Daily Excelsior

Dr Goldi Hazari Baisakhi, a festival that resonates deeply with the agrarian soul of North India, is far more than just a harvest celebration. It stands as a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of history, religious significance, cultural pride, and communal joy. Particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Baisakhi transcends its agricultural roots, embracing a spectrum of traditions that reflect the diverse cultural mosaic of the subcontinent. A Historical Tapestry: From Ancient Roots to Si

GULMARG, Apr 13: A study group of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy today met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during its visit to the region. During the interaction, the Committee apprised the Chief Minister of the objectives of their visit and deliberated on key issues pertaining to the power sector. The Chief Minister underscored the Governments commitment to strengthening energy infrastructure, enhancing power reliability, and expediting reforms to effectively meet the growing deman

Jammu, Apr 13: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday directed the police to prepare a list of top drug-peddlers under each station and take decisive action to dismantle drug networks within 30 days. He asserted that the administration will take stringent action on drug traffickers and syndicates, including revocation of their passports, driving licences, Aadhaar cards and arms licences. Sinha was speaking after launching a 100-day intensive anti-drug campaign Nasha Mukt Ja

JAMMU, Apr 13: General Officer Commanding of Armys White Knight Corps Lt Gen P K Mishra on Monday visited Akhnoor sector near Jammu to assess the operational preparedness of the troops guarding the Line of Control (LoC) with a key focus on counter-infiltration measures. Lt Gen Mishra was accompanied by GOC Crossed Swords Division, also known as 10th Infantry division which is a vital formation responsible for securing the LoC in the Akhnoor sector. GOC White Knight Corps alongwith GoC [] The pos

NEW DELHI, Apr 13: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of 48 officers at the Joint Secretary and Joint Secretary equivalent level with pay at level 14 of the pay matrix. See detail click here. The post ACC Approves Appointment Of 48 Officers At Jt Secy, Equivalent Level appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Apr 13: The Railways and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on Monday signed an agreement for the development of a Gati Shakti multi-modal cargo terminal in outskirts of Jammu city. The project is aimed at boosting freight movement and strengthening the regions energy supply chain. The agreement was signed between Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal on behalf of the Jammu division and Territory Manager (Retail) Jammu, Chandan Chauhan, representing BPCL, a Railways

JAMMU, Apr 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the promotion of 24 Inspectors of the General Cadre as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) with immediate effect. For additional details, read this order The post 24 Inspectors Promoted As DySPs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

BANDIPORA, Apr 13: Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Administrative Judge for District Bandipora, today visited the newly constructed Court Complex at Bandipora. On his arrival at the Court Complex, he was received by Jeema Bashir, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Bandipora; Indu Kanwal Chib, Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora; Mir Wajahat, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bandipora; Ajaz Ahmad Zargar, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bandip

NEW DELHI, Apr 13 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today reviewed the progress and future roadmap of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), setting the direction for the next phase of Indias research ecosystem with a focus on mission-mode programmes, societal innovation and wider public access to scientific knowledge. Emphasising t

JAMMU, Apr 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has assigned additional charges to five officers in the interest of the administration. See Order Copy Click Here The post J&K Finance Deptt Assigns Addl Charge To Five Officers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

KARACHI, Apr 13: Two merchant ships from Pakistan were allowed to cross the Strait of Hormuz and sail to Kuwait and the UAE on Monday after initially being denied permission to pass. Two merchant ships, Shalimar and Khairpur, of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) are the first Pakistani ships to go into the Persian Gulf since the war broke out between Iran, the US and Israel. Initially, the two ships were stopped by Iranian authorities and told to go [] The post Pak merchant ships

Srinagar, Apr 13: A police case has been filed against a senior lecturer posted in north kashmirs Sopore town after a girl student accused him of harassment, even as the teacher has been suspened with inquiry ordered into the matter. Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib said the teacher has been booked and an investigation has been set into motion after girl students allegations. Meanwhile, Directorate of School Education Kashmir suspended the lecturer with immediate effect whi

TEL AVIV, Apr 13: Last year saw the highest level of deadly violence against Jews in over three decades, with 20 people killed in antisemitic attacks, according to an annual study released by Tel Aviv University on Monday. The violence, including a deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia, continued a spike that began following Hamas Oct 7, 2023, attacks and Israels subsequent war in Gaza, the reports authors said. The data raise concern that a high level of [] The post Antisemitic a

Kargil, Apr 13: The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, today visited the Eastern Portal of Zoji-La Tunnel to inspect the ongoing construction work during his visit to Drass, reviewing progress on one of the most significant infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. During the inspection, the Lieutenant Governor was given a detailed presentation on the project. He was informed that the tunnel, being executed by Megha Engin

CAIRO, Apr 13: The US military announced it will begin a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday, as President Donald Trump sought to pressure Iran in a move that risks driving oil prices even higher and renewing the war. The announcement set the stage for a showdown, as Iran immediately responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is [] The post Iran threatens ports in Mideast as US military set

CANBERRA, Apr 13: Australias Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, on Monday urged that the Strait of Hormuz remain accessible to all nations, emphasising that Canberra has received no request from the United States to participate in a blockade of the strategic waterway. Albanese stressed the importance of renewed negotiations to resolve regional conflicts and called for full respect for international maritime law. Speaking to the media, he said: Weve received no requests, and theyve made this annou

MANILA, Apr 13: An annoyed Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did a few rounds of jumping jack exercise and jogged briefly outside his office in front of journalists Monday to disprove rumours of his failing health. Wearing formal office wear, reading glasses and leather shoes, the 68-year-old leader said he did the impromptu workout to ease any worry about his health at a time when people were already beset with problems sparked by the war in the Middle East. I [] The post Philippine Pre

ISLAMABAD, Apr 13: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday spoke with Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif and expressed her support for his mediation efforts between the US and Iran to de-escalate the situation in West Asia. During their conversation, the two leaders discussed the recently held Islamabad Talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Pakistan. Prime Minister Takaichi appreciated Pakistans diplomatic role in facilitating the ceasefire and talks. She expressed Japan

Rajouri/Jammu, Apr 13: Army troops are on high alert in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri and Poonch districts and are fully prepared to deliver a befitting response to any hostile act by the enemy, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Ace of Spades Division, Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherji said on Monday. Addressing a well-attended gathering at the Rajouri Day event in the border district, he lauded the role of the local populace and said they will continue to work together in coordination [] The post Army Of

JAMMU, Apr 13: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives presented by IIT Jammu aimed at bringing transformational reforms in the School Education and Health sectors across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, M. Raju; CEO, State Health Agency, Anant Dwivedi; Directors of School Education Ja

JAMMU, Apr 13: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered a 4-month district training programme for Junior Scale JKAS probationers of the 2025 batch after completion of their training at J&K IMPA&RD. As per an order, the probationers will report to the respective Deputy Commissioners for training, which will include 2 months attachment with the Deputy Commissioners office, followed by 20 days each with the Judicial Magistrate, SDPO/SHO office, and District Treasury. See Order Copy Click Her

Srinagar, Apr 13: The Directorate of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks Kashmir on Monday announced that the Tulip Garden Srinagar, opened to visitors on March 16 for the Tulip Show-2026, will be closed for the general public from the evening of April 16. According to an official notice issued by the department, the decision has been taken following recommendations of the Tulip Committee communicated vide letter No. FO/NMBG/GS-15/120 dated April 13, 2025. The department said the garden will remain cl

JAMMU, Apr 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has accorded sanction for the appointment of 70 officers as Liaison Officers for various visiting dignitaries and delegates in connection with the Chintan Shivir2026, scheduled to be held in Srinagar from April 23 to April 27, 2026. See Order Copy Click Here.. The post 70 Officers Appointed As Liaison Officers For Chintan Shivir In Srinagar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NEW DELHI, Apr 13: Realty firm Krisumi Corporation Ltd, a joint venture between Japans Sumitomo Corporation and Krishna Group, will further invest around Rs 4,500 crore over the next 6-7 years on its ongoing 33.5 acre luxury housing project in Gurugram. The company has already invested around Rs 2,500 crore since 2019 to develop this project Krisumi City, located along the Dwarka Expressway, comprising a total 2,772 units across various phases. Sumitomo Corporation, a member company of the Sumi

NEW DELHI, Apr 13: Citius TransNet Investment Trust on Monday announced the price band of Rs 99 to Rs 100 per unit for its Rs 1,105-crore initial public offering (IPO). The issue will open on April 17 and close on April 21, the Trust said in a statement. Proceeds from the issue will be utilised for partial or full acquisition of securities of SRPL Roads Private Ltd and certain identified project special purpose vehicles (SPVs)Thrissur Expressway Ltd, Jorabat Shillong Expressway [] The post Citiu

NEW DELHI, Apr 13:IT sector employees body NITES on Monday approached the Ministry of Labour and Employment seeking a detailed audit of POSH compliance in Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and batted for a wider state-level audit across tech and ITES companies, especially large multinational organisations in Maharashtra. The letter to labour ministry comes in the backdrop of charges of sexual harassment and allegations on forced religious conversion by eight female employees at TCS office in Nashi

MUMBAI, Apr 13: Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty closed nearly 1 per cent lower on Monday as the failure of US-Iran negotiations heightened concerns of a prolonged conflict driving crude oil prices sharply higher. The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 702.68 points or 0.91 per cent to settle at 76,847.57. During the day, it dived 1,681.93 points or 2.16 per cent to 75,868.32. The 50-share NSE Nifty plunged 207.95 points or 0.86 per cent to end at 23,842.65. From the [] The post Stock markets p

MUMBAI, Apr 13: The rupee slumped by 56 paise to settle at 93.39 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday after a failed US-Iran peace talk fuelled uncertainties in West Asia, leading to a surge in crude oil prices and a global chase for the greenback. According to forex analysts, uncertainties over the opening of Strait of Hormuz following the US announcement to blockade Iranian ports further intensified withdrawal for foreign capital from domestic equities, weakening the Indian currency.

KARACHI, Apr 13: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) plunged over 5,000 points on Monday after the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad ended without any breakthrough. Trading started on a cautious note and by mid-day, the benchmark KSE-100 Index fell sharply by 5,353.67 points as heavy selling was witnessed by investors at the outset. The KSE-100 Index dropped 4,567.31 points (-2.73%) to 162,624.06 within two hours of trading starting on the floor. Later, despite the intra-day volatility, the index showe

JAMMU, Apr 13: Security forces on Monday launched a search operation in several border areas of Rajbagh and Ramkote in Kathua district following information about suspicious movement of suspected terrorists, officials said. The suspicious movement of two armed persons, also carrying heavy backpacks, was reported from Soffain village towards Ambanall forest side in Rajbagh area this morning, the officials said. They said police assisted by Army and CRPF started a search and cordon operation immed

Jammu, Apr 13: A drug-free Jammu Kashmir will emerge not from one person, but from collective action. Society must realize that drugs dont just kill individuals-they erode entire villages, wards and cities honor and destiny. Lets build a J&K where our youths energy illuminates the world, not destroys itself. Let us confront this challenge with unyielding resolve, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday. The Lieutenant Governor was addressing a massive public rally at Sports Stadium Ka

HONG KONG, Apr 13: China is poised to benefit from the Iran war as global energy disruptions accelerate a shift away from fossil fuels and toward clean technologies and renewable power, industries that China dominates. Most of the oil and gas from the now mostly shut Strait of Hormuz was Asia-bound. Asian nations are scrambling to conserve energy and bolster dwindling reserves. As a temporary ceasefire teeters, gasoline prices in the US and Europe are spiking. While most of Asia [] The post Iran

MOSCOW, Apr 13: The date of the UN Security Council vote on the resolution proposed by Russia and China to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East will be determined depending on the situation on the ground, Kirill Logvinov, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministrys international organisations department, told Sputnik. Earlier, Russia and China proposed that the UN Security Council consider an alternative draft resolution on the current situation in the Middle East, including from a mar

LUCKNOW, Apr 13: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that India was earlier recognised as a nation that only played cricket and hockey, and asserted that the country is now successfully carving out a distinct identity for itself in major sporting events across the globe. Speaking at the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh-2026 here on Monday, Singh said, Earlier, we were recognised as a nation that played only cricket and hockey. And when it came to the Olympic Games, we were [] The post India Succe

MOSCOW, Apr 13: The Indian community based in Russia on Monday expressed great shock at the demise of legendary singer Asha Bhosle and paid warm tributes to her while remembering her immortal music. The 92-year-old singer, who ruled Bollywood music for over eight decades, died on Sunday due to multi-organ failure. She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai on Saturday evening following a chest infection and exhaustion. This is a great shock to all of us, it [] The post Indian comm

JAMMU, Apr 13: In a minor administrative reshuffle, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday appointed Vaibhav Kohli as the new Excise Commissioner and also shifted two officers to the Lieutenant Governors Secretariat. M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), issued the order on the transfers and postings on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. According to the order, Vaibhav Kohli, who was Special Secretary in the Lieutenant Governors Secretariat,

NEW DELHI, Apr 13: Ola Electric on Monday announced the launch of the new S1 X+ 5.2 kWh scooter, powered by its indigenously developed 4680 Bharat Cell at an introductory price of Rs 1,29,999. With this, the company is bringing its advanced in-house cell technology to the mass market, making long range EV scooters accessible for every Indian, Ola Electric said in a statement. Launched at an introductory price of Rs 1,29,999 valid till April 15, S1 X+ 5.2 kWh [] The post Ola Electric Launches S1

HYDERABAD, Apr 13: Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Monday said that the Centre aims to reduce dependence on imports and make the country atma nirbhar (self-reliant) in the minerals sector. Speaking at a roadshow organised by the Mines Ministry on the 7th Tranche Auction of critical mineral blocks and Tranche-2 Exploration Licence, he said the union governments top priorities are to make the country benefit from the mineral wealth and increase employment generation. I would like [

SRINAGAR, Apr 13: A man and a woman were found dead under mysterious circumstances on Monday in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag, officials said. The bodies were recovered from a house in Kamad in the Dialgam area. The deceased persons appear to be non-locals, they said. A forensic team has been rushed to the spot for evidence, the officials said, adding that further details were awaited. The post Man, Woman Found Dead In J&Ks Anantnag appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NEW DELHI, Apr 13: The Congress on Monday issued a whip to all Lok Sabha MPs to remain present in the House for the special sitting of Parliament when the government will bring up amendments to the Women Reservation Act. The Congress has told its Lok Sabha MPs that some very important issues will be taken up for discussion and voting in the House on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. All members of Congress Party in the Lok Sabha are requested [] The post Cong Issues Whip, Ask All Lok Sabha MPs To B

Jammu, Apr 13: Arrangements, including RFID cards, new bridges and uninterrupted power supply, have been finalised for the annual Machail Mata Yatra commencing on April 14 in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar, officials said on Monday. Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, along with Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh, reviewed arrangements during their two-day visit to Paddar, including a meeting at base camp at Gulabgarh and a public darbar at Machail, the officials said. Last

Nagpur, Apr 13: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday termed India the soul of the world, asserting that the countrys spiritual wisdom has helped it weather the storms of materialism and consumerism that have destroyed many societies. Addressing a gathering of seers at the Panchkalyanak Pratishtha Gajrath Mahotsav in Nagpur, Bhagwat emphasised the countrys rich spiritual knowledge and the role of saints in spreading the same among people. As long as our country exists,

CHANDIGARH, Apr 13: Six accused have been arrested in connection with the grenade attack at the Bhindi Saida police station in Punjabs Amritsar district last month. The incident took place on the intervening night of March 29 and 30 at the police station. No one was injured in the incident. In a major breakthrough, District Amritsar Rural Police, in a joint operation with District Faridkot Police, solves the grenade attack case at PS Bhindi Saida, leading to the arrest of [] The post Grenade att

MAYURESHWAR (WB), Apr 13: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday asserted that the people of West Bengal will reply to bombs with votes and form a double-engine government of the BJP in the assembly elections. Addressing an election rally at Mayureshwar in Birbhum district, Shah alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was trying to terrorise the states majority community. He said this election was for driving out infiltrators from the state and the country. He said EC has sent [] The post B

Ashok Nilakantan Ayers When New Delhi announced cabinet approval this week for a fresh package of constitutional amendments to operationalise womens reservation in Parliament, it did so quietly. The implications are anything but. On Thursday April 9, the Union Cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the 131st Constitutional Amendment and an enabling Delimitation Bill, completing a legislative journey that began fitfully in 1996 and has tested the resolve of every government India has had

Anantnag, Apr 13: Two boys lost their lives after slipping into river Jhelum in the Padshahibagh area of Bijbehara in south Kashmirs Anantnag district on Monday, officials said. An official said that the incident occurred when the duo accidentally fell into the river. He said that soon after the incident came to light, rescue teams were pressed into service and rushed to the spot. The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed, while further details are awaited. Meanwhile, [] The post Tw

New Delhi, Apr 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Parliament is close to creating new history when the Womens Reservation Act will be amended this week for its implementation in 2029. Addressing a conference of women here, ahead of a three-day special sitting of Parliament, where the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is expected to be amended, Modi also said that when the law was introduced in 2023, it was passed unanimously by all parties and there was [] The post Womens Reservation

There was a time-not too long ago-when Indian businesses preferred anonymity. Founders stayed in the background, companies did the talking, and credibility was built through scale, not storytelling. That model is quietly collapsing. Today, in boardrooms and brainstorm meetings alike, a different question is being asked: Who is the face behind the brand? Because increasingly, that face is what determines whether the brand is trusted, remembered, and ultimately chosen. The Trust Deficit-and the Hu

Jammu, Apr 13: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday ordered a reshuffle in the administration, transferring and posting three JKAS officers with immediate effect. See Order Copy Click Here.. The post Govt Orders Transfer, Posting Of 3 JKAS Officers With Immediate Effect appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Investors in AI startups are not simply buying algorithms; they are investing in a defensible and repeatable business model where AI delivers measurable value, whether through cost savings, revenue growth, or productivity gains. They also look for a scalable go-to-market strategy that can sustain rising customer acquisition costs, along with a durable competitive advantage such as proprietary data, optimised algorithms, strong domain expertise, or defensible intellectual property. Today, many ge