Daily Excelsior

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 18: The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Jammu, organized an interactive session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) skill training for its students today. Two skill-based training programmes-Fundamentals of Data Annotation Using Python and Fundamentals of Data Curation Using Python-are currently being conducted for the students of C

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 18: Dr Tasaduk Hussain Itoo, an eminent physician from Village Poshkreri in District Anantnag, J&K, has been conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH), United Kingdom. The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), one of the UKs leading public health organizations, grants Fellowship status to individuals who have shown distinguished achievement and dedication in the field. The honour places Dr Itoo among a global

JEDDAH, Apr 18 : The first batch of Indian pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday for the annual Haj pilgrimage, the Indian mission in Saudi Arabia said. The first group of Indian Hajis was received at Madinah Airport by Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Consul General @CGIJeddah Shri Fahad Suri, along with Deputy Ministers @HajMinistry H.E. Prof. Abdulaziz A. Wazzan and H.E. Eng. Ayad Abdulrahman Rahbini and other senior Saudi officials, Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia posted on [] The po

NEW DELHI, Apr 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday delivered a combative address to the nation, turning a significant legislative setback into a political rallying point by casting the failed Womens Reservation push as a broader moral and ideological battle between his government and what he described as an anti-reform Opposition. Speaking a day after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 fell short of the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, Modi accused Opposition p

Dewanshi Verma dewanshivermaa@gmail.com Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most important and auspicious festivals in Hinduism. In 2026, it will be celebrated on 19 April 2026 (Sunday). It falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Baisakhi. The word Akshaya means never diminishing, and it is believed that any good deed, charity, or investment made on this day continues to grow and bring lifelong prosperity and success. In Hindu religion, Akshaya Tritiya [] Th

Nishikant Khajuria nishikantkhajuria@gmail.com Over the past week, while working on this feature, I noticed a surprising sense of envy toward some students at the University of Jammu all because of the degree program they are pursuing. I wish I could turn back the clock to my late teens and enrol myself in that very program just to design the future entirely of my choosing. Youve likely guessed which one I am talking about: the undergraduate Design Your Degree program [] The post Design Your De

Mohammad Ayaz Raina ayazraina@gmail.com In todays fast moving digital world, mobile phones have become an important part of our daily lives. They help us communicate, learn, and stay entertained. However, when their use crosses healthy limits, especially among children, they begin to harm more than they help. What starts as a convenience can slowly turn into dependency, affecting a childs mind, behaviour, and overall development. One important point every parent must remember is this, if a child

Race against time at Mubarak Mandi Palace Sunny Dua sunnydua55@gmail.com Once the seat of power from where the Dogra rulers governed their kingdom, the Mubarak Mandi Palace today stands as a hauntingly beautiful yet fragile reminder of a glorious past. Spread across nearly 12 acres and comprising 25 buildings over more than 400,000 square feet, this grand complex once housed coronations, royal residences, the army headquarters and even the nerve centre of governance. Over time, it evolved into a

Anil Kumar Sharma aksjkb@gmail.com When Time Begins to Speak, Wisdom Must Learn to Listen There comes a quiet moment in life often unnoticed at first when the pace slows, the noise fades, and time, instead of chasing us, begins to sit beside us. For those who have crossed sixty, this moment is not a decline, but a profound transition. It is not an ending, but a reorientation of life itself. Yet, the grace of this phase depends not on years [] The post Fortunate to be senior citizen, life after s

Dr Banarsi Lal kvkreasi@gmail.com Monkeys are wreaking havoc in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Their burgeoning population and habitat shift from forests to towns has created a new level of man-animal conflict in this hilly UT. Monkeys damage the crops and leave farmers grappling with losses that have badly affected J&K economy thus affecting the livelihood of the farmers. Due to the damage of agricultural crops some farmers are abandoning agricultural occupation and searching some ot

We got 100 pc blessings of Nari Shakti NEW DELHI, Apr 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday warned the Congress and its allies that the women of India will severely punish them for the sin of foeticide after they killed a bill on womens reservation in Parliament and state assemblies. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp In an address to the nation, Modi apologised to the women, and said the Government may have lost the vote but it [] The post Women will severely punish Cong, all

Fayaz Bukhari SRINAGAR, Apr 18: The Government today took over the management of 57 schools associated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) across Kashmir. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp An official said that the schools were directly or indirectly affiliated with the JeIs Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT) and the Government took over their management. He said that the takeover followed Government order No. 149/Edu/JK dated 17.04.2026 issued to this effect yesterday. Click here to watch v

CM prays for successful completion Irfan Tramboo Srinagar, Apr 18: The annual Hajj pilgrimage from J&K commenced today with the departure of the first batch of 432 pilgrims for Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, from Srinagar International Airport. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The pilgrims, who had assembled at Haj House Bemina earlier, were transported to the airport amid coordinated arrangements by authorities, marking the formal start of this years pilgrimage from the Union Territory.

Meetings to give nod to start shortly Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Apr 18: The Government has given major weightage to the MLAs in finalization of district Capex (Capital Expenditure) Plans as they are now only elected representatives after the District Development Councils (DDCs) too ceased to exist in February this year while the Block Development Councils (BDCs), Panchayats and Municipalities have already been rendered non-functional due to no elections. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAp

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Apr 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dedicated a Memorial, Museum, and Library in Rajouri to honor the lasting legacy of Martyr ADDC Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa. Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa attained martyrdom in unprovoked shelling by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to Dr. Thapa, recalling his selfless service and steadfast dedication to public welfare. This memorial will inspire generations to come, he said. The event also featured a d

NEW DELHI, Apr 18: Flexible and transparent gold investment options are likely to remain popular alongside physical buying on this Akshaya Tritiya, to be celebrated on Sunday, as investors show a clear shift towards modern alternatives to the yellow metal, say analysts. With Akshaya Tritiya traditionally considered an auspicious occasion for gold purchases, analysts said investor participation is gradually evolving, with growing interest in financial investment avenues alongside traditional phys

Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Apr 18: In a firm step towards strengthening administrative discipline and accountability, the Deputy Commissioner constituted dedicated teams to conduct surprise inspections across Government offices in the district. Acting on these directions, the teams carried out surprise visits across the entire district including the District Headquarters. During the inspections, 172 employees were found absent from duty without authorization. Consequently, show cause notice

NEW DELHI, Apr 18: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted an advisory body to provide specialised technical, policy, and strategic expertise to support the functioning of the recently constituted AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG). As an advisory body for the AIGEG the Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) will provide it expert inputs necessary to make well-informed decisions on policy design, regulatory measures and Indias engagements in A

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 18: State Election Commissioner, Jammu & Kashmir, Shantmanu today conducted an extensive tour of Udhampur and Jammu districts to review the ongoing progress of the revision of Panchayat Electoral Rolls-2026. He inspected special camps at Panchayat Ghar Tikri, Mand East and West and Panchayat Ghar Garnai in Udhampur district besides Panchayat Ghar Jhajhar Kotli, BDO offices Dansal and Nagrota in Jammu district. The State Election Commissioner inspected the on

When Mohammad Ashraf Mir, a Government employee in Jammu and Kashmir, learnt that his ten-year-old son was battling ependymoma a serious neurological tumour classified Grade II by the WHO the instinct of every parent took over. He moved the child first to SKIMS Soura, and when the gravity of the condition demanded more specialised intervention, he did what any father would: he spent the money and sought care wherever that care could be found. The bill came to [] The post Medical Reimbursement

* BJP deprived women of 33 % quota: Bhalla Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 18: JKPCC chief, Tariq Hameed Karra today said that Prime Minister Modi has no moral right to continue in the office and should step down following failure of his Government to get through the ill conceived constitutional amendment bill, aimed at delimitation through backdoor under the garb of women quota. Addressing a rally of party workers at Bahu in Jammu, JKPCC chief said that Modi Government failed [] The post Mod

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 18: In an effort to strengthen parent-school collaboration and provide insight into its unique teaching approach, Modern Montessori International (MMI) Preschool, Trikuta Nagar, conducted a warm and engaging Orientation Programme today. The session, led by Principal Poonam Sharma, aimed to familiarise parents with the Montessori method adopted by the school. All five key areas of Montessori education were clearly explained and thoughtfully demonstrated, enablin

Excelsior Correspondent YOL (Himachal Pradesh), Apr 18: Highlighting the indispensable importance of Yajna in human life, Swami Ramswarup Yogacharya, stated that Yajna is path to divine living. A 78-day Yajna based on the four Vedas is currently being conducted at the Veda Mandir, Yol under the leadership of Swami Ramswarup, Yogacharya. Addressing to the devotees, Swami Ji explained the origin and meaning of the word Yajna,. He said that it is derived from the Sanskrit root Yaj, which signifies

Excelsior Correspondent KISHTWAR, Apr 18: The District Administration Kishtwar, under the supervision of the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar and with execution led by the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, has announced comprehensive, technology-driven arrangements for the upcoming Shri Machail Mata Yatra, which commenced on the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi on April 14. The yatra marks the ceremonial return of the revered deity from the winter abode at the house of

Excelsior Sports Correspondent REASI, Apr 18: Wrestler Nishant of Baba Fly Akhara, Punjab, clinched the title in the 44th International Salora Dangal 2026 by defeating Ishaq Ahmed (Lallu) of J&K Police, Jammu, in a hard-fought final bout held at Salora in District Jammu. Nishant, winner of the first mali bout, was awarded a cash prize of Rs 90,000 along with the prestigious Salora Kesari Patta, while runner-up Lallu received Rs 60,000. A total of 61 bouts were contested during the [] The post Pu

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Apr 18: Transporters across Kashmir today called for a valley-wide chakka jam on Monday to protest the expansion of Smart City bus services into districts, warning of a complete halt of public transport. Click here to watch video The call was issued by Shabir Ahmad Matta, president of the All J&K Transporters Welfare Association, who said the agitation was triggered by the Governments plan to introduce 200 additional buses and extend services beyond Srinagar. A

Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Apr 18: The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Samba, Anuj Kumar, visited Police Station (PS), Vijaypur to review its overall functioning. He was accompanied by SDPO Vijaypur. During the visit, SSP Samba held a detailed interaction with the Investigating Officers and others police personnel of PS Vijaypur emphasizing the importance of their role in maintaining law and order, preventing and detecting crime and ensuring public safety. He stressed the need for prom

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 18: Army Public School (APS) Ratnuchak organised a vibrant Orientation Programme for Classes I to XII at the Khetarpal Auditorium, bringing together students, parents, and faculty in a shared vision of holistic excellence. The initiative was designed to align the aspirations of learners and their families with the schools commitment to academic achievement and overall development. The programme began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the pu

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 18: In a significant step towards strengthening public health awareness and preventive healthcare, a 100 days Tuberculosis (TB) Eradication Programme was conducted by the Health Department at the Home for the Aged & Infirm, Amphalla, Jammu. The programme was organized with the objective of promoting awareness about Tuberculosis (TB), its prevention, early detection, and complete treatment, in alignment with the Governments mission to eliminate TB. The programme

Excelsior Correpondent KATHUA, Apr 18: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma today conducted a public outreach programme at Dhar Mahanpur and listened to a wide range of grievances and demands projected by the local residents. Public highlighted the damaged Kholi TalaiKatham road, pending land compensation and demanded a 6 km NailiKatham road. Residents of Dhar Korah Panchayat sought water supply renovation, veterinary and allopathic hospitals and restoration of the Zero MorhSanganghat road

KULGAM, Apr 18: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today laid foundation stones for several key developmental projects in Kulgam district and also dedicated vital infrastructure to the public. MLA, Kulgam, M.Y Tarigami; Mission Director ICDS, Director AYUSH, ADC Kulgam, senior officers of district administration, other sectoral officers and large number of locals were also present on the occasion. In line with the Governments sustained push for

Excelsior Correspondent RAMBAN, Apr 18: Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, along with Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta today held an interaction with prominent citizens and religious leaders of the district to discuss issues related to communal harmony, peace and social responsibility. The meeting was attended by ADC Varunjeet Singh Charak, Additional SP Mujeeb-Ur-Rehman, Dy. SP Hqr Waqar Bhat and other senior officers. During the interaction, the Deputy Commissioner and

NEW DELHI, Apr 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said opposition parties had mercilessly crushed the dreams of women by not allowing the womens reservation bill to pass in Parliament despite the governments best efforts. In an address to the nation, a day after a bill to implement womens reservation in legislatures was defeated in the Lok Sabha, Modi said the self-serving politics of parties like the Congress, the DMK, the TMC, and the Samajwadi Party has come at [] The post Oppositio

New Delhi, Apr 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed the opposition parties for defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha to tweak womens reservation and apologised to the mothers and sisters in the country saying Womens Power Bill could not pass in Parliament. In Address to the Nation, PM Modi said crores of women across the country had their eyes on Parliament yesterday and noted that while naitons interest in paramount for BJP-led NDA, for some [] The post Womens P

Every citizen of India is watching how dreams of our women have been crushed: PM Modi in address to nation The post Every citizen of India is watching how dreams of our women have been crushed: PM Modi in address to nation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Opposition has committed a sin by opposing women reservation and they will be surely punished for this: PM Modi in address to nation The post Opposition has committed a sin by opposing women reservation and they will be surely punished for this: PM Modi in address to nation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Opposition parties have insulted our Constitution by defeating bill for womens reservation in legislatures: PM Modi in address to nation The post Opposition parties have insulted our Constitution by defeating bill for womens reservation in legislatures: PM Modi in address to nation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NEW DELHI, Apr 18: India on Saturday summoned Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali after two Indian vessels had to reverse course in the Strait of Hormuz following an incident of firing by Irans Revolutionary Guards, authoritative sources said. A strong protest was lodged with the ambassador over the incident, they said. There is no official word yet on summoning Fathali to the external affairs ministry. Several commercial vessels tried to cross the Strait of Hormuz after Iran on Friday announced that

JAMMU, Apr 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has posted Ravi Kumar Sihag as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rajouri in the interest of administration. He replaces Chander Parkash, who has been asked to await further orders in the General Administration Department. In addition to his new role, Sihag will also hold the charge of Registrar at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU). Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, has been relieved of the additional charge of Re

Srinagar, Apr 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday assigned additional responsibilities to Dr Piyush Singla, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Information Technology Department, in the interest of administration. According to Government Order No. 806-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated April 18, Dr Singla, who is already holding additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Public Grievances Department, shall now also hold the charge of Administrative Secretary, Transport Department and Hospitali

BHADERWAH/JAMMU, Apr 18: After remaining closed to commuters for over three months owing to snowfall, the strategic 140-km BhaderwahChamba interstate road linking Jammu and Kashmir with Himachal Pradesh was reopened for vehicular traffic on Saturday, officials said. The road, a key link for interstate connectivity and the tourism sector, was closed after heavy snowfall in the Bhaderwah sector on December 31 last year. In recent weeks, the authorities began snow-clearing operations, which were ca

New Delhi, Apr 18: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday accused the Centre of conspiring to change the federal structure of the country in the garb of womens reservation and asserted that the defeat of the bill to amend the womens quota law in the Lok Sabha was a victory of democracy and opposition unity. Addressing a press conference here, the Congress general secretary underlined that the opposition was not against reservation for women and would support the Womens [] The post Cen

NEW DELHI, Apr 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Congress and other parties will have to pay a price for not supporting the bill for the early implementation of the womens reservation and asked Union ministers to expose the oppositions anti-women mindset before the people, according to sources. At a Cabinet meeting, the prime minister reaffirmed his governments support and commitment to get the womens reservation implemented in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The sources also s

DUBAI, Apr 18: Two Indian vessels have had to reverse course in the Strait of Hormuz following reports of gunfire from Irans Revolutionary Guard, a vessel-tracker said. TankerTrackers.com said the vessels include an Indian-flagged super tanker, carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil. Earlier, Iranian gunboats fired on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday (April 18, 2026), a British maritime security agency reported, after Irans military reversed a pledge to open the route to shipping. T

DE Web Desk JAMMU, Apr 18: The Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India, has ordered the transfer of 2023 batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer Pallavi Mishra from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab Cadre on grounds of her marriage to the same batch Punjab Cadre IAS officer Dr Aditya Sharma. In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-rules (2) of Rule 5 of the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules 1954 and with the concurrence of the Ministry of Home [] The post IAS Pallavi Mishra Transfer

JAMMU, Apr 18: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered the annual Darbar Move of its main wing from Jammu to Srinagar for the summer season of 2026. As per the order, several offices, including the main wing of the High Court, office of the Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice, Registrar Vigilance, Director of the J&K Judicial Academy, Registrar Rules, Registrar IT, and the Central Project Coordinator (e-Courts), will close in Jammu on April 30 [] The post Darbar Move: Hig

NEW DELHI, Apr 18: Four Indian Forest Service officers of the AGMUT cadre in the rank of Deputy Conservator of Forests have been transferred to different segments. As per the order, Satyaprakash Singh and Atharva Tiwari have been posted to the Delhi segment, while Sandeep Divyajyoti Behera has been transferred to Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the tenure of Amit Gemawat in the Delhi segment on an SDR post has been extended for a period of one year. The post Four AGMUT Cadre IFS Officers Transfer

LEH, Apr 18: In a landmark initiative to preserve Ladakhs ancient heritage, Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday laid the foundation stone for Indias first Petroglyph Conservation Park on the banks of the Indus River here on World Heritage Day. Petroglyphs are prehistoric images, symbols, or carvings etched, pecked, or engraved directly onto rock surfaces. The park aims to serve as a dedicated conservation space for centuries-old rock carvings (petroglyphs) that are increasingly under thre

JAMMU, Apr 18: Separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah was arrested by the NIA in connection with a three-decade-old terror case and remanded in the agencys custody for 10 days by a special court on Saturday, officials said. Shah was arrested by the Srinagar branch of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday in the 1996 case involving a terrorist attack on policemen during a militants funeral, and was produced before the Patiala House Court in Delhi which allowed a three-day [] The post Sep

NEW DELHI, Apr 18: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday termed the Congress anti-women for foiling the efforts to pass the womens reservation bill in Lok Sabha, and said the governments attempts to give women their rightful place in decision-making will continue. Addressing a press conference at the conclusion of the Budget session, the parliamentary affairs minister also said that while the government and the ruling alliance were sad that the womens reservation bill did not get the Lok Sabha