Daily Excelsior

MATHURA, Apr 20: Devotees thronged major temples in Mathura city to offer prayers on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya on Monday. This day is considered special as devotees pay obeisance to Shri Banke Bihari (Lord Krishna) jis sacred feet, which are shaped like a lotus, and then have a Sarvang Darshan of the deity in the evening, a once-in-a-year ritual, Gyanendra Kishor Goswami, a sewayat (priest) of Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, said. On this day, Thakur ji [] The post Mathura: De

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Apr 20: India is strengthening its commitment to sustainable cooling and climate resilience through the implementation of the India Cooling Action Plan which is already implemented in over 250 cities across the country, 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 today, adding that global warming poses threat to health

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Apr 20: 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 that the world is witnessing a paradigm shift to Circular Economy and there is a decisive shift in economic thinking, where the idea of waste is rapidly disappearing and every discarded material is increasingly being seen as a source of economic value. He cited the ex

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 20: Parul Magotra, an accomplished theatre artist, educator and cultural ambassador, was proudly awarded at the prestigious SHE Awards UK 2026, held today at the Prince Regent Hotel, Chigwell. Recognised in the category celebrating Professional Women in Art and Culture, Paruls achievement marks a significant milestone in her inspiring journey from Jammu & Kashmir to Londons vibrant cultural landscape. Representing both her heritage and her community, Parul expr

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 20: Fortis Escorts Hospital Amritsar organized a comprehensive Continuing Medical Education (CME) session on Advancement in Renal Sciences at Jammu, drawing participation from a large number of doctors and healthcare professionals from across the region. The session served as an important academic platform focusing on the latest developments in nephrology and urology, with experts sharing insights on modern treatment approaches, preventive strategies and evolvi

Excelsior Correspondent NOWSHERA, Apr 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the upgraded road from NH-144A Bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded Sub-District Hospital during his extensive tour of the area. The visit of the Chief Minister, along with his Cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region. The Chief Minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road and

Excelsior Correspondent CHANDIGARH, Apr 20 : Central Bank of India (CBI), Chandigarh Zone, today warmly welcomed Suresh Kumar Singh, General Manager, on his appointment as Zonal Head. He previously served as Regional Head, NMRO Mumbai, bringing with him extensive experience in banking operations and business leadership. The staff expressed great enthusiasm and extended a cordial welcome on his joining. In his address, Singh emphasized delivering customer delight across the Banks 8 crore+ custome

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 20: Presiding over Tech Saksham, a landmark capacity-building workshop jointly convened by the the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and NICSI of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) at the Convention Centre, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today set a resolute tone for the digital future of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that digital governance is no longer a mere supporting function, but the absolute backbone of transparent, efficient and

Irfan Tramboo SRINAGAR, Apr 20: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale today accused the opposition of betraying women by blocking a proposed bill to expand reservation for women in Parliament, and said they would be punished by women voters. Click here to watch video Addressing a public rally at Malwan in south Kashmirs Kulgam district, Athawale-who heads the Republican Party of India (Athawale)-said the Centre had attempted to introduce a measure to ensure 3

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 20: Jammu & Kashmir Under-19 boys team qualified for the pre-quarterfinals in the team event of the 87th Inter-State Junior & Youth National Table Tennis Championships here today. The team comprising Ritvik Gupta, Pratham Raina, Samarth Nischal and Saiyam Nischal put up an impressive show in the league stage, defeating Nagaland and Manipur by 3-0 and 3-1 margins respectively. The boys, however, suffered a narrow defeat against Assam in a closely conteste

ISLAMABAD, Apr 20 : Uncertainty prevailed over the much-touted second round of peace talks between the US and Iran on Monday, amidst exhibitory brinkmanship by both sides. The two sides are expected to meet in the coming days in Islamabad, for which Pakistani authorities have taken elaborate security measures. A two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on Wednesday. On Monday, Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that his country has yet to decide whether []

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 20: Bringing pride to the Union Territory and the nation, three talented Wushu players from Jammu & Kashmir clinched gold medals at the prestigious Moscow Wushu Stars Championship held from April 15 to 19 in Russia. The trioSurya Bhanu Pratap Singh, Ansa Chisti and Jiya Manhasdisplayed exceptional skill and determination to secure top honours in their respective categories. Their stellar performances contributed significantly to Indias dominant showing a

KATHMANDU, Apr 20: Nepals Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Monday instructed the universities and health institutions to dismantle the political party-based student and employee unions. PM Shah issued the directives during a three-hour-long discussion with the vice chancellors of universities and heads of health institutes at his office in Singh Durbar secretariat. In their response, vice chancellors had mentioned that initiatives are being taken to dismantle such organisations, as student politi

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SAMBA, Apr 20: President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Jatt Sabha and ex- Minister, Manjit Singh today inaugurated a T20 cricket tournament near 17 Miles Vijaypur in district Samba. The tournament was organised by Johal Cricket Academy, RS Pura, under the supervision of Akash Choudhary, a J&K Ranji Trophy player. The opening match was played between Mulan Cricket Club and Alpha Engineers. Mulan Cricket Club defeated Alpha Engineers by 167 runs in an exciting contest

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 20: Majid Hussain produced a match-winning all-round performance, including a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul, as Shine Star Cricket Club registered a comprehensive victory over Rajouri Titans in the ongoing 1st Jambu Lochan T20 Cricket Tournament at Maulana Azad Stadium, here today. Batting first after winning the toss, Shine Star posted a challenging total of 192 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Varun Kumar top-scored with a blazing 46 off 23 balls, hi

MOSCOW, April 20: Iran on Monday said that the war launched by the United States and Israel achieved none of their objectives, warning that Washington should not expect to succeed at the negotiating table where it failed on the battlefield. In an interview with the Russian newspaper Vedomosti, Irans ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, said the campaign against Iran fell short on every front. He dismissed claims by US and Israel that they could rapidly defeat Iran militarily and force [] The post

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 20: Rich tribute were paid to martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan on his birth anniversary with a charitable programme organized at Government Middle School, Lower Gandala. The event was held under the chairmanship of Trust Chairman Dev Raj Gupta and in the presence of school headmaster Madhu Bala. On the occasion, shoes and school bags were distributed among the students as a gesture to honour the supreme sacrifice of the brave soldier and to support the educatio

The shadow of last years Chashoti tragedy still looms large over the collective conscience of J&K. Lives were lost, families were shattered, and most hauntingly several pilgrims remain unaccounted for to this day. The reasons are no secret: inadequate tracking, unregulated movement, and the brutal unpredictability of mountain terrain conspired to turn a sacred journey into a catastrophe. It is against this grim backdrop that the District Administration of Kishtwars decision to make RFID regist

NEW DELHI, Apr 20: Struggling Lucknow Super Giants are set to receive a significant mid-season boost with swashbuckling Australia batter Josh Inglis likely to join the squad ahead of their IPL clash against Mumbai Indians on May 4. The 31-year-old had decided to skip the first half of the season due to his wedding. Having tied the knot on April 18, Inglis is expected to fly to India after a brief hiatus from action. According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, [] The post Inglis likely to join LSG ahe

NC supported Women Reservation but not delimitation Our Govt fulfilling commitments made to people Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Apr 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called upon the Central Government to spell out a clear roadmap for restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir saying there is no clear answer from the Centre except `the right time. He said the National Conference Government has been fulfilling its promises made to the people but the BJP has failed to keep up its [] The post Spell

Nawshaba Iqbal SRINAGAR, Apr 20: Public transport across Kashmir came to a halt today as transporters observe a Valley-wide chakka jam against the proposed expansion of Smart City bus services to district routes, stranding commuters in several areas. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Buses, sumos and other public vehicles remained off the roads, while transporters staged sit-ins at multiple bus stands across the Valley, including Baramulla and Bandipora. The strike was called by All

Step towards setting up special courts NEW DELHI, Apr 20:The Supreme Court today asked all states and Union Territories to provide details of terror and narcotics cases being probed by Central and state agencies, including the NIA and the NCB, as a step towards setting up special exclusive courts for early disposal of the cases. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The top court asked the Centre to consider providing funds of Rs 1 crore each for setting up [] The post SC seeks details

Fulfills promise made after last years tragedy PAHALGAM, Apr 20: The family of a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack today highlighted the support extended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that he not only provided financial assistance but also built a house for them, fulfilling a promise made after the last years tragedy. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Syed Haider Shah, father of Adil Hussain Shah, a ponywallah who along with 25 tourists lost his [] T

Govind Sharma JAMMU, Apr 20: The financial crisis confronting empanelled private healthcare institutions in Jammu & Kashmir under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana continues unabated, with hospitals now reporting that around Rs 275 crore in pending dues remain unpaid despite partial clearance by authorities in recent days. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Private Hospitals and Dialysis Centres Association, representing 135 empanelled facilities across the Uni

RIYADH, Apr 20: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has met Saudi Arabias senior leaders and discussed the bilateral relations, the regional situation and other areas of mutual interests. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Doval, who reached Riyadh on Sunday, was received at the airport by Indias Ambassador Suhel Khan and Saudi Arabias Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati. Doval held meetings with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Energy Minister Abdulaziz Bin

NEW DELHI, Apr 20 : The planned dedication of the Rajasthan refinery by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 21, 2026, has been postponed following a fire near the crude distillation unit, the Oil Ministry said on Monday. The fire has been brought under control and no casualties have been reported, the ministry said, adding that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause and implement corrective measures. A revised date for the event will be announced later. Due [] The post Rajas

KOLKATA, Apr 20: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday asserted that the poll panel will leave no stone unturned to ensure free and fair elections in West Bengal, laying out a detailed framework to curb malpractice and instil voter confidence. In a message to the officials managing the elections in the state, Kumar said the Election Commission is committed to conducting elections that are fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free, underscoring a zero-tolerance

NEW DELHI, Apr 20: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ruthlessly demolishing drug cartels and praised the NCB for securing convictions against 73 offenders in the first quarter of 2026. Among the important convictions is one linked to a case involving the seizure of 2.75 kg of heroin at the Ahmedabad airport in 2021 and 4.23 kg of heroin at Fazilka (Punjab) along the India-Pakistan border in 2022. In [] The post Govt Ruthlessly Demo

Srinagar, Apr 20: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has constituted an inquiry committee to conduct a detailed probe into the incident at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag following reports of alleged negligence and lack of timely medical intervention. As per Government Order No. 354-JK (HME) of 2026, a three-member committee has been formed comprising Mission Director NHM as Chairperson, Director Health Services Kashmir as Member, and Medical Superintendent Children Hospital Bemina Sr

Jammu, Apr 20: At least 21 people were killed and 51 injured on Monday when an overcrowded passenger bus plunged nearly 100 metres down a hillside in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district, crushing an auto-rickshaw before landing upside down on the road below, officials said. An Army convoy passing along the hilly stretch led the rescue operations after the driver of the private bus lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a blind curve near the hilltop Kagort village in [] The post 21 Dead,

New Delhi, Apr 20: The Supreme Court on Monday asked all states and union territories to provide details of terror and narcotics cases being probed by Central and state agencies, including the NIA and the NCB, as a step towards setting up special exclusive courts for early disposal of the cases. The top court asked the Centre to consider providing funds of Rs 1 crore each for setting up the courts in all states and UTs to prosecute cases lodged [] The post SC Asks States, UTs To Provide Details

JAMMU, Apr 20: Presiding over Tech Saksham, a landmark capacity-building workshop jointly convened by the the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and NICSI of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) at the Convention Centre, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today set a resolute tone for the digital future of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that digital governance is no longer a mere supporting function, but the absolute backbone of transparent, efficient and responsive public servi

NEW DELHI, Apr 20: Rising temperatures are not only an environmental concern but also directly linked to increasing health risks, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday. Singh said that heat stress is impacting conditions ranging from dengue to cardiovascular diseases, making climate response a public health priority as well. India today is dealing with both tropical diseases and lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases at the same t

NEW DELHI, Apr 20: The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 result has been officially declared by the National Testing Agency. The results, scorecards, and the All India Rank (AIR) list will be released shortly today, as per the NTAs earlier announcement. Around 11 lakh students who appeared for the exam between April 2 and April 8 will be able to download their scorecards from the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in. Final Answer Key Direct Download Link The post NTA Declares Session 2 Results, 26 Student

Chargesheet Filed Against Ex-BDO Kupwara Jammu, Apr 20: In a significant push against corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday secured conviction of five former storekeepers in a food grain misappropriation case in Pahalgam, while also filing a chargesheet against a former Block Development Officer (BDO) Kupwara and four others in a separate case involving alleged siphoning of government funds. In a statement issued , Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Anantnag Convicts 1

JAMMU, Apr 20: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Monday directed the officials to expedite and streamline the compliance mechanism under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting held at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu to assess the progress on Acts implementation in th

HONG KONG, Apr 20: He knows what he will see and hes already hurting, but he has to go back. For the first time since Hong Kongs deadliest fire in decades engulfed his apartment in November, Keung Mak will step into it again Monday. But he expected little remained. A photo from his social worker had already shown the devastation. The ceiling of the apartment where he and his wife lived for over 40 years and raised their children was [] The post Hong Kong fire victims to return to burned homes, g

LONDON, Apr 20:Britain on Monday called for a lasting settlement to ensure freedom of navigation and a toll-free Strait of Hormuz as the US-Iran ceasefire hung in the balance. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper arrived in Japan for the final leg of what has been branded as an intensified shuttle diplomacy tour to advance coordination with key allies on shared geopolitical, economic and energy security priorities. During the six-day tour spanning Europe and West Asia, the British minister held in

MANILA, Apr 20: The United States and the Philippines kicked off one of their largest combat exercises Monday in an annual display of allied military might aimed at deterring aggression in Asia, despite Washingtons preoccupation with the war in the Middle East. The large-scale combat drills between the US and Philippines will expand this year to include other militaries, including from Japan, France and Canada, which have signed visiting forces agreements with Manila, the Philippine military sai

Cooch Behar (WB), Apr 20: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday claimed it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who killed the Constitution amendment bill to implement womens quota in legislatures from 2029 and pointed out that the opposition has fought the delimitation bill only. Taking a jibe at the prime minister for campaigning extensively across West Bengal for the Assembly polls, he asked whether Modi wished to become the chief minister of the state. Over the prime minister accusing

LAHORE, Apr 20: A Pakistani court on Monday sentenced a man to death for killing his wife in the name of honour, an official said. The convict brutally killed his young wife by slitting her throat with a knife last year, according to the prosecution. He suspected that his wife had an affair with a man from her locality in Kahna, a thickly populated area of Lahore. The court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to death along with [] The post Man sentenced to death in Pak for wifes honour k

LONDON, Apr 20: British police have arrested two teenagers in connection with a weekend arson attack on a synagogue in northwest London, as Jewish leaders express concern about a wave of incidents targeting their community. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes of Londons Metropolitan Police Service on Monday said officers arrested two young men, aged 19 and 17, overnight in relation to the attack on the Kenton United Synagogue in the borough of Harrow. The department has made 15 arrests related to []

Jashpur (Chhattisgarh), Apr 20: Two pilots were killed after a chartered aircraft crashed after colliding with a hill in Chhattisgarhs Jashpur district after on Monday, officials said. The incident took place near Ara Hill in the Narayanpur police station area. According to preliminary inputs, the aircraft was flying at a low altitude, around 30 feet above the ground, when it collided with a tree and went down. Visuals from the spot show what appears to be a small single-engine propeller [] The

NEW DELHI, Apr 20: E-commerce firm Meesho has allotted nearly 94.8 lakh equity shares to its eligible employees under the companys employee stock ownership plan. We wish to inform you that the Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Board of Directors of Meesho Ltd, by way of a circular resolution passed on April 20, 2026, has approved the allotment of 94,79,380 equity shares of face value of Re 1 each to the eligible employees, upon exercise of vested options under [] The post Meesho allot

NEW DELHI, Apr 20: India and Korea on Monday discussed revamping the existing free trade agreement between the two countries to boost economic ties. The pact was discussed during a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his Korean counterpart Yeo Han-koo. We discussed ways to resume and revamp the India-Korea CEPA (comprehensive economic partnership agreement) upgrade negotiations and explored opportunities for deeper cooperation in industrial cooperation, green energy a

NEW DELHI, Apr 20 : Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent company of stock broking firm Groww, on Monday reported an over two-fold growth in profit after tax to Rs 686 crore for the three months ended March 2026. The company had posted a PAT of Rs 309 crore in the same quarter preceding fiscal. Its total income surged 81 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,536 crore in the quarter under review from Rs 850 crore in the January-March quarter of [] The post Groww posts 2-fold jump in profit to Rs 686

MUMBAI, Apr 20: The rupee pared its initial gains and settled with a loss of 19 paise at 93.10 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, after fresh tension in West Asia led to an increased demand for the American currency and kept crude prices steady. Forex traders said the local currency remained under pressure due to a fresh standoff between the US and Iran that led to a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global supply. At the [] The post Rupee falls 19 paise to settle at 93.10

JAIPUR, Apr 20: Amid global uncertainties over the supply of crude and other fuels, Rajasthans Mangala oilfield has logged an increase in production by around 2,000 barrels per day, aided by the use of advanced exploration technologies. The countrys largest onshore oilfield, discovered in 2004, started production in 2009 with its current daily output being estimated at 80,000 barrels. Cairn Oil and Gas, the operator of the Mangala block, said the production increased after its subsurface and geo

SRINAGAR, Apr 20: Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir Range, Javaid Iqbal Mattoo on Monday chaired a comprehensive review of crime, security, and anti-terror measures in Pulwama, directing officers to strengthen the security grid and intensify action against criminal and anti-national elements. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir Range (SKR), Javaid Iqbal Mattoo-IPS, today visited District Pulwama and chaired a comprehensive crime and security review meeting at th

NEW DELHI, Apr 20: Batting for greater promotion of Sanskrit and its use even in quantum computing, BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi on Monday said India is not a vishwaguru (global teacher) anymore and this term should not be used. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Joshi also made a strong pitch for making Sanskrit Indias official language, saying many people, including B R Ambedkar, made efforts for it in the past, but the proposals were [] The post We are not vishwaguru