Daily Excelsior

CHENNAI, Apr 19 : President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra and leaders of various political parties on Sunday evening condoled the deaths of more than 20 workers in a cracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu. In her condolence message on X, Ms Murmu said the loss of lives in a tragic accident at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery, [] The post Pr

MULLANPUR, Apr 19: Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly slammed 93 and 87 respectively as Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs in an IPL match here on Sunday. Arya and Connolly added 182 runs in just 13.2 overs for a massively entertaining second wicket stand for PBKS, as they tallied 254/7, this IPL seasons highest total, going past RCBs 250 for three. LSG managed to dismiss the duo and Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer in quick succession but the [] The post Connolly, Priyansh guide PB

Ashok Bhan ashokbhan@rediffmail.com The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a transformative era, redefining economies, governance, and social interactions. While AI promises efficiency, innovation, and unprecedented analytical capabilities, it simultaneously raises profound questions about the protection and evolution of human rights. The intersection of AI and human rights is no longer theoretical-it is a pressing global concern that requires principled frameworks, e

Meenu Gupta guptadps@gmail.com The landscape of Indian education is currently undergoing its most significant structural re-engineering in decades. Moving beyond the traditional confines of rote memorization, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled a transformative roadmap for the Secondary Stage (Classes IX-X)on 2nd April 2026. Guided by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, this phased implementat

Girdhari lal Raina Genetic evidence, shared rituals, and centuries of intellectual exchange dismantle the myth of Kashmirs separateness. From Shankaracharya to genome science, the idea of India has always included Kashmir-not as a frontier, but as a centre. The narrative of isolation collapses when confronted with history, culture, and now, science. At a time when narratives around Kashmir are once again being shaped by selective memory and political convenience, one claim continues to surface w

Excelsior Correspondent RS PURA, Apr 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief, Tariq Hameed Karra today launched a scathing attack on the Centre during an impressive bike and car rally in R S Pura, asserting that the recent developments surrounding the Womens Reservation Bill reflect what he termed as the anti-women and anti-democratic mindset of the Modi Government and its biggest Legislative failure. Addressing a large gathering here today Karra said that despite tall

BEIJING, Apr 19 : A Humanoid robot made by a Chinese company on Sunday broke the human world record with a timing of 50 minutes 26 seconds in a race alongside amateur runners here on Sunday. Flash, the Humanoid robot made by Chinas Shenzhen Honor Smart Technology Development Co, Ltd, claimed victory at the 2026 Beijing E-Town half-marathon in autonomous navigation, beating the human world record of 57:20, official media here reported. The mens half-marathon world record was created by [] The pos

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 19: Tyaani Jewellery, founded by Karan Johar, today inaugurated its 12th exclusive retail store in Jammu in a grand function, strengthening its footprint in key markets across the country. The new outlet reflects the brands continued commitment to craftsmanship, consistency and design excellence. With each expansion, Tyaani underscores the collective efforts of its teams, partners and loyal clientele who have contributed to its steady growth. The inauguration o

LAHORE, Apr 19: Over 2,200 Indian Sikhs on Sunday returned to their homeland after attending the 10-day Baisakhi Festival and the 327th Khalsa Janam Din celebrations in Pakistan, an official said. Pakistans Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board Qamar-uz-Zaman and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq saw the Sikh pilgrims off at Wagah Border, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) spokesperson Ghulam Mohyuddin said. Around 2,238 S

NEW DELHI, Apr 19 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday called on South Korean President Lee Jae Myung as he kicked off his visit to India, and asserted that the visiting leaders talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will boost the special strategic partnership between the two countries. In a post on X, Jaishankar also shared some photos of his meeting with President Lee. Honoured to call on President @Jaemyung_Lee of the Republic of Korea as he begins [] The post Confident PM Mod

Corruption, extortion paralyse governance, economy PURULIA, (WB), Apr 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a broadside against the TMC Government in West Bengal, accusing it of changing the states language and culture through infiltration, neglecting tribal areas and presiding over what he called Maha jungleraj. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Addressing a rally in Purulia that has a significant tribal population, Modi sought to sharpen the BJPs political pitch in J

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 19: Tawi Building Material today announced the opening of its newest branch located at Karan Bagh, Airport Road, Jammu. This expansion marks a significant milestone as the company grows its footprint to better serve homeowners, builders and architects across the region. The showroom was designed by an interior designer Supuniya Dang and was inaugurated by Bhagwant Dang and Pushpa Dang. Click here to watch video The new showroom features an extensive selection o

LONDON, Apr 19: The UK government is marking the birth centenary of the late Queen Elizabeth II this month with a new independent charity that will honour her lifelong commitment to public service by focusing on bringing communities together across the country. The Queen Elizabeth Trust will be formally launched on Tuesday, which would have been the British monarchs hundredth birthday, with a one-off government endowment of 40 million pounds as a catalyst for future fundraising. King Charles III

NEW DELHI, Apr 19: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued draft amendments to the regulations governing registration and licensing of medical practitioners, proposing special provisions for doctors serving in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), according to a notification. The draft titled Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practice Medicine (Amendment), Regulations 2026, published in the Gazette on April 7, seeks to amend the 2023 regulations by introducing ena

Panels to meet top brass of Govt, Admn, others *RS Secretariat reminds Members on guidelines Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Apr 19: With budget session of the Parliament concluding, a number of Parliamentary Standing Committees (PSCs) are scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir beginning next month including the Panel on Home Affairs. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Committees will be interacting with the people, stakeholders, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah,

Grand, impressive Shoba Yatra taken out in Kathua Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 19: Four-day long celebrations in connection with Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti by the Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, concluded today with Yagnopaveet ceremony of Hindu boys at a well-attended function held in the premises of the Sabha with religious fervour and enthusiasm. Amidst Vedic rituals, the Yagnopaveet was performed by adorning sacred thread to the young boys, who were also ordained into Gayatri Mantra by

MOSCOW, April 19: US President Donald Trump said Israel had proven itself to be a great US ally that knew how to win. Whether people like Israel or not, they have proven to be a GREAT Ally of the United States of America, Trump said on TruthSocial. He said Israel knows how to win, unlike some who have shown their true colors during conflict and under stress. The president did not provide further details. The comments have come a day [] The post Trump calls Israel great US ally that knows how to

Cong empowered females from one dynasty: Sharma Avtar Bhat JAMMU, Apr 19: Accusing opposition parties led by Congress for hatching a conspiracy to derail the Womens Reservation Bill, Union Minister, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri warned that they (Opposition) played with fire and will face serious consequences for this. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Talking to media persons here today along with Rajya Sabha MP and former National Commission for Women (NCW) chairpe

KOLKATA, Apr 19: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday termed the Trinamool Congress as anti-women, accusing it of foiling the efforts to pass the womens reservation bill in Lok Sabha. He claimed that there was no valid reason to oppose the bill. Rijiju told a press meet that there should not have been any reason to oppose the bill by four-five parties, including TMC, Congress and now women of Bengal will teach the TMC, as they are angry with the [] The post Rijiju terms TMC anti-women for oppos

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 19: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah today called for the preservation and protection of the regions rich cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of not only visiting heritage sites but also understanding their historical and cultural significance. In a press statement issued on the occasion of World Heritage Day, Dr Farooq highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir remains a vibrant center of cultural heritage. He noted t

DEHRADUN, Apr 19: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and its allies, accusing them of intentionally stalling a bill to amend the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, or womens quota law, to prioritise party interests over national progress. The remarks followed an exchange between the BJP and the opposition parties over the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and incre

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 19: A cricket match was organized today to support the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan, aiming to spread awareness against drug abuse and promote a healthy lifestyle among youth. The match was played between The Bench Warmers and Vintage 11, delivering an exciting contest. Batting first, The Bench Warmers posted a strong total of 215 runs in 20 overs. Soumay Jain starred with a brilliant 91 off 52 balls, while Aneesh contributed 57 off 38 [] The post B

Jambu Lochan T20 Cricket tourney Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 19: The ongoing 1st Jambu Lochan T20 Cricket Tournament, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Masters Games Association (JKMGA) at Maulana Azad Stadium, witnessed two thrilling encounters, with Rajouri Titans and Tantray Sports Club registering convincing victories in their respective matches today. In the first match, Hunter Cricket Club, after winning the toss, opted to bat first but were bowled out for 135 runs in 19.5 o

NEW DELHI, Apr 19: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Indian handlooms were presented with contemporary global designs at the 61st Femina Miss India in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, unveiled as part of the Vishwa Sutra Weaves of India for the World collection. The initiative was led by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). It brought together 30 distinct handloom weaves from across the co

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 19: Disha Pandith, a promising Kashmiri Pandit athlete, was honoured with the Maa Sharika Sammaan Award 2026 by Kashmiri Sewak Samaj for her outstanding achievements in Sqay, a traditional martial art of Kashmir. Disha has earned international recognition through her consistent performances and dedication to the sport. Apart from her achievements, she has been actively contributing to the development of young athletes from the Kashmiri Pandit community by organ

NEW DELHI, Apr 19 : The Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) on Sunday said over 2,500 beneficiaries, including artisans and craftspeople, have been trained on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme to improve their livelihoods and business potential. The initiative aligns with the vision of AI for Social Good, as emphasised by the Prime Minister during the IndiaAI Impact Summit and reflected in the Delhi Declaration, according to a stateme

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 19: A 17-day Box Cricket Tournament organized at Inder Village, RS Pura concluded on a high note, witnessing enthusiastic participation and strong community support. The event was held in memory of Lala Sain Dass Gupta (Ex-MLC) and Vidya Devi and featured a total of 64 matches, providing a platform for local youth to showcase their cricketing talent. Team Dhinday Kalan emerged as the winner after defeating Team Bhour Camp in a closely contested final. Th

Excelsior Sports Correspondent Jammu, Apr 19: The 9th match of the 2nd Sher-e-Kashmir Day & Night T20 Cricket Tournament 2026, held under the Say No to Drugs campaign, witnessed an impressive performance by Royal Legend Club as they defeated Champion Cricket Club in a one-sided contest. The tournament, organized by Youth National Conference Jammu, aims to promote sportsmanship among youth while spreading awareness against drug abuse. After winning the toss, Champion Cricket Club opted to bat fir

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 19: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) signed off their home campaign in style with a convincing 2-0 victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC in an Indian Football League (IFL) clash at TRC Ground on Sunday. Playing in front of a packed stadium, RKFC started on the front foot, maintaining high intensity and controlling possession throughout the match. Their attacking pressure paid off just before halftime when they scored in the 45th minute to take a 1-0 [] The

JAMMU, Apr 19: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of Congress on Sunday hit out at the BJP over a blatant and desperate assault on democracy under the guise of womens empowerment, saying womens rights cannot be reduced to campaign rhetoric or used to justify institutional manipulation. Congress spokesperson Namrta Sharma said the failure to pass a bill to amend womens reservation law in the Lok Sabha marked a decisive rejection of the BJPs attempt to weaponise womens rights to push [] The post BJP Blata

VASUDEVANALLUR (TAMIL NADU), Apr 19: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday slammed the Congress and DMK over the defeat of the amendment bill regarding the Womens Reservation Act in Parliament but said the government was determined to implement it and that no power in the world can stop us, from doing so. Addressing a poll rally in support of BJP candidate Ananthan Ayyasamy here in Tenkasi district for the April 23 Assembly polls, he lashed out at the ruling DMK [] The post Will Implement Wom

SRINAGAR, Apr 19: Two US nationals were detained at the Srinagar International Airport on Sunday after a satellite phone was recovered from their luggage during routine screening, officials said. The two have been detained for questioning, the officials said. Further details are awaited. (Agencies) The post Two US Nationals Detained At Srinagar Airport After Satellite Phone Found In Luggage appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SRINAGAR, Apr 19: A US national was detained at Srinagar International Airport on Sunday after authorities found him in possession of a satellite phone, sources said. The individual has been identified as Jeffrey Scott Prather, a resident of Montana, USA. Sources said that he was intercepted during routine security checks, following which security agencies took him into custody for questioning. The use of satellite phones is strictly regulated in the Kashmir, and possession without prior authori

JAMMU, Apr 19: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday alleged that opposition parties led by Congress hatched a conspiracy to derail the Womens Reservation Bill, warning they have played with fire and will face serious consequences. Addressing a press conference alongside Rajya Sabha MP and former National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma here, Puri said even at the last minute, the government made efforts to accommodate the oppositions concerns to ensure passage of the b

SHIMLA, Apr 19 : For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, womens reservation is a matter of faith and commitment, not mere legislation, said Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, underscoring that over the past decade, women-centric governance has been at the heart of policy-makingfrom flagship welfare schemes to the rise of nearly 40% women-led StartUpsreflecting a consistent effort to position women as key drivers of Indias development The Minister launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the INDI

CHANDIGARH, Apr 19: Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Sanjay Seth slammed the opposition and its allies over the womens quota bill defeat, accusing them of betraying women and prioritising politics over a crucial issue. A Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats and implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures from 2029 under Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhiniyan was defeated in the Lower House on Friday. While 298 members voted in support of []

Srinagar/New Delhi, Apr 19: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Umer Harris, alias Khargosh (rabbit), is believed to be in Saudi Arabia after managing to escape the country using a forged passport issued in the name of Sajjad, claiming to be a resident of Rajasthan, officials said on Sunday. The Srinagar Police, which is spearheading the investigation into the inter-state LeT terror module, has shared details with central intelligence agencies, raising concerns about systemic loopholes that allow su

JAMMU, Apr 19: A conviction rate of just 12.6 per cent in corruption cases over the last six years has put a spotlight on the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Jammu and Kashmir, which sent 214 cases to various courts in the last six years but could manage only 27 convictions. According to data provided by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in reply to an RTI query by Jammu-based activist Raman Sharma, in the last six years, the ACB received a massive volume [] The post J&K ACB Report Card: 23,798 Complai

EXETER (UK), Apr 19: Social media videos are claiming that mouthwash can raise the risk of high blood pressure and potentially damage heart health. According to some of these videos, this is caused by mouthwash wiping out good oral bacteria that are important for the cardiovascular system. While its a striking message, dont throw your mouthwash away just yet. The reality is far more complex. Our mouths contain a wide variety of bacteria. Together, these bacteria form a balanced [] The post Freq

LONDON, Apr 19: Senior Cabinet ministers on Sunday rallied around UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose leadership is teetering over his decision to give Britains most important diplomatic job to Peter Mandelson, a scandal-tarnished politician and friend of Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer will face restive lawmakers in Parliament on Monday to fight for his job after the explosive revelation that Mandelson was appointed ambassador to the United States despite failing security checks. Starmer says hes fu

SHIMLA, Apr 19: A portion of the salary of officers and employees of the Himachal Pradesh government has been deferred for a period of six months in a bid to efficiently manage financial resources, according to a notification issued by the Finance Department on Sunday. According to the notification, the deferment will be effective from May, 2026 and is temporary in nature. Thirty per cent of the salary of the chief secretary, additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, director general

COLOMBO, Apr 19: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake here on Sunday and held discussions on various initiatives, including the Indian housing project, and fishermen issues between the two South Asian neighbours. Radhakrishnan, who arrived here earlier in the day on a two-day visit, also discussed with Dissanayake the ongoing Indian project implementation in Sri Lanka with emphasis on the USD 450 million Cyclone Ditwah aid offered by India. Accompani

ERODE (Tamil Nadu), Apr 19: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday lashed out at the Congress and DMK for voting against the Womens Reservation amendment bill in the Lok Sabha, accusing them of betraying women from getting the quota in Parliament and state Assemblies. However, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government would not allow the conspiracy to succeed and ensure justice for the women of the country, he said. Addressing a roadshow here in support of his partys Modakurichi [] The post W

NEW DELHI, Apr 19: Indias banking sector remains resilient in the backdrop of heightened geopolitical uncertainties, with a majority of bankers anticipating a non-food credit growth of 11-13 per cent during January-June 2026, according to the FICCI-IBA Bankers Survey unveiled on Sunday. The outlook is supported by improving balance sheets, steady economic activity, sustained demand across multiple segments of the economy with robust retail and SME credit momentum, and early signs of revival in p

Lucknow, Apr 19: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said the BJP-led NDA has no right to remain in power at the Centre because its failure to get a Constitution amendment bill passed in the Lok Sabha to tweak the womens quota law has shown that it didnt represent the will of the people. The opposition, in real terms, represents peoples will, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said. Speaking at the party headquarters here, Yadav also said that [] The post Defeat of bill on wo

SRINAGAR, Apr 19: Security has been beefed up at tourist spots across Kashmir ahead of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were shot dead by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists on April 22 last year, officials said here. All security agencies have been asked to remain alert for any possible subversive activities on the eve of the Pahalgam terror attack anniversary, especially around tourist spots, they said. Preparatory meetings to devise a foolproof security plan were

NEW DELHI, Apr 19: To tackle the menace of digital arrest frauds, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will on Monday unveil an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that will help people verify the authenticity of notices issued to them. The chatbot, Abhay, will be launched by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on the occasion of the 22nd D P Kohli Memorial Lecture organised by the CBI in honour of its founding director, officials said. The CJI will deliver the [] The post Digital A

JAMMU, Apr 19: A court in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur has sentenced two inter-state drug peddlers from Punjab to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment each in a 2020 NDPS Act case, police said on Sunday. The convicts, Jaspreet Singh and Sandeep Singh, both residents of Ludhiana, were also fined Rs 1 lakh each. In default of payment, they will undergo an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment, the police said. They were apprehended on September 9, 2020, after being found [] The post 2 Punjab

JAMMU, Apr 19: The District Administration Poonch has issued directions for the conduct of a Civil Defence air mock drills and blackout mock exercise across the district from April 20 to 24. According to an official communication from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, all key departments, including police, health, PWD, Jal Shakti, SDRF, and Fire & Emergency Services, have been asked to coordinate closely with Civil Defence authorities to ensure smooth execution of the exercise Authorities h

NEW DELHI, Apr 19: Observing that expressways must not become corridors of peril due to administrative lethargy or infrastructural gaps, the Supreme Court has issued a slew of pan-India guidelines for enhancing road safety, including a ban on parking of heavy vehicles on such roads. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar pointed out that national highways constitute two percent of Indias total road length but account for nearly 30 percent of all road fatalities. A bench of [] The po