India questions UNSG candidate Bachelet on UNSC reforms, Global South goals

April 23, 2026

UNITED NATIONS, Apr 22: India raised issues of UN Security Council reform and Global South development goals as it questioned former Chilean president and UN Secretary General candidate Michelle Bachelet on her plans to address them if elected to lead the global organisation.

Bachelet, the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is one of the four candidates currently in the fray to be the next Secretary General of the United Nations.

The current UN chief, Antonio Guterres, completes his tenure on December 31, after having served two consecutive five-year terms as the world’s top diplomat.

During a three-hour interactive dialogue here on Tuesday, Bachelet faced questions from UN member states and civil society about her vision for the position of the next Secretary-General and why she is the best choice for the top job at the UN.

“The ninth decade of the UN must be one of leadership and hope. We appreciate your efforts in articulating your vision and plan of action to the member states,” Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Ambassador Sibi George said during the interactive dialogue with Bachelet.

India raised two issues and sought Bachelet’s perspectives on them.

“It is evident that today the UN Security Council framework reflects the realities of a different era. Your vision statement advocates sustaining and advancing ongoing reforms at the UN. I request you to elaborate on the steps you plan to pursue in order to realise this objective,” George said.

Posing the second question, George said Bachelet’s vision statement puts special attention towards Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in view of sustainable development.

“We are keen to know more about your thoughts and approach towards achieving the developmental goals of the Global South,” he said.

Bachelet, who has been jointly nominated by Brazil and Mexico, stressed that it is important for her that the Secretary General understand the different realities and can find ways of doing things in the best possible manner.

“It’s clear for me that the UN80 process had to be really reflecting what’s going on and can be implemented,” she said, referring to the ambitious initiative launched by Guterres aimed at transforming the 80-year old global organisation to make it more effective and efficient in dealing with current geo-political realities and challenges.

Bachelet said it must be ensured that LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS are well-represented in the different decision-making positions at the UN and at the Secretariat so that their “voices are heard” not only in certain groups but on a daily basis.

“Structural reforms that combine efficiency… that can strengthen the ability to serve member states is something that will be an important part of my tenure, if I’m selected, but also prioritising the needs of the Global South,” she said.

Apart from Bachelet, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and former Vice President of Costa Rica Rebeca Grynspan is the other woman candidate in the running for UN Secretary General.

Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi and former President of Senegal, Macky Sall, are also vying for the position.

The United Nations has been led by nine Secretaries General, all of them men, and has never seen a female leader at its helm in 80 years of its existence.

The Secretary-General is appointed by the 193-member General Assembly “upon the recommendation of the Security Council”, the powerful but divided 15-nation body where China, France, Russia, the UK and the US sit as permanent members and have veto powers.

A UN General Assembly resolution adopted in September last year had noted “with regret” that no woman has ever held the position of Secretary-General and had encouraged Member States to “strongly consider nominating women as candidates” for the top post.

Talking to reporters after the interactive dialogue, Bachelet said in the last election for UN Secretary General in 2016, there was movement for a woman to be elected, with several female candidates in the fray and support from many countries.

“But in the end, it did not happen. So I would say, if I’m polite, I would say the world was not prepared for it. Is it prepared now? I hope so,” she said. “It will be a very good signal… and it could get hope for many people because it’s something different,” she said. (PTI)

Pak academics document Bhai Ram Singh’s legacy that shaped key architectural landmarks in Lahore

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

LAHORE, Apr 22: The life and contributions of Bhai Ram Singh, one of the most distinguished architects of 19th century India, has been documented by two Pakistani academics, who on Wednesday described him as “a pivotal figure in the cultural and architectural history of Punjab.”

Prof Pervaiz Vandal and Prof Sajida Vandal have brought out a ‘Special Amritsar Edition’ of their book titled “The Raj, Lahore and Bhai Ram Singh.”

The edition traces the remarkable journey of Bhai Ram Singh whose work bridged indigenous design traditions and colonial influences. His contributions to architecture, education, and craftsmanship remain central to understanding the shared cultural heritage of the region, the duo said.

“Bhai Ram Singh’s legacy shaped key institutions and architectural landmarks, particularly in Lahore, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the cultural and architectural history of Punjab,” Sajida Vandal said in a statement.

She said an inaugural ceremony for the Amritsar Edition of “The Raj, Lahore and Bhai Ram Singh” would be held in Amritsar on Wednesday.

“Bhai Ram Singh’s work represents a synthesis of tradition and innovation that transcends present-day boundaries. Revisiting his legacy is essential for reconnecting with a shared cultural past that continues to shape our identities,” said Vandal, who retired as principal of National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore.

She said the book presents the real picture of Bhai Ram Singh’s creative legacy and that those who love Lahore should read the book as it is the story of Lahore’s golden past too. She stressed that the book is a must read for students of history, architects and design.

Bhai Ram Singh (1858–1916) was a pioneering architect and master craftsman in British India, whose masterpieces define the Indo-Saracenic style in Lahore and Punjab.

Bhai Ram Singh hailed from a Ramgarhia family from eastern Punjab. He carried the legacy of his family and proved his talent at an early age, Vandal said.

In 1873, he stunned everyone by repairing the damaged leg of a piano of Amritsar deputy commissioner’s wife to her entire satisfaction.

This incident brought Bhai Ram Singh to Lahore and an association with John Lockwood Kipling resulted into a creative partnership.

Bhai Ram Singh competed with English engineers, architects and earned recognition for his innovative pattern and designs, she added. (PTI)

Cong’s character, face ‘unmasked’ before people: Shekhawat on Kharge’s ‘terrorist’ remark

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

NEW DELHI, Apr 22: Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday termed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s “terrorist” remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi “unfortunate” and said this episode has unmasked the party’s way of functioning, character and face before the people of the country.
“It is unfortunate. I feel the politics of spreading hatred that Rahul Gandhi follows, and the political tradition that he has started, to bring such malice in the country, to create such false narratives, its impact is happening on the people on the lower rung of the party too,” Shekhawat claimed.
He further said this has unmasked Congress’s way of functioning, character and face — “‘chal’, ‘charita’, ‘chehra'”, before the people of the country.
During a press conference in poll-bound Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, Kharge initially referred to the prime minister as a “terrorist” while criticising the AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP.
However, when pressed by reporters to clarify the context of the remark, the Congress chief said he meant the prime minister was “terrorising” the democratic fabric of the country.
“He is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist (in the literal sense). He is misusing his power and government machinery and abusing and maligning opposition parties,” Kharge had said.
His comment has sparked a row and the ruling BJP has taken an exception to it.
The Election Commission on Wednesday took “serious note” of Kharge calling Modi a “terrorist” and issued him with a “stern notice”, officials said.
He has been asked to explain his stand within 24 hours, they said.
The notice comes a day before polling in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. (PTI)

Ritvik makes history, enters U-17 TT Nationals final

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: In a historic breakthrough for Jammu & Kashmir, Ritvik Gupta stormed into the final of the U-17 Boys event in the 87th Inter-State Junior & Youth National Table Tennis Championship being held in Dehradun under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India.
Displaying exceptional skill, composure and determination, Ritvik recorded a stunning 3-1 victory over Rank No. 3 Sahil Rawat of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board, creating a landmark moment for J&K table tennis. With this win, he became the first player from the Union Territory to reach the U-17 Boys singles final at the national level. He will now face Sarthak Arya of Odisha in the title clash.
The J&K Table Tennis Association lauded Ritvik’s performance, along with the coaching staff and support team, appreciating their discipline, dedication and hard work on the national stage. The association also credited the continuous support of the J&K Sports Council for this achievement.
Officials stated that the milestone reflects the rising standard of table tennis in Jammu & Kashmir and expressed confidence that the team will continue to perform strongly and bring further laurels to the Union Territory.

India failed to produce ‘any solid evidence’ linking Pak to Pahalgam attack: Tarar

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

ISLAMABAD, Apr 22 : Pakistan on Wednesday said that India has not presented “any solid evidence or proof” linking Islamabad to the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Twenty-six people were killed when gunmen belonging to Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor to destroy terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The two countries were engaged in a brief conflict.

“To this day, India has not presented any solid evidence or proof regarding the Pahalgam incident, nor has it offered satisfactory explanations,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a televised statement on the first anniversary of the attack.

“Without evidence, without investigation and without proper inquiry, the blame was immediately placed on Pakistan,” he said, terming it as “baseless and fabricated propaganda.”

The minister also warned that “any misadventure of any kind will be met with a firm, decisive and swift response.” (PTI)

Digital archive dedicated to Constitution launched

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

NEW DELHI, Apr 22 : A digital museum dedicated to the Constitution of India, bringing together Constituent Assembly debates, archival records, biographies of the formulators, and historical timelines, was launched at SGT University in Gurugram on Wednesday.
“The Living Constitution: The Draft of Democracy”, an initiative of the Advanced Study Institute of Asia and Faculty of Law, SGT University, is being showcased as the “first comprehensive digital museum” of the Constitution.
Created to mark 75 years of the Constitution, the initiative, according to the now-live website, “brings together archival materials, constitutional debates, biographies, visual art, timelines, and multimedia resources to make its making and evolution accessible to a wider audience”.
The platform aims to explore “the social, political, and historical contexts in which constitutional ideas emerged, were challenged, and reinterpreted” over time.
“Today’s launch is not just an unveiling of a platform but a celebration of the Constitution of India as the moral compass of our democracy. ‘The Living Constitution’ transforms constitutional knowledge into an immersive, accessible experience, ensuring that its ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity continue to inspire present and future generations,” Hemant Verma, Vice-Chancellor, SGT University, said in a statement.
Conceived as “a teaching tool, a research guide, and a comprehensive repository”, the virtual museum is divided into sections, which include complete Hindi and English transcripts of Constituent Assembly debates, details on various committees associated with the Constitution, and anecdotes from assembly proceedings.
The Constituent Assembly Debates, spread across 12 volumes in English and eight in Hindi, and spanning from December 1946 to January 1950, reflect how members of the assembly negotiated questions of governance, rights, federalism, minority protection, social justice, and the nature of the Indian state.
Another section explores the detailed framework of articles that together define the structure, powers, and principles of the Republic.
“The Constitution of India is not just a document; it is a living framework that evolves with its people. Like a home built with room for future generations, it gives us both structure and freedom, reminding every citizen that unity, responsibility, and respect for expression are the true pillars of our democracy,” Priyank Kanoongo, member of the National Human Rights Commission, said in a statement.
The digital platform also explores the “visual aspect” of the Constitution and its various motifs drawn from India’s civilisational history — ranging from the Indus Valley and the Vedic age to the freedom movement — illustrated by artist Nandalal Bose and his team at Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati in Santiniketan.
“Working with a group of his students and associates, Bose guided a remarkable artistic project that transformed the Constitution into a richly illustrated manuscript. Drawing inspiration from India’s artistic traditions — from Ajanta murals and classical sculptures to miniature painting and folk motifs — the team created borders, narrative panels, and symbolic imagery that visually narrated India’s cultural and historical journey,” the website mentions.
Among the principal artists who executed many of the illustrations were Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, Dinanath Bhargava, Vinayak Sivaram Masoji, and Biswarup Bose.
Also a work of craftsmanship, the manuscript’s text was hand-written in elegant calligraphy in English by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, while the Hindi version was inscribed by Vasant Krishanrao Vaidya.
The platform also offers students and scholars with “Teaching Modules” to support “meaningful engagement with the Constitution through structured, thematic learning” by introducing key ideas such as the making of the Constitution, its institutional design, the relationship between rights and social justice, the role of duties and governance, and the ways in which the Constitution continues to evolve through interpretation and amendment. (PTI)

CM points to negligence in Udhampur accident; says driver was on leave, owner gave bus to truck operator

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

CM Omar Abdullah inquiring condition of an injured in GMC Udhampur on Wednesday.

‘Preventing Pahalgam-like tragedy remains top priority’
*Govt expecting good number of visitors to J&K this year
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Apr 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today assured strict action against those found guilty of lapses in Udhampur bus accident that killed 21 civilians and injured over 50 others blaming negligence as reason for the mishap saying the person in control of the steering was not the actual driver while 14 challans had already been issued against the ill-fated vehicle.

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Speaking to reporters after visiting the Government Medical College (GMC) Udhampur and inquiring condition of the injured, Omar while confirming that preliminary findings point to lapses on part of the bus operator, said the actual driver was on leave and the owner handed over steering to another person who wasn’t bus but truck driver.

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“We reviewed record of the bus and it was found that it had been challaned 15 times,’’ Omar said and assured strict action against the those found guilty of lapses following inquiry which is being done by one of the senior officers.
Asserting that reckless driving habits like overspeeding, overloading, and wrong-side driving remain a persistent challenge, the Chief Minister dismissed “poor road conditions’’ as reason behind the accident saying roads can be improved but the driver’s behavior can’t be fixed overnight.
He said the Government is committed to accountability but at the same time also stressed the need for responsibility among transport operators. He acknowledged the delicate balance authorities must maintain between enforcement and public demand for transport services.
Earlier, Omar accompanied by Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo visited Government Medical College (GMC) hospital Udhampur, where he met those injured in the road accident. He interacted with their families, and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care with continuous monitoring.
Responding to a question on an year of Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians including 25 tourists and a local guide were killed, Omar asserted that preventing a repeat of the Pahalgam-like tragedy remains a top priority and acknowledged that the attack had some impact on tourism in Jammu and Kashmir last year but said they are expecting a good number of visitors to come this year– whether for darshan at Vaishno Devi Temple, the Amarnath Yatra, or for general tourism.
Replying to a question about any change in Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, which was carried out by the Indian Armed Forces from May 7-10 last year following Pahalgam terror attack, he said such assessments are best left to those with access to intelligence reports.
“I can only say that we will make every possible effort to ensure that even if Pakistan intends such actions, we will not allow them to succeed. That will remain our priority,” he added.
Emphasizing joint action by the elected Government, the Centre, and law enforcement agencies to ensure lasting security in the region, Omar said the day continues to weigh heavily on the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as the region remembers the innocent tourists who lost their lives in the terror attack.
In response to a question on US-Israel and Iran war, the Chief Minister called for an immediate end to the conflict saying its repercussions are being felt worldwide, including rising oil prices and disruptions to critical supply chains.
“The situation in India remains relatively stable compared to other countries,’’ he said, adding what has happened is wrong, but it must stop now.
Omar said the war should end. As for the reasons behind the attack on Iran, only the countries directly involved – the US and Israel – can explain their actions, as their intentions remain unclear to us, he added.
Pointing to rising oil prices, shrinking supplies and disruptions in essential supply chains globally, Omar said several countries, particularly in Europe, are already facing severe strain, with fuel for ships being rationed.
“In our neighbouring country (Pakistan), airplanes are allowed entry but not permitted to refuel before departure,” he said, underscoring the scale of the crisis.
Despite the challenges, the Chief Minister said India’s situation remains comparatively stable.
Meanwhile, while taking round of the hospital in Udhampur, the Chief Minister inspected the Trauma Centre, ICU, Orthopaedic and Surgery wards, and other sections of the hospital. He met each injured patient individually, enquiring about their condition, treatment protocols, availability of medicines, nature of injuries, and expected discharge timelines.
The attending medical team briefed the Chief Minister on the line of treatment being administered, including surgeries and other medical interventions, as well as the recovery progress of the patients.
Assuring full support to the affected families, he emphasized the need for stringent measures to prevent such accidents in the future. He later chaired a review meeting to assess both the treatment being provided to the injured and the overall functioning of GMC Udhampur. The meeting was informed about the preliminary causes of the accident and the status of the ongoing investigation.
Expressing concern over road safety, Omar directed the Transport Department to ensure adequate frequency of buses on various routes and strictly curb overloading. “Don’t show any laxity on these issues,” he asserted.
On the occasion, the officials apprised the Chief Minister about the relief being extended under the Road Accident Victim Fund, which includes financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh in case of death, Rs 75,000 for permanent disability, Rs 50,000 for grievous injuries, and Rs 10,000 for minor injuries.
The Chief Minister further instructed all concerned departments to extend maximum support to the victims and their families through various welfare schemes of key sectors, including health, education, and social welfare, ensuring a comprehensive support system during their recovery and rehabilitation.
Soon after the tragedy, Omar announced immediate relief from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the victims with an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 to those who sustained minor injuries in the accident.

Glowing tribute paid to Pahalgam carnage victims

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

Rallies, demonstrations held to condemn terror act

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: Glowing tribute were paid to last year’s Pahalgam terror victims on their first anniversary across J&K today.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu & Kashmir, led by its president and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Sat Sharma, paid floral tributes to the civilians martyred in the cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam on this day last year.
The party held a Shardanjali Sabha at Maharaja Hari Singh Park, here, to mark the first anniversary of the tragic incident.
BJP national secretary & MLA, Dr. Narinder Singh, J&K BJP general secretary, (Org) Ashok Koul, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Jugal Kishore Sharma, MP (Rajya Sabha), Ghulam Ali Khatana, BJP vice-presidents, Bharat Bhushan, Priya Sethi, and Rekha Mahajan, general secretaries, Sanjita Dogra, and Gopal Mahajan, MLAs, Surjit Singh Salathia, Sham Lal Sharma, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, Prof. Gharu Ram Bhagat, Ch. Vikram Randhawa, Yudhvir Sethi, Arvind Gupta, Devyani Rana, Shagun Parihar, Surinder Bhagat, and Mohan Lal Bhagat, secretaries Arun Sharma, treasurer, Prabhat Singh Jamwal, media incharge, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, district presidents Nand Kishore Sharma, Rajesh Gupta, Naresh Singh Jasrotia, and Rinku Choudhary, Mahila Morcha president, Neha Mahajan, and other senior leaders also paid tributes on the occasion.

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A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the victims, reflecting the party’s deep respect and solidarity with the bereaved families.
Sat Sharma, while paying the floral tributes, strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack, stating that such cowardly acts are a direct result of the continued support and sponsorship of terrorism by Pakistan. He asserted that the nation stands united against terrorism and will never bow down to such acts of violence.
Remembering the 26 civilians who lost their lives in terror attack at Pahalgam in District Anantnag last year, Apni Party president, Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari said “This heinous act has left a wound in our hearts that will never truly heal”.
He said “On this day as we mark its anniversary, I bow my head in deep respect and offer my heartfelt tribute to every soul we lost.”
Apni Party general secretary, Vijay Bakaya while paying tributes to the Pahalgam martyrs said such acts have brought a shame to humanity as a whole. It is high time that people should resolve to stand united irrespective of caste, creed, region and religion against marauders of humanity.
BJP Anantnag Unit has also expressed its pain and sorrow over the last year’s Pahalgam tragedy in which gun wielding terrorists killed 26 civilian tourists brining a shame to humanity.
Protesting against last year’s Pahalgam carnage Mission Statehood led by Sunil Dimple took out a rally here and torched effigies of Pak PM, Shahbaz Sharif, its Army Chief, Muneer Khan, dreaded terrorists , Hafiz Syed, Azhar Masood and others besides torched Pakistani Flag.
Dogra Front and Shiv Sena led by Ashok Gupta organised a Hawan as a mark of peace to departed souls on their first anniversary. The Sena also held a protest rally here and its workers marched through various markets with National Flags and shouting slogans against Pakistan.
The tribute to Pahalgam carnage were also paid by Shiv Sena UBT led by its president, Manish Sahni. The Sena activists demanded decisive action against the Pak sponsored terrorism. They also demanded the terror victims be accorded status of martyrs.
Paying glowing tributes to Baisaran martyrs, Panun Kashmir chairman, Tito Ganjoo said “It was not an isolated act but part of continued truth”,. In a statement, he said, “Baisaran is a place that now carries memory and indictment,. Identified by faith they were killed for identity,. No dilution, no denial, Baisaran is a place the nation can’t afford to forget,” he added.
BJP Kashmir displaced District led by Rajiv Pandita paid glowing tributes to Pahalgam terror victims. The BJP leaders Chand Ji Bhat, Hira Lal Bhat, Sudesh Pandita and Moti Lal said Pahalgam was not an isolated attack but were part of the 36 year terrorism and carnages like Wandama, Nadimarg, Chatisingpora, Sangrampora, Barshalla, Chapnari, Kulhand etc. They demanded these all cases be reopened and culprits be brought to book.
KPC president Kundan Kashmiri also paid glowing tributes to Pahalgam carnage victims and demanded that all the terror related cases be reopened and an exemplary punishment be given to the perpetrators of terror so that the victims of terrorism can get justice.
Kashmiri Pandit organisations held a tribute giving ceremony under the chairmanship of MK Yogi senior KP leader in which glowing tributes were paid to victims of Pahalgam carnage. Those who paid tributes included Vinod Pandit, Muktesh Yogi and Dr R K Bhat. They said the Pahalgam and other carnages in J&K will never be forgotten. They urged the Government to give an exemplary punishment to the terrorists responsible for these carnages.
BJP spokesperson, Altaf Thakur, while condemning the Pahalgam attack called it a targeted assault on civilians and a deliberate attempt to damage Kashmir’s tourism driven economy.
Congress while condemning the attack said one year after the heinous carnage, the responsibility for the grave security lapses has not been fixed and no one was punished or even indicted or shifted to reflect sense of accountability and respect for human lives.
Party paid rich tributes to martyrs and shared the pain and anguish of the victim families.
Terming it a great security lapse, party spokesperson, Ravinder Sharma said that there was not a single policeman deployed at a place where about 2000 tourists used to visit daily.

INS Nireekshak arrives in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround and training visit

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

COLOMBO, Apr 22 : Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nireekshak has arrived in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit, aimed at further strengthening maritime cooperation between the two neighbours, the Indian High Commission said on Wednesday.

The Sri Lankan Navy welcomed the visiting ship at the port of Colombo in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions on Tuesday.

“Commanded by Commander Sailesh Kumar Tyagi, this Diving Support Vessel in Sri Lanka is set to conduct a training programme with the diving professionals of the Sri Lanka Navy,” the Sri Lankan Navy said in a statement.

It said the crew is also scheduled to participate in several activities organised by the Sri Lanka Navy and visit some tourist attractions within the country.

“Strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka! INS Nireekshak arrived in Colombo for an operational turnaround and training visit. During its stay, the ship will conduct a programme with @srilanka_navy diving professionals and participate in joint activities,” the High Commission of India in Colombo said in a post on X.

INS Nireekshak, a diving support and submarine rescue vessel of the Indian Navy, is taking part in the 4th India-Sri Lanka joint diving exercise (DIVEX 2026), a bilateral diving exercise scheduled from April 21-27.

The joint exercise will involve diving teams from both navies undertaking specialised diving operations and training to enhance interoperability, cohesion, and exchange of best practices, said a statement from the Defence Ministry of India.

The week-long engagement reinforces the continued commitment towards strengthening Indo-Sri Lankan maritime ties and shared maritime interests, it said.

As part of India’s humanitarian outreach, the ship will present two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) cubes to the Sri Lankan authorities under the Indian government’s “Aarogya Maitri” initiative, the statement said.

Further strengthening maritime security cooperation, the Indian Navy will also hand over 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy, it said.

The IN-SLN Diving Exercise (DIVEX) is a key bilateral engagement that stands as a testament to the deep-rooted maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

Sustained maritime collaboration and engagements with partner nations reaffirm the shared commitment to fostering stability, cooperation, and collective growth in the Indian Ocean Region, in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the statement added. (PTI)

Shaheen attends MS Tagan annual day, pushes digital, infra boost in schools

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen posing along with students during a programme.

Excelsior Correspondent
RAMBAN, Apr 22: National Conference District President Ramban and Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, attended the Annual Day function of MS Tagan in the remote village of Travancore in Trigam area of tehsil Khari, where he interacted with students, teachers and parents in a vibrant atmosphere.
MLA appreciated the efforts of the school administration in nurturing young minds and providing a platform for students to showcase their talent. He lauded the students for their performances and encouraged them to remain dedicated towards studies and overall personality development.
Highlighting the importance of education as a driver of social transformation, Sajjad Shaheen said schools in far-flung areas like Travancore play a crucial role in shaping society.
The MLA also outlined key initiatives in the education sector, stating that a major digital transformation drive has been undertaken in remote areas. Under this initiative, 52 Higher Secondary and High Schools have been equipped with smart digital boards to enhance the learning experience.
Among others present were ZEO Khari Abdul Rashid Giri, Range Officer Banihal Rasik Wahid, SHO Khari and prominent party functionaries. The event concluded with cultural performances and prize distribution.

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