Daily Excelsior News

NEW DELHI, Dec 29: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday that from January 1 next year, 100 per cent Australian product categories will be duty-free for Indian exports. He also said Indias exports to Australia rose 8 per cent in 2024-25 with major gains witnessed across chemicals, textiles, plastics, pharma, petroleum products, and gems and jewellery sectors. From January 1, 2026, 100 per cent Australian tariff lines will be zero-duty for Indian exports, unlocking fresh oppo

Harsha Kakar kakarharsha@gmail.com It took the Government over four decades but finally the APHC (All Party Hurriyat Conference) has been buried. The APHC at its peak comprised of 26 secessionist parties and leaders in Kashmir, which split in 2003 between hardline and moderate factions. The burial of the organization was announced by Kashmirs chief cleric and separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who announced that he is removing the designation Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference from his

Prof K S Chandrasekar vc@clujammu.ac.in India is poised to be the third-largest economy soon. Bharat is aiming for a $5 trillion economy and expects its services sector to contribute more in this regard. Banking is no exception. If we see the key business drivers across sectors, it is the development in technology with easier accessibility to knowledge and the thrust for globalization. Had there been no recession in the USA, which ensured liquidity of major banks, the banking sector would [] The

NEW DELHI, Dec 29 : Silver prices retreated from record highs to trade lower by nearly 3 per cent at Rs 2.32 lakh per kg in the futures trade on Monday as investors booked profits after sharp gains amid weak global trends. In a highly volatile session on Monday, silver touched a lifetime high of Rs 2,54,174 per kg in early trade, prompting investors to take profits. Silver futures plummeted by Rs 7,124, or 2.97 per cent, to hit a [] The post Silver retreats from record high on profit-booking, go

MeT forecasts snow in J&K on New Year eve *Train, vehicular traffic also badly hit Gopal Sharma/Fayaz Bukhari JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Dec 29: At least six flights were cancelled and 10 others delayed as dense fog enveloped Jammu today while weatherman has forecast snowfall in Kashmir and mountainous areas of Jammu region on the eve of new year, as Western Disturbance (WD) is approaching Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow evening. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp With the fog, mostly in plain [] Th

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today interacted with the IAS Officer Trainees of the 2025 Batch, who are on their 5-day visit to Jammu as a part of the Winter Study Tour (Bharat Darshan Programme). The Officer Trainees are currently undergoing Phase-1 training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie. During the interaction, the Lieutenant Governor shared his insights on governance and public service. He also highli

BEIJING, Dec 29 : Nepalese authorities have intensified a crackdown against illegal cross-border matchmaking following revelations that brokers and online intermediaries marketed Nepali women as potential brides for Chinese nationals, a Chinese media report said. The crackdown against bride buying intensified after Nepals immigration officials last month found several young Nepali women living in rented apartments with Chinese nationals in the capital, Kathmandu. The Chinese men admitted to film

BEIJING, Dec 29 : The PLA Eastern Theater Command has dispatched its Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force troops in the Taiwan Strait to conduct drills code-named Justice Mission 2025, showcasing its assertion over the island nation, which Beijing claims is a sacred and inseparable part of its territory. The drills also serve as a warning to outside forces against supporting Taiwanese independence. The exercises serve as a stern warning against Taiwan Independence separatist forces and extern

NEW DELHI, Dec 28 : The government has exempted certain imported copper products from the mandatory quality control order for one year, according to a notification. The exemption is subject to an actual user basis. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has received various request from industry association for issuance of No Objection Certificate for facilitating the import of specialized copper products for use in various sectors. In this regard, DPIIT in consultation with

Pak says it will face humanitarian crisis *DPRs of many projects being expedited Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Dec 29: India has been fast tracking clearances for construction of projects to divert flow of three rivers in Jammu and Kashmir to its own areas to stop water flowing to Pakistan while Pakistan has written to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) president, UN Secretary General and UN General Assembly president seeking their intervention on suspension of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) by India in [

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 29: Ahead of New Year, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the PMO, Personnel Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today inaugurate the new Secretariat complex of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), describing it as a key milestone for the future bioeconomy of India. The BRIC Secretariat office complex is located on the 4th Fl

Provide public transport to these destinations Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 6th meeting of Wildlife Board for the UT of J&K, at Lok Bhavan, here today. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Board accorded wildlife clearance to several projects and recommended some proposals to National Board of Wildlife for final approval. These included projects of 4G-saturation, Jal Jeevan Mission, re-alignment of transmission lines, setting up

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 29: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra today alleged that the mainstream political space in J&K was being systematically pushed to the wall, warning that the suppression of peoples voices was an undemocratic approach with potentially serious consequences. Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters here, Karra said the manner in which elected representatives were being treated reflected a disturbing trend. O

BADULLA, Dec 29: The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has stepped up its role in post-cyclone recovery efforts by supporting the rehabilitation of schools and pre-schools damaged by Cyclone Ditwah in the Badulla and Passara education zones. In a statement, the SLN said its personnel are providing technical expertise and labour for renovation work at several affected institutions. These include Bibilegama Maha Vidyalaya in Badulla, Maussagolla Maha Vidyalaya, Wellagolla Maha Vidyalaya, Al Abim Vidyalaya, Sri

LUCKNOW, Dec 29: Extensive renovation of religious, cultural and historical sites, along with the development of modern tourism infrastructure, have posited Uttar Pradesh as the most popular destination for domestic tourism and in fourth place in terms of foreign tourist arrivals. According to data released by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, more than 137 crore domestic tourists visited Uttar Pradesh in 2025, besides 3.66 lakh foreign tourists, the state government said in a statem

KOLKATA, Dec 29 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today laid the foundation stone of Durga Angan, billed to be the biggest such shrine in the world, to be built on a 17.28 acre of land opposite Eco Park in New Town, the eastern part of the city, at an estimated cost of Rs 262 crore. Describing the laying of foundation stone of Durga Angan, a historic to perpetuate and preserve UNESCO recognised heritage Durga Puja, Ms Banerjee said [] The post Bengal CM lays foundation stone of Dura A

CHANDIGARH, Dec 29 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday accused the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee of failing to find the 328 missing saroops (sacred copies) of Sikh holy book Guru Granth Sahib, and accused it of using the Akal Takht as a shield to protect its masters. Manns statements come a day after the five Singh Sahiban, or heads of the five Sikh temporal seats, asked the AAP government to stop meddling in the internal matter of Sikhs [] The post SGPC using Akal Takht as

ITANAGAR, Dec 29: As part of its continued efforts towards border area development, the Indian Army, under Operation Sadbhavna, has constructed a double-storeyed homestay at the remote border village of Taksing in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. The facility has been dedicated to the local community under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). The project was executed by the Spearhead Division of Spear Corps with the objective of strengthening community welfare, generating sustaina

NEW DELHI, Dec 29 : The maiden flight test of Pinaka long-range guided rocket was conducted successfully on Monday, and it impacted the target with textbook precision, the defence ministry said. The test was conducted at Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 km demonstrating all in-flight manoeuvres as planned. The maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) was conducted successfully at Integrated Test Range,

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: In order to commemorate the Shahidi-Saptah of Singh-Shishu, 34th Margdarshan-Day and the Martyrdom-Day of Pt Premnath Bhat, a national webinar organised by Panun Kashmir was held here today. The activists joined from J&K, Delhi, Mumbai, Noida, Faridabad and Gurgaon etc. Members paid rich tribute to the memory of all martyrs who sacrificed their life for the cause of Desh and Dharma. They expressed their opinion about the fate and future of the struggle in e

Excelsior Correspondent KARGIL, Dec 29: Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho conducted inspection of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) warehouse for the 4th quarter to review the security and availability of election-related equipment. During the inspection, the ADC checked the EVM warehouse and enquired about fire safety equipment, fire balls, CCTV surveillance, and other security-related equipment. The inspection was carried out in the presence of DSP (DAR), Tundup Dor

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: The Court of Principal Sessions Judge Udhampur, Virinder Singh Bhou, today convicted a foreign national of Myanmar (Burma) and sentenced him to two years imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10,000 in a case arising out of FIR No. 33/2024 registered at Police Station Udhampur. The accused, Mohd. Shah Jalal, was tried in the case titled UT of J&K Versus Mohd Shah Jalal for offences under Section 3 of the Indian Passport Act and [] The post 2 yrs imprisonment

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 29 : Senior BJP leader and Seh-Prabhari Kathua District, Sanjay Kumar Baru today called upon Ashish Sood, Minister for Home, Education, Power, Urban Development, Higher Education, Training & Technical Education, Government of NCT of Delhi. He discussed several issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir, with special focus on the challenges faced by students from the region pursuing education in Delhi. During the meeting, Baru highlighted that a large number of stude

Leh, Dec 29: Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta on Monday launched the Ladakh land records web GIS portal developed by the Revenue Department, describing it a significant step towards good governance and digital transformation with the primary objective of providing simple, transparent, and reliable services to citizens. He said the land records are the cornerstone of any administration, with clear, updated and authentic records playing a vital role in protecting citizens rights as well as in developmen

JAMMU, Dec 29: Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) today submitted its 66th Annual Report for the year 2024-25 to the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, at Lok Bhavan Jammu. The delegation of the Members of the Commission Dr Rajiv Singh, Tariq Ahmad Zargar, Shri Yashpal Kotwal and Asaf Mehmood Sagar, was led by Chairman JKPSC, Arun Kumar Choudhary. The report was submitted in terms of Article 323(2) of the Constitution of India. The report outlines a year of [] The post J&K Public

Jammu, Dec 29: The population of Kashmir Stag, popularly known as Hangul, has shown a significant and encouraging increase over the years at a breeding centre in south Kashmir, officials said on Monday. It reflects the success of sustained conservation efforts by the Department of Wildlife protection, they said. According to officials, the population of the endangered and iconic wildlife species has risen to 323 at the Hangul Breeding Centre in Tral, marking a steady growth from 127 in 2008. []

SRINAGAR, Dec 29: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmirs Shopian district on Monday suspended the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services until further orders, over security considerations. According to a police spokesperson, the deputy commissioner directed the suspension of VPN services with immediate effect in the interest of maintaining public order and ensuring security. He said the order has been issued in view of the prevailing security considerations and to avoid potential misuse of VPN

JAMMU, Dec 29: In a significant administrative move, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the immediate transfer and posting of 18 Principals and assigned look after charge to 63 senior Associate Professors to lead various Government Degree Colleges. See Order Copy Click Here The post Higher Education Department Orders Major Reshuffle Of College Principals appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jammu, December 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired the 6th meeting of Wildlife Board for the UT of J&K, at Lok Bhavan. The meeting was attended by Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Departments; Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal and Mian Mehar Ali, Members of Legislative Assembly; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary to Government,

Borduwa (Assam), Dec 29: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday accused the Congress of considering Bangladeshi infiltrators, who threatened Assams people, their culture, land and identity, as its vote bank. Addressing a public rally here, Shah said the Centre would identify all illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country, not only from Assam but also from the rest of India, and send them back. He also claimed that the enactment of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) (IMDT) A

Mendhar/Jammu, Dec 29: Police on Monday seized an unidentified drone found abandoned in a field in a forward village in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district, officials said. Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police received an input about a drone abandoned in a field at village Gohled in Mendhar sector this afternoon, they said. A police party was immediately rushed to the spot and the drone was recovered, the officials said, adding an investigation is underway to identify the owner [] The pos

NEW DELHI, Dec 29:The government is seeking over USD 30 billion from Reliance Industries Ltd and BP as compensation, alleging the partners built larger-than-required facilities at the KG-D6 fields and subsequently failed to meet natural gas output targets, sources said. The government made the claim during its submissions before a three-member arbitration tribunal that on November 7 concluded hearings on the 14-year-old dispute. The tribunal is expected to give its award sometime next year and

JAMMU, Dec 29: The Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has appointed Justice Rahul Bharti as the Vacation Judge for the Srinagar Wing of the High Court from January 19 to January 24, 2026. The appointment has been made in partial modification of High Court Order No. 1891 of 2025/RG dated December 18, 2025, replacing Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani. See Order Copy Click Here. The post Justice Rahul Bharti Appointed Vacation Judge For Srinagar Wing appeared first on Daily Exc

Kupwara, Dec 29: The district administration Kupwara on Monday ordered a complete suspension of the use of Virtual Private Network services across the district for a period of two months, citing concerns related to public safety, cyber security and maintenance of law and order. According to an official order issued by District Magistrate Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, the decision was taken after communications were received from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kupwara and Handwara, repor

HYDERABAD, Dec 29: Hyderabad-based mental health and suicide prevention helpline 1Life recorded over 38,000 calls in 2025, highlighting a sustained rise in emotional distress and mental health concerns across India, the organisation said on Monday. According to data released by 1Life, the helpline received 38,437 calls between January and mid-December 2025, with callers seeking support for issues related to financial stress, relationship breakdowns, academic pressure, workplace challenges, ident

Jammu, Dec 29: One person was detained for allegedly uploading a misleading video related to a clash between two communities in Kishtwar district, police said on Monday, issuing a public advisory cautioning citizens against misuse of social media. In a related development, Kishtwar District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma on Monday issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), directing strict regulation and compliance with the statutory framework governing d

NEW DELHI, Dec 29: The Union Law Ministry took a crucial step this year to help the central government shed the tag of being the biggest litigant, but at the same time, efforts towards promoting mediation, which can eventually help in reducing court pendency, have fallen short. The year 2025 also saw the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner under a new law, which has been dubbed by the opposition as non-inclusive. As part of [] The post Law Ministry takes big step

SRINAGAR, Dec 29: A senior police officer on Monday issued directions for enhanced inter-agency coordination, round-the-clock surveillance, strict access control and a robust emergency response mechanism during a security review of the Navyug Tunnel, a key link on the strategic Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The joint security review meeting was chaired by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kulgam, Anayat Ali Chowdhary, to assess and strengthen existing security, safety and traffic manageme

NEW DELHI, Dec 29: A study of older adults in Canada has linked sleep apnoea with a 40 per cent higher chance of mental health conditions, including anxiety and mood disorders. Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common disorder in which muscles in the throat relax and narrow the airways during sleep, impacting breathing and oxygen levels in the blood. This results in a poor quality of sleep and fatigue or sleepiness during the day. The long-term ageing study, published [] The post Study links sleep

New Delhi, Dec 29: The defence ministry on Monday approved procurement of long range rockets, missiles, radar systems and military platforms worth Rs 79,000 crore to bolster the militarys combat prowess. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, green-lighted the proposals. The DAC approved procurement of loiter munition systems for the Armys artillery regiments. It also cleared acquisition of low level lightweight radars, long-range guided rocket ammuniti

SRINAGAR, Dec 29: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the Centre should impress upon state governments to stop incidents of communal violence when they take place in their respective territories. It is the duty of the Centre to tell the states that such incidents should be stopped, Abdullah told reporters at the party headquarters in Srinagar. He was commenting on an incident of alleged stone-pelting on a mosque and madrassa in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The

Guwahati, Dec 29: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated a Rs 111-crore new building of Guwahati Police Commissionerate and a surveillance system, comprising 2,000 CCTVs, for the city. Shah also inaugurated an exhibition on new criminal laws, organised by the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), at the newly unveiled police commissionerate office. At an official function here, the Union home minister unveiled the two projects, developed at a total cost of Rs 292 crore. The

DHAKA, Dec 29:Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman submitted his nomination papers on Monday for the upcoming elections. The papers were filed around 12:00 pm on Monday at the office of the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner in Segunbagicha, the Daily Star reported. Abdus Salam, BNP chairpersons adviser, accompanied by Professor Dr Farhad Halim Donar, chief adviser of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), submitted the nomination on Rahmans behalf. Rahman will contest t

ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: A Pakistani senator on Monday said that weaponisation of water will further inflame the already tenuous ties between Pakistan and India. The remarks by Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman came after a panel under the Ministry of Environment in New Delhi approved a hydel power project on the Chenab River. The clearance came in the backdrop of India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. In [] The

ANKARA, Dec 29: Turkiyes interior minister says six Islamic State militants and three police officers were killed in a clash that broke out in northwest Turkiye. The shooting occurred in Yalova province, south of Istanbul, on Monday, as police stormed a house where the militants were hiding. Eight other police officers and a night guard were wounded, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya told reporters. (AP) The post Official says 6 Islamic State militants, 3police officers killed in clash in northwe

LONDON, Dec 29: IPL founder Lalit Modi on Monday apologised for calling himself and Vijay Mallya the two biggest fugitives of India in a video posted on social media and said that his statement was misconstrued. In the now-deleted video from Mallyas 70th birthday celebrations in London, Lalit Modi joked about the pairs status as the two biggest fugitives of India. Issuing an apology, Lalit Modi said in an X post, I apologise if I have hurt anyone feelings, [] The post Misconstrued: Lalit Modi a

NEW DELHI, Dec 29: Arvind Fashions Ltd on Monday said it will acquire Flipkart groups 31.25 per cent stake in Arvind Youth Brands Pvt Ltd for Rs 135 crore. Arvind Youth Brands Pvt Ltd (AYBPL) is currently engaged in the business of wholesale and retail of apparel and accessories under the brand name Flying Machine. It had a turnover of Rs 432.16 crore in the financial year ended March 31, 2025, the company said in a regulatory filing. Over [] The post Arvind Fashions to acquire 31.25 pc stake o

NEW DELHI, Dec 29: Ceigall India on Monday said it has secured an infrastructure order worth over Rs 1,000 crore in Madhya Pradesh. Its arm Ceigall Infra Projects Private Ltd has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation Ltd (MPRDC) for the construction of the IndoreUjjain Greenfield (Access Control) four-lane highway, the company said in a statement. The project will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) over a period of 24 months. [] The post

NEW DELHI, Dec 29: Gold emerged as one of the biggest winners of 2025, posting record demand and historic price levels as investors across the world turned to the yellow metal amid prolonged global uncertainty. Data released by the World Gold Council (WGC) shows that from the first quarter through the third quarter of the year, gold demand strengthened steadily, with investment activity and central bank purchases playing a decisive role. The year opened on a strong note. In the [] The post Gold

Samba, Dec 29: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a proposal of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu, for a state-of-the-art Forensic Institute in the Union Territory. The proposal had been sent to establish an institute to consolidate evidence collection, increase conviction rates and help in better investigation and diagnosis in the health sector, officials said. A forensic institute is coming up in J&K. AIIMS has submitted a proposal (for setting up the inst