Daily Excelsior

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 5: A free heart check-up camp was held here today at Gurdwara Bala Pritam Ji by Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi. The camp was inaugurated by the office bearers of District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Jammu, Halqa Nanak Nagar. The camp was led by Dr. Swati Mahajan, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute. During the camp, over 75 patients were screened for various heart-related ailments. As part of the initiative, patien

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 5:Resolution of public issues is my priority, and development is my agenda,said MLA Jammu WestArvind Guptawhile addressing a Public Darbar held at Ward No. 40, here at Vijay Nagar today. He assured residents that long-pending works related to basic infrastructure will be taken up on priority and completed in a time-bound manner. During the Public Darbar locals raised several long-pending civic issues before senior BJP leaders, including MPJugal Kishore Sharma.

Excelsior Correspondent NAGROTA, Apr 5: MLA Nagrota, Devyani Rana today launched the second edition of the Youth Training & Employment Drive aimed at equipping local youth with skills for careers in the hotel and hospitality sector. The programme commenced at TRT Community Hall, Nagrota, and has been organised in collaboration with ARC Hospitality as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen skill development and employment avenues for young people. The session witnessed participation from 100 aspir

DHAKA, April 5: Measles infections are rising rapidly across Bangladesh, placing growing pressure on paediatric wards in hospitals, media reports said on Sunday. Healthcare facilities are experiencing a concerning surge in children exhibiting symptoms such as fever, respiratory distress, and widespread rashes, the Dhaka Tribune reported. In many hospitals, isolation units have been opened to manage the increasing patient load and curb further transmission. To combat the outbreak, an emergency Me

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 5: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) today expressed concern over growing economic stress in Jammu and Kashmir due to the ongoing West Asian conflict, and called for immediate Government intervention to protect the regions industrial sector. Highlighting sector-specific impacts, An FCIK spokesperson said that the export sector, particularly Kashmirs handicrafts, has been severely affected, with consignments stalled at multiple stages an

COOCH BEHAR, Apr 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies would start benefiting them from the 2029 parliamentary polls, as he sought to weaken West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees strongest electoral constituency. Addressing his first rally in north Bengal after the poll schedule was announced, Modi turned the sprawling ground in Cooch Behar into a direct appeal to Bengals women, invoking the states []

HYDERABAD, Apr 5: Mohammed Shami asked probing questions not only to Sunrisers Hyderabad batters but also to the national selection committee with an opening spell for ages while skipper Rishabh Pant upped his game when it mattered to headline Lucknow Super Giants thrilling five-wicket victory in an IPL match on Sunday. In a spell that oozed skill and class in equal measure, Shami bowled an astounding 18 dot balls to finish with 2 for 9 in four overs which largely [] The post Pant, Shami take LS

Sant Kumar Sharma The Jan Vishwas 2026 Bill is a part of the ongoing reform process initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modis government over a decade ago. Harassment of businessmen and common citizens due to regulatory provisions was fairly common in an era of `License Raj that earlier Congress-led governments fostered. Deregulation or lesser regulatory laws has always helped market sentiment and proved to be beneficial. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which provide employment

Biju Dharmapalan bijudharmapalan@gmail.com More than half a century after humans last ventured beyond low Earth orbit, NASAs Artemis II mission marks a decisive turning point-not just in space exploration, but in the trajectory of human civilisation itself. This is not merely a return to the Moon; it is a rehearsal for humanitys expansion into deep space, a technological leap, and a philosophical shift in how we see our place in the universe. The mission, launched on 1 April 2026 at [] The post

Pinaki Bakshi pinakibakshi9@gmail.com One of the rampant issues academic domains are still dealing with is the theoretical vs. practical implementation of knowledge. The concern is about the typical academic dynamics and also academic underpinnings that prioritize conventional rote learning and securing higher grades, while shunning the contemplative planes of imagination, critical thinking, and the well-being of students themselves. This results in extreme psychological as well as societal pres

Meenu Gupta guptadps@gmail.com A quiet but powerful transformation is unfolding in Indias classrooms. Beginning the academic year 2025-26, the Central Board of Secondary Education has made Skill Education, titled Kaushal Bodh, compulsory for students of Classes VI to VIII across all affiliated schools. This is not a minor curricular adjustment. It is a decisive shift in how the nation understands learning itself. For decades, middle school education has largely revolved around textbooks, note ma

* Pledges time bound redressal of border area issues Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Apr 5: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today visited the Bassali area of Doongi block in the border district of Rajouri where he convened an extensive public outreach programme. The high profile visit was aimed to assess and address the grassroots concerns, ensuring equitable development in remote and border regions. The tribal residents put forth a r

*BJP-led Govt pro-capitalist, anti-poor: Bhalla Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 5: JKPCC president, Tariq Hameed Karra has said that US President Donald Trump is dictating terms and imposing decisions , that suit US, as Prime Minister Modi is compromised due to pressures of Epstein files revealations and Adani case. Addressing a largely attended Congress rally at Ghou Manhasan in Marh constituency, organised by former Minister Mula Ram, PCC chief said that India never succumbed to pressures o

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 5: Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army Commander Northern Command, along with all ranks of the Northern Command paid rich tribute to Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, MC, on the occasion of his birth anniversary, in a function held here today. Remembered as a true legend of the Indian Armed Forces, Field Marshal Manekshaw was a charismatic leader, a strategic mastermind and the architect of one of the greatest military victories in history. His exempl

Excelsior Correspondent BHADERWAH, Apr 5: Though the fresh snowfall in high altitude of Chenab region has brought down the temperature considerably resulting in return of cold wave in the entire region, the positive side of this is that high altitude destinations of Bhaderwah are experiencing sudden and unexpected rush of tourists, much to the delight of locals associated with tourism industry. Local vendors who have set up their small kiosks at high altitude tourist destinations along Bhaderwah

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 5: The High Court directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate illegal entries made by the revenue officials in the name of a private person on state land at village in Jammu. The petitioner- Subash Chander Sharma the then Naib Tehsildar along with the then Pathwari-Riaz Ahamd Halqa Hakkal, Satwari Jammu is alleged to have conspired with others to create khasra No. 127/1 in respect of land measuring 25 kanals situated at village Surya Chak adjoin

Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Apr 5: A 3.15 MVA electric transformer of the Power Development Department (PDD) was damaged at receiving station Saiklu due to sky lightning amidst thunder-storm today. The power supply was snapped in the entire area after this in Tehsil Mandi. Official sources said that due to sky lightning, 3.15 MVA transformer caught massive fire. It caused extensive damage to the transformer and power allied power infrastructure. With the timely action of fire tenders another

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 5: Senior leader Pawan Khajuria held a meeting with residents of Panchayat Babey in Tehsil Majalta, under the Udhampur East Assembly constituency and listened to the problems of the locals for taking concrete steps toward their resolution. During the meeting, the villagers expressed their grievances. They told Khajuria that the problems of electricity and water in the area are extremely serious. In many places, they said, power supply remains disrupted for d

Project ahead of schedule, handover soon Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 5: The 200-bedded additional hospital block at the Associated Hospital of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara is likely to be completed by June-July this year, officials said. Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Handwara, Er. Farooq Ahmad Shah said the construction is on track and nearing completion. He noted that the project is progressing ahead of schedule and will soon be handed over to the hospital administration.

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 5: Senior BJP leader, Raman Suri has urged the authorities to take the issue of restrictions on Shiv Khori Yatra seriously as the matter is not only related to faith but also directly connected with the livelihood and economic survival of thousands of locals there. In a handout, Suri said that devotees and businessmen have expressed strong resentment, pointing out that just a few months after the terror attack of Pahalgam, all the tourist destinations in [] The

The prolonged delay in completion of the Guzhama bridge in Ganderbal is an instance of administrative inefficiency, reflecting a systemic inertia that continues to plague public infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir. A bridge whose foundation stone was laid in 2008 remains incomplete even after a decade and a half, despite nearly Rs 9 crore already spent. What stands today are just four pillars-silent symbols of bureaucratic delay and broken promises. This is a familiar and troubling patt

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 5: Mission Statehood Jammu Kashmir (MSJK) activists here today staged a protest demonstration against JMC, PWD, PHE and R&B for the bad condition of Amphalla-Janipur High Court road and grave traffic problems in Jammu city. The protest was led by Sunil Dimple, MSJK leader who claimed that public suffers daily due to traffic jams on city roads. He took a dig at the JMC authorities and said that city garbage flows into river Tawi, street lights [] The post MSJK p

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 5: Shri Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic Jammu organized artificial limbs camp at Kali Jani. In this camp, 82 patients were checked and artifical limbs were given to them including 32 limbs, 5 callipers, 6AFO & KFO one wheel chair, 8 hearing aids. Chairman Pradeep Jain described the procedure for giving hearing aids. He appealed to the general public to aware the specially abled persons. Regarding the facilities available at Shri Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic which are [] T

Bivek Mathur JAMMU, Apr 5: A Jammu youth, who died in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, was cremated in his native village Pahariwala in Khour area here today amid an outpouring of grief. The mortal remains of Sachin Khajuria, son of Banarasi Lal of Pahariwala, Khour, reached Jammu early in the morning and were later taken in the form of a procession from the Taleri Pull area to his residence, where hundreds of mourners gathered to bid a final farewell. Slogans [] The post Jammu youth killed

Financial Advisor cautions against indiscriminate inclusion Divergence emerges on inclusion of non-clinical staff Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Apr 5: After detailed deliberations, a high-level committee has submitted its report to the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir recommending the posts eligible for grant of two and half days additional pay and allowances in the Health and Medical Education Department. However, Financial Advisor, who was also a member of the committee, has caut

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 5: The Annual Sports Meet of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association Jammu concluded at the University of Jammu today. The final day of the tournament saw great enthusiasm among members of the bar, especially the players. The nail-biting final of the cricket tournament made the finale interesting. The Chief Justice of the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Arun Palli, along with Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Wasim [

LG hails increase in flight frequency Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Apr 5: In a significant boost to air connectivity and the tourism sector in Ladakh, the onset of the new tourist season has seen a substantial increase in the number of daily flights operating to Leh starting April 1. As per the flight schedule for April 2, flight operations at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh, have increased significantly from 8 flights (including 2 charter flights) to a total of 18 flights [] The post Daily

Excelsior Sports Correspondent REASI, Apr 5: The 5th edition of SMVD Katra Half Marathon- A Divine Run, organized by One Level Up Sports in collaboration with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), concluded successfully with participation from over 1300 runners across India. The marathon was flagged off by Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, along with K Anandh, Chief Conservator of Forests, Central Circle, Dr V S Senthil Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Alok K

Project cost escalates from Rs 25,000 cr to Rs 38,905 cr * Being opened for Shri Amarnath Yatra in June Gopal Sharma JAMMU, Apr 5: The prestigious Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway Project, one of the major Greenfield Projects in the country under Bharatmala Pariyojana is all set to be opened for the pilgrims of Shri Aarnath Ji Yatra in June this year from Balsua in Punjab and Raya Morh, near Ring Road in Vijaypur in district Samba for their easy and smooth [] The post Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Express

NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today launched the first-ever a dedicated programme on Administrative Capacity Building for Scientists and Academicians, marking a step towards equipping academia leader with governance skills and decision-making capabilities under the Mission Karmay

Kargil, Apr 5: Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk was accorded a warm welcome in Kargil on Sunday, where he called for unity across Ladakh and the country and reiterated the demand for democratic and constitutional rights for the Union Territory. This marked the first visit of Sonam Wangchuk to Kargil after his release on March 14, following nearly six months of detention in Jodhpur jail under the National Security Act (NSA). His release came after the Centre revoked the grounds of [] The post Sona

SRINAGAR, Apr 5: Every winter, migratory birds arrive in Kashmir in tens of thousands to escape the freezing temperatures in Siberia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and make wetlands in the valley their temporary home. And, with the onset of rainy weather in Kashmir (from late March to May), they start their breeding season in wetlands, such as Hokersar, Dal Lake and Narkara, before returning to their native places. However, the poaching of the birds disturbs this period. The department [] The

Jammu, Apr 5: Six alleged drug peddlers were apprehended along with contraband substances in Reasi, Poonch and Jammu districts on Sunday, police said. Taking prompt action following the circulation of several videos on social media showing the alleged sale of intoxicating drugs at Purana Daroor market near Katra town of Reasi, police nabbed four people and recovered a consignment of banned tablets from them, a police officer said. He identified the apprehended individuals as Rashpal Singh, Uttam

CHANDIGARH, Apr 5: Two men, allegedly the main perpetrators of the blast outside Punjab BJP headquarters here, have been arrested, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Sunday. They were arrested in Haryanas Rewari on Saturday night, he said. They are Gurtej Singh and Amanpreet Singh. Both are residents of village Ratangarh under Morinda Police Station in Punjabs Rupar, the police chief said at a press conference here. On April 1, around 5 pm, a blast occurred outside [] The pos

NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Sunday said meditation can help bring peace, clarity and a positive outlook and underscored that conflict is not only external but also lies within an individual. The vice president also underlined that the true power of meditation lies in transforming human beings. Meditation helps reduce stress, improve focus, enhance emotional resilience, and address issues such as overthinking and overworking, he said. Addressing an event on meditation he

MUMBAI, Apr 5: The Reserve Bank is likely to keep the benchmark policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent in the April monetary policy review meeting, as the West Asia crisis is likely to push up inflation, according to economists. The continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, volatility in commodity prices and sharp currency movement that have seen the rupee hit record lows have complicated the policy outlook, and its projections on growth, inflation and also the stance of [] The post Ec

ISTANBUL, Apr 5: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern that a prolonged US-Israeli war on Iran could further erode Americas support for Ukraine as Washingtons global priorities shift and Kyiv braces for reduced deliveries of critically needed Patriot air defence missiles. Ukraine desperately needs more US-made Patriot air defence systems to help it counter Russias daily barrages, Zelenskyy said, speaking to The Associated Press in an exclusive interview late Saturday in Istan

KUSHINAGAR/NEW DELHI, (UP), Apr 5: The Delhi Polices Special Cell has detained a youth from Uttar Pradeshs Kushinagar district on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities and taken him to the national capital, officials said on Sunday. According to Uttar Pradesh police, the youth, Rizwan Ahmad, of Chhawani area of Padrauna town, came under the scanner during the investigation of a case registered by the Special Cell. A 10-member team led by Inspector Nishant Dahiya reached Padrauna late

WASHINGTON, Apr 5: US President Donald Trump said the co-pilot of the F-15E jet shot down in Iran was safe, and that one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history had been conducted to rescue him. Earlier, CBS claimed citing sources that one of the pilots had been rescued and evacuated by two US military helicopters. My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search [] The post Second pilot of downed F-15E Je

LONDON, Apr 5:The University of Oxfords Bodleian Libraries has launched a historic UK-wide tour of Shikshapatri, one of the worlds most significant and rare Hindu scriptures, to mark its 200th anniversary. The sacred manuscript began its bicentenary journey earlier this year to travel to major temples around the country in collaboration with leaders of the Swaminarayan faith to offer an expected 20,000-30,000 people a rare opportunity to view the sacred text. Composed in Vadtal in Gujarat in 182

NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Premium motorcycle maker Classic Legends, owner of iconic brands Yezdi, Jawa and BSA, is embarking on a portfolio expansion with plans to introduce new bikes in the scrambler segment to carry forward its growth momentum. The company, which had broken into the top ten two-wheeler makers in the country by sales by volume in February this year, is seeking to consolidate its legacy of being a leader in scrambler bikes built for off-road and street [] The post Classic Legends seeks

NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Dairy major Amul on Sunday said its total turnover rose 11 per cent in the last fiscal year to cross the Rs 1 lakh crore milestone on better demand for dairy products. In a statement, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF) said the total turnover of the Amul brand crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark for the financial year 2025-26. The total unduplicated revenue of the Amul brand has increased by 11 per [] The post Amul brand turnover rises 11 pc to over Rs 1

NEW DELHI, Apr 5: State-owned India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) is aiming to double its exposure in Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) to Rs 6,000 crore during the ongoing fiscal year as part of its investment diversification strategy. IIFCL has exposure of Rs 3,000 crore across nine InvITs as of March 31, 2026. We hope to double our investment in InvITs during the current financial year. It should reach Rs 6,000 crore by the end of March 2027, IIFCL MD [] The post IIFCL to

JAIPUR, Apr 5:Amid heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in global oil markets, Oil India Ltd has significantly ramped up crude production from Rajasthans Thar desert, achieving a record output of 1,202 barrels per day from the Jodhpur sandstone formation, officials said. The state-run company has increased production by around 70 per cent compared to last years 705 barrels per day, marking a major milestone in efforts to boost domestic output and strengthen energy security. Officials

Leh, Apr 5: Flights at Leh airport have increased from eight to 18 per day to boost air connectivity ahead of the peak tourism season, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said on Sunday. He said two more flights are expected to begin operations soon, providing flexibility for visitors to plan their journeys, and invited holiday-makers to experience Ladakh for an unforgettable trip. Ladakh is all set to welcome a larger number of visitors than before. Pleased to announce a major [] The post 18

NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna, while highlighting that the Election Commission is the primary institution entrusted with maintaining the integrity of polls, has said if those who conduct elections are dependent on those who contest them, the neutrality of the process cannot be assured. The apex court judge raised a critical concern regarding the structural independence of those tasked with overseeing the ballot while delivering the Rajendra Prasad Memorial Lecture a

NEW DELHI, Apr 5: The Congress on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats, saying he is bulldozing the move that will work more to the benefit of larger and populous states and is nothing but a Weapon of Mass Distraction (WMD). The opposition party also alleged that the prime minister is hoodwinking the people of the country and is making misleading statements that are meant to deceive. In [] The post PMs Push For Increasing

NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Moodys Ratings has slashed Indias economic growth estimates for the current fiscal to 6 per cent from 6.8 per cent earlier, saying the ongoing conflict in West Asia will moderate growth momentum and raise inflation risks. In its credit opinion report on India, Moodys said prolonged disruptions, particularly LPG shipments due to the conflict, would lead to near-term household shortages, higher fuel and transport costs, and spillovers to food inflation through Indias reliance on

NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Suzuki Motorcycle India aims to increase its contribution to the global two-wheeler sales of parent Suzuki Motor Corporation to over 50 per cent, with its new manufacturing facility expected to enhance both domestic and export volumes, according to company Managing Director Kenichi Umeda. In 2025-26, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd (SMIPL) clocked its highest-ever annual sales of 14,39,415 units, registering a growth of 15 per cent over 12,56,155 units sold in FY25. While its d

NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Asserting that the BJP is opposed to infiltrators and is not against Muslims, senior party leader and Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday exuded confidence in the partys electoral prospects in Assam and West Bengal. Assembly polls in Assam are scheduled for April 9, while West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled on May 4. I strongly believe that we will win in both Assam and West Bengal. [] The post BJP Opposed To Infiltrators, Not Agai