Daily Excelsior

In the past decade, India has quietly built one of the most dynamic digital ecosystems in the world. Cheap mobile data, an enormous smartphone market, and the rapid growth of UPI payments have changed how people communicate, watch entertainment, order services and play games. A country that once struggled with broadband access now leads in mobile-first internet use, and that shift is beginning to influence real-time online gaming formats that depend on fast connections and seamless transactions.

CALIFORNIA, Feb 18: Six skiers trapped in an avalanche in the mountains of California in the United States have been rescued, while search teams hunt for the remaining nine, the Nevada County Sheriffs Office has said. On Tuesday, the police said that 16 skiers were caught in the avalanche. Six survived and were awaiting rescue, 10 were missing. They later corrected the total to 15 people. The six initially reported skiers who survived the avalanche have been successfully rescued this [] The post

New Delhi, Feb 18: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill 37 seats from 10 states. Polling will be held on 16th March 2026 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with counting of votes scheduled the same day at 5:00 pm. The term of office of 37 members of the Council of States elected from 10 States is due to expire in April [] The post Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: Election Commission announces schedul

GENEVA, Feb 18 : Envoys from Moscow and Kyiv met Wednesday in Geneva for a second consecutive day of US-brokered talks, with officials trying to bridge political and military differences stemming from Russias all-out invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago. Consultations are taking place in working groups by areas within the political and military tracks, the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, wrote in English on X. We are working on clarifying the parameters and mechanisms of th

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: Effects of exercise on easing symptoms of osteoarthritis are likely minimal, short lived, and probably no better than no treatment at all, suggests an analysis of previously published evidence and reviews. The findings, published in the journal Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMD) Open, challenge the promotion of exercise as a first line of treatment to ease pain and improve physical function among the affected, and highlight the need to revisit research priorities, re

WARSAW (Poland), Feb 18: The Polish army has banned Chinese cars from entering military facilities hoping to prevent the collection of sensitive data by technologically advanced automobiles. Modern vehicles equipped with cutting edge sensors and communication systems are capable of uncontrolled acquisition and use of data, the Polish army wrote in a statement justifying the ban. Vehicles are now able to collect video, sound and location and there is a fear that Chinese producers might share some

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: A study conducted in 27.8 million people in the US has shown that exposure to air pollution can directly contribute towards increased risk of Alzheimers disease, rather than causing indirectly through chronic conditions such as hypertension and stroke. The findings, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, also reveal that people with a history of stroke may be particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution on brain health, highlighting an important intersecti

DHAKA, Feb 18: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday chaired the first meeting of his newly formed cabinet to set the course for the new administration, media reports said. Rahman, chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the prime minister on Tuesday. The newly formed cabinet led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has begun its inaugural meeting to set the course for the new administration, BDNews24 news portal said. Rahman is presiding over the session, []

ISLAMABAD, Feb 18: Pakistans opposition alliance on Wednesday ended its days-long sit-in in the national capital over concerns about the health of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-in-Pakistan (TTAP), an alliance that includes Khans Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, launched protests on Friday at two locations in Islamabad, including the premises of parliament and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House building. TTAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai led the sit-in at the premises of

Srinagar, Feb 18: The hustle and bustle of Ramzan shopping have reached its peak in Kashmir with markets across the Valley bustling with activity as Muslims prepare for the holy fasting month likely to begin on Thursday. The sale of dates and other dry fruits has picked up pace in the Valley ahead of the sacred month, likely to begin on Thursday, depending on the appearance of the moon. The markets donned a festive atmosphere in the days leading up [] The post Markets Abuzz With Festive Bustling

Jammu, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday announced a series of major initiatives for the development of Katra, including the construction of a temple dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya and the setting up of an International Museum of Goddess. Sinha said several facilities have already been established, and efforts are on to start a helicopter service to the Shiv Khori cave shrine of Lord Shiva from Katra within three months. Sinha laid the foundation stone of []

Jammu, Feb 18: At least five suspected persons have been detained for questioning amid intensified search for a gangster who remained at large after escaping a juvenile home, along with two Pakistani inmates, in a border village of Jammu, officials said on Wednesday. Both the Pakistani nationals were arrested on Tuesday, within 20 hours of the incident near Ambala railway station in Haryana, while they were heading for Nepal. Karajeet Singh alias Gugga, a resident of Dablehar in R S [] The post

JAMMU, Feb 18: Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana today said that the government has undertaken a slew of measures to strengthen the drinking water infrastructure by implementing multiple Water Supply Schemes (WSSs) across both rural and urban areas of the Basohli constituency. This was stated by the MInister, while replying to a question on water supply schemes raised by MLA Darshan Kumar in the Legislative Assembly. The Minister said that for the rural population, drinking water supply i

1200 Posts Referred To Recruitment Agencies; No Proposal For New Veterinary Centres In Gulabgarh: Javid Dar JAMMU, Feb 18: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today informed the House that the government of Jammu and Kashmir has frozen the boundaries of all administrative units across the Union Territory until completion of the Census 2021. Replying to a question raised by Legislator Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi) in the House, the Minister stated that the

JAMMU, Feb 18: In a landmark development for the healthcare sector of Jammu and Kashmir, Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first newly established GMC in J&K to receive approval to start a Superspeciality course in Cardiology. The National Board of Examinations has accredited Three Dr NB Cardiology seats to the Department of Cardiology GMC Anantnag. The approval marks a major step forward in the transformation of GMC Anantnag into a ce

JAMMU, Feb 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today moved 13 Demands and 19 supplementary Demands in the Legislative Assembly which was subsequently presented before the House for discussion by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather. I move that a sum not exceeding the aggregate amount mentioned in Demand Nos. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 19, 20, 24, 31 and 33 be granted to Government to defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending [] The post CM Omar Abdullah Moves 13 Demands,

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Frances Port of Marseille Fos to deepen cooperation on trade facilitation, port innovation and energy transition, strengthening connectivity along the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). The initial pact proposes the creation of an IMEC Ports Club to enhance coordination among key ports along the IMEC route and reinforce connectivity between India and the European Union

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: An advancing of chronic kidney disease may be linked to an increase in cognitive impairment, such as problems with attention, processing speed and executive function, according to a study. The findings, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, underscores that severity of chronic kidney disease could be a risk factor for cognitive decline. Chronic kidney disease is a long-term, progressive loss of kidney function where kidneys are not

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: India may be faster in AI adoption than America in ten years with its youthful, more optimistic population embracing the new wave of technology, Zoho Corporation Co-founder and Chief Scientist, Sridhar Vembu said on Wednesday. Like how UPI became mass-scale in India, AI could also be the same, Vembu said while speaking at the AI Impact Summit here. Citing the example of fibre optics, he said back in 2000s American venture capitalists sold many 10s of [] The post India may be f

Jammu, Feb 18: Jammu & Kashmir Government on Wednesday said that the issue to enhance the upper age limit for candidates appearing in the Jammu & Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination (JKCCE) is under examination. In response to cut motion of MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, the Minister in-charge General Administration Department said that issue is under examination to assess its feasibility in light of the existing provisions of the Jammu & Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination 2018 Rules,

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday had a meeting with Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and its parent company Alphabet Inc, and discussed the work India is doing in artificial intelligence and how the technology giant can work with Indian students and professionals in this field. Pichai is here to attend the ongoing India AI Impact Summit, which is being held at Bharat Mandapam here alongside an expo. It was a delight to meet Mr. Sundar [] The post PM Modi Meets Google CEO,

Enhancement Follows 7th Pay Commission DA Hike; Applies to Regular Pay Level Employees from Jan 1, 2024 JAMMU, Feb 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has clarified that the maximum limit of Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) for employees working in regular pay levels under the 7th Pay Commission has been enhanced from 20 lakh to 25 lakh, effective January 1, 2024, following the Dearness Allowance reaching 50% of basic pay. In a clarification circular issued by the principal secretary financ

Jammu, Feb 18: Saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir has declined from 23.53 metric tonnes in 202324 to 19.58 metric tonnes in 202425, according to official data. In a written reply to a question raised by National Conference MLA Hasnain Masoodi, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said that the total area under Saffron cultivation in the Union Territory has remained constant at 1,116.27 hectares, but output and productivity have fluctuated. According to the data shared in the House

LOS ANGELES, Feb 18: Mark Zuckerberg will testify in an unprecedented social media trial that questions whether Metas platforms deliberately addict and harm children. Metas CEO is expected to answer tough questions on Wednesday from attorneys representing a now 20-year-old woman identified by the initials KGM, who claims her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta Platforms and Googles YouTube are the two remaining defendant

New Delhi, Feb 18: Back in 2021, when current BCCI president Mithun Manhas became one of the administrators of a crisis-ridden Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), he had to set things right in a body that was dealing with mismanagement and allegations of corruption. On Wednesday, when the Jammu and Kashmir team created history by reaching its first ever Ranji Trophy final, Manhas could afford to be a bit emotional. It wasnt very easy at that time when I [] The post Its A Dream Come Tru

MELBOURNE, Feb 18: Australias government on Wednesday banned an Australian with alleged ties to the Islamic State group from returning from a Syrian detention camp. The Australian is among a group of 34 women and children who had planned to fly from Damascus to Australia on Monday but were turned back by Syrian authorities to the Roj detention camp due to procedural problems. Syria has detained the wives of former Islamic State fighters and their children from multiple countries in [] The post A

An early stage infrastructure investment intended to support the development of a proposed light rail project in Ghana is now being tested in court, with scrutiny focused less on the ambition of the project and more on governance. At the centre of the Sky Train trial is a narrow but consequential question: whether the correct corporate approval processes were followed at board level, and whether the documentary record supports that sequence of decision making. In high value investment decisions,

Visakhapatnam, Feb 18: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that the Indian Navy is vigilant in safeguarding countrys maritime interests and is contributing to stability across wider maritime commerce. Presiding over the International Fleet Review (IFR) off Vizag coast abroad an Indian Naval warship in the Bay of Bengal, the President said the Indian Navy is deployed in the region to serve as a credible instrument of deterrence and defence against threats and challenges arising in the sea.

Jammu, Feb 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said 219 ventilators are defunct in 10 government medical colleges and the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences across the Union Territory. In a written reply to a starred question raised by MLA Shamim Firdous in the Assembly, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo provided hospital-wise details of functional and defunct ventilators in government medical colleges (GMCs), associated hospitals and other major health ins

LONDON, Feb 18: Fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files has landed on the gilded wood and plush red benches of Britains House of Lords. Parliaments upper chamber is in the spotlight after former UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson was forced to resign as a member of the Lords because of his friendship with the late sex offender. The episode has emboldened critics who say the unelected house is antiquated, undemocratic and far too slow at punishing bad behaviour by [] The post Fallout from

KARACHI, Feb 18: At least eight suspected terrorists were killed on Wednesday by Pakistani security forces on the outskirts of Quetta in the restive Balochistan province. A spokesperson of the Balochistan Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) told the media that the CTD had carried out an intelligence-based raid near Darakshan town on the outskirts of Quetta in which the militants were killed. The spokesperson said eight bodies were found at the site where the gunfire took place between CTD officer

MUMBAI, Feb 18: Following her success in Telugu cinema with Sita Ramam and Hi Nanna, actor Mrunal Thakur says she has made a conscious choice to engage with both Bollywood and south cinema. Born to a Marathi-speaking family in Maharashtras Dhule city, Thakur garnered acclaim for her performance in her debut in Telugu films in the 2022 period romance drama, Sita Ramam, opposite Dulquer Salmaan, and followed it with yet another romantic-drama, Hi Nanna with Nani. When I started my [] The post Mrun

LUCKNOW, Feb 18: BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday trashed as fake news reports that her party would contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in alliance with other parties, asserting that it will fight the polls on its own strength. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister in a press briefing alleged that such reports were being spread with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to mislead people. It is absolutely wrong, false, baseless and fabricated news. These discussions are bei

Jammu, Feb 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday extended his congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for their remarkable victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, which secured them a historic place in the final. In a post on X, the Office of the J&K LG, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), lauded the teams performance and described the achievement as a milestone in the regions sporting journey. Congratulations to the J&K cricket team on their [] The post LG Man

New Delhi, Feb 18: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday dubbed the AI Summit a disorganised PR spectacle and alleged that Chinese products are being showcased there. Instead of leveraging Indias talent and data, the AI summit is a disorganised PR spectacle Indian data up for sale, Chinese products showcased, Gandhi said in a post on X. The former Congress presidents remarks came amid a controversy over Galgotias University allegedly showcasing a robotic dog labelled Orion at the AI [] The

Jammu, Feb 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for its remarkable achievement in the Ranji Trophy, praising the players, coaches and support staff for their collective effort and dedication. The J&K team scripted history by defeating Bengal by six wickets in their maiden Ranji Trophy semifinal appearance, registering a landmark victory that marks a defining moment in the sides domestic cricket journey. The CM extended congratulations on

Kalyani, (West Bengal:, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by reaching the Ranji Trophy finals for the first time in their 67-year history, defeating two-time former champions Bengal by six wickets on day four of the semifinal here on Wednesday. Set a below-par target of 126 by the home side, they chased it down in 34.4 overs, with Vanshaj Sharma (43 not out) and Abdul Samad (30 not out) steering them past the finish line. This was after pace [] The post J&K Make History, Enter Ranji Tro

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: Galgotias University has been asked to vacate its stall at the AI Summit Expo immediately, sources said, amid a controversy over the display of a robotic dog that raised questions about the origin and ownership of the technology showcased. Controversy erupted after Galgotias University faced online backlash for showcasing a robotic dog labeled Orion at the AI Summit expo that critics said was actually a Chinese-made Unitree Go2 and not an in-house innovation. The sources said

UDAIPUR, Feb 18: Japanese automaker Nissan is lining up multiple products, bolstering its sales infrastructure as it places 2026 as the year of resurgence for the brand in India. The company, which currently sells just one model Magnite in the country, on Tuesday launched its second offering the seven-seater MPV Gravite. When we say Nissan is committed to India, whats really important is the year 2026. This is going to be a year for the brand resurgence for Nissan [] The post Nissan bets on new

Jammu, Feb 18: MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of neglecting the interests of the people of Jammu and demanded an investigation into the utilization of funds by a Member of Parliament representing the region. Speaking to reporters outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sadiq alleged that the BJP was not a well-wisher of the people of Jammu. He said the party had claimed that adequate representation was given to the people of Poonch [] The pos

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi talks about Government strategy on AI-driven future for the country in an interview to a News Channel Excerpts: India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 for the first time anywhere in the Global South. Motto of the Summit is , (Welfare for all, happiness of all). Whats the vision of this Summit, and why this motto? Answer: Today, AI stands at a civilisational inflection point. It can expand human capability in unprecedented [] The post AI-a transformative oppor

JAMMU, Feb 18: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday informed the House that the proposal for construction of a new bridge near Convent School and the General Post Office (GPO) in Srinagar is currently under examination with the Public Works (R&B) Department. The information was provided in a written reply to a question, raised by MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed regarding the status of the proposed bridge project, the government said, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction [] The

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SHEOPUR (MP), Feb 18: Cheetah Gamini has given birth to three cubs at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, taking the number of these big cats in India to 38, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Wednesday. Describing it as a roaring success of the governments ambitious Cheetah re-introduction programme, Yadav said it is a powerful symbol of the countrys determined and historic conservation effort. Gamini was translocated to India from South Africa as part of the ambitious []

Srinagar, Feb 18: Five HDFC employees have been arrested in connection with a large-scale financial fraud in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch carried out searches in Shopian and Budgam districts on Wednesday in connection with the matter, an agency spokesperson said. five HDFC bank employees have been arrested so far. The arrested employees are Adil Ayoub Ganai, Irfan Majeed Zargar, Mubashir Hussain Sheikh, Zaid Manzoor and Javaid Ah

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said India is focused on practical applications of AI, including enterprise productivity, and solutions for population-scale challenges such as healthcare, agriculture, and climate change. Speaking at a research symposium at the AI Impact Summit, the minister also expressed happiness over the strong participation and optimism shown by young people at an AI Expo on Tuesday. He informed that about 2.5 lakh attendees, mostly under the age

JAMMU, Feb 18: Bhartiya Janta Party leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for reopening tourist destinations that were closed following the Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking to reporters outside assembly Complex, LoP Sharma said he was extremely thankful to LG Manoj Sinha sahab for the decision, calling it a positive step towards restoring normalcy. He termed the reopening of tourist spots as a victory for security f

Srinagar, Feb 18: Security forces neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by terrorists on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, officials said here. Security forces noticed a briefcase placed by the roadside at Narbal on the highway at around 7 am, the officials said. The area was cordoned off and the traffic on the highway was stopped temporarily as a bomb disposal squad was summoned to the spot. After sanitising the area, the bomb disposal squad []

SRINAGAR, Feb 18: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch J&K has intensified its investigation into an alleged multi-layered financial fraud at HDFC Banks Shopian branch, arresting five employees in connection with the case. Spokesperson in a statement, The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K is conducting searches in the districts of Shopian and Budgam in connection with case FIR No. 30/2025, registered under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Baramulla, Feb 18 : Security forces on Wednesday detected a suspicious object along the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway Ring road Hajiwara Payeen. Official sources said that security forces immediately cordoned off the area and necessary precautionary measures were taken. A team of police along with the Bomb Disposal Squad rushed to the spot to examine the object. Further details are awaited. (KNC) The post Suspicious Object Found On Srinagar-Baramulla Highway At Hajiwara Payeen appeared fir