Daily Excelsior News

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: A workshop on Stress Coping Management for the Universitys non-teaching officials, organized by the Directorate of Quality Assurance, in collaboration with the School of Business, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), was held here today. The workshop was conducted with the support of Bhartiya Yog Sansthan (BYS), an organisation guided by the principle Live and Let Live Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinam. The resource persons from BYS, Jia Lal Sharma, Shakti Kum

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu successfully hosted the International Conference on Sustainable Materials and Infrastructure (ICSMI-2025) from 16th to 18th December. The three-day international conference was organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Jammu, in collaboration with the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) Centre J&K and brought together leading academicians, researchers, industry experts, and practitioners from India and abro

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: In order to draw attention to key challenges faced by traders, MSMEs and industrial units across the Union Territory, Dr Sanjay Bansal, Board Member of the National Traders Welfare Board (NTWB), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and National President of the Federation of Trade & Industry of India (FTII) met with Vikram Jeet Singh, the Commissioner Secretary, Department of Industries & Commerce, Jammu & Kashmir. Bansal also submitted a

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: BJP Spokesperson and Convener International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta today called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and submitted a detailed memorandum, proposing a future-oriented development roadmap for the Jammu region with a focus on semiconductor manufacturing, IT sector expansion and eco-tourism development. Gupta urged the LG-led UT administration to pursue the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication unit (chip fab) in Jammu under the Government o

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: On the eve of Merry Christmas, Mohanlal Sons, a prestigious name in Indian fashion, announced an incredible Christmas sale. The sale starting from December 20th will continue till December 25th. Indulge in a delightful shopping experience with discounts ranging from 20% to a whopping 50% off on the entire collection! This sale is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself or find the perfect gifts for your loved ones, ensuring your celebrations are as specia

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: Celebrating 25 years of trusted partnership with Tata Motors, Fairdeal Group today launched the all-new Tata Sierra at their both Showrooms, Kunjwani and Akhnoor Road and marking the iconic SUVs grand comeback in a modern, powerful and premium avatar. The unveiling reflects Fairdeals legacy of customer trust and Tata Motors commitment to engineering excellence, safety and innovation. The event was graced by Fairdeals Managing Director Saleem Bakshi, Farhan

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 19 :In connection with the ongoing public concern and stir regarding the allotment of seats in Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), a high-level delegation of core members of Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti today met the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, at Parliament House, here. The delegation apprised the Union Minister in detail about the widespread resentment prevailing among the pe

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha released the 4th edition of Kartavya Marg, annual in-house magazine published by Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust, at Lok Bhawan today. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated and extended his best wishes to the editor and everyone associated with the publication. He applauded Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust for its commitment and dedicated efforts towards promotion of Indias ancient knowledge traditi

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the implementation and progress of housing and urban development initiatives, including the Urban Challenge Fund, the Auto Development Control Regulation (Auto DCR) system for building permissions, and ongoing conservation and development works of Dal and Nigeen lakes. The review meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD); Secretary, Rural Development Department

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 19: Energy independence is no longer a matter of choice but an economic, strategic, and geopolitical necessity, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh, while adding that Indias transition towards clean and diversified energy sources is inseparably aligned with self-reliance and geopolitical compatibility, the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Indias expanding global role. Addressing a

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: India and Oman will endeavour to implement the India-Oman free trade agreement, signed on December 18, within the next three months, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. Under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Oman has offered zero-duty access on over 98 of its tariff lines or product categories, covering 99.38 per cent of Indias exports to the Gulf country. All major labour-intensive sectors, including gems and jewellery, textiles

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: The short Winter Session of Parliament concluded on Friday as both houses were adjourned sine die after the passage of some key legislations, including the one replacing the 20-year-old scheme MGNREGA and others to allow the opening up of civil nuclear sector for private sector and 100 per cent FDI in Insurance. Both the houses witnessed heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches during discussions on key legislations and debates. While Lok Sabha saw 111 [] T

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said traditional medicine was yet to receive the place it truly deserved and asserted that it should win trust through science to expand its reach further. Addressing the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine here, Modi said strengthening research, use of digital technologies and developing a trusted regulatory framework will further bolster traditional medicine. There was once a perception that traditional medicine was limited only t

HYDERABAD, Dec 19: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Second Edition of Udyan Utsav at Rashtrapati Nilayam here on Friday. The nine-day festival, which celebrates Indias green traditions, sustainable practices, and community engagement, will be open to the public from January 3 to January 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM). Entry is free, with access through Gate No. 2, an official release said here. Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural Udyan Utsav in

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday urged real estate developers to invest in the state, as it offers huge business opportunities and provides time-bound permission for projects. He noted that Gujarat has become the best destination for real estate activities and also a role model for well-planned urban development. Addressing realtors apex body CREDAIs national conclave here, Patel urged real estate players to explore business opportunities at GIFT City and the u

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: The Inter-Zonal Display Your Talent 2025 concluded today at University of Jammu with a vibrant valedictory function, showcasing the creative potential of students from affiliated colleges and university departments. The festival featured 24 competitions including music, dance, theatre, fine arts, and literary events, with winners felicitated by dignitaries. The valedictory function was graced by Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, as the chief gue

HYDERABAD, Dec 19 : The central board of the Reserve Bank on Friday discussed the global and domestic economic situation and associated challenges. The 620th meeting of the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India was held here under the Chairmanship of Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The Board also approved the risk-based deposit insurance framework for banks, RBI said in a statement. Further, it reviewed the activities of select central office departments and the draft report on Trend

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: In the ongoing 29th Inter-District Billiards and Snooker Championship 2025 at MA Stadium, here today, Hardik Gupta clinched a hard-fought victory over Marsoof Hussain by 2-1 in the sub-junior final. The tournament showcased fierce competition across senior and sub-junior categories. In the senior category, Darpan Singh defeated Abdul Hamid by 2-0, Asif beat Akhil Tandon by 2-0, Aman Sharma overcame Hanan by 2-0 and Sanjay Sharma won against Romaan Kh

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday praised Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station, and said his odyssey serves as an exemplification that the sky is no longer the limit. Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 commercial mission to the International Space Station (ISS) from June 25 to July 15. Speaking at NDTV Indian of the Year Awards 2025, CJI Kant said he [] The post Sky is no longer the limi

NEW DELHI, Dec 19 : Net direct tax collection grew 8 per cent to over Rs 17.04 lakh crore between April 1-December 17 as refund issuances slowed, the income tax department data showed on Friday. This includes net corporate tax mop up of over Rs 8.17 lakh crore and non-corporate tax of about Rs 8.47 lakh crore. Net revenue from Securities Transaction Tax (STT) stood at Rs 40,195 crore till December 17 of the current fiscal. Refunds issuance dropped 14 [] The post Net direct tax collection grows 8

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: A one-day workshop on topic Goal Setting and Decision Making organized by the Skill Incubation Innovation Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC), University of Jammu, was held here today. The workshop was organised under the guidance of Prof Alka Sharma, Director, SIIEDC and coordinated by Dr Pallavi Sachdeva, University of Jammu. The session was conducted by Neetu Dhar, who participated as the Expert Resource Person. The workshop aimed at sensitising

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: Under key rural development schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Pradhan Mantri Awaas YojanaGramin (PMAY-G), Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed large-scale infrastructure and housing development over the past five years, with more than 8,600 kilometres of rural roads and over 3.20 lakh houses completed across the Union Territory. Replying to an unstarred question of Member Parliament Gulam Ali Khatana in the Rajya Sabha, Minister

The steady rise in TB cases and the noticeable increase in malaria in Jammu and Kashmir over the past three years should be treated as a serious public health warning rather than routine statistics. While leprosy remains largely under control, the upward trajectory of TB and the sharp spike in malaria cases underline emerging vulnerabilities in the regions health ecosystem. TB continues to be the dominant disease burden in J&K. With over 12,000 cases reported in 2024, the Union Territory [] The

Cold, dry weather result in frozen water bodies in Doda Fayaz Bukhari/ Gopal Sharma SRINAGAR/JAMMU, Dec 19: Five flights were cancelled and eight delayed in Jammu while flight operations from Srinagar airport were partially disrupted today due to foggy weather conditions today while continuous dry weather has resulted in frozen water bodies in upper Chenab region. An official from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said that at least seven flights scheduled for today were cancelled at Srinaga

CM assures achievement of targets NEW DELHI, Dec 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday met Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil here and discussed key issues related to the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in the Union Territory, including the early release of pending Central funds to clear work-done claims and restart stalled schemes. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Abdullah was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest

Security of sensitive Kishtwar jeopardised, SSP flags concern Sanjeev K Sharma JAMMU, Dec 19: Close to the heels of exposure regarding engagement of terrorist elements by the company, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), tasked to complete the Rattle Hydel Project in Drabshalla area of mountainous Kishtwar, names of some 29 persons working in the project and having criminal and terrorist background have come to fore. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp In a letter, SSP

Land encroachments not affecting work Govind Sharma JAMMU, Dec 19: The redevelopment of Jammu Tawi Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is progressing at a fast pace, with key infrastructure works already completed and several major components currently under execution, the Union Ministry of Railways informed Parliament today. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The project aims to transform the station into a modern transport hub with improved platforms, foot overbri

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: If Parliamentary convention is followed, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the General Budget for 2026-27 on a Sunday, according to officials. The budget has been presented on the first day of February since 2017, and in 2026, it is a Sunday. However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, when asked about it, said, These decisions are taken by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs at an appropriate time. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on What

SINGAPORE, Dec 19 : Investigations into the death of singer Zubeen Garg are ongoing but so far no foul play is suspected, Singapore police have said. Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. The case is currently still being investigated by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), in accordance with the Singapore Coroners Act 2010, the police said on Thursday. Based on our investigations so far, the SPF does not suspect foul play [] The post Probe

Dr. D.K. Giri Prime Minister Narendra Modis two-day state visit to Jordan on 15-16 December, marked a watershed moment in India-Jordan relations, coming 75 years after diplomatic ties were established after a 37-year gap since the last full-fledged visit by an Indian premier. The visit, the first leg of a three-nation tour which also took Modi to Ethiopia and Oman between 16-18 December, was framed by both sides as an opportunity to move the partnership from symbolic to substantive. [] The post

BEIJING, Dec 19: China on Friday said it will approve export of its rare-earth metals for civilian use, amid Indias persistent calls for Beijing to lift curbs and resume the export of precious metals needed to manufacture a host of modern products. Chinas export control on rare earth-related items in accordance with laws and regulations does not target any specific country, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing while responding to a question on Indias calls for resumptio

JAMMU, Dec 19: The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has ordered the promotion of seven J&K segment AGMUT Cadre IAS officers to the Super Time Scale (Level 14 in the pay matrix). See Order Copy Click Here The post Seven J&K Segment AGMUT Cadre IAS Officers Promoted To Super Time Scale appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Dec 19: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress achieved under the Cyber Security Action Plan being implemented across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretaries of all departments, Inspector General of Police (Crime), Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations, Deputy Director General, NIC, Chief Executive Officer, JaKeGA, and other senior officers concerned. At the outse

JAMMU, Dec 19: The Ministry of Home Affairs has promoted 14 IPS officers of the AGMUT cadre to the Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) in Level 12 of the Pay Matrix with effect from January 1, 2026. Among the officers promoted are 5 IPS officers from the Jammu and Kashmir segment of the AGMUT cadre. The post 5 J&K Segment AGMUT Cadre IPS Officers Among 14 Promoted To JAG appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Dec 19: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the implementation and progress of housing and urban development initiatives, including the Urban Challenge Fund, the Auto Development Control Regulation (Auto DCR) system for building permissions, and ongoing conservation and development works of Dal and Nigeen lakes. The review meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD); Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD); Vice Chairman, J

33 AGMUT IAS Officers Promoted to Selection Grade, J&K Officers Among Promotees See Order Copy Click Here The post 33 AGMUT IAS Officers Promoted To Selection Grade, J&K Officers Among Promotees appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Dec 19: On the recommendations of the Screening Committee, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has ordered the promotion of nine J&K segment AGMUT cadre IPS officers to the Selection Grade (Level 13 in the pay matrix) with effect from January 1, 2026. As per an order, those promoted include Ashish Kumar Mishra, Nagpure Amod Ashok, Gurinder Pal Singh, Altaf Ahmed Shah, Bakar Hussain Samoon, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Ranjit Singh Samyal, and Mohammad Yaseen Kichloo, while Chandan [] T

Jammu, Dec 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha released the 4th edition of Kartavya Marg, annual in-house magazine published by Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust, at Lok Bhawan today. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated and extended his best wishes to the editor and everyone associated with the publication. He applauded Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust for its commitment and dedicated efforts towards promotion of Indias ancient knowledge traditions, folk culture, astro

Jammu, Dec 19: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Friday said that stakeholders have already submitted their draft proposals addressing various issues and the Centre will take action in the interest of the Union Territory and the nation. Talks are continuing in Ladakh and the process is moving forward in a structured manner, he said They have submitted their draft, and further discussions will be carried out on the basis of that draft, Gupta said, indicating that deliberations would pr

JAMMU, Dec 19: The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the promotion of three IPS officers posted in Jammu and Kashmir to the rank of Inspector General of Police. Those promoted include Tejinder Singh, while Abdul Jabbar and Udaybhaskar Billa have been granted proforma promotion. The promotions are to the IGP grade in Level 14 of the Pay Matrix and will take effect from January 1, 2026, or from the date of assumption of charge, whichever is later. The post Three IPS Officers Posted In J&K Prom

JAMMU, Dec 19: The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the promotion of eight IPS officers posted in Jammu and Kashmir to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police. Those promoted include Sargun Shukla, Sandeep Wazir, Anita Sharma, Jatinder Singh Johar, Swarn Singh Kotwal, Zahid Naseem Manhas and Dr Koushal Kumar Sharma, while Sandeep Choudhary has been granted proforma promotion. The post Eight IPS Officers Posted In J&K Promoted To DIG Rank appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

New Delhi, Dec 19: Assets of former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa apart from that of ex TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty and actor Sonu Sood have been attached by the ED in an illegal betting app linked money laundering case estimated to be worth more than Rs 1,000 crore, official sources said Friday. The properties of actor Neha Sharma, mother of model Urvashi Rautela and Bengali actor Ankush Hazra have also been attached after the federal probe agency [] The post ED Attaches Assets O

NEW DELHI, Dec 19: The Government on Friday accused the opposition of stalling the debate in Parliament on air pollution saying some of the MPs have shown unacceptable behaviour during the debate on rural jobs guarantee bill and conveyed that they did not want any discussion on the health hazard issue in the national capital region. Addressing a customary press conference after the conclusion of the Winter Session of Parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, termed the s

BEIJING, Dec 19: The A(H3N2) influenza subtype has remained the dominant flu strain since late March in China, accounting for 87.1 percent of all flu-like outbreaks, a Sputnik correspondent has learned after analyzing data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). China recorded 6,499 influenza outbreaks involving 10 or more people from March 31 to December 14, marking a year-on-year increase of 1,675 percent year-on-year increase compared to the 366 outbreaks recorded du

PARIS, Dec 19: The majority of French citizens support the farmers protests, which began amid an outbreak of lumpy skin disease, and do not trust the government and its policy on resolving the crisis caused by the unrest, according to a study conducted by Odoxa and Backbone Consulting for the Figaro newspaper. According to the survey results, 78 percent of respondents support the farmers protests, which are centered in the southwestern part of the country. The same number of respondents [] The p

New Delhi, Dec 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, NCP-SPs Supriya Sule and other leaders met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his chamber after the Winter Session of Parliament was adjourned sine die on Friday. The leaders thanked Birla for the conduct of the session. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Ministers K Ram Mohan Naidu, Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lalan, Chirag Paswan, and Pralhad Joshi joined the Speaker over tea. After the conclusion of the sixth [] The post

COLOMBO, Dec 19: Cyclone-hit Sri Lankas rebuilding fund has exceeded SLR 4.2 billion through contributions, a top finance ministry official said on Friday. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake constituted the Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund in the immediate aftermath of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Based on the update that has been received from the Treasury Operations Department of the Ministry of Finance, we are happy to share that as of today the total amount received is SLR 4,286 million,

PESHAWAR, Dec 19: Security forces killed five militants after their camp came under a suicide bombing attack in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwest Pakistan on Friday, police said. Four security personnel sustained injuries during the incident that took place at the camp at Boya Fort in Datta Khel tehsil of Miran Shah in the North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan. One of the militants, a suicide bomber, rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the security camp and detonated it,

MOSCOW, Dec 19: Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscows troops were advancing across the battlefield in Ukraine, voicing confidence that the Kremlins military goals would be achieved. Speaking at his highly orchestrated year-end news conference, Putin declared that Russian forces have fully seized strategic initiative and would make more gains by the years end. Russias larger, better-equipped army has made slow but steady progress in Ukraine in recent months. The annual live n

BERLIN, Dec 19: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held a luncheon meeting with former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, where the two leaders discussed global affairs, trade, and strategies to strengthen India-Germany relations in a rapidly changing world. Rahul Gandhi has been in Germany since December 15. During his visit, he engaged with the Indian diaspora, participating in programs organised by the Indian Overseas Congress and meeting community members to discuss various iss