Daily Excelsior

RAJOURI/JAMMU, May 17: A high explosive artillery shell was found in a forward village in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district, officials said. Locals in Dhanaka village of Nowshera sub-division spotted the shell on Sunday and informed the security forces, they said. Subsequently, a joint team of police and the Army rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area, they said. Officials said the shell was subjected to technical examination by experts at the site. Later, the Armys bomb disposal [] The

KANDLA (GUJARAT), May 17: A vessel carrying 20,000 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) arrived at Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla in Gujarat after crossing the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia crisis, officials said on Sunday. The Marshall Islands-flagged MV SYMI started its journey from Qatar and docked at the port in Kandla around 11.30 pm on Saturday after crossing the Strait of Hormuz on May 13, they added. Since early March, 13 India-flagged vessels, comprising 12 [] The po

ANANTNAG, May 17: Hundreds of people from multiple villages in south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Sunday participated in the centuries-old Panzath festival, a traditional community event centered around cleaning freshwater springs that supply drinking water and irrigate agricultural land across the region. The annual festival, locally known for collective fish-catching activities, was observed at the historic Panzath spring area near Qazigund, where residents entered streams and spring channels

NEW DELHI, May 17: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi why he was not sacking Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan despite repeated paper leaks in his tenure. In a post on X, Gandhi also questioned the silence of the prime minister on the matter. NEET 2024: Paper leaked. Exam not cancelled. Minister did not resign. CBI set up an investigation. A committee was formed. NEET 2026: Paper leaked. Exam cancelled. Minister still did not resign. CBI [] The post Why

ABUJA, May 17: Armed gunmen stormed three schools in Nigerias Oyo State and abducted more than 45 school children in a coordinated daylight assault that has triggered panic across the southwest region and renewed fears over the countrys worsening insecurity. The attackers stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area during morning classes. The attackers, riding on motorcycles and fired shots indi

PESHAWAR, May 17: Security forces gunned down five terrorists in intelligence-based operations in northwest Pakistan, police said on Sunday. The operations were conducted late Saturday in the Bannu district of restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to police. The Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan said that the operations were launched following a recent attack on a police checkpost in Fateh Khel area in the district. At least 15 security officials were killed and several were in

JAMMU, May 17: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday launched crackdown on drug networks by demolishing illegal structures in the Samba district. The police spokesman said that a demolition drive was launched at identified drugs hotspot Balole Khad in Bari Brahmana area of Samna district as part of a focused anti-narcotics enforcement action being conducted jointly by district police and the civil administration against illegal structures. The demolished illegal structures had become a safe haven f

COLOMBO, May 17: SriLankan Airlines has accused several Indian employees based in its Chennai office of misappropriating funds worth Rs 22 million. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Sri Lankan flag carrier said that the fraud was carried out by altering invoices, payment details and signatures. With regard to the misappropriation of funds at SriLankan Airlines office in Chennai, the airline wishes to inform that a few employees, all Indian nationals working in the finance department in Chen

ISLAMABAD, May 17: Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvis previously unannounced visit to Tehran was linked by Pakistani and Iranian media to Islamabads continuing efforts to revive the stalled Iran-US peace process amid persistent tensions in West Asia. Dawn newspaper, quoting unnamed diplomatic sources, reported on Sunday that Naqvis two-day visit came after US President Donald Trump rejected Tehrans latest response to American proposals. It also said that Pakistan was continuing shuttle dip

NEW DELHI, May 17: Income Tax India urges people to file their Income Tax Return (ITR) by sharing a post on microblogging site X. Income Tax India said that online filing and Excel utilities for ITR-1 and ITR-4 for AY2026-27 are now available on e-filing portal. Form 16/16A generated and downloaded through the TRACES portal alone constitute a valid and authentic TDS certificate, Income Tax India wrote on X. Taxpayers should ensure that TDS certificates are relied upon while filing [] The post On

NEW DELHI, May 17: As India battles soaring energy import costs and a weakening rupee amid global oil turmoil, a Monaco-based fuel technology company says it may have found an answer hiding in plain sight: water. FOWE Eco Solutions, through its patented Cavitech fuel emulsion technology, claims industries can slash fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent, reduce harmful emissions dramatically, and improve equipment performance all without modifying engines or shutting plants down. The pitch comes

NEW DELHI, May 17: Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL), a public sector company under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), will set up a recovery plant in Jharkhand to extract uranium from tailings of state-owned Hindustan Copper, a top official said on Sunday. The move would help in augmenting domestic supplies of the strategic mineral used in nuclear power and defence applications. In an interview with PTI, Hindustan Copper Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Sanjiv Kumar Singh said tha

NEW DELHI, May 17: Two-wheeler market leader Hero MotoCorp has earmarked Rs 1,500 crore capex for FY27 to double its scooter production capacity, according to its CEO Harshavardhan Chitale. The company has also committed over Rs 700 crore of investment in building a global parts centre in South of India, he told analysts. We are investing in capacity expansion, and we have committed over Rs 1,500 crore of capex in FY27. And this capex is going to expand our capacity [] The post Hero MotoCorp lin

NEW DELHI, May 17: Foreign investors continued to pare their exposure to Indian equities, withdrawing Rs 27,048 crore so far this month, indicating cautiousness among global investors amid an evolving global macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. With this, total outflows by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) from the equity market have reached Rs 2.2 lakh crore in 2026, higher than the Rs 1.66 lakh crore pulled out during the entire 2025, according to data with the NSDL. FPIs were net sell

NEW DELHI, May 17: North America, North-East Asia, and Latin America together accounted for over 35 per cent of Indias merchandise exports, which stood at USD 441.78 billion in 2025-26, reflecting a gradual shift towards a more diversified and resilient global trade structure, according to commerce ministry data. Exports to East Africa increased 13.7 per cent to USD 12.6 billion, accounting for 2.9 per cent of Indias exports, while North Africa rose 14.8 per cent to USD 8 billion with [] The pos

AHMEDABAD, May 17: Union Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said Gujarat must now elevate itself to the top position in the service sector after performing exceptionally well across key segments like manufacturing, engineering, and green energy. Speaking at the inauguration of Ganesh Housings Million Minds Tech Park, Shah asserted that if Ahmedabad aspired to position itself on par with major tech hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram, such modern infrastructure initiatives are essential.

Saran (Bihar), May 17: Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani on Sunday performed Bhoomi Pujan for the launch of Adani Centre for Eye Diseases (ACE), in association with the Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital in Mastichak area of Bihars Saran district. Adani, accompanied by Priti Adani, chairperson, Adani Foundation, said the ACE will be a major effort to provide accessible and affordable eye care to those in need. Prior to this, the chairman of the Adani group and Priti Adani reached Gayatri [] The post Gaut

Leh, May 17: The Union Territory of Ladakh is all set to undergo one of the biggest reforms in its history, with Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, approving the long-pending wage rationalisation for daily wagers, part-time and seasonal/need-based workers, engaged by the Ladakh Administration. Thousands of wage earners, who have been working for as low as Rs 300 to Rs 500 per month for the past several years, will benefit from this move. Many of these workers had been working [] The post L

NEW DELHI, May 17:Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday wrote to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the Great Nicobar Island Project, saying the project in its present shape and form is a recipe for ecological disaster. Congress leaders have been flagging concerns over the project, claiming it would have a bearing on the ecology and tribal rights in the region. In his letter to the minister, he said while there can be no two opinions on the need to strengthen [] The post Great Nicobar project a

KATHAMANDU, May 17: Nepals mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa made history on Sunday by breaking his own world record for the highest number of ascents of Mt. Everest as he scaled the worlds highest peak for the 32nd time. The 56-year-old veteran climber reached the 8,849-metre peak at 10:12 am on Sunday, according to the Department of Tourism. He was leading an expedition operated by 14 Peaks Expedition, it said. The successful ascent was confirmed by the departments field office stationed [] The pos

SRINAGAR, May 17: Police in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district on Sunday arrested an alleged drug peddler and recovered over 100 grams of charas from his possession as part of an intensified crackdown on narcotics across the district, officials said. Anantnag Police continues crackdown on drug peddlers. During naka checking at Tulkhan Crossing, Bijbehara, one drug peddler was arrested and 102 grams of charas concealed in corn husk recovered. FIR registered, Anantnag police posted on X. Police

NEW DELHI, May 17: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday has promulgated an ordinance increasing the number of judges in the Supreme Court to 37 excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The gazette notification, dated May 16, stated the Parliament is not in session and the President is satisfied that the circumstances exist which render it necessary for her to take immediate action. The ordinance is called the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026. The ordinance was [] The

NEW DELHI, May 17: CNG prices were hiked by Re 1 per kg on Sunday, the second increase in rates in less than a week. CNG now costs Rs 80.09 per kg in the national capital, according to Indraprastha Gas Ltd, the countrys biggest city gas firm. The rate hike comes within days of Rs 2 per kg increase in rates on Thursday. Rates of gas piped to household kitchens, called piped natural gas, however, remain unchanged. IGL said, The [] The post CNG Prices Hiked By Re 1, Second Time In A Week appeared f

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HYDERABAD, May 17: Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar has said that he has complete faith in the legal process and truth will ultimately prevail following his son Bageeraths arrest in a POCSO case. Kumar requested everyone to understand that this is a personal family matter and they will continue to fight it legally with complete faith in the judiciary and justice system. A day after the Telangana High Court refused to grant interim protection from arrest to Bageerath, he was [] The post Union Mi

Ratlam/Kota, May 17: A fire broke out in an AC coach of a Rajdhani Express heading from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi in Madhya Pradeshs Ratlam district on Sunday morning, railway officials said. No casualties have been reported in the blaze that erupted at 5.15 am in the B-1 coach, carrying 68 passengers, of the Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express (train no. 12431), senior railways commercial manager Sourbah Jain said. The incident occurred between Vikramgarh Alot and Lunirichha

NEW DELHI, May 16 : The Netherlands on Saturday handed back 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates to India, in an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten, signifying the strengthening of ties between the two countries. PM Modi, who arrived in the Netherlands on Friday after a brief stopover in the UAE on the second leg of his five-nation tour, described the occasion as a joyous moment for every Indian. India has been pursuing [] The post Netherlands

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, May 16: In a significant initiative aimed at accelerating developmental works in his constituency and adjoining areas of Kathua district, BJP MLA from Jasrota constituency, Rajiv Jasrotia on Saturday met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Dr Jitendra Singh here, today and projected several key demands related to irrigation infrastructure, education and public welfare for favourable consideration. During the meeting, Jasrotia submitted detailed repres

WASHINGTON, May 16: The sweet aroma of the Kesar variety of Indian mangoes is wafting through select stores in Seattle, tickling the taste buds of food connoisseurs. A year-long initiative by the Indian Consulate General in Seattle paved the way for several varieties of Indian mangoes to be available at retail chains such as Costco. The story of Indian mangoes in the US dates back to 2006, when then US President George W Bush cleared the way for shipping the [] The post Indian mango varieties no

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 16: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today attended 9th Maati Samman Samaroh, a Purvanchal festival of art, culture, food and tourism. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also felicitated distinguished personalities from Purvanchal. Addressing a gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said that historical, cultural and spiritual bonds between Purvanchal and Maharashtra run very deep. A glimpse of it seen in Lord Rams Vanvas, when he visited Panchvati and wor

Brig Dr Vijay Sagar Dheman iijsajammu@gmail.com Going through hell Keep going, read a piece of desk graffiti in one of the classrooms at the National Defence Academy. I am sure its still there, the etchings deepened by those who came later. Tired fingers seeking solace in tradition, in the words of a nameless cadet, and in the knowledge that those who came before sweated, bled, cried and triumphed the same way. In many ways, these five words bring out the [] The post Op Sindoor: Ek Medal Mila, M

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 16: Jammus fashion landscape gets a stylish new addition with the launch of the first-ever store of Chique at Gole Market in Jammu, here today. Known for its elegant Indo-western fashion and contemporary womens wear, Chique brings a premium collection of party wear, evening wear and occasion outfits for modern women of Jammu. Adding to the excitement of the launch, the showroom is currently offering up to 50% off on most articles, giving shoppers an opportunity

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 16: J&K Bank here today organised an interaction programme with leading automobile dealers of Jammu to strengthen its vehicle finance business and enhance coordination with dealership partners across the region. The interaction was attended by General Manager (Retail, Agriculture and MSME) Rakesh Magotra, General Manager and Divisional Head (Jammu) Ashok Gupta and senior officers of the Bank, while the delegation of dealers was led by Chairperson of the Federat

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved Used Water Management Projects for Baramulla and Rajouri at an estimated cost of Rs 37.96 crore and Rs 34.43 crore respectively, aimed at strengthening sanitation infrastructure and addressing wastewater management challenges in the two urban areas. The projects, cleared by Omar Abdullah led Government, are expected to ensure scientific treatment of sewage, prevent pollution of water bodies and significantly

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today congratulated Rajouris young boxer Mohammad Yasser on winning the gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championship held in Uzbekistan. In his congratulatory message, the Chief Minister said that the young athletes remarkable achievement has brought pride and honour to Jammu & Kashmir and the entire country. He lauded Mohammad Yassers dedication, hard work and determination, saying that his success on the international

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 16: Khalsa Club Gol Gujral and Bandu Rakh Hockey Club advanced to the final of the Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji 7-A-Side Night Hockey Tournament 2026 after registering impressive victories in their respective semi-final matches. In the second semi-final, Bandu Rakh Hockey Club defeated Sahil Hockey Club Gol Gujral by 3-1 in a thrilling contest played amid an enthusiastic atmosphere. Earlier, Khalsa Club Gol Gujral booked their berth in the final after defeating

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 16: J&K Swimming Association today conducted the selection trials for the 79th Senior National Probables (Men and Women) Open Category at Jodhamal Public School in accordance with the guidelines of the Swimming Federation of India and Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, as per handout issued. The trials were organized under the leadership of Association President Ramandeep Singh Soodan, General Secretary Bharat Kumar Sharma and other office bearers of the

Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal Satyarth Panditas Grammar of the Void, a profoundly evocative collection of stories, reads like a haunting cartography of contemporary human existence, mapping the silences, fractures, anxieties, and invisible wounds that quietly inhabit modern life. The title itself is charged with philosophical depth, where the void is not simply emptiness, but a dense landscape of memory, guilt, displacement, loneliness, emotional exhaustion, and suppressed despair. With remarkable emo

Excelsior Sports Correspondent UDHAMPUR, May 16: The Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), Udhampur, organized the District-Level Inter-School Competitions for Under-14 and Under-17 boys, witnessing enthusiastic participation from students across the district. The competitions recorded a total participation of 194 students, including 70 participants in the U-14 category and 124 in the U-17 category. The events were conducted in a disciplined and competitive atmosphere under the superv

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 16: The Inter Army Public Schools (Western Command) U-17 Girls Football Tournament concluded after three days of thrilling football action and spirited competition. The tournament, held from May 14 to 16, witnessed participation from five prominent Army Public Schools of Western Command including APS Kandrori, APS Ambala, APS Noida, APS Jammu Cantt and APS Tibri. Organized on a league basis, the tournament showcased remarkable teamwork, discipline and ou

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 16: A two-day Jammu Division Karate Championship was organized by the Traditional Karate Association of J&K on May 15 and 16 at Indoor Sports Complex Bhagwati Nagar. Around 400 students from different districts of Jammu division participated in the championship, showcasing their talent and competitive spirit in various karate events. Ritika, Manager Indoor Stadium Bhagwati Nagar, attended the event as the chief guest and distributed medals among the winn

Ashok Ogra ashokogra@gmail.com Neuroscience is a broad church and has long-drawn public interest. To treat the human brain requires exceptional patience, precision and judgment. Most doctors memoirs or autobiographies tend to be too technical for the average reader. However, Healer in Exile: The Untold Story of Dr. Sushil Razdan deals with themes of resilience, service, and displacement. Presented as Dr. Razdans life story as narrated to his engineer son, Sachin, the book traces his journey thro

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 16: A week-long Inter-School Zonal Level Sports competitions-cum-trials for under-14 and under-17 boys and girls concluded at Indoor Stadium Akhnoor. The event was organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Zone Akhnoor. The competitions were held in Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Chess, Yoga, Table Tennis, Cricket, Badminton, Basketball, Football and Wrestling disciplines. Around 1,820 students from Government and private educational insti

There is a particular kind of injustice that wears the mask of bureaucratic delay. It does not arrive with fanfare or confrontation. It simply accumulates, year upon year, until the weight of it becomes unbearable for those condemned to carry it. This is precisely what approximately 3,000 non-gazetted employees across five Government Medical Colleges GMC Kathua, Doda, Rajouri, Anantnag, and Baramulla have been enduring since their appointment in 2019. No promotions. No Departmental Promotion C

Incriminating material seized Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 16: Police today conducted searches at more than 15 locations in Sopore in district Baramulla in connection with a case registered against banned outfit Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp An official said that the searches were carried out at Jamia Qadeem, Naseem Bagh, Krankshivan, Tarzoo, Amargarh, Warpora, Bomai, Boitingoo and other areas of Sopo

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 16: The High Court has held that the Government has powers to make an interim arrangement of Chairman J&K Cooperative Bank Ltd in absence of its Board of Directors (BoD) and dismissed the application seeking stay of such interim arrangement. Justice Sanjay Dhar refused to stay the Government order dated 15.4.2026 whereby an interim arrangement was made for appointment of Chairman of the Bank. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The petitioner-Moha

CHANDIGARH, May 16: A Sub-Divisional Magistrate posted in Punjabs Gurdaspur was on Saturday arrested in connection with the Rs 1.63 crore embezzlement of funds linked to the land acquisition for a national highway project in 2018-2019, police said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Anupreet Kaur, a 2012-batch Punjab Civil Services officer, was held from her from her official residence in Gurdaspur. She was currently posted as SDM, Gurdaspur. She was also holding the charge of the mu

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the transfers and postings of two police officers with immediate effect in the interest of administration. According to an order issued by the Home Department, Krishan Kumar, the 2019 batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer, who was awaiting posting, has been appointed as SSP CTFD, replacing Deepika, the 2018 batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer, who has been directed to await further posting at the Police Headquarters, J&K. Foll

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 16: Two tourists from Gujarat were killed after a Tavera vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge on the Pahalgam-Aru route in south Kashmirs Anantnag district today. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Three others, including the driver, were injured in the accident and shifted to hospital for treatment. Click here to watch video An official said that the deceased were identified as Bawin Bhavsar, son of Mahesh Bhavsar, and Nain

GANGTOK, May 16 : Sikkim occupied the national spotlight on Saturday as two senior leaders of the union government Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan and union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia participated in engagements that underlined the Himalayan states rising strategic, cultural and ecological significance. The visit of Vice-President Radhakrishnan to attend the 51st State Day celebrations and union Minister Scindias focus on biodiversity and sustainable tourism, together reflected the Centres