Daily Excelsior

CHANDIGARH, Mar 22: Punjab Police, in a joint operation with the Border Security Force, busted a cross-border smuggling module and recovered 24.5 kg heroin and Rs 21.5 lakh cash from three individuals, a senior police officer said on Sunday. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had links with Pakistan-based handlers, officials said. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the accused have been identified as Jagjit Singh alias Rana, Manpreet Singh and Roshan Singh, all residen

NEW DELHI, Mar 22:Dredging Corporation of India is looking to more than double its topline to Rs 3,000 crore in the next five years, the companys MD & CEO Capt S Divakar said, adding that the company is looking to explore new markets and areas to achieve this goal. Visakhapatnam-based Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCIL) is the countrys premier dredging company with around five decades of experience in dredging operations, maritime infrastructure and inland waterways. We are one of [] The po

New Delhi, Mar 22: A 14-year-old girl suffering from a rare form of cancer that left her unable to swallow food, which significantly affected her daily life and nutrition, was given a new lease of life at a city hospital here. Doctors successfully treated the teenagers aggressive form of cancer, known as signet ring cell carcinoma, at the gastro-oesophageal (GE) junction, where the food pipe meets the stomach. Due to the severe impact of her condition on her daily life, [] The post New lease of

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI, Mar 22:The Air India Group has been significantly impacted by the Middle East conflict and the financial impact is yet to be fully felt, according to Air India chief Campbell Wilson, who has also stressed the need for having a tighter-than-ever control of unnecessary expenditure. Loss-making Air India and Air India Express have been grappling with operational disruptions like other airlines since the start of the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran on February 28. In th

NEW DELHI, Mar 22:With 70 per cent of its best-selling electric vehicle model Windsor coming from non-metros, JSW MG Motor India is stepping up efforts to accelerate sales by leveraging the opportunity through increased awareness, according to a senior company official. The MG Windsor has clocked cumulative sales of about 65,000 units since its launch in October 2024. Of the total sales of the model, four metros Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai accounted for 30 per cent and rest [] The post

NEW DELHI, Mar 22:Insolvency appellate tribunal NCLAT has exempted IL&FS Group companies categorised as red and amber from corporate social responsibility (CSR) on account of interest expenses accrued on their loan amount. The order will benefit around 50 amber and red companies of the debt-ridden IL&FS Group, which are protected under the moratorium granted by the NCLAT from its order dated October 15, 2018. These red and amber entities have not been accruing interest on their outstanding deb

NEW DELHI, Mar 22:Czech automotive brand Skoda is eyeing up to 12 per cent sales growth in India this year on the back of ten product actions and network expansion in the country, according to a senior company official. Skoda Auto India, which has launched the facelift version of its mid-sized SUV Kushaq, has set its eyes on crossing the 1 lakh annual sales milestone in future, but not in 2026, having sold close to 72,000 units in 2025, its [] The post Skoda Auto India eyeing up to 12 pc sales g

NEW DELHI, Mar 22: The combined market valuation of five of the top-10 most-valued firms eroded by Rs 1 lakh crore last week, with HDFC Bank taking the biggest hit. Last week, the BSE benchmark Sensex dipped 30.96 points, or 0.04 per cent, and the NSE Nifty slipped 36.6 points, or 0.15 per cent. Markets ended the week on a largely flat note with a negative bias, reflecting underlying caution among participants. The tone remained positive during the first three [] The post Mcap of five of top-10

KOLKATA, Mar 22:The poll promise by the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) to raise the minimum daily wage of tea garden workers to Rs 300 has drawn a cautious response from industry stakeholders, who said any wage revision must take into account the fragile financial condition of the sector and follow the established consultative mechanism involving employers, trade unions and the government. In its election manifesto for the West Bengal assembly polls, the ruling party pledged to increase the

KOCHI, Mar 22: A case has been registered against two US nationals for allegedly flying a drone near the Coast Guard Headquarters in Fort Kochi, police said on Sunday. The accused Katie Michelle Phelps (32) and Christopher Ross Harvey (35) are from California. According to police officials at Fort Kochi police station, the duo had arrived in Kochi as tourists and were spotted flying a drone to record videos near the Coast Guard Headquarters on Saturday morning. They were noticed [] The post Two

Leh (Ladakh), Mar 22: Leh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk who returned to the region after his release from detention has said he is ready to engage in dialogue on issues linked to Ladakh. Wangchuk said he felt positive about returning to the mountains after nearly six months. I am feeling very good. After 170 days, coming to these mountains and meeting people, I hope that a new sun will rise for the cause for which we are working. We are [] The post New Sun Will Rise For The Cause: Sonam

New Delhi, Mar 22: Terming it a milestone rooted in service, hard work and unwavering commitment, Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that Narendra Modi setting a record of 8,931 days in public life, first as the Gujarat chief minister and now as the prime minister, reflect a deep dedication to nation-first governance, integrity in action, and tireless service to every citizen. In a message on X, Shah said Prime Minister Modi on Sunday surpassed the 8,930-day record of [] The post Milestone R

Mangaluru (Karnataka), Mar 22: An LPG cargo ship from the US arrived at the New Mangalore Port on Sunday, amid the supply constraints due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The vessel Pyxis Pioneer, which left Port of Nederland in Texas on February 14, brought 16,714 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for discharge to Aegis Logistics, officials said. The vessel follows the Russian Aqua Titan ship in reaching the port within the span of a day. [] The post US LPG Cargo Ship From Te

New Delhi, Mar 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting Sunday evening with senior ministers to review to take stock of petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors in view of the evolving West Asia situation, sources have said. The focus of the meeting is to ensure uninterrupted supply, stable logistics and efficient distribution across the country, and the government is taking proactive steps to this end, they said. Continuous monitoring of global developments to protect consumer and

New Delhi, Mar 22: The notices moved by the opposition MPs in Parliament seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have accused him of acting under the thumb of the executive, besides blaming him for mass disenfranchisement through the SIR exercise, and raising questions on his appointment. The notices submitted in the two Houses of Parliament on March 12 list seven charges against the chief election commissioner (CEC) as grounds of proved misbehaviour, calling for his rem

Nagpur, Mar 22: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that a high-level inquiry under the director general of police (DGP) is underway in the case involving Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman arrested for rape, and asserted that no one will be spared. Kharat, who claimed to be a retired Merchant Navy officer and was known as captain, had several political leaders visit him over the years, allegedly for seeking spiritual advice. He was arrested by the Nashik police [] The po

NEW DELHI, Mar 22: Former JD (U) leader KC Tyagi on Sunday joined the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in the presence of its president and Union minister Jayant Choudhary here at an event. Tyagi had on Tuesday announced his exit from the JD (U), without citing any reason. Tyagi was associated with the JD(U) since it came into existence in October 2003 with the merger of the Samata Party and the Janata Dal. He served the JD(U) in various capacities, [] The post Former JD (U) leader KC Tyagi joins RLD app

Jammu, Mar 22: The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple atop Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmirs Reasi district resumed on Sunday after its temporary suspension due to heavy rush, officials said. Authorities on Saturday suspended the pilgrimage to the cave shrine due to a heavy rush at the Bhawan, as 39,000 devotees paid obeisance at the temple till late in the afternoon. Chaitra Navratri started on March 19 and will end on March 27. The yatra has been [] The post Pilgrimage To Mata Vaishn

Uri, Mar 22: The strategic Uri-Baramulla National Highway (NH-1), the only all-weather road connecting the border town of Uri to the rest of the valley, was blocked on Sunday following a massive landslide, officials said. Eyewitnesses said a large portion of a hillock collapsed onto the carriageway, burying the road under heavy debris and bringing traffic to a grinding halt. Officials said men and machinery were rushed to the spot to clear the debris. No casualties or injuries were reported [] T

Dubai [UAE], Mar 22: Indias 11-year-old Formula 1 hopeful, Atiqa Mir, has surpassed expectations in her first year of karting in the age 12-14 category on the highly competitive European circuit, said a release. Racing remains a male-dominated sport, and boys older than Atiqa often try to bully her on the track. With special talent and ability on her side, the first Indian to be backed by the Formula 1 Academy doesnt shy away from bullying them back in a [] The post They Bully Me, I Bully Them B

JAMMU, Mar 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday flagged off the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Pracheen Marg Pavitra Chhari Yatra and participated in the auspicious rituals. In a post on X, Office of J&K LG, wrote, Flagged off Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Pracheen Marg Pavitra Chhari Yatra, today. Also, joined the devotees for the auspicious Pratham Puja & offered prayers at the revered Kol Kandoli Temple, Nagrota. The post further read, Wishing all [] The post LG Manoj Si

NEW DELHI, Mar 22: The Supreme Court has directed all the states and Union territories to furnish updated details relating to jails, including the sanctioned capacity of each prison and steps taken to check overcrowding, by May 18. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta also asked the states and UTs to provide details about the number of womens prisons within their jurisdictions and the facilities available in them, including the measures taken to ensure education and overall [] The p

NEW DELHI, Mar 22: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday greeted the people of Bihar on the states formation day and said they will play an important role in the development of Bihar and the entire country with their boundless talent and hard work. Bihar was carved out of Bengal on March 22, 1912. Heartfelt greetings of Bihar Day to all the people of Bihar residing in the country and abroad. As the land of the worlds first republic, and along [] The post President Droupadi Murmu greets people on Bi

VACANCIES FOR PROJECT MANAGER/ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS/ ACCOUNTS ASSISTANTS M/S JK ELECTRIC ENGINEERS PVT. LTD. JAMMU IS LOOKING FOR PROJECT MANAGER/ ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS/ ACCOUNTS ASSISTANTS FOR THEIR PROJECT SITES & OFFICE WORKS. * THE PROJECT MANAGER MUST BE DEGREE / DIPLOMA IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING WITH MORE THAN 5 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN ELECTRICAL PROJECTS, MUST BE WELL VERSANT WITH WORKING ON COMPUTER AND MUST HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF PROJECT HANDLING. * THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS MUST BE DEGREE / DIP

Chandigarh, Mar 22: Police have booked former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar in connection with the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official, officials said on Sunday. Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar, allegedly took his own life by consuming a poisonous substance on Saturday. The police also booked Bhullars father, Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and personal assistant Dilbag Singh. The FIR has been registered under s

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: A two day long exhibition, showcasing the latest in luxury fashion and lifestyle from top designers across India, by FaMa was today inaugurated in Jammu. Click here to watch video The exhibition is drawing strong and positive response from customers, who said they are excited to get high end products under one roof. It is being held at Radisson Blu, The event encompassing a diverse collection from over 30 designers, ranging from couture to western [] The po

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Celebrating the vibrant culture, traditions and unity of Northeast India, Sharda University, Greater Noida today organized the 9th Edition of the Northeast Cultural Fest Belliatus Cultura at the Anand Swaroop Auditorium., The event was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished dignitaries including Y K Gupta, Pro Chancellor, Sharda University, Prashant Gupta, CEO, Sharda Corporation, Priyanka J Gupta, Trustee, Sharda Corporation,

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Celebrating 25 years of academic excellence, Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT) has emerged as a premier institution in technical education, research and innovation, significantly contributing to positioning Himachal Pradesh as a preferred destination for quality higher education. In this regard, a press meet was organised by JUIT to highlight their achievements. Addressing the conference, Prof Tiratha Raj Singh, Associate Dean (Innovation)

The Union Cabinets approval of a Rs 2,584.60 crore Small Hydro Power Development Scheme marks a significant inflexion point in Indias renewable energy trajectory, with particular relevance for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. In regions where energy scarcity coexists paradoxically with vast hydropower potential, the shift toward decentralised, small-scale hydro projects is a strategic necessity. For decades, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have remained energy-deficient despite po

Alaknanda Mahajan & Manvika Bamba alakmahajan26@gmail.com Bollywood superstar Salman Khans upcoming film now renamed as Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace is set to bring one of the most painful and defining episodes of contemporary Indian history to the big screen. The film is based on a series of violent skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh in June 2020. It revisits a moment that shook the nation, altered the dynamics of India-China relations, and permanently etched t

Prof Suresh Chander suresh.chander@gmail.com Land Is Not Civilization We repeat, almost ritualistically, that India is eternal. We celebrate the rivers, the monsoon, the mountains. We sing, (Is desh ki Dharti sona ugle) this land yields gold. The metaphor reassures us that fertile geography guarantees permanence. But geography guarantees nothing except physical continuity. The Nile still flows. The Tigris and Euphrates still irrigate fields. Italys plains still produce grain. Yet Pharaonic Egyp

Dr Rakesh Verma rakeshforests@gmail.com Kaan Sakhiyan is a beautiful and deeply rooted regional celebration originating from the Duggar region, particularly observed during the auspicious nine nights of Navratra. While its presence is now more prominent in the villages and smaller towns of the area, its essence remains a powerful testament to the regions rich cultural heritage. At its core, Kaan Sakhiyan revolves around the coming together of young girls, who, infused with devotion, excitement,

Dr Sanjeev Puri purisanjeev1@yahoo.co.in This is the story of 57 years of modern transport in late 19th to mid 20th century in the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir in the Dogra Maharajas rule under Partap Singh and Hari Singh, when the state was connected to the British India by rail. It was a dream project of Partap Singh costing a sum of Rs 9.60 Lakh lent by the Dharmarth Trust and this amount was recovered from revenue collected from [] The post Railways Heritage in Ruins appeared first on

Bageshree Charak Jamwal farijamwal@gmail.com For nearly a decade, Dubai has been the rhythm of my daily life, the city where ambitions grow as steadily as the desert skyline. It is a place where innovation rises from the sands, where cultures from across the world converge, and where the impossible often feels merely like the next project waiting to be built. From its bustling financial districts to its serene desert horizons, Dubai embodies a spirit of optimism and opportunity that continues []

The latest fraud unearthed in the Jammu Central Cooperative Bank is not an aberration-it is part of a disturbing and recurring pattern within banking institutions. The modus operandi remains strikingly familiar: misuse of privileged access, manipulation of internal systems, and diversion of depositors money into personal or relatives accounts through digital channels. That such practices continue to surface despite repeated regulatory advisories raises fundamental questions about governance and

Rohit Tikoo Name of Book : From Borderline To Byline Author : Colonel Satish Singh Lalotra (Retd.) Publisher: Evincepub Publishing | First Edition, February 2026 | 253 pages | Rs 400 There is a particular kind of seeing that comes only from standing watch. Not the hurried gaze of the tourist or the methodical sweep of the scientist, but something quieter and more intimate the attention of someone who has been made responsible for a place. Colonel Satish Singh [] The post A manifesto of seeing a

Dr Rakesh K Pandit 7pandit77@gmail.com Book Name: Peediyu Ki Peer (Masnavi Poetry) Author: Deepak Sopori Pages: 91 Price: Rs. 179 The book titled Peediyu Ki Peer presents heartfelt human emotions and brings a depth of understanding and sensitivity of the author Deepak Sopori. This collection, his maiden poetry anthology, explores the themes, including fearless conscience, duty, longing, sorrow, conflict, truth and self-discovery. The themes explored in the book are diverse and wide-ranging. The

Dr. Daisy Parihar daisy.parihar@gmail.com There are stories that make headlines for a day and then disappear. And then there are stories that never truly leave they settle quietly into the heart, lingering long after the noise fades. Harish Ranas story is one of those. It is not just the story of a young man. It is the story of a dream that once shone brightly, of parents who refused to give up, of years filled with hope and helplessness, [] The post The Silent Goodbye of Harish Rana appeared f

Fayaz Bukhari SRINAGAR, Mar 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its global impact. Speaking to reporters after offering Eid prayers at Hazratbal here, the Chief Minister called for an immediate end to what he described as an unjust war against Iran launched by the United States of America and Israel. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp We should have only one prayer today-that this unjust war should end as [] The post Oma

BJP holds Kissan Mela, meeting Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: J&K BJP president and MP (Rajya Sabha), Sat Sharma CA addressed an organizational meeting of district Akhnoor. J&K BJP vice-president, Bharat Bhushan, district president, Akhnoor Kuldeep Sharma, MLA Mohan Lal Bhagat, former Minister Bali Bhagat, former MLA, Rajiv Sharma, and senior leaders including Vinay Mahajan, Daljit Singh Chib, Jagdish Bhagat, and Captain (retd) Daler Singh, among others attended the meeting. Sat Sharma,

BEIJING, Mar 21: Over 100 people, including members of the diplomatic corps and friends of India, watched a special screening of a popular Hindi film showcasing its power of building bridges at the Culture Centre of Indian Consulate in Shanghai. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, directed by Zoya Akhtar, was screened for the guests on Friday when Consul General Pratik Mathur said: Indian movies remain a strong calling card of Indias soft power here in China. Mathur underlined the importance of [] The pos

Release of central share of Rs 111.66 cr Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD), Rajiv Ranjan Singh, for the release of the central share of Rs. 111.66 Cr to implement the approved fisheries development project in the UT of Jammu Kashmir. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor has said: I am grateful [] The

Excelsior Sports Correspondent KARGIL, Mar 21: On the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, a moment of pride and celebration has come for Ladakh as its Taekwondo athletes delivered outstanding performances at the All India Inter-University Taekwondo Championships 2026. Continuing an impressive legacy, taekwondo players from Ladakh have maintained a consistent medal-winning streak at the national level since 2021, showcasing exceptional talent, discipline and determination. Adding to this, Internation

HALDWANI (Uttarakhand), Mar 21: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modis competence and foresight for safeguarding India from the ripple effects of global instability, asserting that the country has remained secure despite the escalating conflict in West Asia. Speaking at an event here on the completion of four years of the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led governments second term in Uttarakhand, the defence minister backed the prime ministers stance that war is no

7 more BSF bns being deployed on IB to check infiltration *More being trained in Andhra for stepping-up operations Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Mar 21: Trained in dense forests of Andhra Pradesh with elite Army units, nearly 350 Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel have been deployed in snow-bound areas, rugged mountainous terrain and dense forests to track down the terrorists and their support system in Jammu and Kashmir while with a view to ensure zero infiltration from the International Border (

BUCHAREST (Romania), Mar 21 : Dozens of models with Down syndrome strutted down a catwalk at a fashion show in Romanias capital for an evening celebrating style, atypical beauty and courage to mark World Down Syndrome Day. The SEEN Anonymous Seamstresses Gala in Bucharest brought together designers from across the country, who created garments with great kindness, care and creativity for young people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Georgeta Bucur, the president of Down Pl

ISLAMABAD, Mar 21: Pakistan will not allow terrorists operating from Afghanistan to spoil peace and endanger its security, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Saturday. Munir visited Kurram on the border with Afghanistan to spend Eid-ul-Fitr with the troops and officers, where he offered Eid prayers, according to a statement by the army. During his interaction with troops and officers, he lauded their achievements during Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, aime

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: A 20-year-old youth died after he was found hanging inside his rented accommodation in Malik Market area here, officials said. Salman Miyan, son of Rahim Miyan of Kedar Parsa, Rasulpur, Bihar, at present Umar Colony, Malik Market, Jammu, was spotted hanging from the ceiling fan inside his rented accommodation with the help of a dupatta by his family members on March 20, they said. Accordingly, he was taken to Government Medical College Jammu the same [] The

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: An 85-year-old Jammu resident Chaman Lal has undergone a bilateral knee replacement surgery at a hospital in Amritsar, offering him renewed mobility and improved quality of life. The complex procedure was performed by noted orthopedic surgeon Dr Ranjit Singh using the advanced AI-powered 3D Robolens Technique. Chaman Lal had long been suffering from severe knee pain and limited movement due to age-related degeneration, making daily activities difficult. His

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) and Yukhant Mandli Ashram (YMA) today offered their heartfelt homage to the innocent Kashmiri Pandit martyrs of the Sangrampora massacre of March 21-22, 1997-one of the most tragic and painful chapters in the history of the community. In the quiet village of Sangrampora in Budgam district, seven innocent Kashmiri Pandits were brutally dragged from their homes and shot dead in a targeted act of terror. These martyrs inclu