Daily Excelsior

Nishikant Khajuria nishikant.khajuria@gmail.com As holy Navratras approach, local stakeholders in Katra the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine are anticipating that the upcoming year will be kinder than the last when Pahalagam terror attack followed by Indo -Pak war like situation and then natural calamities cast a long shadow over the yatra dealing a heavy blow to the local economy and tourism-dependent businesses in the town. According to official reports , total pilgrim footfall in 2025 w

KOLKATA, Mar 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the ruling TMC, accusing it of opposing the SIR of electoral rolls to shield infiltrators and alleging that illegal immigration under its rule had altered West Bengals demographic balance, turning Hindus into minorities in several areas ahead of the assembly elections. Addressing a massive rally at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground here, Modi framed the upcoming assembly polls as a decisive battle for the states

Ashok K Razdan akrazdan6@gmail.com Digital banking has emerged as one of the most transformative developments in Indias financial landscape. With the rapid expansion of smartphones, affordable internet connectivity, and government-backed initiatives such as Digital India, financial transactions have steadily shifted from physical bank branches to mobile screens. The numbers reflect this dramatic change but they also underline the growing need for vigilance against digital fraud. If we take the

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today called upon the people to introspect and contribute in social progress. Ask yourself: What am I doing for my community? What legacy am I building for the people? What inheritance do I wish to leave for future generations? The answers within you will reshape our tomorrow, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the release event of the book Mehsoos-Stories of social transformation at DIPR

Mahi Charak mahicharak06@gmail.com For centuries, the quiet town of Samba in Jammu and Kashmir has carried forward a unique textile tradition known as Calico printing. Once widely known for its beautifully hand-printed bed sheets called Chheenta, Samba earned the reputation of being the City of Sheets. This traditional craft, created through hand-block printing on cotton fabric, reflects the artistic heritage of the Dogra region and the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans. Calico printing in

Excelsior Correspondent BARI BRAHMANA, Mar 14: Gagan Jain was elected as the president, Birpur Small Scale Industries Association (BSSIA), for which elections were held here today. The elections for six posts of the Birpur Small Scale Industries Association, Bari Brahmana, were held today in a very smooth and peaceful manner at the Association Office in Birpur. 100 % voting was observed, reflecting full participation from all eligible voters. Among others wo were elected included Ankur Jain was

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the Almond Blossom Festival-2026 at Badamwari (Almond Alcove), titled Badam Vaer Blooms, in Srinagars historic old city, heralding the arrival of spring in Kashmir. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Almond Blossom Festival symbolizes Kashmirs timeless connection with nature and its vibrant cultural traditions. Badamwari has always been a cherished part of Srinagars heritage. The bloo

Jammus rights being repeatedly snatched Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 14: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and party MLAs strongly criticized the National Conference-(NC) led Government for what they termed as a blatantly biased and unjustified decision regarding the creation and distribution of posts in medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. Click here to watch video A press conference was jointly addressed by MLA Jammu North, Sham Lal Sharma, MLA Samba, Surjit Singh Sal

Dr Anoop Singh dranoop8998@gmail.com On one side stand friends, trends, and the desperate need to belong. On the other, the weight of a familys dreams. In between a young person, gasping for breath. Picture a fifteen-year-old sitting at her desk late into the night. On her phone, notifications pour in her friends are out, laughing, sharing reels, living what appears to be a carefree life. On her table, a stack of textbooks and a handwritten note from her [] The post Todays youth caught between

NEW DELHI, Mar 14: India on Saturday condemned Pakistans air strikes inside Afghan territory, asserting that Afghanistans sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected. India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistans territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the i

NEW DELHI, Mar 14 : Under the Leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indias healthcare sector has undergone transformative expansion in infrastructure, medical education and access to affordable care in the last decade, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on Saturday. Addressing the convocation ceremony of Teerthanker Mahaveer University in Moradabad, Nadda said that in the last eleven years, India has witnessed a significant expansion of premier medical institutions. The number of All Ind

KOCHI, Mar 14 : Kerala Law Minister P Rajeev on Saturday said the state government has decided to take over Sadgamaya, the residence of former Supreme Court judge and ex-law minister Justice V R Krishna Iyer, to establish an international-level legal research and study centre there. In a Facebook post, Rajeev said the decision to take over the residence and set up the centre under the Law Department was taken at the state Cabinet meeting held on Friday. The promise [] The post Govt to take over

MOHALI, Mar 14 : Shortly after Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed the Punjab government over various issues, including the drug menace in the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hit back at the BJP-led Centre on Saturday, accusing it of failing to take strict action following a big drug seizure at a Gujarat port. Mann pointed out that preventing smuggling across the international border is primarily the Centres responsibility. Stopping drug smuggling from across the border is the Centres resp

NEW DELHI, Mar 14 : India has repatriated the non-essential crew members of an Iranian warship that docked in Kochi on March 4 amid the escalating military conflict between Iran and the US. Over 50 of the 183 crew members have stayed back as the ship, IRIS Lavan, remains in Kochi, people familiar with the matter said. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the ships non-essential crew members, as well as several stranded Iranian nationals, left India on board [] The post Non

SHIMLA, Mar 14: Sales of induction stoves and electric burners witnessed a sharp surged in the Himachal Pradesh capital as residents and businesses grapple with the availability of commercial LPG cylinders. The crisis has hit the hospitality sector hard, forcing hoteliers and dhaba owners to switch to electric appliances to keep their kitchens functional. Domestic consumers are also stocking up on these units for emergency use. Diveyesh, an appliance showroom owner, said both commercial and dome

THANE, Mar 14 : The family of a 36-year-old software engineer, who was killed in a road accident in 2024, was awarded Rs 2.14 crore in compensation at a Lok Adalat in Thane district of Maharashtra on Saturday. Principal District and Sessions Judge S B Agrawal handed over the compensation cheque to the victim Omkar Prakash Joshis wife Dhanashree (35) and his 70-year-old mother Pradnya Prakash Joshi. According to the claim details, Omakar and his colleague were travelling from Mumbai [] The post T

VARANASI, Mar 14 : Distribution of prasad at the Annapurna temple in Varanasi has been impacted due to a perceived shortage of LPG cylinders, even as authorities in Uttar Pradesh reiterated that there is no supply crunch and warned of strict action against hoarding and black marketing. Mahant Shankar Giri Maharaj claimed the temples ann kshetra is facing a severe shortage of cooking gas, making it difficult to prepare prasad for devotees. Earlier, gas agencies used to supply one or [] The post L

Police being deployed to control rush at gas outlets We have sufficient stocks of LPG, petrol, diesel: SLC Gopal Sharma JAMMU, Mar 14: Amidst LPG crisis in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the consumers are unable to make online booking of domestic/ commercial gas cylinders and receive booking SMS or the OTP from the concerned HPCL, IOCL and BPCL Companies, while police assistance is being sought by the gas agency dealers to control the huge rush and deal [] The post Amid LPG crisis, co

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 14: Heritage School hosted an Orientation Programme at its amphitheatre to welcome new students of Classes I and II along with their parents for the academic session 2026-2027. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Principal Akash Pradhan, Guest speaker Dr Richa Sharma, Vice Principal Rashmi Thakur, Founder Headmistress Vandana Jasrotia, and Headmistress Hemneet Kour. Headmistress Kour shared the schools vision of holistic learning, wh

J&K placed on Indias export map Avtar Bhat KATHUA, Mar 14:Union Minister of State with Independent Charge for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Ministries, Dr Jitendra Singh today laid the foundation stone of Rs 600 crore major Multi NationalCompany and pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at village Gadadhar in district Kathua. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The project, with investment of over Rs 600 to 700 cr, is being set up by Orchid Pharma with facilitation from Biot

Centre starts identification of locations Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 14: Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar today said the Central Government has started identification of locations for setting up new hydropower plants in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp In an interview to a national newspaper, he said the construction has resumed on three to four projects that were earlier stalled while additional projects are being plann

Tehran targets US Embassy in Iraq, UAE port DUBAI, Mar 14: A missile struck a helipad inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad and debris from an intercepted Iranian drone hit an oil facility in the United Arab Emirates as the US-Israel war with Iran entered its third week Saturday. Associated Press images showed a column of smoke rising over the embassy compound in the Iraqi capital and a fire in the Fujairah port in the UAE that broke out [] The post Iran strikes back after US bombs oil-criti

Kumar Rohit write2kumarrohit@outlook.com Nestled in the cedar-scented quiet of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh stands the Gauri Shankar Temple of Naggar. Dating back to the 12th century, this enduring stone edifice is celebrated as a magnificent relic of the Gurjara-Pratihara architectural tradition. Yet, beyond its historical grandeur-as seen in the accompanying photographs of the temple and its central deity-lies a theological marvel that offers a timeless perspective on one of humanitys

SEOUL, Mar 14: North Korea today fired about 10 ballistic missiles toward the eastern sea, South Koreas military said, staging its own show of force as the rival South conducts a joint military exercise with the United States. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were fired from an area near the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, but didnt immediately say how far they flew. Japans Defense Ministry said the weapons landed in waters outside the countrys exclusive [] The post North

Hi Friends! We are back with your favourite column for the week. Please have a look at OUR MESSAGE before you send in your message to us. 1. To all from Aagosh Tandon: Always take quick decisions in life based on your natural instinct. 2. From Abhi Jandyal to all: Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. 3. To all from Arjun Anand: Beneath silence lies a voice louder [] The post CIPHER DECIPHER appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have constituted a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the assassination attempt on former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah in Jammu district earlier this week. According to an order issued by IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, the incident took place on the night of March 11, 2026, at Royal Park Banquet Hall in the Greater Kailash locality here when Dr Farooq Abdullah, who is also the president of the [] The post SIT

NEW DELHI, Mar 14: There is no shortage of fertilisers in the country in view of the West Asia conflict, the government said on Saturday, asserting that current stocks of urea and other crop nutrients remain more than adequate. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhis partners have also assured it of uninterrupted fertiliser supplies. What I can tell you is that India has more than adequate stocks of fertilisers at this point of time, especially for the [] The post

For the tears entrenched deep in eye The pain was endured only by thee For nights spent without sleep in the eye The cries were heard only by Almighty For the days spent without smile on face The glum was felt by tranquil tree For the evenings bereft of joy and charm The setting sun sensed the lack of calm For the lingering fear soliciting a ray of beam Equanimity seemed like a distant dream The wounds afflicted deep in [] The post The Broken Childhood appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

YANGON, Mar 14: Pamela Contis substitutes played a decisive role as the Indian U-17 womens football team staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Myanmar 3-2 in the second of two international friendlies at the Thuwunna Stadium here on Saturday. The hosts led at the end of the first half through Hnin Wint War Kyaw (12th) and Min Htone May Zitar (45th), who netted on either side of Alva Devi Senjams (33th) equaliser. Deep in the second half, Indias substitutes [] The post India U-17 women secure

Jammu, Mar 14: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 600 crore pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Kathua district, in a bid to strengthen Indias strategic capabilities in pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce import dependence on critical intermediates. The facility will manufacture the critical antibiotic intermediate Amino Cephalosporanic Acid (ACA), a key component in the production of cephalosporin antibiotics. The project at village Gadadhar is

Jammu, Mar 14: Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas on Saturday announced the formation of special monitoring teams to verify LPG and fuel stock at distributorships to ensure transparency and strict adherence to supply guidelines. The decision was taken during a meeting with LPG distributors and oil marketing companies here, an official spokesperson said. The deputy commissioner made it unequivocally clear that any irregularities detected in the distribution process shall be dealt with strict

SRINAGAR, Mar 14: In a significant development, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has been granted approval for two M.Ch seats in the Department of Neurosurgery by the National Medical Commission (NMC), marking the first-ever approval for an M.Ch Neurosurgery programme in any medical college of Jammu and Kashmir. The approval represents another milestone in the steady expansion of super-specialty medical education at Government Medical College Srinagar. The journey towards strengthening

Jammu, Mar 14: Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the attempted firing incident involving former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah in Jammu earlier this week. According to an order issued by Zonal Police Headquarters Jammu, IGP Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti, the incident occurred on March 11 when Abdullah, who is also president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, was attending a marriage function at a banquet hall in the Greater Kailash area of []

Srinagar, Mar 14: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday launched an online ticketing solution for entry to gardens across the Union territory. An official spokesman said it marks a significant move towards promoting digital governance and enhancing visitor convenience. The Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Bank, has introduced an online ticketing solution for entry to gardens, he said. The digital platform has been develop

Srinagar, Mar 14: Welcoming the revocation of the NSA against Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday called for the release of those arrested in the valley during the recent anti-US and anti-Israel protests. He should not have been arrested. His arrest was wrong and that too under the NSA, Abdullah told reporters here on the sidelines of Spring Festival at Badamwari here. He emphasised that the situation in Ladakh should remain stable and [] Th

JAMMU, Mar 14: About 68,000 cases were settled at the day-long National Lok Adalat across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials said. An amount of over Rs 55.86 crore was awarded as compensation or settlement amount in motor accident claims, civil, criminal, labour disputes, electricity and water bills cases, land acquisition, family matters, cheque dishonour and bank recovery cases, according to an official spokesperson. Continuing its endeavour to fulfil the constitutional commitment of pro

Srinagar, Mar 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir has potential for integrated fisheries development, which can generate jobs and boost fish farmers income. Jammu and Kashmir holds promise as a national model for integrated fisheries development. The value-chain approach will generate jobs, cut post-harvest losses, and boost fish farmers incomes, Sinha said while addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries, organised by the Department of Fisherie

Srinagar, Mar 14 : Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Saturday announced a Rs 100 crore Integrated Aqua Park Project in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district to strengthen aquaculture infrastructure and create employment opportunities in the region. Singh, the Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (FAHD) and Panchayati Raj, announced during the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries organized by the Department of Fisheries, here. The event was also attended by J-K Lieutenan

Chandigarh, Mar 14: A democracy does not invest in higher education so that its graduates may simply prosper, it does so to ensure that they govern themselves well, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said on Saturday. Every institution of public life the courts, the civil services, the schools, the hospitals, the local governance bodies all depend for their quality on the calibre of the people who choose to serve within them, the CJI said while addressing [] The post Democracy Invests In

Islamabad, Mar 14: Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday approved salary deductions ranging from 5 to 30 per cent for employees of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and autonomous institutions as part of a broader austerity drive. The new measures were cleared during a review meeting convened to evaluate a slew of austerity and savings plans announced on Monday to tackle the economic fallout of the fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. According to a statement

Leh, Mar 14: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday directed the administration to prepare a plan for creating at least 50 small water bodies across the Union Territory. The L-G, during a meeting with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, also directed that the locations be identified and a detailed action plan be prepared within a period of 15 days. Ladakh, being a high-altitude cold desert region, is increasingly experiencing the adverse impacts of climate change. The region is wit

New Delhi, Mar 14: RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Saturday said that several divisive forces are trying to fracture the social psyche based on class and caste, and gave a call for unity in society and the country. Paying tributes to Sant Ravidas on his 650th birth anniversary year, Hosabale said he holds a distinct position in Indias illustrious tradition of sants. While rejecting birth-based discrimination, he considered deeds as the only testimony of greatness, the RSS second-in-

SRINAGAR, Mar 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today called upon the people to introspect and contribute in social progress. Ask yourself: What am I doing for my community? What legacy am I building for the people? What inheritance do I wish to leave for future generations? The answers within you will reshape our tomorrow, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the release event of the book Mehsoos-Stories of social transformation at DIPR Auditorium, Media Compl

CM also launches online garden ticketing portal for J&K gardens SRINAGAR, Mar 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the Almond Blossom Festival-2026 at Badamwari (Almond Alcove), titled Badam Vaer Blooms, in Srinagars historic old city, heralding the arrival of spring in Kashmir. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Almond Blossom Festival symbolizes Kashmirs timeless connection with nature and its vibrant cultural traditions. Badamwari has always been a cheris

JAMMU, Mar 14: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted a detailed inspection of the irrigation canal network from Belicharana to Suchetgarh to review the progress on ongoing desilting works and assess preparedness of the irrigation infrastructure ahead of the ensuing agricultural season. During the visit, the Minister inspected various stretches of the canal system, including the distribution network and key syphons to evaluate the pace and quality of desilting operations. The

SRINAGAR, Mar 14: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the unjust war imposed on the people of Iran should end and peace should prevail, asserting that the US and Israel do not get to decide the leadership of the country. He said it is for the people of Iran to decide about their leadership. At the end of the day, what we want is peace. We want this unjust war that has been imposed on the [] The post Unjust War Imposed On Iran Should End: CM Omar Abdullah appeared firs

Leh, Mar 14: Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday welcomed the central governments decision to revoke the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, terming it a positive step for the region. However, Saxena said there is no space for agitation and violence in the Union territory, and all issues pertaining to the aspirations and concerns of people would be addressed through dialogue with stakeholders. The Centre on Saturday said it has revoked with

New Delhi, Mar 14: The average young adult could be experiencing up to 50 hours a year of severe heat-related limitations in livability and the average older adult up to 900 hours a year of the same, an analysis of data from the European climate agency Copernicus Climate Change Service has estimated. The study, published in the journal Environmental Research Health, defines livability as ones ability to perform everyday physical activities requiring an elevated heat production in the body withou

JAMMU, Mar 14: More than two lakh blooming tulips are ready to attract tourists at picturesque Sanasar, nestled in the lush green meadows in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Tulip garden at Sanasar is, however, expected to be thrown open for the public soon marking the beginning of new tourist season. Jammus first Tulip Garden at Sanasar in district Ramban, has become a vibrant floral destination. With more than two lakh tulips in 25 distinct varieties, it is [] The post Over 2 Lakh Blo

Moga (Punjab), Mar 14: Union Minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched a broadside against the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab over issues of law and order, drug menace, religious conversion and corruption and alleged that it has become an ATM for AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, as he appealed to voters to give one chance to the BJP to form a government in 2027 polls to bring about a change in the state. Sounding the poll bugle at a badlav (change) [] The post Mann Govt Is Kejriwals ATM: Shah Alle