Daily Excelsior

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today handed over the appointment letter, under J&K Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme 2022, to Alka Sharma, wife of martyr Sub-Inspector Deepak Sharma. The Lieutenant Governor assured all possible assistance and support to the bereaved family. The J&K Police Braveheart made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in 2024 while courageously fighting and neutralizing a most-wanted gangster in Kathua. The post LG hands over appo

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 2: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah today urged the Govt of India to take an active role in rallying the international community to halt the ongoing conflict in West Asia, warning that inaction could push the world closer to an economic abyss. Click here to watch video Speaking to the media- persons in Jammu today, Farooq said, If the current conflict is left unattended, its ripple effects will not just be [] The post Faroo

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, April 2: President of J&K BJP and Member of Parliament, Sat Sharma, raised an important issue concerning the upgradation of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), in the Rajya Sabha through an unstarred question. Sat Sharma, seeking clarity from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, inquired about the progress achieved for 336 kms Jammu-Srinagar National Highway under Bharatmala Phase-I, assessment of improvements in travel efficiency and logistics mov

Excelsior Correspondent BJP MLA alleges scam in drugs JAMMU, Apr 2: As BJP MLA RS Pathania today alleged fraud in purchase of cancer drugs in the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo said that the Cancer Institutes and Oncology departments in Jammu and Kashmir are functioning as Day Care Centres exclusively for the administration of chemotherapy for solid tumours and these services are being provided strictly in accordance with the mandat

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, April 2: A delegation of Shiv Mandir Charitable Trust led by Shiv Partap Gupta, president of the Trust, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, today. Among others, Anil Gupta (senior vice president, Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Jammu), Rajinder Saraf (senior vice-president of the Trust) and Rajinder Singh (member of the Trust) were also part of the delegation. The post Shiv Mandir Trust delegation meets LG appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

* CM thanks Union Minister Shivraj Singh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 2: The Union Government has given one years extension to 74 PMGSY-I roads involving funds worth over Rs 300 crores in the Jammu and Kashmir till March 2027. The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approving the Jammu and Kashmir Governments proposal to extend the timeline of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 2: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today convened a meeting to assess the progress achieved under the District Business Reforms Action Plan (D-BRAP)-2025 across various districts and departments of Jammu and Kashmir. The reforms are being implemented under the guidance of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The meeting, coordinated by the Industries & Commerce Department, was attended by the concerned Administrative Secretaries, s

Rs 15.94 cr compensation, jobs also pending *Govt Deptts, security forces owe Rs 3747 cr electricity dues Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Apr 2: Notwithstanding the agreement signed between Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab Government way back in the year 1979 for 20 percent power supply to J&K out of total power generated at Thein Dam and Shahpur Kandi barrage, the UT is not getting any such supply because of lack of transmission infrastructure. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Not [] The post 2

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, April 2: The 72-hour strike by non-gazetted (N-G) Health and Medical College employees across Jammu and Kashmir entered its second day today, further intensifying disruption in Government hospitals and significantly increasing patient suffering. Outpatient Department (OPD) services and elective surgeries remained suspended for the second consecutive day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, forcing a large number of patients to return from hospitals without treatment. Scenes of

Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Apr 2: In recognition of its exemplary initiatives in water management and conservation, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has been conferred with the prestigious Jal Yodha Samman. The award was presented at Vishalakshi Mantap during a National Level Programme organized by the Art of Living Foundation in Bengaluru in the presence of renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and other dignitaries. Supported by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Jal Shakt

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 2: The Finance Department of Jammu and Kashmir Government has fixed a 20-day timeline for issuance of new excise licenses under JKEL-12, JKEL-13 and JKEL-14 categories, covering denatured, industrial and institutional spirits, respectively. As per the order, for JKEL-12 licenses-which include wholesale of denatured spirit, and wholesale, retail, possession and use of denatured spirit-the Deputy Excise Commissioner (Executive) has been designated as the authorit

DUBAI, Apr 2: Iran fired more missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states on Thursday, demonstrating Tehrans continued ability to strike its neighbours even as US President Donald Trump claimed the threat from the country was nearly eliminated. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Irans attacks on Gulf states along with its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted the worlds energy supplies with effects far beyond the Middle East. That has proved to be Irans greatest strategic [] T

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 2: The 8th meeting of the Academic Council of Cluster University of Jammu was held today under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor, Prof K S Chandrasekar. The Academic Council confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting along with the Action Taken Report and approved several key academic reforms aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 and University Grants Commission guidelines. Among the major decisions was the approval of statutory

Bar Annual Sports Meet Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 2: The sixth day of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association Jammu Annual Sports Meet 2026 witnessed vibrant participation and high spirits among members of the Bar. MLAs from both Jammu and Kashmir provinces, including Arjun Singh Raju (Ramban), Sajjad Shaheen (Banihal), Reyaz Khan (Anantnag), Zaffar Khatana (Kokarnag), and Shabbir Kulle (Shopian), visited the cricket field, interacted with players, and appreciated the efforts of t

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Apr 2: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said any misadventure from Indias neighbour, Pakistan, in the prevailing situation would invite an unprecedented and decisive action. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Singh, speaking at a Sainik Samman Sammelan in poll-bound Kerala, said that following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India had destroyed the terrorist hideouts and infrastructure in Pakistan. He contended that after the

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 2: J&K BJP Mahila Morcha led by its president, Neha Mahajan here today met HP Governor, Kavinder Gupta at his residence in Jammu. During interaction with the HP Governor, Neha Mahajan talked about his remarkable journey and dedicated service to the nation and the party. She expressed confidence that under the visionary leadership of Kavinder, Himachal Pradesh will achieve new milestones of progress and development. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participa

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Apr 2: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today highlighted that the Government is systematically nurturing scientific temper among school students through inclusive and future-oriented initiatives like Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA), ensuring equitable access for rural, underprivileged, and aspiring young minds across th

Khelo India Tribal Games Ranjit Thakur JAMMU, Apr 2: Rising from a remote village with limited access to basic amenities, a 33-year-old constable of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Hansraj, scripted an inspiring journey of perseverance by clinching a bronze medal in the 10,000 metres event at the Khelo India Tribal Games held in Jagdalpur. A resident of village Janota, located about 12 kilometres from Billawar in Kathua district, Hansraj was part of an 11-member athletics contingent representing t

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 2: The encounter in Ganderbal in which a local was killed needs a transparent and time bound probe with the facts made public, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Army on Wednesday said a local terrorist was killed a terrorist in an overnight encounter in Arahama in the Valleys Ganderbal district. The family of Rashid Ahmed Mughal claimed he was innocent and has demanded an FIR as [] The post CM f

Vacancies in NIT Srinagar Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 2: National Conference Member of Parliament, Mian Altaf Ahmad has written to the Union education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan raising the issue and concern of vacant key positions in NIT Srinagar over a long period of time now which is hampering the functioning of this vital institution. Altaf wrote a letter to the Union Education Minister urging him to appoint and fill these key positions on priorities. Discussed the issue of NIT

Jammu, Apr 2: In a major breakthrough in the investigation of the Thanamandi terror attack, the State Investigation Agency Jammu and Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against an accused for allegedly harbouring terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front involved in the killing of a civilian. In a statement, SIA J&K has filed a charge sheet before the designated court against Sabar Hussain for harbouring terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)/The Resistance Front (TRF),

JAMMU, Apr 2: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has sanctioned the relieving of four police officers for temporary deputation to the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for Haj2026 duties. See Order Copy Click Here The post Four J&K Police Officers Deputed For Haj Duties In Saudi Arabia appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Apr 2: Amid an anticipated surge in pilgrim traffic during the summer vacation period, the Northern Railways Jammu Division on Thursday announced 40 additional runs of the special train between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station, an official said. Jammu Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the extension from April 15 to July 16 has been approved in view of the trains immense popularity and the 100 per cent occupancy recorded during its earlier []

Srinagar, Apr 2: The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir has designated district-wise nodal officers to address public grievances related to essential commodities and to supervise the functioning of District Control Rooms across Kashmir division. According to an official order, issued by the office of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir , the move aims to ensure timely redressal of complaints and streamline monitoring mechanisms at the district level. As per the order, Mr. Aadil Fareed (ADC Srinagar) h

Jammu, Apr 2: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday introduced two bills in the legislative assembly aimed at decriminalising certain offences to ease doing business and establishing private universities in the Union Territory. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced a Bill to amend certain enactments, decriminalising and rationalising offences for ease of living and ease of doing business and also to repeal certain enactments in the assembly. Education Minister Sakeena Itoo introduced a

JAMMU, Apr 2: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday rejected a Private Members resolution seeking establishment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Jammu region. The resolution was moved by Legislator Narinder Singh Raina which reads, this House urges for the proposal of establishment of a Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in the Jammu region: a strategic imperative for Viksit Bharat @2047. Legislators Mir Saifullah of National Conference and Nizam-ud-Din Bhat of

NEW DELHI, Apr 2: The Government has announced measures to help exporters tackle the impact of the West Asia crisis and some more decisions are on the anvil, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. An US-Israel attack launched on Iran in February has disrupted movement of ships in the international waters. It has also pushed air freight and insurance cost for traders. To help exporters, the government has announced certain decisions through a relief package and some [] The

MUMBAI, Apr 2: Staging a spirited recovery, stock markets pared early losses to close higher on Thursday, with the benchmark Sensex rising by 185 points and the broader Nifty settling above 22,700 on strong value buying in IT and banking shares and a sharp rebound in the rupee. Rebounding more than 2,000 points from the days low, the 30-share BSE Sensex finally settled higher by 185.23 points, or 0.25 per cent, at 73,319.55. The index opened lower and tanked further [] The post Stock markets sta

MUMBAI, Apr 2: The rupee logged one of its steepest single-day gains in many years and settled 156 paise higher at 93.14 (provisional) against the US dollar on Thursday after the Reserve Bank stepped in with a slew of measures to restrict banks from onshore forward markets. The domestic unit, however, remained under pressure due to the unabated withdrawal of foreign capital, a strengthening dollar, and rising crude oil prices amid a volatile geopolitical situation, forex analysts said. At the []

GUWAHATI, Apr 2: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday asserted that the BJP was not against any caste, religion or language, and that unity in diversity is our essence. Addressing a poll rally in Assams Palasbari constituency, he said that the relaxation on granting voting rights to people of specific religion was as per the margdarshan (guidance) of the Constitution. The BJP is not against any caste, region, religion or language. Unity in diversity is our essence. But the foreign [] The pos

JAMMU, Apr 2: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (JK&L) has officially released the sitting roster for its judges, effective from April 6 to June 6, 2026. See Order Copy Click Here.. The post J&K | High Court Issues New Judge Roster For Jammu And Srinagar Wings appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SRINAGAR, Apr 2: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday said they have filed a charge-sheet against five officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and a private beneficiary for allegedly facilitating illegal construction of a commercial complex in Rajbagh by misusing official permissions. In a statement, a spokesperson said the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau produced Charge sheet in case FIR No. 11/2020 for the commission of offences U/S 5(1)(d) r/w5(2) of J&K Prevent

By T N Ashok There is a particular irony embedded in the story of film festivals and Indias capital. For decades, Delhi was the centre-piece of the nations most prestigious cinematic gathering. The Vigyan Bhavan echoed with the chatter of international directors. The Siri Fort Auditorium complex, built in the 1980s and still one of the subcontinents finest multi-auditorium cultural venues, was purpose-designed with film festivals in mind. Foreign luminaries walked the corridors of South Block an

NEW DELHI, Apr 2: The Delhi High Court on Thursday gave a final opportunity to former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and others to respond to a plea by the Enforcement Directorate to expunge unwarranted remarks made against it by the trial court while discharging them in the liquor policy case. Observing that none of the respondents, except one, filed their responses even after seeking time on the last date of hearing, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said [] The post Exci

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Apr 2: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that there is no dearth of fuel or gas in the country and India was ready to deal with any energy crisis resulting out of the ongoing West Asia conflict. Singh, speaking at a Sainik Samman Sammelan in poll-bound Kerala, said that Indian Navy ships were safely escorting the countrys tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for maritime trade and an Iranian territory. The defence minister further [] The post N

NEW DELHI, Apr 2:Padma Viswanathan, a Canadian-American writer of Indian-origin, has made it to the 2026 International Booker Prize shortlist as the English translator of a Portuguese language novella. On Earth As It Is Beneath by Brazilian author Ana Paula Maia, described by judges as a brutal, haunting and hypnotic novella set in a remote Brazilian penal colony, where the boundaries between justice and cruelty collapse, is among the six worldwide contenders for the coveted literary honour. The

SRINAGAR, Apr 2: Police on Thursday attached a residential house worth Rs 30 lakhs in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. As part of intensified campaign against narcotics trafficking and with an aim to dismantle the financial network of the drug trade, police in Pulwama district has attached a double-storied residential house valued at approximately Rs 30 lakhs, situated at Waghama, a police spokesperson said. The spokesperson s

JAMMU, Apr 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the developments at the international level remain beyond the control of both the Union government and the people, asserting that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir will largely mirror the broader national scenario. He said the Union territory is currently not facing any shortage of essential supplies, including fuel, and that stocks are sufficient for the next 10 to 15 days. Abdullah was speaking to mediapersons on the West Asia [] The

NEW DELHI, Apr 2: Raymond Realty Ltd on Thursday reported a more than two-fold jump in its sales bookings to Rs 1,519 crore for the quarter ended March, on better demand for its residential properties. Its sales bookings stood at Rs 636 crore in the year-ago period. In a regulatory filing, Raymond Realty said its sales bookings or pre-sales rose 31 per cent to Rs 3,023 crore during the full 2025-26, from Rs 2,314 crore in the preceding financial year. [] The post Raymond Realty Q4 pre-sales jump

NEW DELHI, Apr 2: Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday issued a one-week deadline to the Department of Posts for integrating its pension services with the telecom departments SAMPANN portal. Speaking at an event in the national capital, Scindia directed top officials from both departments to end ongoing discussions and finalise the integration immediately. Why is it that the postal department is not using the Sampann portal? I want (officials) to meet straight after this f

JAMMU, Apr 2: Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, today introduced a Bill in the Legislative Assembly for the establishment and incorporation of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir. The Bill, titled A Bill for the Establishment and Incorporation of Private Universities in Jammu and Kashmir and for Ensuring Academic Standards to Safeguard Quality Education and Protect the Interests of Students (L.A. Bill No. 08 of 2026), has already been published in an extraordinary issue of the Official

JAMMU, Apr 2: Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandit today informed the House that the Lieutenant Governor has assented to three Bills passed by Legislative Assembly (LA). Informing the House, the Secretary read, The Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bill No. 1 of 2026); The Jammu and Kashmir Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bill No. 2 of 2026) and Jammu and Kashmir State Civil Courts (Amendment) B

New Delhi, Apr 2: All central government employees have been mandated to complete competency-linked courses relevant to their role or level on a dedicated online platform annually, which will reflect in their annual performance appraisal reports, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. The government has adopted a competency-based capacity building approach, focusing on role-based learning, continuous skill development, and alignment of training with role requirements, Union Minister of State

DUBAI, Apr 2: Iran responded to US President Donald Trumps address to Americans on the war with new missile attacks targeting Israel and the Gulf Arab states Thursday, underlining Tehrans insistence that it rejected Washingtons outreach for a ceasefire while maintaining its grip on the Strait of Hormuz. Britain planned to hold a call Thursday with nearly three dozen countries about how to reopen the strait, through which 20 per cent of all oil and natural gas traded passes in [] The post Iran fi

NEW DELHI, Apr 2: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday demanded the Government should clarify in the Rajya Sabha whether the House would be adjourned to a later date or sine die, amid what he called unhealthy media speculation. Rising after papers were laid in the Upper House, Ramesh sought an explanation from Leader of the House J P Nadda and the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs. Today, is the House going to be adjourned till a later date or [] The post Sine die or later? Cong see

CHANDIGARH, Apr 2: Punjab police on Thursday said it has unearthed an inter-state illegal arms supply module with the arrest of four persons. Patiala police also recovered 10 sophisticated self-loading firearms, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were sourcing country-made weapons from Bihar and supplying them in Punjab for criminal activities, he said. Further probe indicates gang rivalry, with plans to target a rival criminal linke

KOLKATA, Apr 2: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday turned BJP leader Suvendu Adhikaris nomination filing from Bhabanipur into a high-voltage political spectacle, claiming he had a shortcut to bring about paribartan (change) in West Bengal: defeating Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her own constituency. Shah said while the BJP would otherwise have to win 170 seats to form the government with a comfortable majority, a victory for Adhikari in Bhabanipur alone would automatically bring chan

JAMMU, Apr 2: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he will address the issue of pending commitments related to the Ranjit Sagar Dam with his Punjab counterpart. Abdullahs statement comes after the BJP raised concerns about alleged violations of the intergovernmental agreement overseeing the project. The Ranjit Sagar Dam, also known as the Thein Dam, is a major 600 MW hydroelectric project on the Ravi river near Basohli in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir and Pathankot, Punjab

JAMMU, Apr 2: Police on Thursday arrested a hardcore criminal in the RS Pura area of Jammu district and recovered a sharp-edged weapon from his possession, officials said. Acting on inputs, a police team arrested Davinder Kumar alias Rahul, a resident of Chak Mohd Yar in Jammu, they said. On seeing the police, the accused attempted to flee, but the officers overpowered him, they added. The police recovered a sharp-edged weapon (toka) from his possession. The accused has more than [] The post Har

JAMMU, Apr 2: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said that a total of 233 illegal commercial and residential structures have been identified in Jammu city in the last 13 months. In reply to a question of BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa in the assembly, the government said the violations pertain to 122 residential structures, 107 commercial establishments, and four falling under mixed residential-commercial use. Providing further details, the authorities said 64 commercial structures operating