Daily Excelsior

Proposal sent to Lok Bhawan, SC Neeraj Rohmetra Jammu, Apr 17: The collegium of High Court of J&K and Ladakh headed by Chief Justice Arun Palli has recommended 11 names to fill vacant posts of High Court Judges. Reliable sources told Excelsior, the list included names of 10 advocates from the Bar quota and one name from the Bench quota. It is for the first time that names of such a large number of appointments have been processed in a [] The post J&K High Court Collegium Recommends 11 Names For

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 17: A delegation of Members of Parliament from National Conference (NC)-Chowdry Mohd Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo and Shammi Oberoi-along with MLAs Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi and Qaisar Jamsheed Lone, met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Parliament House and raised a range of public concerns and developmental demands related to Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, the NC delegation referred to the approval of the Machil-Keran and Gurez Tunnel projects and calle

Anil Paba pabaanil@gmail.com In the quiet shadow of the Himalayas, the historic monuments of Jammu and Kashmir stand as enduring witnesses to centuries of faith, art, resilience, and cultural dialogue. From the ancient temple complex of Sudh Mahadev Temple to the towering remains of Bahu Fort, from remote Himalayan shrines to forgotten baolis scattered across rural landscapes, the region preserves a layered civilizational history. Yet today, these silent sentinels face a slow and deeply troublin

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off a grand Shobha Yatra from Chanakya Chowk Parade, Jammu, to commemorate Bhagwan Parshuram Ji Jayanti. The procession was organized by the Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, celebrating the life and teachings of Bhagwan Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Click here to watch video Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance to Bhagwan Parshuram and prayed for peace, progress, and prosperity f

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 17: A deputation of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jammu along with Bahu Plaza shopkeepers led by its president, Arun Gupta met with Commissioner/ Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), Mandeep Kaur to discuss several pressing issues affecting the local business community and the residents. President strongly urged the Commissioner/Secretary to direct the JDA to put the current cancellation notices for 34 shops at Bahu Plaza on hold.

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 17: Several legislators, delegations and individuals today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, raising several issues concerning them for redressal. Former minister and legislator Abdul Majid Wani, and former legislator Chaman Lal from Ramban, highlighted key concerns pertaining to their respective areas. A delegation from the Indian Institute of Architects, J&K Chapter, led by its Chairman Vikas Dubey, apprised the Chief Minister of issues arising from rec

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 17: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo convened a high-level meeting of the Finance Department, attended by the Administrative Secretaries, to review the progress of departmental work plans and the status of reforms under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). During the meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed expenditure trends and underscored the importance of timely and efficient utilization of allocated resources. He emphasized

Ram Rattan Sharma internetzonejammu@gmail.com Jammu, the winter capital of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, holds immense historical cultural and strategic importance. Known as the City of Temples and home to the revered shrine of Vaishno Devi Jammu is not merely a pilgrimage destination but a region of immense strategic, cultural and economic significance. Bordering Pakistan and serving as the gateway to the Kashmir Valley, Jammu carries both opportunity and responsibility. Yet despite

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 17: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday questioned the rationale behind bringing the Constitution amendment bill, saying the NDA Government did not have the two-thirds majority needed to pass it. First, they withdrew the bill. Why did they do it? Because there were apprehensions among the people. They (the Government) were sure that a two-thirds majority would not come. Then what did they do? They thought one more night and then brou

CCUs to monitor online platforms, violators to face FIRs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 17: The District administrations in Jammu and Ramban districts have imposed a ban on posting or sharing communally sensitive and inflammatory content on social media platforms for a period of 60 days, citing concerns over public order and communal harmony. The orders were issued by District Magistrates (DMs) of Jammu and Samba, Dr Rakesh Minhas and Mohammad Alyas Khan, under section 163 of the Bharatiya N

NEW DELHI, Apr 17 : Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav on Friday called for deeper integration of Ayush with mainstream healthcare systems, strengthening of evidence-based research and enhanced focus on digital health platforms to improve accessibility, especially in rural areas. He also stressed the need for entrepreneurship, innovation, and capacity building to unlock the sectors full potential and contribute meaningfully to the Viksit Bharat vision. Jadhav presided over the valedictory ses

NEW DELHI, Apr 17 : India and Norway have discussed the need to address certain trade and investment barriers to take full benefit of the free trade agreement implemented in October last year, an official statement said on Friday. India and the four European nations bloc, EFTA Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland have implemented the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on October 1, 2025, following its signing on March 10, 2024, to boost economic ties. The barriers, [] T

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: India on Friday said that the Bangladesh governments request for extraditing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and legal processes. Hasina, 78, has been living in India after she fled Dhaka following the collapse of her government in August, 2024 in the face of a massive anti-government agitation. In his recent visit to New Delhi, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, during his talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaish

COLOMBO, Apr 17 : Sri Lankas Minister for Power and Energy Kumara Jayakodi resigned on Friday soon after a high-powered Presidential Commission was announced to probe a state-owned entitys coal imports for power generation. Jayakodi, who survived a No Trust vote last week, is the first resignation of the National Peoples Power (NPP) government since it was elected in late 2024 on an anti-corruption platform. Along with Jayakodi, Ministrys Secretary Udayanga Hemapala too resigned from the post, P

MUMBAI, Apr 17: The rupee appreciated by 23 paise to settle at 92.91 against the US dollar on Friday, buoyed by a weakening American currency and retreating crude oil prices amid increasing hopes of easing geopolitical tensions. Renewed buying in domestic equity markets and fresh inflow of foreign funds also supported the local currency, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 92.93 and touched an intra-day high of 92.65 against the greenback. The unit [

NEW DELHI, Apr 17 : Top commanders of the Army carried out a comprehensive review of Indias security challenges along the borders with China and Pakistan and explored ways to further bolster its combat prowess based on the lessons drawn from from Operation Sindoor. In line with its vision of evolving into a Future Ready Force, the Army designated the year 2026 as the year of Networking and Data Centricity, the defence ministry said, a day after the commanders wrapped [] The post Indian Army eyes

BENGALURU, Apr 17: Almost a month into IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have evolved into the most complete unit in the competition and they will be eager to strengthen their hold on this tag when they face the struggling Delhi Capitals here on Saturday. Focus has largely remained on Virat Kohli, and the batting talisman has not disappointed his fans either, holding the Orange Cap for the time being. But even Kohli would acknowledge that the RCB batting no longer [] The post RCB eye dominan

TEHRAN, Apr 17 : Iran on Friday said that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open for all commercial vessels. The announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, Araghchi said in a post on X. [] The post Strait of

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery on Friday said there is a need for each state to develop a world-class destination and promote longer tourist stays. Releasing a report titled Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India, Bery said tourism is a key growth driver. There is a need for each state to develop a world-class destination and promote longer tourist stays, especially in domestic and religious tourism, he said. Bery emphasised that there [] The post Each state needs to

Developed India demands strong rural heartland Excelsior Correspondent Rajouri, Apr 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday emphasized that a nation is defined by its remotest village where our borders begin and our identity shines before the world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India advances with renewed resolve. Border areas are no longer the nations edge but its first village and foremost opportunity. New commitment thrives and connection with mainstre

Operational preparedness along borders reviewed Whole-of-nation approach for security challenges highlighted Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Apr 17: The four-day biannual Army Commanders Conference focused on operational capability requirements including employment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS based on the lessons learnt from last years Operation Sindoor. The Conference held in New Delhi from April 13-16 saw the participants highlighting the need for a whole-of-nation approach to addre

Snow clearance on from Baltal, Chandanwari Avtar Bhat JAMMU, Apr 17: With 57 days long annual yatra to Himalayan cave in South Kashmir district of Anantnag beginning on July 3 from twin tracks of Baltal and Pahalgam-Chandanwari, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and UT administration has started snow clearing and restoration of tracks from both the sides besides keeping other measures in place. According to official sources, the snow clearance and restoration has already begun from both the trac

TEHRAN/WASHINGTON,Apr 17:Iran on Friday said that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open for all commercial vessels, a move welcomed by US President Donald Trump. In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The announcement of the reopening of the vital []

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Apr 17: Moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms lashed Kashmir while light snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of the Valley. Director Meteorological department Srinagar Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that weather is likely to remain generally cloudy with intermittent spells of light rain and thundershowers at many places, particularly during morning and late evening hours, from April 17 to 19. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp He add

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the constitution amendment bill has nothing to do with womens reservation but is an attempt by the Government to change the countrys electoral map by taking away representation from southern, northeastern and smaller states, which is nothing short of an anti-national act. Participating in a debate in the Lok Sabha on the three bills introduced for amendments in the womens quota law and setting up a delimitation [] The post

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Apr 17: Government has informed the High Court that it would place the final decision with regard to the constitution of Commission for Protection of Child Rights and appointment of its Chairperson along with members in a sealed cover on the next date of hearing. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Division Bench of Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal has deferred the hearing of the matter after the Government counsel submitted befo

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified a new schedule of fees for issuing various certificates and land records, with domicile and caste certificates to be issued free of charge while levying nominal charges for other documents. As per the order, Domicile Certificate, Character Certificate, Agriculture Certificate, Religion Certificate, new Aadhaar enrolment and mandatory biometric update up to five years, and General Caste Certificate will be issued

GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR JAMMU AND KASHMIR SERVICES SELECTION BOARD Muthi, Akhnoor Road, Jammu/Zam Zam Complex, Rambagh, Srinagar Subject:- Final Selection List for the posts of Laboratory Assistant, UT Cadre under Item No. 568, Laboratory Assistant, Division Cadre Jammu under Item No. 569, Laboratory Assistant, Division Cadre Kashmir under Item No. 570, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, advertised vide Advertisement Notification No. 03 of 2021 dated. 04.06.2021. Notification No

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: In a major setback to the government, a Constitution Amendment Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 was defeated on Friday, with the ruling dispensation asserting that the struggle to give the rights to women will continue. While 298 members voted in support of the bill in Lok Sabha, 230 MPs voted against it. Out of 528 members who voted, [] The post Constitution Amendment Bill To Give Wom

JAMMU, Apr 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha asserted that national security flows from soldiers at the borders and border village residents who dwell there. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at a public gathering during his visit to Vibrant Village Sariah in Rajouri on Friday, where he inaugurated the Common Service Centre and initiated several development projects. These projects include water conservation works and development of playgrounds in Vibrant Villages Sariah, Pukharni, Bhawani,

Rajouri, Apr 17 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday emphasized that a nation is defined by its remotest village where our borders begin and our identity shines before the world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, India advances with renewed resolve. Border areas are no longer the nations edge but its first village and foremost opportunity. New commitment thrives and connection with mainstream has taken root, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Gov

New Delhi:The bill to amend the Womens Reservation Bill failed to clear a key hurdle after the Centre could not secure the votes needed for its passage in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The post Womens Quota Bill Fails Lok Sabha Test, Doesnt Get Two-Thirds Majority appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Tehran/Washington, Apr 17: Iran on Friday said that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open for all commercial vessels, a move welcomed by US President Donald Trump. In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X. The announcement of the reopening of the vital waterway by Araghchi comes a [] The post Iran Sa

SRINAGAR, Apr 17: Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi-IPS, chaired a security review meeting at PCR Kashmir to evaluate and finalize security arrangements for the forthcoming events in the Kashmir Valley. The meeting primarily focused on review of security arrangements in anticipation of the forthcoming events. Deliberations emphasized the need to further strengthen the existing security framework, and optimize deployment of personnel at critical and sensitive locations. IGP Ka

Jammu, Apr 17: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday announced the distribution of free ration to migrants from April 18 across designated ration depots in the Union territory. According to the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, the ration distribution will be carried out under a special scheme for migrants in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions as notified by the government on March 5. All relief ration card holders, irrespective of their categoris

JAMMU, APR 17: Jammu & Kashmir has secured the third rank nationally under Mission Karmayogi during SDHANA Saptah, marking a major milestone in institutionalising continuous learning and competency-driven governance among the civil servants. The recognition reflects the Union Territorys structured implementation of reforms under the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). With a focus on role-based capacity building, competency mapping and optimal use of the iGOT Karmay

MUMBAI, Apr 17: Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rallied nearly 1 per cent on Friday, driven by optimism surrounding easing geopolitical tensions and fresh foreign fund inflows. Renewed hopes of a diplomatic resolution between the US and Iran, along with a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, have materially improved global risk appetite, a market analyst said. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 504.86 points, or 0.65 per cent, to settle at 78,493.54. During the day, it surged

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: Pharma major Lupin Ltd on Friday said its arm Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc USA has entered into a USD 30 million settlement agreement with Humana Inc for litigation over alleged anti-competitive practices. Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc USA (LPI) has been involved in multiple civil lawsuits alleging anti-competitive behaviour related to certain products and violation of federal and state antitrust laws. These multiple civil lawsuits were then combined into the collection of similar

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: The countrys gold imports rose 24 per cent to hit an all-time high of USD 71.98 billion in 2025-26 on account of high prices of the precious metal, according to Commerce Ministry data. Gold imports stood at USD 58 billion in 2024-25. It was USD 45.54 billion in 2023-24 and USD 35 billion in 2022-23. In volume terms, imports dipped 4.76 per cent to 721.03 tonnes. It was 757.09 tonnes in 2024-25. Similarly, silver imports jumped [] The post Gold imports rise 24 pc to USD 71.98 b

CHANDIGARH, Apr 17: Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday flagged off 25 new Bolero vehicles to enhance the operational strength of the Excise and Taxation Department, stating that the initiative will significantly improve field-level enforcement, curb tax evasion, and further strengthen the states revenue system. Addressing the media, Cheema described the move as a key step in bolstering administrative efficiency. Today marks a vital step forward for our sta

JAMMU, Apr 17: The Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, has ordered the constitution of committees at zonal level for the regularization of Rehbar-e-Khel candidates in accordance with the Government policy notified in 2017. The post Committees Formed For Regularization Of Rehbar-E-Khel In J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: Silver price declined by Rs 5,700 to Rs 2.53 lakh per kilogram in the national capital on Friday while gold fell to Rs 1.56 lakh per 10 grams amid subdued demand in the domestic market. According to the All India Sarafa Association, the white metal plunged Rs 5,700, or 2.2 per cent, to Rs 2,53,000 per kg (inclusive of all taxes). Gold of 99.9 per cent purity also decreased Rs 1,600, or 1.01 per cent, to [] The post Silver Plunges Rs 5,700, Gold Falls Rs 1,600 In Delhi appeared

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: The Centre on Friday notified the implementation of the Womens Reservation Act 2023 which provides a 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures, Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territories (UTs). In a notification issued for Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said, In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 (38 of 2023), the Central Government hereby appoints [] The po

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh felicitated top-performing Ministries, Departments and States at the SADHANA Saptah 2026 ceremony. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the awards system has been reoriented away from individual profiling to performance linked to flagshi

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: The Supreme Court on Friday said the statutory framework is well-armed to deal with mining mafias, but apparently, the administrative authorities are dragging their feet for reasons which are not difficult to discern. While issuing a slew of directions to deal with rampant illegal sand mining activities in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, the apex court said issues arising in the matter transcend mere questions of regulatory compliance and strike at the very heart of en

Leh, Apr 17: Just three weeks after his visit to Stok village on March 26, during which he had instructed the renovation of the reservoir at Phikar, Stok, the Lieutenant Governor of the UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, today inaugurated the first water body under Project Him Sarovar. He also operationalised the water body by releasing glacial melt into it. The operationalisation of the first water body comes just a week after the launch of Project Him Sarovar, which envisages [] The post LG Saxena

JAMMU, Apr 17: Several legislators, delegations and individuals today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, raising several issues concerning them for redressal. Former minister and legislator Abdul Majid Wani, and former legislator Chaman Lal from Ramban, highlighted key concerns pertaining to their respective areas. A delegation from the Indian Institute of Architects, J&K Chapter, led by its Chairman Vikas Dubey, apprised the Chief Minister of issues arising from recent amendments to the Un

SRINAGAR, Apr 17: The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asias largest and a major tourist attraction here, witnessed a sharp decline in footfall this year, with visitors dropping by more than 50 per cent, officials said on Friday. The garden had recorded its highest ever footfall last year, with 8.55 lakh visitors, they said. This year, however, only 3.90 lakh visitors including about 1200 foreigners visited the garden, the officials said. This year, 3.90 lakh visitors visited the Tulip [] T

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: In a friendly banter, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he didnt have the wife issue, as the Congress MP emphasised that everyone has learnt from women in their lives. Participating in a debate in the Lok Sabha on the three bills introduced for amendments to the womens quota law and setting up a delimitation commission, Gandhi said women are a driving force in the national imagination and [] The post PM Modi And Myself Dont

NEW DELHI, Apr 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed to all Lok Sabha members to vote in favour of the womens reservation bill and said the time has come to ensure that half of the nations population receives its rightful due in decision-making. Shortly before the voting on the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, Modi urged all members not to do anything that [] The post Time To Give Half O