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NEW DELHI, Dec 3: Delhi court has ordered framing of charges against the Uphaar fire tragedy convict Sushil Ansal in a separate case for allegedly concealing criminal cases and submitting false declarations to renew a passport. Ansal was booked by the crime branch of Delhi Police in 2019, and he was accused of furnishing false information, as he failed to declare his conviction in the 1997 Uphaar cinema fire tragedy. Chief Judicial Magistrate Shriya Agrawal of Patiala House Courts, in [] The pos

NEW DELHI, Dec 3: Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi safety app, amid a row over his ministrys order asking smartphone makers to preload the state-run cybersecurity app on all new devices. In Lok Sabha, Scindia said the app is for the protection of the people. Sanchar Saathi app se na snooping sambhav hai, na snooping hoga, the minister said during Question Hour. In the context of [] The post Snoo

LUCKNOW, Dec 3: BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday said she will no longer visit major memorial sites dedicated to key social reformers on their birth and death anniversaries, citing public inconvenience due to security arrangements made for her. In a detailed post on X, Mayawati said during four terms of the BSP rule in Uttar Pradesh, the government honoured great social reformers and icons such as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, Sree Narayana Guru, Dr B R Ambedkar and [] T

Approves Animal Protection Board Jammu, Dec 3 ; The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met here this morning and cleared a series of departmental proposals, including promotions in the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department and the establishment of the Animal Protection Board, officials said. The meeting, held at the Chief Ministers Jammu residence at 9 am, discussed multiple administrative matters linked to governance and development, Issues concerning electricity,

Fixed deposit (FD) laddering is a strategy where you split a lump sum into several FDs with different maturity dates. The Fixed Deposit interest rate across multiple FDs may vary depending on various factors. An FD ladder is an effective investment strategy that allows you to access a certain part of your funds in need without breaking the fund entirely. Using an FD Interest Calculator can help you estimate the returns for each FD in the ladder, see how compounding [] The post Step-by-Step Guide

NEW DELHI: (Dec 3) Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday claimed that since coming to power, the Modi government has displayed a particularly venal streak of cynicism in relation to environmental protection, while alleging that it has now nearly signed a death warrant for Aravalli hills. She demanded that the government must withdraw the amendments it bulldozed through Parliament in the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 as well as the Forest Conservation Rules (2022).

NEW DELHI: (Dec 3) Leaders of several opposition parties met in Parliament on Wednesday to discuss their joint strategy for the Winter Session. Floor leaders of various parties, including the Congress, DMK, RJD, SP, JMM, CPI-M, CPI, IUML, NCP-SP, and SS-UBT, attended the meeting, while Trinamool Congress (TMC) skipped it. The TMC was also absent from the last meeting of Opposition leaders, held on December 1 the first day of the winter session. The post Oppn leaders meet in Parliament to discus

The post Delhi MCD bypolls: BJP wins 7 wards, AAP 3, Congress opens account appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Indias healthcare landscape is changing, and health protection is moving from being a luxury to a basic household priority. With Ayushman Bharat, the government is encouraging more families to think seriously about structured medical cover and long-term planning. Public schemes can offer a strong starting point, but they do not remove the need for thoughtful decisions at home. As families deal with rising medical costs and lifestyle-related conditions, choosing the right mix of protection become

RAIPUR, Dec 2:The chatter around the volatile dressing room environment notwithstanding, India will rely on Virat Kohlis imperious form and Rohit Sharmas indomitable presence to seal a series victory over a doughty South Africa in the second ODI, here on Wednesday. A record-extending 52nd ODI century by Kohli and a rapid 57 from Rohit paved the way for Indias 17-run win in the series-opener at Ranchi, where the home bowlers endured a spirited fightback from the Proteas before managing to [] The

Can intruders be given red carpet welcome? NEW DELHI, Dec 2: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sharply questioned the legal status of Rohingyas living in India and asked whether intruders should be given a red carpet welcome while the countrys own citizens grapple with poverty. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made sharp observations while hearing a habeas corpus (bring the person) petition filed by rights activist

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State for Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that the next major global revolution will be bio-driven, and that India is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation on the strength of its deep-tech capabilities, robust startup ecosystem and rising domestic in

NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Tuesday said that Tamil is receiving its rightful place of honour and continued national support. In a video message for the fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, the vice president welcomed this years theme, Let us learn Tamil, which, he said, reinforces linguistic and cultural harmony. He also appreciated the initiative of 50 Hindi-speaking Tamil teachers and coordinators, trained by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil in Chennai

Kharge, Sonia, Rahul join protest NEW DELHI, Dec 2: With vociferous Opposition protests over the SIR stalling Parliament proceedings for a second day, the Government on Tuesday told both Houses that it has invited leaders from various parties for talks to end the stalemate, but stressed that no timeline be set for the discussion. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Government was willing to discuss any iss

*Pushes for modernization of KU & JU Music & Fine Arts Institutes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 2: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation status of the four new Labour Codes, one of Indias most significant labour reforms aimed at simplifying compliance systems and improving worker welfare across Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting was attended by the Secretary Labour & Employment, Secretary IT, Secretary Law, Labour Commissioner, Director Indu

MARRAKECH (Morocco), Dec 2: When Dhiraj Mahey and his team sent out an open call for talent last year to play a South Asian-origin boy in their new film, little did they know their movie would soon become a movement. We received 1,000 audition tapes, beams Mahey, a British-Indian producer with roots in Uttar Pradesh, about the remarkable response to their project featuring a bevy of brown-skinned children. The film, modestly titled Ish, was about South Asian children growing up [] The post South

NEW DELHI, Dec 2 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday termed the naming of the Prime Ministers Office as Seva Teerth and the governors office and residence as Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas an important milestone in the journey to a developed India. In a message on X, Shah said that for the past 11 years, the Modi government has been synonymous not with power, but with service, in which the topmost leader of the government [] The post PMOs renaming to Seva Teerth milestone in Indias journey: A

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 2: Jammu and Kashmirs pride, Anekha Devi from Bani, Kathua, was accorded a grand reception by the Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) and Amar Singh Sports and Youth Initiative J&K for her stellar performance in the Womens T20 Blind World Cup, where India emerged victorious. At a ceremony held at the Maharaja Hari Singh Statue, Tawi Bridge, several YRS members, supporters of Anekha Devi and local admirers honoured her for her achievement. Prominent YRS leaders, incl

Condition of roads not good due to construction work *Pay for grant, land; then change University rules Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Dec 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said construction of the bunkers in forward areas is underway but priority is to ensure that situation on the borders remains calm. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp In brief chat with media persons during his visit to twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, Omar said work is on for construction [] The post Raisi

MUMBAI, Dec 2: Finland Ambassador to India Kimmo Lahdevirta on Tuesday expressed hope that the soon-to-be-concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union will be a game-changer for his countrys partnership with Maharashtra state, which accounts for nearly one-third of the total Finnish companies in the country. Lahdevirta, who led a high-level delegation of Finnish companies on a strategic two-day visit to Mumbai on December 1-2, also said that the two sides share a lo

Rs 1046.25 Cr provided under DRF in last 4 yrs Bivek Mathur JAMMU, Dec 2: The Union Government today informed the Parliament that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir had an opening balance of Rs 2,499 crore in the Union Territory Disaster Response Fund (UTDRF) as on April 1, 2025. The amount is available for managing relief and response to notified natural disasters during 2025-26. The information was shared by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand [] The post Disaster mit

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 2: Jammu & Kashmir inched closer to a knockout berth in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite Group B after securing a commanding 29-run victory over Chandigarh at the Jadavpur University Campus Ground, Kolkata. With this impressive win, J&K registered their third triumph in four matches, strengthening their position in the group standings. Opting to bowl first, Chandigarh were met with a fierce batting display by J&K, who posted a formidable 192 all out in

Dr Ashwani Kumar ashwinsociology@gmail.com Democracy is often described in terms of constitutional rights, elections, and institutions. Yet most citizens encounter democracy in a far more ordinary way: through the tone of the state. The way an official speaks, listens, responds, or dismisses becomes the everyday language through which people judge whether the state respects them. Tone may appear like a small detail, but it quietly reflects the moral quality of governance. It signals whether the

Facts Dont Lie Dr Varinder Sharma drvarindersharmabjp@gmail.com Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs recent claim that merit, not religion guides MBBS admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) has triggered widespread debate. But more importantly, it has exposed deep inconsistencies and a worrying willingness to mislead the public on an issue that affects the future of hundreds of hardworking medical aspirants. Omar Abdullahs statement that admissions should

Excelsior Correspondent BANDIPORA, Dec 2: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, today conducted a series of inspections across the district to assess the progress of key developmental projects and review critical power infrastructure. The visit commenced with the inspection of the Construction of Residential Apartments for PRIs/ Protected Persons at Watapora Bandipora, a major infrastructure project being executed by the Public Works Department (PWD). The project, with an origina

World Disability Day Dr Sonia Gupta soniaguptapt@gmail.com Every year, World Disability Day-also known as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities-is observed on December 3rd to promote understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. The theme for 2025, Advancing Accessibility and Inclusion Through Technology and Rehabilitation, carries special relevance for Jammu & Kashmir, where a significant proportion of

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 2: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today conducted a comprehensive review of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) being implemented by the department across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by DG Rural Sanitation Anu Malhotra; Mission Director NRLM Shubhra Sharma; Director RDD Jammu Shahnaz Akhter; Director Panchayati Raj Sham Lal; Director Finance Umar Khan; CEO IWMP Rajn

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 02: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today officially launched the Department of Performing Arts of Cluster University of Jammu (CUJ) besides releasing the official logo of the department in a grand celebration held at Abhinav Theatre here today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo highlighted that the inauguration marks a significant expansion of universitys academic and cultural landscape,

Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Dec 2: Samba police has foiled two bovine smuggling attempts in the jurisdiction of Police Station (PS) Ghagwal and rescued 14 bovines from the clutches of bovine smugglers. The vehicles Tata- 407 and a passenger bus have been seized which were being used by bovine smugglers for illegal transportation of milch animals. Police said acting on information received from reliable sources, a team of Police Station (PS) Ghagwal has intercepted a passenger bus bearing Regi

Ravinder Kaul JAMMU, Dec 2: The play Jasma, presented by the Department of Performing Arts, Cluster University of Jammu, in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, is an adaptation of the Gujarati play Jasma Odan written by Shanta Gandhi in the year 1967 and first performed in 1968 by the National School of Drama Repertory Company. Kavi Rattan Sharma, the legendary theatre personality of Jammu, who was a student of NSD (1966 to 1969) saw the performance [] The post Jasma: S

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 2 : The All J&K Low Paid Government Employees Federation (LPGEF) has submitted a memorandum to Chairman 8th Pay Commission demanding that until the recommendations of 8th Pay Commission are received, 50 per cent of DA be merged with the basic pay and interim relief of at least 20 percent of the Basic Pay be granted to employees and pensioners to cope with the current trend of rising prices. The memorandum signed by convener of the [] The post LPGEF submits memo

Excelsior correspondent DODA, Dec 2: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda, Harvinder Singh today chaired a meeting in the conference hall, DC Office Complex to review progress under the District Capex Plan. The meeting took stock of the pace of ongoing development works and assessed the physical and financial progress of the projects undertaken under the current year Plan. A detailed sector-wise and constituency-wise presentation was made by the concerned departments. The meeting was informed about the

Dr. Banarsi Lal Every year 2nd of December is observed as the National Pollution Control Day in India.This day is observed in the memory of people who lost their lives in Bhopal gas calamity.Bhopal gas tragedy occurred in the year 1984 on the night of 2-3 December.Many people died due to harmful gas Methyl Isocyanate also known as MIC.Bhopal Gas Tragedy is considered as one of the biggest industrial pollution disasters.On the night of December 2-3,1984, a toxic gas leak [] The post Sustainable M

Dr. Parveen Kumar The second day of last month of the year celebrated as the National Pollution Control day is a day dedicated to awareness and sensitization of masses on a very important issue of pollution; having a very detrimental effect to all forms of life on this planet. At the same time, the day also reminds us of our role and responsibilities to control the menace of pollution in every form and that emanating from every source. Among the [] The post Combating Agriculture Pollution appear

NEW DELHI, Dec 2: The Union home ministry on Tuesday appointed senior advocate Madhav Khurana as the special public prosecutor for conducting trial and other matters in the case related to the November 10 car blast near the Red Fort that claimed 15 lives, a government order said. Khurana has been appointed special public prosecutor (SPP) for three years on behalf of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct trial and other legal matters before the NIA special court and [] The post Delhi

VIENNA, Dec 2 : The United States and Russia have both recently threatened to resume nuclear testing, alarming the international community and jeopardising a global norm against such tests. Experts say these threats from the worlds two largest nuclear powers put pressure on nonproliferation efforts and endanger global peace and security. Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis, US President Don

HONG KONG, Dec 2: Hong Kong will set up an independent committee of inquiry headed by a judge to determine the cause of a deadly apartment block fire that shocked the city, and to make recommendations to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again, its leader said Tuesday. John Lee, the chief executive of the Chinese region, pledged to overcome vested interests and bring about systemic change in the construction industry after a fire that killed at least 151 [] The post Hong Kong to start in

WARSAW, Dec 2: Poland has received 32 of the latest US Abrams M1A2 tanks, Polish Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Bejda said. The fourth delivery of the latest Abrams tanks. Currently, 32 M1A2 tanks are being unloaded at a Polish port, Bejda said on X on Monday. He noted that these tanks will enter service after undergoing modifications at the Polish Armaments Group plant. In 2022, Warsaw and Washington signed a USD 4.75 billion contract for the supply of 250 Abrams [] The post Poland receives 32 A

WASHINGTON, Dec 2: US President Donald Trump urged Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to leave the country by November 28, and after that deadline, announced the closure of Venezuelan airspace, the Reuters news agency reported, citing sources. The phone call between Trump and Maduro, which lasted less than 15 minutes, took place on November 21, the report said on Monday. During the conversation with Trump, Maduro mentioned a full amnesty for him and his family members, as well as the lifting [] Th

MOSCOW, Dec 2: Russias lower house of parliament, State Duma, on Tuesday ratified a key military pact with India ahead of President Vladimir Putins state visit to New Delhi on December 4-5. The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) signed on February 18, between the two governments was sent to Duma last week for ratification by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Our relations with India are strategic and comprehensive, and we value them. We understand that todays ratification of the agr

ISLAMABAD, Dec 2: Pakistan parliament on Tuesday passed a landmark bill to protect the rights of non-Muslims and establish a dedicated commission for minorities. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar moved the National Commission for Minority Rights Bill 2025 which was passed by the National Assembly and Senate in a joint session after intense debate. The bill was delayed for 10 years and politics should not influence it, Tarar said on the occasion, adding that the passage of the bill marks [] The post

KATHMANDU, Dec 2 : The Nepal government has decided to observe the Gen Z Martyr Day on Bhadra 23 every year as per the Bikram Era calendar in honour of those killed in the anti-government protests. The day fell on September 8 this year when at least 22 people, mainly students, were killed after the then K P Sharma Oli-led government opened fire at the Gen Z protesters near the Parliament building in Kathmandus Nayabaneshwor. In total, 76 people were [] The post Nepal to observe Gen Z Martyr Day

ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 : Pakistan on Tuesday alleged that its relief operations for cyclone-hit Sri Lanka were being hampered by lack of cooperation by India by delaying permission to use its airspace, a claim denied by New Delhi. India on Monday expeditiously heeded to Pakistans request to use Indian airspace to send humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, people familiar with the matter said. They said the official request for overflight was submitted by Pakistan at around 1300 hours (Indian time) []

NEW YORK, Dec 2 : Indias Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, has held fruitful conversations with a group of influential American lawmakers on strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, defence, and trade. In a social media post on Monday, Kwatra said he was honoured to host US Senators Lindsey Graham, Richard Blumenthal, Sheldon Whitehouse, Peter Welch, Dan Sullivan, and Markwayne Mullin at India House, the Ambassadors official residence in Washington. He expressed gratitude for their suppo

TEL AVIV, Dec 2: India has signed up to procure additional satellite-linked Heron MK II drones under emergency provisions, aiming to significantly enhance its defence capabilities following their effective use during Operation Sindoor, according to an Israeli defence industry source. The Heron MK II Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), already in service with the Indian Army and Air Force, will now be incorporated into the Indian Navy, said the source working with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

New Delhi: A high-level delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party today called on Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri J.P.Nadda in New Delhi to discuss the growing concerns over the recent MBBS admissions at #Shri_Mata_Vaishno_Devi_Institute_of_Medical_Excellence (SMVDIME), #Katra, an institution run by the Shri Mama Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The delegation comprised Union MoS (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh, J&K BJP President & MP (Rajya Sabha) Shri Sat Sharma, Leader of O

VADODARA, Dec 2: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the countrys first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to build the Babri masjid using public funds, but Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel didnt allow his plans to succeed. He also claimed that Nehru had suggested that funds collected by the common people for building a memorial for Patel after his death be utilised for constructing wells and roads. Addressing a gathering at Sadhli village near Vadodara as part of a Unity March [] The pos

By Fatima Baloch When the Afghan Taliban captured Kabul on August 15, 2021, Pakistan celebrated. The Prime Minister, military officials, and other high-profile politicians declared it a victory for Pakistan. Yet continued attacks from Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the secular Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), combined with the AfghanPakistan clashes of October 1415, 2025, quickly shifted the narrative. In the context of Afghanistans improving regional relations, Pakistan now labels the Af

NEW DELHI, Dec 2: With vociferous Opposition protests over the SIR stalling Parliament proceedings for a second day, the Government on Tuesday told both Houses that it has invited leaders from various parties for talks to end the stalemate, but stressed that no timeline be set for the discussion. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was willing to discuss any issue and had invited leaders from various parties for a dialogue, but asserted [] T

Every room deserves a statement, something that instantly catches the eye and ties the entire space together. While art or furniture often takes that role, lighting can be just as powerful. A well-placed decorative light can transform a simple room into a stylish, inviting space. Whether its a cosy apartment or a spacious home, one striking fixture, when thoughtfully chosen and placed, can define your interiors. Add the flexibility of smart home lights, and you have the perfect blend of [] The p