Daily Excelsior News

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: Emulating their batters, the bowling duo of Jammu and Kashmir led by Rajveer Singh and Sanil Singh plotted collapse of Meghalaya and handed them a crushing innings defeat in their Vijay Merchant Trophy encounter at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, Surat, Gujarat today. After declaring their innings overnight at a commanding 585/7, J&Ks bowlers unleashed utter devastation, dismantling Meghalaya for a paltry 75 in their first innings and a modest 126 in the

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today visited the mini-township Jagti Nagrota to inspect development works besides inaugurating vital projects. The Chief Secretary inspected the Sub District Hospital and Government Higher Secondary School, Jagti, the ongoing work on multi purpose community hall being constructed with an estimated cost of Rs 6.5 crore and other development works. He also inaugurated five bore wells and visited the NFSA integration centre. Later,

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 13 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh today described the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund as a historic catalyst designed to empower Indias private sector to drive the next wave of R&D, IP creation, and commercialization in frontier technologies. Addressing the RDI Fund Outreach Programme in New Delhi, the Minister said the initiative represents a first-of-its-kind glo

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: For more safety and comfort of its passengers, Jammu division of Northern Railway has decided to replace the ICF coaches with LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches in Sabarmati BG Jammu Tawi Express. This change in Train No. 19224/19223 (Sabarmati BG Jammu Tawi Express) will be effective from January 1, 2026. These LHB coaches are equipped with an anti-telescopic design and Center Buffer Coupler (CBC), which reduces the risk of casualties in case of [] The po

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 13: Director Census Operations (DCO) & Director Citizen Registration (DCR) for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Amit Sharma gave a CLT Formula for an accelerated economic growth of Bharat during PHDCCI States Policy 2025 Conclave held at New Delhi. Sharma was invited to give keynote address as a special guest in the inaugural session of PHDCCI conclave about making India a developed economy with fast track growth and development approach. He talked about CLT for

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that the health infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone profound transformation since 2019. Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of SKIMS Annual Festival Week, Sinha highlighted that J&K has witnessed a massive infrastructure expansion and innovative solutions in healthcare post 2019. Accessible and affordable quality healthcare has turned into a reality under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra

Registration of infiltrators not be allowed: Bhandari Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: To counter the opposition parties especially Congress role against the electoral reforms and Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is launching nationwide campaign in this regard to put the facts before the people. In this regard party held a virtual meeting today which was addressed by party national spokesperson, Pardeep Bhandari who joined the deliberations as a key resource p

Excelsior Correspondent DEHRADUN, Dec 13: The 9th Convocation ceremony of DIT University, Dehradun, was held here today for awarding the degrees. The ceremony was graced by Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt General Gurmeet Singh. On this occasion, President, DIT University, Anuj Agarwal; Principal Advisor, DIT University, N Ravi Shanker; Vice Chancellor, DIT University, Prof G Raghurama; members of the Board of Governors, Board of Management, and Academic Council were also present. Prof G Raghurama, V

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: The admission process for the academic session 2026-27 at ALLEN Career Institute has commenced for aspirants of Engineering and Medical Entrance Examinations. A spokesman from Institute said that the For admissions to the new session, the scholarship test will be held on December 21 at test centers across the country. Conducted to encourage talent, the Allen Scholarship Admission Test (ASAT) will be organized for Kota and other centers across the country. B

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today released the Hindi poetry book Hindora by noted writer Dr. Satish Vimal, at Lok Bhawan. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated Dr Vimal and complimented him on his contribution to the literary world. This publication is 33rd book of Dr Satish Vimal and his thirteenth poetry collection that carries the philosophical and artistic essence of Jammu Kashmir. Meanwhile, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, former Minister and President

Prajakta Koli says she has learned to handle negativity and baseless hate over her 11-year journey as a content creator and now an actor, while still continuing to value and welcome genuine criticism. The Mismatched star, who didnt attend film school or receive formal training, said she learnt everything on the job, and that feedback helps her understand what shes doing right or wrong. Ive been a creator for 11 years and now I have become thick skinned. Ive [] The post Ive become used to basele

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: The 8th District Jammu Kickboxing Championship, organized by the Jammu District Kickboxing Association under the aegis of the Kickboxing Association of Jammu & Kashmir, concluded with a valedictory function at the Indoor Stadium, Bhagwati Nagar, here today. The three-day Championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 350 players representing various schools, clubs, and colleges across the district. Shiksha Niketan School emerged as the

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: The second day of the U-12 Boys and Girls Lawn Tennis Championship, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Lawn Tennis Association (JKLTA), delivered a series of electrifying matches at the MA Stadium Tennis Courts, here today. The spotlight was firmly on the Under-12 Boys categories, where young talents showcased impressive sportsmanship. Piyush Kumar and Prithvi Sharma emerged as the standout players, each securing victories in their singles and double

Excelsior Sports Correspondent KATRA, Dec 13: Department of Youth Services & Sports (DYSS), Reasi successfully concluded the U-17 Inter-District UT Level Softball Tournament at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex, Katra, witnessing enthusiastic participation and high-quality competition from across the Union Territory. The tournament was conducted under the overall supervision of Kuldeep Raj, Activity Incharge, Youth Services & Sports, Reasi. The trophy was presented to the winning team by a s

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: The Pre-Primary wing of Jodhamal Public School celebrated its Annual Sports Day with great zeal and enthusiasm, with students from classes Pre-Nursery, LKG, and UKG participating. The event was graced by the presence of the Trustee Nandan Kuthiala, Director Arati Kuthiala, Principal Dr Deep Khare, Vice Principal Amita Arora, and Headmistress Neetu Johri. The event began with the ceremonial release of tricolour balloons by the dignitaries and teachers

Excelsior Sports Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Dec 13: Department of Youth Services & Sports, Udhampur, today successfully conducted the second day of the Inter-District UT Level Cricket Tournament at multiple venues across Udhampur district, with matches proceeding smoothly in a disciplined and competitive environment. The Day witnessed enthusiastic participation from teams representing various districts of the Union Territory, reflecting the growing interest and sporting spirit among youth. On the o

Ashok Sharma ashoksharma23may@gmail.com Name of the Book:Saraz- Lok Aur Parampara Author: Prof Shiv Nirmohi Publisher: Sahitya Sangam Publications,Kachi Chawni Jammu Year of Publication:2025 Price: Rs 200.00 Saraz Lok Aur Parampara, written by the eminent writer and Padma Shri awardee Prof. Shiv Nirmohi, is a valuable addition to the literature on the lesser-known cultural regions of Jammu and Kashmir. The book is a comprehensive micro-study of the Saraz region, a mountainous belt largely falli

Excelsior Sports Correspondent KARGIL, Dec 13: In a momentous achievement for the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ladakh Archery Team has delivered an outstanding performance at the Senior Archery National Championships held in Hyderabad, where 31 states competed. The team showcased exceptional talent and resilience, qualifying for the Round of 16 and registering a remarkable victory against Punjab. Advancing to the quarterfinals, the team fought a close battle against Andhra Pradesh, narrowly lo

For nearly four years, a series of committee reshuffles, expanded memberships, altered chairmanships and repeated government orders have failed to achieve what should have been a straightforward administrative exercise: outsourcing the Tourism Departments own assets that have been bleeding money for decades. The Government of J&K continues to trumpet its ambitions to make tourism the backbone of the UTs economy. Yet, on the ground, its inability to operationalise a basic outsourcing mechanism re

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: Sant Hare Ram Dass (SHRD) Public School celebrated its 9th Annual Day function with great enthusiasm and cultural fervor on the theme Journey of Culture, showcasing Indias rich heritage through vibrant performances and meaningful presentations. The programme commenced with a guard of honour presented to the chief guest, Sham Lal Sharma (MLA), followed by a plantation ceremony. The occasion was further marked by Tilak and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.

Arun Kumar Gupta arun.k.gupta5151@gmail.com Human existence is a profound phenomenon in the vast expanse of creation. When one pauses to reflect deeply, it becomes evident that life is not a random occurrence. There is a silent order that governs everything around us, from the movements of celestial bodies to the delicate functioning of a single breath. Whether interpreted spiritually, philosophically, or scientifically, life reflects structure, meaning and direction. This realisation inspires a

Construction work of houses destroyed in shelling to start from April Fayaz Bukhari SRINAGAR, Dec 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that the administration is committed to completely dismantle the terrorist ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir under the policy of zero tolerance to terrorism. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Speaking at Lok Bhawan in Srinagar, the LG said a new system is now in place in the fight against terrorism, where affected families are coming forward w

Tale of terror victims; father killed, mother remarried Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Dec 13: With handing over of appointment letters by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, four next of kin of terror victims in the Kashmir valley got the jobs after 25 to 26 years wait and they along with their families including elderly citizens had to live miserable lives during most of this period. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A total of 39 job letters were given by the [] The post Justice after over 2

Half of Gulmarg, Pahalgam remain closed Irfan Tramboo Srinagar, Dec 13: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today termed the continued closure of tourist destinations a failure, asserting that claims of normalcy in J&K cannot be made while key resorts remain shut. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Speaking to reporters at Gulmarg after inaugurating several development projects, Omar said it was contradictory to project normalcy in J&K while restricting access to major tourist hubs. Click h

A well perceived and designed stambh Meticulously crafted balidan stambh Everybody knows even deaf and dumb. A magnificent stambh stands tall Reminding and refreshing fading memories of us all. Of those who sacrificed their yesterday For our glistening better today They were the martyrs of yesterday . By the way who is a martyr He who never cooperates with death. Go to death in a way that he is not trying to escape Such a person is the martyr of [] The post BALIDAN STAMBH JAMMU appeared first on

J&Ks installed solar power capacity stands at 74.49 MW *Parliament Panel expresses concern over imbalance Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Dec 13: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised serious concerns over the glaring mismatch between Ladakhs immense solar energy potential and its minuscule installed capacity, noting that the Union Territorys renewable energy development remains far below expectations. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Despite being one of the sunniest regions in Indi

Row over Ratle project retrenchments Sanjeev K Sharma JAMMU, Dec 13: Retrenchment of 230 workers, engaging controversial contractors and a HR officer from Kashmir by a senior officer of a company tasked for hydro electric power project in the mountainous Kishtwar district has triggered resentment among the locals who claimed that even the surrendered terrorists are being engaged in the project works in the sensitive area. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp However, the Joint Chief Op

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 13: The J&K Government released the list of official holidays for the calendar year 2026, once again excluding the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on December 5 and Martyrs Day on July 13. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The General Administration Department (GAD) issued two separate ordersGovernment Order No. 1895-JK(GAD) of 2025 and Government Order No. 1894-JK(GAD) of 2025detailing holidays to be ob

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 13: Former Law Secretary Raj Kumar Goyal has been appointed as the head of the Central Information Commission while eight others, most of them former civil servants, were chosen as Information Commissioners. Goyal was IAS officer of erstwhile J&K cadre and held various important postings in J&K and New Delhi. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp With this, the 11-member Central Information Commission (CIC) acquired full strength for the first time

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 13: The Directorate of School Education Jammu has announced winter vacations for all Government and recognized private schools up to higher secondary level falling under the summer zone areas of Jammu Division. According to the order in this regard, winter vacations will be observed in a phased manner for different classes and upto January 10, 2026 for all. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Students from Pre-primary to Class 5 will remain on winter

JAMMU, Dec 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the transfers and adjustments of 134 Patwaris in the interest of the administration. See Order Copy Click Here The post Govt Orders Transfers, Adjustment Of 134 Patwaris appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jammu, Dec 13: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has dedicated a Sadhana Kaksh (Meditation Hall) to the pilgrims visiting the revered shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. The newly set up meditation hall was opened for the devotees amidst vedic chanting at Bhawan area, marking a significant initiative aimed at further enriching the spiritual ambience and facilitating deeper devotional engagement among the visitors, the officials

Srinagar, Dec 13 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the Centre cannot claim normalcy in the Union territory until the destinations, closed after the Pahalgam attack earlier this year, are reopened. He also called for a review of the decision to close several tourist spots after the attack. Speaking to the reporters after throwing open Asias longest ski drag lift at Gulmarg, Abdullah said the elected government can only build or improve the tourism-related infrastru

Srinagar, Dec 13: An NIA court here declared Dr Muzaffar Ahmad Rather, an accused in the white collar terror module busted by Srinagar police in October that was behind the November 10 car blast near Delhis Red Fort, a proclaimed offender under Section 84 of the BNSS. The proclamation notice, issued by a special judge designated under the NIA Act last week, was pasted on the house of Rather at Qazigund on Saturday, officials said. The court has directed Rather [] The post NIA Court Declares Absc

JAMMU, Dec 13: The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has announced winter vacations for all government and recognised private schools falling in the summer zone areas of Jammu Division, as per an official order issued on Saturday. According to the order, issued by DSEJ , students from pre-primary to Class 5th will observe winter vacations from December 22, 2025, to January 10, 2026. For students of Classes 6th to 8th, the vacations will be from December 26, 2025, to [] The post Phase

JAMMU, Dec 13: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued an order declaring public holidays for the calendar year 2026 under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. In a separate but related order, it has also notified the list of holidays to be observed in Government offices and educational institutions across the Union Territory. See Order Copy Click Here. See Order Copy Click Here. The post J&K Government Notifies Holidays For 2026 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Srinagar, Dec 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday appreciated the unwavering dedication, compassion, and personal sacrifice of the medical community to care for others and contributing to the nations growth. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the Valedictory Ceremony of SKIMS Annual Festival Week in Srinagar. The event also marked the commencement of 29th Post-Graduate Research Presentation Programme (PGRP-2025) and felicitation of PGRP Awardees, Doctors, Nursing Staffs and Empl

New Delhi, Dec 13: Former Law Secretary Raj Kumar Goyal has been appointed as the head of the Central Information Commission while eight others, most of them former civil servants, were chosen as Information Commissioners. With this, the 11-member Central Information Commission (CIC) acquired full strength for the first time in the past seven years. The central transparency panel has been headless since September and has been working with just two Information Commissio Goyal will take oath as th

Srinagar, Dec 13: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday threw open Asias longest ski drag lift at the famous skiing resort of Gulmarg, officials said. He also inaugurated the worlds highest revolving multi-purpose hall at the Affarwat area in the resort, which also houses a restaurant, they said. Abdullah said the ski drag lift at Kongdori in Gulmarg, in north Kashmirs Baramulla district, will significantly enhance skiing infrastructure in the resort and strengthen its stand

Raipur, Dec 13: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said Naxalism does not benefit anyone neither those who take up arms nor the security personnel, and asserted that only peace can pave the way for development. Reiterating the Narendra Modi governments resolve to end Naxalism by March 31, 2026, he said the Centre has decided to transform Chhattisgarhs Bastar division, comprising seven districts, the most developed tribal region in the country in the next five years. Addressing the [] The

Jammu, Dec 13: Eight illegal structures, including houses belonging to alleged drug peddlers, were demolished in a major drive here, while a person was arrested along with 6.64 grams of heroin in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district on Saturday, officials said. In a major action against drug peddlers and land grabbers, the officials said district administration Jammu carried out a demolition drive at village Narwal Bala in Bahu Tehsil on the directions of district magistrate Jammu, Rakesh Minhas,

CARACAS, Dec 13: The appointment of former Egyptian Tourism Minister Khaled El-Enany as UNESCOs director general may help stop the pro-Western politicization of the UN cultural agency, Venezuelan Permanent Representative to UNESCO Rodulfo Humberto Perez Hernandez told Sputnik. From our point of view, all member states will benefit from depoliticization of UNESCO. We believe that the appointment of Professor El-Enany may put an end to UNESCOs politicization and prevent the West from using it agai

Srinagar, Dec 13: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday detained around 200 suspected over-ground workers (OGWs) of terror outfits as part of a massive crackdown in the valley, officials said here. The police, along with other security forces, launched the operation against the OGW network in many areas of the Kashmir valley, including Srinagar city, and raids have been carried out at several locations, they said. During these raids, around 200 suspected OGWs have been detained, the officials sai

Jaisalmer, Dec 13: Pushing for a unified judicial policy, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday said technology can help align standards and practices across courts, creating a seamless experience for citizens, regardless of their location. He said high courts due to the federal structure have had their own practices and technological capacities, and regional barriers can be broken down with technology to create a more unified judicial ecosystem. Delivering the keynote address at the W

Srinagar, Dec 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir is set to receive an investment of about Rs 5.5 billion in the tourism sector under an externally funded project, asserting that the push, combined with collective effort, would help the Union Territory once again establish itself as Indias leading adventure tourism destination. Addressing a gathering during the 17th annual convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), the Chief Minister

New Delhi, Dec 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday termed the mandate received by the BJP-led NDA in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation a watershed moment in Keralas politics and expressed gratitude to the BJP workers for the spectacular results. The Left parties suffered a major setback in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, held by them for 45 years, as the BJP-led NDA surged ahead with a huge lead. Reacting to the civic body results, the prime minister said it is a day [] The post ND

KOLKATA, Dec 13: Chaos erupted at the Salt Lake stadium here on Saturday as thousands of fans protested after failing to get a clear glimpse of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi during a much-hyped event, prompting police to baton-charge and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to order a high-level enquiry. What was billed as a marquee football spectacle turned into anger and disorder as Messis brief and tightly ring-fenced appearance, his first at the venue since 2011, left large sections of [] T

DHAKA, Dec 13: A massive fire broke out early Saturday on the ground floor of a 12-storey mixed-use building in a market in Bangladeshs capital city, officials said. However, no casualties were reported in the blaze at Jabal E Nur Tower in the Babu Bazar area of Keraniganj, and fire service officials rescued at least 42 people from the building, the state-run BSS news agency reported. The incident marks the second major fire in a multi-storey building in Dhaka [] The post Fire breaks out in 12-

MOSCOW, Dec 13: Dual Russian-French citizen Anna Novikova, detained in France on suspicion of espionage, said in a letter obtained by RIA Novosti that she did not lose heart and received letters of support from different countries. On November 25, Le Parisien newspaper reported that French intelligence services had detained three members of the SOS Donbass organization, which provides aid to residents of Donbas, including the associations head, Anna Novikova. They are suspected of spying for Rus

KARACHI, Dec 13: The families of 11 Pakistani fishermen, including two teenage boys, who have been arrested by Indian maritime authorities this week, have appealed for their release, pleading they are just poor fishermen. The families urged the Pakistan government to get them released through diplomatic channels. Ahmed Brohi, the father of one of the arrested fishermen, Ghulam Mustafa, said they all lived close to each other in Ibrahim Hyderi, a fishing village in west Karachi. We are all [] Th