Daily Excelsior

Srinagar, Jan 17: Cold conditions tightened its grip in Kashmir with a drop in minimum temperatures as the meteorological department forecast spells of wet weather, especially in the higher reaches of the valley over the next few days. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius on Friday night, down from minus 1.5 degrees Celsius the previous night. Shopian in south Kashmir was the coldest recorded place in the valley, with the mercury settling at a low of minus [] The post Cold Condit

THANE, Jan 16: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday thanked voters for the Mahayutis stellar performance in the polls to 29 municipal corporations and said the verdict was an emphatic endorsement of the state governments development agenda. The Shiv Sena won 75 seats in Thane, followed by 28 seats for alliance partner BJP. The NCP won nine seats, while the NCP (SP) emerged victorious on 12 seats. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won five seats. The Uddhav [

ITANAGAR, Jan 17: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday described the VB-G RAM G Act as a decisive and visionary reform that reinforces Indias commitment to rural empowerment and inclusive growth. Addressing reporters in Namsai district, Mein said the Act, envisioned under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, legally assures 125 days of employment in rural areas and strengthens livelihood opportunities and village-level infrastructure. This landmark legislati

Srinagar, Jan 17: The Meteorological Department Srinagar on Saturday issued a detailed forecast, warning of a fresh wet spell likely to impact the Union Territory over the coming days. Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that January 17 and 18 are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with the possibility of light snowfall over isolated higher reaches. He said that from January 19 to 20, weather conditions are likely to turn generally cloudy, with light to moderate rain and snowfall at [] The post Fr

JAMMU, Jan 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has accorded administrative approval for the permanent restoration of the damaged approach of the 4th Tawi Bridge near Bhagwati Nagar, which was affected during the August 2025 floods, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,975.16 lakh. See Order Copy Click Here. The post J&K Govt Approves Rs 1,975.16 Lakh For Permanent Restoration Of 4th Tawi Bridge Approach appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

New Delhi, Jan 17: The Congress on Saturday took a swipe at the Modi government and said the joint training exercise by American and pakistani troops was yet another blow to the self-proclaimed Vishwagurus self-boastful diplomacy. US and Pakistani troops concluded a joint training at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Pabbi during the exercise, Inspired Gambit 2026. Reacting to the development, Congress general secretary, in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh said, In yet another blow

New Delhi, Jan 17: Air pollution is considered a reason for respiratory and cardiac problems. However, experts warn that it also increases the risk of eye infection and aggravates existing issues among those with ocular problems. Doctors hold fine particulates PM2.5 the main culprit for eye problems such as allergic conjunctivitis, scratches on the surface of the eyes, dryness, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light. Every winter, my clinic sees a rise in the number of people [] Th

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Srinagar, Jan 17: Ladakh continued to reel under intense cold conditions on Saturday, emerging as the coldest region across Jammu and Kashmir, while the Kashmir Valley recorded widespread sub-zero temperatures and the Jammu region witnessed comparatively milder winter weather. Temperature data compiled by Kashmir Weather showed Drass as the coldest location, where the minimum temperature plunged to minus 9.9 degrees Celsius. Other parts of Ladakh also experienced severe cold, with Hanle recordin

SRINAGAR, Jan 17: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Branch Kashmir, has unearthed a major employment fraud, registering a case against a former police employee for allegedly cheating innocent job seekers by falsely promising government jobs and issuing forged appointment orders, thereby siphoning off nearly 23 lakh from multiple victims. In a statement, The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Branch Kashmir, has registered a case against an individual for cheating and duping innocent peopl

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that Purple Revolution originating from Doda had offered a Himalayan model of StartUp and entrepreneurship. The Minister said that the initiative, which began from Bhaderwah in district Doda of Jammu and Kashmir with lavender cultivatio

From Welfare to Nation-Building Dr Shenaz Ganai sganai19@gmail.com For decades, rural employment policy in India has oscillated between compassion and constraint. It has carried the moral weight of social justice but often lacked the administrative muscle to translate intent into outcomes. In a country where nearly two-thirds of the population still depends directly or indirectly on agriculture, employment programmes cannot remain instruments of short-term relief. They must become engines of pro

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16:The Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) officially kicked off the Gandhi Shilp Bazar 2026 at Jammu Haat. After the successful launch of 03 major events the Gandhi Shilp Bazar at Kashmir Haat, Srinagar, the GI Fair Buyer-Seller Meet at Budgam and the Pashmina Fest at beautiful temple town of Katra- the JKTPO has organised another distinctive initiative the Jammu edition of Gandhi Shilp Bazar (District). The 07-day event will culminate on Jan

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Jan 16: Artists and GenZ Entrepreneurs will forge Indias future together. Art and business alliance is a unique power and Imagination and Investment will be able to build a vibrant and developed society, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday. He was speaking at the valedictory session of International Painting Workshop, organised by Anandam: The Centre of Happiness and the Art Club at IIM Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his feli

Excelsior Correspondent MUMBAI, Jan 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today addressed leading stakeholders from the travel and trade sector in Mumbai, calling upon them to partner with the government in promoting Jammu & Kashmir as a safe, vibrant and all-season tourism destination. Addressing travel agents, tour operators and representatives of travel associations from Maharashtra and Gujarat, the Chief Minister underlined that the outreach was not about selling the destination, but about streng

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today took a first-hand appraisal of the online Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) portal being developed by the ARI & Trainings Department to ensure timely conduct of DPCs for Government employees. During the review meeting, the Chief Secretary took note of the progress achieved so far and appreciated the efforts of the department. He emphasized that the entire process should be made strictly time-bound, with each stage co

Raman Sharma jkrtiact@gmail.com A law book can tell us what should be done, just like a recipe tells us how a dish should be cooked. But anyone who has spent time in a kitchen knows that a recipe alone never guarantees a good meal. The same ingredients can produce very different results depending on who cooks, how carefully they cook, and whether anyone tastes the food and gives honest feedback. Over time, even recipes change because tastes, health needs, and [] The post Citizens Feedback Holds

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Jan 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today flagged off the first Group of 120 youth from Kashmir Division under Kashmiri Youth Exchange Program Watan Ko Jaano. The flagship initiative, sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and executed by Mera Yuva Bharat -MY Bharat Jammu Kashmir under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, aims to foster national integration and empower the youth of the Kashmir Valley. The Lieutenant Governor interacte

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 16: Shab-e-Miraj is being observed with deep religious fervour in Kashmir with night long prayers being held at Masjids across the Valley. The biggest congregation is being held at Hazratbal shrine and Masjids have been illuminated on the occasion at many places. The Shab-e-Miraj marks the sacred night commemorating the miraculous ascension (Miraj) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to the heavens. Devotees across the Valley are spending the

Excelsior Sports Correspondent KARGIL, Jan 16: The 5th LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship 2026 concluded here today, with Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta underscoring the immense potential of Ice Hockey and other winter sports in the region. Addressing the closing ceremony, he praised the resilience of Ladakhi youth and said the regions unique climate and geography provide a natural advantage to emerge as a premier winter sports hub. In the mens final, ITBP defeated Ladakh Scouts by 21

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: In a rare and inspiring sporting achievement, Jammu siblings Sidhani Singh and Madhavendra Singh Sambyal have earned selection to represent India at the 2nd Asian Junior Soft Tennis Championship, scheduled from February 3 to 8, 2026, at Harvest Tennis Academy, Punjab. As per handout issued the duo secured their spots following stellar performances at the national selection trials in Ahmedabad, outplaying top contenders from across the country. Sidhan

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: The Jammu District U-18 Boys and Girls Lawn Tennis Championship, organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Lawn Tennis Association (JKLTA), concluded today at the MA Stadium Tennis Courts, showcasing emerging talent from the region. In the Girls singles final, Kyra Nagpal defeated Ridhya Gupta by 6-2, 6-1, displaying excellent control, consistency, and strategic play to secure the championship. In the Boys singles final, Hardeep Singh dominated Naman Tak by 6

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) today conducted its Election 2025 during a Special General Meeting (SGM) held at JKCA Office, Pavilion Building, Hostel Ground, Jammu. Notably, this was the first General Body meeting convened after the adoption of the JKCA Constitution. As per handout issued by JKCA, the meeting was held to elect five office bearers and two councillors of the Apex Council. Out of 22 members of the General Body, 18 []

NEW DELHI, Jan 16: India and Japan today agreed to ramp up cooperation in areas of trade, critical minerals, defence and high technologies with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying that the partnership between the two sides holds immense potential to de-risk the global economy. A meeting between Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi saw both sides agreeing to set up a joint working group on critical minerals and a dialogue mechanism on artificial intelligence. The Ja

Excelsior Sports Correspondent POONCH, Jan 16: Rajinder Singh, PET Class-I and National Referee (Taekwondo) from the Department of Youth Services & Sports (DYSS) J&K, has been appointed as a referee for the 2nd Federation Cup Taekwondo Championship, to be held in Jaipur from January 18 to 23. Organized by India Taekwondo under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the appointment highlights J&Ks growing presence in national sports. Founder of Taekwondo in Poonch, Rajinder Singh has been instru

NEW DELHI, Jan 16: Ahead of the release of Salman Khans movie Battle of Galwan based on the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley the Ministry of External Affairs today said issues regarding film-making in India are looked after by relevant authorities, and the MEA has no role in this or such ventures. At his weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this in response to a query from a [] The post No role in this or such ventu

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: The second day of the ongoing 3rd Chancellors Trophy (Men & Women) Championship 202526 was conducted at University of Jammu campus, witnessing keenly contested matches and impressive athletic performances. Organized by Directorate of Sports & Physical Education, University of Jammu, the four-day championship has brought together more than 800 athletes from universities and institutions across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and neighbouring St

NEW DELHI, Jan 16: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people as the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth concluded here today. Addressing the Special Plenary of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), Birla said the foremost duty of presiding officers is to continuously adapt democratic institutions t

JU asked to boost student employability Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Jan 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 89th meeting of the University Council of the University of Jammu at Lok Bhavan, here today The meeting was attended by Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare Departments; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. K.S Cha

We will attend, discuss agenda: Apex Body Talks likely on LAB, KDA document Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Jan 16: After more than three and half months, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has once again opened channels for talks with Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) by convening the High Powered Committee (HPC) meeting on Ladakh in New Delhi on February 4. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The HPC will be chaired by Union Minister [] The post MHA calls Ladakh H

Udhampur among countrys 3 top distts in PMGSY Avtar Bhat JAMMU, Jan 16: Union Minister of State in PMO with Independent charge for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Ministries Dr Jitendra Singh today said that Udhampur district continued to get highest number of funds under PMGSY during five consecutive years. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Talking to reporters here today while virtually launching 150 road projects and bridges for his Kathua, Udhampur and Doda Parliamentary

Fog hits ops of 5 flights in region Day temp improves in Jammu Fayaz Bukhari / Gopal Sharma SRINAGAR/JAMMU, Jan 16: While dense fog in Jammu region affected the operation of five flights today, the minimum temperatures across Kashmir improved on Friday to settle above the seasonal average, whereas, a fresh spell of light snowfall was experienced in the hills of the region this evening. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Kashmir region, however, continued to experience sub-zero []

Suspects with Pak numbers detained Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 16: Security forces have busted three terrorist hideouts in Billawar tehsil of Kathua district and recovered some cartridges, utensils and other items. The hideouts were busted as part of anti-terror operations in Billawar, during which two encounters took place with terrorists, who, however, managed to escape under the cover of darkness. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Acting on reliable intelligence regarding

MUMBAI, Jan 16: Breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena, the BJP today emerged as the single largest party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and also triumphed in Pune, where it made mincemeat of the alliance of NCP factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is set to come to power in 25 of the 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, where elections were

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Jan 16: The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) today filed a charge sheet in a case of alleged fraud in which a complainant was cheated of Rs 13 lakh on the pretext of securing MBBS admission for his son. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp In a statement issued here, the CBK said the charge sheet in FIR No. 10/2024 has been filed under Sections 420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal [] The post CBK charge sheets 2 in MBBS admission f

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 16: India called out Pakistan for misusing UN platforms to drive its divisive agenda after Islamabads envoy raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in the General Assembly. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Counsellor in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN Eldos Mathew Punnoose on Thursday said that the right to self-determination must not be abused to encourage secession in pluralistic and democratic states. At a time when member states have to rise [] The po

CAPE TOWN, Jan 16: South Africa launched an investigation today over the participation of Iranian warships in naval drills off its coast after reports that organisers ignored the presidents instructions that the ships only take up observer status so as not to inflame tensions with the United States. The investigation announced by the Defence Ministry came a day after the US criticised South Africas move to host Iranian ships off the coast of Cape Town this week for joint drills [] The post South

Srinagar, Jan 16: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on Friday that it has arrested two public servants in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district for accepting bribe. Officials said that the CBI has arrested two public servants, one Patwari (Revenue Clerk) of the Revenue Department and one Chowkidar at Halqa Soaf Shali area in Kokernag of Anantnag district while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 from the complainant. The CBI registered the case immediately on January 15, 2026, against []

MUMBAI, Jan 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today addressed leading stakeholders from the travel and trade sector in Mumbai, calling upon them to partner with the government in promoting Jammu & Kashmir as a safe, vibrant and all-season tourism destination. Addressing travel agents, tour operators and representatives of travel associations from Maharashtra and Gujarat, the Chief Minister underlined that the outreach was not about selling the destination, but about strengthening trust and partne

JAMMU, Jan 16: Artists and GenZ Entrepreneurs will forge Indias future together. Art and business alliance is a unique power and Imagination and Investment will be able to build a vibrant and developed society, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha said on Friday. He was speaking at the valedictory session of International Painting Workshop, organised by Anandam: The Centre of Happiness and the Art Club at IIM Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to the re

New Delhi, Jan 16: A Delhi court on Friday sent five accused, including three doctors and a religious preacher, to judicial custody till February 13 in the Red Fort blast case. Special Judge Prashant Sharma allowed the National Investigating Agencys (NIA) plea seeking judicial custody of Dr Adeel Rather, Dr Shaheen Saeed, Dr Muzammil Ganaie, Maulvi Irfan Ahmad Wagay and Jasir Bilal Wani. The NIA arrested Wani in Srinagar on November 17 last year for allegedly providing technical support for [] T

Jammu, Jan 16: The Vaishno Devi shrine board on Friday reviewed security and logistical arrangements ahead of Republic Day celebrations at Katra, emphasising the need for multi-tier security, crowd management and smooth regulation of the yatra. Chairing a meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra, Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya reviewed the preparations in coordination with the Reasi district administration, police and other stakehol

New Delhi, Jan 16: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday attached assets worth about Rs 140 crore of Haryana-based Al Falah University that came under the radar of the security agencies following the November 10 Red Fort area blast, and filed a charge sheet against Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui and his trust, officials said. The 54-acres land of the university based in Dhauj area of Faridabad, the buildings of the university, those belonging to various schools and [] The post

New Delhi, Jan 16: A Delhi court on Friday sought a response from the NIA on a plea filed by jailed Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid seeking to attend the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament in custody. Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma issued the notice to the National Investigating Agency (NIA) and posted the matter for further proceedings on January 21. Rashids counsel, Vikhyat Oberoi, filed the plea seeking custody parole for his client. In November last year, the court [] The post Del

JAMMU, Jan 16: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, today stressed on ensuring fool-proof security arrangements and other logistical preparedness for smooth and seamless conduct of upcoming Budget Session of Assembly scheduled to commence from 2nd February, 2025. The Speaker issued these directions while chairing a high level meeting at Legislative Assembly Secretariat held here to review the arrangements for upcoming Budget Session of Jammu and Kashmir Le

MUMBAI, Jan 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has visited the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) campus at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Mumbai, on January 15, to explore avenues for institutional collaboration and student exchange between IICT and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. The visit, held at the IICTNFDC Campus, was hosted by Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, along with Munjal Shroff, Governing Council Member, IICT. During the visit, t

Jammu, Jan 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday chaired the 89th meeting of the University Council of the University of Jammu at Lok Bhavan. The University Council, which met under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, accorded in-principal approval to various agenda items and proposals including inclusion of several provisions in align with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UGC guidelines. These included adoption of Strategic Action Plan (20252030); introduction of Five Y

Mumbai, Jan 16 : Breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena, the BJP on Friday emerged as the single largest party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and also triumphed in Pune, where it made mincemeat of the alliance of NCP factions. The BJP-led alliance was set to bag around 125 of 227 seats in BMC, which is Indias richest civic body, whose budget for 2025-26 is a whopping Rs 74,427 crore. Counting of votes for [] The post BJP Triumphs Ove

KATHUA, Jan 16: Security forces busted three terrorist hideouts in the Billawar area of Kathua district during a joint operation, police said on Friday. A senior police officer said that based on specific intelligence inputs about the movement of terrorists in the forest area of Kamaad Nallah in Billawar, joint teams of Kathua Police and other security forces launched a search operation. During the operation, terrorists opened fire on the security forces, triggering an exchange of fire that cont

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