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LONDON, Dec 5 : Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, wanted in India to face fraud and money laundering charges, is forced to share a small prison cell with a shared desk with other inmates without access to most of his legal paperwork, the High Court in London was told on Friday. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The 54-year-old accused in the estimated USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan scam was shifted from HMP Thameside in south [] The post Nirav Modis prison move cr

Some party leaders speaking against NC, Govt Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 5: The National Conference (NC) president and former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, today said that the biggest achievement of the Omar-led Government in its first year is that people can move and speak freely. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Addressing the media on the 120th birth anniversary of NC founder, late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, at his mausoleum in Hazratbal area of Srinagar, Abdullah

NEW DELHI, Dec 5: Selection of a site for building a second nuclear power plant with Russian reactors in India and cooperation on small modular reactors figured prominently during summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. The two sides discussed cooperation in the civil nuclear energy domain in the context of ramping up generation of clean energy. Energy security has been a strong and vital pillar of the India-Russia partnership. Our decade

Brushstrokes of Change Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal pro@iimj.ac.in In contemporary higher education, a renewed emphasis on creativity, interdisciplinarity, and cultural rootedness-clearly outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020-is reshaping how institutions conceive their learning environments. Management education, once grounded primarily in metrics, models, and behavioural frameworks, is now being reimagined as a holistic journey-one that cultivates emotional intelligence, aesthetic se

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today presided over the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), reaffirming the Governments commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and strengthening tertiary care in Jammu and Kashmir. The event was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister for Rural Development

Tawi Bridge blocked, effigies of Shrine Board & CM torched Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: Ever busy main Tawi Bridge remained blocked for over an hour as the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti today staged a massive protest on Friday against the admission of students from a particular community to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence. Click here to watch video During the protest, protestors torched effigies of the Shrine Board and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah []

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 5: In a major outreach initiative, J&K UTLBC today organised mega facilitation camps across Ramban, Kishtwar, Ganderbal and Shopian as part of the nationwide campaign Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar Your Money, Your Right, aimed at helping citizens trace and claim their long-pending unclaimed financial assets. The campaign, launched by the Department of Financial Services in coordination with the Reserve Bank of India and other financial-sector regulators, focu

Excelsior Correspondent ZANSKAR, Dec 5: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta today reaffirmed the UT Administrations unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, grassroots empowerment and improved public infrastructure across the Union Territory. He was addressing a public meeting in Zanskar after dedicating a series of important development initiatives to the people, describing them as significant milestones that will strengthen the regions foundation for long-term progress. Speakin

Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo ashwanikc2012@gmail.com The vision of Atma Nirbhar-Bharat (self-reliant India) was adopted by the government of India headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately after the assumption of power in 2014 as its doctrine of governance. Policies of the government made it a fundamental aspect of all major decisions having short-term and long-term impact upon the onward march of the nation. Its reflection can be found in many fields like manufacturing, import and export

NEW DELHI, Dec 5 : Mobile phone imports in the country have become almost negligible at around 0.02 per cent of domestic demand in 2024-25 from 75 per cent 10 years ago, according to data shared in Parliament on Friday. Minister of State for electronics and IT Jitin Prasada, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, shared that production of electronic goods has increased 6 times to Rs 11.3 lakh crore in 2024-25 from 1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15, [] The post Mobile phone import drops to 0.02 pc of loc

NEW DELHI, Dec 5: Hours after the RBI slashed key policy rate, state-owned Bank of Baroda announced an interest rate cut on loans linked to repo rate by 25 basis points, a development to be followed by other lenders. Baroda Repo Based Lending Rate (BRLLR) to come down to 7.90 per cent as against the existing 8.15 per cent, Bank of Baroda said in a regulatory filing. The new rate would be effective from December 6, it said. Another state-owned [] The post Bank of Baroda cut repo-linked interest r

NEW DELHI, Dec 5 : Indias three fertiliser companies RCF, IPL and NFL on Friday signed an MoU with Russias Uralchem to set up a greenfield urea plant with an estimated investment of USD 1.2 billion, according to sources. The installed annual capacity of the greenfield plant, to be set up in a Russian city, will be 2 million tonnes. The plant is expected to be operational by mid-2028, they said. India, which is a net importer of [] The post India, Russia fertiliser firms ink pact to set up USD

MUMBAI, Dec 5 : Bankers said the RBIs 0.25 per cent rate cut on Friday leaves the door open for further easing to help strengthen the GDP growth for longer. The decision to cut rates while keeping the door open for future easing helps buffer the economy against potential unexpected shocks or external headwinds, C S Setty, the chairman of largest lender SBI, who also chairs the industry lobby grouping IBA, said in a statement. Setty added that the rate [] The post Bankers say door open for more e

COLOMBO, Dec 5: The IMF is exploring ways to support Sri Lanka in its recovery process following Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused widespread destruction in the island nation and left over 450 dead. At a press briefing on Thursday, International Monetary Fund (IMF) spokesperson Julie Kozack said that the Washington-based global lender is continuing to support Sri Lankas recovery, reform, and resilience under the Extended Fund Facility arrangement. Staff and the Sri Lankan authorities reached a St

Excelsior Sports Correspondent KATRA, Dec 5: The 2nd Federation Cup Lacrosse Championship 2025 commenced at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex, here today with MLA Katra Baldev Raj Sharma inaugurating the event. A total of 16 teams from across the country are participating in the prestigious competition. The ceremony opened with a welcome address by Farooq Ahmad Salroo, CEO of the J&K Lacrosse Association, followed by the chief guests encouraging remarks. In his address, MLA Katra expressed d

ISLAMABAD, Dec 5: Saudi Arabia has extended the maturity of its USD 3 billion deposit placed with Pakistans central bank for another year, continuing a financial lifeline that has helped bolster the countrys foreign exchange reserves amid ongoing liquidity crunch, a media report said Friday. While some analysts framed Saudi assistance as something that may carry future geopolitical expectations tied to defence cooperation, others argued that the rollover reflects weakness, not success, for Pakis

LONDON, Dec 5: European Union regulators on Friday fined Elon Musks social media platform X 120 million euros (USD 140 million) for failing to comply with the blocs digital regulations. The European Commission issued its decision following an investigation it opened two years ago into X under the 27-nation blocs Digital Services Act. Also known as the DSA, its a sweeping rulebook that requires platforms to take more responsibility for protecting European users and cleaning up harmful or illegal

Excelsior Correspondent SHOPIAN, Dec 5: Grand finale of Shopian Idol Season-2 was held today at Government Degree College,Shopian marking the culmination of second edition of annual District Level talent show for aspirant singers of the district. The event, a major youth- oriented talent initiative was organised by the District Administration Shopian under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta under the banner of Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan. Seven finalists of the Shopia

Excelsior Sports Correspondent BARAMULLA, Dec 5: In a significant step towards strengthening the sports infrastructure in north Kashmir, Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, laid foundation stone for development of Nagbal Playfield at Ladoora, Rafiabad, here today. The project is being executed by the J&K Sports Council with an estimated cost of Rs 70.00 lakh. The Minister said that the Government is vigorously strengthening the spo

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: The UT Netball Championship 2025 began today at Dogra Ground, Shastri Nagar, Jammu, with great energy and enthusiasm. Teams from across the Union Territory are competing, displaying remarkable talent and sportsmanship. The championship will continue tomorrow, culminating in a closing ceremony that will mark the grand conclusion of this vibrant sporting event. Organisers have invited all sports enthusiasts and community members to attend and witness th

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: Heritage School Jammu celebrated its outstanding academic achievers for the session 202425 with an elegant and inspiring ceremony that highlighted dedication, consistency and scholastic brilliance. Devayani Rana, MLA Nagrota Constituency, graced the occasion as the chief guest. A UCLA Economics alumna and a committed public leader, her presence added prestige to the event attended by Chairman Sunil Gupta, the Board of Trustees and proud parents. The programm

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 5: The District Srinagar Ball Badminton Association, in collaboration with the J&K Ball Badminton Association, is set to conduct the My Youth My Pride District Srinagar Ball Badminton Championship for Boys and Girls 2025-26. The event, held under the My Youth My Pride initiative of the J&K Sports Council, aims to promote sports at the grassroots level and provide a competitive platform for young talent. The two-day championship, sponsored by the J&K S

The large-scale excavation at Zehanpora in Baramulla has opened a remarkable and unexpected chapter in Kashmirs civilisational history. The discovery of a Kushan-era Buddhist complex-comprising a stupa, structural walls, pottery and copper artefacts-is far from an ordinary archaeological finding. It is, in fact, a revelation that challenges long-held assumptions about the Valleys cultural past and firmly positions Kashmir within the broader Buddhist landscape of the subcontinent. For decades, Ja

Unveil measures to broaden trade, economic ties *Gita, Kashmiri Saffron PMs gifts to Russian Prez NEW DELHI, Dec 5:India and Russia on Friday called for an uncompromising global fight against terrorism without hidden agendas and double standards with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that the menace is a direct attack on the values of humanity. At their summit talks, Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam and Moscows Crocus City

Project sanctioning requires consultations: Vaishnaw *Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch rail track remains distant dream Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Dec 5: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today said the survey of Baramulla-Uri new rail line and Banihal-Baramulla line doubling has been completed and Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Vaishnaw gave this information in response to a written question in the Rajya Sabha today. Survey of Baramulla-Uri new l

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 5: Jammu and Kashmir Polices State Investigation Agency (SIA) today conducted raids at two locations in Kashmir in connection with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) threat posters that had appeared in the Nowgam area of Srinagar in October. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The investigation into the case had earlier led the police to bust a major interstate white-collar terror module of JeM-Ansar Ghazwatul Hind (AGH), which was cracked last month and

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: The Judo Association is set to organise the JKUT Junior Judo Championship-cum-Selection Trials on December 21 at the Indoor Sports Complex, Bhagwati Nagar Stadium, Jammu. The event is being conducted under the banner of the J&K Sports Council. Judokas selected from this championship will represent the Union Territory in the Junior National Judo Championship, scheduled to be held in Kolkata in the first week of January 2026. All participating athletes

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 5: In a firm and uncompromising move to strengthen accountability in the districts education system, Chief Education Officer Rajouri, Mohammad Hafiz today placed two Govt teachers under suspension, withheld salary of the staff of 11 schools for poor performance/ various violations and issued notices to 34 other schools for not providing Mid-Day Meals to the students. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The action has been taken by the CEO against t

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 5: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the Health and Family Welfare Ministrys proposal to extend the Central deputation of 2009 batch IAS officer Raghav Langer, who is serving as Secretary of the National Medical Commission. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp As per an order, his tenure has been extended by one year beyond October 3, 2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The Appointments Committee of the Cabi

LONDON, Dec 5 : Germanys president laid a wreath Friday at Coventry Cathedral in central England, symbolically atoning for the atrocities of World War II as his country and the United Kingdom seek to bolster an alliance to combat the new war raging in Europe. Frank-Walter Steinmeiers pilgrimage commemorates the Nazi bombing of Coventry on the night of November 14, 1940, which destroyed the 14th-century Gothic cathedral, leaving behind a roofless ruin that stands as a reminder of the ravages [] T

TEL AVIV, Dec 5: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a sharply worded public attack against Tel Avivs state prosecutors on Thursday on the bribery case trial against him. In an English-language video posted, he slammed the prosecutors, and alleged that the corruption cases against him were farcical, a political trial designed to remove him from power. The message, posted days after he formally sought a presidential pardon, was framed as a response to questions he said he had recei

NEW YORK (US), Dec 5: Democratic Gov. Tim Walz denounced President Donald Trump on Thursday for calling Minnesotas Somali community garbage and dismissing the state as a hellhole. Walz said on Thursday that Trump slandered all Minnesotans and that his expressions of contempt for the states Somali community the largest in the U.S. were unprecedented for a United States president. Weve got little children going to school today who their president called them garbage. Republican legislative leade

BEIJING, Dec 5 : Chinese official media on Friday highlighted President Vladimir Putins remarks calling both India and China the closest friends of Russia while emphasising that Moscow has no right to interfere in their bilateral ties. China, a close ally of Russia, is yet to officially comment on Putins visit to India, while keeping a close watch on the outcome. While Putins visit to India is largely ignored by the official media, which focused more on French President Emmanuel [] The post Chin

ISLAMABAD, Dec 5: A senior Pakistani general on Friday accused jailed former premier Imran Khan of orchestrating a well-planned onslaught against the armed forces through the media, describing him as a narcissistic and mentally sick person. Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary, also warned Khan that such acts would no longer be tolerated. That threat emanates from a delusional mindset of a delusional person who has bec

KATHMANDU, Dec 5: Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Friday held an interaction with representatives of political parties, officials of the Election Commission and Gen Z group focusing on preparations for the general election next year. The discussion mainly focused on the issues pertinent to preparation for the House of Representatives (HoR) election slated for March 5, according to Prime Minister Offices sources. The joint meeting held at the PMs official residence at Baluwatar was attended by of

TEHRAN, Dec 5 : Iran launched massive missiles in the Sea of Oman and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz during the second day of a naval drill, state TV reported Friday. The report said the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched the missiles from the depth of Irans mainland, hitting targets in the Oman Sea and neighbouring area near Strait of Hormuz in a drill that began on Thursday. It identified the missiles as cruise Qadr-110, Qadr-380 and Ghadir that have [] The post Report: Iran launch

COLOMBO, Dec 5 : Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha met Sri Lankas Housing and Construction minister to discuss reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed 486 people so far in the island nation. Jhas meeting with Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Susil Ranasinghe took place as Sri Lanka is grappling with widespread flooding, landslides and severe infrastructure collapse triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. It has left several districts isolate

New Delhi, Dec 5: Flavourful Assam black tea, Kashmiri saffron, a handcrafted silver horse, an ornate tea set and a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita are among the gifts Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave to Russian President Vladimir Putin. A copy of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita presents Lord Krishnas guidance to Arjuna on duty, the eternal soul and spiritual liberation during the battle of the Mahabharata. Its timeless wisdom inspires ethical living, mind control and inner peace, with translatio

Jammu, Dec 5: The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Armys White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General PK Mishra, on Fridayreviewed the overall operational readiness of air defence brigades in forward areas in Jammu region. He was briefed on current preparedness levels, training activities and measures undertaken to enhance operational capability. The GOC White Knight Corps visited the White Knight Air Defence Brigade to review the overall operational readiness, White Knight Corps said on X. Dur

New Delhi, Dec 5: All transfers of high court judges are made in public interest for promoting better administration of justice and there is no timeline for such transfers, the government said on Friday. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said that as per the memorandum of procedure (MoP) for appointment and transfer of high court judges, the proposal for transfer of high court judges is initiated by the Chief Justice of India [] The post Transfer Of High Court J

RAJOURI, Dec 5: The Chief Education Officer (CEO) Rajouri has ordered disciplinary action after an inspection of 200 schools found serious lapses in the Mid-Day Meal scheme and poor academic performance. Officials said 34 schools failed to serve meals as per the approved menu, while 11 schools showed poor academic results, including 7 that also violated MDM norms and 2 where meals were not cooked at all. They said two teachersFarnaz Kouser of PS Dhara Pathana and Mohammad Altaf of [] The post 2

Jammu, Dec 5: Several Hindu right wing groups took out a march in Jammu city on Friday demanding shifting of Muslim students from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) and reserving the seats there for Hindu students. The groups, under the banner of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, took to the streets raising slogans against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Protesters also burnt an effigy of the [] The post SMVDI

New Delhi, Dec 5: The Delhi Police has busted an illegal firearms supply network operating in the national capital and Uttar Pradesh and arrested four men in this connection, an official said on Friday. Eight pistols and 30 live cartridges were recovered from the accused, he added. According to police, the crackdown began after a tip-off was received on November 19 that Babu (22) alias Aslam, previously involved in robbery, murder and theft cases, would arrive in Model Town to [] The post Delhi

SRINAGAR, Dec 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today presided over the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), reaffirming the Governments commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and strengthening tertiary care in Jammu and Kashmir. The event was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakeena Masood Itoo; Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Javid

NEW DELHI, Dec 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday exuded confidence that the USD 100 billion bilateral trade target between India and Russia will be achieved ahead of 2030. Speaking at the India-Russia Business Forum, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Modi invited Russian businesses to come and Make In Indiaand partner with India. The Prime Minister recalled that last year, President Putin and he set a target of reaching USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. However, [] T

Sharing money is easier when the account fits your life goals. If you are managing family expenses with a spouse, supporting parents, or simply building an emergency fund for yourself, the choice between a joint savings account and an individual account matters. This quick guide keeps things easy to read, practical, and grounded in how Indian families actually bank. You will see where a joint setup shines, where a solo account is wiser, and how to keep both safe and [] The post Joint Savings Acc

A new bike brings freedom on the winding roads of Jammu and Kashmir, yet the law expects responsibility at every turn. Just as third party bike insurance is mandatory across India, riders in the Union Territory must have a valid third-party insurance policy before touching the throttle. Skipping it invites legal trouble and financial exposure that can derail even a short commute. This article sets out the key rules that apply in J&K and pinpoints frequent errors that lead to [] The post Third-Pa

NEW DELHI, Dec 5: Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday ruled out extending the deadline for registering Waqf properties on the UMEED portal but said a way would be found for those who attempted registration but could not complete and that they will be exempted from penalties for the next three months. He also said that 1.51 lakh properties had been registered by Friday morning. The minister stressed that those mutawallis (Waqf property caretakers) who have not registered [] The post

NEW DELHI, Dec 5 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said here today that in present global scenario, Industry-Academia partnership is no longer by choice, but is the sole option for growth. He called for deeper and sustained collaboration between industry, academia, and government, stating that such p

Srinagar, Dec 5: The Higher Education Department has issued fresh instructions to all universities and autonomous colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, directing them to strictly adhere to the Uniform Academic Calendar and refrain from conducting any examinations during the notified vacation periods. According to the comminique issued by Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, J&K Higher Education Department, , all academic institutions, including the University of Kashmir, University of Jammu,