Daily Excelsior

SINGAPORE, Jan 14 : Popular Indian singer-songwriter Zubeen Garg was severely intoxicated and had drowned off Lazarus Island after declining a life jacket last September, a coroners court in Singapore was told on Wednesday. Garg, 52, was with a yacht party on September 19, 2025, when he died of drowning a day before he was slated to perform at the North East India Festival in Singapore. The singer initially wore a life jacket but removed it and later declined to [] The post Singer Garg was drunk

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 14: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Social Welfare Department, during which the Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, presented a detailed overview of the departments performance, implementation of the flagship schemes, financial status, infrastructure development and future priorities of the Department . The meeting was attended by senior officers including Secretaries, Mission Directors of Mission

OTTAWA, Jan 14 : Indian High Commissioner Dinesh K Patnaik has dismissed Canadas allegations linking New Delhi to the killing of a Sikh separatist leader, asserting that the case is against four individuals and not against the government of India. In an interview with CBC News on Tuesday, Patnaik also pointed out how the investigation into the Air India bombing has still not yielded anything and not a single person has been convicted of it, despite New Delhi talking about [] The post Indian envo

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: A wall-mountable silk kite crafted from one of Indias most prestigious textiles, Patola silk, and a custom pilot logbook made from high-quality leather are among the gifts presented to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his just-concluded visit to India. The gifts include a hand-crafted brass replica of Chancellor Merzs Diamond DA62 propeller aircraft created by skilled artisans in Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad, an internationally renowned centre for metal craftsmanship, offic

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 14: Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir, Atal Dulloo today flagged off the contingent of artists of the Jammu & Kashmir Tableau who will perform at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, during the Republic Day Parade-2026. The artists will be part of the J&K Tableau representing the Union Territory on the national stage. The flag-off ceremony was held today at K. L. Saigal Hall, Jammu. The event was held in the presence of Principal Secretary, Culture Department, Brij [] The

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: The countrys wheat production is expected to surpass last years record of 117.94 million tonne due to higher acreage and favourable crop conditions, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday. Currently, wheat crop is in good condition. There is no damage. By and large, production will be better than last year, Chouhan told PTI on the sidelines of an Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) event. M L Jat, Director General of ICAR, said wheat [] The post

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today conducted a New Year review of the Ministry of Personnel upto the hierarchys lowest rung, including officials of the junior level. During the meeting, the Minister invited every official to express his or her views frankly and candidly, and that he

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 14: Soon after assuming the charge as Chairman J&K Board of School Education, Ghulam Hassan Sheikh convened an introductory meeting, setting out the goals for J&K BOSE organization. He said all the employees have to work in complete synergy for coming to the expectations of stakeholders and translating the academic standards on ground. The Chairman emphasized the need to uphold the transparency, efficiency and credibility in academic and administrative processe

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), affiliated with All India Secondary Teachers Federation (AISTF) today convened an important meeting at Jammu under the leadership of Provincial President, Jammu, Gulshan Sharma, to deliberate upon a number of long-pending and unresolved issues concerning teachers of the Jammu Province. During the meeting, the Forum strongly highlighted the issue of pending liabilities related to GPF, SLI, gratuity, leave encashme

VB-G RAM G Act a landmark step Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Jan 14: MLA Jasrota, Rajiv Jasrotia, today held a public darbar at Logate Morh near here, to listen to the grievances and issues raised by people from different Panchayats of the constituency. The initiative aimed at ensuring direct public outreach and providing a platform for residents to place their concerns before their elected representative. During the interaction, Rajiv Jasrotia heard issues related to basic amenities, developm

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 14: Educational institutions run by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board have emerged as centres of excellence in the Class X board examination results declared today, registering a marked improvement across all Board-managed schools. This was stated by Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, while expressing satisfaction over the performance, stating that the results reflect the success of the Boards focused roadmap aimed at improving academ

Balbir hands over letter to Sat Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 14: Jammu Kashmir BJP president and MP, Rajya Sabha, Sat Sharma today received a formal representation from the British Ravidassia Heritage Foundation (BRHF), urging the Government of India that 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidass ji be officially commemorate in February 2027. The letter, addressed to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, outlines a comprehensive vision for national and global celebrations to honour this great Indi

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 14: An orientation programme aimed at strengthening preparedness and enhancing technical capacity for the population estimation of the Kashmir Markhor was held today at the Meeting Hall of the Mini Secretariat, Arhama, Shopian. The programme focused on equipping field staff and researchers with advanced methodologies and coordinated strategies to ensure a scientifically robust estimation exercise for the endangered species. The event was chaired by Sohail Ah

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 14: Reacting to the latest World Bank Global Economic Prospects report, BJP spokesperson and convener, International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta today said that the global institutions positive assessment of Indias growth trajectory is a clear and emphatic endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visionary economic leadership and reform-driven governance. Highlighting key projections, Gupta noted that the World Bank has upgraded Indias FY26 growth estimate to 7.2

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 14: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu concluded the Leadership Skills for Managers Trekking-Based Management Development Programme (MDP) for executives of a Maharatna company with a valedictory ceremony held today. The three-day experiential programme was conducted from 12-14 January 2026 in the Lower Himalayas, focusing on leadership development through outdoor experiential learning. The valedictory ceremony was presided over by Prof Jabir Ali, Program

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 14: A nine-day-long Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah, symbolizing the eternal spiritual and cultural legacy of Sanatan Dharma, commenced today at Pounichack, with traditional Vedic rituals and devotional enthusiasm. The sacred proceedings began with Pratham Puja and Dhwajarohan, performed by Shradhay Mridul Shastri Ji Maharaj, in the presence of Zorawar Singh Jamwal, Spokesperson, BJP J&K and Chairman, Team Jammu. The ceremonial hoisting of the religious flag marked a co

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar Jan 14: Parents of Kashmiri students studying in Iran say they are deeply worried about their childrens safety after India issued an advisory asking all its citizens in Iran to leave the country at the earliest due to an evolving security situation. Nearly 4,000 Kashmiri students are currently studying in Iran, most of them pursuing Medical courses at universities in Tehran and other provinces. Parents say rising regional tensions, protests, and repeated internet

Poonam i kaushish Complain to Administration. What Administration? They are corrupt, we pay them. We, are the Administration. The chilling harsh reality of Mera Bharat Mahan! Be it Capital Delhi, Indore, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru or Goa, the story is the same: human carelessness. A tell-tale of total apathy, insensitive Administrations under various State Governments. Of rulers who ignore experts who in turn, blame it on lessons not learnt by successive Governments. Big deal, if these mistakes extr

Srinagar, Jan 14: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Rakesh Aggarwal, IPS, as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), according to an official order issued on Wednesday. As per the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) , Government of India, Shri Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IPS officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre, is currently serving as Special Director General (SDG) in the NIA. The ACC approved his ap

Jammu, Jan 14: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday paid tribute to ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their family members on the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, describing veterans as the living embodiment of Indias history and sacrifice. Our veterans are the embodiment of living history. Their sacrifices have not only safeguarded our freedom but have also shaped the destiny of our great nation, Sinha said while addressing a gathering on the occasion. He also called upon t

New Delhi, Jan 14: In a significant development, a special court here on Wednesday convicted Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi and two others for offences including conspiracy to wage war against the country and being members of a terrorist organisation under stringent anti-terror law UAPA. Andrabi, the founder of the all-women separatist group Dukhtaraan-e-Millat (DeM) in 1987, was arrested in April 2018 and charges were framed against her under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) f

Reform to strengthen service delivery in AC Panchayat offices JAMMU, Jan 14: In a significant administrative reform aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving rural service delivery, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved the re-designation of 21 posts of District Panchayat Officers (DPOs) as Block Development Officers (BDOs) in the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. The decision has been formalised through Government Order No. 18-JK(RD&PR) of 2026 date

JAMMU, Jan 14: Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir, Atal Dulloo today flagged off the contingent of artists of the Jammu & Kashmir Tableau who will perform at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, during the Republic Day Parade2026. The artists will be part of the J&K Tableau representing the Union Territory on the national stage. The flag-off ceremony was held today at K. L. Saigal Hall, Jammu. The event was held in the presence of Principal Secretary, Culture Department, Brij Mohan Sharma; [] The post Chief

JAMMU, Jan 14: The Finance Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the transfers and postings besides also assigning look after charges to five Assistant Accounts Officers. See Order Copy Click Here The post J&K Finance Dept Transfers, Assigns Lookafter Charges To Five AAOs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Jan 14: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has blacklisted M/s Trinity Reinsurance Brokers Ltd. (TRBL) for two years, effective January 12, 2026, following an alleged history of contractual failures and fraudulent activities. See Order Copy Click Here The post J&K Govt Blacklists Trinity Reinsurance Brokers Over Professional Misconduct appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Jan 14: The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department has assigned look-after charge of Principal to three senior lecturers as part of an administrative arrangement, an official order said. The department has also ordered the transfer of 56 other lecturers to ensure smooth functioning of educational institutions. See Order Copy Click Here The post Three Senior Lecturers Assigned Look-After Charge of Principal, 56 Others Transferred appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

New Delhi, Jan 14: Silver prices zoomed by Rs 15,000 to a fresh record of Rs 2,86,000 per kg in the national capital on Wednesday, while gold also climbed to touch a lifetime high of Rs 1,46,500 per 10 grams, tracking strong global trends. According to the All India Sarafa Association, silver prices extended their blistering rally for the fourth consecutive day by jumping Rs 15,000, or 5.5 per cent, to touch a new peak of Rs 2,86,000 per kilogram [] The post Silver Extends Record Run To Rs 2.86

NAKHON RATCHASIMA (Thailand), Jan 14: A construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train, causing a fiery derailment Wednesday that killed at least 30 people and injured scores in northeastern Thailand. The derailment occurred on part of a planned high-speed rail project that will eventually connect China with much of Southeast Asia. Anuphong Suksomnit, the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima province, where the accident took place, said four passengers among the 171 believed to have been on boar

Jammu, Jan 14: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a meeting here on Wednesday to review security arrangements for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations as well as assess the ongoing anti-terror operations and drone incursions along the borders. This came a week after Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on January 8, directed security forces to continue with their operations targeting terrorist infrastructure and terror financing in a mission mode. Accompanied by a central team of officers, Mo

JAMMU, Jan 14: The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has extended winter vacations for all Government and private schools falling in the Summer Zone of Jammu till January 17, 2026, in view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions. As per an order, the extension will be applicable to both students and teaching staff. However, board examinations for Classes 10th to 12th, if scheduled, will be conducted strictly as per the notified dates. Schools have also been advised to explore [

SRINAGAR, Jan 14: Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone on Wednesday alleged that Jammu harboured an obsessive opposition to developmental initiatives in Kashmir, and said that perhaps the time has come for an amicable divorce between the two regions of the Union Territory. Lone was referring to the demands from a section for shifting the recently announced National Law University in Budgam district of central Kashmir to the Jammu region and also for the separation of the Jammu region from Kas

New Delhi, Jan 14 : On the second anniversary of the launch of the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the Congress on Wednesday said it is to the credit of the rally that the protection of democracy and the Constitution became a central feature of the 2024 Lok Sabha poll campaign and the public discourse today. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh recalled that two years ago, Gandhi embarked on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to [] The post Bharat Jodo

AHMEDABAD, Jan 14: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday enjoyed kite flying with his family and residents of Naranpura area here on the occasion of Makar Sankranti festival, also known as `Uttarayan in Gujarat. Earlier in the morning, the Lok Sabha MP from Gandhinagar performed a puja at the famous Lord Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area. Shah, accompanied by his wife Sonalben and son, cricket administrator Jay Shah, also offered fodder to a cow at the temple [] The post Amit Shah celebra

Rajouri/Jammu, Jan 14: Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir is a vital pillar of Indias national-security architecture, not only because of its geographical importance but also due to its strong military ethos and human resources. Addressing a gathering at the concluding ceremony of the 10th Veterans-Day celebrations in Rajouri, the Army commander also lauded the regions contributions to the armed forces. Jammu and Kashmir is not only strat

COLOMBO, Jan 14: The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 10 Indian fishermen and seized their trawler for allegedly fishing in the island nations territorial waters. The arrests were made on Monday in the northern sea area off Delft Island, the Navy said in a statement. The 10 Indian fishermen and their seized trawler were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna, for legal proceedings, it said. Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently for inadvertently trespassing into [

KARACHI, Jan 14: Pakistani security forces have killed four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the restive Balochistan province, the military has said. The operation was conducted in the Kalat district on Monday, said the militarys media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Security forces effectively engaged the terrorists location, killing four of them after an intense fire exchange, the ISPR statement said on Tuesday. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered

LONDON, Jan 14: The British government has watered down plans for mandatory digital identification cards, a contentious idea it had touted as a way to help control immigration. Its the latest policy U-turn by Prime Minister Keir Starmers embattled centre-left government, which is under fire from both opposition politicians and governing Labour Party lawmakers. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that it wont be compulsory for citizens and residents to show a digital ID card in order to get a job,

New Delhi, Jan 14: The sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka nearly four decades ago should be honoured, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday, appearing to criticise the governments in the 1990s for not publicly recognising their contributions. He said the Modi government is not only acknowledging the contribution of the Indian troops in the operation with an open heart, but it is also in the process of recognising their contribution at every level. [

WASHINGTON, Jan 14: At least four Americans have been freed by the interim Venezuelan government, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter. A US State Department team traveled to Venezuela to help with the release, the first known release, since the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, of US citizens imprisoned in Venezuela, CNN said on Tuesday, citing a senior State Department official. We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela, a State Department spokes

HONG KONG, Jan 14: Hong Kong officials on Wednesday proposed expanding oversight of building maintenance projects and stronger fire safety steps after a blaze in November killed at least 161 people and displaced thousands. The blaze that spread across seven towers in an apartment complex raised questions about corruption, negligence and government oversight in the citys building maintenance projects, piling pressure on Hong Kong leader John Lees administration and Beijings patriots-only governa

PUNE, Jan 14: German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz will start local production of its ultra luxury SUV GLS Maybach in India, making it the only country outside of the US to roll out the model, according to the companys top official in the Indian market. The step comes in the wake of India becoming a top-five global market for the companys ultra luxury range, Maybach, in 2025, Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer told PTI here in an [] The post India to be 1st country outsi

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Ola Electric on Wednesday announced the expansion of its 4680 Bharat Cell platform. As part of the initiative, businesses and startups can now directly purchase the 4680 Bharat Cells, or the 1.5kWh 4680 Bharat Cell battery pack for application across automotive, humanoids, drones, and portable medical equipment. With this announcement, the company will enable startups and businesses to innovate and scale rapidly with new energy storage solutions designed, engineered, and man

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: The Indian real estate sector received a record equity capital inflow of USD 14.25 billion last year, higher by 25 per cent annually, as developers and institutional investors remained bullish on growth potential, according to CBRE. The equity capital inflow from various sources, including developers, institutional investors, and Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), stood at USD 11.43 billion during the 2024 calendar year. Real estate consultant CBRE on Wednesday released a r

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent company of stockbroking platform Groww, on Wednesday reported a 28 per cent year-on-year decline in profit after tax at Rs 547 crore in the quarter ended December 2025. The company had posted a PAT (profit after tax) of Rs 757 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Despite the fall in profit, total income during the quarter rose 26 per cent to Rs 1,261 crore, compared with Rs [] The post Groww Q2 profit declines 28

Jammu, Jan 14: Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday expressed hope for a satisfactory outcome of the upcoming talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ladakh representatives, saying dialogue was the best way to address all issues. The MHA has recently decided to convene a meeting of the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh headed by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai in January end. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) [] The post LG Kavin

Kargil/Jammu, Jan 14: Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Wednesday reviewed the functioning of Kargil airport and sought a detailed report on the scope of its possible expansion. During the visit, Kundra was briefed by the Commanding Officer on operational and infrastructural aspects, officials said. The chief secretary directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, to submit a detailed report along with a map highlighting the current status of the airport and the scope for possible b

PATNA, Jan 14: RJD president Lalu Prasad on Wednesday attended a Makar Sankranti feast at his elder son Tej Pratap Yadavs house, months after expelling him from the party and snapping all personal ties. Yadav, who floated the Janshakti Janta Dal (JJD) following the expulsion, met his parents and younger brother Tejashwi on Tuesday night and invited them to the dahi-chura (curd and flattened rice) feast. However, only Prasad, who is in his late 70s and keeps indoors because of [] The post Lalu at

Girls Outshine Boys, 84.02% Students Clear Class 12 Exams As JKBOSE Declares Results See Gazette Vol-2 See Gazette Vol-01 The post Girls Outshine Boys, 84.02% Students Clear Class 12 Exams As JKBOSE Declares Results appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Bhaderwah/Jammu, Jan 14: Women Village Defence Guards (VDGs) are safeguarding remote villages of the Jammu region during the winter months, when many men migrate to other parts of the country in search of livelihood. Equipped with .303 rifles after undergoing training provided by various security agencies, the women members of VDGs are deployed in difficult terrain, often in isolated and vulnerable areas, Superintendent of Police Bhaderwah Vinod Sharma said. Training shoulder to shoulder with th

Jammu, Jan 14: Security forces on Wednesday stepped up an ongoing search operation by extending the cordon to track down and neutralise terrorists in remote villages of Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district, officials said. Several gunshots were heard when the security forces launched the operation in the Najote forest area in Billawar tehsil on Tuesday based on information about the presence of a terrorist there. There was no contact between the terrorist and the security forces. Fresh inputs sugg