Daily Excelsior

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: J&K BJP president and MP Rajya Sabha, Sat Sharma CA today termed the de-recognition of medical colleges by National Medical Council (NMC) which do not come up to the norms framed by it as a routine process and the cancellation of registration of Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College was result of its failure to fulfil minimum mandatory criteria. Sat Sharma along with J&K BJP general secretaries, Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria, Mohammad Anwar Khan, and []

Union Power Minister M.L. Khattars visit to J&K, marked by firm deadlines for key hydroelectric projects and his blunt assertion that Pakistan has no locus standi in how India utilises its rivers, represents a watershed moment in Indias water and energy policy. What might earlier have been dismissed as routine project monitoring has now acquired strategic significance, underlining a decisive shift in Indias approach to the Indus Waters Treaty and the utilisation of its western rivers. For over s

Excelsior Correspondent The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), implemented nearly two decades ago, has provided a statutory guarantee of livelihood security to rural households. However, over time, implementation experience has revealed a series of persistent and deep-rooted structural weaknesses that have affected the efficiency, transparency, and credibility of the programme. In order to obtain a realistic assessment of ground-level conditions and strengthen impl

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: Nita Ambani described the second edition of United in Triumph as a collective expression of gratitude from the nation as she honoured Indias three World Cup-winning cricket teams mens, womens and blind womens at a special ceremony in Mumbai. Calling it a fitting way to begin the New Year, Nita Ambani said the gathering brought together all three champion teams under one roof to acknowledge the joy and pride they have given [] The post Nita Ambani ho

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: In a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, wicketkeeper-batter Umar Ashraf and allrounder Hilal Wani have been selected for the India Deaf Cricket Associations (IDCA) 16-member squad for the ADCA T20I Asia Cup. The Tournament is set to unfold from February 18 to 25 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha. The squad, selected by the All-IDCA India Mens Selection Committee, features a powerhouse lineup led by skipper Virender Singh (Himachal Prad

Excelsior Sports Correspondent KARGIL, Jan 7: The Indian Army has launched its annual winter carnival Jashn-e-Fateh in Drass, giving a major boost to winter sports activities in the region during the peak of the cold season. The initiative aims to engage local youth through sports and provide a competitive platform amid challenging winter conditions. Drass, known for its long and severe winters, has once again turned into a centre of winter sporting action as freezing conditions have prepared na

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: The 3-day J&K UT Handball Championship began today here at Shastri Nagar Play Field for senior men and women sections. The Championship is being organized by J&K Handball Association, in collaboration with J&K Sports Council. The Championship will be organized on League Cum Knock out basis. Dr Ajay Sharma, SP Jammu South, was the chief guest in the opening ceremony, while Mohit Sharma, Field Publicity Officer Jammu, Department of Information, was the

Final touch to be given after Union budget *Preparations in full swing by Finance Department Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Jan 7: Pre-budget Economic Survey and annual budget of Jammu and Kashmir for the financial year of 2026-27 are likely to be tabled in the Legislature in first week of February and an exact date for presentation of two vital financial documents will be finalized following a meeting between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather in next few days. [] The post Govt

Youth contingent of J&K flagged off to Delhi Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today, virtually, flagged off a 53-member youth contingent from UT of Jammu Kashmir for New Delhi to participate in the 29th National Youth Festival-Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue-2026. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp To commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on 12th January, the National Youth Festival (NYF) dedicated to youth empowerment and un

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: The Rajinder Saini and Sandeep Singh Memorial Under-16 (T-30) Cricket Tournament was inaugurated at Parade Ground, here today. The Tournament was jointly inaugurated by senior Ranji Trophy cricketer Randhir Singh Jamwal and former skipper of the J&K Ranji Trophy team, Sanjay Sharma. The event is being organized by Laxmi Cricket Club in association with the Parade Sports Association, with support from the Jammu Municipal Corporation. The initiative aim

Targets those celebrating closure of MC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: Coming down heavily on those celebrating withdrawal of permission to Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College in Jammu region, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said he had directed immediate relocation of affected students in Government run institutions in their hometowns. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The National Medical Commissions Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) yesterday withdrew the letter

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 7: The District Bandipora Taekwondo Championship 202526 was formally inaugurated today at the Indoor Stadium, Shadipora, Bandipora, marking the commencement of a vibrant two-day sporting event celebrating discipline, skill and youth empowerment. The championship is being organized by the Taekwondo Association of District Bandipora under the aegis of the J&K Taekwondo Association (JKTA) and J&K Sports Council (JKSC). Around 200 boys and girls from vari

Same regulatory body grants permission to KU Nishikant Khajuria JAMMU, Jan 7: Regulatory body National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has refused recognition/permission to the University of Jammu for running Bachelor of Physical Education (B P Ed) and Master of Physical Education (M P Ed) courses at its Directorate of Sports and Physical Education. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Official sources told the Excelsior that the recognition has been denied in view of the deficien

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 7: Sufyan Waheed Sohil, a talented young fencing athlete from Ramsoo area of district Ramban, is once again set to represent India at the prestigious Fencing World Cup to be held in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, from January 9 to 12. Son of Abdul Waheed Sohil, the 19-year-old fencer will be competing in the senior category against top athletes from over 50 participating countries. This marks Sufyans fifth appearance at the world level, highlighting his

*7 pillars, 132 indicators, but no measurable outcome Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Jan 7: Three years after the Government laid down an elaborate and ambitious framework to measure, reform and strengthen urban governance in Jammu and Kashmir, not a single substantive step has been taken to operationalise the decision, thereby turning what was projected as a landmark urban reform into a mere paper exercise. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Vide Government Order No. 05-JK (HUD) dated Januar

NEW DELHI, Jan 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Indias Reform Express is gaining momentum, powered by the NDA governments investment policies as the economy is projected to grow at 7.4 per cent in the fiscal year 2026. Indias Reform Express continues to gain momentum. This is powered by the NDA Governments comprehensive investment push and demand-led policies, Modi said in a post on X. The First Advance Estimates released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme [] The post

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Jan 7: In a major offensive against organised cybercrime and its alleged links to terror financing, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) today detained 22 persons in massive raids conducted at 22 places across Kashmir targeting a sophisticated network involved in operating mule bank accounts to launder proceeds of cyber frauds, illegal online gaming and betting rackets. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The CIK today conducted simultaneous searches at

NEW DELHI, Jan 7:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, who shared an update on the Gaza Peace Plan and reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terror. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The two leaders warmly exchanged New Year greetings and wished the people of both countries peace and prosperity, a statement from the prime ministers office said. It said Netanyahu briefed the Prime Minister on the implementa

NEW DELHI, Jan 7 : As the nation is moving forward with a clear and firm policy on issues related to its sovereignty, personalities such as Lt Gen S K Sinha, who had served as a distinguished officer in the Indian Army, are an inspiration to the government, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. A video message by him was played during an event held at the Manekshaw Centre at Delhi Cantonment on Wednesday to mark the birth centenary of Lt [] The post Personalities like Lt Gen Sinha an inspiration

J&K records acute rainfall deficit in Ist week of Jan * Dry spell till Jan 22, cold wave to intensify: MeT Fayaz Bukhari/Gopal Sharma SRINAGAR/ JAMMU, Jan 7: While Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an acute rainfall deficit in the first week of the new year, with several districts recording no precipitation, a large number of tourists rejoice their maiden experience as Bhaderwah received fresh snowfall last evening. Click here to watch video Many plain areas of Jammu region continued [] The post T