New Delhi, Feb 3: In an unprecedented storm of disruptions, the Lok Sabha was adjourned multiple times and ultimately suspended eight Congress MPs for creating uproar, marking one of the most turbulent sessions in recent memory. The chaos centered around Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhis repeated attempts to quote from former Army Chief General M [] The post Lok Sabha erupts in chaos: 8 Cong MPs suspended amid ruckus over unpublished book, India-US trade deal appeared first on Northlines .
AI era demands creative thinking over rote learning: LG Sinha
Says country needs inspirational teachers, not passive learning Jammu Tawi, Feb 3:Asserting that humanitys greatest asset in future will be innovative and creative thinking, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that in this AI era, teaching isnt about rote delivery but nurturing creativity. Addressing the Inspirational Teachers Award ceremony organized by Amar Ujala Group [] The post AI era demands creative thinking over rote learning: LG Sinha appeared first on Northlines .
Congress should take up the Coordination matter with NC leadership: Omar
Jammu Tawi, Feb 3: Responding to questions regarding the budget presentation, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declined to comment outside the House, stating that he would address all budget-related issues on the floor of the Assembly. I will say everything in the House regarding the budget, he said. On remarks allegedly made by Congress leader [] The post Congress should take up the Coordination matter with NC leadership: Omar appeared first on Northlines .
Drug seizures in J&K declines sharply since 2021: MHA
Lowest narcotics seizures in 2025; opium-based drugs down nearly 90% since 2021 New Delhi, Feb 3:Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday informed the Parliament that seizure of narcotic substances in Jammu and Kashmir has declined sharply over the past five years, particularly in opium-based drugs. Data tabled in the Lok Sabha by the MHA, substantiated [] The post Drug seizures in J&K declines sharply since 2021: MHA appeared first on Northlines .
Fresh snowfall in J&K higher reaches, rain lashes plains
MeT predicts cloudy weather till Feb 6, light snowfall on Feb 7 Jammu Tawi, Feb 3:Fresh snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday, while several areas in the plains received rainfall, even as temperatures showed a marginal improvement across Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. According to the Meteorological Department, [] The post Fresh snowfall in J&K higher reaches, rain lashes plains appeared first on Northlines .
Omar to introduce Bills on decriminalisation, leprosy rights
Jammu Tawi, Feb 3:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will introduce two bills-one for decriminalising certain offences to further enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business, and another for eliminating discrimination against leprosy-affected patients-on Wednesday in the Legislative Assembly. As per the list of business circulated by the Legislative Assembly this evening, CM Omar [] The post Omar to introduce Bills on decriminalisation, leprosy rights appeared first on Northlines .
NLU for Jammu echoed in Assembly, Kashmiri leaders counter
Citing SMVDIME, Sakina Itoo backs NLU setup in Kashmir Jammu Tawi, Feb 3:The demand for setting up a National Law University in Jammu echoed in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, with BJP MLAs staging protests over the issue. As soon as Question Hour began, BJP MLAs stood up and protested, demanding a Law University [] The post NLU for Jammu echoed in Assembly, Kashmiri leaders counter appeared first on Northlines .
After objections from farmers, MLAs, Centre halts 3 Railway projects in Kashmir
Jammu Tawi, Feb 3:The Centre on Tuesday said that three proposed railway projects in Kashmir have been put on hold following objections from locals and elected representatives. Union Railway Minister Ashwani Kumar said, There is already a railway line from Srinagar to Baramulla, and there was a demand to set up three more railway lines. [] The post After objections from farmers, MLAs, Centre halts 3 Railway projects in Kashmir appeared first on Northlines .
PMGSY-I has connected 2132 habitations in J&K
New Delhi, Feb 3:The Government of India on Tuesday informed Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir has made significant progress in achieving universal all-weather rural road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Union Ministry of Rural Development, said, Under PMGSY-I, as many as 2,132 [] The post PMGSY-I has connected 2132 habitations in J&K appeared first on Northlines .
50 Mobile Veterinary Units operational in J&K
Jammu Tawi, Feb 3:The Government of India on Monday informed the Parliament that 50 Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) have been made operational in Jammu and Kashmir since 202122 under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme. In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry [] The post 50 Mobile Veterinary Units operational in J&K appeared first on Northlines .
J&K considers single-window online system for tourism licenses
Jammu Tawi, Feb 3:The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday said it is considering introducing a single-window, online system for registration and renewal of tourism-related establishments and for obtaining mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from multiple departments. In a written reply to a question by MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi, the Tourism Department said that [] The post J&K considers single-window online system for tourism licenses appeared first on Northlines .
Rs 70 Cr of marriage aid awaits Treasury clearance
Jammu Tawi, Feb 3:The government on Tuesday acknowledged that payments under the Marriage Assistance Scheme are pending for thousands of approved beneficiaries, even as it denied any inordinate delay in disbursement. In a written reply to a question tabled by legislator Javid Hassan Baig, the Social Welfare Department said that during the current financial year, [] The post Rs 70 Cr of marriage aid awaits Treasury clearance appeared first on Northlines .
Iranian Drone Shot Down by US F-35 Fighter Jet
SRINAGAR: The United States military has shot down an Iranian drone that approached an American aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea, a US official told Reuters. The official said the unmanned aerial vehicle was intercepted after it came too close to the carrier, describing the action as a defensive measure taken to protect US []
E- bus Service Operates Within SMR Limits: Satish Sharma
SRINAGAR: Minister for Transport, Satish Sharma said that as per the operational guidelines of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), e-bus service is being operated within the Srinagar Metropolitan Region (SMR) limits. The Minister said this while replying to a question raised by Rafiq Ahmad Naik. He informed the house that the Tral constituency []
JPDCL Announces Scheduled Power Cuts in Multiple Areas
SRINAGAR: Power supply will remain disrupted in several areas of Jammu and Kathua districts over the next few days due to scheduled maintenance works, officials of the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) said on Tuesday. According to the Chief Engineer (Distribution), JPDCL Jammu, electricity supply to Transport Nagar, Narwal, Railway Colony, parts of Channi []
Sajad Kitchloo Flags Harassment of Kashmiri Shawl Sellers in Rajya Sabha
SRINAGAR: Rajya Sabha member Sajad Kitchloo on Tuesday raised concerns in the Upper House over the alleged targeting and harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers in various parts of the country, linking the incidents to what he described as a wider climate of suspicion towards Kashmiris outside the Union Territory. Speaking during the proceedings, Kitchloo said []
CM Flags Off JKRTC Pilgrimage Buses to Multiple Shrines
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday flagged off special JK Road Transport Corporation (RTC) bus services to major religious destinations across the country from MA Stadium in Jammu, aimed at facilitating affordable pilgrimage travel for devotees from the Union Territory. The services will operate to prominent shrines and places of worship of different faiths, []
Nearly 6,000 Medical, Paramedical Posts Vacant in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: As many as 5,967 posts of medical and paramedical staff are lying vacant in health institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Tuesday. The information was provided in response to Starred Assembly Question No 445 tabled by MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, who sought category-wise details of vacancies in health []
Magnitude 6 Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Tremors Felt in Kolkata and Bangladesh
SRINAGAR: An earthquake of magnitude 6 struck Myanmar on Tuesday night, with tremors felt across parts of eastern India, including Kolkata, and in several areas of Bangladesh, according to seismological agencies. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the quake occurred at around 9.04 pm local time, with its epicentre located about 70 miles east of []
CM Omar to Table Governance, Social Justice Bills in Assembly
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is set to introduce two major Bills focusing on governance reforms and social justice during the Legislative Assembly session on Wednesday. According to the List of Business issued by the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, the House will convene on Wednesday, February 4, with proceedings scheduled to begin at []
Jammu Kashmir Records 11,950 TB Cases in 2025
SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir reported 11,950 tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2025, according to figures submitted in the Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The cases were notified under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, part of Indias National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), aimed at eliminating TB through early detection, free treatment, and nutritional []
Indias 2026-27 Budget gets cautious welcome for maturity from western media
Financial Times sees it as Modi Govts attempt to shield the economy from trade storms By T N Ashok Indias Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled her ninth budget on February 1 , a fiscal blueprint designed to sustain the worlds fastest-growing major economy at 6.5% even as Donald Trumps tariff threats and global economic [] The post Indias 2026-27 Budget gets cautious welcome for maturity from western media appeared first on Northlines .
Is India-US trade deal a reality or it is another Trumpian Trick?
A bilateral trade deal is a serious affair; it is not done through phone By Anjan Roy If a trade deal between two large countries could be announced immediately after a phone call from a president to a prime minister, then such a deal could at best be described as phoney. Alternatively, there [] The post Is India-US trade deal a reality or it is another Trumpian Trick? appeared first on Northlines .
Union Budget 202627: A Moment for Jammu & Kashmir to Invest in Its Youth
By Girdhari Lal Raina The Union Budget 202627, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, marks a decisive shift from incrementalism to long-term nation-building. Rooted in the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Budget is unmistakably Yuva Shaktidriven, capacity-focused, and technology-led. It recognises that Indias greatest strategic asset over the next quarter century is not merely [] The post Union Budget 202627: A Moment for Jammu & Kashmir to Invest in Its Youth appeared first on Northlines .
Corruption rampant, deep rooted
It is unfortunate that despite the government taking a number of steps to curb the corruption, this scourge continues to remain as a big problem in J&K with new cases of corruption coming to fore every now and then. In this regard, two more cases of corruption have hogged the headlines whereby two government officials [] The post Corruption rampant, deep rooted appeared first on Northlines .
Female Genital Mutilation : Violation of Womens Human Rights
Er. Prabhat Kishore The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been going on for more than thousands of years. It is the ritual procedure of partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is also called Khatna in local dialect. [] The post Female Genital Mutilation : Violation of Womens Human Rights appeared first on Northlines .
NCORD Maps Tough, Tech-Enabled Strategy Against Drug Menace
JAMMU, Feb 3: The 16th Union Territory-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was today chaired by the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, to comprehensively review enforcement, prosecution, treatment, and rehabilitation measures aimed at combating the drug menace, and to chart out a more stringent, coordinated, and result-oriented strategy across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by the Director General of Police, all concerned Administrative Secretaries, the Director General of Prosecution, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and other senior civil and [] The post NCORD Maps Tough, Tech-Enabled Strategy Against Drug Menace appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
First HPC Meeting On Ladakh After Sep Clashes Tomorrow
New Delhi, Feb 3: The two prominent groups from LadakhLeh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)are likely to press for constitutional safeguards and greater political autonomy for the Union territory during the meeting of the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Wednesday. The Ladakh leaders who arrived here on Tuesday are holding informal meetings among themselves to finalise their strategy for the meeting, sources said. The deliberations are likely to continue tomorrow afternoon before the meeting takes place, [] The post First HPC Meeting On Ladakh After Sep Clashes Tomorrow appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K Govt Approves Liquidation Of SCARD Bank; No Rehab Plan For Employees Yet
Jammu, Feb 3: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday said it has approved the liquidation of the J&K State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development (SCARD) Bank. In a written reply to the Assembly, minister-in-charge for cooperatives Javed Ahmed Dar said the decision was taken by council of ministers on December 3, 2025. He was responding to a question by PDP MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi. As of now, the department has not formulated any proposal for the rehabilitation, absorption [] The post J&K Govt Approves Liquidation Of SCARD Bank; No Rehab Plan For Employees Yet appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Railway Minister Says Three Projects In J&K Stopped; NC, PDP Welcome
Srinagar, Feb 3: Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav has said that three train projects in Jammu and Kashmir, which were opposed by the elected government, have been put in abeyance for the time being. The decision was welcomed by the ruling National Conference and the opposition PDP, which said it had provided relief to farmers whose land was to be acquired for the projects. There was a demand for three railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir but the government here and [] The post Railway Minister Says Three Projects In J&K Stopped; NC, PDP Welcome appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu, Feb 3: National Conference leader and MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar on Tuesday called on the Government of India to take bold steps to reintegrate political leaders who have, for various reasons, remained outside the mainstream political spectrum. Speaking in response to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhas address to the Assembly on Monday, Salman said that the government of India must make efforts to bring political leaders outside the ambit of mainstream into mainstream. The NC leader also demanded the [] The post Make Efforts To Bring All Political Leaders Into Mainstream: Salman Urges GOI In His Pre-Budget Speech appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Budget Session-2026: CM Omar Abdullah tables J&K Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today tabled The Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance No. 01 of 2025) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The Ordinance proposes amendments to certain laws. It seeks to decriminalise a range of minor offences and rationalisation across several sectors. The post Budget Session-2026: CM Omar Abdullah tables J&K Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025 appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
CM Omar Abdullah Tables J&K Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025
JAMMU, Feb 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today tabled The Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance No. 01 of 2025) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The Ordinance proposes amendments to certain laws. It seeks to decriminalise a range of minor offences and rationalisation across several sectors. The post CM Omar Abdullah Tables J&K Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Amid objections, Centre halts 3 proposed railway projects in Kashmir
Srinagar: The Centre on Tuesday said that three proposed railway projects in Kashmir have been put on hold following objections from locals and elected representatives, who raised concerns over large-scale land acquisition and its impact on apple orchards. Union Railway Minister Ashwani Kumar there is already a railway line from Srinagar to Baramulla, and there []
Proposed South Kashmir Rail Lines Put on Hold
SRINAGAR: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said that the proposed AnantnagPahalgam and AwantiporaShopian railway lines in Jammu and Kashmir have been put on hold after Members of Parliament, the Jammu and Kashmir government, and local farmers raised concerns about potential damage to apple orchards. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Vaishnaw said []
ARTO Kupwara Issues Final Notice to Unregistered Vehicle Dealers
SRINAGAR: The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Kupwara, has issued a final notice to dealers involved in the resale or purchase of registered vehicles without valid authorisation, warning of strict action in case of non-compliance. According to the notice issued by the Motor Vehicles Department, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the action is being []
Wangchuk Detained For Instigating People In Border Area: Centre To SC
NEW DELHI, Feb 3: The Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh administration told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained for instigating people in a border area where regional sensitivity is involved. Justifying Wangchuks detention, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale that all procedural safeguards were followed while ordering his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). This court is dealing with a person who [] The post Wangchuk Detained For Instigating People In Border Area: Centre To SC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Eight Opposition MPs Suspended From Lok Sabha For Remainder Of Budget Session
NEW DELHI, Feb 3: Eight opposition members were suspended from Lok Sabha on Tuesday for the remainder of the budget session for violating rules and throwing papers on the chair following uproar in the House over Congress leader Rahul Gandhis insistence on mentioning a specific reference about the standoff with China in eastern Ladakh in 2020. The House, which witnessed two adjournments earlier in the day, resumed proceedings at 3 pm and Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of the [] The post Eight Opposition MPs Suspended From Lok Sabha For Remainder Of Budget Session appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Paks NA adopts resolution, demands aggressive national response to tackle terrorism
ISLAMABAD, Feb 3: Pakistans National Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution urging the government to adopt an aggressive national response to tackle the threat of external sponsors of militancy and their internal facilitators. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry tabled the resolution in the lower house, which was passed with a majority vote. The House demanded that an immediate, aggressive, coordinated, and effective national response be ensured against these external sponsors and internal facilitators funding, smuggling, and propaganda hubs, [] The post Paks NA adopts resolution, demands aggressive national response to tackle terrorism appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NASA targets March launch of moon rocket after test run reveals fuel leaks
CAPE CANAVERAL (US), Feb 3: NASA said on Tuesday it will now target a March launch of its new moon rocket after running into exasperating fuel leaks during a make-or-break test a day earlier. The space agency said in a statement that the launch delay will allow teams to review data and conduct a second wet dress rehearsal before the flight test. The leaks reminiscent of the rockets delayed debut three years ago sprang just a couple hours [] The post NASA targets March launch of moon rocket after test run reveals fuel leaks appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Lieutenant Governor addresses Amar Ujalas Inspirational Teachers Award Ceremony
Jammu, 03 February 2026: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Tuesday emphasised the need for forward-thinking teachers who can equip students for tomorrows uncertainties, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) disruptions, climate shifts, inspire to pioneer breakthroughs and fuel a dynamic and innovation-driven economy. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the Inspirational Teachers Award ceremony organized by [] The post Lieutenant Governor addresses Amar Ujalas Inspirational Teachers Award Ceremony appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Exchange Of Fire In Majalta Udhampur, Area Cordoned Off
Jammu: An Exchange of fire was reported between terrorists and security forces in Drabar forest in Majalta area of Udhampur district on Tuesday. Officials sources said that there was a exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces after security forces recieved a specific input about presence of terrorists in the area The joint operation []
J&K | Committee Constituted For Disaster Management Projects Under SASCI Funds
JAMMU, Feb 3: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a committee for examination and submission of project proposals under the additional SASCI allocation related to disaster management. See order copy click here.. The post J&K | Committee Constituted For Disaster Management Projects Under SASCI Funds appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Teachers Must Prepare Students for AI, Climate Challenges: LG Sinha
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday urged teachers to move beyond rote learning and equip students to face future challenges such as artificial intelligence and climate change, while addressing the Amar Ujala Inspirational Teachers Award ceremony in Jammu. Speaking at the event held at Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, []
RSS Believes There Should Be Unity In Society: Sangh Leader On UGC Regulations
Mumbai, Feb 3: Amid widespread criticism over the UGC regulations which have been stayed by the Supreme Court, a senior RSS leader on Tuesday said his organisation is of the belief that there should be unity in society and it will do whatever it takes to maintain it. Responding to criticism over those questioning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)s contribution to the freedom struggle, Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, said the Sangh does not need to explain after 100 [] The post RSS Believes There Should Be Unity In Society: Sangh Leader On UGC Regulations appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K: Encounter Breaks Out in Udhampur Forest
Jammu, Feb 3: An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in a remote forest area of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said. The gunfight started during a joint search operation by the police and the Army in the Jaffer forest area of Ramnagar after contact was established with the [] The post J&K: Encounter Breaks Out in Udhampur Forest appeared first on Northlines .
Mehbooba Mufti accuses state govts of patronising mob violence against Kashmiris
SRINAGAR: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday alleged that state governments appeared to be granting patronage to mob violence against Kashmiris outside the Union Territory, allowing hatred to replace the rule of law. Instead of upholding Raj Dharma, the state governments appear to be granting silent patronage to mob violence, treating hatred as a shortcut []
CLP Leader Mir Calls For United Political Push, All-Party Meet For Restoration Of J&K Statehood
Jammu, Feb 3: Congress Legislature Party leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Tuesday pitched for united efforts cutting across party lines for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to convene an all-party meeting to build consensus and approach the Centre on the issue. Participating in the discussion on the lieutenant governors address in the Assembly on Tuesday, Mir said that there was a need to take all political parties, including the opposition BJP, [] The post CLP Leader Mir Calls For United Political Push, All-Party Meet For Restoration Of J&K Statehood appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
I Believe Teachers And Their Craft Form The Backbone Of A Society And The Soul Of Nation: LG Sinha
Jammu, Feb 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday emphasised the need for forward-thinking teachers who can equip students for tomorrows uncertainties, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) disruptions, climate shifts, inspire to pioneer breakthroughs and fuel a dynamic and innovation-driven economy. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the Inspirational Teachers Award ceremony at Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. At the ceremony, a total of 101 best inspirational teachers from various schools across Jammu were honoured [] The post I Believe Teachers And Their Craft Form The Backbone Of A Society And The Soul Of Nation: LG Sinha appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ind-Pak Matches Covered Like War: Omar Abdullah Slams Politicisation Of Sports
Jammu, Feb 3: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that Pakistans decision to withdraw from the high-profile T20 World Cup match against India was the result of the problematic intersection of sports and politics. Abdullah, a cricket enthusiast, emphasised that merging sports with political issues often leads to adverse outcomes. We have now completely stopped differentiating between sports and politics. Time and again, through the media, whenever there is a match between India and Pakistan, it [] The post Ind-Pak Matches Covered Like War: Omar Abdullah Slams Politicisation Of Sports appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Encounter Breaks Out In Jammu And Kashmirs Udhampur
Jammu, Feb 3: An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in a remote forest area in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said. The gunfight erupted during an ongoing search operation by the police and Army in the Jaffer forest in Ramnagar area of the hilly district, they said. The operation in the vast forest area started early Monday following information about suspected movement of two to three terrorists, reportedly affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) [] The post Encounter Breaks Out In Jammu And Kashmirs Udhampur appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Indian Newspaper Society voices concern over persistent shortfall of newsprint
NEW DELHI, Feb 3: The Indian Newspaper Society on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the shortfall of newsprint in the country, forcing publishers rely on imports. Indias annual newsprint consumption is approximately 1.2 million tonnes, while domestic production has struggled to cross 0.5 million tonnes. As a result, Indian mills are currently able to meet only about 40 per cent of the total demand, underscoring a major hollowing out of the industry, the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) said in a [] The post Indian Newspaper Society voices concern over persistent shortfall of newsprint appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Over 96 lakh elderly enrolled in Ayushman Vay Vandana health coverage scheme
NEW DELHI, Feb 3: More than 96 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been created across all states and Union territories till December 31, 2025, Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) provides health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 12 crore families constituting the bottom 40 per cent of Indias population. In October [] The post Over 96 lakh elderly enrolled in Ayushman Vay Vandana health coverage scheme appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu Kashmir Government Rolls Out Startup Policy, Seed Funding and Incubation Support
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has informed the Legislative Assembly that more than 5,400 industrial establishments have been registered across Anantnag and Kulgam districts, while a series of targeted interventions, including seed funding, incubation support and mentorship programmes, are being implemented to boost entrepreneurship in the two south Kashmir districts. Replying to a starred []
2014 Floods Damaged Over 1.6 Lakh Structures in Jammu Kashmir, Govt in Assembly
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has informed the Legislative Assembly that the Union Territory suffered extensive damage to property and public infrastructure during the unprecedented floods of 2014, with more than 1.6 lakh residential and commercial structures affected across both divisions, prompting large-scale flood management and mitigation works that continue to date. Replying to []
Tarigami Flags Disempowerment Of J&K Assembly, Seeks All-Party Meet, Debate On Reservation
Jammu, Feb 3: Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and MLA M Y Tarigami on Tuesday expressed concern over what he termed the disempowerment of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, claiming that, despite receiving a public mandate, elected representatives were finding it difficult to exercise authority. During a discussion on the lieutenant governors address in the Assembly on Tuesday, Tarigami acknowledged that while the speech appreciated the public mandate resulting from the assembly elections held after seven years, the reality [] The post Tarigami Flags Disempowerment Of J&K Assembly, Seeks All-Party Meet, Debate On Reservation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kathuas Wajoo Check Dam Project Stalled for Over a Decade; Rs 22.55 Crore Spent, Work Yet to Resume
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has informed the Legislative Assembly that the long-pending Khokhyal Check Dam project in Kathua is officially known as the Wajoo Check Dam and remains incomplete more than 15 years after it was first taken up, despite over Rs 22 crore having already been spent on it. Replying to Starred []
Sopore Nursing College Awaiting Full Operational Handover; 13 Posts Sanctioned
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has informed the Assembly that the Government Nursing College at Sopore, established in 2021, is yet to become fully functional due to pending administrative handover and ongoing recruitment of staff, even as 13 posts have already been sanctioned for the institution. Replying to a Question raised by MLA Irshad []
Expecting a Baby? These Insurers Rank Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Maternity Cover
Expecting a baby changes how people think about health cover almost overnight. Appointments increase. Hospital decisions feel more important. Costs that once seemed manageable suddenly need careful planning. At this stage, many families begin to look closely at maternity insurance as part of their overall health insurance arrangement, not because they want extra features, but [] The post Expecting a Baby? These Insurers Rank Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Maternity Cover appeared first on Northlines .
SRINAGAR: The Government of India has not released any funds so far for flood restoration works in Jammu and Kashmir during the current financial year 202526, the Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the Assembly. Replying to a question raised by MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) Department said that no []
Strengthening Of Existing Medical Infrastructure Governments Top Priority: Sakeena Itoo
JAMMU, Feb 3: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today remarked that strengthening of existing medical infrastructure is top priority of the Government and creation of any additional Medical Blocks shall be considered subject to requirement, feasibility, availability of manpower and infrastructure. The Health Minister said this while replying to a question of Legislator Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad on Medical Blocks during ongoing Budget Session of J&K Legislative Assembly. The Minister informed the House that district Srinagar, having a [] The post Strengthening Of Existing Medical Infrastructure Governments Top Priority: Sakeena Itoo appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delayed Delivery Of Judgment Is Identified Ailment, Must Be Eradicated: SC
NEW DELHI, Feb 3: The practice of reserving judgments for months by high courts without making them public is an identifiable ailment that must be eradicated, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday while highlighting the need to ensure timely delivery of justice. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi was hearing a plea that said the Jharkhand High Court orally pronounced a judgment dismissing a petition on December 4 last year and [] The post Delayed Delivery Of Judgment Is Identified Ailment, Must Be Eradicated: SC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rahul On India-US Trade Deal: PM Buckled Under Pressure, Farmers Hard Work Sold Out
New Delhi, Feb 3: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has buckled under US pressure to finalise a trade deal and has sold out the hard work of Indian farmers through the agreement. Addressing reporters in the Parliament House complex after he was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha as he insisted on quoting from an article that cited former Army chief MM NAravanes unpublished memoir, Gandhi said it is for the [] The post Rahul On India-US Trade Deal: PM Buckled Under Pressure, Farmers Hard Work Sold Out appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
JK Assembly 2026: Budget, harassment of Kashmiris to be discussed in House: CM Omar Abdullah
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the issue of alleged victimisation and harassment of Kashmiris will be taken up for discussion in the ongoing Assembly session, asserting that he would respond to queries related to the budget only on the floor of the House. Speaking to reporters outside []
J&K: Two booked for securing MBBS admission in SKIMS using fake documents
Srinagar, Feb 3: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K has registered a case against two individuals for allegedly securing admission to the MBBS Course2023 at SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, by using fake and forged documents, officials said on Tuesday. According to officials, the case was initiated following information from a credible [] The post J&K: Two booked for securing MBBS admission in SKIMS using fake documents appeared first on Northlines .
India has established itself as global healthcare hub: Nadda
Lucknow, Feb 3: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Tuesday said India has established itself as a global healthcare hub, supplying nearly 30 per cent of the worlds generic medicines and around 60 per cent of global vaccine demand. Addressing the Uttar Pradesh Pharma Conclave-1 online, in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and several investors, Nadda said Indian pharmaceutical products are exported to more than 200 countries. India has [] The post India has established itself as global healthcare hub: Nadda appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
DC Kargil Reviews SDRF Relief Distribution, Stresses Timely and Transparent Disbursement
Kargil, February 03, 2026: The Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, chaired a meeting on Monday to review the work done and the distribution of gratuitous relief to affected families under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The meeting was convened to assess the status of relief measures and to ensure timely and transparent disbursement to the beneficiaries. [] The post DC Kargil Reviews SDRF Relief Distribution, Stresses Timely and Transparent Disbursement appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Checking Squad Inspects Kargil Markets, Ensures Compliance with Norms
Kargil, February 3, 2026: In compliance with the directions of the District Administration, Kargil, a joint inspection was conducted on February 2, 2026, in the Kargil Main Market to ensure adherence to prescribed quality standards, fair pricing, and proper hygiene practices. The inspection covered vegetable vendors, retail shops, restaurants, and tea stalls. The joint team [] The post Checking Squad Inspects Kargil Markets, Ensures Compliance with Norms appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Lunar Eclipse 2026: When and Where to Watch in India
New Delhi: The first lunar eclipse of 2026, popularly known as the Blood Moon, is just a month away and is set to be visible across large parts of India on March 2, exciting space and astronomy enthusiasts. According to available details, the total lunar eclipse will begin at 3:22 pm IST and conclude at [] The post Lunar Eclipse 2026: When and Where to Watch in India appeared first on Northlines .
Two BJP MLAs Walkout From J&K Assembly Over Issue Of Flood Restoration Works
Jammu, Feb 3: Two opposition BJP MLAs on Tuesday walked out of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the issue of allocation of funds for flood relief works, alleging discrimination against the Jammu region. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary denied the charges levelled by BJP MLAs Rajiv Jasrotia and Pawan Gupta, and also exchanged heated words with them leading to an uproar in the House. Responding to the question of Jasrotia about details of funds released by the Centre for flood [] The post Two BJP MLAs Walkout From J&K Assembly Over Issue Of Flood Restoration Works appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab Police Bust Cross-Border Smuggling Module In Ferozepur; 1 Held With Heroin
Chandigarh, Feb 3: Punjab Police has busted a cross-border drug smuggling module with the arrest of one person in Ferozepur district, a senior officer said on Tuesday. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the man arrested has links with Pakistan-based drug smugglers. He is a resident of Chandiwala village, Yadav said, adding that 5.507 kg of heroin was recovered from his possession. An FIR has been registered, and police teams are probing forward and backward linkages, he said. (Agencies) The post Punjab Police Bust Cross-Border Smuggling Module In Ferozepur; 1 Held With Heroin appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Advent to invest Rs 2,750 cr for 14.3 pc stake in Aditya Birla Housing Finance
MUMBAI, Feb 3 : Private equity major Advent International will invest Rs 2,750 crore to acquire 14.3 per cent stake in Aditya Birla Housing Finance (ABHF), both the entities announced on Tuesday. ABHF is wholly-owned by Aditya Birla Capital (ABC), the listed financial services arm of the diversified Aditya Birla Group, and the fund infusion from Indriya, an Advent entity, is through a primary issuance of shares, as per an official statement. The boards of ABC and ABHF have approved [] The post Advent to invest Rs 2,750 cr for 14.3 pc stake in Aditya Birla Housing Finance appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bajaj Auto Jan sales rise 25 pc at 4,77,422 units
NEW DELHI, Feb 3: Bajaj Auto Ltd on Tuesday reported a 25 per cent rise in total sales at 4,77,422 units in January as compared to 3,81,040 units in the same month last year. Total domestic sales were at 2,61,975 units last month as against 2,08,359 units in the year-ago period, up 26 per cent, Bajaj Auto Ltd said in a regulatory filing. Two-wheeler sales in the domestic market were at 2,14,727 units as against 1,71,299 units in January 2025, [] The post Bajaj Auto Jan sales rise 25 pc at 4,77,422 units appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Night Temperatures Rise In Kashmir; Srinagar Records 2.8 Deg C
SRINAGAR, Feb 3: Night temperatures across Kashmir registered a slight increase, with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of 2.8 degrees Celsius, more than three degrees higher than the normal seasonal average, officials said on Tuesday. The rise in night temperatures in the summer capital has been gradual but consistent since the conclusion of Chillai Kalan, the valleys harshest 40-day winter phase. Gulmarg, the well-known ski destination in Baramulla district, remained the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir, recording a low [] The post Night Temperatures Rise In Kashmir; Srinagar Records 2.8 Deg C appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rijiju, Congress leaders meet LS speaker over standoff in house
NEW DELHI, Feb 3: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday met Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and K C Venugopal amid a standoff in the lower house over former army chiefs M M Naravanes unpublished book. Parliamentary sources said the meeting was held in a bid to arrive at a consensus on smooth functioning of the house. It is learnt that the house may function from 2 pm. (Agencies) The post Rijiju, Congress leaders meet LS speaker over standoff in house appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
India rejects Indus Waters Treaty order, calls arbitration courts decision illegal
New Delhi: India on Monday rejected the International Court of Arbitrations supplemental award on the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that it is no longer bound by obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty, which it said is currently in abeyance. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that with the [] The post India rejects Indus Waters Treaty order, calls arbitration courts decision illegal appeared first on Northlines .
SC Raps WhatsApp, Meta Over Data Sharing; Says Wont Allow Violation of Citizens Privacy
New Delhi, Feb 3: The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up WhatsApp and its parent company Meta over concerns related to user data sharing, asserting that citizens right to privacy cannot be compromised in the name of technology or business practices. You cant play with the right to privacy of citizens of this country in [] The post SC Raps WhatsApp, Meta Over Data Sharing; Says Wont Allow Violation of Citizens Privacy appeared first on Northlines .
Indias seafood exports to US set to rebound after tariff cut to 18 pc: SEAI
NEW DELHI, Feb 3: Indias seafood exports to the United States are expected to recover, following months of declining shipments, after Washington agreed to cut tariffs to 18 per cent from 25 per cent, the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) said on Tuesday. Fish exports to the US fell 15 per cent by volume to 201,501 tonnes in the April-November period of the current fiscal year, while value declined 6.3 per cent to USD 1.72 billion from USD 1.84 [] The post Indias seafood exports to US set to rebound after tariff cut to 18 pc: SEAI appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Policeman killed in attack targeting polio vaccination team in northwest Pakistan
PESHAWAR, Feb 3: A policeman was killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a polio vaccination team he was guarding in northwest Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred on Monday in Mirali tehsil of North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan. The assailants managed to flee from the scene after the attack. Police contingent rushed to the site and cordoned off the entire area. A search operation was launched in the area. Polio workers in Pakistan [] The post Policeman killed in attack targeting polio vaccination team in northwest Pakistan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K: Two Killed as Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge in Reasi
Reasi, Feb 3: Two youth lost their lives early Tuesday morning after the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in the Dharangli Tote area of Reasi district, officials said. The deceased were identified as Mannu, son of Rattan Singh, and Jagdev Singh, son of Balwan Singh, [] The post J&K: Two Killed as Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge in Reasi appeared first on Northlines .
Study links intelligence to overall brain activity rather than specific region
New Delhi, Feb 2: Researchers have found evidence for a theory that views intelligence as a property of how the brain functions as a whole, rather than relating it to a specific cognitive function or brain network. According to the Network Neuroscience Theory, intelligence is said to reflect how brain networks are coordinated and adapted to solve the diverse problems one encounters in life. The researchers at the US University of Notre Dame analysed brain imaging and cognitive data of [] The post Study links intelligence to overall brain activity rather than specific region appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NEW DELHI, Feb 3: Amid a controversy over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi quoting from an unpublished memoir of former Army chief M M Naravane in Parliament, an expert on Parliamentary procedures on Tuesday said Rule 349 bars members from reading from any book, newspaper or letter except in connection with the business of the House. However, the Rule does not elaborate about published or unpublished. The Lok Sabha on Monday saw a stand off between Speaker Om Birla and Gandhi [] The post Members can quote documents if relevant to business: Parliamentary expert on Rahul citing from memoir appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SC Slams WhatsApp, Meta Over Privacy Policy, Says Will Pass Interim Order On Feb 9
New Delhi, Feb 3: The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on Meta Platforms Inc and WhatsApp while hearing their appeals against a Competition Commission of India order imposing a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore over the privacy policy, saying tech giants cannot play with the right to privacy of citizens in the name of data sharing. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said that it will pass an interim [] The post SC Slams WhatsApp, Meta Over Privacy Policy, Says Will Pass Interim Order On Feb 9 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Defence seeks to block videos of Charlie Kirks killing in murder case, claims bias
WASHINGTON, Feb 3: Graphic videos showing the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk while he spoke to a crowd on a Utah college campus quickly went viral, drawing millions of views. Now, attorneys for the man charged in Kirks killing want a state judge to block such videos from being shown during a hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Defense attorneys also want to oust TV and still cameras from the courtroom, arguing that highly biased news outlets risk tainting the case. [] The post Defence seeks to block videos of Charlie Kirks killing in murder case, claims bias appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Two Youths Killed As Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge In J&Ks Reasi
Reasi, Feb 3: Two youths were killed after the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Dharangli Tote area of Reasi district early Tuesday morning, officials said. Officals said that the deceased were identified as Mannu, son of Rattan Singh, and Jagdev Singh, son of Balwan Singh, both residents of Shoral village. They said the accident in the early hours when the driver lost control of the vehicle on a hilly [] The post Two Youths Killed As Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge In J&Ks Reasi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NC MLAs Protest Outside J&K Assembly, Demand Statehood Restoration and Protection of Kashmiris
Jammu, Feb 3: Members of the National Conference (NC) on Tuesday staged a dharna outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, pressing for the restoration of statehood and an end to the alleged harassment of Kashmiris in different parts of the country. Ahead of the Assembly session, NC legislators gathered outside the complex carrying placards reading [] The post NC MLAs Protest Outside J&K Assembly, Demand Statehood Restoration and Protection of Kashmiris appeared first on Northlines .
NDA Should Not Be Complacent With Wins In Various Elections: PM Modi
New Delhi, Feb 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told NDA leaders that the coalition has been been winning various elections due to its people-friendly policies and hard work. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told reporters after the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting that Prime Minister Modi also told NDA MPs that they should not be complacent with their win in various polls, including local bodies, but continue with the good work. At the meeting, Modi was felicitated by the [] The post NDA Should Not Be Complacent With Wins In Various Elections: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rs 70 crore await Treasury clearance: Govt denies delay in marriage aid
Srinagar: The government on Tuesday acknowledged that payments under the Marriage Assistance Scheme are pending for thousands of approved beneficiaries even as it denied any delay in the disbursement. In a written reply to a question by legislator Javid Hassan Baig, the Social Welfare Department, said that during the current financial year, Rs 163.93 crore []
Uproar in J&K Assembly as BJP Demands Law University for Jammu
Jammu, Feb 3: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday witnessed noisy scenes after opposition BJP members raised a demand for establishing a National Law University (NLU) in Jammu, while National Conference (NC) and PDP legislators sought discussion on alleged incidents of harassment of Kashmiris outside the Union Territory. Despite the uproar, Speaker Abdul Rahim [] The post Uproar in J&K Assembly as BJP Demands Law University for Jammu appeared first on Northlines .
No plan yet to create constituency-wise medical blocks in Srinagar: Health Minister
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday said that Srinagar district continues to function with just one medical block and four medical zones, and there no proposal to create constituency-wise medical blocks. Replying to a question by MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad, Health Minister, Sakina Itoo, said that the four medical zones in Srinagar are []
