J&K: Northern Army Commander Reviews Anti-Infiltration Grid Along LoC
SRINAGAR, May 29: Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Friday reviewed the operational preparedness of the force and assessed the robustness of the anti-infiltration grid along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kashmir Valley. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, #ArmyCdrNC, visited units deployed along the #LineOfControl in Kupwara Sector to assess robustness of anti-infiltration grid and review #OperationalPreparedness, Armys Northern Command said in a post on X. The commander also witnessed a demonstration of innovations successfully implemented in [] The post J&K: Northern Army Commander Reviews Anti-Infiltration Grid Along LoC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
India Should Target To Build USD 120-USD 150 Billion Semiconductor Value Chain By 2035: NITI Aayog
NEW DELHI, May 29: India should target building a USD 120-150 billion semiconductor value chain by choosing leadership and purpose over participation by 2035, a NITI Aayog report said on Friday. The Centre should commit at least one-third of the required investment to de-risk projects and anchor long-term investor confidence, the report, Future of Indias Semiconductor Industry, suggested. Instead of chasing the global wafer race from behind, India should define its own pathway-one that is not only distinct but shaped [] The post India Should Target To Build USD 120-USD 150 Billion Semiconductor Value Chain By 2035: NITI Aayog appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Trailer Vehicle Falls Into Deep Gorge Near Zojila, Driver And Conductor Safe
GANDERBAL, May 29: A major tragedy was narrowly avoided on Friday when a loaded trailer vehicle veered off the Srinagar-Kargil highway and fell into a deep gorge near Zojila in Central Kashmirs Ganderbal district. Officials said the accident occurred near Pani Matha on the Zojila axis when the 14-wheeler trailer, en route to Kargil, reportedly lost control and tumbled down the mountainside. The vehicle, registered as JK01BC-2359, suffered severe damage in the mishap. Despite the impact, both the driver and [] The post Trailer Vehicle Falls Into Deep Gorge Near Zojila, Driver And Conductor Safe appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ladakh LG Revises DA For Employees Under 6th Pay Commn
LEH, May 29: The Finance Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh has revised the Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees drawing salary under the 6th Central Pay Commission, enhancing it from the existing 257 per cent of basic pay to 262 per cent. The hike has been approved by the Lieutenant Governor of the Ladakh, VK Saxena. The post Ladakh LG Revises DA For Employees Under 6th Pay Commn appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Putin Says Trade Liberalisation Talks Have Intensified Between India, Eurasian Economic Union
ASTANA, May 29: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that negotiations on trade liberalisation between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and India have intensified, signalling fresh momentum in efforts to forge a free trade agreement between the two sides, according to a media report. Last year trade agreements were concluded with Mongolia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as with Indonesia, intensifying negotiations on trade liberalization with India, Putin was quoted as saying at the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council [] The post Putin Says Trade Liberalisation Talks Have Intensified Between India, Eurasian Economic Union appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K: Op Sheruwali Enters Day 7 In Rajouri, Another Anti-Terrorist Operation Launched In Poonch
JAMMU, May 29: Security forces continued Operation Sheruwali for the seventh consecutive day on Friday to hunt down two to three Pakistani terrorists believed to be hiding in the forests of Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district, while another anti-terrorist search operation was launched in neighbouring Poonch district, officials said. The forces targeted specific suspected terrorist hideouts with heavy firepower as the ultras continued shifting positions across the difficult terrain, valleys and gorges in the Dorimal-Gambhir Moghla belt of the Manjakote [] The post J&K: Op Sheruwali Enters Day 7 In Rajouri, Another Anti-Terrorist Operation Launched In Poonch appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K: Massive Forest Fire In Poonch; Locals Help Bring Flames Under Control
JAMMU, May 29: A massive forest fire broke out in the upper reaches of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, but prompt action from the forest department, aided by residents, helped bring the fire under control, officials said on Friday. The blaze ignited along the Mughal Road, damaging forest areas and causing temporary panic among commuters as flames and thick smoke billowed close to this historic route connecting Poonch with Shopian district. Officials confirmed that the Mughal Road remains safe [] The post J&K: Massive Forest Fire In Poonch; Locals Help Bring Flames Under Control appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Govt Mulling Expansion Of BSFs Operational Mandate: Amit Shah
BHUJ, May 29: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the government was considering expansion of the BSFs operational mandate by assigning it new sectors, and announced that a new paradigm of territorial security will be added to complement conventional border security. Addressing BSF personnel on a visit to Gujarats Kutch district to review border security, he also said the ongoing work to secure the vulnerable sections of the Harami Nala and Sir Creek areas along the border [] The post Govt Mulling Expansion Of BSFs Operational Mandate: Amit Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rajnath Releases Volume On Op Sindoor With Accounts Of Officers, Aviators, Other Combatants
NEW DELHI, May 29: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday released a commemorative volume on Operation Sindoor, which documents the personal testimonies of 100 officers, sailors, and airmen who participated in the decisive military operation last year. Singh described the operation as an unprecedented success wherein India compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire within four days. It was different from all other wars that India has fought so far. The commemorative publication goes beyond historical account and captures the personal [] The post Rajnath Releases Volume On Op Sindoor With Accounts Of Officers, Aviators, Other Combatants appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Dr Jitendra Launches Indias First SkyCast Aircraft Fog System, Lauds Milestone In Aviation History
NEW DELHI, May 29 :Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today inaugurated Indias first SkyCast system at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, describing it a milestone and the beginning of a new era in the history of Indian aviation. The Minister informed that only 18 such advanced systems exist across the world so far and India has now become the [] The post Dr Jitendra Launches Indias First SkyCast Aircraft Fog System, Lauds Milestone In Aviation History appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PM Only Cares About Survival Of His Govt, Not Kids Future: Rahul
NEW DELHI, May 29: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modis silence on the CBSE debacle and inaction against the education minister showed he cared only about the survival of his government and not the future of lakhs of students. In a post on X, Gandhi said he had been demanding an independent judicial probe from day one into the CBSEs on-screen marking and the award of the contract to COEMPT as the youth of [] The post PM Only Cares About Survival Of His Govt, Not Kids Future: Rahul appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Institutional deliveries up from 88.6% to 90.6% in 2023-24: NFHS-6
NEW DELHI, May 29: Institutional deliveries in India have increased from 88.6 per cent in 2019-2021 to 90.6 per cent in 2023-24, moving closer towards universal coverage, according to the National Family Health Survey-6 released on Friday. According to the NFHS-6 data for 2023-24, 95.9 per cent of pregnant women received antenatal care (ANC), while mothers receiving ANC in the first trimester increased from 70 per cent to 76.2 per cent. Mothers receiving at least four ANC visits also increased [] The post Institutional deliveries up from 88.6% to 90.6% in 2023-24: NFHS-6 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh To Inaugurate Lavender Festival At Bhaderwah On June 6
JAMMU, May 29: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will inaugurate the two-day fourth edition of Lavender Festival being organised under the theme, Lavender goes global, by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu on June 6. The inauguration will take place at the Government Degree College, Bhaderwah, in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, celebrating the continued success of the Purple Revolution and lavender-based rural entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a curtain raiser press conference here at CSIR-IIIM, [] The post Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh To Inaugurate Lavender Festival At Bhaderwah On June 6 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PM Modi himself monitoring NEET-UG paper leak issue: Centre informs Supreme Court
New Delhi [India], May 29 : The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre Ministry of Education, to file a separate affidavit detailing the devising of a mechanism by which the process of conducting and concluding NEET examinations would be institutionalised by the NTA on a year-to-year basis. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said that the affidavit must explain how institutional memory and expertise would be developed within the National Testing Agency (NTA) through the deployment of specialised personnel and a broad-based composition of experts. The Court observed that the endeavour must be to ensure that the NTA possesses the necessary physical as well as intellectual wherewithal to prevent the recurrence of incidents such as the NEET examination controversies of 2024 and 2026. The affidavit has been directed to be filed within six weeks. During the hearing, the Court noted the response (affidavits) filed by the NTA and the Chairman of the High Powered Committee, Dr K Radhakrishnan. Notably, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, informed the Court that the Prime Minister himself is monitoring the issue. The bench, however, questioned how the alleged failure occurred despite regular monitoring and meetings by the High Powered Committee. Have you been having regular meetings? How did this failure occur despite all the monitoring? the Court asked. Dr K Radhakrishnan and counsels representing the NTA responded that the High Powered Committee had made around 60 recommendations, many of which had already been implemented. The Court was informed that certain procedural reforms are still pending and would be implemented before the rescheduled NEET-UG examination. Justice Narasimha, however, expressed concern over the effectiveness of the monitoring mechanism. Then there is something wrong with the original recommendations, or there has not been effective monitoring. How did this occur? the bench observed. The Court also raised concerns regarding accountability within the NTA system. Accountability has not been put in place. Accountability would be effective only when you identify on whose shoulders the responsibility lies, the bench observed. The Court further remarked that diffused obligation ultimately results in responsibility being shifted generally towards the government. Stressing the need for institutional reforms, the bench observed, Institutional reforms, not individuals. Irrespective of people coming or going, there must be something that evolves within the system. The Court also highlighted the emotional impact of repeated examination controversies on students and families. It is actually very traumatic. Not just for students but for families. There is an investment of years of study and emotions, the bench observed. The Court further remarked that India has created world-class institutions such as the UPSC and said similar institutional strength and credibility must be developed within the NTA. In its order, the Court recorded that pursuant to its earlier directions, the Director of the NTA has filed an affidavit indicating the manner in which the recommendations of the High Powered Committee were being implemented in relation to the conduct of NEET-UG 2026. The Court also noted that Dr K Radhakrishnan, who heads the steering committee, had filed a separate affidavit detailing the future course of action. The Court said it would continue monitoring the matter for some further time and listed the matter to be heard in the second week of July. (ANI)
Swiss Ambassador To India Calls On J-K CM, Says Scope Of Collaboration Discussed
SRINAGAR, May 29: Swiss Ambassador to India Maya Tissafi on Friday called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here and discussed issues of mutual interest and scope for collaboration. H.E. Mrs. Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Switzerland to India, called on the chief minister today in Srinagar and discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including sustainable tourism, horticulture and allied sectors, the CMs office said on X. The Swiss Ambassador had on Thursday called on J-K Lieutenant [] The post Swiss Ambassador To India Calls On J-K CM, Says Scope Of Collaboration Discussed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rising prices may hit festive smartphone demand, dent annual sales by up to 30 pc: Report
NEW DELHI, May 29: More than half of intended smartphone buyers in India may defer their purchases or shift to the second-hand market during the festive half of the year (July to December) if prices continue to rise, potentially dragging down annual sales by up to 30 per cent, according to a study. A joint report by Trakin Tech and Techarc, released on Friday, revealed that 54 per cent of intended smartphone demand for the second half of the year [] The post Rising prices may hit festive smartphone demand, dent annual sales by up to 30 pc: Report appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rupee rises 53 paise to close at 95.05 against US dollar
MUMBAI, May 29: The rupee appreciated 53 paise to close at 95.05 (provisional) against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, as renewed optimism over the peace deal between the US and Iran boosted market sentiments. Forex traders said the USD/INR pair appreciated on an overnight decline in crude oil prices and a fall in the US dollar, after the US and Iran reached an understanding to extend the ceasefire for another 60 days. On Thursday, the US and [] The post Rupee rises 53 paise to close at 95.05 against US dollar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CCI rejects complaint against Rapido; finds no abuse of dominance
NEW DELHI, May 29: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has dismissed a complaint against Roppen Transportation Services, the parent company of the mobility platform Rapido, finding that no prima facie case of abuse of a dominant position was established. The complainant alleged that Rapido was operating private vehicles for commercial purposes in Uttarakhand, charging fares below the state-regulated minimum standards and engaging in non-transparent pricing and tax practices. In its order passed on May 22, the fair trade regulator [] The post CCI rejects complaint against Rapido; finds no abuse of dominance appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Nadigam Railway Crossing in Budgam to Remain Closed for Four Days
SRINAGAR: The railway level crossing at Nadigam Halt in Budgam has been closed for vehicular traffic for four days due to track upgradation works, officials said. According to a public notice issued by Northern Railways, the crossing, located between Budgam and Mazhom, will remain closed for all vehicular traffic from today till Monday, June 01 []
As Jio IPO timeline nears, Ambani weighs on broadening stakeholder participation
NEW DELHI, May 29: Reliance Industries Limited Chairman Mukesh D Ambani is evaluating pathways to broader stakeholder participation in Jio Platforms as the timeline set by him for the companys initial public offerings (IPO) nears. During the Annual General Meeting of RIL in August 2025, Ambani set the timeline of the first half of 2026 for listing Jio. Ambani, in RILs annual report published on Thursday, said the company is taking deliberate steps to strengthen Jios institutional framework, enhance transparency [] The post As Jio IPO timeline nears, Ambani weighs on broadening stakeholder participation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Hormuz exposes Chinas Indian Ocean vulnerability, new report
SINGAPORE, May 29: Chinas maritime vulnerability begins at the Strait of Hormuz rather than the Strait of Malacca, creating a new arena of strategic competition in the Indian Ocean among Beijing, India, France and the US, according to a report by the London-based International Institute of Strategic Studies. Released ahead of the three-day Shangri-La Dialogue security summit that opened in Singapore on Friday, the report says the Indian Ocean Region is re-emerging as a key strategic theatre after decades of [] The post Hormuz exposes Chinas Indian Ocean vulnerability, new report appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
HC asks review committee to examine unblocking of Cockroach Janta Partys X handle
NEW DELHI, May 29: The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to order unblocking of satirical digital outfit Cockroach Janta Partys X account but asked a review committee under the IT Rules to examine the issue and take a decision before July 7. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav permitted Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke to appear virtually before the committee, and observed that if the panel is satisfied that the blocking must be set aside, it is legally empowered [] The post HC asks review committee to examine unblocking of Cockroach Janta Partys X handle appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Netanyahu cites Indias crazy love for Israel amid global criticism
JERUSALEM, May 29: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described India as a huge power where there is an absolutely crazy love for Israel despite what he called efforts to delegitimise the Jewish state elsewhere. Speaking at a leadership programme in the Jordan Valley on Thursday, Netanyahu further cited India as a key example of Israels expanding international partnerships, as he discussed Israels international relationships and efforts to broaden its diplomatic partnerships. The remarks came amid a fragile geopolitical situation [] The post Netanyahu cites Indias crazy love for Israel amid global criticism appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Man who plotted terrorist attack at Taylor Swift concert sentenced to 15 yrs: Reports
MOSCOW, May 29: An Austrian court sentenced a 21-year-old member of the Islamic State terror group (IS, ISIS, banned in Russia), accused of plotting a terrorist attack at a concert by US singer Taylor Swift in Vienna, to 15 years in prison, the DPA news agency reported. In late April, the ORF news portal reported, citing the lawyer of the defendant, that he had pleaded guilty to most charges. A second defendant in this case was sentenced to 12 years [] The post Man who plotted terrorist attack at Taylor Swift concert sentenced to 15 yrs: Reports appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Good governance, development & prosperity national need, says Nepal president on RDay
KATHMANDU, May 29: Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel on Friday urged political parties, civil society and other stakeholders to contribute to developing a well-cultured and prosperous society as envisaged by the Constitution. The Constituent Assembly declared Nepal as a federal democratic republic on 15 Jeshtha 2065 Bikram Samvat (May 28, 2008), formally abolishing the 240-year-old monarchy in the country. Addressing a special ceremony at Tundikhel in Kathmandu on the occasion of Nepals 19th Republic Day, President Paudel emphasised that realising the [] The post Good governance, development & prosperity national need, says Nepal president on RDay appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Raises Concern Over Growing Normalisation of Restrictions on Religious Rights
Srinagar : Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq expressed deep concern over the continued restrictions on Eid prayers at Eidgah and Jama Masjid and warned against the growing normalisation of what he described as abnormal circumstances. Mirwaiz said that this year, as on previous occasions, Eid prayers []
Anti-Terror Operation in Rajouri Enters Seventh Day
SRINAGAR: A joint anti-terror operation by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force entered its seventh day on Friday in the forested Manjakote sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The search operation is currently underway in the Gambhir Mughlan and Dorimal forest belt following intelligence inputs indicating []
MP CM Visits Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Says Its Management Being Studied For Temples In His State
KATRA/JAMMU, May 29: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday paid his obeisance at the Mata Vaishnodevi shrine and said his visit, along with a team of officials, was for studying the management system here for developing an effective model project for temples in his state. Yadav said that the proposed model would focus on crowd management, public services and devotional services at major temples in Madhya Pradesh. The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga shrine, the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga shrine, and now recently [] The post MP CM Visits Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Says Its Management Being Studied For Temples In His State appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Test of Quad is in getting things done for which it was set up: experts
WASHINGTON, May 29:The test of the Quad is in getting things done for the purpose for which it was originally set up, experts said referring to the recent Quad foreign ministerial meeting convened by India. Participating in a panel discussion organised by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), foreign policy expert Tanvi Madan noted that in its meeting in July last year, the Quad foreign ministers had identified four distinct issues maritime security, economic security, technology security [] The post Test of Quad is in getting things done for which it was set up: experts appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Govt mulls social security schemes for gig workers as their number could reach 2.5 cr by decade-end
NEW DELHI, May 29: The number of gig workers in India could reach 2.5 crore by the end of the decade, and the Government is in consultation with fund managers to bring social security schemes for them, a labour ministry official said on Friday. At present, the country has around 1 crore gig workers, including those engaged with app-based food delivery and ride-hailing platforms. The Government is collecting the workforce data, and all these platforms have to update their workers [] The post Govt mulls social security schemes for gig workers as their number could reach 2.5 cr by decade-end appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Happiest Minds Q4 profit jumps 80 pc to Rs 61.17 crore; revenue rises 11 pc to Rs 604 crore
NEW DELHI, May 29: IT firm Happiest Minds Technologies on Friday reported a 79.9 per cent growth in consolidated net profit to Rs 61.17 crore in the January-March quarter of FY26, primarily on the back of improved employee utilisation and a resulting expansion in operating margins. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 34 crore in the corresponding quarter of FY25, according to regulatory filings. Revenue from operations grew 10.9 per cent to Rs 604.08 crore during the [] The post Happiest Minds Q4 profit jumps 80 pc to Rs 61.17 crore; revenue rises 11 pc to Rs 604 crore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tesla expands offering in India, brings Model Y Premium rear-wheel drive at Rs 50.89 lakh
NEW DELHI, May 29: Continuing its product portfolio expansion drive in India, American electric carmaker Tesla on Friday introduced the 2026 Model Y Premium rear-wheel drive in India, priced at Rs 50.89 lakh, its most affordable offering so far. The introduction of Model Y Premium rear-wheel drive in India follows the launch of the companys second model, a three-row six-seater SUV Model YL priced at Rs 61.99 lakh last month. Tesla made its much-awaited entry into India last year, launching [] The post Tesla expands offering in India, brings Model Y Premium rear-wheel drive at Rs 50.89 lakh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Piyush Goyal assures industry India-US interim agreement is close: USISPF
NEW YORK, May 29: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal gave assurances that the India-US interim agreement is close as he provided an encouraging update on bilateral trade negotiations during an interaction with eminent business leaders, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) said. Goyal also discussed ways to further deepen India-US trade, investment and supply-chain partnerships during the closed-door roundtable interaction on Thursday. The Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with USISPF, hosted Goyal for the closed-door [] The post Piyush Goyal assures industry India-US interim agreement is close: USISPF appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Swiss Ambassador Holds Productive Talks with Jammu Kashmir Leadership in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Ambassador of Switzerland to India and Bhutan, Maya Tissafi, on Friday underscored the expanding scope of cooperation between Switzerland and India in Jammu and Kashmir following a series of meetings with senior political and administrative leaders in Srinagar. Productive meetings in #Srinagar with Lieutenant Governor @manojsinha_ and Chief Minister @OmarAbdullah on the scope for []
Govt Mulling Transporting NEET Papers On IAF Aircraft Shows Its Incompetence & Ineptitude: Iltija
SRINAGAR, May 29: PDP leader Iltija Mufti on Friday said the Centre exploring the possibility of using Indian Air Force aircraft to transport NEET-UG question papers to ensure foolproof conduct of the retest on June 21 reflected its incompetence and ineptitude. Now Air Force planes will transport NEET papers. Imagine the sheer level of corruption, incompetence and ineptitude. But as long as Muslims become lynch bait , click bait and rage bait, general public is happy! Iltija said in a [] The post Govt Mulling Transporting NEET Papers On IAF Aircraft Shows Its Incompetence & Ineptitude: Iltija appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Womens Reservation Wont Have To Wait For Long: Law Minister Meghwal
NEW DELHI, May 29: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has said that the womens quota law providing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies wont have to wait for long, as he indicated that it would be in place before the 2029 parliamentary polls. In an exclusive interview with PTI on Thursday, the law minister also said that a lot of things will happen before the next Lok Sabha elections. Therefore, we will [] The post Womens Reservation Wont Have To Wait For Long: Law Minister Meghwal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Twisha Death Case: Court Sends Giribala Singh To CBI Remand For 5 Days, Extends Samarths Custody
BHOPAL, May 29: A local court here on Friday remanded Twisha Sharmas mother-in-law Giribala Singh and her husband Samarth Singh in CBI custody for five days in connection with the death of the model-actress. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) produced the two before the court here and sought a five-day remand for each. The custody of Samarth Singh, who was already in CBI remand, has now been extended by five more days. Justice Shobhana Bhalawes court granted the CBIs [] The post Twisha Death Case: Court Sends Giribala Singh To CBI Remand For 5 Days, Extends Samarths Custody appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MP Delegation Calls for Dialogue, Says Continued Detention of Er Rashid Deepening Kashmir Alienation
SRINAGAR: A delegation of Members of Parliament on Friday visited Mawar Langate in north Kashmirs Kupwara district, the residence of Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, where they met his family, offered condolences and expressed solidarity with the bereaved household. The delegation comprised MPs Umesh Bahubhai Patel, Sudhakar Singh and other political leaders from different states. The []
CRPF ASI Collapses, Dies at Camp in South Kashmir
SRINAGAR: An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Central Reserve Police Force died after collapsing at a camp in the Zainapora area of Shopian district in south Kashmir on Friday. Official sources said that the ASI, who was posted at the Horticulture Camp in Zainapora in south Kashmir, suddenly fell unconscious inside the camp. He was []
What To Evaluate in an Education Loan Beyond EMI Figures
SRINAGAR: Most borrowers fixate on the monthly instalment when shopping for an education loan. That number matters, of course. But it tells you remarkably little about whether the loan will be a comfortable fit or a decade-long headache. The real cost of an education loan hides in the fine print, in the clauses you skip, []
Nadigam railway crossing in Budgam to remain closed for 4 days
Budgam, May 29: The railway level crossing at Nadigam Halt in Budgam has been closed for vehicular traffic for four days due to track upgradation works, officials said. According to a public notice issued by Northern Railways, the crossing, located between Budgam and Mazhom, will remain closed for all vehicular traffic from today till Monday, June 01 at 8:00 PM, for a period of 96 hours. The notice said the closure is necessary for the installation of a modern rubberised level crossing surface aimed at ensuring smoother and safer movement for commuters. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time and cooperate with traffic police and railway staff deployed at the site.(KNO)
Financial Institutions Report Over 10,000 Cases Of Fraud Involving Rs 48,000 Cr In FY26: RBI Data
MUMBAI, May 29: Banks and financial institutions, taken together, reported 10,114 fraud cases involving Rs 48,021 crore in 2025-26, against 23,722 cases involving Rs 32,803 crore in 2024-25, according to the annual report for the Reserve Bank released on Friday. An assessment of bank group-wise fraud cases over the last three years indicates that although the number of frauds for public and private sectors banks has reduced, the amount involved has increased over the years, said the RBI Annual Report [] The post Financial Institutions Report Over 10,000 Cases Of Fraud Involving Rs 48,000 Cr In FY26: RBI Data appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu Kashmir: Govt Orders Transfer and Posting of IAS, JKAS Officers
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday ordered the immediate transfer and posting of two officers as part of an administrative reshuffle in the Union Territory. According to Government Order No. 1019-JK(GAD) of 2026 issued by the General Administration Department, Pranjal J Hazarika, IAS, presently serving as Additional Secretary to the Government in the []
New Delhi , May 29 : The National Testing Agency (NTA) has informed the Supreme Court that it has undertaken wide-ranging structural and security reforms following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and the subsequent cancellation of the examination. The matter pertains to pleas filed by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and the United Doctors Front (UDF), which have sought a structural overhaul of the examination body over alleged irregularities in the conduct of NEET-UG 2026. In its affidavit, the NTA stated that a High-Powered Steering Committee (HPSC), in a meeting held on April 17, 2026, reviewed preparations for NEET-UG 2026 and recommended extensive pre-exam, during-exam and post-exam safeguards. These included mandatory CCTV checks and preservation of footage for at least 90 days, mock drills at examination centres, weather-based contingency planning, verification of power backup systems, emergency medical facilities, and detailed inspections of centres in the week preceding the examination. The committee also recommended post-examination forensic analysis of CCTV footage to detect anomalies and irregular conduct that may not be identifiable in real time. The affidavit further stated that the HPSC will reconvene after the conduct of NEET-UG 2026 to deliberate, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, whether future NEET examinations should be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode or continue in Pen-and-Paper Test (PPT) mode. The NTA also informed the Court that several recommendations of the High-Level Committee of Experts (HLCE) have already been implemented or are at an advanced stage of implementation. As part of the restructuring process, 16 new senior posts have been created within the NTA, including Director and Joint Director-level positions. Two Joint Secretary-level officers have been designated as Additional Director Generals to supervise technology operations and test security, respectively. A Secretary-level officer was also appointed as Director General of the NTA in March 2026.The agency further stated that domain experts from institutions such as IITs, UGC, CBSE, KVS and IGNOU have been engaged to strengthen examination management and security mechanisms. On institutional coordination, the NTA said that State-Level Coordination Committees (SLCCs) and District-Level Coordination Committees (DLCCs) have been constituted across the country to ensure the secure conduct of examinations. According to the affidavit, 18 SLCCs and 621 DLCCs had been operationalised by the time NEET-UG 2026 was conducted on May 3, 2026. These committees include officials from the administration, police, intelligence agencies, NIC and NTA to strengthen surveillance and coordination during examinations. (ANI)
SSP Udhampur Orders Reshuffle In Police Department, New SHOs Posted At Key Stations
UDHAMPUR, May 29: In a major administrative reshuffle aimed at strengthening policing and improving operational efficiency, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Udhampur has ordered the transfer and posting of seven police officers across the district with immediate effect. According to an order issued by the District Police Headquarters (DPHQ) Udhampur, several Inspectors and Police Sub-Inspectors have been assigned new responsibilities at important police stations and posts. Under the reshuffle, Inspector Purshotam Kumar has been transferred from Police Station Rehmbal and [] The post SSP Udhampur Orders Reshuffle In Police Department, New SHOs Posted At Key Stations appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Indias Spiritual Heritage Shaping More Conscious World: Vice President
BENGALURU, May 29: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday said Indias spiritual heritage and civilisational wisdom were inspiring a more compassionate and conscious world, while lauding the efforts of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to spread the message of peace, harmony and human values across the globe. He launched five initiatives on youth development, entrepreneurship, sustainability and education at The Art of Living International Center as the organisation marked 45 years of service. Addressing the event, he said the Art [] The post Indias Spiritual Heritage Shaping More Conscious World: Vice President appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
ACC Approves Extension Of Upgraded IG Rank For SPG Officer Umesh Chander Datta
New Delhi, May 29: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of the upgradation of the post held by senior IPS officer Umesh Chander Datta in the Special Protection Group (SPG). According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on May 28, 2026, the ACC cleared the proposal of the Office of Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat, for continuing the upgraded post of Inspector General (IG), Level-14, against the existing post of [] The post ACC Approves Extension Of Upgraded IG Rank For SPG Officer Umesh Chander Datta appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K Govt Orders Minor Reshuffle In Civil Administration
J&K Govt Orders Minor Reshuffle In Civil Administration See Order Copy Click Here.. The post J&K Govt Orders Minor Reshuffle In Civil Administration appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
How to Crop Video to Focus on the Right Moment
Did you ever upload a video and then realize that the most important part didnt stand out? Maybe someones reaction got cropped out, or the detail you wanted to highlight looked way too small. Sometimes, black bars or unnecessary space pull attention away from what truly matters. Thats why its so important to learn how to crop video the right way so your audience focuses exactly where you want them to. The good news? You dont need to be a professional editor to nail this. With tools like Pippits Smart Crop, adjusting your videos has never been easier. You can make sure your viewers see the right moment, every time. In this blog, well explore why cropping matters, how it can transform the impact of your videos, and how to use Pippit AI to crop quickly and correctly. Why cropping isnt just trimming the edges When people think of cropping, they often imagine simply cutting off parts of a frame. But cropping is much more powerful than that. Its about reframing your story deciding what stays in, what gets left out, and how your subject shines. Think of it like photography: a slight shift in framing can change how the story feels. In video, that same shift decides whether viewers notice the reaction on your face, the sparkle of your product, or the moment that makes them stop scrolling. Cropping isnt about shrinking its about spotlighting the right detail. How focus can make or break your video Every second of your video is competing for attention. If your viewers cant spot the important part quickly, theyll scroll away. Cropping helps direct their focus where it matters most. In short: the right crop is like pointing to the screen and saying, Look here. This is the part that matters. Why do different platforms need different crops One size doesnt fit all in the world of social media. Cropping also depends on where you plan to post: Getting aspect ratios wrong can mean faces cut off, awkward black bars, or viewers missing the point entirely. Getting it right makes your video look polished and platform-ready. Step by step: How to crop video with Pippit Smart Crop This is where Pippit steps in. Pippits AI-driven Smart Crop feature makes reframing simple, precise, and stress-free. Heres how you can do it in just three steps: Step 1: Upload your videos Log in to Pippit and head to the Video generator tab. Click on the Smart crop tool and hit Upload to bring in your video. You can choose from your device, cloud storage, or existing assets. Step 2: Crop your videos Pick from preset aspect ratios like 1:1 for Instagram or 9:16 for TikTok. The AI automatically adjusts your video for the platform, but you can also crop manually to highlight faces, movements, or products. Either way, the quality stays sharp and professional. Step 3: Export your videos Preview your cropped video to check the focus. Once happy, choose your format and resolution, then hit Export. Pippit even lets you share directly to YouTube or Instagram without extra steps. With Smart Crop, you spend less time resizing and more time creating. Real examples of when cropping changes everything Here are a few scenarios where cropping takes a video from average to engaging: Without proper cropping, these moments might feel flat or confusing. With it, they pop. Why AI cropping beats manual editing Cropping by hand usually means endless resizing, exporting multiple versions, and still risking that something important gets cut out. Thats where AI makes the difference. With Pippits Smart Crop, you get: This isnt just about saving time its about making your content look professional without needing multiple tools. More than cropping: creativity powered by AI What makes Pippit stand out is that it doesnt stop at technical fixes like cropping. It also gives creators tools to make their videos more original and engaging. One of the most exciting features is the AI lyrics generator. Imagine youre creating a TikTok where you want a short song or catchy lyrics that match your visuals. Instead of spending hours writing, Pippit can generate custom lyrics in seconds. Pair those lyrics with your perfectly cropped video, and suddenly you have content that feels tailored, fun, and highly shareable. This feature shows how Pippit goes beyond being just an editor its also a creative partner that helps bring your video ideas to life. From cropping to creating ads that convert Heres the secret many creators dont realize: cropping isnt just about making a video fit. Its also about preparing it for campaigns. Once your video is cropped to highlight the right parts, its much easier to turn it into ads, promos, or branded content. And this is where Pippit really shines beyond cropping. With its built-in ad maker, you can transform a simple video into a scroll-stopping ad. Pre-designed templates for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, combined with AI-powered suggestions, give your content a professional edge without needing a design team. Cropping helps set the stage, but the ad maker helps you reach the audience who matters most. Final thoughts At the end of the day, cropping isnt just trimming footage. Its about guiding your audiences eyes, telling your story clearly, and removing distractions. Whether youre making people laugh, showing a product demo, or capturing an emotional reaction, cropping ensures nothing important gets lost. With tools like Pippit, you dont need years of editing experience to master this. Smart Crop, the AI lyrics generator, and ad maker templates make it simple to frame the right moment, keep your viewers engaged, and create content that feels professional from start to finish. So next time you edit, remember: cropping is not about cutting its about focusing
MeT Predicts Rain, Gusty Winds at Scattered Places in J&K Till May 30
Srinagar, May 29: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast rain, thundershowers and gusty winds across Jammu and Kashmir over the next two days, while warning of possible thunderstorm and hailstorm activity at a few places. According to the MeT department, scattered to fairly widespread areas are likely to witness one or two spells of rain, thundershowers, hailstorm and gusty winds on May 29 and 30. The weather is expected to remain generally dry from May 31 to June 3, although brief spells of rain or thundershowers at isolated places during late afternoon hours cannot be ruled out.For June 4 and 5, the department has predicted partly cloudy weather with chances of brief rain, thundershowers and gusty winds at scattered places. Weather conditions are likely to remain generally dry from June 6 to 8 across J&K .In its advisory, the MeT Centre warned of the possibility of thunder, lightning, hailstorm and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph at a few places during May 29 and 30.
Operation Sindoor Strategist Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar Takes Charge As 48th Vice Chief Of Navy
NEW DELHI, May 29: Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, who drove high-level naval combat readiness during Operation Sindoor, assumed charge as the 48th Vice Chief of the Indian Navy on Friday, bringing a wealth of frontline experience to the naval headquarters. Before taking the helm as the Navys second-in-command, the officer served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), Indias first and only integrated tri-services theatre command guarding strategic waters. Earlier, as the Chief of Staff of the [] The post Operation Sindoor Strategist Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar Takes Charge As 48th Vice Chief Of Navy appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Nine Months After Floods, Jammu-Punjab Rail Traffic to Fully Resume From May 31
SRINAGAR: After more than nine months of disruption caused by devastating flash floods and heavy rains in August last year, normal rail traffic between Jammu and the rest of the country is set to be fully restored from May 31, with the completion of repair and restoration work on the crucial Railway Bridge No. 17 []
Jammu Kashmir: Fire and Emergency Services Warns Against Firecracker Use in Vulnerable Areas
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services has issued a public fire advisory urging people to avoid the use of firecrackers in vulnerable areas to prevent major fire incidents and ensure public safety. The advisory warns against bursting firecrackers in residential and commercial areas, around dry bushes, cow sheds and wood joinery mills, stating []
How AI Poster Creation Is Becoming a Practical Career Skill for Students, Creators, and Job Seekers
Visual communication hassurreptitiously become an integral professional skill in todays digital-first job market. Whether you arecompeting for scholarships, advertising a campus lecture, or looking to expand your freelance business, the image quality of your newspaper posters is crucial to potential success. Long gone are the days when it took a mastery of design and months to produce stellar graphics that could grab attention and driveclicks on social media platforms. Things have changed for the better, however, with AI-driven creative tools streamlining much of the process from concept all the way through to execution. For students, young professionals, andindependent creators alike, taking the time to figure out how to produce good visual content is no longer a nice-to-have; its a necessity. Its something you can actually use in the real world on your resume, when communicating with peers and senior management, asa way to brand yourself inside and outside of your company. Why Poster Design Matters in Career Development Posters are not confined tobulletin boards anymore. Today, theyre spotted through LinkedInposts, scholarship announcements, startup pitches, online campaigns, and community initiatives. There is clarity and presentation to draw in recruiters, program managers, and organisers long before they readdetailed content. From my perspective, when helping with academic projects and community programs, posters often make the first impression. Good visuals can say professional the moment they are seen; bad ones can undermine credibility, evenif the content is solid. This shift has created a new demand: people who may not be designers but still need reliable ways to produce high-quality visuals on short timelines. Lowering the Design Barrier Without Lowering Quality Generic design workflows typically requirecomplicated software, a steep learning curve or paid designers. For some students or fledgling professionals who need quickresults, these barriers can be demoralizing. AI-based modern platformsare altering that equation. They enable users to begin with an idea or a brief and createpolished posters in minutes. Instead of fighting over laying out rulesor typography, users could concentrate on messaging, clarity, and purpose. During hands-on testing, I found that AI-assisted poster tools are especially useful for: The real advantage is not just speed, but consistency. Visual balance, spacing, and readability are handled intelligently, even for users with no formal design background. Turning Ideas Into Visuals With Minimal Effort One standout feature in this space is the ability to generate posters directly from a short description or theme. Instead of manually assembling elements, users describe their goal, such as a career development webinar for students or research grant announcement, and the system produces multiple visual options. This approach saves time while still allowing customization. Colors, text placement, and imagery can be adjusted to fit institutional or personal branding needs. For professionals juggling multiple responsibilities, this efficiency is invaluable. Used thoughtfully, AI-assisted poster creation becomes less about automation and more about empowerment. Editing and Refining Images for Professional Use Poster creation does not stop at layout. Image quality plays a critical role in how professional a visual appears. Blurry photos, poor lighting, or inconsistent backgrounds can weaken the final result. This is where an integrated AI image editor becomes useful. Functionally, this is a great tool to clean up photos,get lighting right, remove distractions and maintain quality control from all visual assets. For instance, the headshots in academic posters or event advertisementscan be polished without any outsource editing tools. What makes this particularly helpful for career use is the simplicity. Instead of spending hours learning advanced editing tools, users can make meaningful improvements in minutes, keeping the focus on content rather than technical hurdles. Enhancing Visual Quality Without Reshoots Not every project allows for new photography. Many students and professionals rely on existing images, which may not always meet ideal quality standards. An AI-based photo enhancer can noticeably improve clarity, sharpness, and overall appearance without altering authenticity. In my own work, Ive used this feature to create graphics for online announcements and presentations. Fancier images appear better on screens, and retain their quality across multiple devices high stakes for digital-firstplatforms. The key benefit here is accessibility. High-quality visuals are no longer limited to those with professional cameras or editing experience. Device Compatibility and Flexible Access Professional tools have to meshwith actual workflows. AI-enhanced poster and image toolsthat work best on multiple devices. The tested platform workswith web browsers on your PCs as well as Mobile to enable users start a project on the laptop and then make fast changes from the phone when in need. This versatility is especiallyhelpful for students and freelancers who move frequently between disparate environments, such as libraries and coworking spaces. Responsible Use in Professional Contexts As AI makes creative tasks easier, ethical useis key. Posters for academia, industry and the public should of course, be correct, respectful, and ethical. AI can help with visuals, but message clarity and honesty remain theusers responsibility. When they are used as such, they aid communication rather than supplant judgment orvolition. Why This Skill Belongs on Your Resume Theability to produce professional-looking images on your own is a powerful, portable skill. That it shows that you have a sense ofdigital literacy and are also able to communicate. This skill can subtly reinforce applications and outreach efforts for an audience that is opportunity-minded, particularly when its a program people are applying tothink programs, internships, or grant opportunities. Dreaminais part of a larger trend in which the technology is changing how we learn and apply creative skills. Rather thandesign being gatekept behind technical complexity, these tools become a way to make visual communication more accessible and actionable for career success. From what Ive seen, the true purpose is not to substitutecreativity but to get rid of friction. When tools do the technical scaffolding, users canconcentrate on ideas, purpose, and impact. Final Thoughts At a time when career paths are more competitive andreliant on digital skill-building than ever, the importance of delivering ideas clearly in professional settings can be seen as an obvious advantage. AI tools like Dreamina could help you make posters, takethe
SC Directs HCs To Pronounce Judgement Within 3 Months Of Reserving Order
NEW DELHI, May 29: Observing that delay causes irreparable loss to litigants, the Supreme Court on Friday directed high courts across the country to pronounce judgements within three months from the date of reserving order. Underlining that faster decisions are required in cases of personal liberty, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Baghchi said that orders in bail applications should be pronounced the same day, and if they are reserved, they must be pronounced and uploaded [] The post SC Directs HCs To Pronounce Judgement Within 3 Months Of Reserving Order appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sonny Rollins, Pioneer of Jaaz Saxophone in India, is no More
Tirthankar Mitra The swinging 60s which revolutionized music in Europe and America did not leave India untouched. If there were the Beatles, Queen, The Rolling Stone, nearer home there came up Mohiner Ghoraguli in Calcutta together with Indian Ocean in Delhi and not to forget The Local Train; but arguably the most eminent import from the West in this period was pioneer of jazz saxophone, Sonny Rollins. Rollins is no more. His historical Indian connection began in 1968 when the [] The post Sonny Rollins, Pioneer of Jaaz Saxophone in India, is no More appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
IMD forecasts below-normal monsoon rainfall, above-normal heatwaves in June
New Delhi , May 29 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued its second-stage long-range forecast for the southwest monsoon season, projecting below-normal rainfall across several key regions of the country while warning of heatwave conditions in multiple states starting in June. Addressing a press conference, Director General of Meteorology Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the country is expected to receive 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall during the June-September monsoon season, with a model error margin of four per cent. We are providing the second-stage update for the June-September monsoon. Quantitatively, we expect 90 per cent of the LPA, with a 4 per cent model error, Mohapatra said.According to the regional forecast, Northeast India is expected to receive normal rainfall, ranging between 94 and 106 per cent of the LPA. However, Central India, South Peninsular India, Northwest India and the Monsoon Core Zone are likely to experience below-normal rainfall during the season.Providing the outlook for June, Mohapatra said rainfall is expected to remain below normal across most parts of the country, at less than 92 per cent of the LPA. Some areas in Northwest India, Northeast India and the southern peninsula may, however, witness normal to above-normal rainfall.The IMD also forecast above-normal temperatures for most regions during June. Maximum temperatures will be above normal for most of the country, except for parts of Central, Northwest and East India. Minimum temperatures are also expected to remain mostly above normal, Mohapatra said. The weather agency warned of an above-normal number of heatwave days in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Parts of Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu are also likely to witness increased heatwave activity. On oceanic conditions, Mohapatra said neutral ENSO conditions are transitioning towards El Nino, with the probability of El Nino conditions increasing to 82 per cent by June and crossing 90 per cent by July and August. Neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are expected to persist throughout the monsoon season.He further noted that rainfall in May has been four per cent above normal nationally, while cumulative seasonal rainfall up to May 27 stood one per cent above normal. Mohapatra said the southwest monsoon advanced into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 16, four days ahead of the normal onset date. It has since progressed into the South Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep, with conditions remaining favourable for its arrival over Kerala and the northeastern states within the next week. Meanwhile, the IMD on Thursday forecasted relief from severe heat across Northwest India over the next three days due to the influence of western disturbances and easterly winds, along with thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorm activity in several regions. (ANI)
DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Reviews Security Arrangements At Kud, Interacts With Tourists And Traders
Udhampur May 29: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Udhampur-Reasi Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma (IPS), on Thursday conducted a comprehensive security review meeting at Police Station Kud to assess the prevailing security situation and arrangements during the ongoing tourist season. The meeting was attended by SDPO Chenani Sukhbir Singh, SHO Kud Palak Anand, and other police officers. During the review, the DIG took stock of security measures, law and order preparedness, and arrangements put in place for the safety and convenience of [] The post DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Reviews Security Arrangements At Kud, Interacts With Tourists And Traders appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MHA deploys 670 CAPF companies for Amarnath Yatra security
Jammu, May 29: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the deployment of 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for security arrangements during this years Shri Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28, officials said on Thursday. Officials said the deployment would be the highest-ever for the annual pilgrimage and has been planned in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir administration and senior security agencies. The CAPF personnel will be deployed along the entire pilgrimage route, from Lakhanpur to the cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas. Security cover will include the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, Baltal and Nunwan base camps, Yatri Niwas Jammu, Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other key transit points. Additional paramilitary forces are expected to start arriving in Jammu and Kashmir in the first week of June, while the deployment process is likely to be completed by June 25, officials said. The Indian Army will secure strategic heights along the yatra routes and areas around the cave shrine, while Jammu and Kashmir Police will coordinate security operations during the pilgrimage. Officials said the security arrangements have been planned in a way that anti-terror operations across the Union Territory remain unaffected. Special focus will remain on the Baltal and Chandanwari routes, the cave shrine and major transit camps. Road Opening Parties (ROPs), area domination patrols and surveillance along highways will also be intensified, they said. Security along the Jammu-Srinagar railway corridor has also been strengthened in view of the expected increase in pilgrims travelling by Vande Bharat trains. Areas including Udhampur, Katra, Reasi, Banihal and Qazigund will remain under heightened vigil during the yatra. More than 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered for the pilgrimage since the process began on April 15 through designated bank branches across the country, officials said. The 57-day pilgrimage will commence simultaneously from the Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam routes on July 3 and conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and Sawan Purnima. (KNS).
Parliamentary panel to meet Education, Health Ministry officials amid NEET-UG paper leak row
New Delhi, May 29: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Government Assurances, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP M Thambidurai, is scheduled to meet on Friday at 11 am at the Parliament House Annexe Extension Building. During the meeting, the committee will hear the views of the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, along with the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The panel will also interact with the Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with the Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Director of the CBI. The meeting assumes significance amid the ongoing controversy over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and the CBSE Class 12 reevaluation issue. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday arrested two additional individuals in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, bringing the total number of arrests to 13, according to an official statement released by the CBI.The newly arrested individuals include a doctor from Latur and a faculty member from a Pune-based coaching institute. According to the statement, Dr Manoj Shirure, a Latur-based doctor, was arrested for his role in facilitating three studentsincluding the son of an accused coaching centre ownerin obtaining leaked Chemistry questions from accused PV Kulkarni. The second arrest involves Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, a Physics faculty member at the Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy (APMA), a coaching centre in Pune. The statement noted that he had obtained the leaked Physics questions from another arrested accused, Manisha Havaldar. Providing details on the ongoing investigation, the CBI stated, Investigation to unearth the chain as well as the conspiracy in this case is ongoing. CBI has so far conducted searches at 49 locations in various places and seized several incriminating documents, Laptops, and mobile phones. Detailed analysis of the seized items is going on.The agency recalled that the case was registered on May 12, 2026, following a formal complaint from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. Since then, special teams were formed, and searches were conducted at various locations across the country, and several suspects were picked up and interrogated. (ANI)
PM Modis Extreme Moral Cowardice For Standing As Israels Strongest Supporter: Cong
NEW DELHI, May 29: The Congress on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of demonstrating extreme moral cowardice by standing out as Israels strongest supporter, and said his stance is a betrayal of all that India stands for and is unacceptable to crores of Indians. His remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said at a conference in West Bank that Israel faced delegitimisation all over the world except in India. In a post on X, Congress general [] The post PM Modis Extreme Moral Cowardice For Standing As Israels Strongest Supporter: Cong appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Indian May See 90% Of Long Period Average Rainfall This Monsoon: IMD
NEW DELHI, May 29: The Southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is expected to be 90 per cent of the long period average this year, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday. While the Northeast is likely to witness normal rainfall this monsoon season, the remaining parts of the country may see below normal rainfall, the weather office said. The India Meteorological Department made the observations in its second forecast for the Southwest monsoon. In its first forecast on April [] The post Indian May See 90% Of Long Period Average Rainfall This Monsoon: IMD appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
At the peak of mutiny in 1857, when Maharaja Gulab Singhs death turned fish into forbidden fruit, Srinagar paid a savage price for the superstition. People even now are scared of making fish part of their staple food, writes Mir Rameez Raja On the last day of June 1857, as the Great Sepoy Mutiny convulsed []
25-Year-Old Man Found Dead in South Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A 25-year-old man was found dead at his residence in the Chimmer area of DH Pora in south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Friday. Officials said the deceased, a mechanic by profession and a graduate, was found hanging inside his home. After completion of medico-legal formalities and post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to []
What Makes a Good Psychological Experiment?
by Azra Hussain The pursuit of knowledge must never come at the expense of our shared humanity. Science exists to enhance life, not to diminish it, and any research that forgets this principle risks losing sight of its true purpose. Some of psychologys most famous experimentssuch as the Milgram experiment and the Stanford Prison experimenthave []
J-K: Anti-terror search operation continues for seventh day in Rajouris Manjakote Sector
Rajouri, May 29 : A joint cordon and search operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force in the dense forest areas of Gambhir Mughlan and Dorimal in the Manjakote sector of Rajouri district entered its seventh day on Friday. The operation was launched based on intelligence inputs indicating the presence of suspected terrorists hiding in the region. On Thursday, heavy firing and shelling erupted in Rajouris Dorimal forest area as Operation Sheruwali reached a critical stage, with security forces tightening the cordon to neutralise suspected militants hiding in the dense terrain. According to officials, a massive deployment of security forces, along with additional reinforcements and logistical support, has been rushed to the encounter site to ensure a strong and impenetrable cordon and to prevent any attempt by militants to escape through the thick forest cover. The operation is being carried out on a large scale, with officials stating that every possible effort is being made to neutralise the hiding militants. The entire area remains under strict security surveillance as search and combing operations continue deep inside the forest belt. The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of suspected terrorists hiding in the area. Security forces continue to maintain a tight perimeter as efforts are underway to flush out the militants from the dense forest region. Operation Sheruwali is a major joint counter-terrorism operation launched by the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and the CRPF in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)
Poor Quality, Delays Unacceptable: Dy CM on Sungal Tunnel Project
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday raised serious concerns over poor quality standards, slow progress and alleged violations of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during an inspection of the ongoing Sungal Tunnel project at Kalidhar, directing executing agencies to speed up work while ensuring strict compliance with safety norms. Inspecting the []
Trump-Lookalike Buffalo Spared From Eid Sacrifice, Shifted to Bangladesh Zoo
SRINAGAR: A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh that went viral online for its striking resemblance to US President Donald Trump has been rescued from Eid al-Adha sacrifice and relocated to the national zoo in Dhaka. The nearly 700-kilogram buffalo became an internet sensation in the days leading up to Eid after photos and videos highlighted []
DyCM inspects Sungal Tunnel project at Kalidhar
Excelsior Correspondent Nowshera, May 28: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today inspected the ongoing construction works of the Sungal Tunnel project at Kalidhar and reviewed the pace and quality of execution on the ground. The Deputy Chief Minister took serious notice of the poor quality standards, slow pace of work and alleged violation of prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Expressing dismay over the delay, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that the project has already missed its 2025 completion deadline. He [] The post DyCM inspects Sungal Tunnel project at Kalidhar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Informed debates preserve institutions, maintain public trust: LS Speaker Om Birla
NEW DELHI, May 28: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday emphasised the importance of fact-based debates on Thursday, stating that they not only strengthen constitutional institutions but also enhance their dignity and maintain public trust. Birla made these remarks during the release of 89 volumes documenting the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly from 1924 to 1930 at the Delhi Assembly. He noted that this rare collection will serve as a valuable guide for the younger generation. Accompanied by [] The post Informed debates preserve institutions, maintain public trust: LS Speaker Om Birla appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
China is key to changing the global economic order
K N Pandita knp627@gmail.com For nearly four decades, Beijing and Tehran have both been seriously reflecting on Washingtons dangerous move of imposing sanctions on countries that Washington thinks pose an obstruction to Americas global hegemony and unipolarity. Russia (Soviet era and after) has been a long-time victim of American sanctions. The other country that has been bearing the brunt of sanctions for decades is Iran. Irans economy depends on oil exports to major consumers such as China, India, Japan, Australia [] The post China is key to changing the global economic order appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BJP pays rich tribute to Veer Savarkar on his 143rd birth anniversary
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 28: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu & Kashmir, paid heartfelt tribute to Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a valiant son of Mother India, staunch nationalist leader, revolutionary social reformer, and charismatic orator, on the occasion of his 143rd birth anniversary at the party Headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, here. J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP, Sat Sharma CA and general secretary (Org), Ashok Koul, accompanied by vice-president, Rekha Mahajan, general secretaries, Baldev Singh Billawaria and Gopal Mahajan, MLA [] The post BJP pays rich tribute to Veer Savarkar on his 143rd birth anniversary appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Educatus Expo 2026 to commence from May 30
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 28: Bringing together top universities, colleges, career experts and counsellors from across the country under one roof, North Indias biggest professional education exhibition, Educatus Expo 2026, is all set to commence from May 30 in Jammu. The two-day education expo will be held at Hotel Vivanta, Jammu City Centre, near Exhibition Ground Jammu, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Entry to the exhibition is free for students and parents. The expo aims to guide students seeking [] The post Educatus Expo 2026 to commence from May 30 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Petroleum Dealers president meets Territory Manager BPCL, raises issues
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 28: Jammu and Kashmir Petroleum Dealers Association president, Rahul Gupta today met Mayur Mehta, Territory Manager, BPCL and discussed the global crises and shortage of petroleum products in J&K. During the meeting, Gupta expressed concern about frequent MS/HSD stock-outs caused by delays in indent approvals. He made a request for priority tanker allocation and faster approval processes, especially when stock levels of any one product fall below 40 per cent. Issue of rising fuel prices and [] The post Petroleum Dealers president meets Territory Manager BPCL, raises issues appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
EPFO conducts Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0 at Bari-Brahmana
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 28: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Jammu, organized its flagship public outreach programme, Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0, at the premises of M/S Apex Polymers, SIDCO Industrial Complex, Bari-Brahmana. The programme was presided over by Enforcement Officers Devinder Singh and Bal Krishan. Addressing the participants, the officers emphasized the importance of proactive engagement with employers and employees to ensure timely access to EPFO services and greater awareness of social security benefits. A major focus of the [] The post EPFO conducts Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0 at Bari-Brahmana appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MLA holds public darbar in remote villages, inaugurates works
Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, May 28: Member Legislative Assembly, Dr Bharat Bhushan today held public darbars in various villages including, Bijjit, Khanyara, Paralla, Mehtabpur and Rakhey. During the darbar, the MLA interacted with local residents and listened to their grievances and demands related to basic amenities and developmental works in the area. While interacting with the MLA, villagers highlighted several issues concerning infrastructure, water supply, roads and other public facilities. Addressing the gatherings, Dr Bharat Bhushan reiterated his commitment towards the [] The post MLA holds public darbar in remote villages, inaugurates works appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Markazi Eid-ul-Adha prayers offered at Hawza-e-Ilmiyah Isna Asharia
Excelsior Correspondent KARGIL, May 28: The Markazi prayers of the blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Adha were offered with great religious zeal, spiritual fervor, and devotion under the Imamat of Hojjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Syed Hashim Hussaini at the premises of Hawza-e-Ilmiyah Isna Asharia Kargil. The grand congregation was organized by Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil-Ladakh in the presence of a large gathering of believers, scholars, students, elders, and youth from different parts of the region. In his Eid sermon (Khutbah), Hojjat-ul-Islam Syed Hashim Hussaini [] The post Markazi Eid-ul-Adha prayers offered at Hawza-e-Ilmiyah Isna Asharia appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
India to build 14 schools in Nepals earthquake-hit districts
KATHMANDU, May 28: India has pledged Nepali Rupees 560.2 million for the construction of 14 schools in eight earthquake-affected districts of Nepal, reaffirming its commitment to the Himalayan nations post-disaster reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Central Level Project Implementation Unit-Education under Nepals Ministry of Education and Sports has signed agreements for the construction of 14 schools across eight districts of Nepal under a Government of India grant of Nepali Rupees 560.2 million, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said in a [] The post India to build 14 schools in Nepals earthquake-hit districts appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mandaviya to review National Games preparations in 3-day Meghalaya tour
NEW DELHI, May 28: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will chair a review meeting for the 39th National Games in Meghalaya and also inaugurate an Integrated Multipurpose Indoor Sports Complex in Shillong during a three-day visit to the North-Eastern state starting Friday. The Host State Contract for the National Games to be held in March next year will be signed with Meghalaya in the presence of senior dignitaries and representatives of the Indian Olympic Association. Mandaviya will also participate in a [] The post Mandaviya to review National Games preparations in 3-day Meghalaya tour appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
AI curriculum taskforce suggest learning from industry, practical exposure for Er students
NEW DELHI, May 28: An industry-led AI curriculum taskforce has recommended shifting the present lecture-based teaching system for technical education to learning from real industry use cases and enhancing practical exposure of students to equip them with better understanding of AI development, an official statement said on Thursday. The task force has recommended a shift from the current 2530 per cent practical exposure to 4075 per cent, depending on the nature of the degree and the chosen specialisation by engineering [] The post AI curriculum taskforce suggest learning from industry, practical exposure for Er students appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
British Sikh man claiming self-defence use of knife found guilty of murder in UK
LONDON, May 28 : A 23-year-old British Sikh man who claimed using a large knife he carried for religious reasons in self-defence was on Thursday convicted of the murder of an 18-year-old student in south-east England. Vickrum Digwa was found guilty of fatally stabbing Henry Nowak five times with the 21-cm blade as the Southampton University student returned home from a night out in Porstwood last December. Digwas mother, 53-year-old Kiran Kaur, was convicted of assisting an offender at Southampton [] The post British Sikh man claiming self-defence use of knife found guilty of murder in UK appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
All cancelled trains to resume operations from May 31 onwards
Temporary augmentation of addl coaches in two trains Nishikant Khajuria JAMMU, May 28: After more than nine months, normal rail traffic to and from Jammu will be fully restored from May 31 onwards with the completion of restoration work on railway bridge number 17, located between Kathua and Madhopur rail section, which was severely damaged last year due to flash floods. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Major cancelled trains, which are being restored from June, include; Train Nos. [] The post All cancelled trains to resume operations from May 31 onwards appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Nabin appoints BJP chiefs for 4 states, national team likely by next month
Avtar Bhat JAMMU, May 28: With appointment of new BJP chiefs for four states in the country, the party is all set to announce its much awaited national team of office bearers, Morchas, Prabharis and Seh Prabharis for States and Union Territories and the process in this regard will likely be completed by next month. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp According to party sources, the process for constitution of national team, Morcha heads and office bearers as well [] The post Nabin appoints BJP chiefs for 4 states, national team likely by next month appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
No lapses will be tolerated: Pradhan
NEW DELHI, May 28: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today directed officials to take all necessary measures to ensure that issues faced by students are resolved in a timely, transparent and student-friendly manner. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) headquarters here, Pradhan said any lapses or negligence, whether within or outside the system, will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken in such cases. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp [] The post No lapses will be tolerated: Pradhan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Woman strangulated to death by husband
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 28: A 28-year-old woman was allegedly strangulated to death by her husband over some pending family dispute at Nanak Nagar area here last evening, officials said. Mother of two children, the deceased has been identified as Aarti alias Savita wife of Kamlesh of Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, presently residing at Sector 10, Nanak Nagar, Jammu. Officials said the dispute erupted over some personal allegations and counter-allegations against each other last evening and escalated to the extent that [] The post Woman strangulated to death by husband appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
I have resigned as Karnataka CM, followed instructions of Cong high command: Siddaramaiah
BENGALURU, May 28 : Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday resigned from the Karnataka Chief Ministers position, two days after the party high command asked him to step down, ending days of intense power tussle with deputy D K Shivkumar and clearing the way for the leadership change in the state. Flanked by his deputy and probable successor Shivakumar, and other cabinet colleagues, Siddaramaiah addressed a packed press conference shortly after submitting his resignation to the Governors Special Secretary at Lok [] The post I have resigned as Karnataka CM, followed instructions of Cong high command: Siddaramaiah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BENGALURU, May 28: Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday said he resigned from the Karnataka Chief Ministers position, two days after the party high command asked him to do so. He thanked the Congress leadership -Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi- for allowing him to serve the people of Karnataka as its Chief Minister twice. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Flanked by his deputy and successor D K Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah addressed a packed press conference shortly after submitting [] The post Karnataka CM resigns appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rain brings relief from scorching heat in Delhi; UP, Rajasthan reel under heatwave
NEW DELHI, May 28: After days of sweltering heatwave conditions, Delhiites got a respite on Thursday evening as heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds swept parts of the national capital, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for the next few hours. The IMD warned of moderate to severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, duststorms and isolated hailstorms at many places across the city, with wind speeds likely to reach 80 kilometres per hour. The weather office said [] The post Rain brings relief from scorching heat in Delhi; UP, Rajasthan reel under heatwave appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Driver of bus headed to Katra killed, 15 injured
FATEHGARH SAHIB (Pb), May 28: A bus driver was killed while 15 passengers were injured when the vehicle rammed into a trailer-truck on Thursday, police said. The incident took place near village Patarsi Kalan when the luxury bus was headed to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra in Jammu from Delhi. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The impact was so severe that the front portion of the bus was badly damaged. The deceased driver has been identified [] The post Driver of bus headed to Katra killed, 15 injured appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Twisha death case: ex-Judge arrested
NEW DELHI, May 28: The CBI today arrested former judge Giribala Singh, an accused in the case of her daughter-in-law Twisha Sharmas death, a day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed her anticipatory bail. A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team questioned Singh at her residence in Bhopals Bag Mughaliya extension area before taking her into custody, officials said. Twishas lawyer husband Samarth Singh is already in the custody of the central agency, they said. Follow the Daily Excelsior [] The post Twisha death case: ex-Judge arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
