Daily Excelsior

DHARAMSHALA, May 14: Punjab Kings slumped to their fifth straight defeat, seriously hurting their playoff hopes, as Mumbai Indians cruised to a six-wicket win in a crucial IPL clash on Thursday riding on Shardul Thakurs four-wicket haul and a clinical batting effort from Tilak Varma, who smashed 75. Asked to bat first, Prabhsimran Singh (57) added a 33-ball 50-run opening stand with Priyansh Arya (27) to take PBKS to 55 for 1 in the powerplay and then added 57 runs [] The post Mumbai Indians bea

NEW DELHI, May 14: Chief ministers of three BJP-ruled states Uttar Pradeshs Yogi Adityanath, Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarhs Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday separately called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital. Discussions were held on issues related to security and development during the meetings, officials said. According to a post by the Office of the Home Minister, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister met Shah in New Delhi. In a separate post [] The post UP, MP

Sanjay Kharoo The cancellation of NEET 2026 due to allegations of paper leakage has once again exposed the deep cracks in Indias examination system. It is not merely the cancellation of an examination; it is the collapse of the hopes, discipline, sleepless nights, and emotional sacrifices of lakhs of students and aspirants who dedicate years of their lives preparing for one single opportunity seeking an admission into prestigious medical colleges. For those students who studied day and night wit

Dr Akshay Gupta drakshay.ortho@gmail.com Every year on May 15, orthodontists and dental professionals across the globe observe World Orthodontic Health Day (WOHD) to create awareness about the importance of orthodontic care and oral health. The theme for World Orthodontic Health Day 2026 is Beyond Straight Teeth, a powerful message that highlights an important truth orthodontics is not merely about cosmetics or achieving a beautiful smile. It is deeply connected to oral health, function, comfor

Ashok Sharma ashoksharma23may@gmail.com Fairs and melas have, for centuries, formed the vibrant heartbeat of Indias socio-cultural and religious life. Across the country, from the grandeur of the Kumbh Mela to the rustic charm of the Pushkar Mela, the Sonepur Mela and the sacred Gangasagar Mela, these gatherings draw millions of devotees, traders, tourists and artists every year. These melas are living embodiments of tradition, faith and community bonding. Jammu & Kashmir, too, carries forward t

GBHSS Gandhi Nagar named after Kuldip Kumar Badyal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today presided over a grand function held in connection with renaming of Government Boys Higher Secondary School (GBHSS), Gandhi Nagar, Jammu as Shri Kuldip Kumar Badyal Memorial Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar.MLA Bahu, Vikram Randhawa; Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Dr Rakesh Minhas; Director School Educat

NEW DELHI, May 14: Iran is a victim of illegal expansionism and warmongering, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday urging the BRICS nations to explicitly condemn what he described as violations of international law by the US and Israel. Araghchi delivered the remarks on the opening day of a two-day BRICS conclave in New Delhi, chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and attended by foreign ministers from Russia, Brazil and other member states of the bloc. The [] The

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 14: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah today welcomed recent remarks by a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader advocating dialogue with Pakistan, saying war was not an option and that all outstanding issues must be resolved through talks. Click here to watch video Abdullah was reacting to comments made by RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who recently called for sustained engagement and greater people-to-people contact between Ind

LUCKNOW, May 14: At least 111 people were killed and 72 injured after a strong storm and heavy rain pounded several districts of Uttar Pradesh, uprooting trees and damaging houses, an official statement said on Thursday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the loss of lives and damage caused by the unseasonal rain, thunderstorms and lightning on Wednesday and directed officials to ensure relief reaches the affected families within 24 hours. In a statement, the Relief Commissioners

Rs 361 cr ISWM project to come up at Achan Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 14: The Council of Ministers, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has approved the upgradation of Sub-District Hospital Hazratbal by granting relaxation in the buffer zone restrictions under the Srinagar Master Plan-2035. The decision was taken during the 6th meeting of the Council of Ministers, with the objective of strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring improved healthcare deliver

NEW DELHI, May 14 : The CBI on Thursday secured the custody of five persons arrested in the NEET-UG exam leak case and apprehended two more suspects as officials said the agency is also looking into possible role of any insider in the National Testing Agency (NTA) in the irregularities. The court which granted CBI the custody of the five accused for seven days said the allegations revealed the role of an organised gang involved in leaking and circulating confidential [] The post NEET paper leak:

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 14: Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, today visited forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir to review the prevailing security situation, assess summer operational preparedness, and evaluate the readiness of troops deployed in the region. During the visit, the Northern Army Commander was briefed by senior field commanders on the overall security scenario, operational deployments, co

HARIDWAR, May 14 : Uttarakhand Police on Thursday filed the countrys first chargesheet under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in a case pertaining to alleged triple talaq and halala. This marks the first major enforcement of UCC provisions regarding marriage and remarriage since its implementation in the state. Police in Haridwar district submitted the chargesheet in a local court against nine persons following a complaint of dowry harassment and marital torture. The woman, in her complaint, alleged

Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, May 14: Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma today chaired the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting at the Conference Hall of District Administrative Complex, here to review the progress of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) being implemented in the district. The meeting was attended by MLA Samba Surjeet Singh Slathia, MLA Ramgarh Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, MLA Vijaypur Chander Parkash Ganga, District Development Co

Ranjit Thakur JAMMU/RAJOURI, May 14: In a remarkable story of grit, resilience and sporting excellence, 14-year-old Mohd Yasser from Rajouri has become the first boxer from Jammu and Kashmir to win a gold medal at the Under-15 Asian Boxing Championship, defeating host nation Uzbekistan in the final by 4-1. For the teenager, who grew up amid poverty and personal tragedy, the triumph is not merely a sporting achievement but a symbol of determination against overwhelming odds. A Class 9 student []

Excelsior Correspondent BENGALURU, May 14: The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today called on the globally renowned spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji Maharaj, at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru. During the meeting, the Governor had a warm and cordial interaction with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji Maharaj. The Governor and Sri Sri Ravishankar ji Maharaj exchanged views on spiritual values, human welfare, and the

Forced labour, coerced marriages, sexual exploitation among reasons Bivek Mathur JAMMU, May 14: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir recorded 60 victims of human trafficking during 2024, with forced labour identified as the major reason behind the trafficking in persons, according to a latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Coerced marriages, sexual exploitation for prostitution and domestic servitude were among the other maj

Excelsior Sports Correspondent RAJOURI, May 14: Athletes from Acopic Health & Sports Club Rajouri delivered an impressive performance at the JK UT State Level Arm Wrestling Championship held in Srinagar, winning a total of eight medals and bringing laurels to the district. Umar emerged as a standout performer, securing two gold medals in both right-hand and left-hand categories. Alyas also excelled, winning four medals including two gold and two silver. Yasir added to the tally with one gold and

Excelsior Correspondent KARGIL, May 14 : Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon today formally handed over newly procured Ecco Ambulances at Qambar Ali Akhoon Memorial (QAAM) Hospital, Kargil for deployment in various health institutions and far-flung areas of the district. The fully equipped Basic life support ambulances have been procured under the District Capex Budget 2025-26 with the objective of strengthening emergency healthcare services and en

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, May 14: The 24 JKAP IR Battalion of the Indian Reserve Police (IRP), Udhampur, conducted a disciplined and well-coordinated Route March today under the leadership of Commandant, Sandeep Mehta, along with Dy Co Nihar Ranjan. The march commenced from the battalion headquarters Sui and covered the designated route through Chaked, Lansi, Dabrimood, Gujjar Morh, and culminated at Pandav Mandir, Krimchi, Udhampur after travelling about 7 Kms on foot. Around 150 office

Toph Bridge, Vridh Ashram road worst hit Sanjeev K Sharma JAMMU, May 14: The agencies which dig roads for burying cables or pipes have failed to properly reconstruct many of these roads while certain roads in Jammu were not repaired and blacktopped for a long time and all this has turned the vital infrastructure into bad and dilapidated roads in the Smart City of Jammu. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp There are also some roads in the city [] The post Vehicles go jerky on bad roads

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 9: India created history at the 10th Sanda World Cup in Macau as Indian athlete Aparna clinched the countrys first gold medal in the Womens 52 kg Sanda category with a dominant performance. In the final, Aparna defeated the reigning Vietnamese world champion in straight sets to secure the gold medal. She had earlier defeated the Philippines athlete in the semi-final to enter the summit clash. The victory carried added significance as Aparna had previousl

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: The Central body of the All J&K +2 Lecturers Forum today held a UT-level meeting under the chairmanship of R S Salathia, Chairman of the Forum, for discussion over demands and issues of the lecturers. The meeting was attended by Pardeep Koul, Jammu Division President, and Mohd Younous Gurezi, Kashmir Division President, representing their respective divisions. Pardeep Singh Rakwal, Chief Advisor of the Forum, presided over the virtual session, while RK Padr

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 14: The 3rd International Conference on Research and Innovation in Science, Engineering & Technology (RISET2026) concluded at Yogananda College of Engineering & Technology with a valedictory session attended by academicians, researchers, industry experts and students from India and abroad. The session was graced by chief guest Ravinder Raina, senior leader and National Executive Member of BJP and guest of honour Dr Deepak Kumar, SDM Jammu North. The programme b

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, May 14: The police seized three vehicles loaded with bovine animals in Rajouri area last night. Reports said the police under the jurisdiction of Police Station Rajouri, continued its sustained crackdown on the bovine smuggling in the district. During last night multiple naka points were established across Rajouri to intercept bovine smuggling. During the drive police teams led by SHO Rajouri intercepted three vehicles- Tata Mobiles bearing registration Nos. JK02

Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, May 14: Samba Police under the supervision of SSP Samba, Anuj Kumar has foiled a bovine smuggling attempt in the jurisdiction of Police Station (PS) Ghagwal and rescued seventeen (17) bovines. The vehicle used in the illegal transportation of bovines was also seized, officials said. They said acting on an information received from reliable sources, a team of Police Station, Ghagwal intercepted a truck bearing Registration Number JK19A-6155 at Naka NHW Tapyal which

Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, May 14 : In a remarkable initiative aimed at extending healthcare facilities to the remotest border areas, the Health Department Poonch organised a comprehensive Free Medical Camp in the extremely forward and strategically sensitive Vibrant Village Dadote in Balakote-Mendhar sector of Poonch district, located barely 200 meters from the LoC. The initiative witnessed active participation of residents of the tiny border hamlet, which has a population of merely 36 com

Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, May 14: In a major crackdown on the illegal mining activities, District Police Poonch took strong action against violators involved in unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals and seized 11 vehicles in this connection. Reports said that during a series of enforcement operations conducted by police teams, a total of 11 vehicles engaged in illegal mining activities were intercepted and seized. The seized vehicles include- three dumpers, one tipper, and

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 14: Police today said that under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan, coordinated anti-narcotics operations were carried out across multiple districts including Kulgam, Srinagar, Anantnag, Budgam, Qazigund and Baramulla. A police spokesperson said that illegal properties linked to drug peddlers were demolished in Kulgam and Anantnag, while a residential house and land worth around Rs. 1.20 crore was attached in Srinagar under the NDPS Act. In Anantnag, police al

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, May 14: Save Sharda Committee chairman, Ravinder Pandita called on Union Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chauhan here, today. He requested the Minister for widening of Chamkote to Teetwal road and setting up of Yatri Niwas on EP land available near Sharda temple LoC Teetwal Kashmir under his Ministry. This will promote border and religious tourism. The meeting was facilitated by Vivek Tankha , MP. The Minister assured to get it done a

Excelsior Correspondent RAMBAN, May 14: An unknown vehicle hit a 14-year-old boy leaving him dead in Haribair area of Kaskoot in Banihal on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Hauzifa Manzoor Zohda, son of Manzoor Ahmed Zohda. According to officials, the boy sustained grievous injuries after he was hit by the vehicle that fled the spot immediately after the accident. Locals rushed the injured teenager to Sub-District Hospital Banihal where he received initial treatment. However, doctor

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 14: The police seized seven tractors involved in illegal extraction of minor minerals during separate enforcement actions across Tral and Reshipora areas of Awantipora in south Kashmirs Pulwama district. A police spokesperson said the action was taken as part of ongoing efforts to curb unauthorized mining activities in the region. In the first incident, he said, Police Station Tral detected illegal mining in Gamraz area during routine patrolling and seized f

Maj Gen Sanjeev Dogra (Retd) sanjeev662006@gmail.com Every city reveals its future in small scenes. In Jammu, one such scene is becoming painfully familiar. Outside busy markets, near dhabas and shopping complexes, at petrol pumps and busy chowks, young men sit astride bikes with delivery bags bearing the logos of Blinkit, Zomato, and Swiggy. They stare at their phones, waiting for the next order, the next ride, the next few rupees. There is nothing dishonorable in this work. Work is work. [] Th

By Anjan Roy KOLKATA: With Subhendu Adhikari sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of Bengal on Sunday May 10, an altogether new chapter is begun in the state. With that the recalcitrant, screaming Mamata Banerjee goes into the penumbra of political oblivion. At its mega swearing in ceremony on the Brigade Parade ground, BJP had harked back to its beginnings invoking memories of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who had established the Jan Sangh, precursor of present day [] The post BJPs Mega show

JAMMU, May 14: Police have registered an FIR against a social media page for allegedly circulating provocative and inflammatory content related to a sensitive issue reported from a village in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district, officials said. According to the police, an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and an investigation into the matter has been initiated. Officials said that provocative and inflammatory videos and content were allegedly u

JAMMU, May 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a committee for implementation of the J&K MSME Health Clinic initiative aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Union Territory. See Order Copy Click Here The post Committee Framed For Implementation Of J&K MSME Health Clinic Initiative appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

CS assesses progress achieved in partnership with IWAI SRINAGAR, May 14: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today reviewed the progress and future roadmap for development of inland water transport infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir during a high-level meeting held to assess the initiatives being undertaken by the Transport Department in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The meeting focused on the promotion of sustainable, eco-friendly and modern water transport sy

New Delhi, May 14: The CBI has arrested two more persons in connection with the NEET (UG) paper-leak case, with the role of several officers of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and other organisations, who had access to the printing press where the papers were printed, coming under the scanner, officials said on Thursday. The agency has arrested Dhananjay Lokhanda from Ahilyanagar and Manisha Waghmare from Pune and conducted searches at 14 locations across the country in the last 24 [] The post

Srinagar, May 14: Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat on Thursday issued a stern warning to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti for pumping narcotics into India, saying he, along with his associates, will be hunted and hounded, and his evil infrastructure will be decimated. A warning to Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti who is ISIs acolyte and partner in pumping narcotics into India; we will hunt and hound you and your associates, and decimate your evil infrastructure, the Jammu and Kash

Srinagar, May 14: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has constituted an adhoc managing body for the registration and transitional functioning of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Judicial Officers Association. According to an order issued by the Registrar General, the move comes in continuation of High Court Order No. 717 of 2026/RG dated May 13 and Order No. 719 of 2026/RG dated May 14. As per the order, District Judge Naseer Ahmad Dar has been nominated [] The post High Court Forms Adho

SADHANA PASS (J-K), May 14: The treacherous terrain surrounded by snowcapped peaks was once known for infiltration from Pakistan occupied Kashmir, the pass is named after yesteryear actor Sadhana. On Thursday, that past, infamous and famous, dovetailed into the present with the inauguration of a checkpost and a war museum in the lofty heights. This is a message from the entire nation that we always remember our brave soldiers and will always remember them the mountains stand as witness to [] The

LEH/JAMMU, May 13: Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Tuesday, inaugurated Indias highest Astro Turf football ground, constructed at an altitude of 11,500 feet, along with a newly-built VIP Stand and an 8-lane synthetic athletic track at the open stadium in Leh. The modern sports infrastructure, developed at a cost of over Rs 30 crore, marks a major milestone in strengthening world-class sporting facilities in Ladakh, officials said. The VIP stand at the

Jammu, May 14: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday detained an alleged gangster under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Samba for his involvement in unlawful possession of weapons and narcotics-related offences, officials said. The police identified the accused as Pritam Singh alias Sethi, a resident of Jerda village in Ramgarh tehsil of Samba. According to the officials, the action was taken by Samba Police, following the accuseds repeated involvement in criminal activities across Samba, Jammu an

NEW DELHI, May 14: The Election Commission on Thursday announced the rollout of phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 16 states and three Union Territories involving 36.73 crore voters in a phased manner beginning May 30. The states and UTs where the SIR will be carried out are Delhi, Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, Manipur, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Telangana, Punjab, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Trip

COLOMBO, May 14: A Sri Lankan court on Thursday remanded one of the most prominent Buddhist monks of the island nation in a case of sexual abuse of a minor girl. The Colombo Fort magistrates court served the remand order on 71-year-old Pallegama Hemarathana, chief priest of a prominent Buddhist temple. The court ordered that the monk be kept in remand until May 22 and be transferred to the National Hospital from a private hospital where he had been warded [] The post Lanka court remands prominen

BEIJING, May 14: US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping began on Thursday what the American leader termed as the biggest summit ever to discuss a wide range of issues, including the Iran war and bilateral trade frictions. Trump, who arrived in Beijing last night to a rousing reception, told Xi in their first meeting on Thursday that he looks forward to a big discussion with him. There are those who say this is maybe the biggest [] The post Trump, Xi hold talks in bigges

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday condemned Norways move to revoke the export license for a naval missile system for Malaysias navy, warning it could damage confidence in European defence suppliers. Anwar said he raised Malaysias vehement objection during a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, after Oslo blocked delivery of the Naval Strike Missile system and launcher components intended for Malaysias littoral combat ship programme. Mal

MUMBAI, May 14: Stock markets rose for the second consecutive day on Thursday with the benchmark Sensex jumping by nearly 790 points in a volatile session, driven by value buying in telecom, pharma and private banking shares. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 789.74 points, or 1.06 per cent, to close at 75,398.72. The index opened higher but slipped into negative territory in late morning deals. However, value buying in telecom and banking shares helped the barometer pare losses and later [] The po

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SRINAGAR, May 13: The Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accorded approval for the establishment of an 800 TPD Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Project at Achan, Srinagar, at an estimated cost of 361 crore. The decision was taken during the 6th meeting of the Council of Ministers with the objective of strengthening scientific waste management infrastructure in Srinagar and ensuring sustainable disposal and processing of municipal solid waste in an environment