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.
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.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shakhawat during his visit to International Mediation Centre in Leh.
Leh, Apr 24: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, today visited the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), where he was accorded a warm and traditional welcome. The Minister lit a butter lamp in front of Lord Buddha and took blessings at the outset of his visit.
The Minister was received by Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder and Spiritual Director of MIMC, who extended his greetings and appreciation for the Minister’s visit despite his busy schedule.
During the visit, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena briefed the Union Minister in detail about the wide range of humanitarian and spiritual initiatives being undertaken by MIMC. These include educational programs for underprivileged children, healthcare services, an old age home for the elderly, a dedicated home for the visually impaired, nunneries for spiritual education, and the Yoga and Meditation Centre promoting mental and physical well-being.
Highlighting the Centre’s ongoing developmental efforts, Bhikkhu Sanghasena informed the Minister about the ambitious Buddha Park project being developed within the campus. He emphasized its potential to emerge as a major spiritual and tourist attraction in the region and sought support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for its timely completion. In this regard, a formal memorandum of demand was submitted to the Minister.
Appreciating the initiatives of the Centre, the Union Minister lauded the efforts being made to preserve and promote traditions and culture at the grassroots level. He stated that the Government of India is generously supporting and funding such organizations and initiatives that contribute to cultural enrichment, social welfare, and spiritual development.
Responding positively, the Minister assured that the Government would extend all possible assistance to support the Buddha Park project and other initiatives of MIMC.
During the visit, Tashi Gyaltson also accompanied the Union Minister.
As a mark of respect and honor, the Minister was presented with a traditional khatak and a memento by the MIMC authorities.
Following the interaction, the Minister toured the Devachan campus and visited the Yoga and Meditation Centre, where he appreciated the serene environment and the Centre’s holistic approach towards community service and spiritual growth.
Expressing his gratitude, Bhikkhu Sanghasena thanked the Minister for visiting the campus at short notice and for sparing valuable time from his demanding schedule. In response, the Minister assured that he would visit again in the future for a more comprehensive tour of the MIMC campus and to further engage with its activities.
Minister Javid Dar addressing a gathering at Lucknow on Friday.
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.
MLA Doda Shakti Raj Parihar during a meeting with Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh at New Delhi
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.
Virat Kohli playing a shot during his inning of 81 runs against Gujarat Titans on Friday.
Bengaluru, Apr 24:
Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli played quintessential T20 knocks of 55 and 81 respectively, trumping Sai Sudharsan’s century to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in an IPL match here on Friday.
Once Devdutt and Kohli added 115 runs for the second wicket in no time, RCB’s chase of 206 was right on track, which they eventually completed in 18.5 overs and moved to the second spot in the points table (10 points).
The champion batter and his understudy tore apart GT bowlers after the early dismissal of Jacob Bethell in a mesmerising display of aggressive batting, in total contrast to the measured way their rivals’ went about gathering runs in the first innings.
Kohli, who was dropped on zero by Washington Sundar off Mohammad Siraj, measured the bounce of the pitch to a nicety, tackling Prasidh Krishna and Kagiso Rabada with ease.
Prasidh was carted for two fours, Rabada was flicked away for a six and Rashid Khan, his eternal nemesis, was pulled over mid-wicket for a six as Kohli reigned Chinnaswamy, reaching his fifty in 30 balls.
At the other end, Devdutt was equally imperial, biffing Karnataka statemate Prasidh for a couple of sixes and Rashid too was dispatched for a maximum, fetching his fifty in 10 balls fewer than his senior.
It took a peach from Rashid to castle Devdutt, and Kohli, who till then read the bounce to perfection, ironically dragged a Jason Holder lifter on to his stumps.
It pushed RCB to a wobbly period as they lost skipper Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma as well, slipping to 173 for five.
But Krunal Pandya (23, 12b) and Tim David (10) carried them past the target from that point, as RCB signed off from their home venue with a victory. This was their fourth win at Chinnaswamy from five engagements this season.
Earlier, Sudharsan produced a magnificent 100 that was an anti-thesis of T20 batting, but still strong enough to carry Gujarat to a competitive 205 for three.
In fact, the first 12.4 overs of the Titans’ innings was an anti-thesis of T20 batting, where the former champions proved that runs can be made in this format without hitting the ball in anger.
Sudharsan’s 58-ball knock, his third hundred in the IPL, was the cornerstone in GT’s trend-defying effort with the bat.
The left-hander totally dominated the 128-run alliance with his opening partner and captain Shubman Gill (32, 24b). Sudharsan consumed 29 balls in the Power Play segment against the latter’s seven.
The 24-year-old Tamil Nadu batter, who also became the fastest to score 2000 IPL runs along his innings, made 46 runs in Power Play, and then reached fifty off 33 balls in style, clobbering Romario Shepherd for a six.
The next fifty came at a faster clip — 24 balls — and it was a phase where he nullified RCB’s spin duo Krunal and Suyash Sharma.
Krunal tried his trademark bouncer to keep Sudharsan quiet, but the batter was equal to the task, upper cutting it over backward point for a six.
He followed that up with a boundary and a swept six off the same bowler as Patidar had to check for different options.
Gill’s dismissal did not alter the course of the match much, as Sudharsan, who was dropped on 91 by Suyash off his bowling, bled the RCB bowling silently.
Sudharsan got to his hundred with a single off Suyah but could not build on it further, giving a rather tame return catch to Josh Hazlewood.
He fell at an individual score of 100, precisely the total they made against Mumbai Indians in a 99-run mauling a few days back.
But his departure, though, helped RCB pull back a bit in the death overs.
In the overs between 17 — GT were 174 for two at that stage — and 20, the Titans could garner only 31 runs, even that materialised because of Holder’s cameo (23 not out, 10b). (PTI)
NEW DELHI, Apr 24: Delhi Capitals will have to play out of their skins to get their stuttering campaign back on track when they face high-flying Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League here on Saturday.
It will be a daunting task for the struggling Delhi outfit — smarting from a comprehensive 47-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad — to stand up to a Punjab side that has been firing on all cylinders this season.
With three wins and as many losses from six matches, the Capitals find themselves pushed down the bottom half of the table in sixth place.
In contrast, Punjab Kings remain the only unbeaten team in the competition so far, sitting pretty at the top of the standings with 11 points from six outings. The sole point they lost was due to their game being washed out against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
Delhi’s biggest concern has been their inconsistent batting. While the likes of KL Rahul, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi have all contributed in patches, the unit has failed to click collectively.
Opener Pathum Nissanka, despite getting starts, has been unable to convert them into substantial scores, leaving the middle order with too much to do.
Captain Axar Patel, too, would want to shoulder greater responsibility with the bat. The all-rounder is also under scrutiny for some questionable tactical calls in the previous game.
Against a rampaging Abhishek Sharma, Axar persisted with part-time off-spinner Nitish Rana, who proved ineffective, while frontline options such as himself and Kuldeep Yadav were not utilised enough.
The absence of a clear Plan B highlighted Delhi’s lack of adaptability under pressure.
Fielding lapses have further compounded their struggles. Missed stumpings, botched run-out opportunities, and a few dropped catches have cost them dear in crucial moments, preventing them from seizing control of games.
Although the bowling unit has performed better than the batting, it has lacked the aggression and incisiveness needed to dominate opposition line-ups.
Against a formidable Punjab batting order, the Capitals’ bowlers will need to be far more disciplined and proactive.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have looked like a well-oiled machine. They have displayed both consistency and confidence, underlined by their recent 254 for 7 against Lucknow Super Giants — the highest total of the season.
Opener Prabhsimran Singh has been in outstanding form, accumulating 211 runs and providing explosive starts, while skipper Shreyas Iyer has been equally impressive with 208 runs scored at a brisk strike rate of 182.45.
The duo has been complemented effectively by Priyansh Arya (211) and Cooper Connolly (223), adding depth and firepower to the batting line-up.
Punjab’s bowlers too have performed as a cohesive unit. Despite the absence of a single dominant wicket-taker at the top of the charts, the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyshak and Xavier Bartlett have delivered consistently.
With momentum firmly on their side, Punjab will start as favourites, while Delhi will need a near-perfect performance to halt the table-toppers’ march and get their own campaign back on track. (PTI)
MUMBAI, Apr 24 : India’s forex reserves jumped by USD 2.362 billion to USD 703.308 billion during the week ended April 17, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Friday.
In the previous reporting week, the forex kitty had increased by USD 3.825 billion to USD 700.946 billion.
The country’s forex reserves had expanded to an all-time high of USD 728.494 billion during the week ended February 27 this year, before the onset of the West Asia conflict. The reserves witnessed a decline in the subsequent weeks due to the escalation of the West Asia conflict, which began around February 28, 2026.
The rising geopolitical uncertainty weighed on the Indian Rupee, prompting the RBI to intervene in the forex market through dollar sales.
For the week ended April 17, foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, increased by USD 1.481 billion to USD 557.463 billion, the central bank’s data showed.
Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effects of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units, such as the euro, pound, and yen, held in the foreign exchange reserves.
The value of gold reserves increased by USD 790 million to USD 122.133 billion during the reported week, the RBI said.
The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were up USD 78 million to USD 18.841 billion, the apex bank said.
India’s reserve position with the IMF was up by USD 14 million to USD 4.87 billion at the end of the reporting week, according to the apex bank’s data. (PTI)
NEW YORK, Apr 24 : Four members of the diaspora community from Bihar were honoured here for their achievements and contributions at a special commemoration marking Bihar Diwas 2026.
The Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Bihar Foundation of USA ETZ and the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America, celebrated Bihar Diwas earlier this week.
On the occasion, the Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman 2026 awards were presented to distinguished community members -Global Director for the World Bank Group’s Water Department, Saroj Kumar Jha.
Chairman and Founder of Fulcrum Digital, Rajesh Sinha, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at AMD, Hasmukh Ranjan and Chief Digital and Information Officer at Sylvamo, Sanjay Chaubey, for their achievements and contributions.
Addressing the event, Consul General of India in New York Binaya Pradhan underscored the widespread influence and global presence of people from the state, saying “almost everyone has a friend from Bihar”, a press release by the Bihar Foundation of USA said.
He spoke about Bihar’s historic past, its evolving present and promising future and congratulated diaspora organisations from the state and region for their work in strengthening community ties.
In his message to the event, Chief Secretary of Bihar Pratyaya Amrit emphasised that Bihar is ready for transformation and called upon the global diaspora community to actively contribute to the state’s development.
He emphasised that government departments are committed to ensuring accountability and said that issues and challenges will be acknowledged and addressed transparently, the press release said.
With a message of “Bihar Hai Taiyar” (Bihar is ready), Industry Secretary of Bihar and CEO of Bihar Foundation, Kundan Kumar, highlighted initiatives such as new GCC policies and urged the state’s diaspora community to contribute toward making it a leader across sectors.
Chairman of Bihar Foundation USA – ETZ Alok Kumar spoke about the Bihar Government’s focused and proactive efforts in advancing Artificial Intelligence through the establishment of a centre of excellence, highlighting the government’s commitment and “forward-looking” approach toward AI-driven development.
Alok Kumar voiced appreciation for the year’s honorees of the Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman, noting that they all have made unparalleled contributions in their respective fields that serve as a powerful inspiration for millions and strengthen the community’s commitment toward contributing to their motherland.
Community leader Avinash Gupta highlighted the significant improvements made in the state’s infrastructure development and said there are tremendous opportunities for further growth and enhancement.
President of BJANA, Priti Kashyap, emphasised the importance of unity within the community and the need to engage and empower the next generation.
At the event, a book titled ‘Gaon Ki Mitti Mitne Nahi Deti’ by Santa Mishra was launched. The evening also featured cultural performances showcasing Bihar’s heritage, including a skit depicting Bihar’s journey-from the era of Emperor Ashoka and the legacy of Nalanda University to Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran movement and current advancements such as AI development in the state. (PTI)
