Daily Excelsior

Jammu, Jan 17: A woman has been booked for allegedly not complying with orders prohibiting the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services on mobile phones for security reasons in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district, police said on Saturday. Meena Sharma, wife of Mohan Lal, has been booked under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Majalta police station for allegedly violating the order of the district magistrate, issued on January 3, prohibiting the use of [] Th

Jammu, Jan 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the two-day National Level Sports Conference SRIJAN, organised by Department of Youth Services and Sports at Jammu. The Conference will identify the actionable strategies to further strengthen sports systems in J&K UT, prepare a roadmap for effective implementation of the National Sports Policy 2025 & J&K Sports Policy 2022 and highlight measures for shaping a resilient and future-ready generation. In his address, the Lieute

New Delhi, Jan 17: Faridabad-based Al Falah University had appointed three doctors two arrested by the National Investigation Agency and the third an alleged suicide bomber of the November 2025 Red Fort area blast apart from other specialists without police verification or scrutiny, the Enforcement Directorate has found. The agency, as part of its money laundering probe against the promoter of the university, is understood to have furnished statements of various senior executives and faculty o

New Delhi, Jan 17: The Congress on Saturday accused the Modi government of indulging in communalisation of education following the withdrawal of permission for MBBS course at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) and demanded that the college be reopened. Earlier this month, the National Medical Commission (NMC) revoked the Letter of Permission to J&Ks Katra-based college, citing non-compliance with minimum standards and extensive deficiencies in faculty strength, clin

JAMMU, Jan 17: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today remarked that Education is a powerful weapon which can change the dynamics of the world, adding that semiconductor technologies are the future now. The Minister made these remarks while addressing National Technical Conclave on India Semi-Conductor Mission (ISM) at Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Jammu, The Conclave is being organised by GCET Jammu in technical collabo

Srinagar, Jan 17: Ruling National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq has submitted a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, calling upon the Centre to review the decision to revoke the permission for MBBS course to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College. The National Medical Commission (NMC) revoked the Letter of Permission to the college, citing non-compliance with minimum standards and extensive deficiencies in faculty strength, clinical material and infrastructure. According to sources, Sadiq

New Delhi, Jan 17: Several Indians, including students, have arrived here in commercial flights from Iran amid widespread protests in the Islamic nation and Tehrans crackdown that has so far killed more than 2,500 people. The flights arrived at the Delhi airport late on Friday night. It was not immediately known how many Indians had arrived in these commercial flights. Upon arriving at the airport here, Ali Naqui, who was a part of a group of 12 to 13 travellers, [] The post Several Indians Retu

Srinagar, Jan 17: Police in Jammu and Kashmirs Budgam district said on Saturday that they have recovered 4 kg charas (marijuana) in two separate operations during which three peddlers were arrested. A police statement said, Budgam Police today arrested three drug peddlers in two separate operations conducted in Magam and Hardpanzoo areas of the district, leading to the recovery of a substantial quantity of contraband substances. In the first operation, a police team from Police Station Magam app

Lahore, Jan 17 : At least 14 people, including six children, were killed when a truck carrying about a dozen passengers fell from a bridge due to dense fog in Punjab province of Pakistan on Saturday. The accident took place in Kot Momin, Sargodha district, some 200 kms from Lahore, in the early hours. According to the spokesperson of Punjab Emergency Services Rescue 1122, the truck had on board 23 people, mostly of an extended family, going to attend a [] The post Six children among 14 killed in

Islamabad, Jan 17 : American and Pakistani troops concluded joint training at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Pabbi during exercise Inspired Gambit 2026. Training exercises like this between the US and Pakistan strengthen our long-standing defence ties, Dawn reported on Saturday, quoting a statement issued by the US Central Command (Centcom). The exercise concluded this week focused on combined infantry skills and tactics, and counterterrorism operations, the statement added. The two-we

New York/Washington, Jan 16 : Indian-American President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among the leaders named to the Board of Peace for Gaza redevelopment under President Donald Trumps comprehensive plan to end the conflict. The White House on Friday released a list of appointed members to the founding Executive Board of the Board of Peace, which it said comprises leaders with experience across diplomacy, development, infrastructure, and economic

Washington, Jan 17 : The Federal Aviation Administration has urged US aircraft operators to exercise caution when flying over the eastern Pacific Ocean near Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, citing military activities and satellite navigation interference. The warning was issued in a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the FAA on Friday. They say, Potential risks exist for aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight and the arrival and departure phases of

Malda, Jan 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday mounted a sharp attack on the TMC government in West Bengal, alleging that large-scale infiltration altered the states demography, triggered riots in districts like Malda and Murshidabad, and thrived due to the ruling partys patronage and syndicate raj. Modi also sought to reassure refugees such as the Matuas, who had migrated to India after facing religious persecution, amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

Singapore, Jan 17 : Ships of the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy, INS Tir, Shardul, Sujata and the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, are engaged in a range of training, professional and social programmes during their port call here. The four ships arrived in Singapore on January 15, as part of a Long Range Training Deployment (LRTD) to Southeast Asia, and will remain till January 18. The visit underscores the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between India and [] The post Indi

Kolkata, Jan 17 : The State Bank of India has terminated the lease for its Global Markets Unit (GMU) premises in Kolkata, a move that has drawn objections from a civil society forum, which has urged the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to intervene and stop any closure of the unit without regulatory approval. An SBI notice dated January 14, 2026, issued to a vendor, stated that the bank is terminating the lease for the 11th to 16th floors of [] The post SBI terminates GMU Kolkata lease; civil society

Jammu, Jan 17: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday said that the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir, which suffered a major setback following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent adverse weather conditions, is gradually showing signs of recovery, with tourist arrivals picking up as conditions improve. Dulloo said that a major project has been conceptualised to promote sustainable tourism in emerging destinations with the objective of reducing pressure on traditional hotspots across J&K,

New Delhi, Jan 17: On the 10th death anniversary of Dalit student Rohith Vemula on Saturday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the reality for youngsters from the community has not changed on campuses and stressed the need for an anti-discrimination law. Vemula, a 26-year-old Dalit student of the University of Hyderabad, died by suicide on January 17, 2016, following alleged harassment. In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, Today marks 10 years since Rohith Vemulas passing. But Rohiths [] The po

New Delhi, Jan 17: The Rashtrapati Bhavan (Circuit 1) will remain closed for the general public from January 21 to 29 in view of the upcoming Republic Day Parade and the Beating Retreat ceremony, an official statement issued on Saturday said. Circuit 1 takes the visitors on a tour of the main building of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan (Circuit-1) will remain closed for the general public from January 21 to 29, 2026, due to the upcoming Republic [] The post Rashtrapati Bhavan

MALDA, Jan 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the countrys first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town station in north Bengal. He also virtually flagged off the return GuwahatiHowrah Vande Bharat sleeper train from here. Modi interacted with children and school students inside the train. Developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India, the fully AC Vande Bharat sleeper train would offer passengers an airline-li

Chandauli (UP), Jan 17: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday laid the foundation of integrated court complexes for six districts in Uttar Pradesh, and said these will set a benchmark for the entire country. These six districts are Chandauli, Mahoba, Amethi, Shamli, Hathras and Auraiya. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, CJI Kant said, Once these (integrated court complexes) are built, I feel that Uttar Pradesh will set an example for the entire India. These complexes will become []

Srinagar, Jan 17: Cold conditions tightened its grip in Kashmir with a drop in minimum temperatures as the meteorological department forecast spells of wet weather, especially in the higher reaches of the valley over the next few days. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius on Friday night, down from minus 1.5 degrees Celsius the previous night. Shopian in south Kashmir was the coldest recorded place in the valley, with the mercury settling at a low of minus [] The post Cold Condit

THANE, Jan 16: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday thanked voters for the Mahayutis stellar performance in the polls to 29 municipal corporations and said the verdict was an emphatic endorsement of the state governments development agenda. The Shiv Sena won 75 seats in Thane, followed by 28 seats for alliance partner BJP. The NCP won nine seats, while the NCP (SP) emerged victorious on 12 seats. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won five seats. The Uddhav [

ITANAGAR, Jan 17: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday described the VB-G RAM G Act as a decisive and visionary reform that reinforces Indias commitment to rural empowerment and inclusive growth. Addressing reporters in Namsai district, Mein said the Act, envisioned under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, legally assures 125 days of employment in rural areas and strengthens livelihood opportunities and village-level infrastructure. This landmark legislati

Srinagar, Jan 17: The Meteorological Department Srinagar on Saturday issued a detailed forecast, warning of a fresh wet spell likely to impact the Union Territory over the coming days. Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that January 17 and 18 are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with the possibility of light snowfall over isolated higher reaches. He said that from January 19 to 20, weather conditions are likely to turn generally cloudy, with light to moderate rain and snowfall at [] The post Fr

JAMMU, Jan 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has accorded administrative approval for the permanent restoration of the damaged approach of the 4th Tawi Bridge near Bhagwati Nagar, which was affected during the August 2025 floods, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,975.16 lakh. See Order Copy Click Here. The post J&K Govt Approves Rs 1,975.16 Lakh For Permanent Restoration Of 4th Tawi Bridge Approach appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

New Delhi, Jan 17: The Congress on Saturday took a swipe at the Modi government and said the joint training exercise by American and pakistani troops was yet another blow to the self-proclaimed Vishwagurus self-boastful diplomacy. US and Pakistani troops concluded a joint training at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Pabbi during the exercise, Inspired Gambit 2026. Reacting to the development, Congress general secretary, in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh said, In yet another blow

New Delhi, Jan 17: Air pollution is considered a reason for respiratory and cardiac problems. However, experts warn that it also increases the risk of eye infection and aggravates existing issues among those with ocular problems. Doctors hold fine particulates PM2.5 the main culprit for eye problems such as allergic conjunctivitis, scratches on the surface of the eyes, dryness, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light. Every winter, my clinic sees a rise in the number of people [] Th

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Srinagar, Jan 17: Ladakh continued to reel under intense cold conditions on Saturday, emerging as the coldest region across Jammu and Kashmir, while the Kashmir Valley recorded widespread sub-zero temperatures and the Jammu region witnessed comparatively milder winter weather. Temperature data compiled by Kashmir Weather showed Drass as the coldest location, where the minimum temperature plunged to minus 9.9 degrees Celsius. Other parts of Ladakh also experienced severe cold, with Hanle recordin

SRINAGAR, Jan 17: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Branch Kashmir, has unearthed a major employment fraud, registering a case against a former police employee for allegedly cheating innocent job seekers by falsely promising government jobs and issuing forged appointment orders, thereby siphoning off nearly 23 lakh from multiple victims. In a statement, The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Branch Kashmir, has registered a case against an individual for cheating and duping innocent peopl

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that Purple Revolution originating from Doda had offered a Himalayan model of StartUp and entrepreneurship. The Minister said that the initiative, which began from Bhaderwah in district Doda of Jammu and Kashmir with lavender cultivatio

From Welfare to Nation-Building Dr Shenaz Ganai sganai19@gmail.com For decades, rural employment policy in India has oscillated between compassion and constraint. It has carried the moral weight of social justice but often lacked the administrative muscle to translate intent into outcomes. In a country where nearly two-thirds of the population still depends directly or indirectly on agriculture, employment programmes cannot remain instruments of short-term relief. They must become engines of pro

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16:The Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) officially kicked off the Gandhi Shilp Bazar 2026 at Jammu Haat. After the successful launch of 03 major events the Gandhi Shilp Bazar at Kashmir Haat, Srinagar, the GI Fair Buyer-Seller Meet at Budgam and the Pashmina Fest at beautiful temple town of Katra- the JKTPO has organised another distinctive initiative the Jammu edition of Gandhi Shilp Bazar (District). The 07-day event will culminate on Jan

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Jan 16: Artists and GenZ Entrepreneurs will forge Indias future together. Art and business alliance is a unique power and Imagination and Investment will be able to build a vibrant and developed society, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday. He was speaking at the valedictory session of International Painting Workshop, organised by Anandam: The Centre of Happiness and the Art Club at IIM Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his feli

Excelsior Correspondent MUMBAI, Jan 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today addressed leading stakeholders from the travel and trade sector in Mumbai, calling upon them to partner with the government in promoting Jammu & Kashmir as a safe, vibrant and all-season tourism destination. Addressing travel agents, tour operators and representatives of travel associations from Maharashtra and Gujarat, the Chief Minister underlined that the outreach was not about selling the destination, but about streng

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today took a first-hand appraisal of the online Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) portal being developed by the ARI & Trainings Department to ensure timely conduct of DPCs for Government employees. During the review meeting, the Chief Secretary took note of the progress achieved so far and appreciated the efforts of the department. He emphasized that the entire process should be made strictly time-bound, with each stage co

Raman Sharma jkrtiact@gmail.com A law book can tell us what should be done, just like a recipe tells us how a dish should be cooked. But anyone who has spent time in a kitchen knows that a recipe alone never guarantees a good meal. The same ingredients can produce very different results depending on who cooks, how carefully they cook, and whether anyone tastes the food and gives honest feedback. Over time, even recipes change because tastes, health needs, and [] The post Citizens Feedback Holds

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Jan 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today flagged off the first Group of 120 youth from Kashmir Division under Kashmiri Youth Exchange Program Watan Ko Jaano. The flagship initiative, sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and executed by Mera Yuva Bharat -MY Bharat Jammu Kashmir under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, aims to foster national integration and empower the youth of the Kashmir Valley. The Lieutenant Governor interacte

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 16: Shab-e-Miraj is being observed with deep religious fervour in Kashmir with night long prayers being held at Masjids across the Valley. The biggest congregation is being held at Hazratbal shrine and Masjids have been illuminated on the occasion at many places. The Shab-e-Miraj marks the sacred night commemorating the miraculous ascension (Miraj) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to the heavens. Devotees across the Valley are spending the

Excelsior Sports Correspondent KARGIL, Jan 16: The 5th LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship 2026 concluded here today, with Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta underscoring the immense potential of Ice Hockey and other winter sports in the region. Addressing the closing ceremony, he praised the resilience of Ladakhi youth and said the regions unique climate and geography provide a natural advantage to emerge as a premier winter sports hub. In the mens final, ITBP defeated Ladakh Scouts by 21

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: In a rare and inspiring sporting achievement, Jammu siblings Sidhani Singh and Madhavendra Singh Sambyal have earned selection to represent India at the 2nd Asian Junior Soft Tennis Championship, scheduled from February 3 to 8, 2026, at Harvest Tennis Academy, Punjab. As per handout issued the duo secured their spots following stellar performances at the national selection trials in Ahmedabad, outplaying top contenders from across the country. Sidhan

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: The Jammu District U-18 Boys and Girls Lawn Tennis Championship, organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Lawn Tennis Association (JKLTA), concluded today at the MA Stadium Tennis Courts, showcasing emerging talent from the region. In the Girls singles final, Kyra Nagpal defeated Ridhya Gupta by 6-2, 6-1, displaying excellent control, consistency, and strategic play to secure the championship. In the Boys singles final, Hardeep Singh dominated Naman Tak by 6

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) today conducted its Election 2025 during a Special General Meeting (SGM) held at JKCA Office, Pavilion Building, Hostel Ground, Jammu. Notably, this was the first General Body meeting convened after the adoption of the JKCA Constitution. As per handout issued by JKCA, the meeting was held to elect five office bearers and two councillors of the Apex Council. Out of 22 members of the General Body, 18 []

NEW DELHI, Jan 16: India and Japan today agreed to ramp up cooperation in areas of trade, critical minerals, defence and high technologies with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying that the partnership between the two sides holds immense potential to de-risk the global economy. A meeting between Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi saw both sides agreeing to set up a joint working group on critical minerals and a dialogue mechanism on artificial intelligence. The Ja

Excelsior Sports Correspondent POONCH, Jan 16: Rajinder Singh, PET Class-I and National Referee (Taekwondo) from the Department of Youth Services & Sports (DYSS) J&K, has been appointed as a referee for the 2nd Federation Cup Taekwondo Championship, to be held in Jaipur from January 18 to 23. Organized by India Taekwondo under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the appointment highlights J&Ks growing presence in national sports. Founder of Taekwondo in Poonch, Rajinder Singh has been instru

NEW DELHI, Jan 16: Ahead of the release of Salman Khans movie Battle of Galwan based on the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley the Ministry of External Affairs today said issues regarding film-making in India are looked after by relevant authorities, and the MEA has no role in this or such ventures. At his weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this in response to a query from a [] The post No role in this or such ventu

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: The second day of the ongoing 3rd Chancellors Trophy (Men & Women) Championship 202526 was conducted at University of Jammu campus, witnessing keenly contested matches and impressive athletic performances. Organized by Directorate of Sports & Physical Education, University of Jammu, the four-day championship has brought together more than 800 athletes from universities and institutions across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and neighbouring St

NEW DELHI, Jan 16: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people as the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth concluded here today. Addressing the Special Plenary of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), Birla said the foremost duty of presiding officers is to continuously adapt democratic institutions t

JU asked to boost student employability Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Jan 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 89th meeting of the University Council of the University of Jammu at Lok Bhavan, here today The meeting was attended by Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare Departments; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. K.S Cha

We will attend, discuss agenda: Apex Body Talks likely on LAB, KDA document Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Jan 16: After more than three and half months, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has once again opened channels for talks with Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) by convening the High Powered Committee (HPC) meeting on Ladakh in New Delhi on February 4. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The HPC will be chaired by Union Minister [] The post MHA calls Ladakh H