Daily Excelsior News

Dr. Piyush Singla Indias digital health ambitions are both timely and necessary. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has laid the foundation for a national digital health ecosystem through unique health identifiers (Ayushman Bharat Health Account, or ABHA), registries of health facilities and professionals, consent-based data sharing, and interoperable health records. These are significant building blocks. As the system scales, now is an appropriate moment to reflect on what kind of digit

The Homeland Beyond the Gate Dr Vikas Sharma drvikassharma20202020@gmail.com There are places that never find space in travel brochures or television debates, yet they carry the nations unspoken burdens in silence. Chhambs border villages that are now trapped under fences near the Indo-Pak border are one such land. Resting along the frontier, these villages have lived for decades with uncertainty as a constant companion-where peace is fragile, waiting becomes a way of life, and endurance is pass

MAAster G As we know, we are celebrating the New Year. One year has passed, and we are entering a new one. There is celebration everywhere. But generally, we celebrate only when we achieve something. So the real question is: what have we achieved that we are celebrating the New Year? One year has been reduced from your age. You have moved one year closer to death. Whatever you achieved in the past year did it give you peace? [] The post New Year Resolution Discovering the True Meaning of Happin

Ashok Sharma ashoksharma23may@gmail.com The New Year is not only the beginning of another calendar year; it is also a time to pause, reflect and think about the direction in which our lives and our society are moving. Every New Year gives us a fresh opportunity to correct our mistakes, strengthen our values and renew our commitment to what truly matters. For the Dogra community, this moment is especially important. As inheritors of a rich cultural, linguistic and historical legacy, Dogras [] The

Taresh Gupta tareshgupta042@gmail.com As Jammu and Kashmir enters the year 2026, the region stands at a decisive stage in its journey of development and stability. The years gone by have been marked by change-administrative restructuring, policy reforms, and renewed focus on governance and economic growth. There has been visible progress in certain areas, yet several long-standing issues continue to affect daily life, economic confidence, and social well-being. The future of Jammu and Kashmir wi

Adhiraj Verma From Scarcity to Surplus I was recently thinking about how far weve come as a country since the 1990s. LPG not the gas cylinder, but liberalisation, privatisation, globalisation changed everything. Indias economy grew, people earned more, choices multiplied, and life, overall, got better. But today, I feel were caught in a strange trap not of scarcity, but of surplus. What I call the problem of plenty. When Soap Was a Luxury There was a time [] The post The Paradox of Plenty app

GUWAHATI, Jan 3: Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders after being instructed to do so by the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) amid heightening diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries. KKR had acquired the services of the 30-year-old left-armer for Rs 9.20 crore from a base price of Rs 2 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the players auction last month. The BCCI said KKR [] The post

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted a comprehensive review of the functioning and progress of Public Health Engineering (PHE), Irrigation and Forest sector works in the Kalakote-Sunderbani area. The review aimed at enhancing the service delivery, identifying bottlenecks and strengthening infrastructure to ensure maximum benefit to people of the area. The review meeting was attended by M

NEW DELHI, Jan 3 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the government will create such a system by 2029 wherein the entire judicial process, starting from an FIR, going to the Supreme Court, can be completed within three years. Shah, who chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs at Vijaya Puram in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Saturday over Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU),

ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: Pakistan on Saturday criticised External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for his remarks about the country, claiming that the comments were made to deflect attention from Indias own troubling record of promoting instability in the region. Jaishankar on Friday said India has every right to defend its people when it comes to bad neighbours and asserted that a neighbouring country cannot ask New Delhi to share water if it continues to spread terrorism in the country. He, however, []

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: Uttar Pradesh produced a dominating all-round performance to defeat Jammu & Kashmir by 58 runs in the Group B, Round 5 clash of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, held at the Niranjan Shah Stadium C, Rajkot, today. Batting first, Uttar Pradesh posted a commanding 322/5 in 48 overs, thanks to some explosive late-order hitting. Sameer Rizvi starred with a blazing 80 off 45 balls, while Prashant Veer contributed a quick [] The p

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: J&K BJP president and MP (Rajya Sabha), Sat Sharma CA, Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, and BJP general secretary (Organization), Ashok Koul today addressed an organizational meeting of party leaders from Nowshera, Poonch and Rajouri regions. The meeting was attended by J&K BJP general secretary, Gopal Mahajan, MP Gulam Ali Khatana, district Rajouri, Prabhari Munish Sharma, district Nowshera, Prabhari Daljit Singh Chib, distric

Fayaz Bukhari Srinagar, Jan 3: The drug addiction in J&K has escalated sharply, with addiction levels nearly tripling over the past three and a half years, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said today. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a drug de-addiction awareness program at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), here, Garg also stated that the heroin use is rising alarmingly among young people. Drug addiction

BEIJING, Jan 3: China on Saturday condemned the US airstrikes on Venezuela and the capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro and his wife, describing it as a hegemonic act that seriously violates international law. China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the USs blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its President, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, reacting to a question on US President Donald Trumps announcement about American airstrikes against Venezuela and

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: The Quarter-Finals of Jammu Kashmir Premier League (JKPL) 202526 witnessed thrilling cricket at University of Jammu Ground today, as Valley Stars Ganderbal and Royal Goodwill Cricket Club stormed into the semi-finals with commanding victories. In the first Quarterfinal, Valley Stars Ganderbal posted a formidable 201/7 in 20 overs, thanks to a spectacular 76 off 32 balls by Ishtiyaq Elahi Robby, studded with seven sixes and five boundaries, supported b

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday unveiled the poster of The Last Dose, an awareness film on drug abuse produced by Khwaish Gupta Productions, at Lok Bhawan. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the entire team and conveyed his best wishes to them. Khwaish Gupta, Founder of Khwaish Gupta Productions; Shivdeep Gupta and Priya Gupta, Producers of the film along with other team members were present at the unveiling ceremony. The post LG unveils The

NEW DELHI, Jan 3: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said the new-generation Vande Bharat sleeper train would have improved amenities as he walked through the coaches of the train at the New Delhi railway station with mediapersons. The minister said that utmost care has been taken to provide enhanced facilities, including a spacious tray holder, adjustable window shades, reading lights, hangers, magazine holders, and deep wash basins that prevent water from splashing out. He said the

Returning to India after over 125 years NEW DELHI, Jan 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated an exposition of sacred ancient gems and bone fragments linked to the Buddha, asserting that they were not mere artefacts but part of Indias revered heritage. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Prime Minister said the sacred Piprahwa Relics travelled to different countries with significant Buddhist populations, including Vietnam, Thailand and Russia, where waves of faith

MOSCOW, Jan 3: Russia has sharply criticised the reported U.S. military strikes on Venezuela, calling it a clear violation of international law and an unacceptable use of force against a sovereign state. Russian officials said the actions breach the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and seriously undermine global stability. Moscow rejected the reasons cited by Washington for the military operation, including claims related to fighting drug trafficking or security threats. Russ

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: Member of Parliament (MP) Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan strongly pitched for urgent strengthening of forensic science infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir during a Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the National Forensic Sciences University-Central Forensic Science Units (NFSU-CFSU), held today at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and attended by members of th

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports (YSS), Yasha Mudgal, today chaired a high level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat here to assess the progress of works being executed under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) projects by Directorate of Youth Services & Sports and the J&K Sports Council. The meeting was attended by Director General, Youth Services & Sports, Anuradha Gupta; Director Finance, YSS, Ashok Khajuria;

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita-2023 (BNSS) read with the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, District Magistrate Jammu has ordered that no courier company, parcel service, or logistics operator functioning within the district Jammu shall accept, book or transport any narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or other contraband items unless it holds a valid transport pe

By Anjan Roy West Bengal is witnessing hectic political manoeuvring by leading political figures, even though the assembly elections are a clear six months away at least. One of these, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was once a stalwart of the Congress, not only in the state but nationally, is being seen on his home turf, Murshidabad and nearby areas, seeking to regain his lost ground. Chowdhury had been Congress state president and later, leader of the Congress party in [] The post Drifting Quicks

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Jan 3: District Development Commissioner, Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today visited the heritage site at Lah Wali Bowli and conducted a detailed inspection of the site and reviewed the DPR. The DDC directed the stakeholder departments to undertake stone masonry work without disturbing the natural source of water, emphasizing the need to preserve the water structure in its original form. He further instructed for proper demarcation of the area, removal of encroachment

Aries (March 21-April 20) This year blends ambition with reflection and emotional insight. Saturn, Mars, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter guide a balance between bold action and disciplined planning. Transformation is possible with purpose and clarity. Financially, early months urge smarter budgeting. Venus and Mercury highlight financial values, while the North Node emphasizes freedom through structure. Mars may push impulsive spending, but Saturn ensures discipline brings success. In love, the year

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: In a major push to enhance cleanliness and civic hygiene ahead of the Republic Day celebration, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, today conducted an extensive sanitation drive in Jammu city under the Swachh Republic Day campaign. The initiative aims to ensure a clean, safe and healthy urban environment in the run-up to January 26. Under this special campaign, comprehensive cleanliness drives are being carried out

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 3: Amid allegations over alleged irregularities in the allotment of land attached to the Peer Baba Badyal Quazian shrine, SDM RS Pura Anuradha Thakur on Saturday categorically denied any role of the Revenue Department in the allotment process, asserting that the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board is the sole owner and allotting authority of the land. The SDM said the role of the Revenue authorities is confined only to demarcation of land, as and when requested [] The

Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Jan 3: The Labour Department Samba organised a one-day awareness and interactive programme on the New Labour Codes today in the Bari Brahmana Association Hall. The programme was aimed at sensitising Human Resource (HR) professionals from industrial establishments and other stakeholders about the four new Labour Codes introduced by the Government of India. The focus was on generating awareness regarding the salient features, compliance requirements and additional be

CHENNAI, Jan 3 : The financial year 2026-27 would be an important milestone for AM International, which manages various businesses across fertilisers, petrochemicals and speciality chemicals in Tamil Nadu. AM International Founder-Chairman Ashwin Muthiah said the financial year 2025-26 has been a year of measured recalibration as some industries benefited from strong domestic demand while others naturally corrected after the extraordinary highs experienced during the pandemic years. What reassur

NEW DELHI, Jan 3 : Union Fertilisers Minister J P Nadda on Saturday said the government will address issues relating to balanced fertiliser use and diversion of fertilisers for non-agricultural purposes in coordination with various departments. Speaking at a day-long Chintan Shivir in the national capital, Nadda said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently placed farmers at the core of governance, and policies must aim to ease their lives. Despite various challenging circumstances, the dep

NEW DELHI, Jan 3 : Mining giant Vedanta Ltd on Saturday said it has reported a rise in production of aluminium, zinc and iron ore during the December quarter. However, production of steel, and oil and gas dropped during the third quarter of the current fiscal year. The companys total aluminium production during the quarter rose marginally by 1 per cent, mined metal production at Zinc India increased 4 per cent, and mined metal production at Zinc International rose 28 [] The post Vedanta Q3 produ

NEW DELHI, Jan 3 : Indias automobile industry wrapped up 2025 on a firm footing, supported by broad-based sales growth across key segments in December. Strong consumer demand, improving economic conditions, and steady performance by leading manufacturers helped the sector close the year on a positive and resilient note. Passenger vehicle makers reported healthy momentum in the final month, driven by sustained demand for compact cars, utility vehicles and SUVs. Urban markets continued to show str

TORONTO, Jan 3: An Air India pilot was arrested at Vancouver International Airport last week as he was preparing for a flight, with Canadas transportation agency warning the airline that it faced loss of its flight authorisations if it did not comply with rules about alcohol consumption. Transport Canada said in a statement Friday that the incident took place on December 23, and it would engage with Air India and Indian aviation authorities to ensure appropriate followup actions were taken. [] T

CHENNAI, Jan 3 : Credit rating agency India Ratings and Research expects that allowing private engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) players in Indias nuclear energy sector to provide a long-term sustainable order book for established entities, while the risks of liability persist. Recently, the government cleared the Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, a reform that allows for a dilution of the public sector/government monopol

866 Armed Police Constables Promoted As SgCTs See Order Copy Click Here The post 866 Armed Police Constables Promoted As SgCTs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NEW DELHI, Jan 3: OPPO India to launch the Reno15 Series on 8 January 2026, introducing one of the most advanced imaging systems in its segment. Crafted for travellers and photography enthusiasts, the Reno15 Series blends powerful hardware and OPPOs PureTone Technology with intuitive AI features, enabling users to capture everything from the vibrant streets of Delhi to the remote trails of Arunachal with remarkable clarity and ease. Ultra-Clear AI Imaging Made for Journeys Near and Far The OPPO

Bhopal, Jan 3: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said the efforts to prevent `love Jihad must begin within families, stressing the need for communication, inculcation of awareness among women and collective social response. Addressing Stri Shakti Samvad programme, a discussion on womens role in society organised by the Sangh here, Bhagwat touched upon the issue of `love Jihad, an RSS release said. Notably, the term love Jihad is used by right-wing groups to allege a con

SRINAGAR, Jan 3: From safer childbirths to healthier childhoods, Jammu & Kashmir is scripting a quiet healthcare success story, with sustained reforms translating into measurable improvements in maternal, infant and child health indicators across the Union Territory. Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing tangible progress in maternal and child health, positioning J&K among the better-performing regions in the country. For instance, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the Union Territory stands at 47 p

Jammu, Jan 3: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday announced approval for a canal system alongside Ujh multipurpose project in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district to check uncontrolled water flow to Pakistan. He also informed that the centre has allocated over Rs 1,400 crore for the Union Territory to mitigate damage to public property and other infrastructure during last years floods. The Minister of State in the Prime Ministers office was speaking at a review meeting in Kathua district, pa

NEW DELHI, Jan 3: The NHRC has issued a notice to the Leh civil administration and its police authorities over charges that a minor Ladakhi girl belonging to a tribal Buddhist community who had gone missing from her home late December, was subsequently found in Srinagar with a Muslim boy, according to the proceedings of the case. Presently, the girl is under the supervision of a Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and is suffering from mental trauma, the proceedings dated January [] The post Minor Lad

Srinagar/Jammu, Jan 3: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has posted Mr Abhimanyu Singh, Junior Scale JKAS, as District Information Officer (DIO), Doda, with immediate effect. According to an order issued by the Information Department, Mr Singh was earlier placed at the disposal of the department by the General Administration Department vide Government Order No. 1934-JK(GAD) of 2025 dated December 22, 2025. The order further states that Mr Abhimanyu Singh will also hold the additional charge of

LONDON, Jan 3: A spirit of entrepreneurship, community cohesion and philanthropy were among the common threads running through the New Year Honours conferred upon Indian-origin professionals by King Charles III this week. Unveiled annually to mark the start of a new year by the Cabinet Office, the honours recognise the achievements and service of extraordinary people from across the UK. Around 30 individuals of Indian heritage were among those honoured in the 2025 list, led by Damehoods for acto

Srinagar, Jan 3: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Kashmir on Saturday conducted a raid at the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Shaltang and arrested a daily-wage employee red-handed while accepting a bribe, sources said. Sources said, the raid was carried out by an ACB During the operation, one person was caught while allegedly accepting a bribe amount of Rs 2,000. The accused has been identified as Mohd Layiq Nath, son of Mohd Sadiq Nath, a resident of Barthana Qamarwari. He [] The

NEW DELHI, Jan 3: Soil collected from various islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago by NCC cadets during a sailing expedition will be presented in an urn to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the National Cadet Corps PM Rally at Delhi Cantonment on January 28, a top official said on Saturday. Five different expeditions, including a running-cum-sailing expedition carried out at Lakshadweep and three cyclothons, would be flagged in by the prime minister on his visit to the NCCs [] The post N

Leh, Jan 3: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today formally launched the Ladakh Sports Policy in the presence of Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the sports ecosystem of the Union Territory. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said that the launch of the policy is not merely the introduction of a new government document, but a firm commitment towards shaping the future of Ladakhs youth and giving a new identity to the

New Delhi, Jan 3: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said attacking MGNREGA is like attacking crores of workers and their constitutional right to work, which the party would resist peacefully and firmly from panchayats to Parliament. In a post on X, Kharge said the VB GRAM G Act, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), is designed to dismantle the right to work, which the Congress opposes strongly. The Indian National Congress makes thr

Srinagar, Jan 3: Drug addiction has witnessed a three-fold increase in the valley in the last three years, with the consumption of heroin rising among the younger population, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said here on Saturday. Drug addiction has become a huge problem for all of us. There has been a three-fold increase in the last 3 to 3.5 years. It is a warning signal for all of us, Garg told reporters here. He said the consumption of heroin [] The post Drug Addiction Increased Th

New Delhi/Shimla, Jan 3: A special PMLA court in Shimla has declared a mother and son duo, promoters of a Himachal Pradesh-based private university, as fugitive economic offenders (FEO) in a money laundering case linked to the alleged sale of fake degrees to students in Himachal Pradesh, officials said. A declaration has been made under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) of 2018 against Mandeep Rana and his mother Ashoni Kanwar, they said. The two are the promoters of a [] The post Priva

BEIJING, Jan 3: Irelands Prime Minister Micheal Martin will visit China from Sunday and meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the first visit by an Irish leader in 14 years, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday. Beijing has been strengthening ties with individual members of the European Union despite tensions with the EU bloc over tariffs and human rights issues. In late 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish King Felipe VI met with Xi in separate trips [] The post

KOLKATA, Jan 3: Deputy chairman of Tea Board C Murugan on Saturday assured that hundred per cent testing of quality of imports would be carried out to prevent inflows of the cheap variety into the country. The industry had been complaining that cheap imports of inferior quality are entering the country, which is destroying the industry. Speaking at the biennial general meeting of the Tea Association of India (TAI) here, Murugan said that the Board is formalising the procedure for [] The post Tea