Daily Excelsior

JAMMU, Apr 4: Congratulating Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, and all stakeholders, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today described the passage of J&K Private Universities Bill as a milestone moment for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed the Private Universities Bill today, marking a significant step towards shaping a brighter future for our youth, the Chief Minister said. The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed the Jammu and Kashmir

Rajouri, Apr 4: The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday trapped and arrested a head constable of Police Station Thanamandi in Rajouri district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of 10,000, officials said. The accused has been identified as Head Constable Muhammad Ilyas, posted at Thanamandi police station. The action was taken following a complaint filed by Abdul Hamid, a resident of Reasi, who alleged that the police official was demanding money for releasing his vehicle involve

NEW DELHI, Apr 4 : International Diabetes Federation (IDF) President-elect, Dr Niti Pall, currently on India visit, called on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also a noted Professor of Medicine & Diabetes, and discussed, among other things, indigenous biosimilar Insulin production as well as Diabetes related indigenous biomanufacturing prospects. The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening Indias capabilities in insulin manufacturing, particularly biosimilar insulins and Cont

JAMMU, Apr 4: Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Saturday adjourned the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly sine die after a largely well-conducted budget session that lasted for 22 sittings spread across February, March and April. The assembly session commenced on February 2 with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presenting the Budget on February 6, while the House passed grants for various departments after detailed discussions conducted in twin sittings each day till February 20. After a five-weeks

NEW DELHI, Apr 4: The defence ministry has initiated the process for the indigenous design and development of a 1000-kg aerial bomb akin to Mk-84 for the IAF, aiming to boost Indias Aatmanirbharta in the sector, according to senior officials. The project is structured in two phases. The first involves design and development of six prototypes (live and inert), including associated tail units and equipment, they said. The second is the procurement phase, which will commence with the issuance of []

Thiruvalla (Kerala), Apr 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the countdown for removal of the LDF government has started and a BJPled NDA will come to power in Kerala. Speaking at a BJP-led NDA rally in here, in Pathanamthitta district, Modi said that the saffron party workers in the state have signalled a strong mood in Kerala to bid farewell to the Left rule. Elections to 140 Assembly seats will be held on April 9 in the [] The post Countdown for removal of LDF govt has start

JAMMU, Apr 4: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged financial management violations in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing that savings amounting to over Rs 34,000 crore were not surrendered by various departments during 2023-24, in violation of prescribed budgetary norms. The CAG has recommended a series of corrective measures to improve financial management in J&K, stressing the need for realistic budgeting and stronger expenditure controls. As per the Jammu and Kashmir Budge

JAMMU, Apr 4: The Government has formulated a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) plan for the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project, taking into account the extent of impact on the local communities. This was stated by Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, while replying to a question raised by MLA Pawan Kumar Gupta in the Legislative Assembly, on behalf of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah. The Minister said that the rehabilitation plan included compensation measures for the landown

TEHRAN, Apr 4: Iran is demanding recognition of its right to a peaceful nuclear program as one of the conditions for peace, a diplomatic source said on Saturday. Among the conditions for ending the war is sustainable peace in our region, not a ceasefire, because we already have bitter experience. A certain mechanism for maintaining sustainable peace includes condemning aggressors, reparations, material damage, lifting all sanctions, and respecting Irans rights to a peaceful atom, the source said

MOSCOW, Apr 4: Reports about the alleged trip of Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to Russia are not true, and his injuries do not interfere with his work, a diplomatic source said on Saturday. In March, Kuwaits Al-Jarida newspaper, citing sources, reported that Irans new supreme leader had allegedly been urgently evacuated to Moscow for treatment after being wounded. The new supreme leader has not been in Russia even for several hours. The injuries are not serious, they do not [] The post I

TOKYO, Apr 4: Many of Tokyos popular and iconic Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees were planted during Japans postwar advancement in the 1960s, and are now getting old and frail. Some have fallen, and many others require support, triggering safety concerns as the Japanese celebrate the season of their favourite flower. Two cherry blossom trees collapsed on Thursday, one at Kinuta Park in downtown Tokyo and the other at the Chidorigafuchi greenway. The one in Kinuta Park damaged a fence [] The po

ISLAMABAD, Apr 4: Pakistan on Saturday rejected media reports that its initiative to facilitate talks between the US and Iran to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia had hit obstacles after initial exchange of peace proposals. Speculation emerged after a senior official of the Foreign Ministry briefed a select group of journalists on Pakistans efforts to find a negotiated settlement of the ongoing conflict. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi in a statement rejected the media reports as b

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KANPUR, Apr 4: The Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority have signed an agreement to position the proposed Lalitpur Pharma Park as a global export hub. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by UPSIDA Chief Executive Officer Vijay Kiran Anand and JNPA Chairman Gaurav Dayal to seamlessly connect industrial regions of northern India to global markets, according to an official statement issued by UPSIDA on Saturday. The strategic partners

JAMMU, Apr 4: Jammu and Kashmir Police today achieved a major success by arresting wanted criminal Gulzar Ahmad alias Lahu Gujjar in a well-planned operation carried out by a team from Miran Sahib Police Station. Officials said the accused was a history-sheeter and had been evading arrest for a long time. He was wanted in multiple cases involving serious offences such as attempted murder, rioting, criminal intimidation, kidnapping, assault on police personnel and drug-related activities, they sa

JAMMU, Apr 4: The House today passed the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bll No. 08 of 2026) on establishment and incorporation of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir. The Bill moved by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo read, A Bill to provide for the establishment and incorporation of Private Universities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and to regulate their functioning, management, and academic standards for ensuring quality education and protectin

NEW DELHI, Apr 4: An Indian LPG tanker carrying roughly half a days cooking gas supply has successfully crossed the war-hit Strait of Hormuz, while another vessel from Iran has reached the port of Mangalore, signalling continued fuel inflows despite regional disruptions. LPG vessel Green Sanvi has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 46,650 tonnes of LPG cargo with 25 seafarers on board, a government statement giving an update on West Asia developments said Saturday. Green Sanvi is th

FIRs lodged in PHE equipment theft cases: Javed Rana JAMMU, Apr 4: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today informed the Legislative Assembly that the temporary one-day disconnection of water supply in parts of Handwara division was undertaken as part of departmental revenue realization drive aimed at improving the recovery and meeting the prescribed targets. He was replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Legislator Sheikh Khursheed in the Legislative Assembly. The Minister stres

NEW DELHI, Apr 4: I go to Parliament to create impact, not ruckus, said Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday as he rejected allegations levelled against him by the Aam Aadmi Party, calling them false and part of a coordinated campaign. In a video, Chadha dismissed claims that he did not join opposition walkouts, terming the charge a blatant lie. He challenged his detractors to cite even a single instance where he failed to participate and said parliamentary proceedings [] The post I go to Pa

NEW DELHI, Apr 4: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the launch of a mission in Ladakh to examine the physiological, psychological and operational dynamics of gaganyatris (astronauts) and ground teams functioning in a high-altitude environment. The scientific data generated on crew performance and human factors will contribute directly to the Gaganyaan programme and future long-duration missions. Known as the Mission MITRA (Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Response As

NEW DELHI, Apr 4: The Supreme Court has reinstated the dismissal of a banks senior manager, underscoring that authority comes with accountability, and his position carried with it an increased degree of responsibility and integrity. The top court noted allegations that the senior manager had connived with an officer and a gunman to misappropriate the money of customers for personal gain and steal bank records. The apex court set aside the Delhi High Court order, which had modified the punishment

Jammu, Apr 4: J&K Legislative Assembly on Saturday witnessed a heated argument between minister Sakeena Itoo and PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para, with the former using the milk and toffee remark to counter the opposition leader while responding to a question over the upgrading of schools. Itoo also held the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) responsible for the regions downgrade to a Union territory and the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. In 2016, Mehbooba, as then CM of [] The post Milk And

ISLAMABAD, Apr 4: A day after an unprecedented surge in fuel prices triggered severe backlash, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced slashing the petrol price by PKR 80. Sharif in a midnight address Friday announced that the government has decided to reduce petrol levy by PKR 80 per litre, making the commodity available to the end consumer for PKR 378 per litre. The government on Thursday announced an unprecedented hike of 43 per cent and 55 per cent in [] The post Pak govt slashe

SRINAGAR, Apr 4: Fresh snowfall was received in several areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir on Saturday as a strong western disturbance brought rains to the plains, bringing down the temperatures, officials said. The snowfall also led to the closure of many important inter-district roads in Jammu and Kashmir, they said. The Met Office warned of brief intense heavy showers in isolated parts on Saturday, which may lead to flash floods and landslides at a few vulnerable places and [] The post Fr

MOTIHARI, Apr 4: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday described Bihar as a land of great thoughts where icons like Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi attained knowledge and found purpose. Addressing the third convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in East Champaran district, he said the development India has witnessed in the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is remarkable. We all know that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in Bihar, and Gandhi fo

NEW DELHI, Apr 4: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the Modi government is putting the security of every Indian at risk by attempting to cover up its own failures and concealing the reality of foreign surveillance through Chinese cameras installed at vital locations. This is a deliberate conspiracy to keep India in the dark, he said in a post in Hindi on Facebook. Gandhi said the government recently banned the public use of Chinese CCTV cameras. Yet, [] The post Govt Hiding R

NEW DELHI, Apr 4: Supreme Court judge Justice K V Viswanathan has recused himself from hearing a case in which the apex court had reserved its verdict last month, after it came to his notice that he had earlier appeared as counsel for the appellant. Justice Viswanathan was elevated directly from the Bar to the Supreme Court on May 19, 2023. In April 2009, he was designated a senior advocate by the apex court and was among the leading lawyers [] The post SC judge recuses from case after prior cou

RAIPUR, Apr 4: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India has come through solidly from global shocks that recently tested its resilience, an apparent reference to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of IIM Raipur, Jaishankar emphasised that India has managed both domestic and external challenges fairly successfully. He observed that the impact of conflicts on even distant societies has been profound, which is a testimony to the ext

NEW DELHI, Apr 4: A Delhi court on Saturday remanded Al-Falah group chairman Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui in 14 days of judicial custody, in connection with a money laundering case linked to the fraudulent acquisition of a Rs 45 crore worth land in Delhi. Siddiqui was produced before Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan on Saturday, at the conclusion of his ten-day ED custody granted on March 25. He has now been sent to judicial custody till April 17. On March [] The post Delhi Court Send

Srinagar, Apr 3: Two persons from Uttar Pradesh were injured after their vehicle collided with divider at Donipora crossing in Sangam area of Bijbehara on Saturday, officials said. An official said that a Scorpio vehicle bearing registration number UP17AC-9939 collided with a road divider, resulting in injuries to two occupants on board. The injured have been identified as 23-year-old male and 22-year-old female, both residents of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. They were immediately evacuated to Sub-Di

JAMMU, Apr 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed uproar on the final day of the Budget Session on Saturday, with members of the National Conference, the Congress and the PDP demanding a judicial probe into the recent Ganderbal encounter. The army has claimed that the man killed in the encounter in Arhama forests on March 31 identified as Ganderbal resident Rashid Ahmad Mughal was a terrorist. However, his family alleged that he had no terror links and [] The post Uproar In J&K Assembly O

CHENNAI, Apr 4: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, referring to the CBSEs recently unveiled curriculum framework, on Saturday alleged the so-called three-language formula is in reality a covert mechanism to expand Hindi into non-Hindi speaking regions. Stalin, also the president of the ruling DMK, alleged the curriculum framework by the CBSE, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, was not an innocent academic reform. It was a calculated and deeply concerning attempt at linguistic im

ALAPPUZHA (KERALA), Apr 4: Top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday targeted the ruling LDF in Kerala and the BJP, alleging that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is in a partnership with people who attack minorities in other parts of the country. Addressing an election gathering here, Gandhi reiterated his allegation of a BJPLDF understanding and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not speaking about the Sabarimala issue during the election campaign. Referring to former CPI(M) leader G Su

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 4: The Election Commission has directed all political parties and candidates contesting in the Kerala Assembly polls on April 9, not to publish any advertisements in print media, on polling day and its eve, without getting the contents pre-certified by the MCMC committee. The directive, issued by Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar late Friday night, stated that offending, misleading, or inflammatory advertisements published in print media during the final stag

Jammu, Apr 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed an uproar on Saturday as a sharp exchange broke out between Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo and PDP legislator Waheed Para during proceedings. The confrontation, escalated when Itoo blamed the Peoples Democratic Party for the current political and administrative challenges in the Union Territory. No power, no statehood is because of PDP, she said. Itoo also held the party responsible for the fallout following the abrogation of Article 370 and t

Bandipora, Apr 4: Authorities rescued 38 stranded vehicles during a night-long operation on the BandiporaGurez road in north Kashmir, which remains closed following heavy snowfall, officials said on Saturday. An official said that the operation was carried out by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) after multiple vehicles were trapped near Razdan Pass due to fresh accumulation of snow, they said. The stranded passengers were shifted to safer locations, while efforts were underway to clear the ro

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JAMMU, Apr 4: A man accused of raping a minor from Himachal Pradesh has been arrested by a police team from Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district after evading arrest for nearly five years, officials said on Saturday. The accused, Avtar Singh, a resident of Thakrai village, was wanted in connection with an FIR registered at the Kistwar Police Station in 2021 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in [] The post Absconder He

Jammu, Apr 4: The Cyber Police Station Jammu disposed of 11 cases and over 1,200 cyber fraud-related complaints during the first quarter of 2026, successfully saving around Rs 3.52 crore siphoned off by fraudsters, police said on Saturday. Five accused from different states were also arrested in coordinated operations, marking a significant push against cybercrime, a police spokesperson said. He said a total of 11 cases and 1,259 complaints were disposed of between January 1 and March 31, saving

Excelsior Correspondent MEERUT, Apr 3: The event Vigyanotsav 2026 culminated in a spectacular display of art and culture at Swami Vivekanand Subharti University. The final day focused on celebrating Indias rich heritage alongside modern creativity bringing the five-day mega event to a memorable conclusion. The valedictory ceremony was graced by Chancellor Stuti Narayan Kakkar, along with distinguished guests including Poinoosawmy Mehen (Vice President GIO Europe), Saju Jakob (Solicitor UK & Germ

Excelsior Correspondent ANANTNAG, Apr 3: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo dedicated the state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility to the public at Government Medical College (GMC) here today. She also inaugurated Three Modular Operation Theatres (OTs) and Virectomy Machine in the Ophthalmology department of the Associated Hospital of GMC Anantnag. CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO MLA Anantnag-West, Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi)

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Apr 3: Kapil Ahuja, CEO, North, Reliance Jio and Shehzan Hameed, State Business Head, Reliance Jio, J&K met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan Jammu. The meeting reflected on Jios commitment to empowering consumers in Jammu & Kashmir with cutting-edge network experiences. They briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the telecommunication scenario and Jios initiatives to extend its footprints to the remotest corners of J&K. The post CEO North, State Business H

Col Shiv Choudhary (Retd) shivchoudhary2@gmail.com Self-reliance in a geopolitically, militarily and technologically charged era in run up to a secured future is not an isolation; it is the strength to engage the world on your own terms. A war thousands of kilometres away from India can now decide the price of cooking gas in an Indian kitchen, the cost of a farmers diesel, or the stability of a young professionals job. This is the new reality of our world. The [] The post Hormuz to Home: Shaping

Excelsior Correspondent MYSURU, Apr 3 : Indias millet push received a dual institutional boost today as the Centre moved to scale both technology and grassroots capacity, with Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighting Millet recipes developed with Indian technology are being served by international food chains, including McDonalds. The Centre is now working on developing similar sustainable food recipes from Kalari , a popular cheese product originating from Udham

Delivers deeply reflective, inspiring address to law students Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 3: Delivering a deeply reflective and inspiring address to young law students, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Judge High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh today emphasized that the practice of law is not merely a profession but a journey that requires unwavering discipline, integrity and perseverance. Justice Nargal, who was chief guest of the grand finale at the 7th Gavelled Moot Court Competition or

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 3: St. Peters Catholic Church, Prem Nagar, marked Good Friday today with a solemn and evocative procession commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The event, which drew hundreds of devout participants, served as a powerful reflection on the central tenets of the Christian faith: sacrifice, love, and redemption. CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO The procession commenced at Candle Church Chowk in Christian Colony. Guided by prayer and reflection, the faithful marc

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 3: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today laid the foundation stone for two important flood protection projects along River Tawi aimed at strengthening the riverbanks and safeguarding vulnerable areas from future flood risks. CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO The projects included restoration of the earthen embankment on the left bank of River Tawi at Bikram Chowk upstream, allotted at a cost of Rs. 3.05 crore

Shiban Khaibri shibankhaibri@gmail.com Should the albatross of good governance , able leadership , hard work and dedication be routinely troubled without reason so much so that such a policy of most of the opposition leaders becomes a moral and political burden to be duly reckoned for retribution and redemption when the will of the people decides the issue with the vote ? And when the vivid defeat and rejection of the uncalled for and unwarranted bouts of criticism , attacks [] The post The oppo

Irregular appointments, abandoned research projects mark poor work culture Sanjeev K Sharma JAMMU, Apr 3: The University of Jammu (JU) had not prepared annual account and balance sheet since its inception indicating lack of commitment and by specifying particular makes and models, the varsity had carried out purchases from single source resulting in non-transparency in the procurement process and reduced opportunity to get better prices and products through competitive bidding. An authentic repo

NEW DELHI, Apr 3: Silver and gold prices remained flat in the national capital today amid muted demand from jewellers and retailers, according to the All India Sarafa Association. While the white metal quoted unchanged at Rs 2,37,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes), gold of 99.9 per cent purity stayed flat at Rs 1,51,500 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes). Traders said domestic prices moved in a narrow range due to lack of fresh cues from global markets, [] The post Silver, gold prices