Daily Excelsior

ISLAMABAD, Mar 18: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed grief over the killing of Irans top security official Ali Larijani by Israel and called for immediate restraint and cessation of hostilities. Larijani, the Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, had effectively evolved as the in-charge of the countrys war management following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by Israel on February 28. President Zardari expressed profound grief ov

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: The Asmita Khelo India Womens Weightlifting League 2025-26, organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Weightlifting Association, concluded at the Akhnoor Indoor Sports Complex with enthusiastic participation from over 45 women athletes in Youth, Junior and Senior categories. The opening ceremony was graced by Manmeet Bali, Principal, Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School, Akhnoor, while dignitaries including Harbhajan Singh, Dhanraj Singh, Dileep Singh, Harish S

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 18: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today called upon the people to organise daily or weekly evening aartis in the towns and villages nestled along the riverbanks of Jammu Division in collaboration with the local communities. I urge people to organise daily or weekly evening Aartis in towns and villages settled along the riverbanks in Jammu Division. Light kindled by Aartis lamps will awaken the society towards our profound rich culture and connect young g

NEW DELHI, Mar 18 : As many as 25 lakh personnel, including 8.5 lakh security personnel, will be deployed for the five assembly polls to be held next month, the Election Commission said on Wednesday. As many as 17.4 crore electors are eligible to vote in the elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry. The EC noted that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while announcing the schedule of the elections, had asserted that the officials have been [] The post 25 lakh pe

*No retrofitting, funds, early warning systems Govind Sharma JAMMU, Mar 18: Despite being located in Seismic Zone V-the highest risk category-Jammu and Kashmir has seen no retrofitting of critical buildings, no allocation of disaster mitigation funds, and no installation of earthquake early warning systems, exposing serious gaps in preparedness. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Replying to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha today, the Ministry of Home Affairs said the Kashmir

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 18: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, president Dr Farooq Abdullah today expressed grave concern over the rapidly escalating conflict in West Asia, urging global powers to act with urgency and responsibility to prevent a deeper crisis that could destabilize the world order. In a statement issued, Dr Farooq appealed to world leaders to set aside differences and work collectively towards de-escalation. He warned that the ongoing conflict, particularly

SHIMLA, Mar 18: The government of Himachal Pradesh has issued fresh directives introducing a dress code for state government employees and laying down guidelines for their conduct on social media platforms. The orders, issued by the Department of Personnel on March 16, have been circulated to all administrative secretaries, heads of departments and district authorities for strict implementation. According to the directive, government employees have been asked to maintain a formal and dignified a

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 18: The High Court has said that any citizen has a right to establish a private educational institution but the recognition or grant in aid is the prerogative of the Government. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Division Bench of Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Sanjay Parihar said establishing a private educational institution is a fundamental right but simultaneously no citizen or institution can claim recognition, affiliation, or grant-i

BEIJING, Mar 18 : China on Wednesday said it would continue its mediation efforts to push for a ceasefire and bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as tensions continue to escalate with fresh military developments and rising concerns over nuclear safety in the region. According to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the war should never have occurred and that there was no justification for its continuation. He made [] The post China push

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: The Jammu Veteran League Edition 2 Anti-Drug Cricket Tournament was organized by Samvedna Club at MA Stadium today under the impactful slogan Yes to Sports, No to Drugs. The opening ceremony was graced by MLA, Jammu West Arvind Gupta as the chief guest, who was accompanied by SP North Vivek Shekhar, former councillor Sanjay Kumar Baru, Prem Gupta, and Vikas Hans. The chief guest, MLA Arvind Gupta, appreciated the initiative by Samvedna Club and [] Th

Irfan Tramboo SRINAGAR, Mar 18: The National Conference (NC) has introduced a private members bill in the Legislative Assembly seeking to safeguard the rights of legal occupants affected by amendments to the J&K Land Grants Act, 1964. Click here to watch video NC chief spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, said the proposed Land Rights Act-2025 aims to revisit and reverse amendments made to the Act in 2022, which, according to him, have created uncertainty for people holding land on [] The

*DDOs, TOs asked to adhere to deadlines Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Mar 18: The Finance Department has regulated treasury operations during the last week of March, directing strict compliance by Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and Treasury Officers. As per the circular issued by Finance Department, the last date for submission of bills by DDOs at treasuries has already been notified through Government Order No.106-F of 2026 dated March 18, and must be strictly followed. The circular

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has conveyed his greetings to the people on the eve of Navreh, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava and Cheti Chand. In a message, the Lieutenant Governor has said, On the auspicious occasion of Navreh, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava and Cheti Chand, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all. These festivals, observed throughout the nation, herald the dawn of the New Year and embody the profound renewal of [] The

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu Bench, has held that outdated Jammu and Kashmir Recruitment Rules cannot override the minimum standards laid down by the Medical Council of India for appointment to the post of Lecturer in Forensic Medicine, and ordered fresh consideration of Dr Arif Viqars candidature. The Tribunal, comprising Rajinder Singh Dogra, Member (J) and Ram Mohan Johri, Member (A) allowed two connected transfer applications arising

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: A house belonging to a notorious drug peddler was attached in Samba district today, police spokesperson said. The house of Masoom Ali alias Kala was attached at Rakh Barotian in Vijaypur tehsil, under section 68-F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a police spokesperson said. Masoom Ali has been named in five FIRs registered at three different police stations in Samba, the spokesperson said. He has been lodged in the Udhampur Jail

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Mar 18: A police team from Police Station Thanamandi, led by SHO Inspector Sachinder Pal Singh, seized three tippers involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in the Thanamandi area. During the operation, a vehicle bearing registration number JK12-4183, driven by Mohd Rafiq of Surankote, and another vehicle JK12-1309, driven by Jameel Ahmed, were seized and later fined Rs 18,441 each by the Mining Department. Another tipper, JK20A-4287, driven

MUMBAI, Mar 18: The rupee slumped 49 paise to close at a record low of 92.89 against the US dollar on Wednesday, weighed down by a stronger greenback and sustained FII outflows. Elevated crude oil prices in global markets amid intensifying conflict in West Asia further dampened sentiments, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange, the local unit opened at 92.42 against the greenback and traded in the range of 92.41-92.89 before closing at its record low of 92.89, [] The post Rupee c

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: Police here today claimed to have foiled four separate bovine smuggling attempts in different areas by rescuing 37 animals from the clutches of the smugglers. Four vehicles used for the illegal transportation of the animals were also seized. Officials said that during routine patrolling duty, a team of Police Station Chenani signalled a Bolero Pickup (JK03N-2343) for checking. The vehicle owner, however, fled from the spot, abandoning his vehicle at a dista

Excelsior Correspondent LEH, March 18 : The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a meeting to review the status of recruitments, promotions, and referral of vacancies to recruiting agencies, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The meeting focused on expediting promotions through Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) to address stagnation and create vacancies, ensuring timely referral of direct recruitment vacancies to UPSC, and reviewing o

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: BSP J&K here today announced a major organizational expansion and strengthening of its cadre with the joining of prominent social and political figures. Senior leader Lok Nath resigned from Congress and joined the BSP and has been appointed as in-charge Hiranagar, where he will work to further strengthen the party at grassroot level. In another significant development, Bansi Lal has been appointed as District president, Kathua to expand the partys base. The

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: TheRainawari KP Action Committee (RKPAC)today announced election ofProf. Tito Ganjooas president of theJogishwari Mandir Trust. Prof Ganjoo and his team were elected unopposed to the Committee the elections of which were held today under the chairmanship of Rajinder Mohan Ticku. The newly elected Executive Body, serving a five-year term besides, President,Prof.Tito Ganjoo, included vice president, Ravinder Koul, general secretary, Krishen Ji Bhat, treasurer

NEW DELHI, Mar 18 : Decision regarding 6G spectrum will be taken by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP, likely after standards are finalised, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Wednesday. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project, or 3GPP, is a global collaboration of seven telecommunications standards organisations (SDOs) that develops technical specifications. India has a commitment that Bharat 6G Alliance will work steadfast across its seven working groups

Jammu, Mar 18: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today called upon the people to organise daily or weekly evening aartis in the towns and villages nestled along the riverbanks of Jammu Division in collaboration with the local communities. I urge people to organise daily or weekly evening Aartis in towns and villages settled along the riverbanks in Jammu Division. Light kindled by Aartis lamps will awaken the society towards our profound rich culture and connect young generation with timeless

Srinagar, Mar 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government is committed to deliver equitable, inclusive, and affordable healthcare to every citizen in the Union Territory, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo said on Wednesday. Itoo inaugurated 50 bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Chawalgam in south Kashmirs Kulgam district. The hospital, constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 7.40 crores, marks a significant milestone in the governments sustained efforts to promote traditional systems of medicine alon

JAMMU, Mar 18: The Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, authorities announced, confirming that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20. According to a Facebook post by Haramain Sharifain, the crescent marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH was not visible despite efforts across the Kingdom. As a result, the holy month of Ramadan will complete 30 days, with Friday declared as the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The announcement puts an end to [] The pos

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Jammu, Mar 18: Special teams of Scouts and Guides have been deployed at key railway stations under the Jammu division to ensure smooth passenger movement and effective crowd management during the Navratri festival, officials said on Wednesday. Anticipating a heavy influx of devotees visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, the division has implemented comprehensive security and passenger amenity measures to handle overcrowding at stations, they said. Major stations, including Jammu Tawi and S

JAMMU, Mar 18 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday assigned additional charge of Director, Ayush J&K to Dr. Ajay Kumar Tickoo in the interest of administration. According to Government Order No. 157-JK (HME) of 2026 dated March 18, Dr Tickoo, who is currently looking after routine duties as In-charge District AYUSH Officer Doda, shall also hold the charge of Director Ayush J&K in addition to his own duties. The order stated that he will discharge the responsibilities in [] The post Dr

JAMMU, Mar 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has tightened norms for treasury operations in the final week of March, issuing strict timelines and accountability measures to ensure smooth closure of the financial year 2025-26. In a circular issued today, all Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) have been directed to adhere to the notified last date for submission of bills and ensure that proposals are complete in all respects, warning that any rejection due to errors or incomplete de

SRINAGAR, Mar 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today extended his warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri. In a message, the Chief Minister said that Navratri marks the beginning of the New Year and symbolizes the triumph of truth, righteousness and virtue over evil. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my warm wishes to everyone for their success, happiness and well-being, he said. The Chief Minister also extended his felicitations to the Kashmiri Pandit com

Jammu, Mar 18: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has conveyed his greetings to the people on the eve of Navreh, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava and Cheti Chand. In a message, the Lieutenant Governor has said, On the auspicious occasion of Navreh, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava and Cheti Chand, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all. These festivals, observed throughout the nation, herald the dawn of the New Year and embody the profound renewal of faith and [] The post Lieutenan

DUBAI, Mar 18: Irans judiciary reported on Wednesday that an attack hit southern Iran, killing and wounding civilians and judicial staff. The judiciarys Mizan news agency reported the attack at a judiciary site in Larestan County in Irans Fars province. The site was targeted in an attack by the enemy, Mizan said. A number of staff members and civilians were martyred and injured; the exact number is still unknown. It wasnt clear if the attack was an airstrike or an [] The post Irans judiciary say

MUMBAI, Mar 18:Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended nearly 1 per cent higher on Wednesday, extending their winning run to the third day in a row, amid a slight drop in crude oil prices and a firm trend in global peers. A rally in IT stocks also led to the optimistic trend in the domestic markets. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 633.29 points or 0.83 per cent to settle at 76,704.13. During the day, it soared 929.38 points [] The post Stock markets extend winning run to 3rd day; Se

NEW DELHI, Mar 18: A total of 129 trackable space debris originating from Indian satellite missions are in orbit as of March 2026, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the minister said in low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), there are 23 and 26 defunct satellites, respectively. There are also rocket bodies remaining in orbit from PSLV (40), GSLV (4) and LVM3 (3), and debris generated due to [] The post 129 Trackable Space De

NEW DELHI, Mar 18: Immune cells within a brain tumour could be taking control of sugar metabolism, breaking down fructose to suppress immune responses and promote tumour growth, a study has found. Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study is the first to identify a sugar metabolism driving immune suppression in glioblastoma, an aggressive, rapidly growing malignant tumour in the brain, researchers said. They suggested blocking how fructose gets broken do

NEW DELHI, Mar 18: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accompanied by a delegation of small truck and bus body builders from Rajasthan, met Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and urged him to resolve their grievances. Prior to meeting Gadkari, the delegation met with Rahul Gandhi and claimed that the governments new standards and excessive fees could drive many small manufacturers out of business, thereby threatening the livelihoods

SRINAGAR, Mar 18: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has disposed of a batch of writ petitions in the high-profile case of Gulmarg hotels land lease after petitioners sought withdrawal to pursue resolution with the government. A bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, earlier this month allowed the withdrawal, noting that the petitioners intend to approach the government with representations to settle the dispute. In 2022, the union Territory administration

KATRA/JAMMU, Mar 18: An elaborate security net has been cast over the trek leading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hills for the Chaitra Navratras, an official said on Wednesday. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya said the entire shrine area, including the Bhawan and surrounding premises, has been decorated with flowers ahead of the nine-day festival. A heavy influx of pilgrims is expected to visit the shrine during the period, which [] The pos

DUBAI, Mar 18: Israels defence minister said on Wednesday that the Israeli military killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. Israel Katz announced Khatibs killing and said that significant surprises are expected throughout this day on all the fronts, without elaborating. Khatibs killing follows Israel killing top Iranian security official Ali Larijani and the head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards all-volunteer Basij force. (AP) The post Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Kha

NEW DELHI, Mar 18: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a small hydro power development scheme with an outlay of Rs 2,585 crore to boost the development of 1,500 MW of renewable capacity. Small Hydro Power Development scheme approved by the Cabinet with an outlay of Rs 2,585 crore, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters after the meeting of the Union Cabinet here. The minister stated that this is an important decision from an environmental perspective for the country. The [] The post

THE HAGUE (Netherlands), Mar 18: Rwanda told a panel of international arbitrators Wednesday that Britain still owes it 100 million pounds (USD 115 million) under a controversial refugee resettlement deal that Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped immediately after taking office in 2024. The 2022 deal struck by Starmers predecessor Rishi Sunak involved sending migrants who arrive in the UK as stowaways or in boats to the East African country. It included arrangements for payments to Rwanda to help

SINGAPORE, Mar 18: Singapores iconic Indian vegetarian restaurant, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted to a meal by then-Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, has been closed for nearly two months, with intense speculation surrounding the future of the eatery in the Little India precinct here. One of the oldest Indian-origin businesses here, Komala Vilas prolonged closure for renovations has sparked a discussion on Facebook about whether the restaurant has shut for good. The Komala

DUBAI, Mar 18: Israels defence minister said on Wednesday that the Israeli military killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. Israel Katz announced Khatibs killing and said that significant surprises are expected throughout this day on all the fronts, without elaborating. Khatibs killing follows Israel killing top Iranian security official Ali Larijani and the head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards all-volunteer Basij force. (AP) The post Iranian Intelligence Minister EsmailKhat

AHMEDABAD, Mar 18: Indian-flagged tanker Jag Laadki, carrying around 80,886 metric tonnes (MT) of crude oil, arrived at Mundra Port in Gujarat on Wednesday amid the West Asia conflict, officials said. A day earlier, LPG carrier Nanda Devi arrived at Vadinar port in Gujarats Devbhumi Dwarka district, carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, another vessel Shivalik carrying LPG docked at Mundra Port. Adani Ports, which ope

Dubai, Mar 18: Iran launched strikes toward Israel and neighbouring Gulf countries early Wednesday, with explosions heard in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar and interceptions reported in Saudi Arabia. The attacks came hours after Iranian state media confirmed Israels military killed top Iranian security official Ali Larijani in an overnight strike, as well as Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guards Basij force, known for its role in suppressing protests. An Israeli ai

New Delhi, Mar 18 : Over 1 crore public grievances have been received in the last five years, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. These grievances were received on the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), which allows citizens to raise complaints online. As many as 1,11,89,384 public grievances were received between 2021 and February 2026, Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in a written reply. Of these, 20,00,590 grievances were receiv

CHANDIGARH, Mar 18: The Punjab government will seek royalty from Rajasthan for providing it water, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Wednesday as he worked out an unpaid amount of Rs 1.44 lakh crore while referring to a 1920 tripartite agreement under which the neighbouring state started getting water. Mann also said that Rajasthan gave royalty to Punjab for water till 1960, but it stopped after that. Addressing the media here, Mann mentioned the 1920 tripartite agreement involving the Britis

Jammu, Mar 18: A house belonging to a notorious drug peddler was attached in Samba district on Wednesday, police said. The house of Masoom Ali alias Kala was attached at Rakh Barotian in Vijaypur tehsil, under section 68-F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a police spokesperson said. Valued at about Rs 40 lakh, the property, he said, was bought with proceeds from illegal jobs. Masoom Ali has been named in five FIRs registered at three different [] The post Drug Peddle

NEW DELHI, Mar 18: Burger Singh has raised Rs 82 crore in a funding round led by venture capital firm Artal Asia Pte Ltd, at a valuation of Rs 520 crore. The Series B funding round also saw participation from new and existing investors, including Negen Undiscovered Value Fund, and Aurum Rising India Fund, the company said in a statement. The company will use the fresh capital to strengthen the systems, processes, and infrastructure required to build Indias most scalable [] The post Burger Singh

NEW DELHI, Mar 18:Power solutions provider Powerica Ltd on Wednesday said its Rs 1,100-crore initial public offering (IPO) will open for subscription on March 24, with proceeds primarily to be used for debt reduction. The price band has been fixed at Rs 375-395 apiece, valuing the company at nearly Rs 5,000 crore. The companys IPO is a combination of fresh issue of shares worth Rs 700 crore, along with an offer for sale (OFS) of shares valued at Rs 300 [] The post Powericas Rs 1,100-cr IPO to op