Daily Excelsior News

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: The board of telecom operator Bharti Airtel has approved the first and final call of Rs 401.25 per share on 39.2 crore partly paid-up equity shares, that form over Rs 15,700 crore portion of its remaining rights issue. The proceeds from the call on the partly paid-up equity shares will be used primarily for pre-payment/repayment of borrowings (including accrued interest) and general corporate purposes. With this, and along with its organic cash generation, the companys [] The

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: Indias trade deficit with China is expected to reach USD 106 billion in 2025 as imports are rising faster than the countrys exports to the neighbouring country, think tank GTRI said on Friday. It said that the countrys exports to China fell from USD 23 billion in 2021 to USD 15.2 billion in 2022, stayed low at USD 14.5 billion in 2023, and then edged up to USD 15.1 billion in 2024. In 2025, exports [] The post Indias trade deficit with China may reach USD 106 billion in 2025:

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: Insurance legislation passed by Parliament earlier this week is set to be a game-changer for the sectors growth and help make insurance policies more accessible and affordable, as it aims to foster competition, LIC CEO and MD R Doraiswamy said. A key strength of Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill 2025 lies in its emphasis on policyholder protection and regulatory robustness, he said in a statement on Friday. By updating legacy provisions [] The post Pa

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: The Global Mind Project Rapid Report 2025 by Sapien Labs has brought out some glaring and significant relationship between mind health and cognitive wellbeing of people due to consumption of food from plastic containers and materials. This report provides a first glimpse into the negative association of frequency of consumption of food drinks packaged in plastic containers or eating hot food out of plastic containers with mind health. This negative association was present acro

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: Financial Services firm Shriram Finance on Friday said its board has approved the sale of a 20 per cent stake to the Japan-based MUFG Bank for an investment of Rs 39,618 crore (about USD 4.4 billion) through a preferential issuance of equity shares. This deal would result in the biggest FDI flow in the financial services space. This investment will result in MUFG Bank acquiring a 20 per cent stake on a fully diluted basis, [] The post Shriram Finance to sell 20 pc stake to Ja

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: Shares of ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Ltd on Friday listed with a premium of over 20 per cent against the issue price of Rs 2,165. The stock made its debut at Rs 2,606.20, registering a premium of 20.37 per cent from the issue price on the BSE. Later, it surged 22.95 per cent to Rs 2,662. At the NSE, the stock listed at Rs 2,600, a jump of 20 per cent from the issue [] The post ICICI Prudential AMC shares make stellar market debut; jump over 20 pc appeared first

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: Bollywood star Preity Zinta praised Aditya Dhars latest directorial, Dhurandhar, calling it one of the best films she has seen in a long time. Released on December 5, the film features Ranveer Singh alongside Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, R Madhavan and Rakesh Bedi. It follows covert intelligence operations set against a backdrop of geopolitical and terror events like Kandahar plane hijack, 2001 Parliament Attack and 26/11 Mumbai attacks. In a lengthy

SRINAGAR, Dec 19: The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in an alleged fake Railway recruitment scam in which three accused, including the complainant, have been booked, officials said on Friday. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) filed the chargesheet before the court of Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Beerwah, Budgam, against the three accused persons for allegedly duping job seekers by issuing forged appointment letters. The accused trio has been identifie

Ranveer Singhopens up about stepping into a raw, unapologetic Indian character in his latest film Dhurandhar, calling it Indias moment on the world stage. From sharing the screen with prodigy Sara Arjun to witnessing R. Madhavans masterclass in prosthetics, he reveals the magic behind a story thats gripping, credible, and massy without trying. IBNS-TWF correspondentSouvik Ghoshreports on the actors take on the film which courted controversyover his character amid thewidespread public belief that

Dhaka/ New Delhi, Dec 19: Tension gripped Bangladesh on Friday after the death of prominent July Uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi triggered protests, violence and vandalism in various parts of the country. While no incidents of violence were reported in the morning, protesters were seen vandalising the already demolished structure of 32 Dhanmandi, the home of Bangladeshs founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Various parts of the country were rocked Thursday night by attacks and vandalism, inc

New Delhi, Dec 19: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday said that he is willing to sit on December 22, the first day of Christmas and New Year holidays of the Supreme Court, for hearing urgent matters. A bench led by CJI Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, which was hearing listing of urgent matters, said the apex court registry will verify the urgency of cases and list them accordingly. We will sit on [] The post One Or Two Benches Of SC May Sit On Dec 22 T

Hyderabad, Dec 19: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said Public Service Commissions need to anticipate emerging challenges in technology and also focus on strengthening transparency and developing globally comparable teams of civil servants. Speaking after inaugurating the National Conference for Chairpersons of Public Service Commissions here, she also said the Public Service Commissions should give the highest priority to the aspect of honesty and integrity of candidates they recruit. The Pu

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON, Dec 19: The Trump administration is looking at plans to strip some naturalised Americans of their citizenship, the latest in a series of efforts undertaken by President Donald Trump to crack down on immigration. A report in the New York Times cited new internal guidance issued on Tuesday to US Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices, asking them to supply Office of Immigration Litigation with 100-200 denaturalisation cases per month in fiscal year 2026. While fed

RAJOURI/JAMMU, Dec 19: Security forces have launched an extensive search operation in different villages of Rajouri district after reports of the movement of suspicious people in the region. The operation, which was launched around midnight on Thursday, is continuing, official sources said. They said security forces received reports of suspicious movement in some villages located between the Thanamandi and Manjakote subdivisions of the district in Jammu division. Acting on the reports, joint tea

LEH, Dec 19: The Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh has reconstituted the Advisory Boards under various preventive detention and security laws by appointing new members in partial modification of earlier notifications. As per the notification issued by the Home Department, Spalzes Angmo, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Leh, and Sheikh Gowher Hussain, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kargil, have been appointed as members of the Advisory Boards in place of those notified ear

In todays digital-first world, everyone is a content creator in one way or another. But this raises a crucial question: how do creators use copyrighted material without crossing legal lines? This is where the concept of Fair Use becomes not only useful but essential. Stream TV, a fast-growing YouTube channel focused on Hollywood entertainment, offers a real-world example of how creators can respect the law while still pushing creative boundaries. Fair Use in the Digital Age The ongoing conversat

New Delhi, Dec 19: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the Modi government of demolishing 20 years of MGNREGA in a single day, and dubbed the new VB-G RAM G legislation as anti village. Noting that the VB-G RAM G Bill is not a revamp of MGNREGA, Gandhi said in a post on X, Last night, the Modi government demolished twenty years of MGNREGA in one day. It demolishes the rights-based, demand-driven guarantee and turns it into a rationed [] The post G RAM G Bill Anti Village, Modi Govt De

New Delhi, Dec 19: Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Friday, drawing curtains on the 19-day-long Winter Session of Parliament. During the brief session with 15 sittings, key Bills were passed, including the one to open up the civil nuclear sector for private companies. Another Bill to replace the MNREGA with a new law the VB-G RAM G Bill assuring 125 days of guaranteed jobs for rural India was passed amid opposition protests on Thursday, including tearing [] The post Lok Sabha Adjourned Sine

JAMMU, Dec 19: The Directorate of School Education Jammu has ordered the promotion of 141 trained Graduate and Post-Graduate teachers as Masters in Pay Level-6E, following the recommendations of the Divisional Level Departmental Promotion Committee. As per an order, the promotions cover teachers who qualified B.Ed up to December 31, 2024 and will be effective notionally from September 5, 2025, with monetary benefits from the date they join as Masters. The order further said that vigilance cleara

When you buy term insurance, you want to protect your familys future. You want to make sure they stay safe even if life takes an unexpected turn. But when you look at your premium amount, you may notice something extra added to it. This extra amount is GST on term insurance. Many people feel confused when they see GST on their premium. Some even wonder why they need to pay it, how much it is, or how it affects the [] The post A Complete Guide to GST on Term Insurance Premiums appeared first on D

Medical costs overseas can be high, and lost bags or sudden cancellations can disrupt even the best-planned itinerary. Securing travel insurance before departure protects your health, finances, and travel plans, while also helping you meet routine checks at airports and borders. As more Indians travel internationally, this protection has become increasingly important, especially given the high cost of emergency care and the unpredictability of global travel. To help you prepare with confidence,

The hospitality industry thrives on exceptional experiences, unwavering consistency, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing guest expectations. Whether you operate a boutique hotel, a bustling restaurant, or a vacation rental property, sustainable growth requires strategic planning and thoughtful execution. These nine proven strategies will help you elevate your hospitality business and build lasting success in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Embrace Technology to Streamline Operatio

New Delhi, Dec 19: The Delhi High Court on Friday set aside an order of the Lokpal granting sanction to the CBI to file a chargesheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the alleged cash-for-query scam. A bench of justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, while pronouncing the order in Moitras plea, said The order is set aside. We have requested the Lokpal to accord consideration for grant of sanction under Section 20 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas [] The post Cash-For-Qu

Srinagar, Dec 19: Srinagar International Airport authorities on Friday announced the cancellation of several flights scheduled for today, citing adverse weather conditions and operational reasons. In an advisory issued on X, Srinagar airport authorities informed passengers that multiple incoming and outgoing flights from Srinagar (SXR) stand cancelled for the day. Passengers have been advised to reconfirm the status of their flights with the respective airlines before proceeding to the airport.

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New Delhi, Dec 19: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday greeted the people of Goa on the states liberation day and said the nation remembers the bravehearts who fought relentlessly against colonial rule. In a post on X, Murmu said the country salutes freedom fighters and armed forces for their unwavering resolve and unflinching dedication. I wish the people of Goa a bright and prosperous future, she said. On Goa Liberation Day, the nation remembers with gratitude the bravehearts who fought [] The

Islamabad, Dec 19: Pakistani authorities this year arrested Sultan Aziz Azzam, a spokesperson for Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), according to a recent report submitted to the UN Security Council. The UN 16th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team noted that IS-Ks ability to operate in the region had been degraded as a result of high-profile arrests by Pakistan, such as that of Azzam this May. IS-K is an abbreviation for the Islamic StateKhorasan Province, a terrorist orga

Srinagar, Dec 19: Chill intensified across Jammu and Kashmir as most parts of the Kashmir Valley witnessed sub-zero night temperatures, while the Jammu region continued to experience relatively milder conditions. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.1C, while Srinagar Airport dipped to minus 3.4C. Pampore and Shopian registered minus 3.5C each, Baramulla recorded minus 3.6C, and Pulwama emerged as the coldest place at minus 4.0C. Several other areas also remained below the freezing

New Delhi, Dec 19 : Early morning visibility was low in parts of the national capital on Friday due to a thick layer of smog and haze, with mercury levels settling at 9 degree Celsius. Delhis air remained in the very poor category, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 382, edging closer to the severe category. According to the Central Pollution Control Boards SAMEER app, out of 40 air quality monitoring stations across the city, 14 [] The post Dense Fog Keeps Visibility L

Srinagar, Dec 19: In a significant action against job frauds targeting unemployed youth, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in a fake Railway recruitment scam, exposing a well-planned conspiracy involving forged appointment letters and monetary exploitation. The chargesheet has been submitted before the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Beerwah, Budgam, against three accused for their alleged roles in duping aspirants on the pretext of securing governme

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: For the development of critical transmission infrastructure in Kenya, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), in partnership with Africa50 today signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project Agreement. The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr R K Tyagi, Chairman & Managing Director, Dr Yatindra Dwivedi, Director (Personnel) and Sanjay Kumar Gupta, COO (IB), POWERGRID, along with senior Kenyan Government representatives including Alex

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Class-I Officers and Class-III & IV employees of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) held massive demonstrations across LIC offices in Jammu and Kashmir today, strongly opposing the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The protests were organized under the banner of the Federation of LIC Class-I Officers Association, led by secretary Vijay Khajuria and president Jatinder Bhat and the Northern Zone Insurance

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka today announced the launch of its exclusive Cardiac Surgery and Orthopaedics OPD services in partnership with multiple hospitals in Jammu. The OPD services were launched in the presence of Dr Vijay Kohli, Vice Chairman & Chief, Cardiac Surgery and Dr Deepak Raina, Senior Director Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka. Dr Vijay Kohli, will be available on 1st Thursday of every m

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: A one day Residential Sub-Regional Conference organized by the Northern India Regional Council (NIRC) of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), in association with the J&K Branch of NIRC of ICAI, was held here today. The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation from Chartered Accountants across the region, making it a significant professional congregation aimed at knowledge sharing, ethical strengthening and contemporary discourse in

NEW DELHI, Dec 18 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Thursday that Omans highest civilian honour bestowed upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a grand endorsement of his statesmanship and his acceptance as a global leader. He also hailed the India-Oman CEPA, calling it a win of Prime Minister Modis diplomacy for the prosperity of farmers, artisans, women and MSMEs. In a message posted on X, Shah said, The back-to-back honours to our Prime Minister Modi ji attest to [] The post PM Modi getting

MUSCAT, Dec 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that 21st-century India takes bold and swift decisions, pursues ambitious goals, and delivers results within defined timelines, underlining that the country continues to remain the worlds fastest-growing major economy. Addressing an interaction with the Indian community and students in Muscat, the Prime Minister said the gathering reflected the spirit of Indias unity in diversity. Today, we have all gathered here as one family. We are

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Bringing immense pride to the nation, the Indian Mens and Womens Roll Ball teams emerged victorious at the 2025 Roll Ball World Cup in Dubai today, defeating reigning champions Kenya in thrilling finals. In a nail-biting encounter, the Indian Mens Team triumphed over Kenya 11-10 to claim the World Cup title for the fifth time. The Indian Womens Team also showcased remarkable skill and determination, edging out Kenya by 3-2 to secure their third [] Th

MUSCAT, Dec 18 : India and Oman on Thursday signed a free trade agreement, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and explored ways to further add greater depth to the bilateral Strategic Partnership. Modi, who arrived in Oman on Wednesday on the last leg of his three-nation tour, was welcomed by Sultan Haitham at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat before their ?one-on-one talks and the delegation-level meeting. Today, we are taking a historic step [] The post India, Om

Harsha Kakar kakarharsha@gmail.com The recent tele-conversation between PM Modi and US President Donald Trump came while Trump was contemplating increasing tariffs on India for supposedly dumping Indian rice in US markets, pushing down prices of local varieties. The topics discussed between them included bilateral trade and cooperation in energy, security and defence. The conversation happened while the US negotiation team was in India for continuing trade talks. In a round table discussion at t

Dr Vikas Sharma drvikassharma20202020@gmail.com Across India, there are students who used to shine brightly. They were the toppers in their schools, the position holders, the ones teachers praised and classmates looked up to. They were the examples everyone admired-many younger students saw them as role models, even shaping their own dreams after them. Because of these high achievers, many young students found inspiration to pursue careers in medicine, go through the demanding MBBS journey, and

Prof. Virender Koundal virender_koundal@rediffmail.com The Indian rupee has entered a phase of sustained weakness, triggering concern across financial markets, policy circles, and the business community. On 15 December 2025, the rupee slipped to around ?90.6 per US dollar, marking its lowest level in the last eleven months. This sharp depreciation is not a standalone event; rather, it reflects a convergence of global uncertainties and domestic structural pressures. A fall of over 5 per cent in s

Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Dec 18 : Marking a major step towards strengthening Ladakhs tourism identity at national and global levels, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta unveiled the official Destination Ladakh logo of the Department of Tourism & Culture in function held here today. The event was attended by the Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, along with the Executive Councillors of Kargil Hill Council; Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: The ongoing 29th Inter-District Billiards and Snooker Championship 2025 witnessed a day full of exciting snooker action as several matches were held across senior and junior categories. Players showcased remarkable skill, precision, and competitive spirit, keeping spectators engaged throughout the day. In the Senior Snooker category, Sachin Bamba defeated Inderpal Singh by 33-22, 45-23, while Adish Raina overcame Mujtaba Hussain by 54-23, 37-35. Zaho

Will help Admn acquire land for projects Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Dec 18: The Union Finance Ministry is likely to restore over Rs 400 crore of cuts made in budgetary allocations of 2025-26 for the Union Territory of Ladakh which will help the UT administration to acquire land for certain ongoing projects and clear liabilities. The funds are expected to be released shortly. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Official sources told the Excelsior that the Finance Ministry has reportedly []

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: The Department of Youth Services and Sports, District Jammu, today commenced Inter-Division UT Level Baseball Competitions (U-AAG Boys and Girls) at Khel Gaon, Nagrota. Around 137 players from Jammu and Kashmir divisions participated, showcasing their talent and competing for top positions. The competition also serves as a selection platform for upcoming tournaments. Matches are being conducted by expert officials, including Harvinder Singh, Gurmeet

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: The 68th National Shooting Championship Competition (NSCC) Pistol events witnessed a moment of pride and celebration today at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi, as S. S. Sodhi, Governing Body Member of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), graced the finals and victory ceremony as chief guest. Sodhi distributed medals to the winners, congratulating the shooters for their outstanding performances and exemplary sportsmanship. The cha

Excelsior Sports Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Dec 18: The District Udhampur Boys and Girls Athletic Meet, organised by District Udhampur Athletic Association under the aegis of J&K Amateur Athletic Association and J&K Sports Council, commenced at Subash Stadium, here today. Athletes from across the district, representing various schools, participated with enthusiasm, displaying energy, discipline and exemplary sporting spirit. Sunil Sharma, President of the District Athletic Association and a nationa

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Baldev Raj Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, today. He was accompanied by Saraf Singh Nag, Chairperson District Development Council Reasi. Sharma putforth important matters pertaining to implementation of Sewerage scheme at Katra Town (under Pollution Abatement of River Banganga) and construction of Inter Modal Station. The post MLA SMVD calls on LG appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Excelsior Sports Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Dec 18: The Inter-District UT-Level Under-17 Boys Cricket Tournament, organized by Department of Youth Services & Sports, UT of Jammu & Kashmir, under the patronage of Anuradha Gupta, concluded at Subash Stadium, here today. The final match saw Budgam defeating Anantnag by 36 runs to lift the championship title. The final was graced by Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, as chief guest, along with Prof Dr Sanjay Kumar Verma, Principal, Government D

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today addressed the Multi-Stakeholder Platform Meet-2 under the Jammu & Kashmir Comprehensive Agricultural Development Programme (JKCIP/HADP) at Kisan Kendra, Talab Tillo, Jammu. The Minister highlighted the importance of such platforms in bringing together the farmers, FPOs, government departments, agri-entrepreneurs, financial inst