Daily Excelsior

Srinagar, Jan 14: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Rakesh Aggarwal, IPS, as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), according to an official order issued on Wednesday. As per the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) , Government of India, Shri Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IPS officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre, is currently serving as Special Director General (SDG) in the NIA. The ACC approved his ap

Jammu, Jan 14: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday paid tribute to ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their family members on the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, describing veterans as the living embodiment of Indias history and sacrifice. Our veterans are the embodiment of living history. Their sacrifices have not only safeguarded our freedom but have also shaped the destiny of our great nation, Sinha said while addressing a gathering on the occasion. He also called upon t

New Delhi, Jan 14: In a significant development, a special court here on Wednesday convicted Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi and two others for offences including conspiracy to wage war against the country and being members of a terrorist organisation under stringent anti-terror law UAPA. Andrabi, the founder of the all-women separatist group Dukhtaraan-e-Millat (DeM) in 1987, was arrested in April 2018 and charges were framed against her under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) f

Reform to strengthen service delivery in AC Panchayat offices JAMMU, Jan 14: In a significant administrative reform aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving rural service delivery, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved the re-designation of 21 posts of District Panchayat Officers (DPOs) as Block Development Officers (BDOs) in the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. The decision has been formalised through Government Order No. 18-JK(RD&PR) of 2026 date

JAMMU, Jan 14: Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir, Atal Dulloo today flagged off the contingent of artists of the Jammu & Kashmir Tableau who will perform at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, during the Republic Day Parade2026. The artists will be part of the J&K Tableau representing the Union Territory on the national stage. The flag-off ceremony was held today at K. L. Saigal Hall, Jammu. The event was held in the presence of Principal Secretary, Culture Department, Brij Mohan Sharma; [] The post Chief

JAMMU, Jan 14: The Finance Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the transfers and postings besides also assigning look after charges to five Assistant Accounts Officers. See Order Copy Click Here The post J&K Finance Dept Transfers, Assigns Lookafter Charges To Five AAOs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Jan 14: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has blacklisted M/s Trinity Reinsurance Brokers Ltd. (TRBL) for two years, effective January 12, 2026, following an alleged history of contractual failures and fraudulent activities. See Order Copy Click Here The post J&K Govt Blacklists Trinity Reinsurance Brokers Over Professional Misconduct appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Jan 14: The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department has assigned look-after charge of Principal to three senior lecturers as part of an administrative arrangement, an official order said. The department has also ordered the transfer of 56 other lecturers to ensure smooth functioning of educational institutions. See Order Copy Click Here The post Three Senior Lecturers Assigned Look-After Charge of Principal, 56 Others Transferred appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

New Delhi, Jan 14: Silver prices zoomed by Rs 15,000 to a fresh record of Rs 2,86,000 per kg in the national capital on Wednesday, while gold also climbed to touch a lifetime high of Rs 1,46,500 per 10 grams, tracking strong global trends. According to the All India Sarafa Association, silver prices extended their blistering rally for the fourth consecutive day by jumping Rs 15,000, or 5.5 per cent, to touch a new peak of Rs 2,86,000 per kilogram [] The post Silver Extends Record Run To Rs 2.86

NAKHON RATCHASIMA (Thailand), Jan 14: A construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train, causing a fiery derailment Wednesday that killed at least 30 people and injured scores in northeastern Thailand. The derailment occurred on part of a planned high-speed rail project that will eventually connect China with much of Southeast Asia. Anuphong Suksomnit, the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima province, where the accident took place, said four passengers among the 171 believed to have been on boar

Jammu, Jan 14: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a meeting here on Wednesday to review security arrangements for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations as well as assess the ongoing anti-terror operations and drone incursions along the borders. This came a week after Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on January 8, directed security forces to continue with their operations targeting terrorist infrastructure and terror financing in a mission mode. Accompanied by a central team of officers, Mo

JAMMU, Jan 14: The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has extended winter vacations for all Government and private schools falling in the Summer Zone of Jammu till January 17, 2026, in view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions. As per an order, the extension will be applicable to both students and teaching staff. However, board examinations for Classes 10th to 12th, if scheduled, will be conducted strictly as per the notified dates. Schools have also been advised to explore [

SRINAGAR, Jan 14: Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone on Wednesday alleged that Jammu harboured an obsessive opposition to developmental initiatives in Kashmir, and said that perhaps the time has come for an amicable divorce between the two regions of the Union Territory. Lone was referring to the demands from a section for shifting the recently announced National Law University in Budgam district of central Kashmir to the Jammu region and also for the separation of the Jammu region from Kas

New Delhi, Jan 14 : On the second anniversary of the launch of the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the Congress on Wednesday said it is to the credit of the rally that the protection of democracy and the Constitution became a central feature of the 2024 Lok Sabha poll campaign and the public discourse today. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh recalled that two years ago, Gandhi embarked on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to [] The post Bharat Jodo

AHMEDABAD, Jan 14: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday enjoyed kite flying with his family and residents of Naranpura area here on the occasion of Makar Sankranti festival, also known as `Uttarayan in Gujarat. Earlier in the morning, the Lok Sabha MP from Gandhinagar performed a puja at the famous Lord Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area. Shah, accompanied by his wife Sonalben and son, cricket administrator Jay Shah, also offered fodder to a cow at the temple [] The post Amit Shah celebra

Rajouri/Jammu, Jan 14: Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir is a vital pillar of Indias national-security architecture, not only because of its geographical importance but also due to its strong military ethos and human resources. Addressing a gathering at the concluding ceremony of the 10th Veterans-Day celebrations in Rajouri, the Army commander also lauded the regions contributions to the armed forces. Jammu and Kashmir is not only strat

COLOMBO, Jan 14: The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 10 Indian fishermen and seized their trawler for allegedly fishing in the island nations territorial waters. The arrests were made on Monday in the northern sea area off Delft Island, the Navy said in a statement. The 10 Indian fishermen and their seized trawler were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna, for legal proceedings, it said. Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently for inadvertently trespassing into [

KARACHI, Jan 14: Pakistani security forces have killed four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the restive Balochistan province, the military has said. The operation was conducted in the Kalat district on Monday, said the militarys media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Security forces effectively engaged the terrorists location, killing four of them after an intense fire exchange, the ISPR statement said on Tuesday. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered

LONDON, Jan 14: The British government has watered down plans for mandatory digital identification cards, a contentious idea it had touted as a way to help control immigration. Its the latest policy U-turn by Prime Minister Keir Starmers embattled centre-left government, which is under fire from both opposition politicians and governing Labour Party lawmakers. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that it wont be compulsory for citizens and residents to show a digital ID card in order to get a job,

New Delhi, Jan 14: The sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka nearly four decades ago should be honoured, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday, appearing to criticise the governments in the 1990s for not publicly recognising their contributions. He said the Modi government is not only acknowledging the contribution of the Indian troops in the operation with an open heart, but it is also in the process of recognising their contribution at every level. [

WASHINGTON, Jan 14: At least four Americans have been freed by the interim Venezuelan government, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter. A US State Department team traveled to Venezuela to help with the release, the first known release, since the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, of US citizens imprisoned in Venezuela, CNN said on Tuesday, citing a senior State Department official. We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela, a State Department spokes

HONG KONG, Jan 14: Hong Kong officials on Wednesday proposed expanding oversight of building maintenance projects and stronger fire safety steps after a blaze in November killed at least 161 people and displaced thousands. The blaze that spread across seven towers in an apartment complex raised questions about corruption, negligence and government oversight in the citys building maintenance projects, piling pressure on Hong Kong leader John Lees administration and Beijings patriots-only governa

PUNE, Jan 14: German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz will start local production of its ultra luxury SUV GLS Maybach in India, making it the only country outside of the US to roll out the model, according to the companys top official in the Indian market. The step comes in the wake of India becoming a top-five global market for the companys ultra luxury range, Maybach, in 2025, Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer told PTI here in an [] The post India to be 1st country outsi

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Ola Electric on Wednesday announced the expansion of its 4680 Bharat Cell platform. As part of the initiative, businesses and startups can now directly purchase the 4680 Bharat Cells, or the 1.5kWh 4680 Bharat Cell battery pack for application across automotive, humanoids, drones, and portable medical equipment. With this announcement, the company will enable startups and businesses to innovate and scale rapidly with new energy storage solutions designed, engineered, and man

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: The Indian real estate sector received a record equity capital inflow of USD 14.25 billion last year, higher by 25 per cent annually, as developers and institutional investors remained bullish on growth potential, according to CBRE. The equity capital inflow from various sources, including developers, institutional investors, and Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), stood at USD 11.43 billion during the 2024 calendar year. Real estate consultant CBRE on Wednesday released a r

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent company of stockbroking platform Groww, on Wednesday reported a 28 per cent year-on-year decline in profit after tax at Rs 547 crore in the quarter ended December 2025. The company had posted a PAT (profit after tax) of Rs 757 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Despite the fall in profit, total income during the quarter rose 26 per cent to Rs 1,261 crore, compared with Rs [] The post Groww Q2 profit declines 28

Jammu, Jan 14: Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday expressed hope for a satisfactory outcome of the upcoming talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ladakh representatives, saying dialogue was the best way to address all issues. The MHA has recently decided to convene a meeting of the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh headed by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai in January end. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) [] The post LG Kavin

Kargil/Jammu, Jan 14: Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Wednesday reviewed the functioning of Kargil airport and sought a detailed report on the scope of its possible expansion. During the visit, Kundra was briefed by the Commanding Officer on operational and infrastructural aspects, officials said. The chief secretary directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, to submit a detailed report along with a map highlighting the current status of the airport and the scope for possible b

PATNA, Jan 14: RJD president Lalu Prasad on Wednesday attended a Makar Sankranti feast at his elder son Tej Pratap Yadavs house, months after expelling him from the party and snapping all personal ties. Yadav, who floated the Janshakti Janta Dal (JJD) following the expulsion, met his parents and younger brother Tejashwi on Tuesday night and invited them to the dahi-chura (curd and flattened rice) feast. However, only Prasad, who is in his late 70s and keeps indoors because of [] The post Lalu at

Girls Outshine Boys, 84.02% Students Clear Class 12 Exams As JKBOSE Declares Results See Gazette Vol-2 See Gazette Vol-01 The post Girls Outshine Boys, 84.02% Students Clear Class 12 Exams As JKBOSE Declares Results appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Bhaderwah/Jammu, Jan 14: Women Village Defence Guards (VDGs) are safeguarding remote villages of the Jammu region during the winter months, when many men migrate to other parts of the country in search of livelihood. Equipped with .303 rifles after undergoing training provided by various security agencies, the women members of VDGs are deployed in difficult terrain, often in isolated and vulnerable areas, Superintendent of Police Bhaderwah Vinod Sharma said. Training shoulder to shoulder with th

Jammu, Jan 14: Security forces on Wednesday stepped up an ongoing search operation by extending the cordon to track down and neutralise terrorists in remote villages of Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district, officials said. Several gunshots were heard when the security forces launched the operation in the Najote forest area in Billawar tehsil on Tuesday based on information about the presence of a terrorist there. There was no contact between the terrorist and the security forces. Fresh inputs sugg

New Delhi, Jan 14: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday said Operation Sindoor was a defining demonstration of Indias resolve and restraint, and a reflection of the moral strength and professional excellence of the countrys armed forces and the youth alike. The operation was carried out by the Indian armed forces in the early hours of May 7 last year, eliminating at least 100 terrorists in response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack of April that killed 26 innocent [] The post Ope

Biju Dharmapalan bijudharmapalan@gmail.com The story of science isnt always written in labs or journals. Sometimes its written in quiet acts of resistance by people who wont accept that doing wrong is the price of success. One such tale is that Achal Agrawal is in Natures 10 for 2025. It is not a celebration of a new discovery, a new device, or a new technology. It is a sign of conscience. Of a man who chose to be uncomfortable instead of [] The post Achal Agrawal and the Moral Reawakening of In

Dr. Vishal Sharma vishal.sharma@fulbrightmail.org If you check your phone every few seconds, feel anxious when it is away from you even for a minute, or find it hard to sit quietly without the digital world, it may be time to pause and reflect. If you cannot go to the bathroom without your digital device, or fall asleep without scrolling through social media, these are warning signs that should not be ignored. I began to notice this everywhere and it [] The post Digital Detox: Breaking Free fro

BANGKOK, Jan 14: A construction crane fell on a passenger train in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday, killing at least 12 people, officials said. The crane, which was being used to construct an elevated high-speed railway, fell onto the moving train as it was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, causing the train to derail and catch fire, according to Nakhon Ratchasimas Public Relations Department. The department said in a Facebook post that the fire was under control and that

LONDON, Jan 14: British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Tuesday that Britain will bring forward legislation to implement full and further sanctions and sectoral measures against Iran. Speaking in the House of Commons, Cooper said, Further measures will target finance, energy, transport, software, and other significant industries. Irans foreign ministry summoned the envoys of Britain, Germany, France and Italy on Monday after their governments expressed support for protests in the country

LONDON, Jan 14: Britains Government is expected to approve a mega Chinese embassy close to Londons financial district after years of controversy and political wrangling over the potential security risks it poses to the UK. Lawmakers from across the spectrum have urged planning officials to reject Chinas application for the new embassy. Critics fear the proposed new building, on a huge site close to Londons financial district and crucial data cables, will be used as a base for espionage. [] The

NEW YORK, Jan 13: Indian-American TV personality and food expert Padma Lakshmi voiced concern over the current dark period in the US and hoped her new book will encourage people from diverse communities to reach out and connect with each other in these times. She also said that this period will probably get darker before the light finally comes back. Lakshmis latest cookbook Padmas All American: Tales, Travels, and Recipes from Taste the Nation and Beyond is a commemoration of [] The post Very d

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Alliance Insurance Brokers Private Ltd has announced the appointment of Aatur Shashikant Thakkar as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Principal Officer. The leadership transition will help the company chart its next phase of growth, which is achieving a goal of premiums under management of Rs 5,000 crore in the next three financial years, the insurance brokerage firm said in a statement on Wednesday. Thakkar will carry forward and strengthen the legacy of Alliance, []

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: The Indian economy is likely to clock a growth rate of 7.3 to 7.5 per cent in the fiscal ending March 2026, and slow down a bit to 7 per cent in 2026-27, consultancy firm Grant Thornton Bharat said on Wednesday. According to the First Advance Estimates issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO), India is likely to grow at 7.4 per cent during 2025-26, compared to 6.5 per cent in the previous fiscal year, [] The post GDP to grow 7.3-7.5 pc in FY26, says Grant Thornton Bhara

Prayagraj, Jan 14: More than nine lakh devotees took a dip in the Ganga and at the Sangam here on Wednesday morning as part of Makar Sankranti festivities, officials said. While many parts of the country are celebrating the harvest festival on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh will celebrate Makar Sankranti on Thursday. The second major bathing festival of the ongoing Magh Mela, Makar Sankranti, is scheduled for Thursday. Superintendent of Police (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey said devotees flocked ghats in t

Jammu, Jan 14: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Wednesday greeted veterans on the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day. Sinha expressed gratitude to veterans and saluted the valour of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces. I express my deepest gratitude to the Veer Naris and family members of veterans, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor said in a post on X. Sharma and all ranks of [] The post LG, Northern Army Command

Srinagar, Jan 14: Parts of the famous Dal Lake here and several water bodies in Kashmir froze on Wednesday as sub-zero minimum temperatures across the Valley dropped further. The Kashmir Valley is in the midst of Chilla-i-Kalan a 40-day period of extreme cold, when the chances of snowfall are the highest. It began on December 21 and will end on January 30. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, down from the minus 4.9 [] The post Parts Of Dal Lake Freezes As Kash

JAMMU, Jan 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday announced the results of the annual Class 10th regular examination, recording an overall pass percentage of 85.03, officials said. According to official data, a total of 94,845 students appeared in the examination, out of which 80,650 students qualified successfully. An official of JKBOSE said the pass percentage achieved this year is the highest in recent years, reflecting an overall improvement in academic per

JKBOSE Class 10 Result 2025 Declared See Result Click Here. (Volume-1) See Result Click Here. (Volume-2) The post JKBOSE Class 10 Result 2025 Declared appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

When unexpected expenses knock on your door, the first thought many people have is to arrange quick funds without selling assets or pledging valuables. Whether it is a medical emergency, urgent travel, or consolidating debt, personal loans have become the go-to option for instant financial support. A common concern among borrowers is whether a Rs. 2 lakh personal loan without collateral can be availed easily. Knowing how the process works helps in navigating the application and approval stages m

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LEH, Jan 14: Four tourists from Uttar Pradesh who had gone missing during a trip to Pangong Lake have been safely rescued in Ladakh, police officials said. The tourists Yash Mittal, Shivam Chaudhary, Jaiveer Chaudhary and Shadanshu Faujdar from Agra were on a trip to Ladakh and were reported missing by their families after they lost contact with them a few days back, the officials said on Tuesday. Police acted swiftly and launched a coordinated search operation, leading [] The post Four Missin

NEW DELHI, Jan 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted the nation on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival celebrated in different parts of the country as per local traditions and customs. Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun in the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar), celebrated as a mid-winter harvest festival. This sacred occasion of Sankranti is celebrated in various parts of the country according to local customs and traditions. I pray to Lord Surya [] Th