Daily Excelsior

New York [US], May 23: Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations said. Barak is recognized for her outreach and community engagement activities for women and adolescent girls and gender sensitization training for peacekeepers. In a post on X, the permanent mission said, Proud to announce that Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. [] The po

LEH, May 23: Three army officers had a narrow escape after their Cheetah helicopter crashed in the mountainous Tangste region near Leh, officials familiar with the matter said on Friday. The incident occurred on Wednesday but was reported on Friday. A lieutenant colonel and a major were piloting the single-engine chopper and their passenger was Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of 3 Infantry Division, HT has learnt. It was a miracle Officials said all three occupants walked

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Kolkata, May 23 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Mother House, the headquarters of Saint Teresas Missionaries of Charity, here on Saturday. Rubio arrived in Kolkata this morning, the first stop of his maiden four-day visit to India, and was welcomed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor at the city airport. He visited the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity and spoke with its officials. Accompanied by US Ambassador Gor and other officials, Rubio later visited Nirmala Shishu Bhavan [] Th

NEW DELHI, May 23: Petrol and diesel prices were increased by up to 91 paise per litre on Saturday, the third increase in less than 10 days. Petrol price has been increased by 87 paise in Delhi from Rs 98.64 to Rs 99.51 per litre. Diesel rates have gone up by 91 paise from Rs 91.58 to Rs 92.49. This is the third increase in rates since May 15, when state-owned oil companies started passing on the elevated energy prices [] The post Petrol, Diesel Price Hiked By 87-91 Paise Per Litre appeared firs

Jammu, May 22: In a major development following the demolition of houses belonging to Gujjar-Bakerwal families in Raika area of Sidra, the Omar Abdullah-led Government on Friday evening ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident amid rising outrage and allegations of misuse of authority by officials of the Forest and other departments. The Government has constituted a multi-member inquiry committee headed by senior KAS officer Rajinder Singh Tara. Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Jammu a

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: koda Auto India today unveiled a new brand campaign titled G.O.A.T Greatest On A Track, aimed at underlining the performance-oriented positioning of its product range and motorsport heritage. The campaign was launched alongside a record recognised by the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records for the Fastest Multi-Car Relay of a Single Manufacturer on a Circuit. The attempt took place at the Coimbatore Automotive Sports and Technical Training (CoAS

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu concluded Phase I of the Leadership Development Program for Young Managers (Batch-IV) conducted for executives of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) at Chanakya Classroom. The five-day intensive programme was designed to equip young managers with contemporary leadership competencies, strategic thinking and collaborative management capabilities. The training program consisted of 52 participants. Addressing the pa

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: Looking forward towards the future of innovations and education, Parul University today unveiled Lakshya 2047, which stands as a center for global future technologies and skills. The center was inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) at Parul University, has been established in association with Ethnotech Academy and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Addressing the gathering, the chief guest, Dr Jitendra Si

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: A meeting of the Tourism Federation of Jammu (TFoJ) was convened to deliberate upon the prevailing situation in Jammu and its impact on the tourism sector, which forms a vital pillar of the regions economy and livelihood. The meeting was chaired by chairman of the Federation, Rajesh Gupta and attended by Executive members, Kiran Wattal, Amrik Singh, B.B. Kotwal, Abhay Bakaya, Ajay Gupta, Nishant Gupta, Gurmeet Singh, and Harish Gupta. The members held detai

K B Jandial In the living memory of Jammu and Kashmir, no social campaign has captured the public imagination as intensely as the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan. Launched on April 11, 2026, by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from Jammu, this intensive 100-day anti-drug campaign has shattered traditional political, regional, and religious divides. What could have easily been a standard, file-driven bureaucratic directive has instead evolved into an unprecedented, self-motivated Jan Andolan-a

Shivani Vaid vaidshiva@gmail.com The introduction of On Screen Marking (OSM) amid technical chaos has left lakhs of students questioning their futures and demanding answers. On May 13, 2026, lakhs of Class 12 students across India eagerly checked their CBSE results, a moment they had worked towards for years. For most of them, what followed was not relief or celebration but shock, confusion and heartbreak. The results were deeply disappointing and the reasons behind this go far beyond the diffic

Prof.A.N.Sadhu ansadhu@yahoo.co.in The world is witnessing uneasy developments for some time now. Current global political scenario is very uncertainly shaping in so far as, the world peace and development are concerned.. Conflicts across the globe and a war-mongering environment is catching up, leaving behind the efforts of building a peaceful world order and enabling the 21st century, designated as the knowledge century, to harvest the gains of the knowledge revolution across the world. The te

In-principle agreement reached in MHAs Sub-Committee meeting *Constitutional safeguards under Article 371 A, F, G *All 7 districts to have Councils, appropriate autonomy Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, May 22: In a significant decision aimed at political empowerment and safeguards for Ladakh, the Central Government has proposed Union Territory-level Legislative body with legislative, executive and financial powers vested with elected representatives. All bureaucrats of the UT including the Chief Secretary

We gave befitting response by striking deep inside Pak NEW DELHI, May 22: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Government will launch a tech-enabled smart border project by the next year to make the 6,000-km fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh impenetrable and ensure that the conspiracy to change the demography of the country is defeated. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Delivering the annual Rustamji Memorial lecture hosted by the Border Security Force (BSF) here, the

Approval expected in next two-three months *Plan envisages eco-protection with sustainable development Mohinder Verma JAMMU, May 22: In a major step towards strengthening environmental safeguards around protected areas, the long-awaited Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary has finally been submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for approval. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The submission

No differences between NC, Cong Suhail Bhat Srinagar, May 22: National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the National Conference-led Government was not involved in the demolition drive in Jammus Sidhra area. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Speaking to reporters after offering Friday prayers at Hazratbal shrine, Abdullah said that investigations are underway into those responsible for the demolitions. We are not involved in it. Investigations are underway, he said

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: Government has reiterated that the demolition of illegal structures at Raika Bandi, Sidhra was part of the anti-encroachment eviction drive, jointly carried out by a team of the Administration, Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, Police personnel, and officers of the belt forces, in the presence of First-Class Magistrates. During the said exercise, the joint teams demolished approximately 32 illegally constructed concrete as well as kaccha structure

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday unveiled the poster of Ek Galat Kadam, an awareness short film on drug abuse, at Lok Bhavan. The short film features Mahira Tandon, the Youth Ambassador of Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated and extended his best wishes to the entire team. Divya Tandon, Writer and Director; Sumit Tandon, Producer of the film along with other team members were present at the poster unveiling ceremony. Mean

No one indulging in land grabbing be spared Avtar Bhat JAMMU, May 22: Making it clear in unequivocal terms that all encroachments on Government and Forest land, water bodies and Kascharai land in both regions of J&K should be removed, the BJP today resolved to extend its full support to the administration in its every move in this regard. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The party, which held a meeting of its MLAs from Jammu and Samba districts [] The post BJP fully backs administr

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 22: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired the 5th meeting of the Multi Disciplinary Committee (MDC) on Traffic Management System to review the implementation of a comprehensive action plan aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving mobility in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar. The meeting was attended by senior administrative and police officers, including Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Departments; Principal Secretary, Home; Commis

Modi, Nikos hold wide ranging talks NEW DELHI, May 22: India and Cyprus on Friday elevated their ties to a strategic partnership and unveiled a five-year roadmap for defence cooperation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The two sides signed six agreements to provide for deeper cooperation in areas of innovation, technology, education and culture besides agreeing to soon conclude a co

Minors sexual exploitation case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has expressed serious concern over what it termed a slipshod investigation in a Katra POCSO case and directed the Inspector General of Police, Jammu, to constitute a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to identify the real offender responsible for sexually exploiting a minor girl. Justice Rajnesh Oswal passed the directions while disposing of a petition filed by Pawan Kumar alias Raja

NEW DELHI, May 22: The NDA is likely to lose one Rajya Sabha seat in the biennial elections for 26 seats in 12 states across the country, while the Congress-led opposition is set to gain three. The Election Commission on Friday announced elections for 26 Rajya Sabha seats on June 18 following the retirement of incumbents, including former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Digvijaya Singh, besides two Union Ministers Ravneet Singh and George [] T

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Jammu today attached the immovable property measuring three marlas situated at village Angralla, Tehsil Mahore in district Reasi belonging to terrorist Mohd Qasim alias Salman alias Waseem s/o Mohd. Shafi r/o Village Angralla. The property was attached in presence of concerned Revenue Officials, Sarpanch and family members. Qasim is presently operating from Pakistan. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Earlier

*Refuses to quash unsafe milk case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has underscored that public health is of paramount importance and must prevail over private commercial interests while refusing to quash criminal proceedings arising out of an allegedly unsafe milk sample. The judgment has been passed in a petition filed by the representatives of Gujarat-based M/s Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd challenging the criminal

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a high-level committee to ascertain the factual position regarding the demolition and eviction drive conducted at Raika Bandi, Sidhra on May 19, 2026. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp According to a Government order in this regard, issued today by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, sanction has been accorded for the constitution of a three-member committee to examine the matter i

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: Jammu University Academic Council met today under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai and endorsed several agenda items. Among the major decision, the Council approved the creation of a Faculty of Trans-disciplinary Studies (FTS) in the University. Initially, the Faculty will comprise two units namely the School of Trans-disciplinary Studies (STS) and the Skill Incubation Innovation Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC) with an objecti

Cancer declared notifiable disease in J&K Irfan Tramboo Srinagar, May 22: The J&K Government has declared cancer a notifiable disease across the Union Territory, making it mandatory for all public and private healthcare institutions, laboratories and related agencies to report diagnosed and treated cancer cases to authorities in a prescribed format. The Health and Medical Education Department issued notification S.O. 146 under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, saying the move was aim

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 22: In a decisive move to strengthen the fight against substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today called for adopting a comprehensive roadmap and awareness mechanism in all educational institutions and coaching centres across Jammu and Kashmir to identify and prevent drug abuse among youth at an early stage. Chairing a high-level review meeting on strengthening drug de-add

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: The Jammu & Kashmir Junior Mens Basketball team made a strong start to their campaign in the 76th Junior National Basketball Championship at Puducherry by defeating West Bengal 81-59 in their opening match. West Bengal began on a dominant note and took a commanding 28-10 lead in the first quarter. However, the J&K team staged a remarkable comeback in the second quarter, reducing the margin with a 19-10 performance. The momentum shifted completely in

LUCKNOW, May 22: Punjab Kings will need something spectacular to arrest a disastrous slide and keep their fading playoff hopes alive when they take on already-eliminated Lucknow Super Giants, in their IPL clash, here on Saturday. Punjabs campaign has unravelled dramatically since their record 265-run chase against Delhi Capitals on April 25. From remaining unbeaten till the midway stage and looking like genuine title contenders with six wins in seven matches, the last seasons runners-up have cra

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command today visited the TRINETRA Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory in Akhnoor to assess the progress of AI-driven military technologies being developed to support the Indian Armys modernization goals. The visit underscored the Indian Armys growing emphasis on integrating advanced technologies into operational systems as part of broader reforms envisioned under Army

RANCHI, May 22: The national record was smashed twice within minutes in mens 100m race as drama unfolded on the opening day of the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition here on Friday. Gurindervir Singh of Reliance first shattered Animesh Kujurs 10-month-old national record of 10.18 seconds, clocking 10.17 seconds in the first semifinals heat. The new mark survived just a few minutes as Animesh ran 10.15 seconds in second semifinals heat to regain his record. Both Gurindervir and Anim

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 22: The Environment Unit of MIER College of Education participated in a Painting and Poster Making Competition organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Biodiversity Council on International Biodiversity Day on the theme Acting Locally for Global Impact. Students from the School of Education (SOE) and School of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSSH) showcased creativity and environmental awareness through paintings and posters promoting biodiversity conservation and su

Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, May 22: BJP MLA from Jasrota constituency, Rajiv Jasrotia today gave a fresh push to rural infrastructure development by launching PMGSY road permanent restoration works and inaugurated two key road projects in Hatli Zone of the constituency. The total cost of the developmental package announced and initiated under PMGSY stands at Rs 67 lakh, aimed at improving road connectivity, easing transportation issues and strengthening basic infrastructure in rural areas. T

HYDERABAD, May 22: Modern T20 cricket continues to be shaped by elite batting consistency, record-breaking partnerships and high-scoring encounters, with multiple statistical landmarks emerging across international and IPL action. Leading the global chart for batsmen involved in the most 50-plus partnerships in Mens T20 cricket is Indias Virat Kohli with 211 such stands, followed closely by Englands Alex Hales on 210. Australias David Warner is third with 200, former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam

Excelsior Sports Correspondent POONCH, May 22: The Department of Youth Services & Sports, J&K Poonch organised the Inter-Zone Cluster Level Under-14 and Under-17 Boys Trial-cum-Selection at Sports Stadium Poonch under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in a highly disciplined and enthusiastic atmosphere. The event was held for students who qualified in Inter-School Zonal Level competitions from Zone Poonch, Zone Kanuyian and Zone Nangali, which were combined into a single cluster for final

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, May 22: Member Legislative Assembly, Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania today kick-started re surfacing work on the Dhar Road axis. Addressing the gathering, Pathania reiterated his commitment towards transforming road connectivity in Udhampur East and said that the Dhar Road as well as the Battal-Mansar Road is of immense strategic, public and tourism importance. He informed that the project shall be executed in multiple stretches, Paldhai to Kishenpur includ

SRINAGAR, May 22: Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Karra on Friday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi lowered the dignity of the office he holds. Referring to the viral video showing Prime Minister Modi gifting a packet of toffee to his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, Karra said such actions were unbecoming of a countrys leader. If we have to talk about Modis casual governance, then it can be talked about in volumes. But Modi has lowered the esteem of [] The post Modi Lowered D

SRINAGAR, May 22: Father of Pulwama attack mastermind Burhan Hamza who was shot dead by unknown assailants in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Friday said his son got what he deserved for treading the wrong path, but the family should not be persecuted. Arjumand Gulzar, alias Burhan Hamza, alias Doctor, a designated terrorist and the mastermind behind the 2019 terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in PoK on [] The post He Got What

NEW DELHI, May 22: India on Friday successfully test-fired short-range ballistic missile Agni-1 from the integrated test range at Odishas Chandipur, the defence ministry said. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters, it said. The test was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, the ministry said. The Agni 1 to 4 missiles have ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km and they have already been deployed. (Agencies) The post India Successfully Test-Launches Agni-1 B

JAMMU, May 22: The Traffic Department on Friday issued a fresh advisory for May 23, cautioning commuters about possible slow traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) due to single-lane stretches, movement of nomadic herds and ongoing road construction works. Officials said traffic remained sluggish on NH-44 from May 21 to May 22, especially between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, because of single-lane road conditions, breakdown of two heavy motor vehicles at Dalwas and moveme

Jammu, May 22 : Police and civil administration said they demolished an alleged illegal commercial property of an drug peddler in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district as part of an ongoing crackdown against narcotics trafficking, officials said. The drive targeted shops allegedly built on government land near Dewal bridge along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in the Samroli area. Officials said the properties belonged to Trilochan Dutt who has allegedly been involved in multiple drug smuggli

SRINAGAR, May 22: Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi-IPS, reviewed security and logistical arrangements during a meeting held at PCR Kashmir to assess preparedness for upcoming festivals and the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY). During the meeting, District SSsP gave detailed presentations regarding security preparedness, deployment plans, traffic regulation, crowd management measures, and other logistical arrangements concerning Eid-ul-Adha celebrations and the forthcomin

CHANDIGARH, May 22: To provide relief to people amid the scorching weather conditions, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday announced revised working hours for all Punjab government offices, schools, and colleges. Under the new schedule, working hours will change from the existing 9 am to 5 pm to a new slot of 7.30 am to 1.30 pm. This change will apply to all schools and colleges within the state. According to sources, government offices will not have lunch breaks following [] The post Punjab

New Delhi, May 22: The Union Health Ministry has asked all states and Union territories to step up surveillance, hospital preparedness and screening of international travellers following the WHOs declaration of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). In a letter to chief secretaries and administrators of UTs on May 21, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said countries bordering DRC and Uganda, in

KISHTWAR, May 22: The Jammu & Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau has registered a disproportionate assets case against AEE Hydraulic Sub-Division Chhatroo, Kishtwar, alleging possession of assets far exceeding his known sources of income, officials said. They said searches were conducted at multiple locations in Doda and Kishtwar following court-issued warrants. Further investigation is underway. A spokesperson said the J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau has registered FIR No. 01/2026 under Section 13(1)(b)

SRINAGAR, May 22: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired the 5th meeting of the Multi Disciplinary Committee (MDC) on Traffic Management System to review the implementation of a comprehensive action plan aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving mobility in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar. The Chief Secretary highlighted the significance of the recommendations put forth by the committee headed by the Principal Secretary, Home, and called for a time-bound action plan for their ef

SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today chaired a meeting of the Sub-Committee constituted to examine the issues related to Gair Mumkin Khads in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat Srinagar, was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana and Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar, who are members of the Sub-C