Daily Excelsior

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah chaired a security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi today. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director (IB), Chief Secretary & Director General Police of Jammu and Kashmir, Heads of CAPFs and other Senior Officers were present in the meeting. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India [] The

New Delhi, Jan 8: The Army on Thursday said it has launched a digital platform which will compress logistics cycle and provide near real-time asset visibility across the entire logistic ecosystem, equipping commanders with integrated dashboards and exception alerts to make informed decisions. The Army shared the update in a post on X. Indian Army has launched Depot Integration Management Edition (DIME), a pan-Army digital platform that delivers real-time visibility of logistic items from units t

JAMMU, Jan 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has sanctioned an initial uniform allowance and annual renewal allowance in favour of personnel of the Special Security Force (SSF), officials said on Thursday. According to an order issued by the Home Department, members of the SSF will be granted an initial uniform allowance of 20,000. The amount will be released in two equal instalments, with a gap of six months between the instalments. In addition, the order provides for an annual [] The post J&

JAMMU, Jan 8: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired the 9th Executive Council Meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) to undertake a comprehensive review of its performance under the UMEED (National Rural Livelihood Mission NRLM) framework and to chart out a roadmap for strengthening rural livelihoods and women-led development across the UT. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD); Managing Director, JKRLM; Director General (Resourc

JAMMU, Jan 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today morning interacted with the victorious Jammu and Kashmir under-16 cricket team after they clinched the Vijay Merchant Trophy (Plate Group) title, marking a historic achievement for Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister met each player individually and enquired about their personal as well as team performance. Expressing his admiration for their outstanding display on the field, he encouraged the young cricketers to continue their winning momentum

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the worlds trust in India is its biggest strength and emphasised the need to ensure that Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are ethical, unbiased, transparent, and based on data privacy principles. He also said that the startups should work towards global leadership from this country, and noted that India can promote affordable AI, inclusive AI, and frugal innovation globally. Chairing a roundtable with Indian AI start-ups

LEH, Jan 8: The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has reallocated additional departments to senior IAS officers following the relieving of Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar from the UT administration. As per an order issued by the General Administration Department, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, has been given the additional charge of the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, while Dr Latinkhuma Franklin, Commissioner Secretary, has been assigned the Health and Medical Educ

NEW DELHI, Jan 8 : Emphasising that capacity building in government must be a continuous and role-oriented process, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, said that the institutional framework for capacity building being implemented today is rooted in the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recognised the need for a structured mechanism to prepare government officials for dynamically changing responsibilities. These remarks were made at the e

JAMMU, Jan 8: The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has relieved Sanjeev Khirwar, Principal Secretary, from his duties with effect from the forenoon of January 9, 2026, following orders issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to an order issued by the General Administration Department today, Khirwar, an AGMUT cadre officer of the 1994 batch, has been directed to report to the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi for further posting. See Order Copy Click [

Bengaluru, Jan 8: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday slammed Congress for spreading lies about Centres VB-G RAM G that guarantees rural employment. He said there is no basis behind the allegation that guaranteed jobs in the villages will be snatched and claimed there was rampant corruption in the erstwhile UPA-era job guarantee programme. Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VBG RAM G) Act was recently passed by the Parliament replacing Mahatma Gandhi National

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 8: Pakistans air chief met Saudi Arabias top air force commander and discussed opportunities to expand military cooperation between the two longtime allies, the military said here on Thursday. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, this week visited the Gulf Kingdom, where he met Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force Lt Gen Turki bin Bander bin Abdulaziz and Chief of the General Staff General Fayiadh bin Hameed Al-Rowaily. According to a [] Th

KOLKATA, Jan 8: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that ED officials were attempting to seize TMCs hard disks, internal documents and sensitive organisational data during a search operation at the residence of I-PAC chief Prateek Jain here. Banerjee said the raid at the residence of Jain, whom she termed as the partys IT chief, was politically motivated and unconstitutional. They have raided the residence of our IT chief. They were confiscating my partys documents and

JAMMU, Jan 8: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the government will accommodate students affected by the closure of a medical college by adjusting them in other institutions through supernumerary seats, asserting that their education will not be allowed to suffer. The chief minister also said that accountability must be fixed if standards were not maintained at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College. Supernumerary seats are additional seats created over and above th

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: The commerce ministrys arm APEDA has launched an initiative to support agri-food and agri-tech startups, aimed at promoting innovation and creating new export opportunities for young entrepreneurs, an official said on Thursday. APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) Chairman Abhishek Dev said the initiative- BHARATI, which stands for Bharats Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement, has been designed

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Federation of Retailer Association of India (FRAI) on Thursday expressed serious concerns over a steep increase in taxes of legal tobacco products, asking the government for a rethink in the interest of small retailers and prevent illegal operators from taking over the market. The demand from the association comes after the Finance Ministry notification of the Chewing Tobacco, Jarda Scented Tobacco and Gutkha Packing Machines (Capacity Determination and Collection of Duty) Rul

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Hartek Power on Thursday said it has secured a major renewable energy contract worth Rs 353.77 crore for a solar project with a battery energy storage system in Karnataka. The company has been awarded the EPC (engineering procurement construction) scope for a 280 MW AC / 410 MWp DC solar PV project, along with an 80 MW / 320 MWh battery energy storage system at Challakere, a company statement said. The scope of work [] The post Hartek Power secures Rs 353.77 cr renewable ener

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Intellectual Property Right (IPR) firm KAnalysis Consultant on Thursday said it has launched its operations in Shenzhen, China, with a view to help Indian companies in following rules and regulations of the neighbouring country to boost trade and investments. The operations will help strengthen cross border IP rights, it said. With bilateral trade between India and China rising, businesses on both sides are actively scaling cross-border operations, said Nilanshu Shekhar, Found

NEW DELHI, Jan 8:Kalyan Jewellers on Thursday reported 42 per cent year-on-year rise in consolidated revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2025-26, driven by strong festive demand and expansion. The company posted a revenue of Rs 7,318.19 crore in the December quarter of 2024-25, up 40 per cent from the year-ago period. India operations recorded 27 per cent same-store sales growth during the third quarter of 2025-26 from a year ago, the company said in a statement. Demand [] The post Kalyan J

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Larsen and Toubro (L&T) on Thursday said it has secured an order from the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army for the overhaul, upgrade, and obsolescence management of the indigenous Pinaka multi-rocket launcher systems. The partnership with the Corps of EME aims to enhance long-term operational availability and modernisation of Pinaka regiments currently in service with the Indian Army, L&T said in an exchange filing. The programme will focu

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Congress leaders on Thursday condoled the death of noted ecologist Madhav Gadgil, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge saying India has lost one of its foremost voices in ecological inquiry and that his demise is a major setback for the countrys green cause. Gadgil, known for his work on the Western Ghats, passed away in Pune after a brief illness, family sources said on Thursday. He was 83. Gadgil breathed his last late Wednesday night at [] The post Major setback for Indias g

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: A Delhi court on Thursday issued release orders for Shahdab Ahmed, who was granted bail along with four others by the Supreme Court in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai accepted the bail bond of Rs 2 lakh along with two local sureties of the like amount furnished by Khan and issued his release orders. The release order was issued after Delhi Police submitted the verification report of all [] The post Delhi riots case: Court

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on a plea of Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma challenging the legality of the parliamentary panel probing corruption charges against him. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma reserved its decision after hearing senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi, Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Varma and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing both houses of Parliament. During the hearing, Rohtagi and Luthra questioned th

SRINAGAR, Jan 8: PDP leader Iltija Mufti on Thursday termed the celebrations in Jammu over the closure of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Reasi heights of bigotry. Heights of bigotry is Jammu celebrating the closure of a medical college only because it paved opportunities for Muslim students, Mufti said in a post on X. The PDP leader was reacting to the celebrations in the Jammu region after the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of [] The post Height Of Big

Jammu, Jan 8: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday launched the e-Pathshala initiative of the school education department, asserting that digital platforms are meant to supplement classroom teaching and bridge learning gaps. The e-Pathshala channel will be available on DTH channel 53 for home-based learning across the Union Territory. The chief minister also inaugurated new hostel buildings and other development projects under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. Addressing the even

New Delhi, Jan 8: Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, on Thursday praised NCC cadets for their contributions during Operation Sindoor, and said the military action reinforced the message that life is not just about earning money or personal pursuits, but also doing something for the country. Addressing cadets at the ongoing National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantonment, the IAF chief urged them to continue giving their best for [] The post Operation Si

Jammu, Jan 8: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday has criticised the decision to withdraw permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence to conduct an MBBS course. Abdullah stated that students have passed the NEET exam and have merit and it is the states responsibility to accommodate them at a medical college near their homes to minimise disruption. The students have passed the NEET exam and have merit. It is now our responsibility [] The post N

Srinagar, Jan 8: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has reiterated that Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) are not authorised to carry out transfers or exercise administrative powers beyond their financial mandate. As per an order issued by the Director School Education Kashmir, the department has observed that several officers entrusted only with DDO responsibilities have been issuing transfer orders and taking administrative decisions without proper authority. The order sta

New Delhi, Jan 8: The Supreme Court on Thursday deferred to January 13 the final hearing on a batch of petitions challenging the Election Commissions decision to undertake the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in several states, including Bihar. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, which had fixed the pleas for hearing during the day, said it will resume the proceedings on Tuesday. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the poll panel, was to resume advancing his [] The

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Amagi Media Labs, cloud-based SaaS company that helps media firms stream and monetise digital video content, on Thursday announced that its Rs 1,788 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO) will open for subscription on January 13. The issue, priced in the band of Rs 343-361 per share, will close on January 16, while bidding for anchor investors will be held on January 12, the Bengaluru-based company said in a public announcement. At the upper end of [] The post Amagi Media Labs IP

Qazigund, Jan 8: Kulgam police on Thursday intensified checking and frisking operations along Jmu-Sgr NH44 in Qazigund area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district ahead of Republic day celebration to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. An official said that the frisking drive was led by Station House Officer (SHO) Qazigund, Syed Nazir Indrabi, under the supervision of the ASP Highway and SDPO Qazigund, following the directions of SSP Kulgam, Anayat Ali Choudhary. Close vigil is being kep

Mohammad Hanief m.hanief@gmail.com India achieved a significant milestone in its expanding space programme with the successful launch of the LVM3-M6 mission, a heavy-lift operation that placed the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into low Earth orbit. The mission represents the most ambitious commercial deployment yet undertaken by an Indian launch vehicle and marks a decisive step forward in the countrys evolving role as a trusted global provider of space launch services. The Launch Ve

JAMMU, Jan 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has asked all departments to submit draft Bills and other legislative proposals well in advance for introduction during the ensuing Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, scheduled to commence from February 2. See Circular Click Here The post J&K | Depts Asked To Submit Legislative Proposals Early For Budget Session appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Dr. Vishal Sharma vishal.sharma@fulbrightmail.org Not long ago, the word Artificial Intelligence (AI) would bring to mind images of sci-fi robots, self-aware machines, or futuristic cities powered by sentient computers. Fast forward to2025, AI doesnt just live in science labs or high-tech companies, it is woven into the everyday lives of billions of people often without them realizing it. From the moment we wake-up until we retire to bed, we encounter various AI tools that cater to our day-to-d

Leh, Jan 8: The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has constituted a Cyber Security Review Committee to strengthen the overall cyber security framework of the UT Secretariat and other government offices. See Order Copy Click Here. The post Ladakh Administration Constitutes Cyber Security Review Committee appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: The air quality in the national capital showed a slight improvement to settle in the poor category on Thursday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. The Air Quality Index (AQI) this morning was recorded at 276 compared to 336 on Wednesday morning. Delhis 24-hour average air quality on Wednesday was 289. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classification, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and [] The post Air qualit

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday undertook searches at 15 locations in six states as part of a money laundering probe into a scam under which fraudulent joining letters for government jobs were sent, officials said. An organised gang is under the scanner of the agency. The Patna office of the ED is conducting searches in Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, the officials said. They said the scam was initially detected [] The post ED raids i

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Poonch, Jan 8: At least four persons were injured after a minibus met with an accident near Chaktroo, close to a police post in Poonch district on Thursday. An official said the vehicle, bearing registration number JK12-1245, skidded off the road under circumstances that are yet to be ascertained, resulting in injuries to the occupants. Those injured have been identified as residents of Trichal, Sathra, Mandi and the driver of the vehicle. The injured were immediately shifted to a nearby [] The

Srinagar, Jan 8: With minus 5.1 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature, Jammu and Kashmirs Srinagar city recorded this seasons coldest night on Thursday. Mukhtar Ahmed, director of the local Meteorological (MeT) Department said, At minus 5.1 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature, Srinagar city recorded this seasons lowest minimum temperature today. Gulmarg recorded minus 9.2 degrees Celsius, and Pahalgam recorded minus 8.6 as the minimum temperature. Jammu city had 7.1 degrees, Katra to

New Delhi, Jan 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, beginning Thursday, is about remembering the countless children of Bharat Mata, who never compromised with their principles and ethos. The year-long celebrations mark the resilience of the Indian civilisation, which rebuilt the Somnath temple at Veraval in Gujarat that was ravaged repeatedly by foreign invaders. Jai Somnath! Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, Somnath faced

NEW DELHI, Jan 7: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan asserted on Wednesday that leadership in a diverse democracy like in India must be anchored in empathy, dialogue and integrity, and said democratic institutions do not thrive merely on rules and procedures but also on trust. He made these remarks at the release of a book, titled Sing, Dance and Lead: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Srila Prabhupada, here. Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan highlighted leadership rooted in values, servic

DHAKA, Jan 7 : A 25-year-old Hindu man died after he jumped into a canal to escape a mob which accused him of theft in northwestern Bangladesh, in the latest incident of violence targeting the minority community. The deceased was identified as Mithun Sarkar, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) spokesman Kajol Debnath said. Sarkar was chased by a mob accusing him of theft in Naogaon district on Tuesday. To escape, he jumped into a canal but tragically drowned, [] The post B

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Jan 7: This day will go down in the history as India enters an era of Clean, Green Highways, with the successful Technology Transfer titled Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis: From Farm Residue to Roads, an indigenous innovation developed by CSIR Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) New Delhi and CSIR Indian Institute of Petroleum Dehradun (CSIR-IIP). This was stated here today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Scienc

BENONI (South Africa), Jan 7: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi extended his jaw dropping run with a sizzling hundred while Aaron George too struck a fine century as India U-19 thrashed South Africa by 233 runs in the third youth ODI to sweep the three-match series here on Wednesday. Sent in to bat, skipper Sooryavanshi, who smashed a 24-ball 68 in the previous game, once again went on a six-hitting spree, hammering 10 maximums and nine boundaries in a fluent 74-ball 127. The [] The post 3rd Youth ODI: Surya

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: With a grand lucky draw ceremony, Winter Carnival 202526 organised at the Wave Mall was concluded here today. The event marked the culmination of weeks of festive celebrations and enthusiastic participation from shoppers and visitors. The ceremony was graced Ramesh Angaral, DIG, as the chief guest, while Madan Mohan Rana, vice president, Wave Mall was also present on the occasion. During the event, Wave Mall announced a Jawa motorcycle as the first prize, dr

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: In J&K for December 2025, the 2-Wheeler category witnessed a growth of 41.86 percent at 4,717 units in December 2025, as compared to 3,325 units in December 2024. The 3-category witnessed a growth of 11.40 per cent at 1,046 units in December 2025, as compared to 939 units in December 2024. The Commercial Wheeler category witnessed a growth of 46.46 per cent at 1,056 units in December 2025, as compared to 721 units in December [] The post J&K auto retail reco

Cong, NC, others express concern over decision Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: SMVD Sangharsh Samiti and various other Jammu based organizations have welcomed withdrawal of Letter of Permission (LoP) by the National Medical Commission to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence even as ruling National Conference and some individuals have expressed concern over the development. Click here to watch video The entire team of the Sangharsh Samiti and a large number of supporters t

*Inaugurates several projects in both districts Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA/SAMBA, Jan 7: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today dedicated development works worth Rs 11.58 crore in Kathua district, including inaugurations and foundation stones, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, boosting local entrepreneurship and enhancing livelihood opportunities. Chairing a district review meeting at the Deputy Commissioners office complex here, Omar inaugurated key projects spanning rural enterprise, agri

Irfan Tramboo SRINAGAR, Jan 7: Accusing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of silence and inaction on public issues, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said the political philosophy of late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed remains the only viable way to address challenges in J&K. Click here to watch video Addressing a massive gathering, including party workers, on the 10th death anniversary of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed at Bijbehara, the PDP Chief said people acros