J&K Bank renews MoU with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: Jammu & Kashmir Bank today renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to strengthen their long-standing partnership and enhance banking services for the Board and its employees. The agreement was signed by Cluster Head Amit Bargotra on behalf of the Bank and Additional CEO Alok Kumar Maurya for the Shrine Board in the presence of Banks General Manager & Divisional Head (Jammu) Ashok Gupta, FA/CAO SMVDSB Pawan Kumar Sharma, [] The post J&K Bank renews MoU with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Three-day Spring Fest 2026 commences at Shoolini University
Excelsior Correspondent SOLAN, Mar 18 : The three day long annual fest, Spring Fest 2026 was today commenced at the Shoolini University. The event began at Yuvraj Singh Stadium, where the music club Raag Rang set the tone with a lively opening performance. Students from across the world followed, presenting their cultures in traditional attire and turning the stadium into a global showcase. The Yogananda School of Spirituality and Happiness then presented a synchronised yoga display with flag formations, closing [] The post Three-day Spring Fest 2026 commences at Shoolini University appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Allen announces JEE and NEET batch dates
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: Allen Career Institute Kota and other centres today announced the dates for new batches for IIT-JEE and NEET-UG entrance exams. The batches will begin in the last week of March. This was announced by Vinod Kumawat, president of Allen Career Institute, Kota. He said, After the conclusion of the board exams, students have begun the admission process to pursue careers as doctors and engineers. Allen will be conducting the Allen Scholarship Admission Test (ASAT) at [] The post Allen announces JEE and NEET batch dates appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu Kashmir High Court Closes Gulmarg Lease Case as Hoteliers Opt for Talks with Government
SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has disposed of a batch of petitions related to the contentious Gulmarg land lease issue after petitioners, primarily hoteliers, sought to withdraw their pleas and pursue an administrative resolution with the government. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal allowed the []
US intel official says Irans regime still intact but refuses to discuss talks with Trump about war
WASHINGTON: The U.S. governments top intelligence official told lawmakers Wednesday that Irans regime appears to be intact but largely degraded yet repeatedly dodged questions about whether President Donald Trump had been warned about the fallout from the weeks-old war, including Irans attacks on Gulf nations and its effective closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz. []
Humanity at the Crossroads From War Consciousness to Peace Civilization
Lt Gen Narendra Kotwal (R) narendrakotwal@gmail.com Humanity today stands at a profound crossroads. On one hand, we inhabit an era of extraordinary scientific achievement, unprecedented connectivity, and remarkable technological advancement. We can communicate across continents in seconds, decode the human genome, and explore the depths of space. Yet on the other hand, the world remains troubled by an unsettling paradox: despite such progress, armed conflicts continue to scar our planet. As of early 2026, more than 130 armed conflicts [] The post Humanity at the Crossroads From War Consciousness to Peace Civilization appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Centre promise 10 pc more LPG to states that expedite piped gas rollout
NEW DELHI, Mar 18: As the LPG supply squeeze extends into the third week, the central government on Wednesday promised to increase supplies of commercial LPG to states that fast-track the rollout of piped gas networks in a bid to ease pressure on the cooking fuel availability. As the war in West Asia blocked Indias access to almost 60 per cent of its LPG, the government prioritised supplies to domestic household kitchens. Supplies to commercial establishments, such as hotels, were [] The post Centre promise 10 pc more LPG to states that expedite piped gas rollout appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The directive issued by the Finance Department asking all Government Departments and subordinate offices to clear pending electricity dues is a timely and necessary step. Despite being Government-to-Government transactions, the arrears owed by departments have accumulated significantly, placing an avoidable burden on the already strained JKPDCL. Electricity dues pending with Government departments are not a minor accounting issue; they represent a substantial financial liability that directly impacts the operational health of the power distribution system. In many cases, these arrears [] The post Clear Electricity Arrears appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Opposition states playing politics by stalling PM-named welfare schemes: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
NEW DELHI, Mar 18: Launching a blistering attack on the opposition, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday accused opposition-ruled states of playing politics for rejecting public welfare schemes simply because they carry the PMs name. Chouhan also asked the states to desist from politicising public welfare schemes and instead focus on the welfare of the people. The minister said that Punjab and West Bengal deprived their farmers of benefits by not implementing the PM Fasal Beema Yojana. In [] The post Opposition states playing politics by stalling PM-named welfare schemes: Shivraj Singh Chouhan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
X hit by major global outage; thousands of users affected
NEW DELHI, Mar 18 : Microblogging platform X on Wednesday faced a major technical snag as thousands of users globally, including in India, reported that the service was down. According to outage tracking website Downdetector, reports of the platform being inaccessible began spiking shortly after 8 PM IST, with users across various regions reporting issues with both the mobile application and the desktop website. In India, users in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, reported difficulties in refreshing [] The post X hit by major global outage; thousands of users affected appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
India to prioritise domestic fuel demand amid supply requests from neighbours
NEW DELHI, Mar 18 : India will prioritise meeting domestic fuel demand before considering supply requests from countries such as Bangladesh and other regional buyers, as energy market disruptions tighten availability. Rashtrahit Sarvopari (Nation First), said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Domestic fuel demand has to be met first. If there is a surplus after meeting all of the domestic demand, a decision can be taken by the appropriate authority. At a media [] The post India to prioritise domestic fuel demand amid supply requests from neighbours appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
War Against Iran: Its Global Consequences
Prof Rajni Kant rkant.ju@gmail.com The outbreak of war between the United States-Israel and Iran marks one of the most dangerous geopolitical crises of the 21st century. The joint military strikes launched by Washington and Tel Aviv against Iranian leadership, military infrastructure, and nuclear facilities in late February 2026 have not only intensified tensions in the Middle East but have also triggered profound global repercussions. The conflict has expanded beyond a bilateral confrontation, drawing in regional countries, destabilizing energy markets, and [] The post War Against Iran: Its Global Consequences appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pak President expresses grief over killing of Larijani, calls for cessation of hostilities
ISLAMABAD, Mar 18: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed grief over the killing of Irans top security official Ali Larijani by Israel and called for immediate restraint and cessation of hostilities. Larijani, the Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, had effectively evolved as the in-charge of the countrys war management following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by Israel on February 28. President Zardari expressed profound grief over the assassination of senior Iranian leader Dr [] The post Pak President expresses grief over killing of Larijani, calls for cessation of hostilities appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Asmita Khelo India Womens Weightlifting League concludes
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: The Asmita Khelo India Womens Weightlifting League 2025-26, organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Weightlifting Association, concluded at the Akhnoor Indoor Sports Complex with enthusiastic participation from over 45 women athletes in Youth, Junior and Senior categories. The opening ceremony was graced by Manmeet Bali, Principal, Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School, Akhnoor, while dignitaries including Harbhajan Singh, Dhanraj Singh, Dileep Singh, Harish Sharma, Manjeet Singh, Naman Singh, Vikas Virdi, Neelam Virdi, Bharti Devi, Darshana [] The post Asmita Khelo India Womens Weightlifting League concludes appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
25 lakh personnel to be deployed for 5 assembly elections: EC
NEW DELHI, Mar 18 : As many as 25 lakh personnel, including 8.5 lakh security personnel, will be deployed for the five assembly polls to be held next month, the Election Commission said on Wednesday. As many as 17.4 crore electors are eligible to vote in the elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry. The EC noted that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while announcing the schedule of the elections, had asserted that the officials have been [] The post 25 lakh personnel to be deployed for 5 assembly elections: EC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&Ks earthquake preparedness remains alarmingly inadequate
*No retrofitting, funds, early warning systems Govind Sharma JAMMU, Mar 18: Despite being located in Seismic Zone V-the highest risk category-Jammu and Kashmir has seen no retrofitting of critical buildings, no allocation of disaster mitigation funds, and no installation of earthquake early warning systems, exposing serious gaps in preparedness. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Replying to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha today, the Ministry of Home Affairs said the Kashmir Valley falls under Seismic Zone V [] The post J&Ks earthquake preparedness remains alarmingly inadequate appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Dr Farooq expresses concern over escalating conflict in West Asia
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 18: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, president Dr Farooq Abdullah today expressed grave concern over the rapidly escalating conflict in West Asia, urging global powers to act with urgency and responsibility to prevent a deeper crisis that could destabilize the world order. In a statement issued, Dr Farooq appealed to world leaders to set aside differences and work collectively towards de-escalation. He warned that the ongoing conflict, particularly the intensifying hostilities involving Iran and US- [] The post Dr Farooq expresses concern over escalating conflict in West Asia appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
No jeans and T-shirts: Himachal govt issues dress code, social media guidelines for employees
SHIMLA, Mar 18: The government of Himachal Pradesh has issued fresh directives introducing a dress code for state government employees and laying down guidelines for their conduct on social media platforms. The orders, issued by the Department of Personnel on March 16, have been circulated to all administrative secretaries, heads of departments and district authorities for strict implementation. According to the directive, government employees have been asked to maintain a formal and dignified appearance while on duty and during official [] The post No jeans and T-shirts: Himachal govt issues dress code, social media guidelines for employees appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Recognition, grant-in-aid of pvt institute choice of Govt: HC
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 18: The High Court has said that any citizen has a right to establish a private educational institution but the recognition or grant in aid is the prerogative of the Government. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The Division Bench of Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Sanjay Parihar said establishing a private educational institution is a fundamental right but simultaneously no citizen or institution can claim recognition, affiliation, or grant-in-aid from the Government as a [] The post Recognition, grant-in-aid of pvt institute choice of Govt: HC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
China pushes for Middle East ceasefire as NATO deploys Patriots to southern Turkey
BEIJING, Mar 18 : China on Wednesday said it would continue its mediation efforts to push for a ceasefire and bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as tensions continue to escalate with fresh military developments and rising concerns over nuclear safety in the region. According to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the war should never have occurred and that there was no justification for its continuation. He made [] The post China pushes for Middle East ceasefire as NATO deploys Patriots to southern Turkey appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu Veteran League Edition 2 begins
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: The Jammu Veteran League Edition 2 Anti-Drug Cricket Tournament was organized by Samvedna Club at MA Stadium today under the impactful slogan Yes to Sports, No to Drugs. The opening ceremony was graced by MLA, Jammu West Arvind Gupta as the chief guest, who was accompanied by SP North Vivek Shekhar, former councillor Sanjay Kumar Baru, Prem Gupta, and Vikas Hans. The chief guest, MLA Arvind Gupta, appreciated the initiative by Samvedna Club and [] The post Jammu Veteran League Edition 2 begins appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NC introduces bill in Assembly to safeguard land rights: Sadiq
Irfan Tramboo SRINAGAR, Mar 18: The National Conference (NC) has introduced a private members bill in the Legislative Assembly seeking to safeguard the rights of legal occupants affected by amendments to the J&K Land Grants Act, 1964. Click here to watch video NC chief spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, said the proposed Land Rights Act-2025 aims to revisit and reverse amendments made to the Act in 2022, which, according to him, have created uncertainty for people holding land on [] The post NC introduces bill in Assembly to safeguard land rights: Sadiq appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
LG, CM greet people on Navratri, Navreh
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has conveyed his greetings to the people on the eve of Navreh, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava and Cheti Chand. In a message, the Lieutenant Governor has said, On the auspicious occasion of Navreh, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava and Cheti Chand, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all. These festivals, observed throughout the nation, herald the dawn of the New Year and embody the profound renewal of [] The post LG, CM greet people on Navratri, Navreh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CAT pulls up Govt over Lecturer Recruitment Rules
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu Bench, has held that outdated Jammu and Kashmir Recruitment Rules cannot override the minimum standards laid down by the Medical Council of India for appointment to the post of Lecturer in Forensic Medicine, and ordered fresh consideration of Dr Arif Viqars candidature. The Tribunal, comprising Rajinder Singh Dogra, Member (J) and Ram Mohan Johri, Member (A) allowed two connected transfer applications arising out of earlier writ petitions filed before [] The post CAT pulls up Govt over Lecturer Recruitment Rules appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Drug peddlers house attached in Samba
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: A house belonging to a notorious drug peddler was attached in Samba district today, police spokesperson said. The house of Masoom Ali alias Kala was attached at Rakh Barotian in Vijaypur tehsil, under section 68-F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a police spokesperson said. Masoom Ali has been named in five FIRs registered at three different police stations in Samba, the spokesperson said. He has been lodged in the Udhampur Jail [] The post Drug peddlers house attached in Samba appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Three tippers seized for illegal mining
Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Mar 18: A police team from Police Station Thanamandi, led by SHO Inspector Sachinder Pal Singh, seized three tippers involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in the Thanamandi area. During the operation, a vehicle bearing registration number JK12-4183, driven by Mohd Rafiq of Surankote, and another vehicle JK12-1309, driven by Jameel Ahmed, were seized and later fined Rs 18,441 each by the Mining Department. Another tipper, JK20A-4287, driven by Javied Iqbal of Surankote, was also [] The post Three tippers seized for illegal mining appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rupee crashes 49 paise to record low of 92.89 against US dollar
MUMBAI, Mar 18: The rupee slumped 49 paise to close at a record low of 92.89 against the US dollar on Wednesday, weighed down by a stronger greenback and sustained FII outflows. Elevated crude oil prices in global markets amid intensifying conflict in West Asia further dampened sentiments, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange, the local unit opened at 92.42 against the greenback and traded in the range of 92.41-92.89 before closing at its record low of 92.89, [] The post Rupee crashes 49 paise to record low of 92.89 against US dollar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
37 bovines rescued, 4 vehicles seized in Udhampur
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: Police here today claimed to have foiled four separate bovine smuggling attempts in different areas by rescuing 37 animals from the clutches of the smugglers. Four vehicles used for the illegal transportation of the animals were also seized. Officials said that during routine patrolling duty, a team of Police Station Chenani signalled a Bolero Pickup (JK03N-2343) for checking. The vehicle owner, however, fled from the spot, abandoning his vehicle at a distance, they said. On [] The post 37 bovines rescued, 4 vehicles seized in Udhampur appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chief Secretary reviews status of recruitments, promotions and vacancy referrals in Ladakh
Excelsior Correspondent LEH, March 18 : The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a meeting to review the status of recruitments, promotions, and referral of vacancies to recruiting agencies, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The meeting focused on expediting promotions through Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) to address stagnation and create vacancies, ensuring timely referral of direct recruitment vacancies to UPSC, and reviewing ongoing recruitment processes along with future hiring plans. A consolidated status [] The post Chief Secretary reviews status of recruitments, promotions and vacancy referrals in Ladakh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Many join BSP, office bearers announced
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 18: BSP J&K here today announced a major organizational expansion and strengthening of its cadre with the joining of prominent social and political figures. Senior leader Lok Nath resigned from Congress and joined the BSP and has been appointed as in-charge Hiranagar, where he will work to further strengthen the party at grassroot level. In another significant development, Bansi Lal has been appointed as District president, Kathua to expand the partys base. The party also reassigned [] The post Many join BSP, office bearers announced appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kashmir higher reaches receive fresh snow
Wet spell persists in Valley Srinagar: A few areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while rain lashed most parts of the Valley on Wednesday, leading to a drop in temperature, officials said. Reports of fresh snowfall were received from Pir Ki Gali along the Mughal Road in Shopian district, and from []
Foreign tourist arrivals signal confidence in J&K as tourist destination: Parl Panel
Committee calls for eco-tourism push, better facilities at emerging destinations Srinagar: A parliamentary panel has observed that the increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Jammu & Kashmir reflects growing international confidence in it as a tourist destination. In its report, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed satisfaction over tourist []
Dr Farooq urges global intervention to de-escalate West Asia crisis
Calls for humanitarian aid to Iran Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Wednesday voiced grave concern over the rapidly escalating conflict in West Asia, urging global powers to act with urgency and responsibility to prevent a deeper crisis that could destabilize the world order. In his statement, Dr Farooq appealed []
Ensure smooth religious festivals: Div Com Kashmir
Srinagar: To ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations of the forthcoming religious festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr, Navroz and Navratra, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday chaired a meeting of officers to review the preparedness and arrangements being put in place across the Kashmir Division. The meeting was attended by all Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner SMC, SSP []
CM, LG greet people on Chaitra Navratri, Navreh
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri. In a message, the Chief Minister said that Navratri marks the beginning of the New Year and symbolizes the triumph of truth, righteousness and virtue over evil. On this auspicious occasion, I []
PSAJK calls for 30-year roadmap for J&K education
Welcomes Education Ministers reform push Srinagar: The Private Schools Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has welcomed the recent stand of the Education Minister to introduce corrective measures aimed at improving educational standards across Jammu & Kashmir. The Association termed the initiative as timely and forward-looking, particularly in the context of evolving global educational demands and []
Farooq Abdullah attack: Police seek videos photos evidence from public
Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have issued a public notice seeking information, video recordings, and photographs from people who attended a marriage function where an assassination attempt was made on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah here. Police on Sunday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the recent incident of firing at Abdullah []
Police seize vehicle acquired through proceeds of narcotics trade
Srinagar: Continuing its sustained crackdown on narcotics-related activities, police in Shopian have seized a vehicle (Swift car) bearing registration number JK13J-3347, valued at approximately 6,80,960/- belongs to Ishfaq Ahmad Koka son of Abdul Majeed Koka resident of Melhura Zainapora. The vehicle was identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from the illegal sale of []
SRINAGAR: Afghanistan on Wednesday announced the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, declaring Thursday as Eid al-Fitr, even as Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a temporary ceasefire during the festival following one of the deadliest escalations in their recent conflict, according to reports by Anadolu Agency and AFP. Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Supreme Court []
Nine including 3 children killed in Delhis Palam fire
PM announces ex-gratia for victims New Delhi, Mar 18: Nine people, including two men, four women, and three children, were killed after a fire broke out in a residential building in southwest Delhis Palam area on Wednesday morning, officials said. According to police, the incident occurred around 7 am in Sadh Nagar, Palam Colony, after [] The post Nine including 3 children killed in Delhis Palam fire appeared first on Northlines .
LS passes demands for grants of ministries for 2026-27
Clears Appropriation Bill 2026 New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) The Lok Sabha on Wednesday approved the Demands for Grants for various ministries, authorising government expenditure for the financial year, and subsequently passed the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2026, paving the way for the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet approved [] The post LS passes demands for grants of ministries for 2026-27 appeared first on Northlines .
Blind murder case cracked within 24 hours, two held
Jammu Tawi, March 18: Police have solved a blind murder case within 24 hours of its reporting, arresting two persons in connection with the killing of a man here, officials said. Satwari police station received information around 9.30 pm on March 16 that a male body had been found lying on a bridge on [] The post Blind murder case cracked within 24 hours, two held appeared first on Northlines .
Army commander visits LoC post
Jammu Tawi, Mar 18 : Armys Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Wednesday visited a forward post along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district and reviewed the operational preparedness of troops, officials said. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, also lauded the troops for their alertness and foiling an infiltration attempt last [] The post Army commander visits LoC post appeared first on Northlines .
Heavy security at Vaishno Devi shrine for Navratri
Jammu Tawi, Mar 18 : An elaborate security net has been cast over the trek leading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hills for the Chaitra Navratras, an official said on Wednesday. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya said the entire shrine area, including the Bhawan and [] The post Heavy security at Vaishno Devi shrine for Navratri appeared first on Northlines .
Police seeks videos, photos, evidence from public on Farooq attack
Jammu Tawi, March 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have issued a public notice seeking information, video recordings, and photographs from people who attended a marriage function where an assassination attempt was made on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah here. Police on Sunday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the recent incident of [] The post Police seeks videos, photos, evidence from public on Farooq attack appeared first on Northlines .
KPs to celebrate Navreh in Kashmir from next yr
Jammu Tawi, March 18 : Kashmiri Pandits have renewed their resolve to celebrate Navreh, the first day of the New Year according to the Kashmiri Hindu calendar, in the Valley from next year, terming it a symbolic step towards reconnecting with their ancestral homeland, community members said. Navreh, which is celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits on [] The post KPs to celebrate Navreh in Kashmir from next yr appeared first on Northlines .
Higher reaches of J&K receive fresh snow
Srinagar, Mar 18: A few areas in the higher reaches of Jammu Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while rain lashed most parts of the Valley on Wednesday, leading to a drop in temperature, officials said. Reports of fresh snowfall were received from Pir Ki Gali along the Mughal Road in Shopian district, and from Sonamarg, even [] The post Higher reaches of J&K receive fresh snow appeared first on Northlines .
Sinha joins Shri Raghunath Jis Temple Aarti
Jammu, Mar 18: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today called upon the people to organise daily or weekly evening aartis in the towns and villages nestled along the riverbanks of Jammu Division in collaboration with the local communities. I urge people to organise daily or weekly evening Aartis in towns and villages settled along the [] The post Sinha joins Shri Raghunath Jis Temple Aarti appeared first on Northlines .
Deadlines set for treasury work in J&Ks Fin yr-end rush
Jammu Tawi, Mar 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has tightened norms for treasury operations in the final week of March, issuing strict timelines and accountability measures to ensure smooth closure of the financial year 2025-26. In a circular issued today, all Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) have been directed to adhere to the [] The post Deadlines set for treasury work in J&Ks Fin yr-end rush appeared first on Northlines .
Gulmarg Lease Case: HC closes petitions as Parties Opt for Govt resolution
SRINAGAR, Mar 18: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has disposed of a batch of writ petitions in the high-profile case of Gulmarg hotels land lease after petitioners sought withdrawal to pursue resolution with the government. A bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, earlier this month allowed the [] The post Gulmarg Lease Case: HC closes petitions as Parties Opt for Govt resolution appeared first on Northlines .
Lieutenant Governor Joins Shri Raghunath Jis Jammu Aarti
Jammu, 18th March 2026: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today called upon the people to organise daily or weekly evening aartis in the towns and villages nestled along the riverbanks of Jammu Division in collaboration with the local communities. I urge people to organise daily or weekly evening Aartis in towns and villages settled [] The post Lieutenant Governor Joins Shri Raghunath Jis Jammu Aarti appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
UN General Assemblys emergency session on March 18 is of crucial importance
India can play a proactive role in working on a ceasefire in the West Asian war By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: The Middle East is on fire. Not metaphorically literally. Since February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli stealth assets struck 400 Iranian targets simultaneously in a surgical operation designed to [] The post UN General Assemblys emergency session on March 18 is of crucial importance appeared first on Northlines .
Special Feature on World Sparrow Day The Sparrow: Natures Tiny Messenger
By Ramesh Sarraf Dhamora World Sparrow Day is dedicated to the tiny house sparrow and other birds. This day is observed annually on March 20 to raise awareness regarding the rapid decline in the sparrow population and to encourage people to protect these familiar birds. The objective of celebrating this day is to sensitize people [] The post Special Feature on World Sparrow Day The Sparrow: Natures Tiny Messenger appeared first on Northlines .
Where Have All the Sparrows Gone?
By Dr. Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit The decline of sparrows is a stark reminder of the impact of human activities on the environment. Their dwindling numbers are a symptom of a larger issue the degradation of our natural habitats and ecosystems. As urbanization and modernization continue to transform our surroundings, sparrows are struggling to [] The post Where Have All the Sparrows Gone? appeared first on Northlines .
Pak-Afghan was enters a dangerous phase after Mondays Kabul massacre
Islamabad has to pay a heavy price this time at the hands of TTP Jehadis By T N Ashok The protracted war between Pakistan and Afghanistan entered a critical phase on Monday following the death of about 400 persons in a Kabul Hospital due to air strikes by Pakistan. Kabul immediately talked of severe [] The post Pak-Afghan was enters a dangerous phase after Mondays Kabul massacre appeared first on Northlines .
Bhumi Suposhan: Enriching Soil
(March 19-April 19 Campaign) Dr. Parveen Kumar* Soil is the most important and indispensible living natural resource. No form of life is possible without this resource. As a living resource, it is one of the most bio-diverse habitats on Earth hosting more than 50% of the planets species. A single teaspoon of healthy [] The post Bhumi Suposhan: Enriching Soil appeared first on Northlines .
Strengthening Indias Path to Power Leadership: How India Is Energising a New Growth Story
PDD Lineman Dies of Electrocution in Central Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A Power Development Department (PDD) lineman died after suffering an electric shock during duty in central Kashmirs Budgam district on Wednesday, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Ali Mohammad Malik, a resident of Sonpah Beerwah. According to local sources, the incident occurred while he was carrying out routine work when he came []
LG Manoj Sinha Calls for Regular Riverbank Aartis Across Jammu
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday urged people to organise daily or weekly evening aartis in towns and villages along riverbanks across Jammu Division in collaboration with local communities, emphasising the need to preserve cultural and spiritual traditions. Speaking at the Shri Raghunath Ji Jammu Aarti organised by Shri Raghunath Ji Ki Jammu Aarti []
SRINAGAR: Israel intensified its campaign against Irans leadership on Wednesday, with Defence Minister Israel Katz announcing the killing of Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib in an overnight strike, a development later confirmed by Iranian state television. The assassination marks one of the most high-profile targeted killings in the ongoing war and signals a deepening escalation []
LG Manoj Sinha Joins Shri Raghunath Jis Jammu Aarti
Jammu, Mar 18: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today called upon the people to organise daily or weekly evening aartis in the towns and villages nestled along the riverbanks of Jammu Division in collaboration with the local communities. I urge people to organise daily or weekly evening Aartis in towns and villages settled along the riverbanks in Jammu Division. Light kindled by Aartis lamps will awaken the society towards our profound rich culture and connect young generation with timeless verses [] The post LG Manoj Sinha Joins Shri Raghunath Jis Jammu Aarti appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Scheduled Power Shutdowns to Affect Multiple Areas Across Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), has announced a series of scheduled power shutdowns across several parts of Kashmir between March 22 and 28, 2026 due to maintenance works on transmission lines. According to officials, power supply to Jawahar Nagar, Rajbagh, Mehjoor Nagar, Soiteng, KP Bagh and adjoining areas will []
J&K Govt Committed To Deliver Affordable Healthcare To Every Citizen: Health Minister Itoo
Srinagar, Mar 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government is committed to deliver equitable, inclusive, and affordable healthcare to every citizen in the Union Territory, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo said on Wednesday. Itoo inaugurated 50 bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Chawalgam in south Kashmirs Kulgam district. The hospital, constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 7.40 crores, marks a significant milestone in the governments sustained efforts to promote traditional systems of medicine alongside modern healthcare services. In her address after [] The post J&K Govt Committed To Deliver Affordable Healthcare To Every Citizen: Health Minister Itoo appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
X Suffers Global Outage Affecting Multiple Regions Worldwide
SRINAGAR: Social media platform X was down for thousands of users in the United States and other parts of the world on Wednesday, according to outage tracking website Downdetector. More than 14,000 users in the US reported issues with the platform as of 10:59 a.m. Eastern Time, Downdetector data showed. The service, which compiles user-submitted []
Shawwal Moon Not Sighted; Saudi Arabia To Observe Eid-Ul-Fitr On Friday
JAMMU, Mar 18: The Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, authorities announced, confirming that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20. According to a Facebook post by Haramain Sharifain, the crescent marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH was not visible despite efforts across the Kingdom. As a result, the holy month of Ramadan will complete 30 days, with Friday declared as the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The announcement puts an end to [] The post Shawwal Moon Not Sighted; Saudi Arabia To Observe Eid-Ul-Fitr On Friday appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
X Down For Thousands Of Users, No Posts Loading
X Down For Thousands Of Users, No Posts Loading The post X Down For Thousands Of Users, No Posts Loading appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Shawwal Moon Not Sighted in Saudi Arabia; Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday
SRINAGAR: Authorities in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal was not sighted, confirming that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20. With the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent, the holy month of Ramadan will complete 30 days, officials said, adding that Thursday will be the []
Kathua rape-murder convict doesnt deserve concession, says Punjab and Haryana HC
A division bench of Justices Gurvinder Singh Gill and Ramesh Kumari passed the order on Sanji Ram's plea on the concession of suspension of sentence
Army Hosts Iftar Party at Manasbal
Hajin: An Iftar gathering was organised at Manasbal Army Camp on wednesday, bringing together local residents and representatives from different sections of society. The event was held during the holy month of Ramadan with the aim of strengthening ties with the local population and understanding their traditions and concerns. Despite inclement weather, a large []
Scouts & Guides Deployed At Key Railway Station In Jammu For Crowd Management
Jammu, Mar 18: Special teams of Scouts and Guides have been deployed at key railway stations under the Jammu division to ensure smooth passenger movement and effective crowd management during the Navratri festival, officials said on Wednesday. Anticipating a heavy influx of devotees visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, the division has implemented comprehensive security and passenger amenity measures to handle overcrowding at stations, they said. Major stations, including Jammu Tawi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, witness a [] The post Scouts & Guides Deployed At Key Railway Station In Jammu For Crowd Management appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Dr Ajay Kumar Tickoo Given Additional Charge As Director Ayush J&K
JAMMU, Mar 18 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday assigned additional charge of Director, Ayush J&K to Dr. Ajay Kumar Tickoo in the interest of administration. According to Government Order No. 157-JK (HME) of 2026 dated March 18, Dr Tickoo, who is currently looking after routine duties as In-charge District AYUSH Officer Doda, shall also hold the charge of Director Ayush J&K in addition to his own duties. The order stated that he will discharge the responsibilities in [] The post Dr Ajay Kumar Tickoo Given Additional Charge As Director Ayush J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Cabinet Clears Rs 2,584-Crore Small Hydro Power Scheme to Add 1,500 MW Capacity
SRINAGAR: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period 202627 to 203031, with a total outlay of Rs 2,584.60 crore aimed at adding around 1,500 MW of capacity across the country. The scheme targets small hydro projects ranging between 1 MW and 25 MW, []
Strict Deadlines Set For Treasury Work In J&Ks Financial Year-End Rush
JAMMU, Mar 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has tightened norms for treasury operations in the final week of March, issuing strict timelines and accountability measures to ensure smooth closure of the financial year 2025-26. In a circular issued today, all Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) have been directed to adhere to the notified last date for submission of bills and ensure that proposals are complete in all respects, warning that any rejection due to errors or incomplete details [] The post Strict Deadlines Set For Treasury Work In J&Ks Financial Year-End Rush appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CM Omar Abdullah Greets People On Chaitra Navratri, Navreh
SRINAGAR, Mar 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today extended his warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri. In a message, the Chief Minister said that Navratri marks the beginning of the New Year and symbolizes the triumph of truth, righteousness and virtue over evil. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my warm wishes to everyone for their success, happiness and well-being, he said. The Chief Minister also extended his felicitations to the Kashmiri Pandit community [] The post CM Omar Abdullah Greets People On Chaitra Navratri, Navreh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu, Mar 18: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has conveyed his greetings to the people on the eve of Navreh, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava and Cheti Chand. In a message, the Lieutenant Governor has said, On the auspicious occasion of Navreh, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava and Cheti Chand, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all. These festivals, observed throughout the nation, herald the dawn of the New Year and embody the profound renewal of faith and [] The post Lieutenant Governors Greetings On The Occasion Of Navreh, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava And Cheti Chand appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NGT Panel Conducts On-Site Assessment of Sukhnag River Over Illegal Mining Damage
SRINAGAR: An expert committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal on Wednesday carried out an on-site inspection of the Sukhnag stream in the Sail area of Beerwah in Budgam district to assess damage caused by alleged illegal riverbed mining. The panel, comprising senior scientist Sandeepan Mukherjee from the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment []
Irans judiciary says attack struck southern Iran, killing & wounding staff, civilians
DUBAI, Mar 18: Irans judiciary reported on Wednesday that an attack hit southern Iran, killing and wounding civilians and judicial staff. The judiciarys Mizan news agency reported the attack at a judiciary site in Larestan County in Irans Fars province. The site was targeted in an attack by the enemy, Mizan said. A number of staff members and civilians were martyred and injured; the exact number is still unknown. It wasnt clear if the attack was an airstrike or an [] The post Irans judiciary says attack struck southern Iran, killing & wounding staff, civilians appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Stock markets extend winning run to 3rd day; Sensex, Nifty climb nearly 1 pc
MUMBAI, Mar 18:Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended nearly 1 per cent higher on Wednesday, extending their winning run to the third day in a row, amid a slight drop in crude oil prices and a firm trend in global peers. A rally in IT stocks also led to the optimistic trend in the domestic markets. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 633.29 points or 0.83 per cent to settle at 76,704.13. During the day, it soared 929.38 points [] The post Stock markets extend winning run to 3rd day; Sensex, Nifty climb nearly 1 pc appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
EC reshuffles IAS, IPS officers in Bengal; appoints DMs-cum-DEOs, DIGs ahead of polls
KOLKATA: The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered a fresh round of reshuffle of senior officers in poll-bound West Bengal, appointing 13 IAS officers as DMs-cum-DEOs and posting five IPS officers as deputy inspectors general (DIGs). The IAS officers were appointed as district magistrates (DMs) who will also serve as district election officers (DEOs), placing them []
Brain tumours take control of sugar metabolism to grow, study suggests
NEW DELHI, Mar 18: Immune cells within a brain tumour could be taking control of sugar metabolism, breaking down fructose to suppress immune responses and promote tumour growth, a study has found. Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study is the first to identify a sugar metabolism driving immune suppression in glioblastoma, an aggressive, rapidly growing malignant tumour in the brain, researchers said. They suggested blocking how fructose gets broken down in specialised immune [] The post Brain tumours take control of sugar metabolism to grow, study suggests appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rahul, Priyanka meet Gadkari, push for solving Rajasthan truck and bus body builders issues
NEW DELHI, Mar 18: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accompanied by a delegation of small truck and bus body builders from Rajasthan, met Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and urged him to resolve their grievances. Prior to meeting Gadkari, the delegation met with Rahul Gandhi and claimed that the governments new standards and excessive fees could drive many small manufacturers out of business, thereby threatening the livelihoods of millions of families. Following [] The post Rahul, Priyanka meet Gadkari, push for solving Rajasthan truck and bus body builders issues appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Gulmarg Lease Case: High Court Closes Petitions As Parties Opt For Govt Resolution
SRINAGAR, Mar 18: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has disposed of a batch of writ petitions in the high-profile case of Gulmarg hotels land lease after petitioners sought withdrawal to pursue resolution with the government. A bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, earlier this month allowed the withdrawal, noting that the petitioners intend to approach the government with representations to settle the dispute. In 2022, the union Territory administration led by the [] The post Gulmarg Lease Case: High Court Closes Petitions As Parties Opt For Govt Resolution appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
2018 Kathua Rape-Murder: HC Dismisses Masterminds Plea Seeking Suspension of Life Sentence
SRINAGAR: The mastermind behind the 2018 rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Kathua does not deserve the concession of suspension of sentence at this stage, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has said while dismissing a plea from former temple caretaker Sanji Ram. Ram, who was caretaker of the devasthanam (temple) where the crime []
Heavy Security At Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine For Navratri
KATRA/JAMMU, Mar 18: An elaborate security net has been cast over the trek leading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hills for the Chaitra Navratras, an official said on Wednesday. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya said the entire shrine area, including the Bhawan and surrounding premises, has been decorated with flowers ahead of the nine-day festival. A heavy influx of pilgrims is expected to visit the shrine during the period, which [] The post Heavy Security At Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine For Navratri appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Secretary Shashanka Ala interacts with IIS Probationers
Leh, March 18: A group of Indian Information Service (IIS) probationers today interacted with Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Ms. Shashanka Ala, at the Lieutenant Governors Secretariat, as part of their Bharat Darshan programme. The delegation comprised 24 Officer Trainees of IIS Group B currently undergoing their Foundation Course at the Indian Institute of Mass [] The post Secretary Shashanka Ala interacts with IIS Probationers appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib Killed: Israel
DUBAI, Mar 18: Israels defence minister said on Wednesday that the Israeli military killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. Israel Katz announced Khatibs killing and said that significant surprises are expected throughout this day on all the fronts, without elaborating. Khatibs killing follows Israel killing top Iranian security official Ali Larijani and the head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards all-volunteer Basij force. (AP) The post Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib Killed: Israel appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Cabinet Approves Rs 2,585 Cr Small Hydro Power Development Scheme
NEW DELHI, Mar 18: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a small hydro power development scheme with an outlay of Rs 2,585 crore to boost the development of 1,500 MW of renewable capacity. Small Hydro Power Development scheme approved by the Cabinet with an outlay of Rs 2,585 crore, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters after the meeting of the Union Cabinet here. The minister stated that this is an important decision from an environmental perspective for the country. The [] The post Cabinet Approves Rs 2,585 Cr Small Hydro Power Development Scheme appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
South Kashmir: Police Seize Car Bought with Drug Proceeds
SRINAGAR: Police in south Kashmir have seized a Swift car valued at approximately Rs 6.8 lakh, alleging it was purchased using proceeds from illegal drug trafficking, officials said on Wednesday. The vehicle, bearing registration number JK13J-3347, belongs to Ishfaq Ahmad Koka, son of Abdul Majeed Koka, a resident of Melhura Zainapora in Shopian district. Police []
Rwanda seeks 100 million pounds from UK in arbitration over scrapped refugee deal
THE HAGUE (Netherlands), Mar 18: Rwanda told a panel of international arbitrators Wednesday that Britain still owes it 100 million pounds (USD 115 million) under a controversial refugee resettlement deal that Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped immediately after taking office in 2024. The 2022 deal struck by Starmers predecessor Rishi Sunak involved sending migrants who arrive in the UK as stowaways or in boats to the East African country. It included arrangements for payments to Rwanda to help cover costs. [] The post Rwanda seeks 100 million pounds from UK in arbitration over scrapped refugee deal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Social media highlights concern about iconic Indian restaurants closure in Singapore
SINGAPORE, Mar 18: Singapores iconic Indian vegetarian restaurant, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted to a meal by then-Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, has been closed for nearly two months, with intense speculation surrounding the future of the eatery in the Little India precinct here. One of the oldest Indian-origin businesses here, Komala Vilas prolonged closure for renovations has sparked a discussion on Facebook about whether the restaurant has shut for good. The Komala Vilas vegetarian meal in [] The post Social media highlights concern about iconic Indian restaurants closure in Singapore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
