KATHMANDU, Apr 28 : Nepal’s Government has recommended two ordinances to President Ram Chandra Paudel for issuance related to cooperatives and the Constitutional Council, drawing flak from the opposition.
A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Monday took a decision to recommend the ordinances, according to sources.
The government has also forwarded the ordinances to the President Paudel’s Office for consideration.
The cabinet last week had recommended to the President to summon a session of the federal parliament scheduled for April 30. However, later, the government recommended the postponement of the session.
The latest move to introduce ordinances comes amid preparations for constitutional appointments.
The Constitutional Council, which recommends such appointments, consists of six members: the Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chairperson of the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker, Chief Justice, and the Leader of the Opposition.
With the recent selection of Bhishmaraj Angdembe as the parliamentary party leader of the Nepali Congress, the council is now complete.
Reacting to the government’s decision, the main opposition party, Nepali Congress, said its attention has been drawn to the government’s move to introduce the ordinance by suspending the Parliament session.
Nepali Congress spokesperson Devraj Chalise said it would not be appropriate from the point of view of the constitutional process and parliamentary norms.
The ordinance related to the constitutional council, if endorsed by the president, paves the way for the government to make appointments at key constitutional positions, such as the Chief Justice, that have remained vacant. (PTI)
HYDERABAD, Apr 28 : Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG) on Tuesday announced the launch of ‘NX Pro Ncrypt’, touted as India’s first facial recognition-enabled home locker, at the Smart Home Expo 2026 in Mumbai.
The company also showcased its smart connected home ecosystem powered by Advantis IoT9, as part of its push towards technology-driven safety and security solutions for modern Indian homes.
The NX Pro Ncrypt integrates facial recognition, biometric fingerprint access and digital PIN, allowing users to opt for single or dual-mode security.
The system is built on AES encryption, with facial data stored as secure digital templates instead of images to enhance privacy and data protection.
Alongside the launch, GEG announced an investment of Rs100 crore over the next three years to accelerate development of digital, connected and consumer-centric security solutions.
The company also unveiled a ‘Made in India’ connected home experience, where unlocking the door through biometrics can automatically trigger personalised settings such as lighting and temperature, reflecting the growing adoption of integrated smart home technologies.
In addition, GEG introduced a web-based access solution for connected hospitality locks, enabling guests to access rooms via a secure weblink, aimed at reducing check-in time and enabling contactless entry.
The developments underscore the Group’s strategy to move beyond conventional security products towards connected, intuitive and user-centric access solutions across homes and hospitality segments.
NEW DELHI, April 28 : The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) has announced the launch of its Rajasthan Chapter, marking a strategic step to deepen India-US trade and investment engagement at the state level.
The move comes at a time when Rajasthan is emerging as a promising investment destination, backed by strong industrial growth, improving infrastructure and business-friendly policies.
The new Chapter is expected to serve as a key platform for fostering cross-border partnerships, enhancing policy dialogue and promoting sector-specific collaborations between Indian and American companies.
Jonathan Heimer, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Embassy, underlined the growing importance of India-US relations, stating that the partnership will play a crucial role in shaping global economic growth.
He added that the investments and connections being built today are expected to create long-term value for both countries.
Lalit Bhasin highlighted Rajasthan’s strong potential to attract global investments, citing its industrial momentum and progressive policy environment.
He noted that the Chapter will help strengthen business linkages, support policy advocacy and promote collaborations aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The Rajasthan Chapter will focus on facilitating trade and investment flows, strengthening industry-government engagement and helping startups and enterprises access global markets. It will also promote knowledge exchange, skill development and technology transfer across key sectors.
Through this initiative, IACC aims to position Rajasthan as an emerging hub for international trade and innovation, while contributing to the broader expansion of India-US economic cooperation.
MUMBAI, Apr 28: A Mumbai court has rejected a plea of a couple, former senior New India Co-operative Bank officials and accused in an alleged Rs 122-crore fraud, to appear before it through video conferencing from the UK, saying their request “reeks of huge abysmal entitlement”.
The couple sought exemption from personal appearance, citing “hostile environment” and “threats to their lives” if they return to India, and offered to appear in the court virtually.
If such prayers are accepted, there will be no sanctity left in investigation and the following trial, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Abhijit Solapure (Esplanade court) remarked in his order while rejecting their plea last week.
Hiren Bhanu and his wife Gauri, the then-chairperson and vice-chairperson of New India Co-operative Bank Ltd, respectively, were at the helm of the lender when the massive financial scandal came to light early last year.
The Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW), which is probing the fraud case, has alleged misappropriation of more than Rs 122 crore from the bank over a period of five years (2020 and 2025).
While other high-ranking officials of the bank, including the then-CEO and general manager, have already been arrested, the Bhanus left India for the United Kingdom (UK) on January 26, 2025, just before investigation into the scam began.
In the plea, the duo sought exemption from personal appearance, citing “hostile environment” and threats to their lives if they return to India. The accused couple claimed they left India for personal reasons and had no knowledge of the fraud at the bank.
However, the EOW countered their claim, saying the accused had all the knowledge of the offence and hence left for the UK just before the investigation started.
If such a liberty (to appear via video link) is granted to the accused, it would severely prejudice the further investigation and the trial, the police submitted in the court.
The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate noted that proclamation has been duly published and the accused were directed to appear before the court on September 30, 2025.
But instead of appearing as per directions the accused chose to file present application seeking several reliefs, the order stated.
“The entire application reeks of huge entitlement of these accused,” the court noted.
The magistrate highlighted that the accused are putting forth a case of their personal difficulties and “so called threat to their life in case they return to India”.
However, no such demonstration was on record and rather this cannot be even a reason to avoid the appearance in person before the court, he said.
The court asserted that “these reasons have been carefully manufactured, prepared and are being demonstrated to show the investigating machinery in poor light”.
The magistrate underlined that the reasons put forth by the accused “falls flat on the floor and cannot be accepted by any person of ordinary prudence”.
“…the offence was not committed in a short span of weeks or months, but it went on for years together under the nose of these accused. It cannot, by any stretch of imagination, be considered that the accused had no iota of idea of these things,” the court said.
It concluded that this application cannot be considered as their appearance before the court.
They cannot be even allowed to appear through their advocate or via video conferencing considering the peculiar circumstances before this court, observed the order.
“Such kind of abysmal entitlement shown by the accused cannot be entertained,” the court ruled. (PTI)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: Two senior JKAS officers, Naresh Kumar (Joint Director, Hospitality and Protocol, Jammu) and Kartar Singh (Additional Secretary, Rural Development Department), were accorded grand farewell on superannuation during a function held at Conference Hall Guest House, here today.
Senior officers of Civil, Police and Accounts Services of 2004 batch were present on the occasion, including Director Industries Jammu, Director Education Jammu and Director Hospitality and Protocol.
On the occasion, the contribution of both officers in their capacities as DSWO, BDO, SDMs and Joint Directors was highlighted and their contribution for welfare and development of common people of Jammu in particular and Jammu and Kashmir in general was acknowledged.
The Speakers underlined that the illustrious career spreading over 20 years of both the officers will be written in golden letters and shall remain a beacon for youngsters for ages to come.
On the occasion, the superannuating officers were presented mementos as a mark of respect.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER KATHUA
NOTICE
Whereas, an advertisement notice was issued from this office vide endorsement no: DDCK/Adm/2025-26/3667-75, Dated: 16-03-2026 for filling up of various posts under Mission YUVA, with the last date for submission of application forms fixed as 24-03-2026;
Whereas, in response to the aforementioned advertisement, a total of 79 applications were received; Whereas, the system had auto calculated the marks of the candidates on the basis of applications filled by them and it was found that out of all eligible 79 candidates, 50 were found qualified (Minimum Points required 40) as per the guidelines of Mission YUVA…………………………..
Locals carrying out a candle march at Bahu Fort area in Jammu on Tuesday.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: Public outrage continued to mount over the mysterious death of a young doctor from Jammu in Doda, as hundreds of people carried out a candle march at Bahu Fort area here today, seeking CBI probe into the case.
Dr Prabhjot Chalotra, a resident of Bahu Fort, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Gandoh area of Doda district on Apr 20. His body was handed over to the family the next day.
The family has since alleged foul play and questioned the circumstances leading to his death.
The march, organised by the bereaved family, started from the doctor’s residence and passed through Bawe Wali Mata Temple before concluding at Saryara Sabha.
Protesters carrying candles raised slogans seeking justice, while a large number of residents joined the demonstration.
Senior BJP leader Rajeev Charak also joined the protest and demanded a CBI inquiry, saying the truth must come out.
He described the deceased as the sole support of his ageing parents and siblings.
Family members rejected claims of accidental death and alleged several inconsistencies in the case, including missing evidence and formatted mobile phones.
They demanded a transparent and time-bound investigation and vowed to continue the agitation till justice is delivered.
CUJ students with HR professionals during session on “Get Noticed & Get Hired”.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: The Central University of Jammu organized an engaging and informative session for MBA students titled “Get Noticed and Get Hired.” The session aimed to equip students with practical insights into industry expectations and enhance their employability skills.
The session featured distinguished HR professionals from leading organizations, including Varun Baskotra (Head, Berg Technologies), Silvi Gupta (HR, Viaens), and Kannika Bangroo (HR, Talla Jewellers).
The speakers shared valuable perspectives on their respective organizations, current hiring expectations, and the evolving skill sets required to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
The event was honoured by the presence of the Dean of Management, Neelika Arora, along with faculty members.
During the session, the speakers emphasized the importance of aligning academic learning with industry requirements and highlighted strategies for students to effectively position themselves for career opportunities. The interactive discussions provided students with clarity on how to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and practical workplace demands.
On this occasion, the Training and Placement Cell reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening industry linkages by fostering meaningful collaborations, enhancing student–industry interaction, and creating greater opportunities for internships and placements.
NC Labour Union leaders, Nar Singh, Deep Mehra and Karan Singh with protesting workers of pencil factory at Paloura, Jammu.
*NC Labour Union assures support
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: The sit-in protest by workers of Hindustan Pencils Factory, Paloura, entered 15th consecutive day today against the illegal closure of the factory.
More than 150 workers are continuously staging protest demonstration and dharna in front of the factory gate of M/s Hindustan Pencils Private Ltd (Natraj Pencils) Jammu for illegal closure of factory without complying to the Labour laws.
They pointed out that labourers/workers who were working in the factory from the last over 20-25 years have been ignored and denied statutory dues. Neither any permission has been obtained by the management nor was any intimation in this regard given to the workers.
The workers Union alleged that management with a planned conspiracy and just to get rid of the regular employment to the contractual employment, have done all this and also alleged that any talks/negotiations were not conducted with the workers those who were working in the factory from the last 30- 35 years, just to get rid of the workers on the name of closure, alleged the workers.
Meanwhile, Nar Singh (State Central Labour Union president, National Conference) along with Deep Mehra (provincial secretary, Labour Wing) and Karan Singh (senior vice president, Labour Wing) visited the dharna site at Paloura.
Addressing the workers, Nar Singh assured them that their genuine demands for resettlement and job security would be taken up with the concerned authorities. He further stated that the matter would be brought to the notice of the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary to ensure timely relief and restoration of livelihood for the affected workers.
Nar Singh emphasized the importance of safeguarding the interests of the workers and assured full support from the Union in resolving the issue at the earliest.
Members of Private Schools Association during a press conference in Srinagar on Tuesday. — Excelsior/Shakeel
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 28: The Private Schools Association (PSA) today raised key policy concerns affecting the private education sector in J&K and called for urgent Government intervention to address long-pending issues.
Addressing a press conference here, the association urged the J&K Government to take immediate steps to streamline school registration and renewal processes, resolve pending cases related to permanent affiliation (PNIC), and introduce a single-window clearance system for obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Members of the association also called for priority-based resolution of land-related issues affecting private institutions.
Among other demands, the association sought an extension of school registration validity from five to ten years and a practical policy framework regarding the ban and replacement of school transport vans to safeguard the interests of students and parents.
The association emphasized the need for formal recognition of private schools as “knowledge partners” in the education sector, asserting their role in delivering high-quality education and promoting holistic development among students.
“Our priority is to ensure that every child receives quality education in a safe and nurturing environment. It is equally important that the role of private schools is acknowledged and supported through constructive policy engagement,” PSA members said.
The press conference was attended by senior leadership of the association, including founding president Dr G.N. Var, president Bilal Ahmad Bhat, senior vice president and spokesperson Manzoor Ahmad, and general secretary M.S. Wani, among others.
District representatives from across Kashmir were also present.
