Daily Excelsior

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 18: Marking yet another milestone in its journey of academic excellence and student success, Padhoji today announced its exceptional performance in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main this year. The institute has once again demonstrated its commitment to quality education, disciplined preparation, and result-oriented guidance by achieving outstanding results across all batches. The institute celebrates the remarkable achievements of its students who have

Excelsior Correspondent 19NEW DELHI, Feb 18: As India advances decisively on the path of becoming a global technology leader, Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a key enabler of inclusive growth, good governance and sustainable development. This was stated by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, during his visit to the India AI Summit being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. During his visit, the LG visited several technology pavilions and interacted with representatives of le

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Feb 18: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) today demanded urgent measures for a Special One-Time Settlement (SOTS) scheme for stressed micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which is currently under active consideration by the management of Jammu and Kashmir Bank. A spokesperson of FCIK said copies of the representation have also been shared with senior Government authorities and the management of J&K Bank, underscoring the urgent need

NEW DELHI, Feb 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed world leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, for the ongoing AI Impact Summit here and held nine bilaterals with heads of state and CEOs. The world leaders, including Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, were welcomed to an ensemble of traditional musical instruments, including drums, nadaswaram and tanpura, with the prime

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 18: Nominated Rajya Sabha MP, Gulam Ali Khatana of BJP has justified his allocation of MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) funds to Uttar Pradesh. As a nominated member of Rajya Sabha, I am constitutionally empowered to allocate funds anywhere in the country in the national interest, he told a news channel dismissing the allegations raised in J&K over his decision to allocate a significant portion of his MPLADS funds to UP. My funds [] T

Dr. Gagan Bhagat Terrorism is commonly linked to grim realities such as grinding poverty, widespread illiteracy, and deep-seated social exclusion. Yet, a growing array of compelling cases from diverse nations powerfully dismantles this oversimplified narrative. Among the most chilling and thought-provoking recent developments is the shocking involvement of highly trained medical professionals from Al-Falah University in a sinister terrorist conspiracy. This alarming episode compels us to confron

Lt Gen R S Reen rsinghreen@gmail.com The insightful opinion by Sh. Sunil Sharma (LOP) published in Daily Excelsior some time ago provides a compelling and accurate diagnosis of the political transformation underway in Jammu & Kashmir. He correctly identifies the paradigm shift from ideology-driven factionalism to constitutionally aligned governance as the cornerstone for lasting stability. This shift, orchestrated by the Union Government post-2019, is indeed a necessary corrective measure to dec

AHMEDABAD, Feb 18: Shivam Dube played a momentum changing knock before Varun Chakravarthy produced another incisive spell to set up Indias convincing 17-run victory over the Netherlands in their final league fixture of the T20 World Cup here on Wednesday. Despite the top-order struggles against off-spinner Aryan Dutt, India managed to make a challenging 193 for six courtesy the fireworks from Shivam Dube (66 off 31) in the second half of the innings. The Netherlands were always behind in the []

*Throws out JKSSB Knitting Instructor selection Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 18: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu Bench order and set aside the JKSSB select list and waiting list for the post of Knitting Instructor, Divisional Cadre Jammu, holding that the recruitment process was tainted by arbitrary deviation from notified eligibility conditions and could not be sustained in law. A Division Bench comprising Justice Si

MUMBAI, Feb 18 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said ISKCON was playing a significant role in carrying the flag of Sanatan Dharma across the world while serving mankind through relief operations during natural calamities, and social welfare initiatives. Addressing devotees at the ISKCON temple in Mayapur in West Bengals Nadia district during celebrations marking the 152nd birth anniversary of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, Shah said he had come to the spiritual centre not in his o

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SRINAGAR, Feb 18: A motorcycle and cycle rally carrying an anti-drug message rolled through Srinagar today as part of the build-up to the Khelo India Winter Games 2026, while in Sonamarg the inaugural Snow Sports Festival marked an expansion of winter sporting activities beyond Gulmarg. The rally, flagged off from Bakshi Stadium, was the first major public outreach event ahead of the Games, scheduled to be held in Gulmarg from February 23 to 26. Joint Director Tour

NEW DELHI, Feb 18 : Supported by a deep talent pool and strong digital public infrastructure, India is well positioned to be a leader in AI and demonstrate its mass adoption and deployment in society, former British prime minister Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday. At an interactive session during the ongoing AI Impact Summit here, Sunak also said there are different attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) around the world, and in India, there is incredible optimism and trust, whereas in [] T

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 18: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has extended his greetings to the people on the beginning of holy month of Ramzan. In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said: Heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people on the commencement of the holy month of Ramzan. May this time of prayer and forgiveness guide us to support those in need and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood. May this sacred month foster a spirit of mutual goodwill, love, [] The post LG, CM

KALYANI (WB), Feb 18: With nine emotive words, Jammu and Kashmirs inspirational captain Paras Dogra encapsulated his 24-year grind, which also mirrored the teams incredible underdog story. Under his leadership, J&K defied odds to enter their maiden Ranji Trophy final with a six-wicket win over two-time champions Bengal here on Wednesday. Cricket tests you far more than it rewards you, he said after helping the team to its first Ranji final after sixty-seven years of wait. We just have to [] The

NEW DELHI, Feb 18 : The European Union on Wednesday launched its first ever European Legal Gateway Office, a one-stop hub for Indian students and professionals seeking opportunities in EU member states. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the new initiative is a reflection of growing depth, confidence and maturity of the India European Union strategic partnership. The European Legal Gateway Office in India is the first of its kind in a partner country and will facilitate safe, legal, []

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Feb 18: India and Australia agreed to expand and realign their science and technology partnership towards mission-oriented collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, following talks between Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh and Australia Minister for Science, Technology and Digital Economy Dr. Andrew Charlton MP. The Australian Minister called on the Indian Minister, accompanied by a high level official delegation. The two M

Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Feb 18: Army Public School BD Bari celebrated the second day of its Annual Day for the Foundational Wing with great enthusiasm at Samba. The event, themed Carnival of the Festivals, beautifully highlighted Indias rich cultural heritage and unity in diversity. The programme was organised under the leadership of Principal Dr Neeta Rawal. The celebration was graced by chief guest Brig Naveen D Prabhu, Chairman of the school. The event began with a vibrant welcome song

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 18: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today informed the House that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has frozen the boundaries of all administrative units across the Union Territory until completion of the Census 2021. Replying to a question raised by Legislator Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi) in the House, the Minister stated that the Government vide S.O. 53 of 2025 dated 27.02.2025, issued by the Planning and Monitor

MUMBAI, Feb 18 : The Bombay High Court pulled up naval authorities on Wednesday, asking if officials had been sleeping while a 23-story high-rise began to come up near INS Shikra, the Navys premier air station in South Mumbai. The rebuke came as a bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri heard a petition filed by the Commanding Officer of INS Shikra. The Navy is seeking to halt the project, citing significant security risks to the sensitive military installation. [] The post Were you sl

COLOMBO, Feb 18: Pakistan rode on Sahibzada Farhans scintillating, maiden hundred and their spinners excellent display to beat Namibia by a handsome margin of 102 runs and enter the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup here Wednesday. Batting first, Pakistan posted a formidable 199 for three in their must-win game. Farhan, who needed just 20 deliveries to move from 50 to 100, ended on 100 not out off 58 balls, becoming only the second player from Pakistan to score [] The post Sahibzada ton, bowlers

Govt focused on infra, faculty: Itoo Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 18: Opposition BJP MLAs including RS Pathania, Shakti Parihar, Daleep Parihar and Dr Sunil Bhardwaj today voiced concern over non-operational of offsite campuses of Jammu University while Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the Government is focused on augmentation of infrastructure and faculty in operational campuses. Raising supplementary to a question of Dr Bhardwaj during Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly, Pathan

The decision to reopen 14 tourist destinations across J&K marks a timely and strategic step ahead of the upcoming summer tourism season. Coming after a comprehensive security audit and high-level reviews involving national security agencies, the move signals growing confidence in the improved ground situation and reflects a calibrated approach balancing safety with economic revival. Authorities had earlier closed dozens of destinations following the 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, and reopening

Ranjit Thakur JAMMU, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir cricket team scripted history by storming into the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in 67 years, defeating two-time champions Bengal cricket team by six wickets in a thrilling semifinal at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, West Bengal today. Chasing a modest target of 126 runs after bundling out Bengal for 99 in their second innings, J&K completed the task in 34.4 overs to spark jubilant celebrations. Young Vanshaj [] The post J&K c

Increase in age limit for JKCCE under examination *J&Ks debt at Rs 1.37 lakh cr, GDP expands to Rs 2.88 lakh cr Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Feb 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today ruled out any proposal to revive the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for the UT Government employees as has been done by certain Congress-ruled States including neighbouring Himachal Pradesh. He announced that the issue to enhance the upper age limit for candidates appearing in the Jammu & Kashmir Combined [] The post OPS not to

Sham Lal seeks action against encroachers from top to bottom Nishikant Khajuria JAMMU, Feb 18: Cutting across party lines, treasury benches extended their support to the main opposition MLAs Sham Lal Sharma and R S Pathania who raised the issues of legislators protocol and accountability of bureaucrats while participating in the discussion on Demand of Grants for the departments under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday. Sham Lal Sharma emphasized the importance of bureaucratic accountabil

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Feb 18 : The High Court has issued notice and sought response from the authorities to the plea challenging the recent selection of civil judge in subordinate judiciary. The division bench of Justice Sindhu Sharma and Justice Shahzad Azeem issued notice to Registrar General of High Court, Commissioner Secretary to Law Department and Chairman, Secretary and controller examinations of J&K Public Service Commission for filing of objections to the plea seeking quashi

NEW DELHI, Feb 18 : Integration of AI-driven technologies can be useful in managing the stability of the grid in India, where capacities are being added on a large scale, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing AI Impact Summit here, the New and Renewable Energy Minister said projects are being added in gigawatts. Sometimes during the solar hour, the generation will be more and sometimes because of the weather, it comes down [] The post AI-driven

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested one person, who allegedly helped local gangster, Karanjit Singh alias Gugga of Dablehar, RS Pura, in procuring weapon inside the observation home in RS Pura, police sources said. The arrested individual has been identified as Rahul Kumar alias Lattu of Suchetgarh, RS Pura. Police sources said he was arrested after several individuals, who were in contact with Gugga, were detained for probing their alleged role in helpi

LONDON, Feb 18 : Researchers from India and the UK are collaborating on a new5.3 million pounds project to adapt and scale-up an artificial intelligence (AI) enabled digital mental health programme for adolescent girls living in Indian villages. The international project, unveiled to coincide with the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi this week, involves partners from Imperial College London,University of Cambridge, Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Milaan Foundation, alongside community-based o

NOIDA, Feb 18: India has transformed from a food-deficient country to one with surplus food grain production, and is now in a position to assist other nations facing food security challenges, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said on Wednesday. Addressing the 26th edition of the International Business Summit and Research Conference INBUSH ERA 2026 at the Amity University here, the food processing minister said that the country is poised to become a developed nation by 2047 under the leadership [] T

Jammu, Feb 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested a revenue official for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of 10,000 for carrying out demarcation of ancestral land in Reasi district. In a statement, J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau successfully apprehended a public servant in connection with a bribery case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. A case bearing FIR No. 04/2026 under Section 7 of the Act has been formally registered against

JAMMU, Feb 18: The School Education Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has reconstituted a committee to examine the representation regarding regularisation of drop-out Incharge Zonal Education Officers and equivalent officers who retired before vacancies accrued. See Order Copy Click Here The post Govt Reconstitutes Panel To Examine Regularisation Of Retired ZEO Incharges appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JAMMU, Feb 18: The Finance Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a circular directing all departments to shift to the e-SAM (e-Security Assessment and Management) Portal for management of Information Technology assets. Launched on October 6, 2025 as part of the UTs cyber security initiatives, the portal provides real-time centralized visibility of IT inventory across government offices and replaces manual and legacy systems for procurement, stock management and distributio

Srinagar, Feb 18: The holy month of Ramadhan will commence from Thursday as the crescent moon was sighted in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday evening, Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi, announced. Grand Mufti said that authenticated testimonies were received from various locations after Maghrib prayers confirming the sighting of the crescent. In light of the verified reports, the first day of fasting will be observed on Thursday, February 19. Taraweeh

Jammu, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmirs total debt in the financial year 2024-25 is estimated at Rs 1,37,067 crore, 48 per cent of the Union Territorys GDP, which has expanded significantly to Rs 2,88,422 crore, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday. Defending his governments fiscal management strategy, Abdullah said that the increase in the gross state domestic product (GSDP) has helped in reducing the debt-to-GSDP ratio to 48 per cent in the current fiscal from 51 per cent a [] The post J&K

In the past decade, India has quietly built one of the most dynamic digital ecosystems in the world. Cheap mobile data, an enormous smartphone market, and the rapid growth of UPI payments have changed how people communicate, watch entertainment, order services and play games. A country that once struggled with broadband access now leads in mobile-first internet use, and that shift is beginning to influence real-time online gaming formats that depend on fast connections and seamless transactions.

CALIFORNIA, Feb 18: Six skiers trapped in an avalanche in the mountains of California in the United States have been rescued, while search teams hunt for the remaining nine, the Nevada County Sheriffs Office has said. On Tuesday, the police said that 16 skiers were caught in the avalanche. Six survived and were awaiting rescue, 10 were missing. They later corrected the total to 15 people. The six initially reported skiers who survived the avalanche have been successfully rescued this [] The post

New Delhi, Feb 18: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill 37 seats from 10 states. Polling will be held on 16th March 2026 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with counting of votes scheduled the same day at 5:00 pm. The term of office of 37 members of the Council of States elected from 10 States is due to expire in April [] The post Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: Election Commission announces schedul

GENEVA, Feb 18 : Envoys from Moscow and Kyiv met Wednesday in Geneva for a second consecutive day of US-brokered talks, with officials trying to bridge political and military differences stemming from Russias all-out invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago. Consultations are taking place in working groups by areas within the political and military tracks, the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, wrote in English on X. We are working on clarifying the parameters and mechanisms of th

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: Effects of exercise on easing symptoms of osteoarthritis are likely minimal, short lived, and probably no better than no treatment at all, suggests an analysis of previously published evidence and reviews. The findings, published in the journal Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMD) Open, challenge the promotion of exercise as a first line of treatment to ease pain and improve physical function among the affected, and highlight the need to revisit research priorities, re

WARSAW (Poland), Feb 18: The Polish army has banned Chinese cars from entering military facilities hoping to prevent the collection of sensitive data by technologically advanced automobiles. Modern vehicles equipped with cutting edge sensors and communication systems are capable of uncontrolled acquisition and use of data, the Polish army wrote in a statement justifying the ban. Vehicles are now able to collect video, sound and location and there is a fear that Chinese producers might share some

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: A study conducted in 27.8 million people in the US has shown that exposure to air pollution can directly contribute towards increased risk of Alzheimers disease, rather than causing indirectly through chronic conditions such as hypertension and stroke. The findings, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, also reveal that people with a history of stroke may be particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution on brain health, highlighting an important intersecti

DHAKA, Feb 18: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday chaired the first meeting of his newly formed cabinet to set the course for the new administration, media reports said. Rahman, chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the prime minister on Tuesday. The newly formed cabinet led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has begun its inaugural meeting to set the course for the new administration, BDNews24 news portal said. Rahman is presiding over the session, []

ISLAMABAD, Feb 18: Pakistans opposition alliance on Wednesday ended its days-long sit-in in the national capital over concerns about the health of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-in-Pakistan (TTAP), an alliance that includes Khans Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, launched protests on Friday at two locations in Islamabad, including the premises of parliament and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House building. TTAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai led the sit-in at the premises of

Srinagar, Feb 18: The hustle and bustle of Ramzan shopping have reached its peak in Kashmir with markets across the Valley bustling with activity as Muslims prepare for the holy fasting month likely to begin on Thursday. The sale of dates and other dry fruits has picked up pace in the Valley ahead of the sacred month, likely to begin on Thursday, depending on the appearance of the moon. The markets donned a festive atmosphere in the days leading up [] The post Markets Abuzz With Festive Bustling

Jammu, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday announced a series of major initiatives for the development of Katra, including the construction of a temple dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya and the setting up of an International Museum of Goddess. Sinha said several facilities have already been established, and efforts are on to start a helicopter service to the Shiv Khori cave shrine of Lord Shiva from Katra within three months. Sinha laid the foundation stone of []

Jammu, Feb 18: At least five suspected persons have been detained for questioning amid intensified search for a gangster who remained at large after escaping a juvenile home, along with two Pakistani inmates, in a border village of Jammu, officials said on Wednesday. Both the Pakistani nationals were arrested on Tuesday, within 20 hours of the incident near Ambala railway station in Haryana, while they were heading for Nepal. Karajeet Singh alias Gugga, a resident of Dablehar in R S [] The post

JAMMU, Feb 18: Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana today said that the government has undertaken a slew of measures to strengthen the drinking water infrastructure by implementing multiple Water Supply Schemes (WSSs) across both rural and urban areas of the Basohli constituency. This was stated by the MInister, while replying to a question on water supply schemes raised by MLA Darshan Kumar in the Legislative Assembly. The Minister said that for the rural population, drinking water supply i

1200 Posts Referred To Recruitment Agencies; No Proposal For New Veterinary Centres In Gulabgarh: Javid Dar JAMMU, Feb 18: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today informed the House that the government of Jammu and Kashmir has frozen the boundaries of all administrative units across the Union Territory until completion of the Census 2021. Replying to a question raised by Legislator Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi) in the House, the Minister stated that the

JAMMU, Feb 18: In a landmark development for the healthcare sector of Jammu and Kashmir, Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first newly established GMC in J&K to receive approval to start a Superspeciality course in Cardiology. The National Board of Examinations has accredited Three Dr NB Cardiology seats to the Department of Cardiology GMC Anantnag. The approval marks a major step forward in the transformation of GMC Anantnag into a ce