Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 24: In a continued effort to curb rising air pollution levels, the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), in coordination with the Traffic Police Department, has intensified its enforcement drive against vehicular pollution across Jammu city.
As part of the campaign and as per the directions of authorities of JKPCC and Traffic Police, surprise inspections were carried out at key locations including Bikram Chowk, Narwal, and the Sidhra Highway. During the drive, more than 60 petrol and diesel vehicles were randomly checked to ensure compliance with Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC). Vehicles found violating norms, particularly those without valid PUCCs, were challaned on the spot.
Speaking on the occasion, Kuldeep Bhan, Divisional Officer In-Charge (Vehicular Pollution), Jammu Province, highlighted that vehicular emissions remain a major contributor to urban air pollution, accounting for nearly 60–70% of total pollutants. He emphasized that harmful emissions such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and oxides of Sulphur and Nitrogen pose serious health risks and are carcinogenic in nature.
The enforcement drive was also joined by Dy. S.P. Traffic South, Dr. Sunniya Ashkoor Wani, along with her team of traffic officials. The JKPCC team present during the drive included Inspector Vinay Koul, Vishal Bargotra, and Rakesh Sharma.
Kuldeep Bhan further stated that such intensive drives will continue in the coming days across Jammu city and its adjoining districts. He added that similar awareness and enforcement campaigns will also be organized in adjoining districts to ensure strict compliance with pollution control norms for ensuring public safety in particular and environmental health in general.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 24: All India Congress Committee (AICC) has appointed Karan Bhagat from Jammu & Kashmir as one of the National Coordinators of its SC Department/Cell with immediate effect.
The announcement was made through an official press release issued by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal today. The appointment is part of the party’s broader effort to strengthen its outreach and organisational structure across the country, particularly among marginalized communities. Karan Bhagat’s inclusion from J&K UT is being seen as a recognition of his consistent grassroots work and commitment to party ideology.
Reacting to his appointment, Karan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the party high command for reposing faith in him.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 24: Continuing his efforts to upgrade civic infrastructure, MLA Bahu constituency, Ch. Vikram Randhawa today commenced the upgradation of the drainage system in Sector-1, Sanjay Nagar, Ward No. 46.
The initiative was carried out in the presence of Mandal president, Sahil Mahajan along with his team including Narinder Koki, Bharat Bhushan, Jagjeet Singh, Subash Gupta, Subash Sharma, Puran Chand, Pardeep Sharma, Jatin Sharma, Vicky, Raju, Sanjay Sharma and local residents.
Officials from Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), including the concerned JE and supervisor, were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Randhawa stated that such developmental works are being taken up to ensure proper drainage facilities and to resolve long-pending issues faced by the residents. He further reiterated his commitment to continue working for the welfare and overall development of the constituency.
Randhawa assured the public that such development works will continue and every effort will be made to ensure better infrastructure and living conditions for the people of the constituency.
Local residents expressed their gratitude to MLA Randhawa for addressing a long-pending issue and initiating timely action. They appreciated his proactive approach towards resolving public concerns and improving basic amenities in the area.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 24: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has set aside the conviction of a man in a rape case, observing that the matter appeared to be a consensual relationship that was later given a criminal colour due to familial opposition.
Justice Sanjay Dhar, while allowing the appeal, quashed the judgment of the Fast Track Court, Kulgam, which had convicted the accused under Section 376 RPC and sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment.
The case originated from a 2018 FIR lodged at Police Station Yaripora alleging kidnapping and sexual assault. However, during trial and appellate scrutiny, it emerged that the prosecutrix had accompanied the accused out of her own free will and had developed physical relations with him consensually.
A crucial aspect of the case was the age of the prosecutrix. The High Court held that the prosecution failed to conclusively prove that she was below 18 years at the time of the incident. The High Court found that the school certificate relied upon by the trial court lacked evidentiary value, as the basis of the recorded date of birth was not established, and even family members could not confirm her exact age.
The High Court observed that in the absence of reliable proof of minority, the offence of statutory rape could not be sustained, particularly when the prosecutrix herself admitted that the relationship was voluntary.
Noting that the facts pointed towards a love affair between two young persons, the High Court remarked that such relationships are often turned into criminal cases due to social and familial pressures.
The High Court also referred to recent judicial observations cautioning against misuse of stringent laws in cases involving consensual relationships among adolescents, emphasizing the need for courts to carefully assess context and evidence.
Setting aside the conviction and sentence, the High Court ordered the immediate release of the appellant, if not required in any other case, thereby bringing an end to the criminal proceedings.

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Apr 24: A new tech lab was inaugurated today at Kalidhar memorial Army School in Sunderbani.
Aim of this tech lab is to bring new age technologies and digital advancement like robotics, drones, electronic circuits etc, at the school level and encourage curiosity driven minds of students to have a hands-on practical learning, a release said.
This innovative concept is aligned to Government of India initiative of Vighyan Joyti and I-Stem and has been suitably christened ‘VIPAS” a word derived from Sanskrit and acronym for Vidyarthi Pradyogiki Anusandhan Shrot. Vipas signifies “Seeing, Knowing and Discerning” a true embodiment of technological exploration and enrichment and hence adopted as the motto for this initiative.
Alongwith VIPAS, a NCC motivational Hall was also dedicated to the school to promote NCC amongst boys & girls. Uptill now 95 NCC cadets have received training in the school with Boys NCC starting from the yr 2025.
While inaugurating both the initiatives Rupali Brar, Chairperson Family Welfare Organisation, Crossed Swords division congratulated the school for the excellent initiative and emphasised that School is a place that shapes character, builds values, prepare students for a bright future.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, April 24: A spiritual discourse on the essence of Vedic wisdom marked the ongoing 78-day Yajna at Ved Mandir in Yol (Kangra, Himachal Pradesh), where noted scholar Swami Ram Swarup, Yogacharya, expounded on the fundamental principles of creation, the oneness of God, and the divine laws governing the universe.
Addressing a gathering of devotees, Swami Ram Swarup referred to Atharvaveda mantra to underline that the Supreme Being is one and indivisible, beyond all numerical distinctions. He reiterated Vedic expressions such as “Sa eva eka” and “Eka eva,” affirming that God alone exists as the absolute and eternal reality.
Elaborating further, he explained that all components of creation, including the Sun, Moon, and Earth, exist within the Supreme Being and function strictly according to divine laws. These non-living elements, he said, operate under the omnipresent power of God, who sustains the entire cosmos.
Citing Rigveda mantras, Swamiji noted that the knowledge of creation-covering time, day, and night-originates from eternal Vedic wisdom revealed to four ‘Rishis’ at the beginning of creation. Referring to Rigveda, he described God as the “Sun of Suns,” the ultimate source of all light and energy, including the creation of the sun itself.
He emphasized that natural processes such as rainfall, electricity, and the functioning of the universe are governed by divine intelligence. Quoting Rigveda, he stated that a true understanding of creation is possible only through Vedic revelation and its study.
Drawing from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Swami Ji cited ‘Shlokas’ to explain the cycle sustaining life, wherein beings depend on food, food on rain, and rain on yajna, which is ordained by the Supreme Being.
Concluding his discourse, Swami Ram Swarup Ji stressed that true knowledge of God and creation can only be attained through Vedic wisdom imparted by sages. He also invoked the teachings of Guru Nanak, stating that without realization of God, human beings continue to experience suffering shaped by their karmas.

Excelsior Correspondent
LUCKNOW, Apr 24: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar today attended the North Zone Agriculture Ministers’ Conference held in Lucknow.
The conference was chaired by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and was attended by Agriculture Ministers from various North Zone states.
During the conference, the Javid Dar presented the remarkable progress and transformation achieved in the agriculture and horticulture sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted key initiatives undertaken by the Government to boost productivity, enhance farmer income and promote sustainable agricultural practices across the Union Territory.
Javid Dar emphasized the need for strengthening market linkages to ensure better price realization for farmers. He also underlined the importance of adopting sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices to secure long-term growth in the sector.
The Minister further shared policy suggestions aimed at farmer empowerment, including improved access to modern technology, infrastructure development and enhanced support mechanisms for growers and farming communities.
The conference served as a significant platform for deliberations on region-specific challenges and collaborative strategies to further strengthen the agriculture sector across North India.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, April 24, 2026: Marking a significant step in spiritual and community service, the Brahma Kumaris formally inaugurated their new retreat centre at Village Purkhoo, near Domana.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by BJP leader and Member of Parliament, Jugal Kishore Sharma, and Rajyogini BK Prem Didi ji, Director of the Brahma Kumaris Northern Zone.
Other distinguished guests included Sham Lal Sharma (MLA) and Arvind Gupta (MLA).
Addressing the gathering, Jugal Kishore Sharma praised the Brahma Kumaris for their selfless service to humanity.
He emphasized that the Retreat Centre is not merely a physical structure but a foundation for moral character and a sanctuary for mental peace.
In her spiritual discourse, BK Prem Didi highlighted the centre’s mission, stating that its purpose is to help individuals rediscover their inner strength.
She noted that with awakened spiritual consciousness, values like compassion and unity naturally become part of life.
The newly established facility will serve as a hub for Rajyoga meditation and value-based education.
The ceremony also featured a traditional lamp-lighting ritual by the dignitaries, symbolizing the spread of knowledge and peace.
The event witnessed an impressive gathering along with several prominent dignitaries.

Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Apr 24: MLA Doda West, Shakti Raj Parihar, called on Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi and extended heartfelt gratitude for the recent sanctioning of Mega Tunnel Projects worth Rs 9780 crore for the erstwhile district Doda.
During the meeting, MLA Doda West conveyed sincere thanks for the approval of key infrastructure projects, including the Sudhmahadev-Dranga Twin Tube Tunnel and Singhpora-Vailoo Twin Tube Tunnel. He highlighted that these transformative projects will significantly enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and ensure all-weather access for the people of Doda, Kishtwar, and adjoining regions.
The discussion also focused on the issue of unconnected habitations under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Shakti Parihar urged for the inclusion and sanctioning of pending roads in the upcoming 4th phase of PMGSY to ensure last-mile connectivity in remote and rural areas.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for effective implementation and timely execution of various Centrally sponsored schemes in Jammu & Kashmir to maximize benefits for the public and accelerate overall development in the region.
Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh assured full support and reiterated the Government of India’s commitment towards holistic development and infrastructure expansion in Jammu & Kashmir.
Parihar expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister, the region will witness unprecedented growth and progress in the coming years.