Daily Excelsior

New Delhi, Apr 9: Former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and other discharged accused in the liquor policy case cannot seek the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma merely because she attended a legal seminar by the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad as it does not demonstrate any ideological association, the CBI has told the Delhi High Court. In a reply filed to applications by the AAP leader and others seeking the judges recusal from hearing the Central Bureau of investigations (CBI) [] The

NEW DELHI, Apr 9: Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill has been fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League clash against Delhi Capitals, which they won in a thrilling last-ball finish here. Gujarat Titans secured their first win of the season with a one-run victory over the hosts in a high-scoring cliffhanger on Wednesday. Gujarat Titans (GT) Captain Shubman Gill has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match No. 14 [] The post Gil

New Delhi, Apr 8: Widely used heart disease risk calculators may be failing to identify a large proportion of Indians at risk, with nearly 80 per cent of patients who eventually suffered a heart attack not being classified as highrisk beforehand, according to new research. The research titled Comparison of ASCVD Risk Prediction Models in STEMI: Insights from a South Asian Cohort was conducted by a team of scientists from Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Researc

DE Web Desk JAMMU, Apr 9: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was restored on Thursday after clearance of landslides that had left roads blocked in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir for the past two days. The strategic 270-km highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, was blocked by multiple landslides early Monday. Though the highway was briefly reopened for a few hours on Tuesday morning, two major landslides forced a fresh closure, [] The po

SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL EXCELLENCE (MEDICAL COLLEGE & ASSOCIATED HOSPITAL, SMVDNSH), KAKRYAL WALK-IN INTERVIEWS SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL EXCELLENCE (MEDICAL COLLEGE & ASSOCIATED HOSPITAL, SMVDNSH), KAKRYAL INVITES ELIGIBLE AND INTERESTED CANDIDATES FOR THE CONDUCT OF WALK-IN INTERVIEW AGAINST THE VACANT POSTS OF SR. RESIDENTS IN VARIOUS CLINICAL & NON-CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS. THE INTERVIEW SHALL BE CONDUCTED AT SMVDIME, NEW ACADEMIC BLOCK, SHRI MATA VAISHNO DE

NEW DELHI, Apr 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the proposed amendments to the Women Reservation Act is not merely a legislative exercise but a reflection of the aspirations of crores of women across India and urged all MPs to come together to support this move. In a signed article posted on his website narendramodi.in, the prime minister also said that the move is an affirmation of a principle that has long guided Indias civilisational ethos that [] The post Together, Let U

SRINAGAR, Apr 9: Seven buses were damaged as a fire broke out at the main bus stand in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara district, officials said on Thursday. No casualties have been reported in the incident that took place on Wednesday night. Firefighting operations were immediately launched and after several hours of sustained efforts, the fire was successfully brought under control, the officials said They said a total of seven buses were damaged in the incident. Three buses were severely damaged, [

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 8 : On the occasion of World Diamond Day, Fortofino, an exclusive natural diamond jewellery brand by Silverlines, hosted a grand celebration titled Diamonds of Jammu & Kashmir, here today. The event paid tribute to exceptional women from across the region, celebrating their achievements, resilience and inspiring journeys. The evening brought together distinguished guests, community leaders and patrons in a vibrant atmosphere filled with pride and recognition. T

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 8: J&K Bank has renewed its corporate agency agreement with Bajaj Life Insurance Company for another three years, aiming to strengthen customer services and expand access to insurance products. The agreement was signed at the Banks Corporate Headquarters in Srinagar in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. A statement said General Manager (Retail, Agriculture & MSME) Rakesh Magotra represented the Bank, while Executive Vice President and

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 8: Jammu & Kashmir Bank today commissioned two new ATMs in Kulgam district at Aharbal and Chowgam to enhance customer convenience and strengthen access to digital banking services. The ATMs were inaugurated by Zonal Head (Anantnag) Khawar Meraj Handoo in the presence of customers, bank officials, public representatives, and local residents. Speaking on the occasion, Handoo reiterated the Banks commitment to leveraging technology for improving customer experi

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday went jogging along the streets of Bishnah, a border village near Jammu, garnering much public attention and inspiring enthusiasm among locals. The move was widely seen as a message against the drug menace, and comes within a fortnight of the Chief Ministers participation in the Jammu Half Marathon. The sight of Omar Abdullah dressed in sportswear and flanked by his security team running along the Jammu [] Th

NEW DELHI, April 8: The Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Wednesday reviewed Indias preparedness in view of the evolving situation in West Asia. The high-level meeting, held at Kartavya Bhawan-2, was attended by key union Ministers overseeing finance, external affairs, agriculture, commerce, energy, consumer affairs, aviation, and other critical sectors. In his remarks at the meeting, the defence minister directed all departments to sustain high le

Narendra Modi In the coming days, India will be immersed in a festive season, with celebrations taking place across the length and breadth of the nation. The people of Assam will mark Rongali Bihu while Odisha will celebrate Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti. In West Bengal, Poila Boishakh will usher in the Bengali New Year and in Kerala, Vishu will be observed with immense enthusiasm. In Tamil Nadu, Puthandu will be celebrated while in Punjab and other parts of Northern India, [] The post Together, l

Harsha Kakar kakarharsha@gmail.com The ceasefire announced with much fanfare by Donald Trump in his ongoing conflict with Iran, supposed to have been negotiated by Pakistan, does not possess logical trappings for a peaceful settlement. The US appears to give more than it takes, despite investing billions of dollars in the conflict. Even the mediation, announced simultaneously by Trump, Iranian foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharief, appears doubtful. The question

Robin S. Mehta, DS Sodhi sodhidalbir7777@gmail.com National strength in the 21st century is not measured by territory alone. It is measured by the ability to sustain life, industry, and stability in the face of disruption. For India, that sustaining force is energy-and energy flows through a fragile and contested geography. From underground oil caverns to the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, Indias survival depends on securing the uninterrupted flow of crude oil. India imports nearly 85 percent

Bashir Ahmad Dar darbashir@gmail.com The organisers and participants of Lineman Diwas on 7th March, 2026 in Jammu deserve appreciation and congratulations. It was encouraging to see the Chief Minister and other senior Government functionaries participate in the event. Perhaps for the first time, such a large gathering of both Government leadership and field staff of the Power Development Department (PDD) assembled together, and the valuable contributions of JKPDD ground workers were duly acknowl

Iran again closes Strait of Hormuz TEHRAN, Apr 8: The United States demanded today that Iran immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the Islamic Republic closed the waterway in response to Israeli attacks against the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. Irans move cast doubt over whether an already precarious ceasefire to end more than a month of war would hold. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The United States and Iran both claimed victory after reaching the agreement, [] T

Drive to root-out terrorists from Govt machinery Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 8: As part of his zero-tolerance terror policy, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today terminated services of two Government employees for their links with terror outfits including Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The dismissals are part of ongoing drive to root out terrorists embedded in the Government machinery. The move underscores LGs iron-fisted

Fight cant be won by Govt alone Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today underscored the need for a collective responsibility in addressing key social challenges, stating that while several responsibilities lie with the government, many others must be shared by society as a whole. He made these remarks while launching a three-day divisional-level awareness programme organised by the School Education Department at the Convention Centre here. Follow the Daily Excels

NEW DELHI, Apr 8: Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday visited state-run defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru, and also took a maiden sortie in Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, officials said. At Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), he reviewed the ongoing Army Aviation projects and took stock of indigenous aerospace capabilities being developed there. During his visit, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) also undertook a sortie in an LCH Prachand, gaining first-

Suhail Bhat Srinagar, Apr 8: National Conference president and former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, today welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, saying that war is not a solution and warned that a prolonged conflict could have pushed the world towards a deeper global crisis. Click here to watch video Speaking to reporters here, the National Conference chief said dialogue remained the only viable path to peace, war is not the solution to anything. I would like [] The pos

NEW DELHI, Apr 8: A military exercise will take place from April 9-17 between the troops of India and Egypt with an aim to enhance joint mission planning capabilities and improve interoperability through the exchange of best practices in special operations, officials said on Wednesday. The Indian Army contingent has departed for Egypt to participate in the fourth edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone, the defence ministry said. The drill is scheduled to be conducted at

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 8: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has initiated the process for identification of eligible beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category across all districts for providing 200 units of free electricity, in line with its commitment to extend targeted relief to economically weaker sections. The progress of this initiative was reviewed in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, focusing on accelerating reforms in the power se

LS seats may go up to 816 NEW DELHI, Apr 8: The Union Cabinet is learnt to have cleared today the draft bills which seek to implement the Womens Reservation Act before the 2029 parliamentary polls and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 with 273 reserved for women. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Sources privy to the development said a meeting of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the draft bills for [] The post Cabinet clears draft bills for

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a meeting on Heritage Promotion and Cultural Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir to review measures for conservation and adaptive reuse of heritage assets aimed at boosting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister stressed the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms and develop heritage-based tourism circuits to position J&K as a premier cultural tourism destination. He underscored the importance of learning from

NEW DELHI, April 8 : Peace must be prioritised over security-centric approaches as lasting security can only come through peace, United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) High Representative Miguel Angel Moratinos said during a visit to Jamia Millia Islamia here. Moratinos, the United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, visited the university on Tuesday as part of his official visit to India, according to a statement issued by Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI). Addressing faculty membe

SHIMLA, Apr 8 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday said postgraduate seats will be increased in all medical colleges in the state to enhance patient care. The additional seats include 57 in Tanda (Kangra), 29 in Mandi, 32 in Nahan, 33 in Chamba, 67 in Hamirpur and 96 in Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, a statement said. Chairing a review meeting of the Medical Education Department, Sukhu directed officials to ensure effective healthcare services across all

NEW DELHI, Apr 8: Government think tank NITI Aayog today pitched for Operation Golden Greens (OGG) a project for the horticultural sectors transformation in Jammu and Kashmir and increase exports of apple, walnut, almond and saffron. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The report, titled Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, further said that J&Ks horticultural products pose significant global trade potential. However, Indias presence in global markets

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Apr 8 : Under the National Quantum Mission, a 1,000-km quantum communication network-one of the longest in the world-has been successfully demonstrated within less than three years of its launch by PM Narendra Modi, marking rapid progress against the missions target of achieving 2,000 km over an eight-year period, Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh was informed during a review of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) here today.

Ranjit Thakur JAMMU, Apr 8: From the quiet confines of an orphanage to the grand stage of international sport, Payal Nags journey is as much a story of personal resilience as it is of unwavering mentorship. Once a child grappling with a life-altering tragedy, she found direction when coach Kuldeep Vedwan discovered her, brought her out of institutional care and nurtured her talent against all odds. Together, they have scripted a historic chapter-transforming adversity into achievement and redefi

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 8: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today interacted with the members of Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports (EWCY&S), who are on two day visit of Jammu and Kashmir. During the interaction, the Minister presented a comprehensive overview of the initiatives undertaken by the Government to enhance the quality, accessibility and inclusivity of educa

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 8: Reaffirming its commitment to holistic, value-based and career-oriented education, Dogra Educational Trust facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dogra Law College, Dogra Degree College and Chanakya IAS Academy, Jammu. The initiative reflects the Trusts vision of empowering students through quality education, professional excellence, and meaningful career opportunities. The collaboration aims to provide students with st

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 8: MIER College of Education, through its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), successfully conducted a workshop on Teaching Methodologies for faculty of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Education. The programme began with a welcome address by Jasleen Mohial, IQAC Coordinator, who highlighted the growing need for innovative, learner-centered pedagogies in higher education. Sessions were conducted by eminent faculty experts cover

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Apr 8: Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander, Northern Command, visited Dah Division today and reviewed the operational readiness of the formation. During the visit, he witnessed a demonstration showcasing enhanced capabilities in a dynamic operational environment, including the use of unmanned systems and network-centric warfare techniques in modern battlefield scenarios. The Army Commander appreciated the troops for maintaining high standards of training and eff

Tsewang Rigzin KARGIL, Apr 8: The annual Apricot Blossom Festival began in Ladakh with its inauguration at Garkone village in the Kargil district. This festival witnesses a vibrant celebration of nature, culture, and the arrival of the agriculture and horticulture season, reflecting the deep connection of Ladakhi communities with their environment, as most residents depend on a land-based economy. With the beginning of spring season, many valleys of Ladakh turn pink and white as apricot trees co

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 8: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Udhampur-Reasi (U-R) Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma today held an introductory meeting with the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, focusing on strengthening coordination between the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army in the region. During the meeting, both officers discussed issues related to security cooperation, operational coordination and joint efforts to maintain

HOUSTAN, Apr 8 : The family of a 21-year-old Indian-origin student, killed in a shooting in Austin last month, has launched a one-million-dollar endowed scholarship to honour her memory. Savitha Shanmugasundaram, a student at the University of Texas, was among those killed in the tragic shooting on Austins West Sixth Street on March 1. She was a high-achieving senior at the McCombs School of Business. The Savitha Shanmugasundaram Memorial Endowed Scholarship is specifically designed to support s

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 8: The Brick Kiln Owners Association (BKOA), Jammu, has expressed grave concern over the worsening condition of the brick kiln industry in the region. In a statement issued here, today Prabhu Dayal Gupta, senior member of the Association stated that continuous heavy rains coupled with an unprecedented rise in coal prices have pushed kiln owners into a deep financial crisis. Highlighting the impact of adverse weather conditions, he said that prolonged rains have

Excelsior Correspondent Leh, April 8: In a bid to strengthen Ladakhs tourism sector and promote its rich cultural heritage, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, today launched the official Ladakh Tourism portal (https://tourism.ladakh.gov.in/) at the Lieutenant Governors Secretariat in the presence of venerable rinpoches, monks and senior government officials. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also launched the official portal for the Sacred Exposi

Leh, Apr 8: In a move to benefit the aspiring youth, particularly from border areas, Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has directed age relaxation for candidates in the upcoming recruitment of 34 police sub-inspector posts. With this decision, candidates from areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control (ALC) will get an age relaxation of up to seven years (5+2), a Lok Bhavan spokesperson said on Wednesday. According to the Ladakh Police (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules, the prescribed

Jammu, Apr 8: For the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir Police, a three-digit number of brave personnel were given out of turn promotions and cash reward besides absorption of SPOs, for their exemplary contribution to CT Ops in Jammu Zone. A top official said, Between 2021 and 2023, Jammu region witnessed resurgence of terrorist activities, with outfits such as LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed succeeding to re-establish their presence in the mountainous areas of the Jammu Zone. To [] The po

Beirut, Apr 8: Israeli strikes hit several dense commercial and residential areas in central Beirut Wednesday afternoon without warning, hours after a ceasefire was announced in the US-Israeli war with Iran. Israel has said the agreement does not extend to its war with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, although mediator Pakistan said it does. Israels military called it the largest coordinated strike in the current war, striking more than 100 Hezbollah targets within 10 minutes

JAMMU, Apr 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today underscored the need for collective responsibility in addressing key social challenges such as drug addiction, mental health and environmental safeguards, asserting that while several responsibilities lie with the government, many must be shared by society as a whole. He made the remarks while launching a three-day divisional-level awareness programme organised by the School Education Department at the convention centre here. Addressing a large ga

JAMMU, Apr 8: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar today reviewed the supply and stock position of essential commodities across the districts of Jammu Province. The Divisional Commissioner sought the details of district wise availability of stock of LPG, Petrol, Diesel, Food grains, provision of food, meals in Hospitals, Hostels of Educational Institutions including Government Medical Colleges and other premier institutions from the respective officers and District Administrations. He also

Jammu, Apr 8: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired the 2nd meeting of the University Council of the Cluster University of Srinagar at Lok Bhavan, Jammu. The University Council, which met under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, accorded in-principle approval to various agenda items and proposals including establishment of Abdul Ahad Azad Chair and adoption of postgraduate curriculum framework under NEP 2020 as per UGC guidelines. The Lieutenant Governor directed the Clu

Srinagar, Apr 8: National Conference (NC) MP Ruhullah Mehdi on Wednesday blamed the Modi governments foreign policy for being nowhere in contention in mediation efforts, as the US agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran proposed by Pakistan. Speaking to reporters in Budgam district in central Kashmir, Mehdi said, Today, India is nowhere in contention. The US selected Pakistan for the negotiations and made it a mediator when India had friendly relations with Iran. India was neglected due to Modi

BEIJING, Apr 8: The week-long China-mediated talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan to end fighting concluded without an agreement, with Beijing maintaining that Islamabad and Kabul have agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to resolve their differences. Representatives from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held informal talks from April 1 to 7 in Urumqi, the provincial capital of Chinas Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday. The C

MUMBAI, Apr 8: JBM Auto on Wednesday said its 1,282 e-buses were registered across five states with a 24 per cent market share in the just concluded fiscal. The electric buses were registered in Telangana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Assam, expanding its footprint in both city public transport and private transport sectors such as luxury coach and tarmac buses. The companys indigenously developed, self-reliant e-mobility platform caters to both governments and corporates as well as fleet ope

MUMBAI, Apr 8: Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended nearly 4 per cent higher on Wednesday, following an impressive rally in global markets and a drop in crude oil prices, after the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire. Rallying for the fifth day in a row, the 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 2,946.32 points or 3.95 per cent to settle at 77,562.90. During the day, it surged 3,018.96 points or 4 per cent to 77,635.54. The 50-share NSE Nifty [] The post Sensex, Nifty jump nearly 4 pc on

NEW DELHI, Apr 8:Hemant Badri will lead Flipkarts artificial intelligence transformation charter, as the Walmart-owned e-commerce giant intensifies its push as an AI-first organization, CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy has said in an internal e-mail. Badri who is SVP and Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience & Re-Commerce at Flipkart will focus on identifying and operationalising the business use cases where Al can drive the most impact, working in partnership with Balaji Thiagarajan, who will con