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P6, Fastest Lap: Racing Prodigy Atiqa Mir Makes Big Impact On ‘Dream’ FIA Karting Debut

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P6, Fastest Lap: Racing Prodigy Atiqa Mir Makes Big Impact On ‘Dream’ FIA Karting Debut
Indian racing sensation Atiqa Mir exceeded expectations on her FIA European Championship debut, finishing a stellar sixth in Race 2 in the “pinnacle” of karting here.
Awarded a wildcard for round two of the championship considering her special talent, the 11-year-old was once again thrown at the deep end and yet again she was able to navigate majority of the challenges that were posed by the best in the business.
Atiqa, India’s first Formula 1 Academy backed driver and also the highest ranked female in the OKNJ class (age 12-14) in the FIA ranking, had to deal with a more powerful equipment in the OKJ category and a tricky set of Maxxis tyres for the first time against 92 world class drivers with much more experience.
Qualifying position is often decisive in a heavily populated field but Atiqa fought her way into the Super Heats of the FIA (world body for four wheel racing) sanctioned series, showing a lot of fight and speed after starting 15th on the grid.
Atiqa’s best race finish of the weekend was P6 in Race 2 and she also got the coveted Fastest Lap in Race 5. A few crashes and penalties notwithstanding, the Indian with roots in J&K qualified for the Super Heats on her debut and attracted attention of the entire paddock.
Voluntarily competing in the higher age category, Atiqa showed she belonged there and collected invaluable experience for the season ahead. Aiming to become the first female in Formula 1 since 1992, Atiqa would also be taking part in the FIA World Cup later in the year.
Reflecting on the special weekend, Atiqa said: “It’s really special driving in a FIA series, it is a dream come true for me. My pace was good the entire weekend. I raced hard and learnt a lot this weekend. It is fun mixing it up with these guys.” Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, a former India racer himself, was happy with her performance considering the enormous challenge at hand.
“A standout performance from Atiqa. She was a Wild Card entry and amongst the youngest and it was her debut in this category. She had to contend with more power, different tyres and a new team which she handled remarkably well. Qualifying P15 in a massive field and finishing P6 in one of the heat races were among the highlights,” said Asif.
Atiqa would travel to Greece later this month to take part in round two of COTFA International. (Agencies)

J&K | Three Houses Of Drug Peddlers Demolished Under Anti-Drug Campaign

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J&K | Three Houses Of Drug Peddlers Demolished Under Anti-Drug Campaign
The Jammu and Kashmir administration and the police on Monday jointly demolished three houses belonging to alleged drug peddlers in Kathua district as a part of a major crackdown under the anti-drug campaign, officials said.
The demolished structures were illegally constructed on state government land in the Korepunnu area of Rajbagh, they said.
The action was taken against properties belonging to Liaqat Ali, alias ‘Liaqatu’, and his brothers Gaggu Din and Sham Din, all residents of Korepunnu in Tehsil Marheen of Kathua district, they said.
Officials said the accused are involved in 16 FIRs related to drug peddling and other criminal activities. The estimated value of the demolished properties is said to be worth over Rs 1 crore, they said.
The officials said the operation reflects the government’s continued commitment to eradicate the drug menace and take strict action against those involved in narcotics-related crimes. (Agencies)

CM Omar to Meet Home Minister Today

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CM Omar to Meet Home Minister Today

Srinagar- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that he will discuss the issue of the Transaction of Business Rules of the Union Territory and reservation with the Union Home Minister today

“Wish we could have got statehood through one meeting- we would have achieved it long back. It is a continuous process, but I raise the demand for statehood whenever I meet him. There are other issues as well, such as our Business Rules, the appointment of the Advocate General, and the reservation issue, which the LG has referred to New Delhi.
It is better to discuss these issues, along with other issues, with the Home Minister. Today I will discuss these issues along with other matters,” he said.

If It’s Wrong To Impose Liquor Ban On Hindus, How Did Gujarat And Bihar Do It: Iltija To J&K CM

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If It’s Wrong To Impose Liquor Ban On Hindus, How Did Gujarat And Bihar Do It: Iltija To J&K CM
Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti on Monday said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s refusal to ban alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir because Hindus are permitted to drink liquor was illogical.
“J-K CM’s expected U-turn on the refusal to prohibit liquor shops lacks logic. He claims it is wrong to impose a ban on Hindus consuming alcohol since their religion does not forbid it. If this is the case, how have Hindu majority states like Gujarat and Bihar banned alcohol successfully without a whimper?” Mufti asked on X.
She was commenting on Abdullah’s statement on Sunday that liquor shops were to serve people of those faiths in which the consumption of alcohol was not forbidden.
“We are proud of J-K’s secular credentials, but deeply unfortunate and insensitive for its chief minister to dismiss religious sensibilities of the majority with such indifference,” she added.
While interacting with reporters in Ganderbal on Sunday, Abdullah was asked about the demand for an alcohol ban in Jammu and Kashmir.
The chief minister replied that his government was not forcing anyone to drink. “Is anyone forcing them to drink? You are going to (a wine) shop on your own will. Why are you going there? We are not dragging you there. We are not advertising it,” he had said. (Agencies)

Greatest Setback For Workers’ Rights Since Independence: Cong On New Labour Codes

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Greatest Setback For Workers’ Rights Since Independence: Cong On New Labour Codes
The Congress on Monday lashed out at the Central Government which has fully operationalised the four labour codes by notifying the final rules, alleging that these codes are the greatest setback for workers’ rights since Independence.
In a statement, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the Modi Government, in its typical cowardly fashion, waited for the assembly elections to conclude before notifying the four “anti-worker” labour codes through a series of gazette notifications on May 8 and 9, 2026.
“For crores of India’s workers, these codes promise a future of hire-and-fire policies, contract employment, and limited space for unionisation,” Kharge said in a statement.
It is important to note that the Modi Government drafted and implemented these “anti-worker” codes without any consultation, he said.
“It has not even convened the Indian Labour Conference since 2015. These codes, which benefit only the prime minister’s industrialist friends, are the greatest setback for workers’ rights since Independence,” Kharge alleged.
He said the Indian National Congress remains resolute in its vision for India’s workers.
“We are committed to our five-point Shramik Nyay agenda: restoration of MGNREGA and its extension to urban areas, and national minimum wage at Rs 400 per day, including for MGNREGA; Right to Health law that will provide universal health coverage of Rs 25 lakh; comprehensive social security for all unorganised workers, including life insurance and accident insurance; a commitment to stop contractualisation of employment in core government functions; and to review the Modi government’s dilution of labour laws,” he said.
After a long wait of over five years, the Central Government has fully operationalised the four labour codes by publishing the final rules, ensuring minimum wage and universal social security for all workers.
The four codes — namely the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 — came into effect from November 21, 2025.
The four codes were introduced to modernise and consolidate 29 labour laws into a simplified and contemporary framework.
An official said the rules under the four codes are now notified in the official gazette of the Government, and with this, the process of full implementation of the labour codes is complete. (PTI)

Somnath Amrut Mahotsav: PM Modi Performs ‘Maha Pooja’ At Somnath Temple, Witnesses Air Show

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Somnath Amrut Mahotsav: PM Modi Performs ‘Maha Pooja’ At Somnath Temple, Witnesses Air Show
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday performed ‘Maha Pooja’ and other rituals at the Somnath Temple as part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav marking 75 years of the inauguration of the restored shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
After holding a roadshow here, the prime minister entered the temple and performed ‘Maha Pooja’ and ‘Jalabhishek’, the ritual of pouring holy water over the Shivling amid chanting of Vedic mantras.
Modi also witnessed ‘Kumbhabhishek’, wherein holy water gathered from prominent pilgrimage sites across the country was sprinkled atop the temple’s ‘shikhar’ (towering spire) using a crane.
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav is being organised to commemorate 75 years since the inauguration of the restored temple by India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1951.
The prime minister, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and his deputy Harsh Sanghavi, watched an airshow performed by the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran aerobatic team (SKAT) over the temple.
Using indigenous smoke pods, the jets of the Suryakiran team released saffron, white and green smoke to create the image of the tricolour in the sky.
The prime minister is scheduled to address a public gathering at Sadbhavana Ground later in the day. (Agencies)

Dr. Tahir Rufayee Congratulates Vijay on Taking Oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

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Dr. Tahir Rufayee Congratulates Vijay on Taking Oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

New Delhi, May 10: National Chairman of the National Foundation for Journalism and Media and Editor-in-Chief of Himalayan Express, Dr. Tahir Rufayee, extended heartfelt congratulations to actor-turned-politician Vijay on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

In a message shared on X , Dr. Rufayee described Vijay’s political rise as a “historic moment in public life,” praising his journey from cinema to public leadership.

“Your journey from inspiring millions through cinema to leading the people with vision and determination marks a historic moment in public life,” Dr. Rufayee stated.

He further wished Vijay a successful tenure dedicated to development, youth empowerment, social justice, and the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Rufayee also expressed hope that Vijay’s leadership would bring progress, unity, and prosperity to the state.

Gautam Gambhir arrives in Katra with family to offer prayers at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine

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Gautam Gambhir arrives in Katra with family to offer prayers at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Former India cricketer and current head coach of the senior men’s team, Gautam Gambhir, arrived in Katra with his family to offer prayers at the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
After he arrived in Katra, Gambhir greeted fans and clicked photos with them. Then he joined his family to go to the temple.

Gautam Gambhir coached the Indian cricket team to victory in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue defended their title and made it two back-to-back T20 World Cup titles. The T20 World Cup 2026 win made India the first team to successfully defend the trophy and win it at home.

Gautam Gambhir’s next assignment as head coach will be an all-format home series against Afghanistan in June, where they will host the Asian counterparts for a one-off Test and three ODIs. They will then play two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast before beginning the highly anticipated England tour in July.

Pak security forces kill 5 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Pak security forces kill 5 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
 Five terrorists were killed in operations conducted by security forces in Pakistan’s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the army said on Saturday.
Based on intelligence reports, the security forces initiated two separate operations in the Tank and Dera Ismail Khan districts on May 7 and 8, it said in a statement.
Four terrorists belonging to the banned Teh­reek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in the military engagement in the Tank district, the statement said.

Delhi CBI Court Allows Army Officer Accused Of Bribery To Operate Seized Bank Accounts

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Delhi CBI Court Allows Army Officer Accused Of Bribery To Operate Seized Bank Accounts
A CBI court here has allowed Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma accused of taking a bribe of Rs 3 lakh from a Dubai-based company to operate his four savings bank accounts in Jammu, saying the seizure cannot be an act in perpetuity to authorise the probe agency to bypass the law.
Special Judge Gagandeep Singh was hearing Sharma’s application for defreezing his bank accounts and a locker. The plea said that he had been granted bail but some bank accounts and lockers holding bona fide properties of the applicant and his family had been withheld by the CBI without following the law.
In an order dated May 7, the court noted that according to the allegations, a bribe amount of Rs 3 lakh was recovered from Sharma’s residence on December 18 last year and a search also resulted in a recovery of over Rs 2.23 crore.
It noted that a search was also conducted at the residence of his wife, Col. Kajal Bali, CO, 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit (DOU), Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan.
The CBI had said that a cash amount of Rs 10 lakh was also recovered from the residential premises of his wife.
The court said, “Accordingly, the bank accounts as well as lockers of the applicant (Sharma) came to be seized. It is thus apparent from the allegations in the present case that the said bank accounts or seizure of locker articles or their operation, of the applicant herein, are not connected to the case in hand.”
“However, the said seizure is connected to a preliminary inquiry initiated by the investigating authority against the applicant herein and her family for being found in possession of disproportionate assets as punishable under Section 13 (1) (b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.” It said that to date, despite the seizure of said bank accounts and the bank lockers for the last around five months, no decision had been taken for registration of the fresh FIR against Sharma and his family members regarding the said allegations of disproportionate assets.
The court noted that earlier, on April 2, while arguing against Sharma’s plea, the CBI sought one month to decide regarding registration of an FIR regarding the seized assets but the situation remained the same on the present date. The court said that a new procedure was envisaged under Sections 106 and 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), requiring the officer making the seizure to report it to the jurisdictional magistrate, following which the court could pass an order regarding retention by the probe agency, but in the present case, no formal report concerning the seizure of the bank accounts had been filed.
“The said act of seizure cannot be ‘the act in perpetuity’ thereby authorising the Investigating Authority to bypass the due procedure established under Section 107 (attachment, forfeiture or restoration of property ) of the BNSS 2023 or under Section 18 (A) (attachment and forfeiture of property procured through corruption) of the PC (Prevention of Corruption) Act read with the Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance Act,” the court said.
“The court cannot act as a mute spectator to the said non-following of the due procedure established by law,” it added.
The court directed the bank managers concerned to permit Sharma to operate four separate savings bank accounts in Jammu, subject to Sharma furnishing indemnity bonds equivalent to the available balance in the accounts. It said, “The indemnity bond shall incorporate the condition to deposit the said available balance amount as and when directed by the court.” Regarding the operation of a bank locker, the court declined permission, saying Sharma was merely its joint holder and none of the joint holders sought permission for operating it.
According to the agency, Sharma “was occupying a crucial post as the deputy planning officer (international cooperation and exports) in the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, and thus, was performing crucial tasks assigned to him”.
It alleged that Sharma “habitually indulged in corrupt and illegal activities” in criminal conspiracies with the representatives of various private companies dealing in defence products manufacturing, export and the like. Sharma obtained bribes from companies in exchange for providing undue favours to them, the federal agency had alleged. (Agencies)
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