Daily Excelsior

Jammu and Kashmirs world-famous artisanal heritage is undergoing a massive makeover. Long held back by middlemen and counterfeit products, the traditional craft sector is now being reborn through technology and innovation. Over the last five years, bold Government policies and the rise of local startups have turned ancient crafts into competitive global businesses. Today, a new generation is choosing entrepreneurship over conflict, using digital tools and GI tags to protect and sell their herita

Prof Suresh Chander suresh.chander@gmail.com (Note: This article presents an alternative scenario to the article Indian Civilization Vs India The Man Indian Civilization (Not India) Refuses to Thank published in the Daily Excelsior on 22 March 2026) A Different Kind of Question Civilizations do not change in only one way.Sometimes they are broken suddenly through invasion, destruction, and visible rupture. At other times, they are reshaped gradually through processes that are slower, layered,

Ranjit Thakur thakur.ranjit3@gmail.com There are artists who find their path early-and then there are those whose path finds them. For Kanish Sharma, composer, music director, and artist from Jammu, the journey to Pal Ye Mera has been exactly that. Sharma left Jammu for Mumbai with a dream of becoming a singer. What the city gave him instead was perspective. He discovered gaps in his understanding, immersed himself in learning, and gradually evolved from an aspiring vocalist into one of the [] T

Sunny Dua sunnydua55@gmail.com The cable-stayed steel bridge that once rose gracefully over the River Tawi in Katta Battal area was more than an engineering structure it was a symbol of connection, devotion, and progress. For the people of Nagrota constituency and the villages of Soura, Ladgan and Bhaid on other side of the sacred river, this 260-metre span was their lifeline and a centre of attraction for travellers and local tourists besides pilgrims. Built in 2014, the bridge magnificently [

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Apr 4: In a step to strengthen digital banking services, J&K Bank has commissioned a new ATM at Aspirational Block Khawas in Rajouri district, improving access to banking facilities in the remote area. The ATM was inaugurated by Deputy Advisor, NITI Aayog, Dr Muniraju, in the presence of Additional District Development Commissioner Rajouri Malikzada Sheraz, Lead District Manager Ravinder Singh Nagra, bank officials, public representatives and local residents, whi

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Neha Mahajan, president, BJP Mahila Morcha, inaugurated the Summer Bloom Exhibition in a function held here today. The exhibition was organized by Divya Abrol. Speaking on the occasion, Neha Mahajan lauded the efforts of the organizer and emphasized that such exhibitions serve as a powerful platform for promoting local entrepreneurs, especially women, by giving them an opportunity to showcase their creativity and products. She further encouraged the organiza

Vishal Sharma I am an early morning tea addict. I have been so for as long as I can remember. And its not green tea or any other local variant that I am hooked on to. Its the classic lipton variant that a vast majority of Indians drink with much relish. In that sense I feel proud to be a part of the massive tea sipping tribe in this tea crazy nation of ours. Although I know that its harmful [] The post How I yearn for bed tea every morning? appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

A Book That I Read Suman K Sharma s2m2nr@gmail.com Prof. Robert M. Sapolski has chosen a teaser to caption his book. He has the penchant for saying weighty thing in this droll manner. Why Dont Zebras Get Ulcers is all about stress or tension as we call it that afflicts the modern man. Originally published in 1994, the book has run into third edition within a decade. The 2024 edition carries two additional chapters one on interaction [] The post Why Zebras Dont Get Ulcers appeared first on Dai

Dr Punit Singla The liver is one of the most hardworking organs in the human body. It silently performs more than 500 vital functions-removing toxins from the blood, helping in digestion, storing nutrients, and supporting the immune system. Yet, despite doing so much for our body, liver health often goes unnoticed until serious damage occurs. Stages of Liver Damage Liver disease usually develops gradually. It may begin with fatty liver, a condition commonly linked to unhealthy diet, obesity, dia

Govt refers to Assembly resolution for establishing Varsity at Srinagar Rehab, resettlement plan for Sawalkote project prepared Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Apr 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today evaded a direct reply as to whether National Law University will be set up in Jammu but referred to a resolution adopted by the Assembly on October 29, 2025 which referred to establishing the NLU at Srinagar without any further delay. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Omar, who holds charge of

KOCHI (Kerala), Apr 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the Budget session of Parliament has been extended for three days so that the law enacted in 2023 for providing 33 per cent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies can be implemented from 2029 and urged all parties to support it. Addressing an NDA election rally here, Modi also said the government will ensure, during the April 16-18 Parliament sitting, a legal stamp that [] The post Budget session extend

Excelsior Correspondent MYSURU, Apr 4: Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the BIRAC-BioNEST Incubation Centre at Central Food Technology & Research Institute (CFTRI)and reviewed an exhibition of StartUp-driven technologies and products, positioning the institutes incubation ecosystem as a key platform for bridging laboratory research with commercial applications. Designed as a state-of-the-art facility with dedicated incubation suites and shared infrastructu

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Saturday adjourned the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly sine die after a largely well-conducted budget session that lasted for 22 sittings spread across February, March and April. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The assembly session commenced on February 2 with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presenting the Budget on February 6, while the House passed grants for various departments after detailed discussions co

AHMEDABAD, Apr 4: Tushar Deshpande bowled a magnificent final over by landing six consecutive deliveries on either blockhole or wide yorker length in an exhibition of high-class bowling as Rajasthan Royals edged out Gujarat Titans by six runs in an IPL humdinger here on Saturday. This was Royals second successive win in the tournament while the Ashish Nehra coached GT team has now lost two matches in a row. Riding on half-centuries from Dhruv Jurel (75 off 42 balls) and [] The post Deshpandes br

KOCHI, Apr 4 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday raised the Sabarimala gold loss issue during an NDA poll campaign event at Perumbavoor and said even God is not safe in Kerala. While addressing party workers during a roadshow, she said the southern state may be known as Gods Own Country. But God is not safe in Kerala. Even Lord Ayyappas gold was taken away. So, my humble request is thatwe dont want UDF and LDF anymore in [] The post Sabarimala issue: Even God is not safe in K

BJP holds camps in Akhnoor, Jammu North Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Sat Sharma, president, J&K BJP and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), addressed Prashikshan Camps of Janipur Mandal in Jammu North district and Akhnoor Mandal in Akhnoor district. At Janipur Mandal, Sat Sharma was accompanied by district Prabhari, Ayodhya Gupta, district president, Nand Kishore, MLA, Sham Lal Sharma, Parduman Singh, and others. In Akhnoor Mandal, he was accompanied by district Prabhari, Vinay Gupta, P

Over 15% expenditure in month of March alone *Transparent, accountable utilization of resources stressed Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Apr 4: Further exposing financial indiscipline in the Union Territory, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has revealed a massive year-end spending spree by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, with nearly half of the total annual expenditure incurred in the last quarter of 2024-25. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Rule 62(3) of the Gener

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Member of Parliament and former Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Thakur, officially unveiled the logo of the recently launched, Amar Singh Sports & Youth Initiative, J&K along with Martand Singh, Director of the Amar Singh Sports & Youth Initiative at New Delhi. Thakur has the distinction of leading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), having served as its Secretary and President. Speaking o

NEW DELHI, Apr 4 : Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and Principal Secretary to Prime Minister P K Mishra participated in the Census 2027 exercise on Saturday by self-enumerating on the special portal launched by the Registrar General of India (RGI) for the maiden initiative. In a post on X, Rai said the process will further accelerate Indias development under Prime Minister Narendra Modis inspiring leadership and play an important role in effectively delivering government schemes

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended his heartiest greetings to the people on the occasion of Easter, which will be celebrated tomorrow. In a message, the Lieutenant Governor has said: On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I extend my hearty greetings and best wishes to all. May the Easter Sunday usher in peace, prosperity, and happiness in everyones life. The resurrection of Jesus Christ embodies the spirit of hope and the triumph of light over [] T

Many hospitals lack OPD services, OTs, blood storage units Sanjeev K Sharma JAMMU, Apr 4: The available manpower, including crucial manpower, at J&K Hospitals, has not been distributed uniformly across the districts as against the sanctioned strength of 46,115 posts, J&K Union Territory (UT) had 30,745 (67 per cent) doctors, nurses and paramedical staff as of March 2022, and one government doctor was serving a population of 2,191 (2,461 in case of allopathic doctors). This was stated by the Comp

Softly blows the morning breeze, Whispers secrets through the trees, Of far-off lands and memories, Echoes of sweet symphonies. With gentle touch, it awakes Petals of flowers, hearts that ache, Bringing hope to souls asleep, And love to hearts that softly weep. Through mountains high and valleys low, It carries prayers, hopes that grow. In summers heat, in winters snow, It whispers truth, as winds do know. In every gust, a storys told Of dreams pursued, of hearts [] The post WHISPERS OF THE WI

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Amid reports of SMVDU seeking fresh permission to run medical college, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sangharsh Samiti has warned against any compromise with the Sanatan values. In this regard, a meeting of the Sangharsh Samiti was held at Geeta Bhawan Jammu, wherein strong resentment was expressed over the functioning of the Shrine Board and its proposed plan to establish a medical college. The meeting was presided over by Colonel Sukhvir Singh Mankoti

Jammu and Kashmirs emergence as the top-performing Union Territory on the CCTNS Pragati Dashboard marks a significant milestone in the evolution of technology-driven policing. In a region long burdened with complex security challenges, this achievement reflects not merely administrative efficiency but a deeper institutional shift towards precision, accountability, and modern governance. The coordinated and sustained team effort by the J&K Police is commendable. From police stations in remote are

Satbir Singh Kapoor ersatbirsinghkapoor@gmail.com Aundha Nagnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (specifically 8th one) located in Hingoli district of Maharashtra. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Lord Nagnath in this region. The name Nagnath Signifies Shiva as Lord of serpents. This ancient temple is a sacred pilgrimage site where lakhs of devotees both Hindus and Sikhs visit every year to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. The temple is renowned for its rich history, spir

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Police here in Miran Sahib area today claimed to have booked a habitual and wanted drug peddler under the PIT-NDPS Act and lodged him in District Jail Kishtwar. The accused has been identified as Sahil Choudhary, a resident of Chak Alawal in the Miran Sahib area. A police official said the accused was detained after the Divisional Commissioner Jammu issued formal detention orders under the PIT-NDPS Act. He said the accused has been involved in [] The post No

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, evolving career landscapes, and the growing nbeing questioned. The rigid boundaries of conventional degree programmes often fail to accommodate the diverse aspirations, talents, and career goals of modern learners. Recognizing this paradigm shift, the University of Jammu has introduced an innovative and forward-looking academic model-the Design Your Degree (DYD) programme. This initiative represents a significant departure from conventional ed

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Apr 4: Dr Karan Singh, Founder-Chairman of the Temple of Understanding India Foundation, today called upon nations across the globe to immediately suspend ongoing conflicts and return to peaceful interaction and negotiation. Chairing a meeting of the interfaith organization in the national capital, Dr Karan Singh expressed deep concern over the escalating violence worldwide, stating that it has resulted in massive loss of life across religious communities. He a

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Jammu and Kashmir Police have filed a challan in the court of Sub Judge, Jammu, in connection with FIR number 104/2023 registered at Janipur Police Station against an accused who is absconding. The accused has been identified as Gagandeep Singh, resident of KC Colony, Preet Nagar near CRPF Camp, and has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). As the accused has failed to appear before the court and continues []

Excelsior Correspondent MENDHAR, Apr 4: In a unique form of protest, residents of Mendhar sub-division in Poonch district on Friday raised strong resentment against the Public Works Department (PWD) and local administration over the deplorable condition of an important road. The road, which connects the Tehsil Complex, Court Complex, Police Station and the Sub-District Hospital in Mendhar, has been in a bad condition for a long time and has further deteriorated following recent rainfall, turning

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Apr 4: Civil society members and education stakeholders today said that the newly passed Jammu & Kashmir Private Universities Bill is expected to significantly reduce student migration from the Union Territory by expanding access to quality higher education within the region. Addressing a press conference here, representatives of civil society and the WathHarbor Foundation described the legislation as a long-awaited reform aimed at addressing the outflow of stud

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr Ranjit Singh has once again highlighted advancements in knee replacement surgery by successfully performing a rapid procedure using his innovative AI-powered 3D Robolens technique at IVY Hospital. The latest case involved a 65-year-old patient, Pradeep Kumar from Jammu, who had previously sought treatment from multiple orthopedic specialists before consulting Dr Singh. Assuring a precise and effective outcome through the 3D Rob

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 4: Senior BJP leader and former Minister, Bali Bhagat here today reacted to the recent donation drive in J&K for the people of Iran and termed it as selective activism and misplaced priorities. Bhagat said that helping the people in distress anywhere in the world is commendable and reflects Indias moral values and questioned the absence of such mobilization during Pahalgam attack. He expressed that such large-scale Kashmir-based donation drives were not organiz

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 4: In preparation for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements for the smooth departure of pilgrims. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners from across Jammu & Kashmir and Kargil, besides departments including Airport Authority, Emigration, Customs, Tourism, Public Works (R&B), PHE, KPDCL, Health, Transport, Traffic, Police, CISF, J&K Bank, and other co

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 4: SSP Udhampur has disengaged a Special Police Officer (SPO) with immediate effect for sharing vital information with an accused. Enquiry revealed that the accused SPO, namely Shabir Khan , was sharing information via WhatsApp with an accused in FIR No. 124/2026 U/S 223 BNS and 11 PCA Act of Police Station Udhampur to help evade naka checking. His involvement was confirmed during investigation, including WhatsApp chats and statements. As the act reflects gr

CHANDIGARH, Apr 4: Five individuals, part of a module backed by Pakistans ISI, have been arrested in connection with the blast incident outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh, said Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Saturday. The Counter-Intelligence wing of Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Chandigarh Police, solved the Chandigarh grenade attack case, DGP Yadav said. Police recovered one hand grenade and one .30 bore Zigana pistol along with ammunition fro

JAMMU, Apr 4: Authorities on Friday disengaged a special police officer (SPO) for alleged serious misconduct for aiding a bovine smuggling accused person in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district, officials said. Udhampur senior superintendent of police (SSP) ordered the immediate disengagement of SPO Shabir Khan after an enquiry found him sharing sensitive information with an accused in a bovine smuggling case, they said. According to officials, the enquiry revealed that the SPO was passing infor

Jammu, April 4: The newly created Jammu division of Northern Railway is now functioning as a full-fledged division, with most of its operational and financial systems fully shifted, and it will focus on enhancing passenger amenities, ensuring safety, and increasing freight logistics in the upcoming year, officials said on Saturday. Railway authorities are optimistic that the Jammu division will continue to strengthen in the coming years through improved passenger services and enhanced freight op

Jammu, Apr 4: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said it is implementing a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to tackle porcupine-induced damage to saffron crop in Pampore, with field evidence confirming the active presence of the species in the region. Replying to a calling attention notice moved by National Conference MLA Hasnain Masoodi in the Assembly, Forest Minister Javed Ahmad Rana said habitat conditions such as caves, crevices, hilly terrains and overgrown private lands pro

New Delhi, Apr 4: A Delhi court on Saturday sent Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handler Shabir Ahmed Lone to seven days of judicial custody, allowing a city police plea. On March 30, Lone was sent to five days of police custody. A team from the New Delhi range of the Special Cell arrested Lone on March 29 from the Ghazipur area here in connection with an LeT module unearthed in February after pro-Pakistan and pro-terror posters were found at various locations, including [] The post Delhi Court Sends LeT

THIRUVALLA (KERALA), Apr 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of making provocative statements aimed at straining Indias relations with West Asian nations to politically harm him and thereby, gain political mileage. Strongly lashing out at the Congress and its allies, Modi said that they were only concerned with winning the elections. I want to say this clearly, elections will come and go, but the safety of Indians, especially those from Kerala in the Middle East, is

Srinagar, Apr 4: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Saturday conducted a comprehensive review of security and operational preparedness along the Line of Control in North Kashmir, stressing the need for multi-domain war readiness, seamless jointness across services, and technological integration to effectively counter emerging threats and maintain strategic superiority. During the visit CDS reviewed the security landscape and operational posture along LoC in North Kashmir and commende

JAMMU, Mar 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has placed IPS officer Sanjeev Kumar Khajuria under suspension with immediate effect pending an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of GP funds and income tax deductions of police personnel of JKAP-4 Security Battalion. The post IPS Officer Sanjeev Kumar Khajuria Suspended For Misappropriation Of GP Funds appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Apr 4: Congratulating Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, and all stakeholders, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today described the passage of J&K Private Universities Bill as a milestone moment for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed the Private Universities Bill today, marking a significant step towards shaping a brighter future for our youth, the Chief Minister said. The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed the Jammu and Kashmir

Rajouri, Apr 4: The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday trapped and arrested a head constable of Police Station Thanamandi in Rajouri district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of 10,000, officials said. The accused has been identified as Head Constable Muhammad Ilyas, posted at Thanamandi police station. The action was taken following a complaint filed by Abdul Hamid, a resident of Reasi, who alleged that the police official was demanding money for releasing his vehicle involve

NEW DELHI, Apr 4 : International Diabetes Federation (IDF) President-elect, Dr Niti Pall, currently on India visit, called on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also a noted Professor of Medicine & Diabetes, and discussed, among other things, indigenous biosimilar Insulin production as well as Diabetes related indigenous biomanufacturing prospects. The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening Indias capabilities in insulin manufacturing, particularly biosimilar insulins and Cont

JAMMU, Apr 4: Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Saturday adjourned the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly sine die after a largely well-conducted budget session that lasted for 22 sittings spread across February, March and April. The assembly session commenced on February 2 with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presenting the Budget on February 6, while the House passed grants for various departments after detailed discussions conducted in twin sittings each day till February 20. After a five-weeks

NEW DELHI, Apr 4: The defence ministry has initiated the process for the indigenous design and development of a 1000-kg aerial bomb akin to Mk-84 for the IAF, aiming to boost Indias Aatmanirbharta in the sector, according to senior officials. The project is structured in two phases. The first involves design and development of six prototypes (live and inert), including associated tail units and equipment, they said. The second is the procurement phase, which will commence with the issuance of []

Thiruvalla (Kerala), Apr 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the countdown for removal of the LDF government has started and a BJPled NDA will come to power in Kerala. Speaking at a BJP-led NDA rally in here, in Pathanamthitta district, Modi said that the saffron party workers in the state have signalled a strong mood in Kerala to bid farewell to the Left rule. Elections to 140 Assembly seats will be held on April 9 in the [] The post Countdown for removal of LDF govt has start

JAMMU, Apr 4: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged financial management violations in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing that savings amounting to over Rs 34,000 crore were not surrendered by various departments during 2023-24, in violation of prescribed budgetary norms. The CAG has recommended a series of corrective measures to improve financial management in J&K, stressing the need for realistic budgeting and stronger expenditure controls. As per the Jammu and Kashmir Budge