Daily Excelsior

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: Rising Autoz Private Limited today opened the authorized Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited two-wheeler dealership in Jammu, introducing the iconic Vespa and Aprilia range along with premium performance superbikes to the region. Click here to watch video The inauguration was done by chief guest Vikram Randhawa, MLA Bahu Constituency. Also present on the occasion were Arun Gupta, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Jammu, and Muhammad Owais Kh

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: Fortis Hospital Amritsar successfully treated a 46-year-old woman suffering from septic shock, acute kidney failure, jaundice and severe respiratory distress, helping her recover completely and become dialysis-free after intensive critical care management. Click here to watch video This was stated by a team of doctors and officials today while addressing a press conference at Jammu. They informed that the woman was admitted to the hospital after being refer

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) here today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to provide preferential educational loan services to all the students enrolling in the varsity. The MoU was signed by Pankaj Kumar Verma, Circle Head Jammu, Punjab National Bank and Ajay Kumar Sharma, Registrar, SMVDU, in the presence of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Pragati Kumar. The occasion was also graced by the presence of Prof. Balb

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: , in a meeting here today, expressed concern over the deteriorating coAll Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association (AJHLA)ndition of tourism stakeholders in Jammu region and alleged continuous neglect of Jammu in tourism development since 1947. The Association president, Pawan Gupta said that successive governments have failed to establish Jammu as an independent tourist destination despite its immense tourism potential, rich heritage and religious significance.

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office Jammu, has appealed to all EPS-95 pensioners and family pensioners to submit their annual Life Certificate on time in order to ensure uninterrupted pension services. According to the information issued by the Regional Office, submission of the Life Certificate every year is mandatory for all pensioners. Failure to submit the certificate within the prescribed time may temporarily affect pensio

NEW DELHI, May 20 : India and South Korea on Wednesday signed key agreements to shore up cooperation in defence cyberspace and military training, reaffirming their commitment to stronger bilateral defence ties and a rules-based Indo-Pacific, a region that has witnessed increasing Chinese assertiveness. The pacts were firmed up following Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs wide-ranging talks in Seoul with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu-back. The defence minister landed in the South Korean capit

ROME, May 20 : Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting her Melody toffees, reviving the light-hearted Melodi wordplay associated with the two leaders on social media. In a social media post, Meloni shared a video in which she could be heard saying, Prime Minister Modi brought as a gift, a very, very good toffee Melody. Thank you for the gift, the video caption read. Modi, who was also seen in the video uploaded on [] The post Meloni thanks Modi for Melody

K D Maini kdmainipoonch@gmail.com Hill Kaka is a lost inhabited village in the foothills of Tatakutti (15,650 ft), the highest peak of the Pir Panjal Range of mountains, which bifurcates the Kashmir Valley from the Poonch-Rajouri districts. It is an isolated habitation in the center of the 65 km long Hill Kaka Bowl, which starts from Bagla Hill on the top of Chandimarh in the east to Sunkh Top towards Mandi on the western side, and 47 km in breadth [] The post A look back at Operation Sarpvinash

B. S. Dara bsdara@gmail.com India can launch satellites into space, build digital payment systems admired across the world, and speak proudly of becoming a global superpower. Yet nearly eight decades after Independence, the nation still cannot ensure that the very institutions and administrative systems entrusted with conducting national-level entrance examinations remain secure, transparent, and worthy of the trust of millions of students whose futures depend upon them. The cancellation of NEET

Rachna Vinod rvbooks25@gmail.com Every year, lots of brightest minds of our country, go to the world and the world welcomes them with open arms. Yet back home, the same talent often waits outside closed doors, overshadowed by the glitter of foreign credentials. It is one of modern Bharats quietest contradictions: a nation confident enough to educate global achievers, but still hesitant to trust its own classrooms, institutions, and merit without external approval. A strange irony defines contemp

Dr Sameer Maqbool maqboolsameer@gmail.com The healthcare system can progress only when every professional working within it is given equal respect, recognition, and opportunities for growth. Unfortunately, one of the most neglected cadres in the health sector remains the dental surgeon community. A dental surgeon joins government service as a Dental Surgeon and, in many cases, retires with the same designation after decades of service, dedication, and hard work. This lack of career progression i

We must neutralize sources of terror funding JKP has laid out plan to choke drug entry routes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today presented appointment letters to newly appointed constables of Jammu & Kashmir Police. On the occasion, he urged the new recruits to dedicate themselves to defending the unity and integrity of the motherland and to strengthen the proud legacy of this force. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp We must remain constant

PM to handover 51,000 job letters on May 23 Rlys, Postal Services, Banks main job givers Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, May 20: Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) Jayant Choudhary will distribute job letters to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir at Jammu during Rozgar Mela on May 23 in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give around 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited youth through video conferencing at about 45 locations across the country.

21NEW DELHI, May 20 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday met US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and both had discussions on deepening India-US Economic and Financial Partnership. They both had discussions on deepening India-US Economic & Financial Partnership, India-US Fin-Tech collaboration, investment opportunities and bilateral cooperation, the finance ministry said in a post on X. The Union Finance Minister congratulated Gor on the upcoming 250th US Independence Day, it said. (

LAB says it will stick to Statehood, Sixth Schedule status MP, CEC, ex MP, former CEC also to attend May 22 meeting Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU May 20: Even as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs didnt mention agenda for May 22 Sub-Committee meeting and conveyed verbal messages to the leaders of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), leaders of both the bodies have accepted the invitation and will be attending the talks scheduled for 10 AM at [] The post MHA invites Ladakh le

JOHANNESBURG, May 20: Two of South Africas internationally-recognised, Indian-origin scientists were among the 38 people awarded the countrys highest civilian awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions toward public health. Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Professor Keertan Dheda, were formally awarded the prestigious Order of Mapungubwe by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday at Pretoria. This specific order recognises South African citizens who have achieved excellence and except

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, May 20: U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor called on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today and discussed expanding bilateral collaborations in skilling, investment, knowledge exchange and industry-led partnerships across domains in biotechnology, quantum technologies, space, atomic energy and nuclear medicine. The Minister said, nuclear research had been opened up to the private sector for the first time in India, paving the way for new investment opportunit

UNITED NATIONS, May 20: The United Nations has revised downward Indias economic growth forecast for 2026 to 6.4 per cent from its earlier projection of 6.6 per cent, citing global uncertainties and economic shocks arising from the ongoing West Asia crisis. As per the report released by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) on Tuesday, India, however, remains one of the fastest-growing major economies. West Asia crisis has delivered yet another shock to the global economy, []

INDORE, May 20 : The demographic strength of BRICS nations allows it to shape the future of work, said Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday, stressing that young people in these countries are already driving transformational change. The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports was addressing the inaugural session of the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting in Indore through video-conferencing. Together, our countries represent nearly half of the worlds population. Across

NEW DELHI, May 20: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday reviewed the quality and progress of maintenance work of 4,178 kms of National Highway projects in Assam during a high-level meeting, according to an official statement. The review followed inputs received through the media and social media. The statement said Gadkari emphasised the need to accelerate on-ground execution, strengthen quality monitoring mechanisms, and adopt modern construction practices to en

Poor, hapless continue to suffer immensely JPDCL, KPDCL impleaded over delay in power supply Mohinder Verma JAMMU, May 20: A Division Bench of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal has come down heavily on the authorities over their failure to install and commission CT Scan machines despite their delivery nearly two months ago with the observation that with each days delay, the general public, particularly, the poor and [] The

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 20: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah today strongly condemned the demolition drive in Sidhra, which left dozens of Tribal families homeless, calling it inhuman, unjust, and a cruel assault on the dignity and survival of poor families. In a statement issued from the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, Dr Farooq said the manner in which residential houses of our Tribal brethren were demolished without giving families time to

21NEW DELHI, May 20: Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday said the government has strengthened Indias legal metrology verification infrastructure and emphasised the importance of accurate measurement. According to an official statement, the Department of Consumer Affairs on Wednesday commemorated World Metrology Day 2026, marking the 151st anniversary of the historic Metre Convention signed in Paris on May 20, 1875. The theme of this years World Metrology Day is Metrolog

DHAKA, May 20: UNICEF today said Bangladesh has been facing a prolonged shortage of routine measles vaccines since last year despite repeated warnings, noting that delays in procurement have significantly worsened the countrys growing outbreak, which has resulted in hundreds of fatalities. The details were shared during a press conference held in Dhaka by UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Rana Flowers. According to UNICEF, Bangladesh received only 1.78 crore doses of measles vaccines between Augu

The alleged multi-loan fraud that has surfaced in Bandipora is not merely a case of financial wrongdoing; it is a deeply disturbing indictment of systemic weaknesses within the banking mechanism itself. When more than a hundred people, most of them labourers and economically vulnerable families with little understanding of complex banking procedures, can allegedly be trapped over several months without detection, serious questions arise about institutional safeguards and accountability. What mak

4-km stretch remains neglected for decades Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 20: Residents of Chattergul Bala in Kangan tehsil of Ganderbal district today demanded construction of a proper motorable road, alleging that several villages connected through a nearly four-kilometre stretch have remained without basic connectivity for decades. Locals said the road branches off from the Baba Reshi Chattergul Bala main road and connects multiple habitations, including Khatana Mohalla and Khari Mohal

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: In a proud and inspiring moment for Punjabi language and education, Simranjit Kaur, a Computer teacher at St. Peters Higher Secondary School, Karan Bagh, Jammu was formally honoured during a function (Chetna Samagam) in Khour area of Jammu district today. During the event, her four unique Punjabi educational books were officially released by the internationally respected Sikh preacher, Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, in the presence of a large number of dev

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: BJP spokesperson and convenor, International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta today strongly criticized Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, terming the statements reckless, disgraceful and anti-democratic. Reacting to Rahul Gandhis alleged comments describing the Prime Minister, Home Minister and BJP as traitors, Gaurav Gupta accused the Congress

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 20: Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has barred employees, officials, outsourced staff and students from criticising Government policies, administrative matters, institutional functioning and workplace-related issues on social media platforms. A circular issued by the Principal GMC Anantnag directed all staff members and students to strictly regulate their use of social media and refrain from posting content that could affect the institutions reputa

*Seeks probe by High Court Judge Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: Strongly criticizing the authorities for resorting to inhumane, arbitrary and illegal mid-night action of evictions and demolition in Bandi- Bahu area, uprooting over 40 families without any prior alert call or notice, JKPCC leaders questioned the use of implementation of Forest Rights Act in J&K, if the occupants of more than 35 to 40 years are not transferred the rights as per Act and evicted in this manner, besides [] The

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: Department of Burns & Plastic Surgery at AIIMS Jammu is emerging as a major centre for advanced reconstructive and hand surgery services, catering to patients not only from Jammu & Kashmir but also from neighbouring states including Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The department is routinely managing complex hand injuries, tendon repairs, congenital hand deformities, post-burn contractures, microsurgical procedures, flap reconstructions, artificial skin substi

Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, May 20: Doctors at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital saved the life of a 55-year-old patient from Udhampur who was suffering from a severe heart infection, respiratory failure and collapsed lungs. The patient was referred from a private hospital in Jammu in a critical condition on ventilator and inotropic support. Doctors diagnosed him with Aortic Valve Endocarditis with Severe Aortic Regurgitation, a life-threatening infection affecting the

Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, May 20: Katra Police arrested a notorious criminal within hours after he attempted a murderous assault on a person, here today. The accused, identified as Surinder Kumar alias Babbu, had allegedly attempted to kill Jaswant Singh, son of Maan Singh, resident of Dhandal, Udhampur and a complaint in this regard was lodged yesterday at Police Station Katra. Acting on the complaint, Police Station Katra registered FIR No. 152/2026 under Sections 109, 351(1), 351(3), and

Excelsior Correspondent DODA, MAY 20: The District Administration Doda today organised a Public Outreach Programme (Block Diwas) at village Dranga in Block Marmat. District Development Commissioner (DDC) Krishan Lal chaired the camp. The programme witnessed participation from a large number of public representatives, former DDC and BDC members, former Sarpanches, social activists and local residents. They projected a wide range of public issues, demands and grievances before the District Develop

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: To promote Dogra cultural heritage, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), J&K unit, here today, launched the campaign Har Ghar Dogra-Har Dafter Maharaja. The campaign was inaugurated by Dr. Ritu Singh and the Shiv Sainiks presented her a grand portrait of Maharaja Gulab Singh. Addressing the gathering, Shiv Sena J&K chief, Manish Sahni said the Har Ghar Dogra campaign is an ideological initiative aimed at restoring Dogra pride, social unity and the histor

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: In a joint meeting of Jagti inmates grave concern was expressed over the step motherly treatment meted out to the displaced community living in Jagti township through the hands of the Jal Shakti Department, as the inmates of the township are continuously facing water scarcity even after crores of rupees from the Relief Organisation are being paid to the organisation for the purpose. The meeting among others was attended by Sanjay Dhar, Piaray Lal Pandita []

Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, May 20:- Police reunited two missing ladies with their family members within the jurisdictional area of Police Station (PS) Billawar. Police said on December 23 last year one person namely Mohd. Mokeem, son of Mohd. Rafiq of Lahari Morha, Tumbu tehsil Billawar, district, Kathua lodged a written complaint in Billawar PS regarding missing of his wife namely Ruksana Bano , aged 23 years. Moreover on dated August 20 last year one lady namely Sakina Begum, wife of [] T

Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, May 20: Continuing its drive against illegal mining, Samba police has seized three dumpers in the jurisdiction of Police Stations (PS) Samba, Ramgarh and Vijaypur which were being used for illegal transportation/mining of the construction material. Police teams headed by SHO, PS Ramgarh, SHO PS, Vijaypur and in-charge of Police Post (PP), Mansar of PS Samba while performing patrolling duty in their jurisdictional areas have seized three dumpers bearing Registration

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: Mission Shakti District Hub for Empowerment of Women Jammu, Department of Social Welfare J&K, in collaboration with Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Jammu (Samba)-PDUNIPPD, New Delhi under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK), organised an Aids and Assistive Devices Distribution Camp under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (R

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 20: A two-day workshop on Python Libraries was organized by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Mahant Bachittar Singh College of Engineering and Technology (MBSCET), Jammu, for students of the 4th semester CSE. The workshop aimed at strengthening students practical understanding of key Python libraries used in programming and application development. The session focused on NumPy, Pandas, and Tkinter, providing participants with both theoretic

Jammu, May 20: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC-in-C) of the Indian Armys Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, on Wednesday reviewed the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness of troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district, an official said. The Udhampur-headquartered Northern Command said in a post on X: Gen Pratik Sharma, #ArmyCdrNC, reviewed the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness of the forward areas of #

URI, May 20: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today visited the Kaman Post in Uri and reviewed the facilities and tourism potential of the border area. During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted with senior officers of army and inspected the Kaman Learning Centre, library and auditorium facilities established at the post. He appreciated the efforts aimed at promoting awareness, education, and tourism in the border region. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister

JAMMU, May 20: The State Election Commission, Jammu & Kashmir, has concluded the annual revision of Panchayat Electoral Rolls with the publication of the Final Panchayat Electoral Rolls 2026, fixing April 1, 2026 as the qualifying date. The comprehensive exercise, which began with the release of the Draft Electoral Roll on March 27, 2026, has now formally culminated following a structured schedule of claims, objections and verification. The Commission had opened a 40-day window for filing claims

New Delhi, May 20: A Delhi court on Wednesday sent five accused in the NEET paper leak case to judicial custody till June 2 and extended the CBI custody of another accused. Special Judge Ajay Gupta allowed the agencys plea seeking judicial custody till June 2 of five accused persons Mangilal Khatik, Vikas Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, all three arrested from Jaipur; Yash Yadav, arrested from Gurugram; and Dhananjay Lokhande, arrested from Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra. Judge Gupta also allowed five [] The

JAMMU, May 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said peace is the fundamental prerequisite for development and credited the Jammu and Kashmir Police for maintaining a secure environment that enabled significant progress in the Union Territory over the past six years. Calling for enhanced efficiency and professionalism, the Lieutenant Governor said terrorism survives on funding, networks, and support systems, which must be identified and dismantled systematically. Until peace is estab

Jammu, May 20: Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday accused the Centre of failing to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and alleged that people were suffering under a dual control system after the Assembly elections. Addressing a workers convention here, Karra said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were sandwiched between two power centres, which he described as a negation of the peoples mandate. Central government has completely failed to restore the promised s

Srinagar, May 20: Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday said the enquiry ordered by the Jammu and Kashmir government into violation of the Forest Rights Act during a demolition drive in Jammu was a mere eyewash. He said the probe will serve its purpose only if the affected peoples claims under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) are pending. The National Conference-led governments move to order an enquiry into and report on any violation of the Forest Rights Act [] The post Enquiry I

Srinagar, May 20: The opposition BJP on Wednesday said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have lost faith in the ruling National Conference (NC) due to its politics of corruption and misgovernance. A grand joining programme was organised here in which hundreds of people, including youth and prominent workers from the NC and other political parties, joined the BJP, the party said. The people of J-K, especially the youth, have lost faith in the ruling NC due to its politics [] The post J&K People Hav

NEW DELHI, May 20: Gold prices climbed Rs 1,300 to Rs 1.64 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday, tracking gains in overseas trade amid lingering tensions between the US and Iran. According to local marketmen, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity appreciated by Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,64,900 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Tuesdays closing level of Rs 1,63,600 per 10 grams. Traders said renewed buying in precious metals supported domestic [] The post Gold advances to Rs

NEW DELHI, May 20: Electric two-wheeler maker Ola Electric on Wednesday gave guidance of a strong recovery in the first quarter of FY27, indicating that it expects orders to nearly double sequentially as service stabilisation, improved sales execution and demand recovery begin to reflect in operating performance. The company expects Q1 FY27 consolidated revenue of Rs 500 to Rs 550 crore and orders in the range of 40,000 to 45,000 units, compared with 20,256 orders in Q4 FY26 and consolidated []