Daily Excelsior

NEW DELHI, May 22: The worlds burden of mental disorders have more than doubled since 1990, and they are now the leading cause of disability globally, overtaking cardiovascular disease, cancer and musculoskeletal conditions, according to a new study published in The Lancet journal. Researchers from The University of Queensland and Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR) in Australia and the US University of Washington found that nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide were living with a

Chandigarh/Pathankot, May 21: A resident of Punjabs Pathankot was arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan-based handlers, police said on Thursday. Preliminary investigation revealed that Baljit Singh, a resident of Chakk Dhariwal village, had installed a CCTV camera at a shop located near a bridge on the National Highway-44 to allegedly keep an eye on the movement of the army and paramilitary forces, police said, adding that he was transmitting the live feed to Pakistan-based handlers. During

Jammu, May 21: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday evening chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the establishment of a state-of-the-art International Museum of Goddess at Katra, envisioned as a global spiritual and cultural landmark dedicated to Shakti traditions. During the meeting, board members and stakeholders shared suggestions for developing the proposed museum into a world-class institution aimed at offering pilgrims a deeper understanding of Mata Shakti throu

AHMEDABAD, May 21: Gujarat Titans bankable top order laid the groundwork for a dominating 89-run win over Chennai Super Kings here on Thursday, taking them closer to a top-two qualification for the Indian Premier League play-offs. Shubman Gill (64 off 37) and Sai Sudharsan (84 off 53) added to their remarkable consistency as an opening pair with a record seventh century partnership, fuelling Gujarat Titans to 229 for four on a true batting surface. Jos Buttler (57 not out off [] The post Gujarat

Harsha Kakar kakarharsha@gmail.com The much-awaited summit between the leaders of the worlds two most powerful nations has concluded. Trumps team arrived in China under conditions of a strict digital lockdown, with cell phones and lap tops left behind due to fears of state-level surveillance, hacking and data interception. Members of the team used burner phones or devices with limited temporary data. While returning, every single Chinese gift, including lapel pins, souvenirs, burner phones etc w

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 21: As conversations around responsible gold consumption in the country gain momentum, Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, today launched its Customers Own Gold Exchange Programme. Indriya is the first jeweller to offer 100% value on old gold of any carat, irrespective of where it was purchased, enabling customers to transform it into exquisitely designed statement pieces. At Indriya, precision meets craftsmanship. With advanced instruments ensuring accurate gold

Vijay Hashia iamvhashia@gmail.com The ramifications of West Asia war are manifold, impacting Indian households, industries, transport networks, and agricultural supply chains. Much of Indias imported energy passes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most vital maritime chokepoints. Around 40-45% of Indias crude oil, 80-85% of LPG and 50% LNG imports normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The war has disrupted the route and as such Indias economy feels the pressure. This has crea

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 21: Aimed to bring together the leading fleet owners and Taxi Operators a business meet organized by the AM Hyundai, one of the leading Hyundai dealership groups in Jammu & Kashmir and a part of the AM Group, was held here today. The event served as a platform to showcase Hyundais growing range of vehicles tailored for the commercial mobility segment and to strengthen relationships with the regions transport community. The event witnessed the gracious presence

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 21: The Heritage Cafeteria Cum Restaurant with Library at the historic Mubarak Mandi complex in Jammu opened today, marking a significant step towards transforming the iconic Dogra heritage site into a major cultural and tourism destination. MLA Jammu East, Yudhvir Sethi; Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar and Chief Executive Officer of Jammu Smart City Limited and Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Dr. Devansh Yadav were present on the occasion

Mohammad Hanief m.hanief@gmail.com Children are the foundation of every society and the hope of every nation. Their safety, education, emotional well-being, and healthy development determine the future strength and progress of a community. A society that protects its children protects its future; a society that neglects them risks moral, social, and human decline. In Jammu and Kashmir, where generations have lived through social uncertainty, economic challenges, and changing cultural realities,

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 21: As part of its commitment to support infrastructure-led development through institutional finance, J&K Bank today entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Construction Equipment India Pvt. Ltd. to facilitate customised financing solutions for Hyundai excavators and wheel loaders under the Banks Construction Equipment Finance Scheme. The partnership aims to facilitate easier access to finance for customers intending to procure construction

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, May 21: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today dedicated the UMMID (Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders) Programme for Rare Genetic Disorders/ Diseases to the Nation and said India is steadily entering an era where healthcare, diagnosis and treatment will i

MUMBAI, May 21 : Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday said India and the European Union offer infinite opportunities on the trade and economic front. The island nation, which is pitching itself as a gateway for Indian companies to expand into the EU market, looks forward to realising these opportunities, Christodoulides said at an event here. India is one of the most dynamic economies in the world. Europe remains one of the worlds largest and most stable markets, the visiting [] Th

NEW DELHI, May 21: The interim trade agreement between India and the United States is set to be finalised, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said, adding that he is confident the trade deal will be concluded in the coming weeks or months, bringing stability and opportunities for both sides. Both sides are looking to finalise the details of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) that will truly unlock the potential of our bilateral relationship by expanding market access, reducing barriers, [] The pos

SHIMLA, May 21 : The Himachal Pradesh Department of Prisons and Correctional Services has decided to launch a new programme named Akshar se Atmabodh to help prisoners reform and rebuild their lives, officials said on Thursday. Under this programme, inmates lodged across jails in the state will be provided with inspirational, educational, and morally enriching books. Abhishek Trivedi, Director General, States Department of Prison and Correctional Services, said that the programme was initially la

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 21: While commemorating the 35th anniversary of the martyrdom of former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress organized a Shradhanjli Samaroh at Rajiv Bhawan, Shahidi Chowk, Jammu here today. The function was presided over by PCC chief, Tariq Hameed Karra, while AICC general secretary and CLP Leader GA Mir, working president Raman Bhalla, former ministers- Mula Ram, Yogesh Sawhney, besides other senior leaders also attended. Click

CHANDIGARH, May 21: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said his government will launch a campaign starting Friday against stray and killer dogs which endanger the lives of people. On May 19, the Supreme Court in a significant verdict allowed euthanasia of rabid, incurably ill, dangerous and aggressive dogs to curb threat to human lives, saying the right to live with dignity encompasses the right to move freely without the threat of harm from canines. Following the Honourable Supreme

MUMBAI, May 21 : The rupee rebounded 50 paise from its all-time closing low to settle at 96.36 against the US dollar on Thursday after crude oil prices retreated from elevated levels amid signs of easing geopolitical friction, alongside likely central bank intervention. Forex traders said the rupee had gained after the recent geopolitical developments, but investors are still gauging the geopolitical risk and oil price sensitivity in the background. The one-year forward market rate for the rupee

Nutrition of young generation will shape our future Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 21: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone of Akshaya Patras centralized kitchen facility in Katra. Once operational, this facility will provide 5000 nutritious meals to school children every day. On the occasion, Sinha spoke about Akshaya Patras future projects in Jammu & Kashmir including upcoming kitchen facility in Jammu. I urged stronger collaboration between Government and Socia

KOLKATA, May 21: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal government to take a decision as per Section 12 of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, regarding the exemption prayed for in view of Eid al-Adha. A division bench presided by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul directed that considering the fact that the festival may take place on May 27 or 28, the state shall take a decision in this regard within 24 hours from the [] The post Cal HC asks Bengal govt to take decis

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 21: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah today chaired a Provincial meeting of the NC Womens Wing at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha here. During the four hour meeting, detailed discussions were held on strengthening organisational outreach at the grassroots level, enhancing womens political participation, and reinforcing the Womens Wings institutional framework. The leadership stressed sustained mobilisation at booth a

KATHMANDU, May 21 : India on Thursday gifted a special type of sandalwood to the Nepal government to be used at the Pashupatinath temple on Kathmandu outskirts. People from both Nepal and India visit the Pashupatinath temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples situated on the banks of the Bagmati river. Indias Home Minister Amit Shah sent over 40 kilograms of sandalwood for the purpose of using it for the worship of the Shree Yantra of Pashupatinath Temple, according [] The post India gifts sp

There is a storm raging across India. Hypertension, the so-called silent killer, has turned India into the hypertension capital of the world, and the numbers are not just staggering; they are a national emergency hiding in plain sight. Of the estimated 220 million, more than half have no idea they are afflicted. They feel no pain, experience no obvious symptoms, and receive no warning until the condition has quietly caused irreversible damage. And when the damage is done so catastrophically, []

UNITED NATIONS, May 21: India highlighted Afghan civilian deaths and injuries caused by cross-border violence by Pakistani military forces, saying such heinous acts of aggression should not come as a surprise from a country that bombs its own people and conducts systematic genocide. In a strong retort at the UN Security Council on Wednesday, India called out Pakistans long-tainted record of genocidal acts after Islamabads envoy at the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, raised the issue of Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 21: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today inaugurated the Post Graduate Research Programme (PGRP) Conclave-2026 at Government Dental College (GDC) here. Addressing a large gathering of doctors, academicians, researchers and students on the occasion, the Minister underscored the importance of research and innovation in strengthening the healthcare sector and improving patient care. She said that platforms

Excelsior Correspondent KISHTWAR, May 21: Aimed towards strengthening road infrastructure and improving connectivity in the region, MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar today formally inaugurated and commenced the blacktopping work of the road stretch from Hasti to Kurya Bridge. The work was started in the presence of officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and prominent local residents. During her visit, she interacted with NHIDCL officials regard

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, May 21: A large-scale Nasha Mukht Abhiyan Awareness Programme along with an eye check-up and medical camp was organized today at Shaheed Inspector Shri Kamal Singh Model Boys Higher Secondary School, Udhampur. The programme was spearheaded under the leadership of Commandant 24 JKAP IR, Sandeep Mehta. The event was organized in collaboration with J&K Blood Donors Association, Chief Education Office Udhampur, Chief Medical Officer Udhampur, Rotary ENT Hospital Udh

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 21: J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau trapped and arrested a Ziladar and Patwari of Irrigation Division Anantnag for demanding and accepting bribe of Rs one lakh. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The accused, identified as Nazir Ahmad Wani (Ziladar), son of Mohd Akbar Wani of Utrasoo Najigund Anantnag and Patwari Bilal Ahmad Wagay, son of Abdul Rehman Wagay of Sherpora Anantnag, were demanding bribe from the complainant for disposal of a complaint fil

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 21: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, today said fencing work on Badshah Bridge and Cement Kadal will begin soon after approval under the district CAPEX plan. Click here to watch video The DC said the administration visited both bridges around a week to 10 days ago and has already completed the estimates for the proposed fencing work. We are going to get the district CAPEX approval very soon. The work will start very soon, he said. [] The post Bri

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, May 21: The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) today formally announced the results of the JKCA Elections 2025 after withdrawing petition before the Supreme Court. As per the Association, the petitioners withdrew the case during the hearing. Following this, the interim order dated 08.01.2026, which had allowed the election process to continue while staying the declaration of results, automatically stood vacated. Electoral Officer A K Joti, exercising

Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, May 21: Under the mentorship of Dr Neeta Rawal, Principal, Army Public School BD Bari, the school has achieved another milestone with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Laboratory and a modern Audio-Visual Room for students and staff. The facilities were formally inaugurated by Brig Naveen D Prabhu, Chairman, APS BD Bari, in a grand ceremony attended by Lt Col Kanwar Rohit Singh, School Officer, teachers, students, and othe

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 21: A review meeting regarding the implementation and progress of the 100 days Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts was chaired by DIG-P JSK Range Shridhar Patil at Range Police Headquarters, Jammu. The meeting was attended by the Senior Superintendents of Police of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts, along with Additional Superintendents of Police, Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) of the respective dis

NEW DELHI, May 21: Several members of Parliament grilled top NTA officials on Thursday, with the agencys director general telling them that the NEET-UG paper was not leaked through their system and the CBI is probing the matter, sources said. During a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, several MPs questioned the National Testing Agency (NTA) officials on the steps taken by them to strengthen the exam system in order to prevent paper [

Anantnag, May 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested two officials of the Irrigation Division Anantnag for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from a complainant in connection with a land dispute case. According to officials, the accused have been identified as Nazir Ahmad Wani, serving as Ziladar, and Bilal Ahmad Wagay, Patwari, both posted in Irrigation Division Anantnag. An official spokesperson said the ACB received a written complaint

New Delhi, May 21: The central drugs laboratories found 42 drug samples manufactured by various firms to be not of standard quality (NSQ) in its monthly drug alert for April, Union health ministry officials said on Thursday. Further, the state drug testing laboratories have identified 127 drug samples as NSQ, they said. According to routine regulatory surveillance, the list of not of standard quality (NSQ) and spurious drugs is displayed on the CDSCO portal every month. For the month of [] The p

SRINAGAR, May 21: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said India needs a revolution and Gen Z is beginning to lead that change. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister was commenting on the fast-rising meme revolution under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). India needs a movement, a real revolution, and perhaps Gen Z is finally beginning to lead that change. For the first time in a long while, one can see some light at the end [] The post India Needs A Revolution, Gen Z Beg

JAMMU, May 21. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (J&K BOSE), has re-notified extension of dates for the submission of permission cum examination forms for Class 10 and 12 Annual(Private)/Bi-Annual-2026 examinations for Kashmir and Jammu Divisions (both winter and summer zone areas) of UTs of J&K and Ladakh. As per the notification, the revised cutoff date for submission of permission cum examination forms for Class 10 and 12 (both online and offline) on payment of the normal prescr

SRINAGAR, May 21: More than 60 livestock animals were killed in a lightning strike in Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district, officials said on Thursday. The lightning struck Lanidagen in the Pahalgam area on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday during heavy rain and thunderstorm, they said. More the 69 livestock animals, including sheep and goats, perished in the incident. The post Over 60 Sheep, Goats Killed In Lightening Strike In J&Ks Pahalgam appeared first on Dail

NEW DELHI, May 21: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday said the UMMID programme for rare genetic disorders and diseases has already benefited nearly three lakh individuals through screening and diagnostic services. Launched in 2019, the Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders (UMMID) initiative is supported by the Department of Biotechnology. The programme has also helped establish nearly 30 National Inherited Diseases Administration (NIDAN) kendras for advanced diagnostics and

NEW DELHI, May 21: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Thursday said over 23,000 civil services aspirants have opted for three newly introduced examination centres as part of efforts to decongest venues for examination. With the addition of centres at Bhubaneshwar, Kanpur, and Meerut, the total number of examination centres for the civil services (preliminary) examination has increased from 80 to 83, the Commission said. Nearly 23,000 candidates have applied to these new centres, easin

JAMMU, May 21: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated a newly-constructed helipad in Katra to streamline helicopter services for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines. The facility, built at a cost of around Rs 27 crore, will improve connectivity and provide major relief to devotees travelling to the twin shrines, officials said, adding that helicopter services from Katra to Shiv Khori will commence soon. Addressing reporters after

JAMMU, May 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has assigned additional charge of CEO/Secretary, J&K Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (JKBOCWWB), to Pranjal J Hazarika, IAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Labour and Employment Department. According to an order issued by the General Administration Department, Hazarika will hold the additional charge alongside his existing duties till further orders. See Order Copy Click Here.. The post IAS Officer Pranjal J Hazarika

JAMMU, May 21: Police on Thursday attached properties worth approximately Rs 7 crore belonging to a detained drug peddler in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district, officials said. The move comes amid polices intensified campaign against drug trafficking networks and their financial infrastructure. The attached properties comprises 6 kanal and 18 marlas of land and a single-storey residential house, having a plinth area of 2,107 square feet, situated at Chak Sheikha area, they said. The properties b

Jammu, May 21: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited tenders for preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed four-lane KatraReasiMahoreGulabgarhNandimargKulgam highway corridor aimed at strengthening road connectivity between Jammu and South Kashmir. According to official documents, the proposed corridor will connect NH-44 and pass through several hilly and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, providing a major boost to transportation infrastructure in the

JAMMU, May 21: Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday said the country is facing a diplomatic isolation under Narendra Modis leadership and accused him indulging in jingoism and theatrics on global platforms. Karra said Rajiv Gandhi was regarded across the world as one of the architects of modern India and had sacrificed his life to preserve the unity and integrity of the nation. The former prime minister was assassinated on this day in 1991 in Tamil Nadus Sriperumbudur. The [] The post

PHUM BOEUNG (Cambodia), May 21: Hundreds of Cambodians on Thursday morning honoured their villages guardian spirits by holding a colourful centuries-old ceremony to pray for good fortune, rain and prosperity. The He Neak Ta ritual has been celebrated annually for several hundred years by the villagers in Phum Boeung, about 25 kilometres (15 miles) northwest of the capital, Phnom Penh. The ceremony, which has become increasingly rare in modern times, coincides with the onset of the summer monsoon

NEW DELHI, May 21: Hamza Burhan, one of the alleged masterminds behind the Pulwama attack, was reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Burhan, was shot multiple times. According to sources, Burhan died following the attack carried out by the unidentified assailants in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. Burhan was designated a terrorist by the Centre in 2022. In an official notification, the government had said: Arjumand Gulzar Dar alias Hamza Burhan alias Doc

BEIJING, May 21: On the surface, Chinese leader Xi Jinpings back-to-back summits with US President Donald Trump and Russias Vladimir Putin looked pretty similar, with formal handshakes in Beijings Tiananmen Square, enthusiastic greetings from flower-waving children, and marching columns of soldiers branching gleaming bayonets. But the visits also revealed how different Chinas relationship is with the two countries. During Trumps visit, China sought to stabilize ties with the United States, while

TEL AVIV, May 21: Israel has released hundreds of activists who attempted to breach Israels naval blockade of Gaza and are in the process of deporting them, according to a legal organization working with the flotilla. The Israel-based legal advocacy group, the Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, or Adalah, said Thursday that most of the international activists are in transit to a civilian airport near the southern Israeli city of Eilat for deportation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netany

THE HAGUE (Netherlands), May 21: The United Nations top court on Thursday is set to issue a landmark advisory opinion on the right to strike, clarifying whether employees are lawfully allowed to walk off the job. The 15 judges at the International Court of Justice were asked in 2023 by the International Labour Organisation, a UN agency, to settle an internal dispute over whether one of the ILOs conventions gives workers the right to strike. The convention has been ratified [] The post United Nat