Daily Excelsior News

Srinagar, Jan 1: Kashmir rang in the New Year amid fresh snowfall at popular tourist resorts and higher reaches of the valley, with the meteorological department forecasting an improvement in weather later in the day, officials said on Thursday. Tourist resorts including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg received fresh overnight snowfall that continued till Thursday morning, drawing large numbers of revellers, they said. Several higher reaches Tulail Valley in Gurez, Razdan Top in Bandipora, Macch

NEW DELHI, Jan 1: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd on Thursday reported a 25 per cent year-on-year growth in automobile sales at 86,090 units, including exports, in December 2025. Domestic passenger vehicle sales were up 23 per cent at 50,946 units in December 2025, as compared to 41,424 units in the same month of 2024, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) said in a regulatory filing. Sales of commercial vehicles in the domestic market stood at 24,786, a growth of 34 per [] The post M&M auto sales up 25 pc in Dec

NEW DELHI, Jan 1: Hyundai Motor India Ltd on Thursday said Tarun Garg has officially assumed charge as its Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) from January 1, 2026. This is the first time an Indian national is heading Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the Indian arm of South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Company, since its inception 29 years ago. He succeeds Unsoo Kim, who is returning to a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company [] The post Tarun Garg takes over as MD & CEO

NEW DELHI, Jan 1: The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) on Thursday posted 44 per cent growth in loan disbursements at Rs 24,903 crore for April-December 2025. The loan disbursement in the year-ago period was Rs 17,236 crore. Loan sanctions during the period stood at Rs 40,100 crore, reflecting a growth of 29 per cent over Rs 31,087 crore a year ago. The loan book stood at Rs 87,975 crore as on December 31, 2025, marking a growth [] The post IREDAs loan disbursements up 44 pc a

JAMMU, Jan 1: A Pakistani drone crossed into Indian territory along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district and dropped suspected explosive material, ammunition and narcotics, prompting massive search operations by security forces. According to official sources, the drone intruded into the Indian airspace in the Khadi Karmada area of Poonch and remained inside Indian territory for more than five minutes before returning across the LoC. During the incursion, the drone drop

New Delhi, Jan 1: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to an Air India pilot amid safety concerns on flights AI-358 and AI-357, pertaining to aircraft dispatch, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) compliance, and flight crew decision-making. DGCA, in its notice, said that the pilot accepted the aircraft despite repeated snags and system degradation. The civil aviation authority noted that there was a smell of smoke reported near a door in the AI-358 flight. DGCA i

Hyderabad, Jan 1: AIMIM president and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi has said Chinese claim of mediation between India and Pakistan is an affront to the country and that it must be strongly rebutted by the Union Government. Normalcy in ties with China cannot be at the cost of Indias honour or its sovereignty, he said. After US President (Donald Trump) announced a ceasefire before us and claims to have used trade sanctions to secure peace, we now have the [] The post Centre Must Rebut Chinese Clai

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JAMMU, Jan 1: The Border Security Force has handed over a Bangladeshi national to the Jammu and Kashmir Police after he was apprehended near the International Border in the Gajansoo area of Jammu district. The individual was taken into custody by BSF personnel during routine surveillance along the border and was later produced before the Border Police Post Gajansoo, falling under Police Station Kanachak. Police identified the apprehended person as Shariful Islam Bhuiyan, son of Mozibul Haque Bhu

Poonch, Jan 1: Security forces on Thursday recovered a consignment suspected to have been dropped by a drone from near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Chakha Da Bagh area of Poonch district. Official sources said that the recovery was made during routine surveillance in the border area. A suspicious bag was also found at the spot by the Army, raising security concerns. Following the recovery, the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was immediately called to the site to examine [] The post Suspected Drone

New Delhi, Jan 1: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) secured a more than 92 per cent conviction rate this year, during which it also extradited 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana, besides arresting terrorists and their associates involved in the dastardly Pahalgam and the Delhi terror attacks. Ranas extradition from the United States in April marked a significant breakthrough in NIAs investigation into the 26/11 terror attack conspiracy that left 166 people dead, according

Srinagar, Jan 1: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet before the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Chadoora, Budgam, against two accused in a case involving forged and fake appointment orders in the Agriculture Department, an attempt aimed at cheating aspirants of government employment. In a statement, The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has submitted a chargesheet before the Honble Court of Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Chadoora, Bu

PANAJI, Dec 31: Joyous crowds thronged Goas beaches on Wednesday night to ring in the New Year amid fireworks, music and parties, with major coastal stretches in North Goa witnessing heavy traffic jams, officials and locals said. Thousands of revellers gathered along popular beaches, including Calangute, Sinquerim, Baga, Vagator, Arambol and Kerim, where seaside shacks, nightspots and open-air venues hosted celebrations that continued late into the night. At the stroke of midnight, the skies ove

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Jammu & Kashmir Chapter, participated in a virtual meeting with the Commissioner/ Secretary of the Industries & Commerce Department, Vikramjit Singh, and the Director of Industries, Jammu and presents suggestions on J&K Industrial Policy amendments. The discussion centered on proposed amendments to the Jammu & Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021-30. The PHDCCI team was led by Rakesh Wazir, Chairman -Jammu Region, and

Nawshaba Iqbal Srinagar, Dec 31: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, is set to introduce Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) technology to strengthen authentication of high-value Kashmir crafts. The target crafts include GI-labelled products such as pashmina, carpets, and Sozni embroidery. Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Mussarat Zia, told Excelsior that SEM will be deployed in cases where existing digital and optical testing tools cannot conclusively verify product originality.

Uchit Singhal With the onset of 2025, a landmark announcement from none other than the honorable PM was made with respect to inauguration of Jammu Railway Division. Since its formation, Jammu Division has demonstrated exceptional administrative, operational, and commercial performance, emerging as a strategically important and high-impact division of Indian Railways. Its achievements span passenger services, freight and business development, revenue maximization, safety and vigilance, infrastruc

Year of Disappointment Gone B L Saraf bushanlalsaraf@gmail.com Year, 2025 is on the way out : 2026 A D is knocking at the door . It is appropriate to have a relook at the events that marked the outgoing year and express a hope that the coming year will bring something better for us . Coming close on the heels of an elected government having taken place in Jammu and Kashmir, the outgoing year 2025 had brought hope to many [] The post One of the hope ahead? appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

As Daily Excelsior enters its 62nd year of uninterrupted journalistic service, the moment transcends ceremonial commemoration. It stands instead as an opportunity for deep introspection, principled reaffirmation and purposeful renewal. More than a milestone, it is a testament to a legacy painstakingly forged through decades of unwavering fidelity to truth, fearless reportage and an unflinching commitment to both national interest and regional responsibility. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today attended the concluding ceremony of the 20th National Matsogi-Do Championship 2025 at the University of Jammu Gymnasium Hall. The four day national championship, held from December 28 to 31, brought together martial artists from across the country and witnessed a high standard of competition marked by discipline, skill and exemplary sportsmanship. MLA B

Centres relief on MHA recommendations Will help in UTs preparedness for future Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: The Central Government has approved comprehensive allocation of over Rs 1430 crore for reconstruction of damaged public infrastructure and implementation of disaster mitigation measures in affected districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The relief has been announced on recommendations of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, an official handout said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on

DHAKA, Dec 31 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday handed over to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as thousands of people bid farewell to former prime minister Khaleda Zia at her funeral. Shortly after landing in Dhaka, Jaishankar met Rahman, the acting chairman of BNP and the eldest son of Zia, and conveyed Indias deepest condolences over the death of the iconic leader who dominated the countrys politics for []

DHAKA, Dec 31 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday briefly met Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka on the sidelines of the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in the first interaction between senior leaders of the two countries since Operation Sindoor. It was the first time that senior leaders of the two countries came face to face, since the May military standoff following the Pahalgam terror attack. Bangladesh interim government Chief Ad

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: Bengal produced a commanding performance against Jammu and Kashmir in a Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter held at Sanosara Cricket Ground, Rajkot, winning by nine wickets in a low-scoring contest. The match highlighted Bengals bowling strength and clinical batting, while J&K struggled to put up a competitive total. Electing to bowl first, Bengals pace duo, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep, wreaked havoc on the J&K batting lineup. Mukesh claimed 4 wickets for

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 31: Under the chairmanship of Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State for Earth Sciences; and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, a year-end meeting of the Hindi Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Earth Sciences was held today at Prithvi Bhavan, New Delhi. The meeting deliberated extensively on promoting wider dissemination of scientific knowledge th

MUMBAI, Dec 31: Two major domestic carriers Air India and IndiGo on Wednesday unveiled their plans for 2026 with Tata Group-owned Air India saying that the first two Boeing 787-8 from its legacy fleet with full interior-refit will re-enter services in February and IndiGo announcing that it is all set to induct its first Airbus A321XLR in 2026. IndiGo, which earlier this month cancelled thousands of flights and caused severe hardships to lakhs of passengers across airports, also said the [] The p

NEW DELHI, Dec 31 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday stressed on the mantra of reform, perform and transform at the 50th meeting of PRAGATI, which accelerated projects worth more than Rs 85 lakh crore over the past decade. Chairing the meeting, the prime minister emphasised the use of technology in each and every phase of a project life cycle. The Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) platform must be strengthened further in the years ahead to ensure faster [] The po

Likely to be held in 2 parts due to Ramzan Budget to be passed before Feb 20 Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Dec 31: The Government is set to advance budget session of the Assembly to first week of February and complete its major part i.e. the House nod to budget for financial year of 2026-27 before the start of pious month of Ramzan around February 20 and take up second half after the Eid celebrations expected on March 21. Follow the [] The post Budget session proposed from Feb 2, Cabinet to take call so

J&K Girls eliminated in Quarterfinals Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: The J&K girls Roll Ball team showcased remarkable skill and determination at the 17th Junior National Roll Ball Championship (Boys & Girls) 2025, narrowly missing a place in the finals. The team was eliminated in a closely contested quarterfinal against Tamil Nadu, losing by just one goal with a final score of 3-2. The third day of the championship saw exciting matches, with Assam and Tamil Nadu entering [] The

Air, train traffic hit; 4 flights cancelled Gopal Sharma/ Fayaz Bukhari JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Dec 31: While fog continued to hit air, train and vehicular traffic in Jammu region, resulting in cancellation of four flights today, fresh snowfall blanketed several areas in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir with the Meteorological department forecasting light to moderate precipitation at most places over the next 24 hours. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp In view of a cloud cover, the n

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 31: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has greeted the people on the eve of the New Year 2026. In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said, On the occasion of the New Year, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all the citizens. The New Year festivity brings new hopes and opportunities in our life. Let us commit ourselves towards building a happier and healthier society and to take J&K to new heights of development and [] The post LG, CM greet people on New

NEW DELHI, Dec 31: India has imposed safeguard duty on certain steel products for three years to protect domestic players from significant increase in cheap imports. According to a notification of the finance ministry, in the first year, a 12 per cent duty will be imposed in the first year (21st April, 2025 to 20th April, 2026). The rate will be reduced to 11.5 per cent in the second year (21st April, 2026 to 20th April, 2027); and further to [] The post India imposes safeguard duty for 3 yrs on

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: Police here today claimed to have successfully recovered and returned 200 lost and stolen smartphones to their rightful owners under Operation Re-CONNECT. The recovered smartphones, valued at around Rs 50 lakh, were handed over during a function held at District Police Lines (DPL), Jammu, which was presided over by SSP Jammu, Joginder Singh. Click here to watch video Addressing media persons, the SSP Jammu said the recovery drive was carried out over the pa

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: To discuss the public issues related to the long-pending bifurcation and revision of Ration Cards in J&K UT, Sunil Prajapati, incharge BJP OBC Morcha today called on the Minister of State (MoS) for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Bambhaniya. During the meeting, Prajapati submitted a detailed memorandum to the MoS, highlighting that the people of Jammu & Kashmir have been facing grave difficulties and social embarrassment due to the n

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: The Central Library at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu today marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new Heritage Section. Dr B N Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST Jammu, officially inaugurated the section dedicated to showcasing the diverse heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, with a predominant focus on the Jammu region. The Heritage Section serves as a comprehensive repository of knowledge on the

Trauma Centre lying nearly defunct Excelsior Correspondent RAMBAN, Dec 31: Entire Ramban district including Gool and Banihal Sub Divisions are reeling under severe power crisis and shortage of Medical staff specially, the specialist doctors. Speaking to media-persons here today, a social and political activists, Fairoz Khan (adv) from Congress raised serious concern about the growing hardships faced by the people of Ramban district. Khan said the district is battling two major failures this wint

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Dec 31: Under the visionary stewardship of Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Arun Palli, the Mediation and Conciliation Committee of High Court of J&K and Ladakh, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy and the J&K Legal Services Authority today concluded three day Conduct of Mediation- Advanced Course (Capsule Course)for mediators/ advocates in two batches simultaneously at Jammu and Srinagar campuses of J&K Judic

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31 : Reflecting their commitment towards the welfare and well-being of senior citizens, a team from Sandiksha (SWWA), Sector Headquarters, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) today paid a meaningful visit to the Home for the Aged & Infirm, in Jammu. The team was led by its president Monika Slaria and deputy Commandant Jagbhushan Singh. During the visit, the team interacted warmly with the inmates and demonstrated generous support by donating a juicer, an idli maker and c

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: Dr Gautam Sharma, Consultant Dentistry, University of Jammu and former president, Indian Dental Association (IDA), delivered a lecture on management of the sensitivity in the teeth at Jammu. He discussed the various aspects including the causes, aggravating factors as well as management of the dental hypersensitivity. In his presentation, he discussed that sensitivity in the teeth is a common clinical condition associated with exposed dentinal surfaces whic

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: Cyber Crime Investigation Centre of Excellence, Crime Branch, Kashmir conducted a cyber awareness programme at Shahi Hamdan School at khumani Chowk Bemina of district Budgam wherein the participating students and faculty members of the institution were informed about the possible lacunas in the usage of cyber space /internet that a cyber criminal / fraudster may exploit to commit any cyber crime with them . The participants were educated regarding various t

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 31: The long-awaited road project connecting Sujandhar to Ratnote via Gabbar Sarote was formally inaugurated today, marking a major milestone in strengthening road connectivity in the remote and hilly areas of District Reasi. The project was inaugurated by Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Constituency, along with Saraf Singh Nag, Chairman, DDC Reasi. The inauguration ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from local representatives and resi

Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir Office of the Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (M) Phone No: 0191-2586218(Jammu), 0194-2468116 (Srinagar) (Email Id: relief-comm@jk.gov.in) PUBLIC NOTICE Subject: Integration of Migrant Ration Cards into the National Food Security Act (NFSA) Database Camps. It is for the information of all the migrants registered with the Relief Organization(M), J&K, that the Relief Organization J&K, is organizing Special Camps, for the integration of ration card into NFSA

Jammu, Dec 31: Intensive security and crime-control measures remained in force in Jammu, with police conducting 541 cordon-and-search operations and 1,093 long-range patrols in 2025, while reporting no active terrorist presence in the district, a senior police officer said. Presenting the annual crime and security review, Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Joginder Singh said 4,134 FIRs were registered during the year the lowest figure in the last five years reflecting effective preve

J&K Bank to provide homestay loans up to 30 Lakh at 8.20% interest JAMMU, Dec 31: In a major push towards strengthening tourism-led livelihoods and expanding access to institutional credit in rural areas, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today favoured the creation of a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting homestays and facilitating loans against SVAMITVA cards across the Union Territory. The meeting, besides the Principal Secretary, Finance and Managing Director, J&K Bank, was attended by Sec

JAMMU, Dec 31: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday assigned additional charge of the Higher Education Department to IAS officer Ram Niwas Sharma. According to an order issued by the General Administration Department, Sh. Ram Niwas Sharma, IAS (AGMUT:2010) , presently serving as Secretary to the Government, School Education Department, has been entrusted with the additional charge of the post of Administrative Secretary, Higher Education Department. The order states that the addition

JAMMU, Dec 31 : The General Administration Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued fresh instructions directing all All India Services (AIS) officers working in the Union Territory to mandatorily file their annual Immovable Property Return online by January 31 each year. The department said the return must be submitted electronically through the designated online module, as there is no provision for manual submission. It warned that failure to file the property return within th

Leh, Dec 31: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, emphasised the critical need for uninterrupted network and internet connectivity in the modern world, underscoring the Digital India initiative led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He pointed out that the success of various online portals launched by the UT Administration to enhance governance accessibility depends on effective connectivity, particularly in remote and far-flung areas of Ladakh, to ensure access to essential services

JAMMU, Dec 30: In a major relief for the UT of J&K, the Central Government, on the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has approved a comprehensive allocation of over Rs1,430 Cr for reconstruction of damaged public infrastructure and implementation of disaster mitigation measures across affected districts of the UT. This significant development came to light during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, which was attended by all Administrative Sec

NEW DELHI, Dec 31: Outsmarting all asset classes globally in 2025, gold and silver with massive returns and repeated record-breaking rallies redefined the precious metal market dynamics amid intensifying global political challenges, unstable tariff policies and persistent supply-chain disruptions. Marking one of the strongest performances for bullion in decades, silver prices surged more than 169 per cent during the year, while gold rallied over 76 per cent, reaffirming the role of precious meta

NEW DELHI, Dec 30: For the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), 2025 began with a space handshake and ended with a thunderous roar from the ground. From a delicate autonomous space docking experiment to the soaring launch of Bahubali, which placed the heaviest satellite ever lifted from Indian soil into Earths orbit, 2025 marked a quantum leap for Indias space programme. These missions laid the groundwork for more ambitious goals, including the construction of the Bharatiya Antariksh Stati

NEW DELHI, Dec 31: India and the Russia-led EAEU group are likely to hold the next round of talks for the proposed trade agreement in February, an official said on Wednesday. India and the five-nation Russia-led grouping, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), on August 20, inked the terms of reference for the agreement. The first round of talks was held here in November. The second round is expected in February in Russia, the official said. The terms of reference [] The post Next round of talks o