Global crude surge behind fuel price rise: Khattar
Crackdown on narcotics: Cops freeze assets worth Rs 80L in Fatehabad
Bar council lacks authority to interfere in Hisar association affairs: Advocate
35 new farm fire cases in Punjab, tally now 9,753
Heatwave scorches Punjab, Haryana and HP; relief likely from May 29
Farmers fume over diesel price hikes, plan protests
Haryana man bludgeons 3 to death with iron rod
A brutal dispute over an alleged illicit relationship has led to a triple murder in Sonipat, Haryana. A man, identified as Brahm Prakash, reportedly bludgeoned three neighbours to death with an iron rod and a sharp weapon. The violence erupted late at night, leaving the locality in shock. Police have taken the accused into custody and are investigating the motive.
NDTV Nava Punjab Summit Live: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and DGP Gaurav Yadav are among the key figures speaking at the NDTV Nava Punjab Summit being held in Chandigarh today.
Haryana cabinet approves new rules: No petrol, diesel vehicles for cab aggregators in NCR
Haryana's cabinet approved new rules mandating CNG or electric vehicles for aggregators, delivery services, and e-commerce firms in NCR areas from January 1, 2026. The move aims to curb pollution and promote cleaner mobility. The regulations also introduce licensing, safety measures, and insurance for drivers and passengers, fostering a comprehensive framework for app-based services.
IPL 2026: Heads Wife Reveals Family Targeted With Social Media Abuse After Kohli Spat
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Travis Heads wife Jessica has spoken out about the social media abuse directed at the family and their friends following the Australian batters on-field spat with Virat Kohli in an IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad held last week in Hyderabad. During RCBs chase, Kohli and Head exchanged words, though the exact nature of the conversation is still unclear. After SRH sealed a 55run victory, Head attempted to shake hands with Kohli during the customary postmatch greetings. Kohli, however, walked past him without responding and refused to shake hands with him while greeting other SRH players in his usual manner. The incident quickly went viral on social media and triggered intense reactions online. It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup. I woke up to my socials blasting... We are fine, but they are attacking my friends and family, Jessica told The Advertiser on Monday. Jessica also revealed that similar instances of online abuse happened after Australia defeated India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the World Test Championship final and the 2024 Boxing Day Test and urged fans to be more respectful towards cricketers and their families on social media. It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup. I woke up to my socials blasting... We are fine, but they are attacking my friends and family, Jessica told The Advertiser on Monday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RCB will now face Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday. SRH finished third and will play the Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. Article Source: IANS
Fuel Prices Surge Again: Opposition Parties Criticize Government
Chandigarh, May 25: Fuel prices have risen once more, with petrol increasing by 2.61 per liter and diesel by 2.71 per liter. This marks the fourth price hike in just ten days. Opposition parties have targeted the central government, labeling the hikes as an additional burden on the general public, farmers, and small businesses. In ... Read more Fuel Prices Surge Again: Opposition Parties Criticize Government
Punjab Government Adjusts Office and School Hours Amid Heatwave
Chandigarh, May 25: In response to the intense heat and ongoing heatwave, the Punjab government has announced significant changes to the operating hours of government offices and schools. Starting today, all government offices and classes will run from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This decision aims to provide relief from the heatwave and reduce electricity ... Read more Punjab Government Adjusts Office and School Hours Amid Heatwave
Punjab Honors 87 Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award Winners and 1,070 Medalists
Chandigarh, May 25: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann honored 87 winners of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awards and 1,070 medal-winning athletes with a prize money of 32.05 crores on Sunday. In a significant initiative to promote sports, the Chief Minister announced plans to expand the states sports ecosystem from villages to international levels. Mann also ... Read more Punjab Honors 87 Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award Winners and 1,070 Medalists
PU hostel students protest over defunct water coolers
Residents allege most units non-functional amid heat; varsity assures repairs
AAP govt delivering pro-people schemes: Mohali MLA
SAD promises 500cr boost for Naya Gaon
Sukhbir vows to integrate area with New Chandigarh, legalise colonies
Liquor haul, cop uniform recovery spark row in Mohali poll
Congress, Independent Trade Charges After SUV Seized During Ward 10 Roadshow
Cong protests fuel price hike in Sector 32
iRAD app training held to boost accident probe
Real-time data capture to help flag black spots, cut fatalities
BJP training camp concludes at Morni
Light rain, thunderstorm may cool simmering Tricity soon
Parents throw 3 children into canal, survive suicide attempt
Cotton stock gutted in spinning mill fire
Govt schools shut for summer with key academic gaps unresolved
ASI shot dead near Amritsar; 3rd cop to be murdered in 3 months
No one is safe in Punjab under AAP rule: Sukhbir
Iron shuttering collapses at Amritsar gurdwara; 2 dead, 7 injured
Congress, SAD target Punjab govt over law and order after ASIs murder
Mummy, did you see the race? Indias fastest mans 1st call home after 10.09s sprint
Gargaj flags pattern in sacrilege incidents over five decades
Hooda, Rohtak Congress MLAs skip culmination of Brijendras yatra
Campaigning ends for Himachal panchayati raj elections
4 from Haryana held for assaulting HRTC bus driver
Soon, Haryana to launch doorstep veterinary care service: CM
BJP guided by ideology, not dynastic politics: Badoli
Hisar Bar polls: Ad-hoc panel challenges authority of returning officer
Industrial boost: New power sub-division approved for localities in Ambala Cantt
3 of family shot dead as 22-yr-old tries to settle land feud with bullets
Man held for raping, impregnating minor in Yamunanagar
Haryana advances sunflower procurement by a week; purchase starts May 25
Battery blasts trigger fire at Kurushetras Mahabharat Anubhav Kendra; no casualty
Punjab sets target of 5L acres of paddy transplantation under DSR technique
Punjab reports 49 farm fire cases
Campaigning ends, stage set for Punjab municipal polls
Barnala takes top spot in Punjabs phase-I census
Punjab Will Not Bow to AAPs Fear Tactics: Sunil Jakhar
Chandigarh, May 24: Sunil Jakhar, the Punjab BJP president, issued a stern warning to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Sunday. He urged them not to resort to any illegal methods to secure victories in the upcoming local body elections. Jakhar emphasized that Punjab will no longer yield to AAPs tactics of fear ... Read more Punjab Will Not Bow to AAPs Fear Tactics: Sunil Jakhar
IPL 2026: Archer's Brilliant All-round Show Seals Playoff Berth For Rajasthan Royals
Indian Premier League: A fine bowling effort by Jofra Archer (3-17) as Rajasthan Royals defeated Mumbai Indians by 30 runs in a must-win match at the Wankhede Stadium and sealed a berth in the Playoffs of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Sunday. Archer, who played a brilliant cameo (32 off 15 balls) to lead a fine recovery and help Rajasthan Royals to 205/8 after being asked to bat first, struck a wicket each in his first two overs and then came back to claim the crucial wicket of Hardik Pandya and end Mumbai Indians' hopes of chasing the stiff target. Suryakumar Yadav anchored MI's chase with a brilliant 60 (42 balls) and, with help from Will Jacks (33) and Hardik Pandya (34), pulled MI back from a precarious 38/4. With Archer bagging three and Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, and Yash Raj Punj claiming a double each, RR restricted Mumbai Indians to 175/9 in 20 overs, sealing victory in a must-win match. With this win, the Rajasthan Royals moved to 16 points from seven wins in 14 matches and clinched the fourth spot in the playoffs, setting up a meeting with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. With Punjab Kings moving to 15 points with a win at LSG last night, RR (14 points) went into this match with their back to the wall, but they fought back brilliantly to make a grand comeback and extended their stay in the tournament. Their win rendered the final league match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals inconsequential. With the ball sticking to the pitch that had gotten slower as the shadows lengthened, Mumbai's chase was derailed early by Archer, who sent back Rohit Sharma, brought in as an Impact Substitute to replace Raghu Sharma, getting out for a four-ball duck with MI yet to score. Archer struck again in the third over, rocking back Naman Dhir's middle stump with a peach of a delivery that jagged in the air and swung out after pitching. Mumbai were down to 13/2, and they slumped further into the swamp after losing Ryan Rickelton (12 off 7) and Tilak Varma (3) in quick succession and were crawling at 38/4 in the sixth over. Suryakumar Yadav, the most successful batter for MI this season, and Will Jacks shared a fifty-run partnership to rescue them with a 63-run partnership for the fifth wicket in 38 balls as MI batters hammered Yash Raj Punj for 22 runs in the 12th over. Will Jacks struck him for a six, but was out on the next delivery, skying a wide, fullish leg-break to short leg for keeper Dhruv Jurel to complete an easy catch. Jacks was out for a superb 33 off 18 balls, hitting three boundaries and two maximums as he and SKY took Mumbai past 100. Hardik Pandya got a life off the first delivery he faced when Riyan Parag grassed a difficult chance running back. He made the most of that by smashing Punj for two sixes interspersed by a wide ball as the over went for 22. Pandya continued to live a charmed life as he struck back-to-back boundaries off Dasun Shanaka and off the first ball bowled by Nandre Burger as he and Surya put the Mumbai Indians' chase back on the rails. But Jofra Archer returned for his fourth over and accounted for Hardik Pandya, who mis-played a pull on a shortish ball pitched wide, offering an easy catch to Nandre Burger. Mumbai Indians were down to 149/6. Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav added 48 runs for the sixth-wicket partnership. Mumbai were left needing 54 runs off 24 balls. But the five-time winner lost the plot as Corbin Bosch fell for 2 in a brilliant over bowled by Punj as he conceded five runs and claimed a wicket. Mumbai's hopes depended on Suryakumar Yadav, but he fell in the 18th over trying to hit a big one, caught and bowled by Burger, trying to pull but managing to hit with the toe-end of his bat. Suryakumar Yadav top-scored for Mumbai with 60 not out of 42 balls (3x4, 4x6). SKY's departure sealed Mumbai's fate, and they fell short by 30 runs. Mumbai's hopes depended on Suryakumar Yadav, but he fell in the 18th over trying to hit a big one, caught and bowled by Burger, trying to pull but managing to hit with the toe-end of his bat. Suryakumar Yadav top-scored for Mumbai with 60 not out of 42 balls (3x4, 4x6). Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 205/8 in 20 overs (Dhruv Jurel 38, Jofra Archer 32; Shardul Thakur 2-41, Deepak Chahar 2-43) beat Mumbai Indians 175/9 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 60, Hardik Pandya 34, Will Jack 33; Jofra Archer 3-17, Nandre Burger 2-43, Brijesh Sharma 2-26, Yash Raj Punj 2-44) by 30 runs Article Source: IANS
Major Drug Bust in Punjab: 28.12 Kilograms of Heroin Seized
Chandigarh, May 24: Punjab Police have dismantled a drug trafficking ring linked to cross-border operations, resulting in the arrest of four suspects. Authorities seized 28.12 kilograms of heroin along with 9.5 lakh in cash. The arrested individuals have been identified as Bagicha Singh and Bhupinder Singh, both residents of Guru Har Sahais Bogiwala village. Additionally, ... Read more Major Drug Bust in Punjab: 28.12 Kilograms of Heroin Seized
IPL 2026: Boys Are Watching The RR Game Now, Will Help In Knowing What KKR Needs To Do, Says Powell
Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders batting allrounder Rovman Powell said the players have been glued to the ongoing afternoon fixture of Rajasthan Royals against the Mumbai Indians, adding that they are aware its outcome will help them know what they need to do to have a last-minute entry into the playoffs. At the half-way mark at the Wankhede Stadium, MI lost four wickets in a chase of 206, and KKR need the five-time winners to beat RR and then get a big victory over Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens to set up an Eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. Yeah, definitely. I think they're tuned in from last night, watching the game against Punjab, and that will help us in knowing what we have to do today, and they're watching the game going on now against Rajasthan, Powell said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. Reflecting on the teams position midway through the season, Powell admitted qualification hopes had looked distant. To be honest, maybe not. But halfway through the competition, we had made a commitment to play good cricket, and our fans who have supported us really well. Like, just to play for ourselves, play for our pride, it's a proud franchise, and the start of the competition didn't justify how the franchise have treated us as players, he said. On the reasons behind the turnaround, Powell pointed to stability in selection and overcoming injuries. Finding an identity, coming up with your proper combinations, looking to what you really want to do, at the start of the competition, we were plagued by some injuries. Some of the key players didn't take part. Reflecting on the teams position midway through the season, Powell admitted qualification hopes had looked distant. To be honest, maybe not. But halfway through the competition, we had made a commitment to play good cricket, and our fans who have supported us really well. Like, just to play for ourselves, play for our pride, it's a proud franchise, and the start of the competition didn't justify how the franchise have treated us as players, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Powell conceded it had not been a standout campaign for him personally but took satisfaction in contributing to team success. It hasn't been one of those stellar IPL seasons, to be honest, but it's a season where I've contributed to the team's successes. Once you are contributing to your team, that's a good thing. Article Source: IANS
Bengaluru woman dies by suicide, husband and in-laws booked
A 26-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide in Bengalurus Whitefield area, with police booking her husband and in-laws on charges of dowry harassment and mental cruelty following a complaint by her family
A property and money dispute tragically escalated into a triple murder in Ambala's Bichpari village. A 22-year-old allegedly shot his elder brother, grandmother, and uncle, critically injuring his aunt. The motive appears to stem from a disagreement over the sale of sand from family land, with no share reportedly given to the victims.
Simriti devoted to late historian Malwinderjit Singh Warraich, who documented revolutions
A tribute booklet, 'Simirti,' honoring late historian Prof. Malwinderjit Singh Warraich, known as 'Gadri Babian Da Munshi,' was released. The collection features writings from academics and authors recalling his extensive work documenting the Ghadar Party and revolutionaries.
Punjab Police ASI Found Dead In Amritsar
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 24: The body of a Punjab Police assistant sub-inspector with a gunshot injury was found near the Fatehgarh Churian-Majithia road in Amritsar on Sunday, an officer said. Senior Superintendent of Police, Amritsar (Rural), Suhail Mir Qasim said police received information about the body of ASI Joga Singh early Sunday. A police team, led by the Station House Officer of Majithia police station, reached the spot soon after the information was received. A forensic team also examined the scene, [] The post Punjab Police ASI Found Dead In Amritsar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Violence and arson erupted in Kapurthala Central Jail late Saturday night following a minor altercation between inmates. Unverified videos show inmates on rooftops claiming they were thrashed and shot at, with one reportedly suffering a bullet injury. Authorities stated tear gas was used and the situation was under control.
When rain fell on Royal Springs, Vicky Shaw chose Shalimar
Srinagar, May 23: The rain had just begun to settle over the emerald greens of Royal Springs Golf Course when Vicky Shaw took his cappuccino in hand and quietly watched golfers warm up for the WHS Sports Hub Golf Cup. At 45 years into the game, Shaw no longer rushes through tournament mornings. There is no visible anxiety, no frantic stretching, no loud team talk. Just a measured calm, the kind only decades on the golf course can teach. Work hard, play hard, he says softly, almost like a life philosophy rather than a sporting quote. For Shaw, golf has never been just a sport. It has been a lifelong companion. Long before he became Chairman of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir, Shaw was among the prominent faces shaping professional golf in the region and beyond. He served as Vice President and later President of the Professional Golfers Association of India for nearly a decade, helping organise junior coaching camps and tournaments across India. But on Saturday morning in Srinagar, titles mattered little. What mattered was the game, the weather, and the people beside him. His team, six golfers from different cities, some strangers until this tournament, had spent the previous evening discussing something as simple as a team name on WhatsApp. I suggested two names, Chinar and Shalimar, Shaw said with a smile. Shalimar clicked instantly. I thought if we are playing in Kashmir, the name should reflect the beauty around us. And so Team Shalimar was born. The team, a blend of youth and experience, represented what golf often quietly creates, friendships without introductions and competition without hostility. We have youngsters in the team, and I understand their excitement because I was exactly like that once, he said. My only advice to them was, relax, enjoy the day, and put in your best effort. For Shaw, golf is as much about temperament as technique. If you are stressed, you wont play well. Golf teaches you patience. It teaches you how to stay calm, he said while glancing towards the misty fairways. Outside Kashmir, temperatures in cities like Delhi had crossed uncomfortable summer highs. But here, under cloudy skies and gentle rain, Shaw compared the atmosphere to Scotland, golfs spiritual home. The weather is absolutely marvellous. Golfers never stop, even if it rains, he laughed. His relationship with Kashmir Golf stretches back decades. A member of the Kashmir Golf Club for over 45 years, Shaw also witnessed the rise of Royal Springs Golf Course after its commissioning in 2001. He remembers when the course was recognised among Asias best soon after opening. According to him, golf has played a quiet but powerful role in Kashmirs tourism story. Golf tourists are high spenders. They travel, they stay longer, and they fall in love with Kashmir, he said. This sport is also a tourism multiplier. Watching younger organisers now take ownership of the sport gives him hope. Shaw praised the efforts of the Woodland House School promoters and WHS Sports Hub founders for bringing golfers from Mumbai, Delhi and Chandigarh to Srinagar. For him, however, the beauty of golf still lies in its simplicity. There is no other sport where you spend hours walking and talking with your partner or even your opponent, he said. That bonding is special. Soon after finishing his coffee, Shaw prepared for the tee-off. Around him, younger golfers adjusted gloves, checked clubs and discussed strategy. He remained composed. Forty-five years in golf had taught him that sometimes the best strategy is simply to breathe, enjoy the rain, and walk the course.
Security, Stability or Statehood
Jammu and Kashmir occupies a unique place in Indias national consciousness. It is not merely a territorial unit or a constitutional subject. It is one of Indias most sensitive strategic frontiers geographically vulnerable, politically symbolic, and central to the countrys sovereignty and national security architecture. For more than three decades, the region suffered the devastating consequences of terrorism, separatism, foreign interference, political instability, and institutional collapse. Thousands of civilians, soldiers, police personnel, and innocent young Kashmiris lost their lives in a conflict fuelled not merely by local failures, but by Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and sustained geopolitical hostility toward India. Entire generations grew up amid curfews, shutdowns, stone-pelting campaigns, fear, economic stagnation, and uncertainty. Tourism repeatedly collapsed. Investment disappeared. Schools remained shut. Public institutions weakened. Radical narratives occupied public space while governance often became secondary to political symbolism. No serious nation can afford to ignore that painful history. That is precisely why the future of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be approached through emotional constitutional politics or electoral sentimentality. It must be approached through the larger lens of national security, institutional stability, governance reform, and irreversible peace. Jammu & Kashmir Is Not Comparable to Ordinary States Those demanding immediate restoration of full statehood often overlook a fundamental strategic reality: Jammu and Kashmir is not an ordinary administrative unit. It borders Pakistan and China two nuclear-armed adversaries. It remains one of the worlds most targeted regions for cross-border terrorism, radical propaganda, infiltration networks, and geopolitical destabilisation. Pakistans military establishment has historically treated Jammu and Kashmir not as a democratic issue, but as a proxy conflict theatre against India. Terror infrastructure across the border remains active. Sleeper cells continue operating. Radical ecosystems continue targeting vulnerable youth. Even today, infiltration attempts and terror incidents continue despite major improvements in the security environment. The April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack was a grim reminder that terrorism has not disappeared. It is waiting for opportunities to exploit instability. In such circumstances, weakening central administrative coordination or politicising security management would not be democratic maturity it would be strategic recklessness. The Union Territory framework exists not merely as an administrative arrangement, but as a stabilising national-security architecture designed to protect both the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Indias sovereignty. The Home Department Is About Security Not Civic Governance A major misconception deliberately encouraged in political discourse is that the Union Territory structure prevents governance delivery. This is factually misleading. The sectors retained under stronger Union supervision primarily involve: Internal security; Intelligence coordination; Counter-terror operations; Law and order; Paramilitary deployment; and Strategic security management. These are matters directly linked to national security. However, the elected government already exercises substantial powers over virtually every major governance sector affecting daily life, including: Urban development Municipal administration Public works Education Healthcare Tourism Agriculture Rural development Welfare delivery Environmental management Employment initiatives Public service delivery Therefore, if Srinagar floods after moderate rainfall, if garbage remains unmanaged, if illegal construction flourishes, if Dal Lake deteriorates, if unemployment rises, or if municipal systems fail the issue is not the Home Department. The issue is governance failure within departments directly controlled by the elected administration. Urban Governance: Massive Spending, Poor Outcomes. One of the clearest examples of governance failure lies in urban management. The urban centers projects projected as transformative initiatives intended to modernise urban infrastructure, mobility, drainage, public spaces, and civic systems. But needs more attention and focus top realise full potential. Meanwhile, residents themselves increasingly criticised the absence of green urban planning, pedestrian-friendly development, and ecological sensitivity in Srinagars redevelopment model. Compare this with Chandigarh also a Union Territory. Chandigarh consistently ranks among Indias cleanest and best-planned cities because of: Scientific urban zoning; Strong municipal discipline; Effective waste management; Planned green spaces; Regulated construction; and Administrative continuity. Its Union Territory status did not prevent effective urban governance. Similarly, Delhi despite constitutional limitations significantly improved: Mohalla clinic healthcare systems; Government school infrastructure; Public transport integration; and Digitised public service delivery. The lesson is simple: governance outcomes depend on administrative competence, not constitutional slogans. Environmental Governance: A Systemic Failure Perhaps the gravest governance failure in Jammu and Kashmir lies in environmental management. A recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit revealed that Jammu and Kashmir lost 315 lakes since 1967, while another 203 lakes significantly shrank, resulting in a loss of nearly 2,851 hectares of lake area. The report concluded that: 74% of lakes in J&K have either disappeared or shrunk; Only six lakes receive serious conservation attention; Fragmented governance and weak coordination remain major causes; Encroachments and illegal construction continue unchecked; and Environmental monitoring remains deeply inadequate. This is not a constitutional failure. Environmental management lies directly within the functioning domain of the elected administration. The government could have already implemented: Strict ecological zoning laws; GIS-based encroachment monitoring; Urban wetland protection systems; Scientific tourism carrying-capacity frameworks; Independent environmental oversight authorities; and Climate-resilience planning. Instead, environmental governance remains reactive and fragmented. Compare this with Puducherry, which despite being a small Union Territory, consistently performs better in urban sanitation, environmental management, and human development indicators through focused administrative execution. Tourism Growth Without Planning Is Becoming Unsustainable Tourism is frequently cited as evidence of post-2019 normalcy and rightly so. Jammu and Kashmir recorded more than 2 crore tourist visits in 2023, creating employment for transporters, artisans, hoteliers, guides, handicraft workers, pony operators, and thousands of small businesses. Yet tourism growth without infrastructure discipline is becoming environmentally and administratively unsustainable. Visitors increasingly report: Traffic congestion; Waste accumulation; Poor sanitation; Overcrowding at destinations; and Weak civic management. Tourism policy remains heavily concentrated around a few destinations such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam, while enormous untapped potential across Jammu division and lesser-known Kashmir regions remains underdeveloped. The government could have: Developed heritage tourism circuits; Expanded winter sports infrastructure; Professionalised adventure tourism; Improved sanitation systems; Built international-standard convention infrastructure; and Linked tourism growth to local skill-development ecosystems. These are governance functions already fully available under the present framework. Electricity Sector: Financial Mismanagement on a Massive Scale The power sector remains one of Jammu and Kashmirs biggest administrative failures. Official figures acknowledge nearly 28,000 crore in liabilities and off-budget borrowings due to: AT&C losses; Power theft; Weak billing systems; and Unsustainable subsidies. This financial crisis is not linked to constitutional status. Power distribution, billing reform, transmission management, and anti-theft enforcement are governance responsibilities already available to the elected administration. Compare this with Chandigarh and Daman and Diu, where tighter administrative controls and modernised systems significantly reduced utility inefficiencies. Jammu and Kashmir could have aggressively expanded: Smart metering; Solar rooftop systems; Energy-efficient public infrastructure; Billing digitisation; and Anti-theft enforcement mechanisms. Instead, politically difficult reforms continue to be postponed. Youth Employment: Political Mobilisation Without Economic Vision Perhaps the greatest long-term risk facing Jammu and Kashmir is youth unemployment. More than 3.5 lakh educated youth reportedly remain unemployed across the Union Territory. Yet instead of creating a serious long-term economic transformation strategy, political discourse remains overwhelmingly centred on constitutional politics. The government could have already prioritised: IT and remote-work infrastructure; Startup incubation ecosystems; Horticulture value-chain industries; Food processing; Renewable energy sectors; Handicraft export modernisation; and Tourism-linked entrepreneurship. Governance requires building opportunity not merely amplifying grievance narratives. The Fiscal Reality and Dilemma One issue rarely discussed honestly is fiscal sustainability. Jammu and Kashmirs FY 202425 budget crossed approximately 1.18 lakh crore, yet the region remains heavily dependent on financial support from the Government of India. Massive expenditures continue in: Salaries Pensions Subsidies Welfare schemes Power-sector liabilities. At present, the enormous financial burden of: Counter-terror operations Intelligence infrastructure Paramilitary deployment Strategic policing Security logistics is substantially borne directly by the Government of India. Premature restoration of full statehood would gradually transfer far greater fiscal responsibility for internal security management onto Jammu and Kashmirs already strained finances. Would that reduce resources available for: Healthcare? Education? Urban infrastructure? Environmental restoration? Employment programs? These are serious governance questions not emotional slogans. Governance Must Come Before Political Reward In conflict-sensitive regions, constitutional evolution must follow demonstrated stability, institutional maturity, governance credibility, and fiscal discipline. Not precede them. The correct sequence is simple: First: Peace; Stability; Deradicalisation; Governance reform; Institutional accountability; Fiscal sustainability; and Economic modernisation. Then: Greater constitutional transition. Not the reverse. Because if there is one lesson history repeatedly teaches Jammu and Kashmir, it is this: Whenever governance weakens and political uncertainty grows, hostile forces exploit the vacuum. Above Politics Stands the Nation. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve peace more than perpetual political mobilisation. They deserve: Clean cities; Functioning hospitals; Reliable electricity; Stable schools; Transparent institutions; Employment opportunities; Safe tourism; Environmental protection; and Freedom from fear. None of these aspirations are prevented by Union Territory status. But all of them can be destroyed by renewed instability. National security is not anti-democratic. It is the shield that protects democracy itself. India cannot afford another cycle of uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir. Too much blood has already been shed. Too many families have suffered. Too many soldiers have sacrificed their lives defending the region from terrorism and separatist violence. The future of Jammu and Kashmir must now be guided not by emotional constitutional politics, but by strategic wisdom, governance delivery, institutional maturity, and national responsibility. Because above politics stands the nation. And above every political demand stands Indias unity, integrity, and security. The author is freelancer and Independent Political Analyst.
Central Bank of India organizes Mega Retail Credit Outreach camp
Excelsior Correspondent CHANDIGARH, May 23: Central Bank of India today organized a Mega Retail Credit Outreach Camp at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Headquarters, Chandigarh. The programme was led by D P Khurana, Corporate General Manager, along with S K Singh, Zonal Head, Chandigarh and Ram Kumar Yadav, Regional Head, Chandigarh. The event was graced by the chief guest, Mayor of Panchkula, Shyam Lal Bansal. Om Prakash, Chairman, Shivalik Development Board, also marked his presence at the programme. During [] The post Central Bank of India organizes Mega Retail Credit Outreach camp appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Two arrested with grenades in Punjab
CHANDIGARH, May 23: In a breakthrough, the Punjab Police claimed to have foiled a major terror conspiracy in the state after arresting two alleged operatives linked to the Lakha gang and recovering two live military-grade hand grenades from their possession in Ludhiana. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrests were made during a joint operation conducted by the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police and Counter-Intelligence units against an alleged international criminal syndicate and terror-gangster nexus operating with foreign handlers. Ludhiana [] The post Two arrested with grenades in Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chandigarh Plans Vertical Shift Under Master Plan 2031
Draft CMP2031 Proposes Higher FAR, Flexible Norms Across Sectors
Youth murdered for Rs 800: Cops
No retail here: B2C ban in Industrial Phases I & II
Mercury may reach 44 degree Celsius by Thursday: IMD
No compromise on heritage, infra in master plan: Chandigarh
MC launches sanitation drive from Sec-20 cremation ground to Kundi
Foswac flags road, civic gaps; seeks pre-monsoon action
Cong protests fuel price hikes in Chandigarh
Bitumen crunch stalls 175cr road recarpeting works
US-Iran Tensions Disrupt Crude Supply; Peak-Season Projects Hit, Most Works Halted
Samaadhaan Shivir for Maloya residents on May 25
Entrepreneur awareness, vendor meet tomorrow
6 immigration firms booked for 66L visa fraud in city
HSVP to fence vacant land to curb dumping, encroachment on vacant govt land
Mayor pitches multi-level parking plan to CM
Asr North emerges as high stake urban battleground ahead of elections
Woman injured in drunken brawl, case filed
Bhikhiwind civic poll campaign marred by violent political clash
IPL 2026: Its My First Hundred And Came At The Right Time When The Team Needed It, Says Iyer
Lucknow Super Giants: Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer said his maiden IPL hundred came at the right time when the team needed it, as his unbeaten 101 guided the side to a sevenwicket win over Lucknow Super Giants and kept their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes alive after six successive defeats. Im ecstatic to be honest. Its my first hundred and came at the right time when the team needed it. We won eventually after six consecutive losses. Its a great positive and just hoping to support MI tomorrow, Iyer said after being named Player of the Match. The win has lifted PBKS to fourth on the points table, and their fate now hinges on the Rajasthan Royals clash with the Mumbai Indians. If RR win, Punjab are out; if MI prevail, Kolkata Knight Riders could still overtake PBKS on net run rate with a big win over the now eliminated Delhi Capitals. If all works well in their favour, PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator clash in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. On his batting approach, Iyer, who became the third PBKS captain to hit a century after KL Rahul and Adam Gilchrist, said, It's a surreal feeling when you finish off the game and score a century. All the batsmen dream of that. Today was one of the days when I felt super. I was in a great mindspace. I knew what I wanted, knew how the wicket was playing. Kinda reading the situation and how the wicket was playing helped me to score my runs, and the partnership was crucial. That creates the momentum in the game, and just to win it from there, I'm elated. On sharing a 140-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh, who made 69, Iyer said, I know if I give myself some time in the middle and time the ball as much as possible rather than getting on top of the ball and trying to score off a good ball. I feel it's necessary for me to stay out there as much as possible because then the runs keep coming. Prabh - the way he took on the bowlers, it takes two to tango. He seriously showed us what he's capable of. He was temperamentally active, and the communication we had in the middle was sensational. On how PBKS regrouped ahead of this clash to break a losing streak, Iyer said, We didn't say anything, just kept it simple. Rather than having meetings, putting more pressure on the boys. You kinda get lost in the previous losses when you discuss a lot. It's important that you let them be. Free flow of mind is required in crucial matches. You don't want to make them overthink in pressure situations. Today I literally told Ricky, 'let's not do any team meetings. Let's just head to the ground and do our rituals, which we've been doing consistently, and we could see the result. Iyer then praised his bowlers for pulling the game back. Elated by their performance. Even though we went 16 off the first over. Just to get the game back towards us, Azmat bowled brilliantly. The first over, which he bowled, got a wicket and saved those crucial runs. Its all about momentum in this situation, and just to get the game back, especially Yuzi, the way he came back and restricted runs. He got the crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant. Kudos to him; he leaked a lot of runs in the last game, but he showed his character. Coach Ricky Ponting lauded his captains maturity. We've done it the hard way, let's put it that way. We've done what we needed to do today. Sloppy in the field again, gave them 20 more runs than they should've got. Pretty clinical chase, especially being in trouble early. The captain he's done that all season. That's his first IPL century tonight. We'll celebrate that, and then we'll sit around and wait for those results tomorrow. There's a reason I spent as much money at the auction as I did a couple of years ago. He's a ripping guy, a very mature player now, and a very mature leader. More often than not, he keeps his emotions in check on the field. The respect he has from his players is second to none. The moment he stands in front of the group and speaks, not a single eye ball leaves a single word he says. Delighted to work with him. Really happy with the season he's had. Great to see him back in the Indian one-day team. I really think there's a bigger, brighter future for him in the Indian T20 team as well. The level of cricket we played in the first half was a level I've never seen before. And then we just made some crucial errors at different times in the last six games. Speaking about Prabhsimran, Ponting said, A terrific player. It's probably only been the last couple of years that he has realised how good he is. He and Priyansh have been outstanding for us the last couple of seasons. Seeing him play a mature innings tonight in a good run chase will do him a world of good. We'll try to get the boys together and watch it (the RR-MI game). I really think there's a bigger, brighter future for him in the Indian T20 team as well. The level of cricket we played in the first half was a level I've never seen before. And then we just made some crucial errors at different times in the last six games. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But at the same time, you know batting gets easier in the second innings at Ekana. Sometimes, ideas without accountability are the hardest thing to do. As a team, we want to look at the positives Definitely a lot of positives. Its been a long season, we promise to come back stronger next year. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Iyers Unbeaten 101 Helps PBKS Keep Playoffs Hopes Alive, Beat LSG By Seven Wickets (ld)
BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: Captain Shreyas Iyer struck his maiden IPL century to guide Punjab Kings to a sevenwicket win over Lucknow Super Giants and break their six-game losing streak to keep their playoff hopes alive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday. In response to LSGs 196/6, Punjab hunted down the target in 18 overs, with Iyer unbeaten on 101 off 51 balls, studded with 11 fours and five sixes coming at a strike-rate of 198.04. Apart from wowing the crowd with his sublime timing, strong pick-up of deliveries and bottom-handed shots, Iyer also shared a crucial 140-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh, who hit 69 off 39 balls. The win has lifted PBKS to fourth on the points table, and their fate now hinges on the Rajasthan Royals clash with the Mumbai Indians. If RR win, Punjab are out; if MI prevail, Kolkata Knight Riders could still overtake PBKS on net run rate with a big win over the now eliminated Delhi Capitals. If all works well in their favour, PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator clash in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. The chase began dramatically as Priyansh Arya fell first ball to Mohammed Shami, caught on the pull for a golden duck. Cooper Connolly counterattacked with four boundaries in the second over, before being castled by Mohammed Shami and leaving PBKS at 22/2 in 2.2 overs. Iyer joined Prabhsimran and the pair steadied the innings. Iyer struck successive fours off Mohsin Khan and Shami, while Prabhsimran found his rhythm with inventive strokes and used the bowlers pace to his advantage. The partnership blossomed after Power-play as Prabhsimran dropped on 20 by Pant off Arjun Tendulkar, and got his fifty in 28 balls. Iyer, meanwhile, cut and drove with authority to get his fifty in 33 balls. The boundaries flowed freely before Arjun trapped Prabhsimran lbw for 69. But Iyer pressed on, smashing three sixes in one Shami over to all but seal the contest. Fittingly, Iyer launched a slower ball from Mohsin over cow corner to complete his maiden IPL hundred and clinch an important victory for PBKS. For Iyer, the century was a moment of relief and joy - helmet off, arms aloft, as he was embraced by teammates over ending a six-game losing streak and PBKS playoffs hopes still very much alive. Even as PBKS rejoiced in the glow of a much-needed victory in a must-win clash, LSGs tenth defeat of the season also confirmed that they will finish at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table. Previously, riding on Josh Ingliss fluent 72 off 44 balls and Abdul Samads unbeaten 37 off 20 deliveries, LSG posted 196/6, though it looked like they finished well short of a par score. Inglis didn't see much of the strike in the first few overs, as he lost partners from the other end. But he slowly came into his own to add 49 runs for the third wicket and shared a 65-run partnership with Rishabh Pant. Inglis came into his own during the middle overs to hit nine fours and two sixes in all in his knock, coming at a strike-rate of 163.64. At 147/4 in 15 overs, LSG were primed for a big finish, but losing Inglis was huge for them, though Samad did show some fight with a late cameo. For PBKS, Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen were the standout bowlers with two scalps each. The innings began briskly for LSG, though they suffered early setbacks. Arshin Kulkarni and Nicholas Pooran fell cheaply, leaving the hosts two down inside the Power-play. Inglis did not see much of the strike initially, but once it had settled, he counterattacked with authority. Badoni joined Inglis and the pair steadied the innings before the former was stumped off Chahal for 43. Inglis then found another partner in Pant, and together they pushed the score past 100. With Inglis striking cleanly through the middle overs, LSG looked assured for a big total, though they lost Pant for 26. But Inglis dismissal checked their momentum, leaving Samad to shoulder the responsibility in the death overs after Mukul Choudhary fell cheaply. Samad rose to the occasion with crisp strokes through point and midwicket to take LSG past the 190-mark, which was inadequate to stop Iyer and PBKS from getting a clinical win. Badoni joined Inglis and the pair steadied the innings before the former was stumped off Chahal for 43. Inglis then found another partner in Pant, and together they pushed the score past 100. With Inglis striking cleanly through the middle overs, LSG looked assured for a big total, though they lost Pant for 26. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lucknow Super Giants 196/6 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 72, Ayush Badoni 43; Yuzvendra Chahal 2-25, Marco Jansen 2-33) lost to Punjab Kings 200/3 in 18 overs (Shreyas Iyer 101 not out, Prabhsimran Singh 69; Mohammed Shami 2-45, Arjun Tendulkar 1-36) by seven wickets Article Source: IANS
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IPL 2026: Iyers Unbeaten 101 Helps PBKS Keep Playoff Hopes Alive, Beat LSG By Seven Wickets
BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: Shreyas Iyer struck his maiden IPL century to guide Punjab Kings to a sevenwicket win over Lucknow Super Giants and break their six-game losing streak to keep their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes alive here at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday. In response to LSGs 196/6, Punjab hunted down the target in 18 overs, with Iyer unbeaten on 101 off 51 balls, studded with 11 fours and five sixes coming at a strike-rate of 198.04. Apart from wowing the crowd with his sublime timing, strong pick-up of deliveries and bottom-handed shots, Iyer also shared a crucial 140-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh, who hit 69 off 39 balls. The win has lifted PBKS to fourth on the points table, and their fate now hinges on the Rajasthan Royals clash with the Mumbai Indians. If RR win, Punjab are out; if MI prevail, Kolkata Knight Riders could still overtake PBKS on net run rate with a big win over the now eliminated Delhi Capitals. If all works well in their favour, PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator clash in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. The chase began dramatically as Priyansh Arya fell first ball to Mohammed Shami, caught on the pull for a golden duck. Cooper Connolly counterattacked with four boundaries in the second over, before being castled by Mohammed Shami and leaving PBKS at 22/2 in 2.2 overs. Iyer joined Prabhsimran and the pair steadied the innings. Iyer struck successive fours off Mohsin Khan and Shami, while Prabhsimran found his rhythm with inventive strokes and used the bowlers pace to his advantage. The partnership blossomed after Power-play as Prabhsimran dropped on 20 by Pant off Arjun Tendulkar, and got his fifty in 28 balls. Iyer, meanwhile, cut and drove with authority to get his fifty in 33 balls. The boundaries flowed freely before Arjun trapped Prabhsimran lbw for 69. But Iyer pressed on, smashing three sixes in one Shami over to all but seal the contest. Fittingly, Iyer launched a slower ball from Mohsin over cow corner to complete his maiden IPL hundred and clinch an important victory for PBKS. For Iyer, the century was a moment of relief and joy - helmet off, arms aloft, as he was embraced by teammates over ending a six-game losing streak and PBKS playoffs hopes still very much alive. Even as PBKS rejoiced in the glow of a much-needed victory in a must-win clash, LSGs tenth defeat of the season also confirmed that they will finish at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table. Iyer, meanwhile, cut and drove with authority to get his fifty in 33 balls. The boundaries flowed freely before Arjun trapped Prabhsimran lbw for 69. But Iyer pressed on, smashing three sixes in one Shami over to all but seal the contest. Fittingly, Iyer launched a slower ball from Mohsin over cow corner to complete his maiden IPL hundred and clinch an important victory for PBKS. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lucknow Super Giants 196/6 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 72, Ayush Badoni 43; Yuzvendra Chahal 2-25, Marco Jansen 2-33) lost to Punjab Kings 200/3 in 18 overs (Shreyas Iyer 101 not out, Prabhsimran Singh 69; Mohammed Shami 2-45, Arjun Tendulkar 1-36) by seven wickets Article Source: IANS
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