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Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: In a landmark achievement for Jammu & Kashmirs sporting community, runner Vijay Sharma has qualified for the world-famous Boston Marathon after clocking an impressive 3:14:45 at the 9th Adani Ahmedabad Marathon. With this performance, he becomes the first athlete from J&K in the 45 to 50 age category to secure a spot in the prestigious global event, marking a moment of pride for the Union Territory. The marathon transformed Ahmedabad into a vibrant hu

Reasons to be given for cut, Rules to be amended Open Merit category may get at least 40 pc jobs, seats Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Dec 1: With all-important reservation issue dominating the agenda, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called Cabinet meeting here on December 3 amid reports that Government jobs and seats in educational institutions for Open Merit candidates may go up from present 30 percent to 40. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Cabinet meeting is scheduled [] The post W

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 1: Jammu and Kashmirs kayaker Mohsin Ali brought laurels to the region by winning one gold and one bronze medal at the Fourth Tehri Water Sports Cup-2025, held at Tehri Lake, Uttarakhand. The competitions were conducted from November 28 to 30. Mohsin clinched the gold medal in the 1000 mtrs K1 event and a bronze in the 200 mtrs K1 event, showcasing his skill and determination. In addition, he secured fifth place in the International [] The post Mohsin

*Praises Modi for linguistic respect Excelsior Correspondent LUCKNOW, Dec 1: Speaking at the Fifth International Urdu Conference held at Era University, former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad stressed the need for a joint campaign to preserve Urdu and Hindi. He said that both languages are hallmarks of Indian culture and should receive widespread encouragement in education, literature, and society. Azad, who was the chief guest at the International Urdu Conference, appealed to save and promote U

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The annual KC Sportathon-2025 was held at the floodlit multi-purpose sports ground of KC Public School, Jammu, with Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister presiding as the chief guest. The function was also graced by Anil Goswami (Retd), former Union Home Secretary, and SS Wazir (Retd senior police officer) as guests of honour. The Sportathon commenced with the lighting of the sports torch, followed by a welcome address by Principal AK Mishra

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Over 250 Army recruits from Jammu and Kashmir were formally inducted into the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI) regiment on Monday. The 262 young cadets from Kashmir districts such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Budgam and Srinagar, took oath as soldiers and pledged to defend the nation. Lieutenant General P K Mishra, General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps, reviewed the passing-out parade held at the JAKLI Regimental Training Centre in Dhansal. Fa

*Takes appraisal of roadmap to boost dairy development Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today presided over a meeting of the Multi-Disciplinary Committee (MDC) on Traffic Management Systems for Jammu and Srinagar, to take a comprehensive look at the measures already undertaken and those proposed for easing congestion, strengthening road safety, and improving overall urban mobility in both cities. The meeting witnessed participation of senior administrative and p

Digital devices seized Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI, Dec 1: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) today conducted searches at several locations in Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh as part of its investigations in the Delhi car bomb blast case. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Various digital devices and other incriminating materials were seized during the searches conducted at the premises of several accused and suspects, a statement issued by the federal probe agency said

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The reopening of Sir Colonel Chopra Nursing Home at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu now hinges on the approval of service rates by the Administrative Department, with the long-awaited facility otherwise fully prepared to resume operations after an eight-year closure. Click here to watch video While the Nursing Home has already been operationalized on a trial basis, the formal inauguration and complete rollout of services remain pending until rates for

He ensured JK remains integral part of India Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 1: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today joined the Sardar@150 Unity March (Padyatra) at Vadodara, Gujarat. The National Padyatra, which began at Sardar Patels family home in Karamsad, will cover nearly 190 km in 11 days, and will conclude at the Statue of Unity on 6th December. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Addressing the event on the theme Kashmir, Hyderabad and Sardar, said Sardar Vallabhbhai Pat

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: A meeting of the Committee on Petitions of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was held today under the chairmanship of Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah at Assembly Complex here. Members, Salman Sagar, Mushtaq Guroo, Vijay Kumar besides Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandit were also present in the meeting. CEO ERA, Shreya Singhal, briefed the Committee on factual position and present status of compensation cases. She assured the

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 1: A shopkeeper was stoned to death in remote Khodbanji area under the jurisdiction of the Police Post Teryath and Khawas Outpost in Rajouri district, here this evening. The incident took place around 6 PM when the alleged assailant entered the shop and hit the victim with a stone following some altercation. The deceased was identified as Manzoor Hussain (40), son of Qasim Din, who was running a Photostat shop. Reports said that after a brief [] The post Shop

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today visited the Ladakhi Girls Hostel at Muthi, where he interacted with the students and took first-hand stock of the issues and challenges being faced by them. The visit was part of his ongoing outreach programme to assess public facilities catering to students from Ladakh studying outside the Union Territory. During his interaction, the officials concerned and students apprised the LG about matters relat

Excelsior Correspondent LONDON, Dec 1: Son of the soil Dr Mukesh Chugh, Consultant Anaesthetist, was conferred the UK National Award for Outstanding Contributions to Equality and Diversity. He was conferred this award during the three-day Annual Conference by British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) from 28th to 30th November in London, celebrating excellence, leadership, and innovation across the UKs medical community. This distinguished award recognises individuals who have d

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The Ex-Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF) Welfare Association today urged the Government of India (GoI) to address the long-pending grievances of serving and retired CAPF personnel and ensure parity in benefits with defence forces. The appeal was made here during a press conference held on the 61st Raising Day of the Border Security Force (BSF). VK Sharma, retired DIGP and Chairman of the Association, paid tributes to BSF martyrs and saluted the Veer Naris f

COLOMBO, Dec 1: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayakes office on Monday announced setting up a special fund with public and private sector participation to help recover from the devastation caused by catastrophic floods and landslides due to Cyclone Ditwah. The announcement came as the death toll due to floods and landslides rose to 366 with 367 missing by 6 pm on Monday, the Disaster Management Centre said. Kandy district reported the maximum 88 deaths followed by 75 in Nuwara [] The po

MUMBAI, Dec 1: The impact of AI is going to be huge on the media and entertainment sector, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju said on Monday and urged the industry to embrace the technology and make the best use of it. Jaju also said that multiple rounds of proof-of-concept studies are being done at IIT Kanpur for the ambitious direct-to-mobile broadcasting project and many of these are going through a process of stakeholder consultations. The impact of AI is [] The post I&B Secy

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president for Jammu & Kashmir UT, Darshan Rana, has strongly opposed the recent statutory amendments introduced by the University of Jammu which allow non-domicile candidates to be considered for reserved category teaching posts, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professors positions. In a formal memorandum submitted to the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Darshan Rana stated that the amendment violates the

CHANDIGARH, Dec 1: Punjab Police on Monday said it has unearthed a Pakistan-linked cross-border arms smuggling module with the arrest of two persons. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Police also recovered seven weapons from their possession. Acting swiftly on intelligence inputs, Amritsar Commissionerate Police dismantles a #Pakistan-linked cross-border arms smuggling module and apprehends two operatives, recovering seven sophisticated pistols (three PX5 and four .30 bore), Direct

SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 01: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today visited the Nishat Water Treatment Plant to review its functioning and evaluate the treatment processes. The Minister was accompanied by legislators Showkat Ganai, Ali Mohammad Dar and Ghulam Mohiuddin. The Minister accompanied by concerned officers conducted a comprehensive inspection of the plants filtration, treatment and distribution mechanisms. They closely observed the

BISHNAH, Dec 1: MLA Bishnah, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, here today started construction work of a critical link road leading to Kanjak Devsthan at Sultanpur. The project will incur an estimated expenditure of Rs. 54 lakh. The new link road connecting the revered shrine to the main Bari Brahmana-Bishnah road is expected to vastly improve connectivity and provide significant relief to the local populace and will also enhance economic activities of Sultanpur village and adjoining areas. The MLA said:

RAMGARH, Dec 1: MLA Ramgarh, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal here today started blacktopping work worth Rs. 2.70 crore. The project will upgrade the crucial road stretch from village Abtal to SM Pura strengthening local road infrastructure and enhancing connectivity for commuters. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Manyal said this long-standing demand of the local residents has finally been fulfilled. He emphasized that the upgraded road will ensure smoother, safer and more reliable travel, benefiting dai

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has reconstituted the Union Territory level Screening Committee (UTLSC) and District Level Committee(s) (DLCs) under the Vibrant Village Programme-II. As per an order, the new UT level Screening Committee shall be headed by the Chief Secretary, with Administrative Secretaries of the Tourism, Agriculture Production, Power Development, Public Works (R&B), Industries and Commerce, Social Welfare, Cooperative, Skill Development,

Ram Rattan Sharma Environmental change, especially climate change, is significantly intensifying and increasing the frequency of natural disasters. The warming of the planet alters earths climatic systems, leading to more extreme weather events. These changes affect disasters related to weather and water such as droughts, floods, storms and wildfires. How environmental change drives Natural Disasters:-The primary mechanism is the increase in global temperatures, which affects the planets energy

Mohammad Hanief The G20 has emerged as one of the most influential forums shaping the worlds economic and developmental direction. In an era marked by uncertainty and rapid transformation, the grouping plays an essential role in strengthening global economic stability and setting the foundation for inclusive growth. Its influence extends far beyond economic coordination, touching upon climate policy, digital governance, food security, health systems, and the future of sustainable development. As

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting to review the progress of key e-governance and digital transformation initiatives being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N). The meeting besides Secretary IT, was attended by the concerned Administrative Heads of the Departments, several HoDs and senior police officers, DDG NIC, and representa

NEW DELHI, Dec 1 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said India values Thailand as a long-time friend and a very important maritime neighbour, and asserted that amid a rapidly-evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, New Delhi believes a regular exchange of views on pressing issues is very useful. Jaishankar made the comments in his opening remarks at a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, here. The Tha

NEW DELHI, Dec 1 : Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha J P Nadda on Monday lauded Chairman C P Radhakrishnan for deciding to join the RSS despite coming from a Congress family after withstanding pressure from his elders and listening to his own inner voice. Felicitating the new Chairman on his first day of chairing the house proceedings, Nadda countered Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, who claimed that Radhakrishnan hailed from Congress lineage as his uncle was a [] The post Nadda lauds R

NEW DELHI, Dec 1: The Indian Army today successfully carried out a combat missile launch of the BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile from a test range in the Bay of Bengal. The launch was executed in a precisely coordinated mission involving a BrahMos unit of Southern Command and elements of the Tri-Services Andaman and Nicobar Command. In a statement issued here today, the Ministry of Defence stated that the missile, equipped with advanced guidance and control systems, validated its performance, h

NEW DELHI, Dec 1: The Election Commission has strongly defended in the Supreme Court its ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, saying that allegations of mass deletion of genuine voters are highly exaggerated, speculative and politically motivated. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi on November 11 had sought separate responses from the poll panel on the pleas filed by the DMK, CPI(M), the West Bengal unit o

NEW DELHI, Dec 1 : The first day of the Winter session witnessed repeated adjournments of the Lok Sabha and an opposition walkout from the Rajya Sabha over demand for a debate on Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls as the government asserted that it is not averse to a discussion but a timeline cannot be set. Interacting with reporters in Parliament House complex before the start of the session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Opposition, accusing [] The post Lok Sabha sees

PUNE, Dec 1 : Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi on Monday termed as unfortunate the mistreatment meted out to journalists at the National Defence Academys (NDA) 149th Passing Out Parade (POP) held here a day earlier. The tone and language used by a few officers were inappropriate, the admiral acknowledged. Journalists, attending the POP event on Sunday, protested the media seating arrangement claiming they had been placed far from the parade ground, which hampered coverage. A senior o

NEW DELHI, Dec 1: Indias democracy can never be in danger and there will be no anarchy in the country as long as the Constitution framed by Baba Saheb Ambedkar is there, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said on Monday. The leader of the Republican Party of India (RPI) criticised those who raise concerns that India could witness anarchy like situation as witnessed in the neighbouring countries of Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh in the past. In the Rajya Sabha, Athawale [] The post Indias democracy

HYDERABAD, Dec 1 : Hyderabad Metro Rail on Monday said it has inducted 20 transgender personnel into its security services. After completing induction security training, the trained personnel have begun performing duties at selected metro stations and inside metro trains, a release from Hyderabad Metro Rail said. The induction of transgender personnel into the security workforce stands as a strong symbol of social empowerment and inclusivity and a significant step towards strengthening womens sa

PUNE, Dec 1 : Another feather in the cap of Pune, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, was recently added when Pune Airport made it to the top 20 by securing the 19th position in the country in terms of handling international passenger traffic. Situated at Lohegaon, Pune Airport is primarily a defence airport that shares the runway with the Indian Air Force and, therefore, has limitations in terms of expanding its operations. Despite the operational constraints and [] The post Pune

AMRAVATI, Dec 1 : YSRCP supremo YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday accused the Andhra Pradesh government of abandoning farmers resulting in one kilogram of bananas being sold in distress for as low as fifty paise, cheaper than a matchbox or a single biscuit. Terming it a cruel blow to farmers who invested lakhs of rupees and months of hard work, Reddy said they are only recieving pain in return. Hello India, look towards Andhra Pradesh! one kilogram of bananas [] The post One kg banana selling at fi

PANAJI, Dec 1: The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) on Monday submitted a complaint to police against actor Ranveer Singh alleging he insulted Goddess Chamundadevi during the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. According to the complaint, Singh had imitated on stage the divine form of a deity portrayed in the Kannada film Kantara-Chapter 1 and referred to Chamundi Daiva, revered by the Kotitulu community, as a female ghost. HJS representatives Pram

SHIMLA, Dec 1: The Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, is set to collaborate with Japans Hiroshima University to explore cooperation in areas such as joint seminars, faculty-student exchanges, research partnerships, tourism and cultural studies, agriculture and horticulture research, and socio-economic development programmes. This was decided in a high-level academic interaction on Monday in HPU, where an eight-member delegation from Hiroshima University engaged in an extensive dialogue w

NEW DELHI, Dec 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday voiced deep concern over the health of former Bangladesh prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia and offered all possible support. Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladeshs public life for many years, Modi said in a post on X. Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery, the prime minister said. India stands ready to extend all possible [] The post PM Modi voices concern

NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR, Dec 1: The CBI on Monday arrested an absconder carrying a Rs 10 lakh reward in connection with the sensational 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed, the daughter of the then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, for allegedly being part of a conspiracy hatched by members of the banned JKLF terror group. The person, identified as Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, is alleged to be a close confidant of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik. The Central Bureau [] The po

Jammu: The CSIRIndian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, on Monday celebrated its 85th Foundation Day with enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to scientific innovation. The event brought together senior scientists, dignitaries, and researchers who reflected on the institutes eight-decade-long journey and its expanding national footprint. Former Director of CSIR-CFTRI Mysuru, Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Kannan Srinivasan, Director o

Jammu: The CSIR -Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, successfully organized the Curtain Raiser and Outreach Event of the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF)-2025. The event showcased a series of inspiring and engaging activities, setting the stage for the 11th IISF-2024, scheduled to take place at Panchkula from 6th-9th December 2025. Prof. Pawanesh Abrol, Vice President of VIBHA (J&K) and Professor and former HOD, Department of Computer Sciences, University

Jammu, 1 Dec : Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today joined the Sardar@150 Unity March (Padyatra) at Vadodara, Gujarat. The National Padyatra, which began at Sardar Patels family home in Karamsad, will cover nearly 190 km in 11 days, and will conclude at the Statue of Unity on 6th December. Addressing the event on the theme Kashmir, Hyderabad and Sardar, the Lieutenant Governor said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel would have ensured complete and irreversible integration of Jammu Kashmir if he had

LONDON, Dec 1: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday defended his Treasury chief against opposition claims that she misled the public and the markets about the state of the public finances before last weeks budget. Starmer said there was no misleading in the run-up to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves tax-hiking budget, which the government hopes will raise money to reduce government borrowing, invest in infrastructure and public services, ease the cost of living and spur elusiv

ANKARA, Dec 1: Syria is preparing to reopen its embassy in Ankara and its consulate general in Gaziantep in the near future, the pro-government Turkish daily Milliyet reported Monday, citing diplomatic sources. According to the report, the reopening of the Syrian Consulate General in Gaziantep has already been placed on the official agenda, and preparations are actively underway to restore operations at the Syrian Embassy in Ankara. As part of the broader normalization efforts, Turkey has appoin

HONG KONG, Dec 1: Hong Kong authorities on Monday said the death toll from a deadly apartment complex blaze has risen to 151 after more bodies were found. Tsang Shuk-yin, the head of Hong Kong polices casualty enquiry unit, told reporters at the scene that teams had located another five bodies during searches throughout the day. They also recovered the bodies of three people who had already been found by firefighters but could not immediately be retrieved. The blaze [] The post Death toll in Ho

BEIJING, Dec 1: China urges Japan to take history as a mirror, deeply reflect on its past, take Chinas demands seriously, honestly retract its erroneous remarks, and demonstrate its political commitments to China through concrete actions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday. On issues of utter importance, the Japanese side should not harbor any illusion that they can fob off, Lin said at a regular news briefing. (UNI) The post China urges Japan to retract erroneous rema

COLOMBO, Dec 1: Sri Lankas main opposition party, the SJB, walked out of Parliament here on Monday to protest the Governments refusal to extend the session to discuss the aftermath of the Cyclone Ditwah disaster that left over 300 dead. Kabir Hashim, from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), said they wanted to place on record the lack of preparedness of the Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led government despite pre warnings of severe weather hitting the island. The National Peoples Power (NPP) [] The po

MUMBAI, Dec 1: The rupee depreciated 8 paise to close at 89.53 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, fuelled by strong market demand for the American currency. Forex traders said the sustained weakness in the rupee is primarily attributable to a widening trade deficit, the delayed India-US trade deal, and limited central bank intervention. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 89.45, then lost its ground and fell to a record low of 89.79 (provisional) [] The pos

WASHINGTON, Dec 1:President Donald Trump said Sunday that he would release the results of his MRI test that he received in October. If you want to have it released, Ill release it, the president said during an exchange with reporters as he travelled back to Washington from Florida. He said the results of the MRI were perfect. The White House has so far declined to detail why Trump had an MRI during his physical last month, or on what [] The post Trump says will release MRI results; doesnt know