Daily Excelsior

SRINAGAR, Apr 1: Jammu and Kashmir faced a rainfall deficit of 34 per cent in March despite several Western Disturbances in the month, officials said on Wednesday. They said J-K received 100.7 mm of rainfall, below the normal of 152.9 mm, placing the month in the deficient category. Srinagar recorded 88.5 mm rainfall against a normal of 115.0 mm, marking a 23 per cent deficit, while the winter capital Jammu witnessed a sharper shortfall of 43 per cent, receiving 52.4 [] The post Jammu And Kashmi

Srinagar, Apr 1: Employees working under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday began a 48-hour sit-in protest to press for their demands, including the regularisation of their services, pay revision and social security benefits. The 48-hour pan-Union territory protest is being held under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association. Some NHM employees also staged a demonstration at the Press Enclave, where they chanted slogans ad

JAMMU, Apr 1: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday witnessed rare unanimity as members across parties frowned upon the absence of senior officers from the gallery, prompting Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to flag the issue to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The issue was raised by National Conference legislator Nazir Ahmad Gurezi towards the end of the Question Hour, drawing support from members across both treasury and opposition benches, who rose from their seats in protest. The speaker assur

NEW DELHI, Apr 1: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought former chief minister Arvind Kejriwals stand on a plea by the ED challenging his acquittal in two separate cases lodged against him for not appearing before the agency despite summonses issued in the excise policy case. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice to the AAP leader on two pleas by the the ED against the trial courts January 22 orders, and listed the matter for hearing on April 29. [] The post HC Issues Notice To Kejriwal O

GOGAMUKH (ASSAM), Apr 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Congress, if it comes to power in Assam, will bring in a law to protect infiltrators, which the BJP and its allies will not allow. Addressing a poll rally at Gogamukh in Dhemaji district, Modi said the Congress aim is to turn the majority community into a minority and create a permanent vote bank of infiltrators. Congress leaders are openly saying that they will bring in a [] The post Cong Trying To Bring In Law

New Delhi, Apr 1: Price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), or jet fuel, was more than doubled to a record Rs 2.07 lakh per kilolitre on Wednesday, mirroring the surge in global oil prices last month, but for domestic airlines, the increase would only be 8.5 per cent. Domestic airlines will pay half of what other carriers such as non-scheduled, adhoc and charter would pay. For them the prices have gone up by Rs 110,703.08 per kl, or 114.5 per [] The post Jet Fuel Price Hiked By 8.5% For Domestic Air

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JAMMU, Apr 1: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has officially sanctioned the release of 50% of funds under the Revenue Budget for the financial year 2026-27 through the BEAMS portal. According to an order issued by the Finance Department, funds for power purchases will be released on a monthly basis at a rate of 1/12th of the budget estimate. While the bulk of the revenue budget is now accessible, the Government clarified that the release of funds for specific [] The post J&K Govt Authorizes

Srinagar, Apr 1: The Special Crime Wing of Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir has exposed an overseas job fraud, filing a chargesheet against an accused who allegedly duped a job-seeker on the pretext of arranging employment abroad. The Special Crime Wing, Srinagar of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet in case FIR No. 02/2025 under Sections 420 and 201 IPC against Farhat Abbas Malik S/o Din Mohammad Malik R/o Tendala, Tehsil Chilipingal, District Doda, before the Honble Chief Judicial [] The p

JAMMU, Apr 1: The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday ordered the promotion of five Inspectors (Ministerial) to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Ministerial) with immediate effect. According to Government Order No. 187-Home of 2026, Sanction is hereby accorded to the promotion of following Inspectors (Ministerial) as Deputy Superintendent of Police (Ministerial) 151100) in the Pay Matrix, with immediate effect. The promoted officers include Fida Hussain Sheik

NEW DELHI, Apr 1 Prices of commercial LPG were hiked by Rs 195.50 on Wednesday, on back of surge in global oil prices linked to the widening West Asia conflict. A 19-kg commercial LPG now costs Rs 2,078.50 in Delhi, according to state-owned oil companies. Rates were last increased by Rs 114.5 per 19-kg cylinder on March 1. Domestic cooking gas LPG rates, which were last hiked by Rs 60 per 14.2-kg cylinder on March 7, remain unchanged. It costs [] The post Commercial LPG Prices Hiked By Rs 195.5,

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: The fourth day of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association Jammu Annual Sports Meet 2026 witnessed enthusiastic participation from lawyers across various sporting events. Judicial officers Sunil Kumar and Sallauhdin Ahmed visited the cricket ground, interacted with bar members and appreciated the efforts of the Bar Association in promoting sports among legal professionals. The day featured four cricket matches, singles and doubles badminton ev

58% patients examined in under 5 mins Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 31: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged deficiencies in outpatient services across Government health institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, citing long waiting times, uneven doctor workload, and very short consultation durations. In its audit report on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services for the period ended March 2022 (Report No. 2 of 2025, Performance Audit-Civil), rece

THARAD (Gujarat), Mar 31 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Congress, like Rajneeti ke gidh (vultures of politics), is attempting to exploit the West Asia conflict by triggering panic among the people for political gain, asserting that India has managed the situation efficiently. Addressing a large gathering at Nani village in the newly created Vav Tharad district, Modi accused Congress of indulging in rumour-mongering and trying to instigate people to queue up at fuel pumps and

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday emphasised that the culture and spiritual treasures of Jammu Kashmir will play a vital role in shaping a brighter future to all. Jammus soil brims with rich traditions. Dogri songs weaving lifes values, crafts embedding experiences, art infused with devotion are our vibrant legacies breathing new life, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Jammu Kashmir Cult

Harsha Kakar kakarharsha@gmail.com While US-Iran talks, were in progress, in Feb, Washington was deploying its second carrier group into the region. It needed an additional carrier group of the coast of Israel, as Iran was bound to retaliate with missiles once it was struck, and Israels air defences needed to be boosted. Negotiations were only a delaying mechanism to enable the carrier group to deploy. They had decided to strike and were awaiting confirmation on the whereabouts of the Ayatollah,

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 31: NC president, Dr. Farooq Abdullah expressed serious concern over the continued delay in restoring the full-fledged Statehood to J&K. During a meeting of party functionaries at his residence today, Farooq described the prolonged postponement of this constitutional right as deeply unfortunate and warned that it risks eroding of public trust in democratic institutions. He emphasized that the restoration of full Statehood, long assured by the Government of I

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: Varuna Anand today was appointed as the National Initiative Head for Textiles, Handlooms & Handicrafts and a National Governing Body (GB) Member of FICCI FLO for the term 20262027. She will work under the dynamic and visionary leadership of the 43rd national president, Puja Garg. This prestigious appointment underscores Varuna Anands continued commitment to advancing Indias rich textile heritage while fostering sustainable livelihoods and strengthening wome

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: With the objective of supporting students from economically weaker sections of society, irrespective of caste, creed, race, religion or language a stationery distribution drive organized by Ram Trust, was held here today. The programme commenced with the students presenting the National Anthem, creating a solemn and patriotic atmosphere at the beginning of the event. The drive was inaugurated in the presence of C P Gupta, Chairman Trustee, Dr Virender Mahaj

* Assesses roadmap for management of disasters Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: The Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Industries & Commerce Department to assess the progress and impact of the MSME Health Clinic established under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, aimed at revitalizing stressed and sick industrial units across Jammu and Kashmir. Emphasizing the need for a robust and result-oriented approach, the Chief

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, 31: The Jammu Division of Northern Railway has generated an impressive revenue of approximately Rs 62 lakh during March, through its most extensive campaign against ticketless travel and irregularities. According to official figures, around 11,000 individuals were apprehended during ticket checking operations for traveling without valid tickets or engaging in irregular travel practices. The large-scale drive was conducted across the division with a focused approach

CHENNAI, Mar 31 : Senior BJP leader and union Minister Piyush Goyal, who is also the election in-charge of Tamil Nadu, on Monday took a swipe at actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Founder Vijay, saying it would be difficult for him to win even three or four seats in the April 23 Assembly elections. Speaking at the airport on his arrival to further strengthen the strategy of the NDA, headed by the main Opposition AIADMK to take on the [] The post Piyush Goyal says Vijay ma

NEW DELHI, Mar 31: Under the influence of a new western disturbance, a spell of thunderstorm and rain activity was witnessed in parts of northern India on Tuesday, even as mild snow continued in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh. In Haryana, Hisar received a rainfall of 7.8 mm, while Rohtak, Charkhi Dadri, Gurugram, Mahendragarh, Palwal and Sonipat witnessed 1 mm, 3 mm, 1 mm, 8 mm, 1.5 mm and 0.5 mm of rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department [] The post Fresh western dist

KOCHI, March 31 : In a significant boost to Indias maritime defence capabilities, Malwan, the second of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, was delivered to the Indian Navy here today. Designed and built indigenously at the Kochi-based shipyard, the vessel has been developed in accordance with the Navys specifications and complies with the classification standards of DNV. The warship derives its name from the historic coastal town o

KANPUR (UP), Mar 31 : Uttar Pradesh Police has identified four more suspects as it widened its probe into an illegal kidney transplant racket operating through multiple private hospitals in Kanpur. Earlier on Tuesday, the police arrested five doctors and the alleged kingpin of the racket, officials said. The arrests followed late-night raids conducted on Monday at Med-Life Hospital, Ahuja Hospital, and Priya Hospital in the Kalyanpur area, by a joint team of police and health department official

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: The District Administration of West Kameng district has commenced joint survey operations for the erection of border pillars along the inter-state boundary with Assam. The initiative is being carried out in close coordination with officials from the Border Protection and Development Department, Government of Assam, the Border Affairs Department of Arunachal Pradesh, the Arunachal Pradesh Space Application Centre, and the Survey of India. The survey work was formally launched in

CHANDIGARH, Mar 31 : In a landmark achievement for universal healthcare, the Punjab Government has emerged as the first in the country to provide an annual cashless health cover of up to Rs10 lakh per family under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh announced on Tuesday that the state has already registered over 30 lakh health cards, ensuring comprehensive medical security for nearly half of Punjabs population. This ambitious initiative double

NEW DELHI, Mar 31 : Doctors in a Delhi NCR hospital have reported a rare case of chronic pancreatitis in a 10-year-old girl, a condition typically associated with prolonged alcohol and tobacco use in adults, raising concern among specialists. According to a statement issued by the Fortis Memorial Research Institute on Tuesday, the child had been experiencing repeated episodes of abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss for nearly two years before being diagnosed, by which time the pancreas had a

KOLKATA, Mar 31: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the BJP of trying to include illegal voters from NDA-ruled Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in the electoral rolls of West Bengal to turn the poll outcome in favour of the saffron party. She made the allegations at multiple election rallies in Paschim Medinipur district and in adjacent Bankura on a day she sent a strongly-worded letter to Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, on the matter. In the letter, [] The

The successful hoisting of the first-ever international marathon in Jammu marks more than just a sporting milestone-it signals a decisive shift in the regions developmental narrative. Emerging from years of uncertainty, the UT is increasingly positioning itself as a destination for global events, with sports now joining tourism and infrastructure as a key pillar of growth. Despite inclement weather, more than 4,000 participants attended the historic event. The scale of participation-augmented by

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: Kumaresh A of Tamil Nadu emerged as the winner of the International Rating Chess Fiesta Tournament held at IDPS, scoring an impressive 8 out of 9 points. He displayed exceptional tactical skills throughout the nine-round event, played under FIDE laws using the Swiss system. During the closing ceremony, Satish Sharma, MLA Billawar, was the chief guest. He distributed cash prizes worth Rs 2 lakh among the winners. The programme was attended by Meenal G

Excelsior Sports Correspondent KULGAM, Mar 31: The District Kulgam Taekwondo Championships 2025-26 concluded at the Indoor Sports Hall, Qaimoh, Kulgam, showcasing emerging talent and sportsmanship among the youth. The championship was organized by the Taekwondo Association of District Kulgam under the aegis of the J&K Taekwondo Association and J&K Sports Council as part of the My Youth My Pride initiative. Around 70 players from various schools and clubs across District Kulgam participated enthu

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 31: The 5th Jammu & Kashmir UT-Level Carrom Championship 2025-26 culminated at Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex, Wazirbagh. Organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Carrom Association and hosted by District Srinagar Carrom Association under the J&K Sports Councils My Youth My Pride initiative, the event saw participation of over 350 players from 13 districts, representing schools, colleges and institutions across the Union Territory. In Cadet Girls, Saeed

Excelsior Sports Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 31: The 20th Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory Fencing Championship 2025-26 concluded at Bakshi Stadium. Kashmir. Organized by the J&K Amateur Fencing Association in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, the three-day championship witnessed participation from around 175 players across 12 districts, as per handout issued. Kathua district clinched the overall winner trophy, with Pulwama as first runner-up and Kulgam as second runner-up. The closing c

5 glacial lakes have high susceptibility to GLOFs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the Government has been regularly clearing its financial liabilities, including dues to contractors and retired employees, with over Rs 18,000 crore paid during financial year 2025-26. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Replying to a question of BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma in the Legislative Assembly, Omar, who holds charge of the Finance Department, said the f

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: Officials from the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) conducted a detailed inspection of Khel Gaon ground facilities today, reviewing pitch quality, outfield conditions and infrastructure ahead of the Cricket U-17 Boys selection trials. The trials, scheduled from April 2 to 5, aim to select a 16-member squad from 25 probables to represent Jammu and Kashmir at the 69th National School Games in Telangana starting April 25, 2026. Leading the

DPRs still under appraisal in Govt of India: Minister Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Mar 31: For thousands of daily commuters navigating the ever-growing traffic in both the capital cities of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and their surrounding areas, the promise of a modern Metrolite system remains distant as the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have yet not been cleared by the Government of India. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp This has come to the fore from the [] The post Des

3 MLAs withdraw resolutions Avtar Bhat JAMMU, Mar 31: The Government today opposed three private members resolutions tabled by National Conference (NC) Legislators, including MLA, Pampore, Hasnain Masoodi on regularisation of land under occupation of private educational institutions, Party Chief Whip, Mubarak Guls resolution on protection of lakes and water bodies. MLA Gurez, Nazir Gurezis resolution on making mandatory two years service for employees especially of Health and Education Departmen

Tehran hits oil tanker of Kuwait DUBAI, Mar 31:US strikes hit a city on Tuesday that is home to one of Irans main nuclear sites, sending a massive fireball into the sky, and Tehran attacked a fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The attacks were a testament to the intensity of the war more than a month after the US and Israel launched their first strikes. The conflict has left [] The post US strikes city housing Irans main nuclear si

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 31: Yogananda College of Engineering and Technology (YCET), Jammu, organized a successful campus placement drive in collaboration with Shining Stars ITPL for the multinational company Startek, reaffirming its commitment to student career development. The drive was conducted for final-year students of all engineering branches at YCET, along with BCA students from the Institute of Management Sciences (IMS). The recruitment process was overseen by Puneet Kumar, Se

SRINAGAR, Mar 31: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday expressed concern over the delay in restoring statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, saying it was eroding public trust in democratic institutions. The prolonged postponement of this constitutional right is deeply unfortunate, Abdullah said while interacting with party functionaries here. Abdullah emphasised that the restoration of full statehood, long assured by the Government of India, is not a concession but a fundamental ri

JAMMU, Mar 31: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday informed the legislative assembly that MLAs can allocate up to Rs 50 lakh from their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for housing aid, including reconstruction and repairs for calamity-affected families, in FY2627. Responding to a Calling Attention Motion moved by National Conference MLA Shamim Firdous, he said the government has amended the CDF guidelines to expand the scope of assistance. As per the revised provisions,

SRINAGAR, Mar 31: In a landmark achievement for grassroots governance in Jammu & Kashmir, Wagoora Gram Panchayat in Budgam district has secured the 3rd rank nationally in the prestigious National Panchayat Awards under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP) 2025 category. The award, instituted by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), was conferred under the theme Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat placing Wagoora among the top-performing Gram Panchayats

Srinagar, Mar 31: Security forces this evening trapped two terrorists in Ganderbal villages after a tip off about their presence. An official said that two terrorists have been trapped in Ahrama village of Ganderbal district by the security forces this evening. He said that police, CRPF and army launched a joint operation in the village after they received an input about their presence in the village. He said that the contact has been established and firing is on. The post Encounter Breaks Out I

JAMMU, Mar 31: Over 11,000 ticketless passengers were penalised in the Northern Railways Jammu division in March, with authorities recovering around Rs 62 lakh in fines during intensified checking drives, an official said on Tuesday. The achievement not only signifies an increase in revenue but also marks a significant step towards ensuring discipline and transparency within railway services, the official said. He said intensive checking drives were carried out at entry and exit points of major

Srinagar, Mar 31: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday clarified that no paper leak has been confirmed in the Fire Services recruitment examination, terming claims circulating on social media as misleading and not based on established facts. In a statement, It has come to notice that certain social media platforms, particularly the handle J&K Services Selection Board Aspirants, are circulating claims suggesting that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has confirmed a paper leak in the Fire S

Srinagar, Mar 31: The Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Pulwama convicted five persons, including Hamida Akhter, in a decades-old case related to fraudulent appointment in government service. According to an official statement, the court of Special Judge Dr. Noor Mohammad Mir pronounced the judgment in case titled State of J&K (Now UT of J&K) through P/S VOK (Now ACB) Vs Assad Ullah Lone and others, arising out of FIR No. 110/1998 registered under relevant provisions of the J&K Prevention of C

JAMMU, Mar 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday emphasised that the culture and spiritual treasures of Jammu Kashmir will play a vital role in shaping a brighter future to all. Jammus soil brims with rich traditions. Dogri songs weaving lifes values, crafts embedding experiences, art infused with devotion are our vibrant legacies breathing new life, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Jammu Kashmir Cultural Festival, organised

THARAD (GUJARAT), Mar 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said while the world is grappling with war, unrest, and rising fuel prices, India has managed the situation effectively due to strong foreign policy and the unity of its people. He accused the Congress of trying to create panic so that people queue up at fuel stations and gas agencies, likening the party to political vultures waiting to exploit the situation (arising out of the West Asia war) and reap [] The post West Asia War: In

Jammu, Mar 31: Jammu and Kashmir government is making concerted efforts to strengthen the educational ecosystem, with a special focus on ensuring all necessary facilities in government-run schools, Education minister Sakeena Itoo said on Tuesday. Replying to a question of Legislator Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh in the Assembly regarding introduction of new subjects, she said the existing curriculum is aligned with the National Education Policy, particularly in respect of digital literacy, multidiscipl