Daily Excelsior

New Delhi, Mar 7: The prices of domestic LPG and commercial cylinders were hiked by a steep Rs 60 and Rs 114.5, respectively, amid rising energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict. Non-subsidised LPG, the one that common household users other than the Ujjwala beneficiaries use in their kitchens, will now cost Rs 913 per 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi as against Rs 853 previously, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) website. This is the second increase in prices [] The post Domestic LPG

*Jemimah Rodrigues slams fifty 07PERTH, Mar 6: Jemimah Rodrigues fought bravely with a fifty but other India batters failed to counter the swing generated by Australian pacers Annabel Sutherland and debutant Lucy Hamilton, getting bundled out for a lowly 198 on the opening day of the one-off day-night Test here on Friday. Rodrigues (52, 84b) looked fluent but did not have much backing from the rest of her colleagues. The Indian pacers maintained a fine line outside the off-stump to [] The post B

NEW DELHI, Mar 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated all the candidates who successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination, 2025 and said their dedication, perseverance and hard work have led to this significant milestone. For those who could not perform as desired, Modi said, this was only one step in a larger journey and many opportunities lie ahead, both in future examinations and in the many avenues through which they can contribute to the nation. Congratulations to al

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: In J&K for February 2026, retail sector registered a growth of 40.52 % YoY. The 2-Wheeler category witnessed a growth of 53.48% at 7,792 units in February 2026, as compared to 5,077 units in February 2025. The 3 Wheeler category witnessed a growth of 27.79% at 1,292 units in February 2026, as compared to 1,011units in February 2025. The Commercial Wheeler category witnessed a growth of 38.04% at 1,212 units in February 2026, as compared [] The post Auto reta

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: Daikin Air-conditioning today announced the launch of its highly anticipated 2026 product lineup, marking a significant leap in energy efficiency and smart climate control. The new range includes a completely revamped series of Room Air Conditioners (RA) compliant with the latest BEE 2026 Star Rating standards and the pioneering VRV Alpha series, which integrates advanced AI and IoT capabilities into Daikins patented VRV technology. Speaking on the occasion,

Excelsior Correspondent KAVARATTI, Mar 6: Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh visited the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant at Kavaratti in Lakshadweep today and reviewed the functioning of desalination facilities that provide drinking water to several islands in the archipelago. The ministers visit was part of his official tour of Lakshadweep, during which he held a review meeting with officials and scientists on projects being impleme

Harsha Kakar kakarharsha@gmail.com On July 19th last year, as part of Operation Midnight Hammer, seven US B2 bombers dropped fourteen GBU-57 (Guided Bomb Unit) MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) bombs alongside two dozen Tomahawk missiles, launched from US submarines, on Irans three key nuclear facilities of Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. The US employed fighter aircraft to enable the bombers to achieve their objectives without hinderance. Immediately after the strikes, Pete Hegseth, the US defence s

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a meeting to review the district-wise performance of Mission YUVA across Jammu and Kashmir, assessing progress on key parameters of Culture, Capital, Capacity and Connectivity aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and employment generation among the youth. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism; Vice Chancellors of Universities; Director, IIM Jammu; Commissioner Secretary, Planning; Secretary,

Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal Over the last few years, the University of Jammu has gradually assumed a deeper role-not merely as an academic institution devoted to teaching and research, but as an important platform for engaging with the cultural life of the region. In an environment where universities are often viewed primarily as centres of instruction and professional training, the University of Jammu has increasingly recognized its wider responsibility toward the society and the region it serves.

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a newly constructed block at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, aimed at augmenting office infrastructure and improving the working facilities for employees. The new block is expected to significantly add to the available workspace, further strengthening administrative efficiency and overall functioning at the Secretariat. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani,

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: A delegation of the Chamber of Traders Federation (CTF), led by its president, Neeraj Anand, who is also the National vice president of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), called on the Controller, Legal Metrology Department J&K, Shiv Kumar Gupta, during an interaction with representatives of the trader community. During the meeting, the delegation placed several suggestions and issues before the Controller regarding the functioning of the departm

Writes to Pradhan citing internet restrictions Irfan Tramboo Srinagar, Mar 6: Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo, has written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging him to extend the deadline for submission of applications for NEET-UG 2026, citing difficulties faced by students due to slow internet connectivity in the Kashmir division. In a letter dated today, Itoo said many students are facing significant problems while applying for the medical entrance exami

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: A two-day symposium on geospatial approach to soil and land management, tiled TerraGeo Symposium 2026 was organized under HADP Project-19 at SKUAST Jammu. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the symposium brought together leading scientists, academicians, policymakers, personnels from State line Departments, and young researchers to deliberate on the growing role of Geospatial Technologies in sustainable soil and land resource management. Experts fr

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: A Volleyball Tournament under the Civic Action Programme was organized by 137 Battalion, CRPF, Udhampur (J&K) from March 6 to 10. The inaugural match of the tournament was held at SIKS Government Higher Secondary School, Udhampur. The event was attended by MK Sicon, Commandant, RL Meena, Deputy Commandant and Suresh, Deputy Commandant of 137 Bn CRPF. Other prominent personalities present included Ashok Padha, President, Volleyball Association Udhampur

NEW DELHI, March 6: Dispelling speculation about Indias prior knowledge of the recent strikes on Iran, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not briefed on the operation during his recent visit to Israel, as the decision to launch the attack was made only afterward. The US-Israel strike on Iran occurred just two days after Modi concluded his two-day trip to Israel, during which he addressed the Knesset and held bilateral discussions with [] The

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: Magic Years School celebrated its 25th Annual Day with great enthusiasm and grandeur at Abhinav Theatre here today. The colourful event highlighted the talent, creativity and confidence of the young students and was attended by parents, teachers and well-wishers in large numbers. Ritu Singh was the chief guest on the occasion and appreciated the efforts of the school in nurturing young minds and providing a strong foundation for their holistic development. S

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: The Alumni Committee of MIER College of Education organised a guest lecture on the topic Techniques of Counselling and Career Information for the students of B.Ed. Semester IV. The lecture was conducted in alignment with the curriculum of the course Guidance and Counselling (Course Code: BDE-407) to enhance students understanding of counselling techniques and career guidance. The session was delivered by Gagandeep Kour, alumna of MIER College of Education an

NEW DELHI, Mar 6: Lok Sabha Om Birla on Friday said that development and environmental protection must be viewed as complementary rather than opposing goals, stressing that water conservation is essential for securing the future of humanity and requires collaborative action from all stakeholders, including public representatives and citizens. Addressing the Water Transversality Global Awards & Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, the Lok Sabha Speaker highlighted the importance of sustainable development

NEW DELHI, Mar 6 : Science and technology have become a core currency in international affairs, influencing sovereignty and security on a global scale, prompting Switzerland to make anticipatory science diplomacy a priority in its foreign policy, a top Swiss official said on Friday. At an event hosted by the Swiss Embassy here, Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, also said, Our collaboration with India reflects a shared vision between two global innovation leader

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 6: The J&K Handball Association will conduct selection trials for the Senior National Women Handball Team ahead of the 54th Senior Women National Handball Championship scheduled at Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, from March 30 to April 3. The two-day trial will be held at Dogra Ground, Shastri Nagar, Jammu on March 10 and 11, starting at 4 pm each day. Players from across the region are expected to participate, showcasing their skills and fitness. Officials emp

NAGPUR, Mar 6 : The recent crash of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet, considered the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has once again drawn attention to safety and operational aspects of the advanced combat aircraft. The Su-30MKI, developed by Russias Sukhoi and customised for India with several indigenous and international technologies, is regarded as one of the most powerful fighter aircraft in the IAF fleet. Equipped with twin engines, thrust-vectoring capability and advanced radar systems

The gradual strengthening of organ transplant infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir marks an important shift in the regions public health landscape. The establishment of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation in 2019 has clearly expanded the institutional framework for organ transplantation, bringing multiple hospitals into a system that was once extremely limited in scope. Until a few years ago, kidney transplantation in the Union Territory was largely confined to the Sher-i-Kashmir I

Just 14 posts filled out of total 142 till date Huge gap between budget allocation & fund utilization Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Mar 6: Several years after their creation, the Jammu Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (JMRDA) and Srinagar Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (SMRDA) are still without Regional Development Plans, which are imperative for coordinated urban planning and integrated development. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Moreover, both the Authorities ar

Govt to involve pvt players in space research Working on 230 projects across world Gopal Sharma AHMEDABAD, Mar 6: India is going to spend funds to the tune of Rs 1500 cores on its new Venus Mission ( (Shukr Greh), to study the Venus atmosphere and know how it impacted the earth for the thousands and lakhs of years ago. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Director, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Ahmedabad, Dr Nilesh Desai while interacting with [] The post India to spend Rs

NEW DELHI, Mar 6: The Government on Friday directed television rating agency BARC to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points (TRPs) for TV news channels for a period of four weeks or until further orders. The directive has been issued as certain TV news channels are displaying unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content about the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which may potentially create panic among the general public, specially those having friends and family in the a

LONDON, Mar 6 : A London-based Indian-origin surgeon has created medical history by successfully completing the UKs first remote robotic surgeries on patients in Gibraltar, at a distance of around 2,400 km away. Professor Prokar Dasgupta, a world-leading robotic urological surgeon who heads The London Clinics Robotic Centre of Excellence, said his two test cases were an excellent example of the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). He completed the prostatectomy, a partial or complete

NEW DELHI, Mar 6 : Referring to the lifestyle changes happening in the Indian society where cooking at home becoming lesser and lesser, union Culture and Tourism Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said that India is poised for industrialisation of its food, which would unlock a wave of new opportunities for food startups and aspiring food entrepreneurs to realise their entrepreneurial dreams. The union minister was addressing an event organised by Swiggy in the national capital to recognise

DGP visits old city, reviews security situation Fayaz Bukhari Srinagar, Mar 6: After five days of restrictions in parts of Kashmir to prevent protests over the killing of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, in US-Israel strikes on Sunday, authorities this evening restored the high-speed internet and decided to lift the curbs on the movement from tomorrow after improvement in situation. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The decision to lift the curbs on the movement an

NEW DELHI, Mar 6: Two pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were killed in a crash of a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in Assams Karbi Anglong district. The IAF confirmed on Friday the deaths of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, a day after the Russian-origin aircraft went missing. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The jet was on a training sortie and disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Jorhat airbase on Thursday. Click [] The post Both pilots kille

OTTAWA, Mar 6 : A social media account promoting Sikh extremist views has claimed responsibility for stabbing to death an Indian-origin woman in Canadas Ontario province, according to a media report. Nancy Grewal, 45, of Windsor, was stabbed to death just before 9:30 pm on March 3 in the area of Todd Lane in LaSalle town in Essex County, the LaSalle Police Service said on Wednesday. On social media, an account says in Punjabi that Nancy Grewal of Windsor was [] The post Khalistani extremist soci

ISLAMABAD, Mar 6 : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday ordered strict action against any disruption by hoarders in the petroleum products in the country as officials scrambled to offset any impact of the ongoing Iran conflict on the energy supplies. He presided over a high-level meeting on petroleum products, which was attended by ministers and representatives of the all four provinces. According to a handout by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), the Ministry of Petroleum gave a detailed brie

NEW DELHI, Mar 6: With the US announcing a temporary waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, the Congress alleged on Friday that Indias strategic autonomy and national sovereignty are under dire threat because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being blackmailed by America. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Indias current foreign policy is the result of the exploitation of a compromised individual. His attack on Modi came after the US announced the temporary waiver for the purchase

JAMMU, Mar 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on Compliance Reduction and Deregulation 2.0, a comprehensive national initiative aimed at easing regulatory burdens and fostering a more business-friendly, citizen-centric environment across Jammu and Kashmir. We should endeavour to make life easy not just for industry, but for the common population as well, the Chief Minister said while emphasising this core governance philosophy. Under Phase 1 of

DE Web Desk JAMMU, Mar 6: Seventeen candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have cleared the Civil Services Examination 2025, the results of which were declared on Friday by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). As per available details, Suvan Sharma from Jammu secured rank 148, followed by Sugandha Gupta (207) and Towseef Ahmad Ganaie (254). Other successful candidates from the Union Territory include Ritika Bhan (456), Sooyash Shivam (572), Muneeb Parrah (581), Ghulam Din (663), Dwarka Gaadhi

Jammu, Mar 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Friday announced it will hold protests across districts on March 9 against the India-US trade deal, with party unit chief Tariq Hameed Karra demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue. Addressing a rally against the trade deal in the R S Pura border belt, Karra alleged that Modi surrendered before US President Donald Trump and compromised the dignity, honour and interests of the nation. We demand the [] The post Cong T

Jammu, Mar 6: Squadron Leader Neha Devi, a Jammu Indian Air Force officer, has emerged as an inspiration for young women by completing seven marathons in just one year, balancing the roles of an officer, athlete, and mother. Neha Devi joined the Air Force Academy in July 2013 while being nearly 10 kilograms overweight. Within a year, through sustained effort and training, she transformed herself and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2014, defence spokesperson Lt Col [] The post

JAMMU, Mar 5: Several delegations called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his residence here today, apprising him of a range of developmental and welfare-related issues concerning their respective areas and communities. Member of Rajya Sabha Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo called on the Chief Minister along-with a delegation of residents from Paddar in district Kishtwar. The delegation submitted memoranda highlighting development requirements in sectors including tourism, public works and power in the Pa

Srinagar, Mar 6: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo has written to Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan seeking an extension of the application deadline for NEET-UG 2026 in view of the difficulties being faced by students in the Kashmir Division. In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, the J&K Minister highlighted that many students in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly from the Kashmir Divis

JAMMU, Mar 6: Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) has clarified that the Digital Door Number (DDN) plates being installed on properties in the city are meant only for identification and to facilitate delivery of e-governance and civic services. In a public notice issued by JSCL and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), authorities stated that the digital door numbering system is purely an administrative and service-delivery measure aimed at improving record-keeping and public service delivery. The noti

NEW DELHI, Mar 6: AIs actual coverage remains a fraction of what is feasible, and while artificial intelligence has not yet triggered a systematic rise in unemployment in occupations most exposed to the technology, hiring of younger workers in such roles appears to have slowed, according to a new study by AI firm Anthropic. Released by the San Francisco-headquartered AI startup behind the Claude chatbot and now a company in the crosshairs of the US administration the report [] The post AI yet

Mundali (Odisha), Mar 6: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced that the Central Industrial Security Force will now oversee the security of various sea ports across the country. In his address at the 57th Raising Day of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) here, Shah said the force already protects 361 critical installations, including 71 airports, the Parliament complex, and the Statue of Unity near Kevadia in Gujarat. The CISF undertakes such a variety of tasks. You are [] T

New Delhi, Mar 6: Power sector engineers body AIPEF on Friday said that 27 lakh workers associated with it will boycott work on March 10 to protest against a proposed legislation aimed at changing the countrys electricity distribution framework. There is strong resentment among power employees and engineers over the governments plan to table the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Parliament, All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) said in a statement. The draft Electricity (Amendment) Bil

New Delhi, Mar 6: The Centre has granted an enhanced seven-year tenure to central armed police forces and Assam Rifles personnel joining the counter-terrorist commando force NSG on deputation, considering the Black Cat forces special combat requirements. The Union home ministry approved the decision after the National Security Guard (NSG) requested an extension of the deputation tenure for these personnel from the current five-year period (extendable by one year twice) to seven years to preserve

SRINAGAR, Mar 6: For the first time ever, the strategic Zojila Pass along the strategic Srinagar-Leh Highway has remained open beyond February 28 despite heavy snowfall, marking a significant development for connectivity between the two union Territories, the Border Roads Organisation said on Friday. Situated at an altitude of over 11,500 feet, Zojila Pass serves as a crucial lifeline for civilian supplies as well as military logistics to Ladakh. According to the BRO, the vital mountain pass con

NEW DELHI, Mar 6: The National Commission for Women will organise nationwide Jan Sunwai in around 500 districts between March 8 and March 14 to hear womens grievances and ensure quicker redressal, its chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar said here on Friday. Rahatkar noted that the initiative aims to expand the commissions grievance redressal mechanism by taking hearings closer to women across the country. The hearings will be conducted jointly by the NCW and state womens commissions, she said, a

JAISALMER, Mar 6: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said global wars and conflicts continue because people fail to recognise the fundamental oneness among all. He was speaking at the Dharma Sabha, marking the inauguration of Jain communitys Chadar Mahotsav in Jaisalmer. Bhagwat said wars do not stop because humanity overlooks the truth of ekatva (oneness). People appear different, but all are one, he said, adding that the League of Nations was set up after the First World War to [] The post Divi

While not all students view studying abroad as necessary, many in India in 2026 find that it significantly influences their career aspirations. Skills like cultural adaptability, specialised knowledge, and international connections are more important than ever as the workplace becomes global. There are some of the best study abroad consultants in Bangalore who understand the hurdles tied to studying overseas. When paperwork, visas, or funding feel unclear, their insight often prevents setbacks.

PESHAWAR, Mar 6: A person was killed and seven others injured after Afghan forces allegedly carried out mortar shelling on civilian areas near the Afghanistan border in northwestern Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 24 hours, security officials said on Friday. According to officials, Meena Khan Wazir, a local tribesman, was killed when mortar shells allegedly fired from the Afghan side struck his house in the border town of Angoor Adda in South Waziristan district. In a separate inciden

KATHMANDU, Mar 6: Nepals newly-formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was leading in early counting of votes on Friday in the countrys first general elections since the violent Gen Z protests led to the downfall of the K P Sharma Oli-led coalition government. The RSP led by former rapper Balendra Shah, who was also the mayor of Kathmandu, won one seat and is leading in another 36, while the Nepali Congress is ahead on five, according to preliminary results in 46 [] The post Nepals newly formed Ra

PRISTINA, Mar 6: Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani on Friday said she was dissolving Parliament to pave the way for an early election after lawmakers failed to elect her successor. The development marks a new crisis in the Balkan country that already went through a snap vote in December after a nearly yearlong political deadlock. Kosovos assembly had a deadline of midnight Thursday to elect a new president to replace Osmani, who took office in 2021. A vote late on Thursday [] The post Kosovo preside