time, we are committed to expanding our market reach with a sharper focus on value-added products, strengthening our brand connect and ensuring sustained value creation for all stakeholders,” Panda said after assuming charge as SAIL CMD.
SAIL, under the Ministry of Steel, is country’s largest public sector steel manufacturing company having an overall capacity of over 20 million tonnes per annum. (PTI)
TVK chief is Tamil Nadu CM, to be sworn-in today
CHENNAI, May 9: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar today appointed TVK chief C Joseph Vijay as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the leader will take oath tomorrow, the Lok Bhavan said.
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The swearing-in of the Vijay-led ministry will be held tomorrow at 10 am here at Nehru Stadium.
Vijay was appointed CM after he presented letters of support from the VCK and the IUML who have two MLAs each. The Governor held talks for about an hour over the requisite support.
According to a Lok Bhavan press release, Vijay was appointed the Chief Minister by Governor Arlekar as per the provisions of the Constitution. The Governor also invited Vijay to form ministry.
Further, Arlekar asked Vijay to seek the vote of confidence on or before May 13.
The TVK chief met the Governor along with Congress top leader K Selvaperunthagai and leaders of supporting parties including the CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam.
Taking into account support from VCK and IUML, who have 2 seats each, the TVK’s seat tally has now touched 120 in the 234-member Assembly. (PTI)
Jaishankar, Trinidad PM explore new ideas to expand bilateral cooperation
PORT OF SPAIN, May 9: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held comprehensive talks with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to explore new ideas and initiatives for expanding bilateral cooperation between India and the dual-island nation.
Jaishankar arrived in Port of Spain from Paramaribo on Friday on the concluding leg of his three-nation tour of Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at deepening India’s engagement with the Caribbean nations.
“Sat down this evening with PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her Cabinet colleagues for a comprehensive review of our bilateral ties,” Jaishankar said in a social media post on Friday.
“While delivering on the commitments made by PM Narendra Modi last year, we explored new ideas and initiatives in our bilateral cooperation,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar joined Persad-Bissessar at an event for the distribution of Made-in-India laptops to schoolchildren, describing it as the fulfilment of a commitment made by Prime Minister Modi last year.
He concluded agreements on tourism, solarisation of the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market) Affairs building, Quick Impact Projects and the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair. (PTI)
From Chennai to Srinagar : A Convergence Beyond Politics
Kumar Rohit
write2kumarrohit@outlook.com
The 2026 electoral mandate in Tamil Nadu carries a resonance far beyond the Coromandel Coast. Its echo can be heard in the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir-not as coincidence, but as convergence. For decades, these two regions were framed through narratives of political exceptionalism: one as a “Dravidian fortress,” the other as a sensitive Himalayan frontier. Today, that framing is steadily giving way to something more consequential-a shared architecture of aspiration aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
This shift is neither about erasing identities nor enforcing uniformity. It is about redefining the relationship between regional pride and national purpose-through performance, participation, and partnership.
From Political Silos to Performance Networks
From Political Silos to Performance Networks
The Tamil Nadu elections signal a gradual but unmistakable transition. The long-standing “Dravidian duopoly” is being challenged not merely by new political actors, but by a new political grammar-one that privileges governance delivery, economic dynamism, and global competitiveness over legacy-driven narratives.
The emergence of formations like Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) reflects a generational churn. Youth aspirations are no longer anchored in ideological binaries; they are driven by opportunity, entrepreneurship, and institutional efficiency.
Equally significant is the changing tone of Centre-State engagement. When newer regional leaders openly express, “Thank you, PM Modi… looking forward to the Centre’s support,” it signals more than courtesy-it reflects a deeper political shift. Engagement with leadership at the Centre, is no longer framed as compromise but as collaboration. It marks a move away from confrontation toward a recognition that regional pride becomes the most potent engine of national growth when aligned with national priorities.
In Jammu and Kashmir, a parallel transformation is underway. Since the constitutional changes of 2019, the region has been moving-gradually but decisively-from a security-centric discourse to one focused on grassroots democracy, infrastructure, and economic integration. Institutions such as IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu symbolize this shift: from uncertainty to aspiration, from isolation to integration.
Together, these developments indicate a deeper structural evolution: India is transitioning from a federation of political silos to a network of performance-driven regions contributing to a common national project.
A Civilizational Continuum: From Kashmir to Kanyakumari
This political convergence rests on a much older foundation-a civilizational unity that has long connected the subcontinent.
Few lives illustrate this better than that of Swami Vivekananda. His journey-from the spiritual awakening at the Kheer Bhawani Temple to his meditative resolve at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial-was not merely geographical. It was a traversal of India’s inner unity.
At Kheer Bhawani, Vivekananda experienced a moment of humility before the Divine Mother. At Kanyakumari, standing at the confluence of three seas, he envisioned India’s resurgence. Between these two points lies not just distance, but the very idea of India-diverse, interconnected, and spiritually coherent.
What was once articulated through spiritual insight is now finding expression in democratic behaviour. Electoral choices across regions increasingly reflect a preference for development, governance, and national integration-echoing that deeper unity.
Redefining Regional Pride
The most significant insight emerging from this moment is simple yet transformative: regional identity and national unity are not opposing forces-they are mutually reinforcing.
Tamil Nadu’s industrial strength, innovation ecosystems, and human capital are central to India’s global ambitions. Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving role in green energy, tourism, and high-value agriculture positions it as an important contributor to future growth.
This is convergence not through similarity, but through complementarity.
If sustained, this alignment can reshape India’s growth into a collaborative, shared model-turning cooperative federalism from a slogan to a lived reality.
The Youth Question: Breaking the Old Mould
At the heart of this transformation lies India’s youth. But for this demographic dividend to translate into national strength, a shift in mindset is essential.
For too long, success has been narrowly defined. The relentless pursuit of limited professional pathways has created what may be called the “NEET Trap”-a high-pressure funnel that often leaves many disillusioned. Alongside it runs the equally restrictive “government job treadmill,” where security is prioritised over creativity.
This model is no longer sustainable for a nation aspiring to be a global economic powerhouse.
The future calls for a shift toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and diverse skills. From Chennai to Srinagar, youth must look beyond conventional paths. Emerging ecosystems in Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu signal this shift-their convergence can drive India’s next phase of growth.
The End of Old Fortresses
The metaphors that once defined these regions are fading. The “Dravidian fortress” no longer implies isolation, nor is the “Himalayan frontier” seen as vulnerable. Both are evolving into active partners in a shared national mission-reflecting a quiet yet enduring shift where governance, opportunity, and national alignment increasingly guide public choice.
The Path to 2047
The journey to Viksit Bharat 2047 is not without challenges. It demands discipline, clarity, and persistence. Yet India’s strength lies in its ability to navigate complexity. Its diversity is emerging as a source of resilience. Its regions, once seen as disparate, are aligning through shared aspirations. This is the essence of a new India: not uniform, but united; not centralised, but coordinated; not imposed, but collectively realised.
A Nation in Alignment
Bharat’s future will be shaped not by one voice or region, but by the convergence of its many identities. Across the country, a quiet shift is visible-in how people vote, aspire, and increasingly value collaboration over conflict. This reflects a deeper truth: the idea of India is dynamic, strengthened by participation and shared purpose. Swami Vivekananda’s call to “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached” now carries a national resonance. Viksit Bharat 2047 is not a distant promise-it is a journey already underway, drawing the nation together into a more integrated and confident future.
(The author serves as Additional Central PF Commissioner (HQ) and Director at PDUNASS, New Delhi.)
Modi, Shah pay tribute to ‘TMC attack victims’, say their sacrifices will be source of strength
KOLKATA, May 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah today paid tribute to the hundreds of BJP activists killed in alleged atrocities by the Trinamool Congress in the last few years and said their sacrifices will be remembered as a source of strength.
A makeshift memorial for those saffron party workers killed was put up near the stage at Brigade Parade Ground, where the new government headed by Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in.
In the memorial, the names of “martyrs” and the districts they had hailed from were listed on a large board.
Sharing a photo of the memorial on his X handle, Modi said, “Tribute to the courageous BJP Karyakartas! Even in the midst of celebrations at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata today on the formation of the first ever BJP Government in West Bengal, we remembered all those BJP Karyakartas who laid down their lives in the service of an ideal greater than themselves.”
Their sacrifice is etched forever in the journey of the party, he said, adding: “Their courage will remain a source of strength for all of us.”
Shah also said that this memorial “is stirring deep emotions in the hearts of every worker present at the oath-taking venue.”
The sacrifice, struggle, and martyrdom of those noble souls are finally finding fulfilment today, he said in a post on X.
“Salutations to all those martyrs who dedicated their everything to the nation and the organisation,” Shah said, sharing a video of the memorial.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya claimed that over 300 BJP workers had been killed by TMC goons in post-poll violence, particularly after the vote results were out in 2021.
“They were killed for daring to dream of ushering in change in Bengal. We cannot forget their sacrifices on this day,” said Bhattacharya, a Rajya Sabha MP. (PTI)
ED arrests Punjab minister
NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, May 9: The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday arrested Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora in connection with a new money laundering case involving him and several entities allegedly linked to him, officials said.
According to officials, Arora (62) was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following early morning raids at his official residence in Chandigarh. They noted that he was “non-cooperative” during the investigation and will be brought to Delhi.
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The ED conducted searches at five locations across northern India as part of this operation, which included two premises in Delhi and a company named Hampton Sky Realty Ltd in Udyog Vihar, Gurugram.
These raids came after the central agency registered a new case under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), officials mentioned.
On April 17, the ED raided Arora and his linked entities under the civil provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
As part of this action, officials said, the agency provisionally attached on April 19 the movable and immovable assets of Hampton Sky Realty Ltd, its director Arora, and entities linked to him for alleged FEMA violation through bogus sales and exports to the tune of Rs 157.12 crore.
Arora, 62, is an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from the Ludhiana West assembly seat.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the raids during a press conference in Sangrur, accusing the BJP-led Central government of using agencies like the ED and the CBI as “weapons” to pursue political goals.
“The end of this unethical alliance of ED-BJP will begin from Punjab,” Mann claimed in a post on X.
The latest probe (under the PMLA) pertains to “fake” GST purchases of mobile phones worth more than Rs 100 crore and subsequent exports to “round trip” alleged illegitimate funds from Dubai to India, according to the ED.
The ED alleged that multiple fake GST purchase invoices were acquired from “non-existing” firms in Delhi to falsely claim Input Tax Credit (ITC).
Following the April searches, Arora stated that he would cooperate fully with the investigators and expressed confidence that the truth would prevail.
Arora was already under investigation in an earlier money laundering case, which included an ED raid in 2024, where he and his associates were accused of misusing industrial land for residential developments while he was a Rajya Sabha MP.
In recent weeks, the ED has taken significant actions against politically connected individuals in Punjab, which is set to hold elections in early 2027.
Among others, the agency raided the premises of Lovely Group promoter and Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, who defected to the BJP along with six other AAP MPs following these raids.
Earlier this week, the agency conducted raids on various Punjab builders and real estate companies, as well as an alleged associate of an AAP functionary, making allegations against Punjab AAP President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, who has described the ED’s claims as a “fabricated narrative.” (PTI)