Daily Excelsior

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 13: J&K Bank today celebrated the festival of Lohri with traditional fervour and festive spirit at its Jammu Zonal Office, reflecting the institutions commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting togetherness among employees. The celebrations were led by Managing Director and CEO Amitava Chatterjee in the presence of Chief General Manager Sunit Kumar, General Manager Narjay Gupta, General Manager and Divisional Head Jammu Ashok Gupta, Zonal Head

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 13: Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, Northern Railway called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, today. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated Uchit Singhal on being conferred with the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2025. The prestigious award recognizes Singhals exceptional leadership and meticulous planning in managing train operations during Operation Sindoor and aftermath of floods. Singhal briefed the Lieutenant Governor

Excelsior Correspondent PUNE, Jan 13: Aimed to further strengthen tourism cooperation between Ladakh and Maharashtra, the Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta today interacted with Tour and Travel Operators from Maharashtra. During the interaction, the LG highlighted Ladakhs immense tourism potential, noting that the region is globally renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, serene environment, rich cultural heritage, ancient monasteries, high mountain ranges, p

Union Minister of Science and Technology (Independent Charge) and MoS of Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh, asserts that the SHANTI Act opens up the atomic energy sector for private participation while retaining full sovereignty. He said India is fully atmanirbhar in space launch vehicles and has built satellites for all space applications, such as earth observation, communication, and navigation. He tells TNIE that India has achieved self-reliance in the production and use of nuclear energy and

J&Ks spiritual heritage is dynamic asset Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 13: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Tuesday launched the special edition of Sangarmal magazine published by Hindu Education Society Kashmir, at Gandhi Memorial Camp College, Raipur Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on social cohesion and use of cultural-spiritual heritage and education as a unifying thread to create a blueprint for the thriving future. He emphasised on instilling values such as com

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 13: As Jammu witnessed colourful and spirited celebrations of the Lohri festival on Tuesday, traditional rituals like gatherings around bonfire with gaiety and offering oblations to the sacred fire marked the occasion. CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO Besides private rituals and festivities by people at their respective homes, several public events were organized by social and political organizations highlighting the rich heritage and folk traditions of the region. Ce

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Jan 13:Alleging that the Opposition is manufacturing motivated apprehensions against G Ram G Act,Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said here today that aresponsible government has a duty to place facts clearly before the public, without political colouring, especially when policies directly impact villages, liveli

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 13: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today said that tribal heritage constitutes a living, dynamic knowledge system embedded in language, belief structures, customary practices and social organisation. He emphasised that its preservation requires a participatory, community-driven research framework that acknowledges indigenous epistemologies and lived traditions. The Minister was addressing a workshop,

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Jan 13: In a bid to revive Manasbal Lake, one of Asias deepest freshwater lakes, the authorities have resumed large-scale dredging operations after a gap of nearly eight years. CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO The exercise, which began around 10 days ago, as per officials, is progressing at a satisfactory pace and is expected to bring noticeable improvements to the ecological health of the lake. According to officials associated with the project, the dredging work is b

NEW YORK, Jan 13: US Vice President J D Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have congratulated Sergio Gor as he took charge as the US Ambassador to India, expressing confidence that he would do a great job in New Delhi. Namaste! Today marks my first day at the US Embassy in New Delhi. I am honoured to join this dedicated team and eager to get to work advancing President Donald Trumps priorities and deepening the US-India partnership. I [] The post Vance, Rubio congratulate Gor on assuming c

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has extended significant support to two of the Union Territorys deaf cricketers by providing them with high-quality cricketing equipment ahead of the Deaf Asia Cup 2026. Wicketkeeper-batter Umar Ashraf Beigh and all-rounder Hilal Wani, both selected in the Indian squad, were presented with premium kitbags and gear during a ceremony held at the JKCA Hostel Ground, Jammu. The equipment was handed over by

AHMEDABAD, Jan 13 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted it is not easy to erase Indias Sanatan Dharma, culture, and peoples faith, noting they are as eternal and imperishable as the Sun and the Moon. Citing the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple despite repeated attempts to destroy it over the centuries, Shah emphasised those who destroyed the shrine have today faded without a trace, but the magnificent place of worship stands thousands of years later with even [] The post Somnat

New Delhi, Jan 13: Dronacharya awardee CA Kuttappa has returned as the head coach of the Indian mens boxing team for a third stint, the Boxing Federation of India confirmed on Tuesday. The Services man replaces SAI Rohtak coach Dharmender Yadav, who was appointed last year. Yadav, however, will continue to be part of the mens coaching setup. Yes CA Kuttappa has been appointed as the coach in charge and Dharmender Yadav will also continue to be a part of [] The post CA Kuttappa returns as head co

Excelsior Sports Correspondent DODA, Jan 13: A Civil-Police Friendly T20 Cricket Match was organised at Sports Stadium, here today by District Administration Doda in collaboration with the Police Administration Doda with the objective of strengthening coordination, camaraderie and people-friendly policing. The event was graced by the presence of Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh and Commandant IRP 5th Battalion, Beoli Doda, Ifroz Ahmed who interacted with the players and spectators and a

SINGAPORE, Jan 13: A Singapore court on Tuesday sentenced an Indian-origin Malaysian man to 12 years in jail and 15 strokes of the cane for posing as a sugar daddy and duping three women into engaging in sexual acts with him, a media report said. Rajwant Singh Gill Narajan Singh, 38, has pending charges involving 13 other alleged victims, which will be dealt with later, reported the Straits Times newspaper. Singh was married with children but went on to coerce [] The post Indian-origin man sente

NEW DELHI, Jan 13: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his French counterpart Emmanuel Bonne co-chaired the 38th India-France Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi today, during which they also reviewed preparations for the forthcoming visit to India of President of France Emmanuel Macron. During the Strategic Dialogue, India and France reiterated their commitment to the strategic partnership. The two countries discussed ongoing bilateral initiatives spanning the domains of security, defence, tec

CHANDIGARH, Jan 13 : Lohri was celebrated across Punjab and Haryana on Tuesday. Bonfires, an important part of the festivities, were lit using wood and cow dung cakes as families danced to the tunes of famous folk song Sundar mundriye ho. Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria hosted a function at the Lok Bhavan here this evening which was attended by many dignitaries including Haryana Governor and chief ministers from the two states. During the day, as [] The post L

BEIJING, Jan 13 : As Canadian leader Mark Carney arrives in China on Wednesday, his hosts see an opportunity to peel the longtime US ally away from their rival, at least a bit. Chinas state media is calling on the Canadian government to set a foreign policy path independent of the United States what it calls strategic autonomy. Canada has long been one of Americas closest allies, geographically and otherwise. But Beijing is hoping that President Donald Trumps economic [] The post China urges Ca

Excelsior Sports Correspondent LEH, Jan 13: The Union Territory of Ladakh conducted team selection trials for the upcoming Khelo India Winter Games 2026 at NDS Ice Hockey Stadium, here today. The trials were held for both mens and womens ice hockey teams to finalize UT Ladakhs contingent for the prestigious national winter sports event. Earlier, the Kargil District ice hockey trials were conducted on January 11 at the KSC Sports Stadium, Bemathang, Kargil. Both the Leh and Kargil district trials

Excelsior Correspondent ZANSKAR, Jan 13: On the directions of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Zanskar, a Committee headed by Shri Mohd Hassan, Tehsildar, Zanskar and comprising the Accounts Officer, ZDA and the Block Development Officer, Zanskar conducted a surprise inspection of various Government offices today to assess punctuality, attendance, and delivery of public services. During the inspection of CHC, Padum, the Committee scrutinized the attendance registers and verified the leave accounts

Dr. Banarsi Lal kvkreasi@gmail.com Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir is endowed with different agro-climatic conditions and topography. There is enormous scope for strengthening various commercial horticultural activities to enhance the income of the farmers. Horticultural sector contributes immensely to strengthen the financial condition of J&K. This is a core sector of Jammu and Kashmir agriculture and about 4.5 lakh families are engaged in it. Around 20 per cent area of the UT is under hortic

The National Green Tribunals sharp rebuke to the District Administration, Doda, over the state of pollution control in the ecologically fragile Bhaderwah valley exposes a grim and familiar pattern: prolonged monitoring, repeated assurances, and negligible outcomes on the ground. Despite NGT scrutiny for over two years, Bhaderwah continues to choke under untreated sewage, faecal sludge and solid waste, with rivers and streams bearing the cost of administrative inertia. There is a long list of inc

J&K situation firmly under control *Active local terrorists in single digit NEW DELHI, Jan 13: Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi today said that the situation along the frontier with China in eastern Ladakh remains stable but needs constant monitoring even as he warned Pakistan against any misadventure in the western sector. CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO The Army chief said Indias resolute response under Operation Sindoor against cross-border terrorism provided strategic clarity and that his force had

Multiple drones enter Rajouri *Gunshots heard in Billawar forests Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 13: Army opened fire to take down multiple suspected Pakistani drones that entered Indian Territory from across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Rajouri district this evening. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp However, the drones briefly hovered in the Manjakote sector before returning to Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK). This incident marks the second occasion in three days th

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 13: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) today executed proclamation orders against three absconding accused Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) involved in anti-national and unlawful activities. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A police spokesperson in a statement said that the proclamation proceedings were carried out in compliance with orders passed by the Court of the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act in Srinagar. The action was undertak

*Patients face delays, higher costs amid absence of backup facility Govind Sharma JAMMU, Jan 13: The lone MRI machine available in public health institutions across Jammu province has gone out of order at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, affecting diagnostic services for patients from all districts and once again highlighting the dependence of the entire province on a single MRI facility despite the establishment of four new Government Medical colleges in recent years in the region. Follo

NEW YORK, Jan 13 : The Consulate General of India in Seattle co-hosted a special event providing an overview of the countrys expanding AI ecosystem and its evolution, ahead of the global AI summit to be hosted in New Delhi next month. The session on Monday, hosted in partnership with Seattle University, focused on the theme People, Planet, and Progress, highlighting Indias AI strategy for social good, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth. A large number of students and senior [

Rajouri, Jan 13: Indian Army troops opened fire on a suspected Pakistani drone after it was detected during routine surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district on tuesday evening. Official sources said that drone was spotted hovering over forward areas, following which alert troops fired at it as a precautionary measure, they said. Security forces have stepped up surveillance along the LoC in view of repeated attempts of drone intrusions from across the border, they said. (K

New Delhi, Jan 13: The government is committed to providing quality healthcare to every citizen of the country, especially those living in remote and island territories, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday. He addressed virtually a nearly week-long joint services multi-speciality camp organised by the Indian Navy at the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kavaratti in Lakshadweep, being hosted for the first time in the island Union territory from January 12-16, officials said. The government is c

Jammu, Jan 13: A senior railway official on Tuesday called on Lt Governor Manoj Sinha here and discussed several upcoming projects including infrastructure development and passenger convenience, an official spokesperson said. Northern Railways Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Jammu Division Uchit Singhal, who was recently conferred with Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2025, also briefed Sinha on the significant milestones achieved by the newly established division, the spokesperson said.

New Delhi, Jan 13: Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah, an accused in a terror funding case, on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that he had met five prime ministers of India on the Jammu and Kashmir issue and his speeches mostly represented the aspirations of the people in the erstwhile state. A bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, which was hearing Shahs bail plea, asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to produce a couple of his speeches [] The post Represented Peopl

Jammu, Jan 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday launched the special edition of Sangarmal magazine published by Hindu Education Society Kashmir, at Gandhi Memorial Camp College, Raipur Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on social cohesion and use of cultural-spiritual heritage and education as a unifying thread to create a blueprint for the thriving future. He emphasised on instilling values such as compassion, humility, and resilience to strengthen community bonds. I

LUCKNOW, Jan 13: The transformation of Uttar Pradesh from a bottleneck state to a breakthrough state has happened because of technology-based platforms like PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said here on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference, Adityanath said his Government is now acting not just as a facilitator, but as an accelerator, speeding up projects. Thanks to technology-based platforms like PRAGATI, Uttar Pradesh has been transform

NEW DELHI, Jan 13: The lateral parafacial (pFL) region of the brain, responsible for controlling breathing, may also connect to nerves that tighten blood vessels, leading to a rise in blood pressure, according to a study, findings from which could present a new treatment target for hypertension. The pFL region located in the brainstem, which connects the cerebrum in the brain to the spinal cord controls automatic functions, including digestion, breathing, and heart rate. Forced exhalations wh

NEW DELHI, Jan 13: In a major push to safeguard Indias demographic dividend, the Vice-President of India C P Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the Drug Free Campus Campaign at the University of Delhi on Tuesday. The initiative marks a significant step in the Governments mission to eliminate substance abuse from educational institutions, framing the fight against drugs as a cornerstone of building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Addressing a gathering of students, faculty, and policymakers, Vice-Pres

Jammu, Jan 13: Ladakh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Tuesday strongly rejected Chinas claim over the Shaksgam valley, asserting that the entire region of Pakistan-occupied Jammu-Kashmir (PoJK) belongs to India. He also asserted that no expansionist attempt would be tolerated. China on Monday reaffirmed its territorial claims over the Shaksgam valley in the backdrop of Indias objections, stressing that the Chinese infrastructure projects in the area are beyond reproach. The whole of (Pakistan-occupie

New Delhi, Jan 13: The country will achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat (developed India) with the right direction and speed, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said on Tuesday, underlining that these values drive nations and individuals alike. In his address to cadets at the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day camp at Delhi Cantonment, the CDS described the armed forces as one of the most noble professions and urged the youth to serve the nation. When I [] The post Right Direction, Speed

Lucknow, Jan 13: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said the MGNREGA had effectively become a guarantee of loot, while asserting that there was no scope for even a single rupee of corruption under the Narendra Modi governments newly enacted VB-G RAM G Act. Addressing a press conference after a BJP workshop here, Rijiju urged people not to be influenced by what he termed misinformation being spread about the new law. He said unlike Mahatma Gandhi National Rural [] The post MG

NEW DELHI, Jan 13: India is trying to expand the global reach of its homegrown digital payment system UPI to a larger number of countries, especially in East Asia, Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju said on Tuesday. Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is currently accepted in eight countries Bhutan, Singapore, Qatar, Mauritius, Nepal, the UAE, Sri Lanka and France. The acceptability of Indias digital payment network overseas enables Indian tourists to make UPI payments for transactions abroad

NEW DELHI, Jan 13: Exporters are keeping their fingers crossed on the impact of recent announcement made by US President Donald Trump that Washington will impose additional 25 per cent duty on countries trading with Iran. The exact impact of the additional tariff will be only known after a notification is issued by the Trump administration, said exporters. Indian exporters are already reeling under the impact of the steep 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the US. Trump has [] The post Exporters wo

NEW DELHI, Jan 13:The initial public offering of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd got 76.81 times subscription so far on the final day of bidding on Tuesday. The IPO received bids for 26,64,80,45,400 shares against 34,69,46,500 shares on offer, as per NSE data till 1345 hours. The portion meant for non-institutional investors fetched a whopping 223.88 times subscription. The Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) quota got subscribed 48.72 times, and the category for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) rec

NEW DELHI, Jan 13: Crisil Ratings on Tuesday said that recent developments in Venezuela are not likely to have any material near-term impact on crude oil prices, as the Latin American nation had a relatively small share of global supply. A US military operation in early January resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro on drug-related charges, triggering uncertainty in the country, which holds some of the worlds largest proven crude reserves. Crisil Ratings, in a note, said [] The pos

BEIJING, Jan 13: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday rejected Indias claim over the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. The territory you mentioned belongs to China. Its fully justified for China to conduct infrastructure construction on its own territory, Mao said when asked about border issues and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The spokesperson further said, China and Pakistan in the 1960s signed a boundary agreement and delimited the boundary between the t

LONDON, Jan 13: The UK Government will launch criminal prosecutions for the creation of intimate images online without the users consent, UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall said. On Monday, British media regulator Ofcom launched an investigation into xAI and Elon Musks chatbot Grok, which were used to generate pornographic images using artificial intelligence. If a violation is found, Ofcom could impose a fine equal to 10 percent of the companys global reven

PARIS, Jan 13: French farmers steered some 350 tractors on Tuesday over cobblestoned Paris avenues toward Parliament to protest low incomes and an EU trade deal with South America that they fear threatens their livelihoods. Escorted by police, the tractors tangled rush-hour traffic as they rumbled down the Champs-Elysees and other Paris avenues, and then over the Seine River to reach the National Assembly. Farmer anger in France and other European countries has escalated over a rash of challeng

Srinagar, Jan 13: National Conference leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday said the profiling of mosques, madrassas and Imams by police in Jammu and Kashmir was an infringement of the religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution. There are already so many layers of surveillance, by CID, IB and the paramilitary forces. This intimidation and surveillance is an infringement of the right to practice religion guaranteed by the Constitution, Mehdi, the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, told reporters

JAMMU, Jan 13: In a strong crackdown on terror networks operating from within the system, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha has ordered the termination of five government employees for their alleged active links with banned terrorist organisations. Officials said that the dismissed employees include Mohd Ishfaq, a government school teacher; Tariq Ahmad Rah, a laboratory technician; Bashir Ahmad Mir, an assistant lineman; Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a Class-IV employee in the Forest Dep

2 AIIMS, 12 Medical Colleges, 17 CCBs and 3,166 Wellness Centres strengthens services from tertiary to grassroots level JAMMU, JANUARY 13: Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a historic and far-reaching transformation in its healthcare sector, marked by massive infrastructure development, unprecedented expansion in medical education, and sustained support from the Government of India. Strategic investments made over the past several years by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) have fundame

JAMMU, Jan 13: An encounter has broken out between security forces and terrorists in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The post Encounter Breaks Out Between Security Forces, Terrorists In Jammu And Kashmirs Kathua appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Ahmedabad, Jan 13: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said it is not easy to erase Indias Sanatan Dharma, culture, and peoples faith, citing the reconstruction of the Somnath temple despite repeated attempts to destroy it over the centuries. Those who attacked the temple eventually disappeared, but the temple still stands proudly at the same place on the seashore in Gujarats Gir Somnath district, he said. Shah was addressing a gathering at Mansa town in Gandhinagar district after inaugurat