Daily Excelsior

Pushp Saraf pushapsaraf@yahoo.com There has been a dramatic reversal of fortunes in Bangladesh. After 17 years in exile, Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17. Sheikh Hasina, the countrys longest-serving Prime Minister (1996-2001 and 2009-2024), has been in exile since August 5, 2024. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI), once severely weakened by war crimes convictions that led to the execution of several senior leaders, has re-emerge

Maj Gen Sanjeev Dogra (Retd) sanjeev662006@gmail.com On an ordinary evening in an Indian home, geopolitics arrives quietly through routine expenses. A UPI message confirms the school fee payment. The grocery bill is a little heavier than last week. The LPG cylinder booking is due. Petrol has pinched again. Someone mentions that gold is rising; someone else shares that export orders are slowing and imported parts are getting costlier or delayed. No one is trying to discuss foreign policy, yet for

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: The National Testing Agency has declared the results of the JEE Main January 2026 session, with outstanding performances recorded across the country. Demonstrating its continued academic excellence, ALLEN Career Institute has once again emerged as a top performer in the prestigious engineering entrance examination. According to ALLEN CEO Nitin Kukreja, a total of 12 students nationwide secured a perfect 100 percentile, out of which 8 students are from ALLEN

Excelsior Correspondent MOHALI, Feb 19: Designed to recreate real-world tech workplaces within the campus learning environment, CGC University, inaugurated the CodeXperience Center powered by Capgemini, an industry-model technology facility, in a function held here today. Rooted in the vision of Sardar Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal, Founder Chancellor of CGC University, the initiative reinforces the conviction that students must step into the professional world prepared with degrees as well as demonstr

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: Marking a significant milestone in the regions transition toward sustainable and future-ready mobility, Jammu Motors Pvt Ltd launched E Vitara in a function held here today. The unveiling ceremony was graced by Dr Ajay Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Jammu South who presided over the event as the chief guest along with guest of honour Jayant Mani, deputy General Manager, State Bank of India, Jammu & Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, Dr Ajay Sharma said,

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 19: The much-awaited premium electric SUV E Vitara was launched today at NEXA Jamkash Vehicleades showroom in Jammu amid great enthusiasm and fanfare. The prestigious launch ceremony was graced by SSP Traffic Jammu, Amit Bhasin, as the chief guest, while DySP Sunniya Ashkoor Wani attended as the guest of honour. The event was also held in the presence of Maj Gen Jagdeep Singh Ishar (Retd), CEO of Jamkash Vehicleades Pvt Ltd, and Col Pritam Chand (Retd), [] The

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: Jammu and Kashmir Bank today launched a revamped suite of credit cards, introducing upgraded features and enhanced rewards as part of its strategy to strengthen digital banking services and expand its presence across India. The new credit card range was unveiled by MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee at the Banks Jammu Divisional Office in the presence of senior officers, while other officials from the Corporate Headquarters and various offices across the country j

Deepak Sharma The Right to Information is not merely a statutory privilege conferred by Parliament but it is a constitutional facet of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Transparency is the bedrock of democratic governance. When citizens are denied timely access to information, accountability collapses, and bureaucracy begins to function in insulation rather than service. In Jammu & Kashmir today, this is no longer a t

NEW DELHI, Feb 19 : President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday held separate meetings with the presidents of Slovakia, Serbia, and Estonia at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, with discussions focusing on artificial intelligence, digital cooperation and expanding bilateral ties. According to an official statement, Murmu welcomed Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and recalled her state visit to the country last year. She thanked him for the gracious welcome and hospitality exten

3,000-3,500 MW hydropower potential to be harnessed in 2-3 years Dont believe in media censorship, anti-encroachment drives will begin with big fishes Bivek Mathur JAMMU, Feb 19: All tourist destinations closed in Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror incident are likely to be reopened by May this year and 9 new tourist destinations will be developed across the Union Territory, with Jammu set to get its due share in tourism, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today [] The

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 19: India has joined over 100 countries and global organisations in condemning Israels unilateral decisions and measures aimed at expanding its unlawful presence in the West Bank. A statement was issued by the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN on Wednesday on behalf of the 100 countries and organisations condemning Israels unilateral measures and rejecting annexation. According to the statement, the signatories strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and

NEW DELHI, Feb 19: Days after India decided to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said Make in India will be a core component of the programme. He said France is also looking at expanding cooperation on submarines with India. The French president was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the AI Impact summit. We just do not have strategic partnership, we have a special global strategic partnership which is unique both [] The post More th

NEW DELHI, Feb 19 : India will begin production of Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs) this year itself, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy said on Thursday, marking a key step towards self-reliance in critical minerals for electric vehicles and renewable energy sectors. Speaking at a conference organised by Ficci and Ministry of Mines here, Reddy highlighted the governments push under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to reduce import dependence on rare earth elements. In this year

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: The Government has revealed that its prized properties in New Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh are not in its hands-but under occupation. In a written reply to cut motion of Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone, Minister in-charge Hospitality & Protocol Department said that 96 kanals of J&K are currently occupied by the Military Engineering Service under administrative control of Ministry of Defence. The Jammu and Kashmir Government owns a property known a

Excelsior Sports Correspondent NEW DELHI, Feb 19: S S Sodhi, Governing Body Member of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and President of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifle Association (JKRA), called on Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, in New Delhi today. During the meeting, Sodhi presented his self-authored book The Unsung Hero. The book pays tribute to the courage, sacrifice and silent contributions of individuals who have served the nation with dedication, reflecting Sodhis r

LAHORE, Feb 19 : A close aide of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that jailed former premier Imran Khan was offered a deal twice but he declined to accept it. Two serious attempts were made to cut a deal with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in the past, but they failed, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah disclosed in a talk show on Wednesday evening. The first attempt was led by Federal Interior [] The post Deal offered to Imran Kha

NEW DELHI, Feb 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held bilateral meetings with top leaders of Greece, Switzerland and the Netherlands, focusing on boosting ties in areas of trade and investment and critical technologies including semiconductors. Modi held the meetings on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit. The prime minister also met Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the discussions centred around boosting cooperation in futuristic sectors such as

NEW DELHI, Feb 19: Silver prices on Thursday rose Rs 1,037 to Rs 2,45,305 per kg in futures trade on firm global trends. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver contracts for March delivery increased Rs 1,037 or 0.42 per cent to Rs 2,45,305 per kg in a business turnover of 1,589 lots. Fresh positions built up by participants led to a rise in silver prices, analysts said. Globally, silver was trading 1.46 per cent higher at USD 78.32 per ounce [] The post Silver futures rise Rs 1,037 to Rs 2,45,3

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today informed the House that the department is presently focusing on consolidation and strengthening of the existing healthcare facilities broadly as per IPHS-2022 norms to improve the healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir. The Health Minister stated this in reply to a question raised by Legislator Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kaloo) in the Legislative Assembly. The Minister said that as per IPHS norms 2

The growing cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as one of the most serious long-term public health crises facing the region. The 32,425 cases reported over three years, as disclosed by the Health Minister while responding to a query, should be viewed as only the visible portion of a much larger and more complex problem. In reality, these figures represent diagnosed and documented cases. Given gaps in screening, late reporting, rural healthcare limitations and social hesitation in seek

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: Arun Prabhat, president, Yuva Morcha, J&K BJP, in consultation with Sat Sharma (CA), J&K BJP president and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Ashok Koul, general secretary (Organization), announced the State office bearers, district presidents, State Executive Members of Yuva Morcha, J&K BJP. Arun Prabhat, while announcing the list, expressed confidence that the new functionaries of the Yuva Morcha will work with utmost dedication and commitment to take

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: The Government today said that about 15.6 lakh households across the Union Territory have been provided functional tap water connections under the Centres Jal Jeevan Mission, while over 3.61 lakh households are yet to be covered. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp In a written reply to a question tabled by CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Minister in charge of the Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana said, out of a total of 19,25,535 [] T

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Feb 19: Expressing concern over delay in filing of objections in detention matters, the High Court asked the Law Department to put a proper mechanism for timely submitting the objections and record of detention. Justice Rahul Bharti ordered this in a Heabus Corpus petition in which detention of one Shakir Ahmad Lone was challenged, however the counsel representing him submitted for dismissal of the plea as the same has become infructuous as the detenue suffered

Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Feb 19: Former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (JTN) today called on Ashish Kundra, the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, to deliberate on several pressing matters of public importance. During the meeting, JTN apprised the Chief Secretary of the growing public concern over the prolonged pendency of crucial administrative decisions, particularly those related to land issues, employment opportunities, trade matters, wildlife sanctuary denot

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: Northern Railways Jammu division on Thursday announced the addition of extra coaches in Rajdhani and Jammu-Kolkata express trains to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming festive season. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp An additional 3AC coach will be attached to Jammu-New Delhi Rajdhani Express on February 21 and 22 in view of heavy passenger rush on the route, a Railway spokesperson said. Similarly, for the co

Mahpara Bisati, Mohd Saqib Srinagar, Feb 19: Work has begun on Rs 59-Crore ParimporaShalteng flyover, a two-kilometre elevated corridor aimed at decongesting one of Srinagars busiest stretches along the SrinagarBaramulla Highway. Tatheer Manzoor, Superintending Engineer, Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, told Excelsior that the work has been allotted and construction is currently in progress. The two-kilometre stretch will start near the Ansari Toyota area, where the approaches begin. At Par

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Feb 19: Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai today chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre NCORD to review and reinforce measures aimed at curbing drug abuse in the district. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Prem Singh and senior officers from concerned departments. A detailed review was undertaken on key aspects of drug prevention and control, including identification and rehabilitatio

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Feb 19: A terror- associate residing close to the border in Rajouri sector was arrested with two foreign-made pistols last night. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Official sources said that Sachin Kumar alias Pamma, son of Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of Sehar village near the Line of Control, was taken into custody by an Army patrolling party from Raipura-Bhatta village in the Nowshera sector late Wednesday night. Two pistols one made in Turkey and [

New Delhi, Feb 19: The Delhi High Court, while hearing a bail plea of Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid in a terror funding case, on Thursday asked the NIA if it was possible to restrict his movement to one particular geographical area. Senior counsel for Rashid submitted before a bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain that he has been incarcerated for over six-and-a-half years and during this time, he was granted interim bail on [] The post Think About Geographic

SRINAGAR, Feb 19: Two alleged drug peddlers were arrested with contraband in their possession in Shopian district, police said on Thursday. The arrests were made at the Keegam police post in the Aribagh Pirpora area of the south Kashmir district during a check. During a search of two individuals, the police found 508 grams of charas-like substance on them, a spokesperson said. He identified the two as Tariq Ahmad Malla and Fardeen Ahmad Malla both residents of Uthmulla of [] The post Peddlers N

Jammu, Feb 19: Northern Railways Jammu division on Thursday announced the addition of extra coaches in Rajdhani and Jammu-Kolkata express trains to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming festive season. An additional 3AC coach will be attached to JammuNew Delhi Rajdhani Express on February 21 and 22 in view of heavy passenger rush on the route, a Railway spokesperson said. Similarly, for the convenience of long-distance travellers, one general class coach has been

Jammu, Feb 19: Highlighting the efforts to revive tourism following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Thursday that all currently closed tourist destinations are expected to reopen by May. He also revealed that the government is working on plans to introduce nine new tourist destinations to further strengthen and diversify the tourism industry in the Union Territory. Winding up the discussion on Demands for Grants in the legisla

LEH/JAMMU, Feb 19: Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Thursday visited the Siachen sector and reviewed the combat potential and operational preparedness of troops. The Army commander lauded the professionalism, courage and dedication of the soldiers deployed at one of the worlds highest and coldest military zones and urged all ranks to embrace technology to effectively meet the challenges of modern warfare. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander Northern Command, visited S

Jammu, Feb 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the climate response has now become a compulsion for the Union Territory, underlining the urgent need for a structured and institutional approach to address climate change. He also called for the formation of a specific department which will study climate change in Jammu and Kashmir. Replying to the discussion on Demands for Grants in the Assembly here, he said last years extreme weather events, including heavy rains

Jammu, Feb 19: An infiltration attempt by terrorists was scuttled by alert troops of the Indian Army along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, the army said. Based on Intelligence inputs and sustained surveillance, suspicious movement of terrorists was detected in the general area of Nathua Tibba in Sunderbani sector along the LoC during the early hours of Thursday, the armys White Knight Corps said. They further informed that the troops responded [] T

LONDON, Feb 19: The UK police on Thursday arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, on suspicion of misconduct in public office following damaging allegations over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police said they are carrying out searches at addresses associated with the former prince in Berkshire and Norfolk, while he remains in police custody. While the force said they will not be naming the arrested man, it is bein

New Delhi, Feb 19: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuks wife Gitanjali J Angmo alleged in the Supreme Court on Thursday that four videos which formed the basis of her husbands detention were not shown to him and only the thumbnails on pen drive were displayed. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing in the court for Angmo, told a bench of justices Aravind Kumar and Prasanna B Varale that not supplying the videos violated Wangchuks right to effective representation before the advisory board [] The pos

JAMMU, Feb 19: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that the return of the Kashmiri Pandit community to the valley, with full dignity and security, is a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The L-G emphasised that the terror ecosystem in J-K tried to bury the truth, but the terrorists and their support networks who sowed terror and struck at the souls of generations will never be forgiven or forgotten. The return of Kashmiri Pandits [] The post PM Modi C

MUMBAI, Feb 19: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday strongly criticised the proposed trade agreement with the United States, alleging it compromises Indias sovereignty, farmers interests, energy security and economic self-reliance. Addressing a press conference, the Congress general secretary said trade agreements must be based on equality and mutual public interest, and cannot come at the cost of national interest or sovereignty. No trade pact that mortgages the countrys interests c

Jammu, Feb 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the government will initiate the process of regularising daily-rated, ad hoc and other temporary employees in a legally and financially sustainable manner in 2026, even as it works to fill nearly 30,000 vacant posts during the current year. Replying to the discussion on grants of his departments and cut motions in the Assembly, Abdullah said the issue of daily wagers and temporary workers was raised by members [] The

NEW DELHI, Feb 19: Age could be a dominant factor in influencing antibody production in response to a virus for a given virus, certain antibodies increase with age while others decrease, depending on which part of the virus is targeted, researchers have found. The team, including researchers from Institut Pasteur at Frances National Centre for Scientific Research, have shown that when attacked by the same virus, individuals can produce antibodies that target different parts of the virus. Biolog

JAMMU, Feb 19: A total of 12,977 teaching posts are vacant across Jammu and Kashmir, and the School Education Department has not upgraded any school since 2024, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo said on Thursday. In her written reply to a starred question by BJP MLA Shri Shakti Raj Parihar in the Legislative Assembly here, the minister said 7,985 teacher posts are vacant in the Jammu division and 4,992 in the Kashmir division. According to the district-wise data, Rajouri (1,416), Kathua [] The pos

JAMMU, Feb 19: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said those attempting to destroy the dreams and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir would be reduced to dust. He said that security forces are determined to dismantle the terror ecosystem but society must also join the fight by standing against terror sympathisers. Attempts are being made to eliminate those involved in terrorism. They will be given such punishment that their seven generations will remember it

Ganderbal, Feb 19: In a major enforcement action aimed at ensuring tourist safety and maintaining order in the sensitive Sonamarg tourist zone, Ganderbal Police on Wednesday conducted a special drive against unregistered service providers, detaining 11 photographers found operating without valid registration. In a bid to ensure public safety, maintain order, and safeguard the security of the tourist destination, Ganderbal Police conducted a special enforcement drive against Unregistered Service

NEW DELHI, Feb 19: The Congress on Thursday flagged a purported video of a man claiming to be from Karni Sena issuing death threats to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and 25 other MPs, and said the RSS-BJP ecosystem is a Godse factory. The opposition party also alleged that there is a deliberate campaign to demonise the opposition, and legitimise violence against political rivals, especially Gandhi. The man, who purportedly issued the video threatening to shoot Gandhi and 25 other [] The post

NEW DELHI, Feb 19: The Delhi High Court on Thursday listed for hearing on March 9 a plea by the ED challenging the order of the trial court that refused to take cognisance of its chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others in the National Herald related money laundering case. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma granted time to the Gandhis and others to file their replies. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), objected to [] The po

WASHINGTON, Feb 19: Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to travel to Israel next week to update Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the US-Iran nuclear talks, two Trump administration officials said. Rubio is expected to meet with Netanyahu on Feb. 28, according to the officials, who spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity to detail travel plans that have not yet been announced. The U.S. and Iran recently have held two rounds of indirect talks over the Islamic Republics nuclear [] Th

CHANDIGARH, Feb 19: Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Thursday slammed the AAP Government over the alleged deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, claiming that once the BJP comes to power in 2027 here, no gangsters will be seen in the state and promised decisive action against hardcore criminals. Bittu pointed to BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh as an example, questioning whether anyone there would claim that gangsters still operate freely. He made the comments during an event commemorating

SEOUL, Feb 19: Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was convicted of rebellion over his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court is expected to sentence Yoon and several former military and police officials on Thursday. Judge Jee Kui-youn said he found Yoon guilty of rebellion for mobilizing military and police forces in an illegal attempt to seize the liberal-led National Assembly, arrest politicians and establish unchecked power for a considerab

SINGAPORE, Feb 19: An Indian-origin Singaporean woman was sentenced to two weeks in jail on Thursday for voluntarily causing hurt by slapping a taxi driver allegedly over fare at a police station. Shalini Devarajan, 36, refused to pay her taxi fare of SGD 24 (USD19) because she had no cash and rejected the payment options suggested by the driver. After the woman challenged him to take her to a police station, the 73-year-old taxi driver complied and that is [] The post Indian-origin Singaporean