2214108 May 16, 2026 Jal Shakti Department Orders Transfers, Additional Charges Of Executive Engineers Daily Excelsior Latest News Srinagar May 16 The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday ordered transfers postings and assignment of additional charge to several Executive Engineers in the Jal Shakti Department with immediate effect.According to Government Order No. 92JK(JSD) of 2026 dated May 16 2026 Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Shah presently posted as Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Division Doda has been transferred and posted as Executive Engineer Hydraulic Division Ramban against an available vacancy.The order further stated that Mr. Sanjeev Thapa Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Division Bhaderwah shall hold the additional charge of the post of Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Division Doda.Similarly Mr. Shuja Showkat Hussain Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Division Srinagar has been assigned the additional charge of Executive Engineer Mechanical Irrigation Construction Division Srinagar.The order was issued by the Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) Jal Shakti Department Shaleen Kabra IAS.
(KNC) 2214104 May 16, 2026 CM hails Mohammad Yasser’s Historic Gold Medal Win At Asian Boxing Championship Daily Excelsior sports news SRINAGAR May 16 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today congratulated Rajouris young boxer Mohammad Yasser on winning the gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championship held in Uzbekistan.In his congratulatory message the Chief Minister said that the young athletes remarkable achievement has brought pride and honour to Jammu &amp Kashmir and the entire country. He lauded Mohammad Yassers dedication hard work and determination saying that his success on the international stage reflects the immense sporting talent emerging from the region.The Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the boxer for his future endeavours and expressed hope that his achievement would inspire aspiring sportspersons across Jammu &amp Kashmir to pursue excellence in sports with commitment and perseverance.He reiterated the Governments commitment towards promoting sports infrastructure and providing opportunities to talented youth to excel at national and international platforms.Fourteenyearold Mohammad Yasser scripted history by becoming the first boxer from
Jammu &amp Kashmir to win a gold medal at the Under15 Asian Boxing Championship held in Tashkent Uzbekistan.A trainee at the Khelo India Centre in Rajouri Yasser delivered a dominant performance throughout the tournament. He defeated boxers from Tajikistan Kazakhstan and Iran before overcoming host nation Uzbekistan by 41 in the final to clinch the gold medal in the 58kg category. 2214102 May 16, 2026 Centre Appoints Two Joint Secretaries, Joint Directors In National Testing Agency Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 16 The Centre on Saturday appointed two each joint secretaries and joint directors in the National Testing Agency (NTA) which is under the heat over the NEETUG paper leak.Anuja Bapat a 1998batch officer of Indian Statistical Service and Ruchita Vij a 2004batch officer of Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes) will be new joint secretaries in the NTA for five years an order issued by the Personnel Ministry said.Akash Jain an Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officer and Aditya Rajendra Bhojgadhiya and Indian Audit and Accounts Service officer have been named joint directors in the NTA the ministry said in a separate order.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case and formed teams to probe the National EligibilitycumEntrance Test Undergraduate (NEETUG) paper leak that resulted in the cancellation of the exam held on May 3.Nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered for the test which was administered by the NTA across the country. (Agencies) 2214100 May 16, 2026 Centre Modernising 736 Dams Under Rs 10,211-Crore Rehabilitation Programme Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 16 India is implementing one of the worlds largest damrehabilitation programmes under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Programme (DRIP) with rehabilitation proposals worth Rs 5053 crore for 191 dams already approved and major physicalrehabilitation work completed at 43 dams till March 31 2025 according to the Jal Shakti Ministry.The ministry said the second and third phases of the DRIP operationalised in October 2021 together cover 736 dams across 19 states and three central agencies the Central Water Commission (CWC) the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).Major dams planned for safety improvement under the second and third phases of the project include the Bhakra Dam (Himachal Pradesh) the Ranjit Sagar Dam (Punjab) NTR Sagar (Telangana) the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (Telangana) the Gandhi Sagar Dam (Madhya Pradesh) the Kadana Dam (Gujarat) the Jirgo Dam (Uttar Pradesh) the Imphal Barrage (Manipur) the Myntdu Leshka Dam (Meghalaya) and the Silabati Barrage (West Bengal) among
others.The total project outlay for DRIPII and III is Rs 10211 crore Rs 5107 crore for PhaseII and Rs 5104 crore for PhaseIII. Of this Rs 7000 crore are being provided as external loan assistance while Rs 3211 crore are being borne by the participating states and central agencies. The PhaseII scheme is cofinanced by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).Phase II and III together will last for 10 years each phase continuing for six years with two years overlap the ministry said.It added that DRIPII and III are structured around four major components rehabilitation of dams and associated structures institutional strengthening revenuegeneration measures to support sustainable operation and maintenance and project management for effective implementation.India currently manages one of the largest dam portfolios globally and ranks third in the world with 6628 specified dams of which 6545 are operational and 83 are under construction. The gross waterstorage capacity of these dams is about 330 billion cubic
metres and they are critical for ensuring national food energy and water security.The ministry said more than 26 per cent of these dams or 1681 structures are over 50 years old including 291 that are more than 100 years old while another 42 per cent fall in the 2550 years age bracket.Ageing infrastructure sedimentation changing hydrological patterns and increasing climate variability have highlighted the need for systematic rehabilitation and safety management it said.According to an analysis of 439 reservoirs by the CWC reservoirs in India have suffered an average 19 per cent loss of gross storage capacity with the average annual loss estimated at 0.74 per cent equivalent to about 1.81 MCM per reservoir per year.Describing the DRIP as among the largest dam rehabilitation programmes globally the ministry said the initiative reflects Indias shift towards a systematic and riskbased approach to dam safety management.The programme is being implemented in three phases to improve the safety and operational performance of the existing dams
through structural repairs modernisation of spillways and gates and the installation of advanced monitoring systems.DRIP PhaseI was launched in April 2012 with support from the World Bank and continued till 2021. The programme covered 223 dams across seven states Jharkhand Karnataka Kerala Madhya Pradesh Odisha Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand.The ministry said the programme contributed significantly to strengthening damsafety practices and institutional capacity in the participating states and agencies.Under DRIPI design flood reviews damhealth inspections and the finalisation of rehabilitation proposals for all 223 dams were completed while rehabilitation work was awarded for 144 dams.The first phase focussed on the rehabilitation and modernisation of dam structures damsafety inspections and evaluations developing emergency action plans (EAPs) and capacity building and training programmes.One of the major outcomes of DRIPI was the introduction of the Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA) a digital platform for
damsafety monitoring and data management.The ministry said digital platforms such as DHARMA along with instrumentation systems and earlywarning systems are strengthening realtime monitoring and datadriven damsafety management.Among the key achievements listed by the ministry are the registration of all 6628 specified dams on the DHARMA platform the conduct of around 13000 dam inspections annually with records maintained digitally and the implementation of rapid risk screening for 5553 specified dams across the country.Indias extensive dam network built over decades continues to underpin critical sectors of the economy. As these assets age and operate under increasingly variable climatic conditions the focus has shifted from expansion to safety resilience and lifecycle management the ministry said. (Agencies) 2214094 May 16, 2026 J&K Govt Transfers Two Police Officers Daily Excelsior Latest News JAMMU May 16 The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the transfers and postings of two police officers with immediate effect in the interest of administration.According to an order issued by the Home Department Krishan Kumar IPS (AGMUT2019) who was awaiting posting has been appointed as SSP CTFD replacing Deepika IPS (AGMUT2018) who has been directed to await further posting at the Police Headquarters J&ampK.Meanwhile Musadiq Majid Basu SP Security VIP Tech has been transferred and posted as SP SS CID Headquarters against an available vacancy. 2214088 May 16, 2026 J&K High Court Declares 15-Day Summer Vacation For District Courts In Jammu Summer Zone Daily Excelsior Latest News Srinagar May 16 The High Court of Jammu &amp Kashmir and Ladakh has announced summer vacations for district courts functioning in the Jammu summer zone of the Union Territory.As per an official notification issued by the Registrar Generals office the courts will observe a 15day vacation from June 8 to June 22 2026 including both dates.The order applies to district courts situated in the summer zone of Jammu province. However courts operating in Districts Kishtwar and Doda along with courts located at Batote Gool Banihal and Ukhral in Ramban district and Bani in Kathua district have been exempted from the vacation schedule.The High Court has also instructed Principal District and Sessions Judges as well as Chief Judicial Magistrates of the concerned districts to ensure proper arrangements for hearing and disposal of urgent criminal matters during the vacation period within their jurisdictions.See Order Copy Click Here..... 2214071 May 16, 2026 High Court Revises Pecuniary Jurisdiction Limits Of Civil Judges In J&K, Ladakh Daily Excelsior Latest News Srinagar May 16 The High Court of Jammu &amp Kashmir and Ladakh has revised the pecuniary limits of jurisdiction for Civil Judges (Junior Division) and Civil Judges (Senior Division) across the Union Territories of J&ampK and Ladakh.According to a notification issued by the Office of the Registrar General Srinagar under Section 21 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Courts Act 1977 all Civil Judges (Senior Division) have been empowered to hear civil suits valued up to 20 lakh within their territorial jurisdiction.Similarly Civil Judges (Junior Division) have been authorized to hear civil suits valued up to 5 lakh within their respective local limits.The notification stated that the revised jurisdiction limits will come into effect from June 1 2026.It was further clarified that all pending suits as on May 31 2026 shall continue in the respective courts where they are presently pending irrespective of the revised notification.The order has been issued by Registrar General M.K. Sharma and circulated among judicial authorities and
concerned departments for implementation and publication in the Government Gazette.See Notification Click Here.... 2214068 May 16, 2026 Tourist Couple Killed, Others Injured After Vehicle Falls Into Gorge Near Pahalgam Daily Excelsior Latest News Pahalgam May 16 A tragic road accident took place on Saturday when a Tavera vehicle bearing registration number JK21A0379 skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge while travelling from Pahalgam towards Aru in south Kashmirs Anantnag district.Officials said the vehicle was being driven by Rayees Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat a resident of Rangward Laripora. The mishap resulted in the death of two tourists from Gujarat and injuries to two others.The deceased have been identified as Bawin Bhavsar son of Mahesh Bhavsar who was brought dead to SubDistrict Hospital Pahalgam and his wife Awni Bhavsar who succumbed to injuries after sustaining severe trauma to her left leg.The injured tourists have been identified as Naina Ben wife of Ashok Bhai and Ashok Bhai whose parentage could not be immediately confirmed. Both are residents of Gujarat and are undergoing treatment before being referred for advanced medical care.Meanwhile the driver of the vehicle also sustained injuries in the accident and has been referred to
Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for treatment.Police have taken cognizance of the incident while further details are awaited.(KNC) 2214060 May 16, 2026 Census 2027: 1,200 Enumerators To Be Deployed In Jammu City, Self-Enumeration Window To Open May 17 Daily Excelsior News JAMMU May 16 Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav on Friday termed Census 2027 a historic exercise being undertaken after a gap of fifteen years and urged citizens to actively participate in the enumeration to enhance the coverage of government welfare schemes and strengthen service delivery.With more than 1200 enumerators deployed for the exercise in Jammu city and the selfenumeration window to open May 17 the commissioner clarified various aspects related to Census 2027.He said people must not perceive the exercise as a threat to citizenship as the census was not linked to validating citizenship or legal residency.Jammu city with a population of around eight lakh comprises seventyfive wards and around fifteen outgrowth areas along with some slums. In all these areas Jammu Municipal Corporation teams consisting of more than 1200 enumerators will conduct the census Yadav told reporters here.He said the selfenumeration window will remain open from May 17 to May 31 during which citizens can upload their
household details on the official census portal using a onetime OTPbased registration system.The benefit of self enumeration is that when JMC teams visit houses in June the already submitted information can be fetched automatically reducing the time taken for data collection and minimising chances of errors he said adding that the information collected during the exercise would remain confidential.The commissioner said all MLAs have been designated as census ambassadors to spread awareness in their constituencies.He said the monthlong field exercise from June 130 would ensure complete coverage and appealed to people to contact JMC helpline numbers if census teams fail to reach any locality.He said intensive training sessions for enumerators are underway and another round of training will be conducted before the commencement of field operations to ensure smooth implementation of the exercise.The information will only be used for implementation of government welfare schemes and will not be linked with income tax or any other law he
clarified. Yadav said the June exercise would involve only houselisting while the actual population census would be conducted in February next year.He further said around 50000 awareness slips are being distributed doortodoor to educate people about the census process and encourage participation.Replying to a query the commissioner said casterelated and socioeconomic details would also be collected during the exercise.Information such as availability of electricity pucca house refrigerator television twowheelers and other amenities will be collected to assess socioeconomic conditions of households he said reiterating that the data would remain strictly confidential.On concerns regarding awareness in remote areas and apprehensions among people about sharing personal information Yadav said the media has an important role in countering misinformation and fake news.This work is being done in national interest and people should not have any doubts regarding the exercise he said adding that senior political leaders judges and top officials
would themselves begin self enumeration to build public confidence.Clarifying doubts regarding citizenship he said the census exercise was not linked to validating citizenship or legal residency. This is only an assessment of the ground situation. It does not amount to approval of citizenship. Yadav said people should provide details based on where they are residing explaining that individuals staying in a place for the past six months and expected to continue their stay for the next six months would be counted accordingly.Issuing an advisory Yadav urged people to use only the official census website for self enumeration and avoid opening suspicious links received through SMS or other platforms.No payment of any kind will be required for self enumeration. Only an OTP will be used for registration he said asking people to share only verified and secure official links in the public domain. (Agencies) 2214045 May 16, 2026 CBSE Makes Three-Language Study Compulsory In Classes 9-10, Exempts Third Language From Board Exam Daily Excelsior News New Delhi May 16 The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the study of three languages compulsory for students from Class IX beginning July 1 while clarifying that there will be no Board examination for the third language (R3) in Class X.In a circular issued on May 15 the CBSE said that at least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023.With effect from July 1 2026 for Class IX the study of three languages (R1 R2 R3) shall be compulsory with at least two languages being native Indian languages the circular stated.However the CBSE said no Board examination would be conducted for the third language at the Class X level in order to keep the focus on learning and reduce any undue pressure on students.All assessments for R3 shall be entirely schoolbased and internal. The performance of students in R3 will be duly reflected in the CBSE certificate the CBSE said adding that no student
would be barred from appearing in the Class X Board examinations because of R3.The CBSE said schools may offer any language from the CBSE list of subjects provided at least two of the three chosen languages are native Indian languages. Foreign languages can only be studied as the third language if the other two are Indian languages or as an optional fourth language.As part of the transition the CBSE said Class IX students would temporarily use Class VI R3 textbooks for the chosen language until dedicated secondarystage textbooks become available. Schools have also been asked to supplement the material with local or state literary content.The circular further stated that schools facing shortages of qualified language teachers may adopt interim measures such as interschool resource sharing virtual teaching support or engagement of retired teachers and qualified postgraduates.The CBSE also announced relaxations for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) schools situated outside India and foreign students returning to India on a casebycase
basis. (Agencies) 2214040 May 16, 2026 Israel Says It Killed Leader Of Hamas' Military Wing, One Of Architects Of Oct 7 Attacks Daily Excelsior Latest News JERUSAlEM May 16 Israel says it has killed the leader of Hamas military wing one of the architects of the October 7 2023 attacks that triggered the war in Gaza.Izz alDin alHaddad was killed in a strike in Gaza City on Friday Israels army said. He was one of the last senior commanders in Hamas military who had directed the planning and execution of the October 7 Hamasled attacks on Israel.Haddad assumed the role after his predecessor Mohammed Sinwar was killed Israeli officials said.On Saturday Haddads family confirmed his death to The Associated Press.His killing came as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile as key issues like the disarmament of Hamas stall the deals progress. (AP) 2214033 May 16, 2026 Lok Bhavan J&K Celebrates Sikkim Statehood Day In Srinagar Daily Excelsior Latest News Srinagar May 16 Jammu Kashmir Lok Bhavan celebrated the Statehood Day of Sikkim at Srinagar.The event brought together students security personnel and people of Sikkim living in the Union Territory.Addressing the gathering the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartiest greetings to the people of Sikkim on the occasion.Sikkim the sacred land of Guru Padmasambhava shines like a radiant star among Himalayan states and UTs. It is recognised globally as a model of organic farming peace and spirituality. The incredible linguistic diversity and rich cultural heritage distinguish Sikkim on the world stage the Lieutenant Governor said.The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sikkim is scaling new heights of development and stands at the forefront of the nations vision.The Lieutenant Governor stated that the emotional bond shared among all Indian statesUTs is deeply rooted in the core values of unity compassion and brotherhood.The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that the
landmark July 2022 J&ampKSikkim horticulture agreement has yielded groundbreaking results in fostering interaction among youth farmers and researchers from both regions.I regard this thriving collaboration as a prime example of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. This spirit of mutual partnership will prove instrumental in realizing our collective resolve for a Viksit Bharat.May Sikkim known for its breathtaking natural beauty and remarkable achievements in sustainable development and organic farming continue to scale new heights of growth and development. I pray for the wellbeing and prosperity of all its citizens the Lieutenant Governor said. 2214030 May 16, 2026 IIT Jammu To Set Up Satellite Campus In Leh, Boosting Higher Education In Ladakh Daily Excelsior Latest News LEHJAMMU May 16 The Ladakh Union Territory administration on Saturday signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu for establishing its satellite campus in Leh officials said.A historic chapter of fulfilling the youth aspirations scripted today in Ladakh with signing of a landmark MoU between UT administration and IIT Jammu for setting up a satellite campus of IIT Jammu in Leh Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena said on X.The initiative is a transformational move aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the Ladakhi youth by bringing worldclass educational opportunities closer to their homeland the LG said.According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the proposed campus will initially offer courses in civil engineering artificial intelligence and data science opening new avenues for students in research innovation entrepreneurship and employment.The satellite campus would help address geographical challenges that students face in accessing premier technical institutions and create an ecosystem for advanced
learning in the region he added.A fullfledged residential campus will also be developed in Kargil in the coming years as a centre of excellence the MoU said.The administration described the project as a historic milestone in UTs educational journey reiterating its commitment towards empowering local students with quality education and opportunities for excellence.The LG also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting transformative initiatives to strengthen educational and developmental infrastructure in Ladakh. (Agencies) 2214026 May 16, 2026 India's Aspirations 'No Longer Limited To Its Borders': Modi To Diaspora In The Netherlands Daily Excelsior Latest News THE HAGUE May 16 Terming India a land of opportunities Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the country is undergoing an unprecedented transformation and its aspirations are no longer limited to its borders.Addressing the Indian community in The Hague the Prime Minister also said that India is dreaming big and its youth aspires to reach the sky.Today India is saying we dont just want transformation we want the best we want the fastest. That is why when there are unlimited aspirations in India the efforts are also becoming limitless he said in his over 40minute speech amid applause from the audience.Todays India is going through a phase of unprecedented transformation the prime minister said. You must have seen recently that India hosted the worlds largest and most successful AI Summit. Before that India also successfully hosted the G20 Summit. And this was not a onetime event. This has now become the character of todays India. Modi praised Indias startup ecosystem saying India has the thirdlargest startup network in the
world.Indias aspirations today are no longer limited to its borders. India wants to host the Olympics become a global manufacturing hub emerge as a leader in green energy and become the growth engine of the world the prime minister said.Recalling that in 2014 India had only four unicorns Modi said India has nearly 125 active unicorns now. Today our startups are doing remarkable work in AI defence and the space sector. This culture of research and innovation is becoming even more expansive he added.He said that Indias aspirationdriven journey is also strengthening its democracy as he mentioned the recently held assembly elections in multiple states.This time West Bengal Kerala Tamil Nadu and Puducherry witnessed nearly 8090 per cent voter turnout. Womens participation also increased significantly and this trend is visible across every state. Today voters in India are enthusiastic. We feel proud that voting records are being broken every year he said.Modi also took a jibe at the opposition parties asking the audience if the popular
snack Jhalmuri has reached The Hague as well.Underlining that the Netherlands is known for tulips Modi added that India is known for the lotus. Both the tulip and the lotus teach us that whether the roots are in water or in the earth one gains both beauty and strength he said.Modi said India and the Netherlands can coordinate in the international arena and work on securing global projects.Modi also said that many cultures have vanished over time. But Indias diverse culture still beats in the hearts of its people. Generations have changed countries have changed environments have changed... but the family values have not changed the PM said.Referring to the COVID pandemic and global conflicts Modi said that this decade is becoming a decade of challenges for the world. If these situations are not changed rapidly the achievements of the past many decades will be washed away he warned.Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday on the second leg of his fivenation tour to further deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade technology
defence and renewable energy. (Agencies) 2214021 May 16, 2026 Southwest Monsoon Advances Into Parts Of Arabian Sea, Bay Of Bengal, Andaman And Nicobar: IMD Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 16 The southwest monsoon has advanced into parts of the southeast Arabian Sea southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal the Andaman Sea the entire Nicobar Islands and parts of the Andaman Islands including Sri Vijaya Puram the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.It also stated that conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance further into some more parts of the southeast Arabian Sea southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal during the next threefour days.The remaining parts of the Andaman Islands and Andaman Sea along with some parts of eastcentral Bay of Bengal may also witness the onset of the monsoon during this period.All the criteria are satisfied for the advance of southwest monsoon over the region the IMD said.The department on Friday said that the southwest monsoon is expected to set in early over Kerala on May 26.Kerala usually sees the onset of the monsoon on June 1 which marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon season (June to September).Earlier the IMD stated that India might witness
belownormal rainfall this year during the monsoon season.This could be due to the emergence of El Nino conditions during the season which cause less rainfall in the country. (PTI) 2214017 May 16, 2026 Modi asks people to avoid foreign travels but goes on trips himself: Mann's jibe at PM Daily Excelsior National CHANDIGARH May 16Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his appeal to people to postpone foreign travels when he has not stopped going abroad himself.Amid the crisis in West Asia Modi has called for judicious use of fuel postponing gold purchases and foreign travel. He also urged using metro rail services in cities carpooling increased use of electric vehicles and working from home to conserve foreign exchange.Speaking to reporters here Mann said First the prime minister should stop his foreign visits. Where is he now He has gone to the Netherlands. He will visit 34 more countries. He has asked people to avoid but he still went (on foreign visits). You are shutting down everything... do not buy gold do not undertake foreign visits work from home.Why doesnt the PM work from home Mann asked replying to a question on the PMs callThe Punjab chief minister also took on the BJPled Centre for increasing prices of petrol and diesel.We were to become vishwaguru but we have become vishwachele.
The war is happening somewhere else but restrictions are being imposed here. Why has no other country implemented it (restrictions) he asked.Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by Rs 3 per litre each on Friday the first rate increase in more than four years amid mounting losses of fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices.After his public appeal Modi has reduced the size of his convoy prompting several BJP chief ministers and other leaders to adopt similar measures.The prime minister left for a sixday tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the Netherlands Sweden Norway and Italy to enhance bilateral ties amid the ongoing geopolitical upheaval. (PTI) 2214003 May 16, 2026 Poor, working-class to bear direct brunt of fuel price hike: Mayawati Daily Excelsior National LUCKNOW May 16 Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday said the fuel price hike would severely impact the lives of millions and called on the government to take measures to curb inflation.In a post on X the former chief minister also expressed concern over the massive loss of lives and property in recent storms in Uttar Pradesh and urged the state government to assist the affected families with utmost generosity.Amidst the relentless rise in the prices of essential commodities particularly petroleum products the central governments decision to hike the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 3 per litre will severely impact the lives of millions of poor and workingclass families the agricultural sector and the middle class alike Mayawati said.These families would bear the direct brunt of the fuel price rise and hence the government must take necessary and meaningful steps to curb such steps she said.Petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre on Friday for the first time in more than four years as surging global
crude prices following the Iran war forced staterun fuel retailers to pass on part of their mounting losses after months of holding rates steady through key state elections.Mayawati further said In light of the massive devastation to life and property caused by severe storms across several parts of Uttar Pradesh recently the state government should come forward with utmost generosity to extend every possible assistance to the affected individuals and families enabling them to piece together their shattered lives and make a fresh start.At least 111 people were killed and 72 injured after a strong storm and heavy rain pounded several districts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday uprooting trees and damaging houses according to official data. (PTI) 2214005 May 16, 2026 John Travolta surprised with honorary  Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival Daily Excelsior International CANNES May 16 John Travolta was surprised with an honorary Palme dOr at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his directorial debut Friday.Thierry Fremaux the festivals artistic director brought out the award for Travolta just before the screening of his Propeller OneWay Night Coach. A visibly moved Travolta clutched his chest while Fremaux presented the trophy.You said this would be a special night but I didnt know it would mean this Travolta said to Fremaux.This is beyond the Oscar! exclaimed Travolta.Clad in a white beret Travolta walked the Cannes red carpet with his 26yearold daughter Ella Bleu Travolta. The actor wrote directed and coproduced Propeller OneWay Night Coach based on his own 1997 childrens novel.Cannes has sometimes previously surprised guests with an honorary Palme dOr. It unexpectedly gave one to Tom Cruise in 2022. At this years festival the Lord of the Rings filmmaker Peter Jackson was given one in the opening ceremony. Barbara Streisand is to receive one later during the festival. (AP) 2214007 May 16, 2026 ''Spider-Man'' director Sam  Raimi to helm ''Magic'' for Lionsgate Daily Excelsior International LOS ANGELES May 16 Hollywood filmmaker Sam Raimi has been hired by Lionsgate to direct Magic a modern adaptation of author William Goldmans novel.Raimi best known as the director of three SpiderMan movies in the 2000s and creator of the Evil Dead franchise will also produce the movie through the banner Raimi Productions according to Deadline.The story was previously adapted into a 1978 film directed by Richard Attenborough in which Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins played a ventriloquist who finds himself controlled by his malicious puppet while attempting to rekindle a romance.Hopkins creepy performance in the film is widely seen as a precursor to his Oscarwinning role in the 1991 hit The Silence of the Lambs.The screenplay has been written by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon who previously collaborated with Raimi and Azizi on Send Help.Sam is the dream director for this project in fact his coming aboard represents one of the truly great matches of director and material. The script is fantastic and we could not be more excited to see Sams
direction and creative vision take it to another level Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson.The producing team also includes Roy Lee Chris Hammond Tim Sullivan and Zainab Azizi. Nathan Kahane Paul Fishkin and Andrew Childs for Vertigo will serve as executive producers.Raimi most recently directed Send Help starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan OBrien which topped the box office for two consecutive weeks and grossed around 100 million dollars worldwide. (PTI) 2213989 May 16, 2026 As Netanyahu spotlights Israel's ties to  UAE, its rulers prefer to be discreet Daily Excelsior International JERUSALEM May 16 The tight relationship between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is typically managed discreetly. But this week it was thrust into the open illuminating tensions underlying the alliance as the Iran war embroils the entire region.The US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee first brought attention to the strengthening ties between Israel and the UAE by revealing that Israel had sent Iron Dome airdefence weapons and personnel to operate them to help protect the UAE from Iranian attacks.Then Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had quietly visited the UAE during the war prompting a hasty public denial from the Gulf nation.As Netanyahu and the Trump administration ballyhoo their alliances as part of an effort to bolster the regions antiIran factions the Gulf states prefer to downplay these partnerships a sign of how public ties to Israel remain deeply controversial in the region.Heres what you need to know about the IsraelUAE relationshipWhy would the UAE deny Netanyahus visitNetanyahus decision to reveal his
wartime trip to Abu Dhabi rocked the boat particularly coming after Huckabee confirmed military cooperation between the two countries.Reports swirled that Israels security chiefs had also visited.The UAEs official WAM news agency posted an article denying reports circulating about the visit. The agency wrote that the countrys relations with Israel are public and conducted within the framework of the wellknown and officially declared Abraham Accords and are not based on nontransparent or unofficial arrangements.The report also denied any Israeli military delegation was received in the UAE.It complicates Abu Dhabis wartimeframe posture by forcing it into the open which is why the denial was issued so quickly and worded so carefully said Hesham Alghannam a Saudi Arabiabased scholar at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.Though the UAE normalised relations with Israel in 2020 its rulers like to keep the alliance somewhat quiet.Antipathy toward the Jewish state runs high in Arab and Muslim countries across the Middle East. The
negative feelings were magnified by the war in Gaza which began after Hamas a militant group backed by Iran attacked Israel on October 7 2023 killing some 1200 people and taking 251 hostages.Israels ensuing offensive in Gaza flattened much of the territory and has killed over 72700 Palestinians according to the Gaza Health Ministry which does not distinguish between civilian and militant deaths.That conflict spilled across the region with Israel waging deadly and damaging campaigns against Iranbacked militants in Lebanon and Yemen and striking militant targets in Qatar and Syria.We are the ugly duckling of the Middle East said Dan Diker the president of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs a conservative Israeli think tank.Diker who has had extensive talks and relationships with Abraham Accord countries in the region said the regional officials with whom he often negotiated always asked to keep things under the radar.What is the IsraelUAE alliance based onIsrael and the UAE collaborated militarily during the war with
Iran. Israel benefited from having a defence foothold in a country geographically closer to its archenemy. The UAE meanwhile gained access to Israeli military technology like the Iron Dome airdefence system.The alliance has also been a boon for both countries economies with trade between them rising steadily since 2020.Israel long isolated in the Middle East gains legitimacy by partnering with an Arab country. And the UAE gains power in Washington.The UAE was the third Arab country after Egypt and Jordan to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel.Why did Netanyahu publicise his visitNetanyahu faces fierce domestic opposition headed into an election season in Israel. He believes his image is bolstered if he can show his base that he is a Middle East power broker.The Iran war did not much help the leaders domestic popularity. One thing that could help it while strengthening his strained relationship with President Donald Trump would be more regional powers following the UAEs lead.Israel is currently in talks with Azerbaijan to join
the Abraham Accords.But if Netanyahu was hopeful that broadcasting close IsraelUAE ties could serve as a model for other countries he may need to temper expectations.Saudi Arabia a leader in the region that has resisted joining the Abraham Accords has taken a different approach throughout the war.It has maintained open lines of communication with Tehran and has supported Pakistans mediation between the sides said Alghannam the Saudi Arabiabased scholar.The aim is not to take a posture on Israel per se. It is to refuse entanglement in a war whose dynamics Riyadh did not set and cannot control he said.Riyadh discussing the full range of options openly with partners without locking into one track is itself a strategic signal he said. The regional security architecture will be designed regionally not inherited from whatever Washington and Tehran negotiate bilaterally. (AP) 2213994 May 16, 2026 Army Chief Wants To Open A Cafe – A Place To Relax For The Overworked Daily Excelsior Latest News New Delhi May 16 In a candid interaction with a group of youths here Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday not only offered leadership lessons to them but also shared a personal dream to open a cafe named Ahista Zindagi which will serve as a retreat for the senses in a fastpaced life.The general officer said this cafe which he has planned to set up in his native state of Madhya Pradesh will aim to serve as a focal point for countless conversations over a cup of coffee a meeting point of ideas envisioned and exchanged all towards achieving a more fulfilling life for people.Gen Dwivedi during the session held as part of Sena Samwad hosted by Uniform Unveiled at the Manekshaw Centre here engaged in a fireside chat with a moderator and then interacted with a group of students drawn from various schools in Delhi and neighbouring cities.The Army chief urged the youths to stay fit work hard develop leadership qualities and choose physical activities over watching reels on social media as a way of relaxing and to inculcate a sense of
discipline at a time when the world is being shaped by rapidly changing technologies.The top officer of the Army was born in 1964 and during his long and distinguished service spanning nearly 40 years he has served in a variety of command staff instructional and foreign appointments. In June 2024 he was appointed as the chief of the army staff.During the fireside chat he was asked about his future plans beyond his role in the military uniform.I think maybe at the level of colonel only I realised that it is time to pay back to society which has catapulted you to such a height. Because it is time for you to say thanks appreciate for whatever you have been able to gain during these times the Army chief said.Gen Dwivedi also underscored that for military leaders like him it is time to mentor the serving personnel and also civilian members.You have a lot of stories experiences lessons but the only thing is be watchful he said while cautioning about members of the younger generation displaying a shortened attention span and less
patience.The Army chief also said he plans to contribute to stem the migration of tribal community members out of their villages in his home state.Im also planning to open a cafe called Ahis.ta Zindagi. Because today everybody is moving so fast that youre getting burnt up. You do not take time to stop decide make choices. And thereafter move on to those selective choices only Gen Dwivedi shared.He said the cafe would be a place where people could relax over a cup of coffee and there would be a free consultation service.And the aim is that we have a good library where people can come and read too interact with each other. When you are with a team youll always find a solution system the Army chief said.He cautioned that when people start functioning in isolation and only rely on internetbased resources then they may not be able to get the realisation as to what they are looking for.It is learnt that the cafe is being planned to be set up in Bhopal.Gen Dwivedi is an alumnus of the Sainik School Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. He was commissioned
into the Infantry (Jammu &amp Kashmir Rifles) of the Indian Army on December 15 1984. (Agencies) 2213991 May 16, 2026 Pakistan eyes PKR 100 bn  defence hike in IMF-linked budget Daily Excelsior International ISLAMABAD May 16 Pakistan is expected to raise its defence budget by about PKR 100 billion in the upcoming fiscal year as the government prepares its budget under an International Monetary Fund (IMF)backed reform programme that projects a sharp rise in revenues according to a media report.The Dawn newspaper citing the IMF staff report issued after the completion of the third review of the USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review of the USD 1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) reported that defence expenditure for 202627 was estimated at Pakistani rupees (PKR) Rs 2.665 trillion up from PKR 2.564 trillion this year.The IMF projected Pakistans total federal revenues for 202627 at PKR 17.144 trillion thats more than PKR 2 trillion higher than the current fiscal year and represents a 13.5 per cent increase the report said.It said Pakistan had also committed to increasing the combined expenditure of the federal and provincial governments by 0.2 per cent of GDP to a total of PKR 4.227 trillion
while digitising all federal and provincial government payments by June 2027.As part of wider reforms linked to the IMF programme the government will identify the 10 top corruptionprone institutions by the end of this year for detailed analysis and audit. The provincial anticorruption agencies are also expected to be strengthened.The government has also given an undertaking not to introduce new incentives for special economic zones export processing zones and special technology zones while phasing out existing incentives by 2035 to create what the report described as a level playing field for all.The paper said that authorities have maintained that apart from those living in absolute poverty and receiving social income support around 40 per cent of the population remained economically vulnerable.An IMF staff mission is currently in Pakistan to finalise budget proposals before the budget 202627 is presented to the cabinet and the parliament early next month. (PTI) 2213992 May 16, 2026 UN event highlights India-Oman maritime  ties through maiden voyage of stitched sail vessel Daily Excelsior International UNITED NATIONS May 16 The maiden voyage of Indian Navys traditional stitched sail vessel INSV Kaundinya from Porbandar to Muscat was highlighted at a UN event with speakers stressing centuriesold maritime traditions and cooperation at a time of tensions affecting global shipping routes.The Permanent Mission of India to the UN and the Oman Mission to the UN coorganised the event titled Ancient Trade Routes The Journey of INSV Kaundinya at the UN headquarters on Friday.Indian Navy Commodore Amit Srivastava Commander Vikas Sheoran who skippered the vessel and expedition officer Commander Y Hemant Kumar attended and addressed the event.This is an important occasion. We are having a daily discussion about a certain kind of a maritime crisis that is impacting us our nations and our citizens yet we also have centuriesold maritime traditions of peaceful trade and commerce exchanges that have survived centuries Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Parvathaneni Harish said in his remarks.Though he did not mention it directly Ambassador
Harishs remarks appeared to refer to concerns over disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Roughly onefifth of the worlds energy supplies pass through the narrow waterway.Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya the Indian Navys indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel sailed on its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman on December 29 2025.The Permanent Mission of India to the UN said the voyages of INSV Kaundinya a stitchedplank sailing vessel inspired by ancient Indian shipbuilding traditions highlight Indias ancient maritime trade routes across the Indian Ocean connecting India with the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.These ancient trade routes highlight the longstanding role of India and Oman as responsible maritime civilizations it said.Underlining that India and Oman share a maritime relationship that goes back centuries Harish said the event highlighted that oceans connect us like they always have.At a time when the world is debating how to manage
and protect shared ocean spaces its worth remembering that the peoples of our region were already doing so through trade through trust and through regular exchanges and contact long before modern international law and the law of the sea actually came into being he said.Harish further said the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a legal framework for governing the worlds oceans today but frameworks work best when they are grounded in a genuine sense of shared purpose and in trust.Events like this one help build that sense of purpose. They remind us that the sea is a common space one that belongs to all of us and must be protected by all of us he added.The sailors of INSV Kaundinya shared details of the recent expedition retracing ancient Indian Ocean trade routes with UN envoys officials and dignitaries.Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations Omar Said Omar Alkathiri said that through the remarkable voyage of INSV Kaundinya we are reminded of the deeprooted and cherished relationship between our
nations one that has flourished in the heart of the Indian Ocean for centuries.Our maritime past offers valuable lessons for present and future ocean governance. The spirit of cooperation that defined Oman and Indias relation inspires us to collaborate and approach managing marine resources and safeguarding biodiversity he said.Alkathiri said the vessels arrival in Omans waters was met with warmth and admiration serving as a reminder of our shared history and providing a foundation for renewed cooperation.The voyage underscored the importance of cultural exchange and fostering trust innovation and resilience he said.It invites us to honour the legacy of those who came before us by working together to protect the ocean for those who will follow Alkathiri said. (PTI) 2213987 May 16, 2026 CJI Calls For Deepening Technology And AI-Based Judicial Architecture For Faster Justice Delivery Daily Excelsior National CJI Surya Kant clarifies parasites remarks says pained over media reportsJABALPUR May 16 Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday called for deepening technology and artificial intelligence (AI)based judicial architecture and using technological advancements to expedite justice delivery.Stating that technology was the only effective answer to wastage of judiciarys time he said the countrys judiciary was committed to ensuring optimum utilisation of technological advancements and AI for the benefit of the common man.The CJI was speaking at a programme organised by the Madhya Pradesh High Court on the topic of Fragmentation to fusion empowering justice via united digital platform integration. He also launched the MP high courts newlydeveloped digital platforms.Indian judiciary is committed to ensuring optimum utilisation of not only technological advancements that have been going on and which are integral part of our system since 1990 but also of latest designs of AI and how we can use them for the benefit of the common man he
said.We should think of deepening technology and AIbased judicial architecture. Technology is the only effective answer to wastage of judiciarys time the CJI added.He stressed the need to embrace technological advancement in judiciary for expediting the justice delivery system.Praising Madhya Pradesh HC for developing these platforms the CJI said that as stated by the Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal there was a need to roll out these technological advancements at the panIndia level.A committee has been constituted by the Supreme Court on how to use AI for the benefit of the judicial system especially in speedy disposal of cases according to him.Minister Meghwal Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and MP High Court Chief Justice Sanjeev Sabharwal also spoke on the occasion.Meanwhile Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday issued a strongly worded clarification on his parasites remarks saying he was pained by media reports that suggested he criticised youth.I am pained to read how a section of
the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday the CJI said in a statement.Kant emphasised that his remarks were specifically directed at individuals entering the legal profession through fake and bogus degrees and were misquoted by a section of the media. (PTI) 2213984 May 16, 2026 One Dead, Seven Hospitalised After Consuming Wild Vegetable In J&K's Rajouri Daily Excelsior News RAJOURIJAMMU May 16 One person died while seven others mostly children were hospitalised after allegedly consuming a wild vegetable in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district officials said on Saturday.The incident was reported from Mohra village in the Kotranka subdivision where members of two families consumed a wild vegetable following which they started showing symptoms of food poisoning on Friday evening they said.The affected persons were initially shifted to the Community Health Centre in Kandi and later referred to the Government Medical College Hospital Rajouri for specialised treatment.Officials said an elderly man identified as Mohammad Hussain (60) died during treatment while seven other members of the two families are undergoing treatment at the hospital.Prima facie it is a case of food poisoning but the matter is still under investigation a doctor said.Officials said an investigation into the incident has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the poisoning. (Agencies) 2213980 May 16, 2026 Youth Congress protests NEET paper leak in Delhi, IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib detained Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 16 The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Saturday staged a protest in the national capital demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over an alleged question paper leak in the NEETUG this year.Holding posters banners and party flags IYC activists took out a protest march from Teen Murti Circle towards the education ministers residence before being stopped by police.Several members including IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib were detained during the protest.The NEETUG examination held on May 3 was cancelled following alleged irregularities in the exam and a retest has been announced by the education minister on June 21.The protesting Youth Congress alleged that the education system had collapsed under the BJPled NDA government.Claiming that 89 examination papers had leaked in the last 12 years and that NEET itself had allegedly been leaked four times the protesters said this raised serious questions over the integrity of the examination system.The BJP has created such a corrupt system that children
of the wealthy will secure seats and jobs while students from poor families will suffer an IYC worker said. (PTI) 2213975 May 16, 2026 Experts Flag Cardiac Dangers Linked To Extreme Workouts, Unsupervised Supplement Use Daily Excelsior National New Delhi May 16 The growing obsession with muscular physiques and rapid body transformations among the urban youth in India is fuelling dangerous misuse of steroids stimulantheavy preworkout powders and unregulated gym supplements with cardiologists warning of rising risks of arrhythmias heart failure and sudden cardiac events in seemingly healthy young men.The trend amplified by social media fitness culture and online supplement marketing is pushing many gymgoers towards products and exercise regimens that may severely strain the heart said Dr Rahul Chandola Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon and Chairman Institute of Heart and Lung Diseases.We are increasingly seeing young individuals with palpitations abnormal heart rhythms high blood pressure spikes and even early structural heart changes linked to unsupervised supplement or steroid use Chandola said.The concern is not exercise itself. Regular exercise protects the heart. The danger comes when people combine extreme workouts with stimulants anabolic steroids dehydration and
unrealistic bodyimage expectations he said.Sudden collapses and cardiac deaths among young fitness enthusiasts and amateur bodybuilders have become a growing concern not just in India but globally.Dr Mayank Yadav a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at AIIMS said many young consumers wrongly assume that supplements sold online or promoted by influencers are medically safe.People think if a product is available on an ecommerce platform or being used by fitness influencers it must be harmless. That assumption is dangerous because many formulations are poorly regulated or consumed in unsafe quantities Yadav said.Indias booming fitness economy and social mediadriven aesthetic fitness culture are contributing significantly to the trend he said.Platforms such as Instagram and YouTube are flooded with transformation videos supplement promotions and extreme fitness challenges targeting the youth the doctor said.Recent international scientific reviews have shown that anabolicandrogenic steroid use is associated with reduced heart pumping
efficiency thickening of heart walls and harmful cardiac remodelling.Similarly many modern preworkout supplements contain combinations of very high caffeine doses stimulants and performanceenhancing compounds that may elevate heart rate and blood pressure and trigger dangerous cardiovascular effects in susceptible individuals.Chandola said an equally serious issue is being overlooked the absence of proper hearthealth screening before people begin aggressive exercise programmes or extreme fitness regimens.Many young individuals may already have silent or underlying cardiac abnormalities that remain completely undiagnosed until a catastrophic event occurs during intense exercise he said.He pointed out that most routine annual health checkups are often inadequate for identifying hidden cardiovascular disease.Many patients who suffer heart attacks later tell us they had recently undergone a normal health checkup. Unfortunately most standard annual packages consist primarily of blood tests and a resting ECG which is only a brief snapshot
of the hearts electrical activity and has limited ability to detect underlying blockages or deeper structural problems he said.According to Chandola this creates a dangerous false sense of reassurance leaving many highrisk individuals undiagnosed despite undergoing regular health checks.He stressed that individuals engaging in highintensity fitness programmes gym training or endurance exercise should undergo more meaningful cardiovascular screening particularly those above 40 years of age or those with risk factors such as diabetes hypertension obesity smoking history or family history of heart disease.Preventive cardiology must evolve beyond routine blood reports. Advances in biosensor technology and AIdriven cardiovascular screening are enabling earlier and more accurate assessment of heart health Chandola said.He added that emerging technologies such as iLiveConnect an AIpowered wellness health care management platform are helping shift healthcare towards proactive and preventive screening models capable of identifying hidden
cardiac risk with greater precision and scalability.The future of heart care lies in early detection. If we can identify vulnerable individuals before symptoms appear we can prevent many avoidable tragedies.Doctors also warn against the widespread use of stimulantloaded preworkout powders before intense gym sessions.These products may contain extremely high caffeine concentrations along with multiple stimulants. Some users consume double scoops or mix them with energy drinks creating enormous cardiovascular stress Chandola said.Yadav also advised young gymgoers to avoid shortcuts to rapid muscle gain and seek professional medical guidance before using performanceenhancing substances.Exercise and fitness routines should prioritise overall health and longevity rather than endangering the heart for appearancedriven goals or social media approval he said. (PTI) 2213972 May 16, 2026 Police Attach Properties Worth Rs 5.8 Crore Linked To 3 Drug Peddlers In Srinagar Daily Excelsior Latest News SRINAGAR May 16 Police in Srinagar have attached properties worth 5.8 crore belonging to three alleged drug peddlers as part of an ongoing crackdown on narcotics trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir officials said on Saturday.A team from the Khanyar police station attached three immovable properties along with a vehicle belonging to the accused under Section 68F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act a police spokesman said.The action was part of the 100day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on April 11 to curb drug trafficking and dismantle the financial networks of those involved in it officials said.The first property belonged to Nazir Ahmad Mir alias Nazir Lashkari a doublestorey residential house along with eight shops built on 4.5 marlas of land at Koolipora in Khanyar estimated to be worth Rs 3.2 crore the spokesman said.The second property belonged to Gulzar Ahmad Mir a resident of Miskeen Bagh Khanyar. It included an SUV along with seven marlas of land and a
temporary structure erected on it with a combined estimated value of Rs 1.8 crore the spokesman said.The third belonged to Zahid Manzoor Rather a resident of Lone Mohalla Nowpora Khanyar comprising a singlestorey residential house built on nine marlas of land valued at Rs 80 lakh he said.The attached assets were acquired using proceeds of narcotics trafficking the spokesman added. 2213966 May 16, 2026 NCB Seizes First-Ever Consignment Of Captagon Drug Worth Rs 182 Crore Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 16 The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in the trafficking of Captagon and seized approximately 227.7 kg of the jihadi drug worth Rs 182 crore the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Saturday.The success was announced by Home Minister Amit Shah on X. He lauded the agency for seizing the firstever consignment of Captagon.Captagon is the street name historically linked to fenethylline a synthetic stimulant developed in the 1960s which earned the sobriquet of the jihadi drug due to repeated allegations and intelligence inputs linking its abuse and trafficking with extremist and conflictzone networks operating in parts of West Asia sources said.The terminology emerged because the stimulant effects of the drug allegedly enabled users to remain awake for extended periods suppress fear and exhaustion increase aggression and risktaking behaviour and sustain prolonged combatlike activity under stressful conditions.In his post on X Shah said the Modi government has resolved to
make a DrugFree India.Glad to share that through Operation RAGEPILL our agencies have achieved the firstever seizure of Captagon the socalled Jihadi Drug worth Rs 182 crore Shah said.The busting of the drug consignment destined for the Middle East and the arrest of a foreign national stand out as shining examples of our commitment to zero tolerance against drugs he said.I repeat we will clamp down on every gram of drugs entering India or leaving the country using our territory as the transit route. Kudos to the brave and vigilant warriors of the NCB. @narcoticsbureau the minister said.Sharing the details of the operation the MHA said in a statement that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) received the information from a foreign drug law enforcement agency that India is being used as a transit route for the trafficking of Captagon.A house was identified in Neb Sarai New Delhi and searches were conducted on May 11 which led to the recovery of about 31.5 Kg Captagon tablets carefully concealed in a commercial chapaticutting machine.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the machine was intended for export to Jeddah Saudi Arabia the statement said.The said house in Neb Sarai had been rented by a Syrian national who had entered India on a tourist visa on November 15 2024. His visa expired on January 12 2025 and he was illegally staying in India the MHA said.His questioning led to the recovery of about 196.2 kg of Captagon powder from a container in the Container Facilitation Station (CFS) at Mundra Gujarat on May 14.The container was imported from Syria with sheep wool as the declared consignment. A thorough search of the container led to the recovery of 3 bags containing 196.2 kg of Captagon powder the statement said.Preliminary investigation has revealed that the seized consignment was intended for transshipment to the Gulf region particularly Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Middle Eastern countries where Captagon abuse has emerged as a serious law enforcement and public health concern it said.The MHA said a total of 227.7 kg of Captagon tablets and powder were
seized under Operation Ragepill with an estimated value of approximately Rs 182 crore in destination markets across the Gulf and Middle East.According to the statement Captagon mainly contains fenetylline and amphetamine both of which are psychotropic substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. (Agencies) 2213955 May 16, 2026 J&K Govt Approves Rs 72 Crore Sanitation, Wastewater Projects For Two Districts Daily Excelsior Latest News Srinagar May 16 Jammu and Kashmir government has approved used water management projects worth over Rs 72 crore for Baramulla and Rajouri districts to strengthen sanitation infrastructure ensure scientific sewage treatment and improve public health officials said on Saturday.The government approved Used Water Management Projects for Baramulla and Rajouri at an estimated cost of Rs 37.96 crore and Rs 34.43 crore respectively they said.The projects are aimed at strengthening sanitation infrastructure and addressing waste water management challenges in the two urban areas.The projects cleared by the Omar Abdullahled Government are expected to ensure scientific treatment of sewage prevent pollution of water bodies and significantly improve public health hygiene and overall living conditions for the residents of Baramulla and Rajouri a spokesman said.He said the Housing &amp Urban Development Department has formulated Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the projects for Municipal Council Baramulla and Municipal Council Rajouri under
the CAPEX component of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0.The DPRs have been technically vetted by National Institute of Technology Srinagar. The projects will be executed using Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology which provides high treatment efficiency through a singlestep biological treatment process he said.The projects are aimed at improving sanitation facilities and create sustainable waste water treatment systems in Baramulla and Rajouri.Both projects are scheduled to be completed within 18 months he said. 2213950 May 16, 2026 CJI's 'youngsters like cockroaches' remark unacceptable, reflects intolerance: Rohit Pawar Daily Excelsior National MUMBAI May 16 NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Saturday said Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kants remark likening unemployed youth to parasites and cockroaches was unacceptable and was a reflection of intolerance towards criticism and questioning.The Karjat Jamkhed MLA said while he has the highest respect for the Indian judiciary remarks of this nature from a Constitutional authority were deeply hurtful and appeared to mock an entire generation struggling with broken promises lack of opportunities and rising unemployment.The CJI on Friday likened some unemployed youngsters to cockroaches and said they go on to become media social media and RTI activists and start attacking the system.The comments were made while a bench of CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was pulling up a lawyer for pursuing a senior advocate designation. It said there were already parasites in society who attack the system and asked the petitioner whether he wanted to join hands with them.Pawar in a statement noted that though the remarks may have been made in
the context of petitions concerning holders of fake degrees and the conferment of senior advocate designation bunching unemployed youth and RTI activists in the same category was inappropriate.Comparing the youth of India RTI activists media representatives and those who express differing opinions to parasites or cockroaches is absolutely unacceptable. Such language reflects extreme intolerance towards critics and those who ask questions he said.He remarked that an RTI activist exposing corruption a legal journalist raising questions about transparency and a student speaking truth to power were the true pillars of democracy.The NCP (SP) leader pointed out that todays youth were not unemployed by choice but were victims of economic failure and political inefficiency.Despite grand speeches about employment and development lakhs of educated young people are struggling for dignity jobs and survival. They seek accountability and a platform to voice their concerns he said.Pawar urged the judiciary to exercise sensitivity restraint and
constitutional wisdom while speaking about young people.If institutions are afraid of questions raised by the youth then the problem does not lie with the youth but with the system he added. (PTI) 2213944 May 16, 2026 'If Pakistan Harbours Terrorists, Operates Against India...': Army Chief's Stern Message Daily Excelsior national-left NEW DELHI May 16 In a stern military message to Islamabad Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday said if Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists and operate against India then they have to decide whether they want to be part of geography or history or not.At an interactive session hosted by Uniform Unveiled at the Manekshaw Centre here he was asked about how the Indian Army will respond if circumstances that led to Operation Sindoor last year comes up again.The Army chief said If you have heard me earlier what I have said... that Pakistan if it continues to harbour terrorists and operate against India then they have to decide whether they want to be part of geography or history or not.His remarks at the event Sena Samwad came days after the country and the Indian military marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. Gen Dwivedis remarks though brief carried a blunt message to Pakistan and reiterated Indias stand against terrorism.Operation Sindoor was launched early on May 7 last year in retaliation to the deadly Pahalgam
terror attack with Indian forces conducting precision strikes on multiple terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistanoccupied JammuKashmir (PoJK).Pakistan later also launched offensives against India and all subsequent counteroffensives by India were also carried out under Operation Sindoor.The military conflict between the two nucleararmed neighbours lasting nearly 88 hours halted after they reached an understanding on the evening of May 10. (Agencies) 2213939 May 16, 2026 ISIS Second In Command Eliminated, Says Trump Daily Excelsior Latest News Washington DC US May 16 US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) stated that the US military in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria eliminated the secondincommand of the global terrorist organisation Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in a complex and precise military operation.In a post on Truth Social Trump said that AbuBilal alMinuki described as the second in command of ISIS globally was eliminated during the joint operation adding that the operation targeted him in Africa where he was allegedly hiding.Tonight at my direction brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. AbuBilal alMinuki second in command of ISIS globally thought he could hide in Africa but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing the post read.Trump also thanked the Government of Nigeria for its cooperation in the missionHe will no longer terrorize the people
of Africa or help plan operations to target Americans. With his removal ISISs global operation is greatly diminished. Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA! the post added.In June 2023 under thenPresident Joe Biden the US State Department designated AbuBilal alMinuki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.He was identified as a leader of ISIS with multiple aliases including Abubakar Mainok and Abor Mainok.As per the State Department the designation stated that individuals associated with ISIS were subject to sanctions due to their role in terrorist activities and global operations of the group.Last month ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack that killed at least 29 people in Nigerias Adamawa state according to a statement issued by the group on Telegram.The attack took place in the Guyaku community in the Gombi Local Government Area where armed assailants targeted residents leading to multiple fatalities.Last year in December the US also launched a deadly strike
against the terror organisation in northwest Nigeria noting that the strike targeted terrorists over the alleged killings of Christians.Tonight at my direction as Commander in Chief the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria who have been targeting and viciously killing primarily innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years and even centuries! I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians there would be hell to pay and tonight there was Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.In June 2025 over twenty people were killed in a militant attack on the home village of a Nigerian bishop days after he testified before the US Congress about the persecution of Christians in the country. (Agencies) 2213936 May 16, 2026 J&K Govt Constitutes Committee To Probe JK PaySys Irregularities In Baramulla Daily Excelsior Latest News SRINAGAR May 16 The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a factfinding committee to inquire into alleged irregularities in assigning user credentials to unauthorized employees in the JK PaySys application in PW (R&ampB) Division Baramulla.According to an order issued by the Public Works (R&ampB) Department the committee will investigate the assignment of user credentials in violation of prescribed norms and examine all related records.The twomember committee comprises Shahnawaz Umer Khan Chief Accounts Officer CE PW (R&ampB) North Kashmir and Imtiyaz Rasool Bhat Assistant Accounts Officer from the Administrative Department.The Government has directed the committee to submit a detailed enquiry report within 10 days.See Order Copy Click Here..... 2213932 May 16, 2026 House Of Notorious Husband-Wife Drug Peddler Duo Demolished In J&K's Kulgam: Police Daily Excelsior Latest News Kulgam May 16 In a major crackdown against drug trafficking Police and District Administration jointly demolished the residential house of an alleged husbandwife drug peddler duo in Kulgam district involved in multiple NDPS cases.Officials said the demolished property belonged to notorious drug peddlers Nafeez Ahmad Dar son of Mohd Ramzan Dar a resident of Brazloo Jagir and his wife Rukiya Jan.According to police records Nafeez Ahmad Dar is involved in FIR No. 1432020 under Section 815 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Yaripora and FIR No. 102021 under Section 820 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Kulgam.His wife Rukiya Jan is also facing multiple narcoticsrelated cases including FIR No. 272023 under Sections 820 and 21 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Anantnag and FIR No. 102024 under Section 821 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Yaripora. She is presently lodged in Central Jail Srinagar.Police said the action was part of the ongoing drive to eradicate the drug menace and dismantle the
infrastructure used by drug peddlers in the region.(KNC) 2213926 May 16, 2026 Police Raid 15 Locations In J&K's Baramulla; Seize 'Incriminating Material' Linked To Banned Outfit Daily Excelsior Latest News SRINAGAR May 16 Police on Saturday conducted raids at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district in connection with a UAPA case against the banned JamaateIslami (JeI) officials said.Search operations were carried out at more than 15 locations including Jamia Qadeem Naseem Bagh Krankshivan Tarzoo Amargarh Warpora Bomai Boitingoo and other areas of Sopore in north Kashmir.During the searches incriminating material including literature linked with the banned organisation was seized and taken into custody for further investigation officials said.The action came in connection with an FIR registered against the JeI at Sopore police station under sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).The coordinated operation was conducted after obtaining proper search warrants from the designated UAPA court and carried out in accordance with due legal procedure in presence of executive magistrates and independent witnesses officials said. The action forms part of the continued efforts of Sopore Police to
identify and take action against individuals involved in activities linked with banned organisations and antinational networks they said adding that further investigation is in progress. (Agencies) 2213923 May 16, 2026 J&K | Cop Shoots Wife Dead During Quarrel, Attempts Suicide; Hospitalised Daily Excelsior News SRINAGAR May 16 A police officer allegedly shot his wife dead in a fit of rage before trying to kill himself in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara district officials said on Saturday.A probationary subinspector (PSI) of Jammu and Kashmir Police Deep Singh posted at a special operations group (SOG) camp in Kandi area of the north Kashmir district had a quarrel with his wife Bhawana late Friday officials said.During the altercation Singh allegedly fired upon his wife in a fit of rage killing her on the spot.He then went on to shoot himself and was critically injured officials said adding that he is undergoing treatment at SKIMS hospital in Srinagar. (Agencies) 2213918 May 16, 2026 Mamata asks TMC candidates of recent polls to rebuild party, says 'those who want to leave can go' Daily Excelsior National KOLKATA May 16 After the TMC faced an electoral setback party supremo Mamata Banerjee urged its candidates who contested the recent assembly polls to rebuild the organisation asserting that those wishing to quit the party were free to do so.At a meeting with the Trinamool Congress contesting candidates at her Kalighat residence on Friday attended by its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee she said the organisation would rise again despite suffering a crushing defeat in the recently concluded assembly elections.Those who are leaving for other parties let them go. I will rebuild the party afresh. To those who are staying I say rebuild the damaged party offices paint them and reopen them. If needed I too will paint them. Trinamool Congress will never bow down. Peoples mandate has been looted Banerjee was quoted as saying by party sources.The remarks came days after the TMC was reduced from the ruling party to the opposition benches following a dramatic reversal in electoral fortunes.Of the 294 assembly seats in the state the
party managed to win only 80.Mamata Banerjee herself suffered defeat in Bhabanipur long considered her political bastion.The TMC had fielded candidates in 291 seats leaving three seats in the Darjeeling hills to its ally Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) led by Anit Thapa. Of these only 80 candidates emerged victorious while 211 lost including several heavyweight leaders and ministers.The meeting at Kalighat was convened for candidates who had contested the elections on the partys ticket amid reports of internal discontent and speculation over possible defections after the electoral debacle.The meeting echoed Banerjees remarks made a day after the results were declared. Addressing a press conference on May 5 the party supremo had said she was aware that some leaders might switch camps.I know many will leave for other parties. They may have their own compulsions. I have nothing to say about that. Whoever wants to go may go. I do not believe in forcibly holding anyone back she had said.The TMCs official X handle later posted
photographs of the meeting and praised the contesting candidates for their fight during the election campaign.Today our Honble Chairperson @MamataOfficial and our Honble National General Secretary @abhishekaitc met with our contesting candidates at Kalighat. They fought with unmatched courage despite facing unimaginable atrocities and relentless intimidation.The Trinamool Congress stands united as one family. We will never bow before those who loot the peoples mandate. Truth will prevail the party posted on X on Friday.The post also reiterated the partys charge that the electoral mandate had been stolen a claim repeatedly raised by TMC leaders after the poll results.Party insiders said Banerjee used the meeting to boost the morale of candidates who had contested the polls and send a message of unity amid a difficult phase for the organisation. (Agencies) 2213904 May 16, 2026 Two Hardware Stores, Sweet Shop Damaged In Akhnoor Blaze Daily Excelsior Latest News JAMMU May 16 A massive fire broke out in the Akhnoor area of Jammu district early Saturday morning gutting three shops and causing extensive damage to property and goods worth lakhs of rupees officials and locals said.The blaze reportedly engulfed two hardware stores and one sweet shop reducing the establishments and the stocked material inside to ashes within a short span of time.Eyewitnesses said panic spread across the locality as flames rapidly intensified and thick smoke engulfed the market area.Locals and shopkeepers rushed to the spot soon after the fire broke out and attempted to contain the flames before firefighting teams arrived.Officials said the fire caused heavy damage to commercial goods furniture equipment and stored material inside the affected shops.Fire and Emergency Services personnel later launched an operation to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.No loss of life or injuries were immediately reported in the incident.The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known while
authorities were assessing the extent of the damage.Police have taken cognizance of the incident and registered a formal case in this regard. (KNT) 2213896 May 16, 2026 NCW To Hold Fourth Edition Of 'Shakti Samvaad' In Srinagar; Focus On Women's Rights, Safety Daily Excelsior Latest News NEW DELHI May 16 The National Commission for Women (NCW) is organising the fourth edition of its flagship consultation programme Shakti Samvaad in Jammu and Kashmirs Srinagar on May 1617 bringing together state women commissions nationwide to deliberate on womens rights safety empowerment and institutional coordination.In a statement issued here on Saturday the commission said the twoday consultation aims to strengthen cooperation between the NCW and state women commissions and promote coordinated efforts for womens welfare grievance redressal and legal awareness.The inaugural session will be addressed by Union minister Jitendra Singh while NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will also address the gathering.Senior government officials legal experts law enforcement representatives policymakers and members of state women commissions are participating in the event the commission said.The consultation will include discussions on themes such as state progress snapshots review of state laws from womens rights perspective recent Supreme Court
and high court judgments concerning women legal and institutional responses to stalking and safeguards for women under the new labour codes.The discussions aim to strengthen policy coordination improve grievance redressal mechanisms promote legal awareness and ensure effective implementation of womencentric laws and welfare measures the NCW said.Shakti Samvaad is a flagship consultation initiative of the NCW aimed at fostering close coordination and continuous engagement between NCW and state women commissions.The commission said this consultation in Srinagar aims at reinforcing NCWs commitment to collaborative policymaking and strengthening institutions for womens welfare across states.It also reflects the growing participation of institutions and stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir and highlights the importance of inclusive dialogue and coordinated governance in advancing womens rights and access to justice the statement said.The consultation will conclude with a valedictory session outlining key recommendations and a roadmap for
continued cooperation between the NCW and state women commissions the statement added.As part of her visit to Jammu and Kashmir Rahatkar will also participate in a series of programmes on May 19 including a gender sensitisation and POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act) awareness programme titled Campus Calling at ShereKashmir University Kashmir a Jan Sunwai for grievance redressal meetings with senior administrative officials and the Lal Ded National Award ceremony it said. (Agencies) 2213893 May 16, 2026 NIA Chargesheets Five Including Absconding Kingpin Of Cambodia-Linked Human Trafficking, Cyber Slavery Racket Daily Excelsior National New Delhi May 16 The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted five persons including the alleged mastermind in a case related to trafficking and cyber slavery of Indian youths in Cambodia officials said on Saturday.The alleged kingpin of the human trafficking syndicate Anand Kumar Singh alias Munna Singh who is absconding along with four coaccused have been named in the chargesheet filed before the NIA special court in Bihars Patna on Friday they said.The NIA investigation has found Anand to be the kingpin involved in recruitment of youth through various subagentstravel agents in India.He was working with associates in Cambodia to illegally traffic the victims to that country an NIA statement issued here on Saturday said.Anand was charging USD 20003000 for each youth sold to a fake company it said.The accused were involved in luring Indian youths to Cambodia on the pretext of legitimate jobs and handsome salaries as part of an organised human trafficking syndicate.Upon their arrival in Cambodia the victims passports
were seized and they were forced to work for scam companies and any resistance on their part was met with mental and physical torture including electric shocks forceful confinement denial of food and water etc the NIA said.Three of the chargesheeted coaccused Abhay Nath Dubey and Rohit Yadav both residents of Uttar Pradesh and Abhiranjan Kumar a resident of Bihar were arrested in February this year on their arrival in the national capital from Cambodia.The fifth identified as Prahlad Kumar Singh is out on bail.Investigation to trace other members of the syndicate and unravel the complete conspiracy in the case is continuing the statement said. (Agencies) 2213887 May 16, 2026 PM Modi Arrives In Netherlands On Second Leg Of Five-Nation Tour Daily Excelsior Latest News Amsterdam May 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday on the second leg of his fivenation tour during which he will hold talks with his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten to further deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade technology defence and renewable energy.The prime minister arrived in the Netherlands after a brief stopover of around twoandahalf hours in the UAE where he held talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.Modis visit to the European nation from May 15 to 17 is his second trip to the country after his 2017 visit and comes at what officials described as an important juncture in IndiaNetherlands ties.During the visit Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks with PM Jetten and will also meet King WillemAlexander and Queen Maxima.Modi is also expected to address the Indian community and interact with leading Dutch business leaders during the visit.MEA officials said the visit carries a rich and substantive agenda and is expected to consolidate the strategic
dimensions of the partnership that have emerged through sustained engagement between the two countries.India and the Netherlands have significantly expanded cooperation in recent years beyond traditional sectors such as trade investment and the priority areas of water agriculture and health.The partnership has grown in strategic sectors including technology innovation defence security semiconductors renewable energy education and the maritime domain the MEA said.The Netherlands is one of Indias largest trade destinations in Europe with bilateral trade valued at $27.8 billion in 202425. It is also Indias fourthlargest investor with cumulative foreign direct investment amounting to $55.6 billion officials said. (PTI) 2213503 May 16, 2026 Administrative Training Institutes need to reinvent themselves, shun stereotype models: Dr Jitendra Daily Excelsior State National GAD SummitExcelsior CorrespondentNEW DELHI May 15 Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science &amp Technology Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that Administrative Training Institutes and governance institutions across the country must reinvent themselves and shun stereotype models to remain relevant.Addressing the concluding session of the National Departmental Summit on Institutionalising Capacity Building From Training to PerformanceLinked Governance through virtual mode the Minister said Mission Karmayogi is steadily moving towards an integrated AI integrated governance framework linking capacity building competency development technology and public service delivery.Dr. Jitendra Singh said governance reforms today require transparency timeline discipline ease of procedures and optimum use of technology supported by innovation and human sensitivity. Referring to governance
reforms undertaken in recent years he said annual grievances received on CPGRAMS have increased from nearly 2 lakh in 2014 to more than 2530 lakh presently reflecting growing public trust due to improved responsiveness and accountability. He also referred to the success of Digital Life Certificates noting that nearly 1011 crore certificates have already been generated enabling pensioners to complete formalities digitally without physical visits.The daylong summit brought together senior officials from the Department of Personnel and Training Capacity Building Commission Karmayogi Bharat State Governments Union Territories and Administrative Training Institutes from across the country to deliberate on strengthening institutional capacity building frameworks and performancelinked governance systems.Key takeaways from the summit included broad consensus on transforming Administrative Training Institutes from conventional training centres into digitally integrated outcomeoriented governance hubs aligned with Mission Karmayogi.
Deliberations highlighted the need for seamless integration of iGOT Unnati and HRMS platforms competencylinked cadre training mentorship and buddy systems AIenabled learning tools blended training models and citizencentric governance practices. States also emphasised onboarding frontline workers across departments onto iGOT expanding regional language learning content and enabling crossinstitutional collaboration through shared faculty infrastructure and learning resources to strengthen governance delivery systems across the country.Speaking for the second time during the valedictory session of the summit Dr. Jitendra Singh said governance institutions can no longer function through silos and must move towards integrated and interdisciplinary learning systems involving institutions beyond conventional Government structures including IITs IIMs and specialised domain institutions. He said Artificial Intelligence would remain an important enabler in governance but technology alone cannot substitute human intelligence ethical conduct and
behavioural sensitivity in public service delivery. Stressing the need to encourage innovation and free flow of ideas within institutions he called for creating platforms for willing trainers promoting regionspecific best practices and strengthening collaboration among States and training institutions.Chairperson Capacity Building Commission Radha Chauhan stressed the need for seamless integration between iGOT Unnati and HRMS platforms to create a unified competencydriven governance ecosystem supporting rolebased deployment of human resources. She said training institutions must undergo structural and strategic transformation to remain relevant in an AIenabled governance environment and informed that the Capacity Building Commission has already initiated a national mentorship framework for institutions and officers under Mission Karmayogi. 2213504 May 16, 2026 No illegality in J&K PSA adaptation after 2019 Reorganisation: HC Daily Excelsior State Replacement of State with UT a consequential changeExcelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 The High Court of Jammu &amp Kashmir and Ladakh has held that the continuance and adaptation of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978 after the 2019 Reorganisation flows directly from Parliamentary mandate and not from executive action.The observation was made by Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal while dismissing a habeas corpus petition filed by Tanveer Ahmad Mir through his wife Posha Begum challenging Detention Order No. 09DMBPSA2025 dated April 29 2025 passed by the District Magistrate Baramulla under Section 8(a) of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978.The detenue was alleged to be an active Over Ground Worker affiliated with banned terrorist outfit LashkareTaiba and accused of providing logistical support shelter transportation and assistance to terrorists operating in Sopore and adjoining localities.The petitioner argued that the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978 was originally enacted under the constitutional framework
applicable to the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir and therefore after enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 the expression security of the state could not have been substituted with security of the Union Territory except by Parliamentary legislation.The High Court however rejected the contention and observed that Sections 95 and 96 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 consciously provided a complete statutory mechanism not only for continuation of the existing laws applicable to the erstwhile State of Jammu &amp Kashmir but also for their adaptation and modification so as to facilitate their applicability to the successor Union Territories.The High Court observed that Section 95 specifically preserves the operation of laws enumerated in the Fifth Schedule and declares that such laws shall continue to apply to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The continuance of the Jammu &amp Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978 after reorganisation does not arise from any executive action but directly
from Parliamentary mandate embodied in the Reorganisation Act itself the High Court added.Referring to Section 96 of the Reorganisation Act the High Court observed that Parliament itself delegated limited adaptation powers to the Central Government to remove inconsistencies and align preexisting laws with the altered constitutional and administrative framework brought about by reorganisation.The High Court further observed that S.O. 1229(E) dated March 31 2020 whereby references to State in the Public Safety Act were substituted with Union Territory of Jammu &amp Kashmir had been issued in exercise of statutory authority under Section 96 of the Reorganisation Act.Rejecting the constitutional challenge Justice Nargal held that the adaptation does not change the basic nature object or policy of the Jammu &amp Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978 and that the replacement of the word State with Union Territory is only a consequential change made because of the reorganization of 2019.The petitioner had also challenged the approval
accorded to the detention order under Section 8(4) of the PSA on the ground that it was not issued in conformity with Rule 33 of the Transaction of Government Business Rules framed for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and was also not expressed in the name of the President.The High Court rejected the contention and observed that the detention order dated April 29 2025 passed by the District Magistrate Baramulla had been approved by the Government within the statutory period vide order dated May 5 2025.The High Court noted that the approval order had been issued by order of the Government of Jammu &amp Kashmir thereby clearly indicating that the approval was granted in the name and authority of the Government itself through duly authorized mode of transaction of business.Justice Nargal observed that Rule 33 essentially regulates the transaction and disposal of Governmental business and allocation of functions amongst officers and departments. The High Court held that the petitioner had failed to place any material on record
to establish that the officer authenticating the approval order lacked competence under the applicable Rules of Business or that the approval itself was not accorded by the Government.The High Court further held that merely because the approval order has been authenticated by an officer of the Home Department does not invalidate the same.Observing that no prejudice had been caused to the detenue the High Court said that procedural provisions regulating internal governmental functioning cannot be interpreted in a hypertechnical manner so as to defeat substantive action validly taken under a statutory enactment particularly in matters concerning preventive detention and security of the Union Territory.The petitioner had further argued that the grounds of detention were a verbatim reproduction of the police dossier and reflected complete nonapplication of mind by the detaining authority. The High Court however held that every similarity between the police dossier and the grounds of detention cannot automatically lead to an inference of
nonapplication of mind. The High Court observed that the sponsoring agency necessarily supplies factual material to the detaining authority and reference to such material in the grounds of detention is both natural and expected.The High Court observed that the detention order also reflected consideration of the prevailing security situation in the Valley particularly in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack involving killing of tourists and the apprehension that the detenue could be reactivated for furthering terrorist objectives.Accordingly the High Court dismissed the petition along with all connected applications. 2213505 May 16, 2026 Council of Ministers approves Rs 93 crore power infrastructure projects for Srinagar Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 The Council of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has approved the augmentation of the Grid Sub Station at Zainakote from 450 MVA to 780 MVA at an estimated cost of Rs 67.66 crore.The Council also approved the upgradation of the 132 KV PamporeRawalpora and RawalporaBemina transmission lines at a cost of Rs 25.47 crore.The approvals were accorded during the 6th meeting of the Council of Ministers.The projects are aimed at significantly strengthening the power infrastructure in Srinagar and adjoining areas by enhancing transmission capacity reducing power interruptions and ensuring a more reliable and efficient electricity supply to consumers.The augmentation of the Zainakote Grid Sub Station along with the transmission line upgrade is expected to improve overall grid stability and help meet the growing electricity demand in the region particularly during peak load periods. 2213541 May 16, 2026 Return statehood to J&K without delay: Farooq Abdullah Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the 20182024 phase in Jammu and Kashmir proved that bureaucratic administration can never substitute a democratically elected government that remains deeply connected with the aspirations emotions and daytoday concerns of the people.While addressing a gathering at Anantnag Farooq said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have decisively expressed their will through the ballot and their democratic mandate must be respected without delay. He said New Delhi must immediately restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and return complete powers to the elected government so that governance becomes more responsive accountable and peoplecentric.He said elected representatives are fully aware of the geographical realities local challenges and developmental needs of their respective areas because they remain in constant touch with the people at the grassroots level.A representative government listens responds and acts according
to the aspirations of the people whereas bureaucratic systems often remain distant from public sentiment and ground realities he added.Farooq said despite numerous challenges and constraints the present National Conference Government led by Omar Abdullah has remained steadfast in its commitment towards public welfare and propeople governance. He said NC legislators continue to stay among the people share their concerns listen to their grievances and actively pursue solutions to their problems.Our workers and representatives are not disconnected from the masses. They stand with the people in times of difficulty and work tirelessly to ensure that public issues are resolved effectively he said.Reiterating the demand for restoration of statehood Farooq urged the Central Government to honour the commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned the continued delay in restoring statehood despite repeated assurances given before Parliament and the Supreme Court that it would be reinstated soon after the elections.The people
of Jammu and Kashmir have waited long enough. The promises made to them must now translate into action he said. 2213538 May 16, 2026 Uttar Pradesh emerges as ‘Anchor State’ of Namami Gange Daily Excelsior State * Rs 16201 Cr Mission delivers historic transformationPrabhat Ranjan DeenLUCKNOW May 15 Once synonymous with pollution untreated sewage discharge and deteriorating water quality the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh is now scripting a new story of ecological revival. Under the Namami Gange programme Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the Anchor State of Indias largest river restoration mission.The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved an investment of Rs 16201 crore for sewage infrastructure projects in the state. This unprecedented investment reflects how the convergence of policy technology and sustained monitoring can breathe new life into a once severely degraded river ecosystem.This allocation constitutes nearly 45 percent of the total sewage infrastructure investment approved nationwide under the Namami Gange programme. Out of 80 sanctioned projects 53 have already been completed while 1520 MLD of the total planned 2701 MLD sewage treatment capacity is already operational.Uttar Pradesh with the longest stretch of the Ganga and
decades of accumulated pollution load was prioritized for this investment. Today however the scenario is changing and the transformation is now reflected not only in Government claims but also in official environmental data.The Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) 2025 assessment report has formally acknowledged the improvement in the health of the Ganga. In 2018 the entire stretch from Kannauj to Varanasi was categorized as a PriorityIV polluted segment. Today that continuous polluted belt has disappeared.Pollution is now limited to only three smaller stretches Farrukhabad to Old Rajapur Dalmau and Mirzapur downstream to Tarighat. These have been placed in the PriorityV category considered the lowest level of pollution just before the unpolluted classification.Nalin Kumar Srivastava Deputy Director General (DDG) National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) said that according to CPCBs independent monitoring the main channel of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh now meets bathingquality BOD standards across most stretches. This marks not
merely an administrative achievement but a real and measurable improvement in the rivers water quality after decades.From Varanasi and Prayagraj to Kanpur Agra Mathura Vrindavan Moradabad Bhadohi Bijnor and Shuklaganj sewage networks and STP projects are being implemented at war footing across 11 major cities in Uttar Pradesh. The 55 MLD STP at AssiBHU in Varanasi is handling sewage requirements for nearly 1.8 million people while Agras 31 MLD and 35 MLD STPs together are benefiting nearly 2.5 million residents. CETPs at Jajmau and Mathura are already operational while construction of the Banthar CETP in Unnao is progressing rapidly.Even during Maha Kumbh 2025 when the arrival of millions of pilgrims multiplied wastewater loads in Prayagraj these treatment plants continued functioning without disruption. This demonstrated that decentralized and energypositive wastewater treatment systems can serve as a practical model for the urban India of the future.At the Assi drain confluence area in Varanasi NMCG has deployed Advanced Oxidation
Technology as a major technological intervention for pollution control. This technology treats excess wastewater directly at the discharge point preventing untreated sewage from entering the Ganga.This rapidly deployable system has been installed at locations historically known for high pollution levels. Until permanent sewerage networks are fully completed this technology will remain at the frontline of Ganga conservation efforts.The remaining polluted stretches FarrukhabadOld Rajapur Dalmau and MirzapurTarighat have already been identified and incorporated into the active project pipeline. Future phases will focus on targeted investment accelerated construction and intensive monitoring in these regions. 2213512 May 16, 2026 NC resorting to lies to justify Speaker’s actions: LoP Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma today said that the National Conference (NC) was peddling lies to justify the Speakers unjust and unfair actions. He reminded the ruling party that chairs of committees are decided in accordance with wellestablished Parliamentary conventions.Reacting to National Conference (NC) claims that 62.5 percent of Committee chairs have been allotted to the ruling party in Parliament and 37.5 percent to the Opposition Sharma said the NC was referring to the appointment of Committee heads in 2024 but was twisting facts to shield the Speaker.The NC is conveniently hiding the fact that chairmanship of 62.5 percent of Department related Standing Committees was allotted to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) (15 out of 24) and not only to BJP. 37.5 percent chairmanships were allotted to Opposition parties (9 out of 24). If the principle of proportionate representation is applied to the J&ampK Assembly three Committee chairs should go to the BJP five to the ruling
parties and one to independents if they are treated as a bloc or to another Opposition party he said.He said the Speaker has allotted chairmanships of 89% of committees of the J&ampK Assembly to the ruling party and its allies in complete disregard of the representation of parties in the House.Sharma said the Speaker should go through the process of appointment of heads of such committees in Parliament. The chair of the Public Accounts Committee is always held by the Opposition party and it has also been done in J&ampK but the Opposition has been ignored while appointing heads of six nonfinancial committees he said.He said the Committee on Government Assurances is also currently helmed by the Opposition in Parliament. 2213513 May 16, 2026 Protest by NG employees at GMC Kathua enters 5th day Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentKATHUA May 15 The peaceful demonstration by NonGazetted Employees at Government Medical College Kathua entered its fifth consecutive day today yet no serious initiative has been taken by the administration or the Government to address their long pending demand for finalization of ServiceRecruitment Rules.CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEOThe protesting employees stated that despite continuous peaceful demonstrations and repeated representations before the concerned authorities no concrete action has been taken so far regarding their genuine demands. The employees reiterated that in the absence of clear ServiceRecruitment Rules issues related to promotion policy rectification of pay anomalies and service security continue to remain unresolved.Due to the ongoing protest OPD services remained closed for the fifth consecutive day.Former Health Minister Choudhary Lal Singh today visited the protesting employees and expressed solidarity with them. He assured the employees that he would take up the matter with the concerned
Minister and Commissioner Secretary for early redressal of the issue. He stated that the demands of the NonGazetted employees are genuine and deserve immediate attention from the Government. He further said that prolonged delay in finalization of the ServiceRecruitment Rules is adversely affecting the morale and future security of the employees working in Government Medical Colleges.Senior social worker ID Khajuria also met the protesting employees and assured them of support and guidance in their struggle for justice.The employees once again appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu &amp Kashmir to personally intervene and ensure early resolution of the issue. They further stated that their peaceful agitation will continue until their genuine demands are addressed by the concerned authorities. 2213514 May 16, 2026 Govt directs GMC Jammu HoD to desist immediately from private practice Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Health and Medical Education Department has reiterated and enforced the ban on private practice by Dr Vipan Mangotra Professor and Head Department of RadioDiagnosis Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu with immediate effect following findings of a departmental inquiry.According to the Government order the action was taken in response to issues raised in a Public Interest Litigation pending before the High Court of J&ampK and Ladakh. The inquiry reportedly established prima facie evidence that Dr Mangotra had engaged in remunerative private practice at a diagnostic facility in Reasi allegedly in violation of Government rules.The order stated that the allegations were corroborated by prior inquiry findings and official communications from the Chief Medical Officer Reasi. Consequently the Department has initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against the officer under the applicable service conduct and disciplinary rules.The Government also referred to its earlier Order Number 43HME of 2013
which explicitly prohibits private practice by Heads of Departments of Government Medical Colleges Associated Hospitals and Dental Colleges.The order directs Dr Mangotra to desist forthwith from any form of private practice warning that any violation shall invite disciplinary action under the J&ampK Government Employees (Conduct) Rules 1971 and other applicable statutory provisions. 2213511 May 16, 2026 Mir calls for comprehensive policy to combat drug menace in J&K Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 AICC general secretary MLA and former Minister G A Mir today expressed serious concern over the growing menace of substance abuse in Jammu &amp Kashmir and emphasized the need for a broader and more meaningful public policy intervention to safeguard the younger generation from addiction.While appreciating the ongoing efforts under the 100 Days Nasha Mukt Campaign Mir observed that any serious campaign against addiction and substance abuse cannot remain selective in nature. He stated that alcohol addiction particularly among youth has increasingly emerged as a major social and public health concern and therefore requires equal attention alongside narcotic substances.He said that the rising public discourse and growing demand from various sections of society regarding regulation and phased restriction on liquor outlets deserve thoughtful and sensitive consideration by the Government. Referring to steps taken in several Indian states Mir noted that states like Bihar and Gujarat have already
enforced prohibition policies while in Tamil Nadu hundreds of liquor shops were reportedly shut down especially those functioning near religious places schools and densely populated localities in response to public sentiment and social concerns.Mir stated that when several states across the country can initiate corrective measures in the larger public interest there is no reason why Jammu &amp Kashmir cannot begin a serious consultation process on regulating the unchecked availability and promotion of alcohol particularly in vulnerable and sensitive areas.He further expressed concern over the easy availability of cigarettes and tobacco products to minors and alleged violations of existing regulations prohibiting sale near educational institutions. He urged the concerned authorities to strictly enforce laws related to tobacco and alcohol sales especially around schools colleges religious institutions and public places.Mir appealed to civil society organizations religious leaders parents youth groups and policymakers to collectively
participate in building a healthier and addictionfree society stating that the future of the younger generation must remain the foremost priority of all stakeholders. 2213509 May 16, 2026 GI cancers dominate dual cancer cases in Kashmir Daily Excelsior State Most second cancers detected within 6 yrsIrfan TrambooSrinagar May 15 A fiveyear study conducted by researchers at Government Medical College Srinagar has found that gastrointestinal cancers account for the majority of dual primary malignancies in Kashmir highlighting the burden of second cancers among survivors in the region.The study published in the 2026 edition of the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care analysed records of 5731 cancer patients registered at the Department of Radiation Oncology GMC Srinagar between January 2020 and December 2024.Titled Dual Primary Malignancies in Kashmir A FiveYear Analysis of Temporal Patterns GenderSpecific Presentations and Treatment Outcomes in a High Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Population the research identified 35 patients with dual primary malignancies translating to an incidence rate of 0.611 percent.Among these cases 21 patients 60 percent had synchronous cancers in which both malignancies were detected simultaneously or within six months while 14 patients 40 percent developed
metachronous cancers after a gap of more than six months.In metachronous cases the interval between the first and second cancers ranged from 10 months to 19 years with an average gap of nearly six years. Researchers noted that most second cancers appeared within six years of the first diagnosis though some emerged more than a decade later.The study found that gastrointestinal cancers accounted for 43 percent of all first malignancies making them the most common primary tumours.Breast cancer was the second most frequent primary cancer followed by genitourinary cancers. Gastrointestinal tumours also dominated second malignancies with several patients developing another cancer within the GI tract itself.According to the report 29 of the 35 patients more than 82 percent had at least one gastrointestinal tumour.Researchers linked the trend to Kashmirs lifestyle and environmental risk factors including widespread consumption of saltpreserved foods smoked meat products and tobacco use all associated with gastrointestinal cancers.The study
further found that men accounted for most dual malignancy cases overall although women were more likely to present with synchronous cancers.The median age at diagnosis of the first cancer was 58 years with the highest incidence reported among patients in their sixth and seventh decades of life.Researchers also documented a notable association between breast and thyroid cancers.Four of the seven patients diagnosed with breast cancer later developed thyroid cancer as a second malignancy raising suspicion of hereditary cancer syndromes such as Cowden syndrome.Similarly cases involving colorectal and endometrial cancers pointed towards the possible presence of Lynch syndrome although researchers said the absence of advanced genetic testing facilities in Kashmir prevented confirmation.The study noted that all patients underwent treatment including surgery chemotherapy radiotherapy and hormonal therapy depending on tumour type and stage.Most patients received curative treatment for both malignancies particularly where the second cancer was
detected early.Researchers said treatment outcomes largely depended on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancers. Patients diagnosed with earlystage second malignancies generally showed favourable responses while advanced cancers were associated with poorer outcomes.The authors stressed the need for lifelong followup of cancer survivors detailed evaluation of new symptoms and timely biopsies for early detection.They also highlighted the importance of advanced diagnostic techniques such as PETCT imaging immunohistochemistry and molecular profiling in distinguishing second primary cancers from metastases particularly in resourceconstrained regions like Kashmir.Describing the research as the first comprehensive report on dual primary malignancies from Kashmir the authors said the findings could help doctors identify highrisk cancer combinations and improve surveillance strategies for cancer survivors. 2213510 May 16, 2026 BJP MLA writes to Union Home Secy, alleges neglect in VVP Daily Excelsior State Neither consulted nor invitedExcelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 BJP MLA from Hiranagar Vijay Kumar has shot off a letter to the Union Home Secretary alleging that he was ignored by the administration in consultations on development of Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) flagship programmes of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.In the letter Kumar mentioned that the district administration of Kathua had finalized development plan of six identified border villages of tehsil Hiranagar without his consultations though he was elected representative of the constituency.The exclusion of elected representative from the decisionmaking process undermines democratic framework and role of Constitutionally recognized public representatives and raises serious concerns regarding arbitrariness and lack of transparency in formulation of development plans Kumar said in his letter.He has sought an appropriate inquiry into the matter.The BJP MLA said the CommissionerSecretary to Government Planning Development and Monitoring Department also visited vibrant
villages of district Kathua today along with senior officers but again he was not invited. 2213506 May 16, 2026 CS steers stakeholder consultations for growth of J&K's key economic sectors Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired detailed consultations with key stakeholders to devise a comprehensive strategy and institutional platform aimed at accelerating the economic growth of Jammu and Kashmir by strengthening core sectors including Tourism Agriculture Handicrafts and Industry.The highlevel consultative meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Finance Additional Chief Secretary Public Works Department Regional Head of RBI Jammu Managing Director J&ampK Bank Director IIM Jammu Commissioner Secretary Industries &amp Commerce Secretary Skill Development Revenue and Employment Departments besides representatives from BISAGN RXIL and other official and nonofficial stakeholders.During the deliberations the Chief Secretary underscored that the primary objective of the meeting was to evolve a unified mechanism capable of bringing all stakeholders onto a common platform for giving a major boost to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. He observed that several initiatives
are already underway across different sectors and stressed the need for convergence among them to maximize their impact.Highlighting the ongoing interventions of the Government the Chief Secretary referred to the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) for Agriculture MSME Health Clinic and Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) for Industry Mission YUVA for entrepreneurship promotion and the Homestay initiative for Tourism besides several Government of India schemes aimed at supporting these sectors.He emphasized that the present need is to create a single integrated ecosystem that takes into account the strengths and challenges of all sectors and works in a convergence mode to support economic verticals such as Tourism Agriculture Industry and Handicrafts in a coordinated manner.The Chief Secretary further proposed that the existing Mission YUVA framework including the Small Business Development Units (SBDUs) functioning at the district level along with the MSME Health Clinic established under the RAMP programme
could be reoriented and leveraged to provide easier access to credit expert advisory services capacity building and sustained handholding support to aspiring entrepreneurs and enterprises across sectors.He observed that all these sectors fundamentally operate as economic enterprises with the common objective of achieving growth and profitability and therefore require a unified institutional mechanism capable of continuously assessing their health and extending timely support for their expansion and sustainability.Stressing the importance of financial inclusion and institutional support the Chief Secretary called for optimum utilization of various Government of India schemes and frameworks including the New Credit Linked Guarantee Scheme Agriculture Infrastructure Fund local Industrial Policy initiatives RBIsponsored Unified Lending Interface (ULI) and the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS). He said these initiatives could significantly strengthen support systems for farmers traders artisans industrial unit holders hoteliers
homestay operators selfhelp groups and other farm and nonfarm enterprises across Jammu and Kashmir.To carry the initiative forward in a structured manner the Chief Secretary directed constitution of a core team of relevant stakeholders to be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary Public Works Department with representation from the Employment Department RBI J&ampK Bank IIM Jammu and BISAGN for steering the proposed framework towards achieving the desired objectives.He stressed the need for initiating the process without delay and resolving bottlenecks progressively through collective efforts and institutional coordination. He also noted that a separate committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary Finance is currently working on framing the new Industrial Policy for Jammu and Kashmir adding that the proposed integrated framework would complement these efforts and help economic sectors flourish in accordance with the aspirations of local entrepreneurs and business communities. 2213507 May 16, 2026 Two officers transferred by Law Department Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the transfer and posting of 2 officers in the Department of Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs with immediate effect.As per the order Suhail Hassan Tantray Additional Secretary to Government presently posted in the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Director Litigation Kashmir.He will also continue to hold the additional charge of litigation work of the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir till further orders.Meanwhile Shakeel Ahmad Assistant Legal Remembrancer posted in the Directorate of Health Services Jammu and holding additional charge of litigation work of Government Medical College and Government Dental College Jammu has been transferred and posted in Government Medical College Jammu on fulltime basis.However he will continue to look after the litigation work of Government Dental College Jammu till further orders. 2213508 May 16, 2026 Police attaches property worth Rs 71 lakhs of drug peddler Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentUDHAMPUR May 15 Udhampur Police has attached an immovable property worth Rs 71 lakhs belonging to a drug peddler Jawaz Ahmed Wani of Akramabad Doda under Section 68F of the NDPS Act.The attachment has been made in connection with FIR No. 322026 US 82122 NDPS Act of Police Station Rehambal. During the course of investigation it came to fore that the accused had acquired the property from the proceeds of illicit narcotics trade.Accordingly the said property has been attachedseized under the provisions of Section 68F of the NDPS Act for further legal proceedings Police said. 2213549 May 16, 2026 DC Ganderbal visits Baltal Base Camp to review preparations for SANJY Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentGANDERBAL May 15 Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal Jatin Kishore today visited Baltal Base Camp to review the status of preparations and arrangements being put in place for the smooth conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)2026.During the visit the DC took a detailed appraisal of the site plan of Baltal Base Camp from YJunction to the Domail access gate and assessed the progress of various ongoing works and facilities being provided for the pilgrims.The DC reviewed the progress on ground including maintenance of parking areas improvement of pony tracks at Baltal and Domail proper barricading at pony areas for smooth pony movement as well as various allied facilities at Baltal Base Camp.The DC directed KPDCL to ensure adequate lighting arrangements at key locations including at the Pony Stand which witnesses heavy footfall.During the inspection the DC directed the I&ampFC Department to expedite drainage and crate protection works.Telecom agencies were instructed to ensure seamless network connectivity
across the yatra route and base camp areas.The Labour Department was asked to organize registration camps at various locations including Sonamarg for facilitation of workers and service providers associated with the yatra.The Traffic Department was instructed to formulate an efficient traffic management plan while SRTC was asked to ensure proper transportation facilities and establishment of sufficient number of ticket booking counters for pilgrims.The DC further directed BRO to ensure timely snow clearance and maintenance of Yatra track and also advised them to maintain close coordination with other departments to ensure works are executed in a coordinated manner.The DC issued onthespot instructions to the concerned departments and executing agencies to accelerate the pace of works and ensure completion within the stipulated timelines.Later the DC also visited the Pony Stand and directed the concerned officers to ensure adequate amenities and proper facilities for smooth management and convenience of pilgrims.During the visit the DC
was accompanied Senior Superintendent of Police Sudhanshu Dhama Additional Deputy Commissioner CEO Sonmarg Development Authority Sub Divisional Magistrate officers of various line departments as well as representatives of BRO SASB and telecom agencies etc. 2213548 May 16, 2026 Trial court can’t frame charges blindly: HC Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 The High Court of Jammu &amp Kashmir and Ladakh has quashed an order passed by the 2nd Additional Sessions Judge Jammu whereby charges under Sections 306 and 498A RPC had been framed against the accused holding that the trial court failed to examine whether the essential ingredients of the alleged offences were made out.Justice Sanjeev Kumar allowed the petition filed by Mohinder Kour and others who had invoked the inherent powers of the High Court under Section 561A of the Jammu and Kashmir CrPC for setting aside the order dated July 18 2017. The petitioners were represented by Senior Advocate Kulwant Singh Johal with Advocate Karman Singh Johal while none appeared for the respondent.The petitioners had challenged the trial court order on the ground that the court had not discussed the evidence collected by the Investigating Officer and had failed to satisfy itself whether the ingredients of Sections 306 and 498A RPC were made out for framing charge.The High Court observed that the trial court
had discussed in detail the evidence relating to the plea for framing charges under Sections 304B and 302 RPC which had been sought by the father of the deceased and had rightly found that no prima facie material existed for those offences. However after rejecting that plea the trial court proceeded to frame charges under Sections 498A and 306 RPC without discussing the material supporting those charges.Justice Sanjeev Kumar held that Section 306 RPC has two essential ingredients first there must be suicide by a person and second there must be abetment of that act by the accused. The court said that to frame a charge under Section 306 RPC it must be demonstrated that the accused contributed to the suicide by some direct or indirect act such as instigation conspiracy or intentional aid.The court further observed that the trial court appeared to have been more focused on deciding whether charges under Sections 304B or 302 RPC were made out and forgot that even for framing charges under Sections 306 and 498A RPC it was required to
examine the challan and the oral as well as documentary evidence collected during investigation.Holding that the trial court had not performed its duty in the manner required by law the High Court quashed the order dated July 18 2017 and remanded the matter to the trial court for fresh consideration on the question of framing charge after hearing both sides. 2213545 May 16, 2026 No liquor licence issued during my tenure as FM: Rather Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSrinagar May 15 Speaker of the J&ampK Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather today said J&ampK must seriously deliberate on ways to eradicate the menace of alcohol while asserting that no liquor licence was issued during his nearly 14year tenure as Finance Minister of the erstwhile state.Speaking to reporters in Budgam Rather said he had consistently opposed liquor sales and had made his stand clear in the Legislative Assembly during his tenure as Finance Minister.We are opposed to alcohol and I want to say it clearly today. I served as Finance Minister for nearly 14 years and had stated in the House that as long as I remained finance minister no liquor licence would be issued in J&ampK he said.Rather said that although nearly 300 to 400 liquor licences had already been issued before his tenure and several more were granted after he demitted office no new licence for liquor sale was issued while he headed the Finance Department.Describing alcohol consumption as a curse the Speaker urged religious
leaders to raise awareness among people about its harmful effects.Alcohol has been prohibited in the Quran and its consumption is unfortunate. We must uphold what has been forbidden and create awareness among the people he said.Rather said any decision on imposing a complete ban on liquor in J&ampK would have to be taken collectively by the Legislative Assembly.Recalling earlier discussions on prohibition in the House during his tenure as Finance Minister Rather said some legislators had demanded a ban on liquor sales but the proposal failed to secure majority support.Stressing the need for collective efforts to curb alcohol consumption Rather said society and lawmakers would have to seriously consider measures to keep people away from the evil.We have to make collective efforts to ensure people stay away from this evil. We must seriously think about how this menace can be eradicated from J&ampK he said. 2213546 May 16, 2026 Police intensify anti-drug drive across Kashmir Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 The police today said that antidrug operations awareness campaigns and public outreach programmes were intensified across several districts of Kashmir under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan.A spokesperson said that in Budgam district police attached two residential properties belonging to drug peddlers in Chadoora. A house worth around Rs 30 lakh at Chitroo Dangarpora was attached in a case involving recovery of over 300 kilograms of poppy husk while another house worth around Rs 5055 lakh at Hassipora was attached after recovery of more than nine kilograms of charaslike substance during investigation of another NDPS case.In Handwara police along with Revenue and Excise officials destroyed illegal poppy cultivation in Gund Kurhoo village and registered a case against the accused person involved in the cultivation the spokesperson said.Police also organised antidrug awareness programmes in Baramulla district including a mini marathon and awareness lectures at Madina Public High School Baleharan.
Thana Diwas and PCPG meetings were held in several areas to strengthen policepublic coordination and spread awareness against drug abuse.In Kulgam district police arrested four drugpeddlers during naka and recovered heroin charas powder and ganja from their possession. Police also destroyed illicit poppy cultivation in Nowpora during a separate operation. 2213547 May 16, 2026 4th Dr Ritu Gupta lecture series organized at GMC Jammu Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 The Postgraduate Department of Physiology Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu in association with the Dr Ritu Gupta Foundation organized the 4th Dr Ritu Gupta lecture series at the Dr Ritu Gupta Memorial Hall.The commemorative event drew a large gathering including medical undergraduate and postgraduate students faculty members institutional staff and distinguished guests from across the region.The function was formally inaugurated by Dr Ashutosh Gupta Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Renowned neurologists Dr Sushil Razdan and Dr S K Gupta attended as special guests while Dr Poonam Sethi Director of Health Services Jammu was the guest of honour.Dr Vanita Sharma Professor &amp Head of the Department of Physiology and the organizing secretary apprised the audience of the scientific significance of the event. A deeply moving documentary highlighting the inspiring life courage and lasting contributions of late Dr Ritu Gupta was presented by Dr Ranjana
Duggal leaving the audience emotional.Speaking on the occasion Dr Ravinder K Gupta chairman of Dr Ritu Gupta Foundation shared the vision behind establishing the foundation and outlined its ongoing humanitarian and academic initiatives. He strongly emphasized the vital importance of organ donation sharing that his family had already donated corneas to restore sight to those in need.Dr Ravinder requested Dr Ashutosh Gupta and other dignitaries to collaborate with the foundation for future orations and scientific activities. The lecture series featured two highly impactful motivational sessions.Dr Manmeet Sodhi (Professor &amp Head Pediatrics GMC Amritsar) delivered an inspiring talk titled From Marksheets to Real Lives while Dr Bela Mahajan (Professor &amp Head Microbiology ASCOMS) spoke on Resilience The Bounce Back Factor The Art of Bending Without Breaking.The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr Sadaf and Dr Priyanka and the event concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr Shivwani Kotwal. 2213544 May 16, 2026 DC Jammu calls for public participation in digital self-enumeration from May 17 Daily Excelsior State Census 2027Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr. Rakesh Minhas who is also the Principal Census Officer for the district has appealed the people to earnestly participate in digital self enumeration opening on May 17 the launch day of Census 2027 operations.CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEOSpeaking at a press conference here at the District Headquarters he urged residents of Jammu district to actively participate in the landmark national enumeration exercise.Additional Deputy Commissioner (also the District Census Officer) Vidhu Shekhar and District Statistical and Evaluation Officer (DSEO) Neeraj Sharma were also present on the occasion.Dr. Minhas informed that the SelfEnumeration (Digital Mode) window for Jammu district shall be open from 17th May 2026 to 31st May 2026 with the official portal going live at 600 AM on May 17. This will be followed by Field House Listing Operations (HLO) being conducted by trained enumerators from 1st June 2026 to 30th June 2026.The steps to selfenumerate include visiting the
official portal at se.census.gov.in registering using an active mobile number to receive a secure login filling in the required household and individual details submitting the form and noting down the unique SelfEnumeration ID (SE ID) generated upon successful submission he explained.The DC apprised that any adult member of the household can complete the selfenumeration on their personal device mobile phone tablet or computer. Residents can log into the SelfEnumeration portal using their mobile number and other basic details and complete the Census schedule at their convenience. During the houselisting operations a structured questionnaire covering 33 notified questions will be posed to citizens regarding basic facilities in their homes information about the head of the household ownership status and other household amenities.Dr. Minhas clarified that residents who are unable to avail the selfenumeration facility need not worry as trained field enumerators will conduct doortodoor visits across all localities from June 1 to June 30
2026 between 900 AM and 600 PM. SelfEnumeration is an additional facility enumerators will continue to make housetohouse enumeration in their allocated blocks as in previous censuses he informed.Households that have already selfenumerated were urged to keep their SE ID ready to share with visiting enumerators. This will significantly reduce the time taken for field verification and improve overall operational efficiency.The DC assured residents that all field enumerators are officially designated Government functionaries and shall be carrying valid Governmentissued identity cards. Residents were urged to ask for identification before sharing information and to cooperate with verified enumerators.Dr. Minhas categorically stated that the entire census exercise is free of cost and no payment of any kind is required at any stage. He strongly cautioned the public against fraudsters who may attempt to collect money in the name of census operations and urged residents to report any such incidents to the district administration immediately. 2213542 May 16, 2026 AIIMS Jammu restores vision in patient with large intraocular foreign body Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Department of Ophthalmology at AIIMS Jammu successfully restored vision in a middleaged patient who presented to the Eye OPD with severe ocular trauma sustained while gardening.The patient was cutting grass with an iron sickle when a small fragment of the sickle struck his eye. He was immediately rushed to AIIMS Jammu. On clinical examination the patient was found to have corneal perforation and traumatic cataract and an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) was suspected. Diagnostic imaging including ultrasound Bscan and CT scan confirmed the presence of a metallic foreign body measuring approximately 5 mm lodged within the posterior segment of the eye.A highly complex microsurgical procedure involving Pars Plana Lensectomy Vitrectomy and removal of the iron foreign body was successfully performed by Dr Ridham Nanda Assistant Professor Department of Ophthalmology along with the team. The procedure was supported by Senior Residents Dr Asma Jabeen and Dr Shefali Verma who carried out detailed presurgical
evaluation and coordinated perioperative care.Dr Nanda highlighted that removing the metallic foreign body without injuring the retina posed a significant challenge due to its sharp edges however the surgery was meticulously performed along with endolaser photocoagulation to reinforce weak retinal areas. Postoperatively the patient is recovering well with significant visual improvement.Dr Bhavani Raina Additional Professor &amp Officiating Head of the Department of Ophthalmology provided expert guidance and oversight throughout the case. She emphasized that the department is committed to providing superspecialty ophthalmic services in the region.Prof (Dr) DN Sharma Executive Director &amp CEO said that these complex surgeries reflect the growing clinical and surgical excellence of the Institute and will help reduce patient referrals outside the Union Territory while building confidence in tertiary eye care services within the region. 2213543 May 16, 2026 Fuel hike amid economic slowdown huge blow to common people: Sadhotra Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentUDHAMPUR May 15 National Conference (NC) additional general secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today expressed grave concern over the hike in fuel prices saying the increase would trigger widespread inflation and severely impact every segment of society.Addressing a public meeting at Tanmah (Majalta) in Udhampur East Constituency which was organized by Ram Parshotam (district president Udhampur) and block president Majalta Shanker Singh Sadhotra said the decision has come at a time when people across the country are grappling with an unprecedented economic slowdown shrinking employment opportunities and rising household expenses.Sadhotra said the hike has exposed the hollowness of the muchpublicized claims of economic stability made by the Union Government over the years. The common man is already reeling under inflation and unemployment. Instead of providing relief the Government has imposed another crushing burden on the people he said.Sadhotra said that the BJP led NDA dispensation deliberately
maintained silence on the deteriorating economic situation till the conclusion of elections and has now started delivering one shock after another to the people. This shows the lowest depth of political opportunism. Vital economic realities were concealed from the public during the election period and now the burden is being shifted entirely onto the shoulders of ordinary citizens he added.He said the Centre must immediately reconsider the decision and provide relief to the people instead of compounding their suffering.Among others who spoke in the public meeeting were Ayoub Malik (provincial secretary) Sandeep Singh Manhas Ashwani Charak Vishawjeet Singh Lucky Singh Veerji Bhat Abdul Rashid Ch Iqbal Famdda Onkar Singh Muzammal Hamda Shanker Singh Mukesh Thapa Ghulam Rasool Gharu Ram Sharma Krishan Lal Sharma Raj Kumar Sharma Sita Ram Karan Singh Sunil Dutt Amit Sharma Shiv Ram Haji Falla Sita Devi Mohd Dolla Ballo Begum and Rehmat Akhtar. 2213540 May 16, 2026 Free disease screening camp being held at Chamber House Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu in collaboration with Healing Hands and a team of renowned medical specialists is organising a free disease screening camp on Saturday (May 16) at Chamber House Rail Head Complex Jammu from 930 AM to 200 PM.CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEOChamber president Arun Gupta talking to mediapersons said that the camp aims to promote preventive healthcare and encourage early diagnosis of lifestyle and chronic diseases among the general public. A panel of experienced doctors from various specialties will provide consultations and health screenings during the event.The distinguished medical experts participating in the camp include Dr Rajesh Gupta Physician Specialist Dr Neeraj Mahajan senior Cardiologist Dr Puneeta Gupta Professor &amp HoD Medicine ASCOMS Dr Ankit Mahajan Gastroenterologist Dr Shally Kandhari Ophthalmologist &amp Eye Surgeon Dr Satyanker Gupta ECMO Cardiologist Dr. Deepak Pathania Nephrologist.A wide range of diagnostic and screening
facilities will be available free of cost including Fibro Scan Spirometry HbA1c Neuropathy Screening Lipid Profile BMD Test ECG &amp Blood Pressure check Uric Acid &amp Hemoglobin Test Thyroid Test Vitamin D Screening Hepatitis B Screening Ophthalmology Consultation Dietician Consultation KFT (Kidney Function Test).Chamber has appealed the members and general public to take advantage of this healthcare initiative and undergo timely health checkups for better disease prevention and management. 2213610 May 16, 2026 Comm Secy School Education visits Vidya Samiksha Kendra, reviews functioning Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 today visited the Vidya Samiksha Kendra Jammu to review functioning of the integrated educational monitoring and governance system established under the School Education Department.During the visit the Commissioner Secretary took a comprehensive review of the realtime monitoring mechanisms being implemented through the VSK platform for improving governance transparency and efficiency in the education sector across the Union Territory.The officers and technical teams briefed the Commissioner Secretary regarding various digital dashboards data analytics tools and monitoring modules being utilized for tracking key educational indicators. These included student attendance teacher attendance infrastructure status learning outcomes and implementation of various schemes under Samagra Shiksha.The Commissioner Secretary reviewed the school attendance scenario across the UT and assessed the districtwise performance. He directed officers to follow up with lowattendance schools and ensure that attendance is
marked daily on time and by all teachers without fail.The Project Director Samagra Shiksha J&ampK and technical team Vidya Samiksha Kendra briefed the Commissioner Secretary about the progress achieved highlighting the enhancements in Digital Learning achieved through the VSK. This included the launch of new Bots such as Shikshak Sahayak DigiLearn as well as Smart Attendance Study Buddy Chatbot including the recently launched J&ampK Sarvekshan ChatBot.The Director Samagra Shiksha also showcased the Data Monitoring Framework including the Dashboards Platform and the CRM system driven TeleCalling set up in the VSK.Ram Niwas Sharma emphasized the importance of technologydriven governance in strengthening the education system. He directed the concerned officers to ensure effective utilization of the platform for evidencebased decision making and timely grievance redressal. Stressing upon data accuracy and regular updation he said that the Vidya Samiksha Kendra would play a pivotal role in enhancing the accountability and improving
the quality of education in schools across J&ampK.While reviewing the progress of the low performing districts the Commissioner issued strict instructions to the technical team for regular follow up. He suggested the JK VSK team to utilize the entire manpower of the organization to improve the outreach and engagement at the ground level.The Commissioner Secretary also visited the 2 Digital Studios established at the VSK J&ampK to review the set up which fuels the J&ampK ePathshala TV Channel under Samagra Shiksha J&ampK launched earlier this year. Instructions were issued to involve Teachers from across the UT in creating Interactive Videos in Local Language such as Kashmiri Urdu Dogri as well as English and Hindi.Project Director Samagra Shiksha Bhawani Rakwal and other senior officers of the School Education Department Samagra Shiksha and technical teams were present during the visit. 2213608 May 16, 2026 Jasrotia meets Union Rly Minister, pushes for strategic Kathua-Billawar-Bani-Bhaderwah Rail Corridor Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentNEW DELHI May 15 BJP MLA from Jasrota constituency Rajiv Jasrotia today called on Union Minister for Railways Information &amp Broadcasting and Electronics &amp Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi.During his meeting Jasrotia strongly advocated for the early approval and execution of several longpending railway connectivity projects for the Jammu region particularly the ambitious KathuaBillawarManwalBasholiBaniBhaderwah railway corridor.He submitted a comprehensive memorandum highlighting the immense developmental economic tourism and strategic significance of the proposed railway projects conceptualized by the Nav Kathua Railway Station Nirmaan Samiti Kathua.As per the proposal PhaseI envisages a rail link from Azizpur (Madhopur Punjab) to Kathua town and further to Billawar while subsequent phases would connect Billawar with Manwal Basholi Bani and ultimately Bhaderwah.Jasrotia informed the Union Minister that the prefeasibility survey of PhaseI had already been conducted by the
Ministry of Railways and was found technically feasible.He also raised the longpending demand for construction of railway underpasses at several critical locations in the constituency to ensure public safety and improve connectivity.Seeking immediate intervention the MLA urged the Railway Ministry to undertake surveys and approve the construction of railway underpasses at five key locations including Logate More to Logate Sahar Barnoti to Budhi Ghatti More to Industrial Area Ghatti Rajbagh to Jasrota and Chann Arorian to Ladoli.Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw patiently heard the demands and assured that the proposals would be examined sympathetically in view of their developmental and strategic importance. 2213609 May 16, 2026 BJP Govt will take KPs into confidence on rehabilitation issue: Ashok Koul Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 BJP general secretary (Org) J&ampK and Ladakh Ashok Koul today reiterated that his party Government at the Centre would not take any unilateral decision regarding the rehabilitation of the displaced community and would take the community into confidence before initiating any such process.Addressing an interactive programme with displaced Kashmiri Pandits at Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra (SSK) Anand Nagar Bohri near here organised by Partys Kashmir Displaced District (KDD) Koul emphasized the need for consensus among various sections of the community on an acceptable rehabilitation model.Ashok Koul listened to the concerns expressed by the participants and assured that many issues have already been taken up with the Government and would continue to be pursued vigorously while some issues stand already resolved.He observed that several important matters including encroachment of immovable properties belonging to displaced persons and temples in Kashmir bureaucratic apathy towards the displaced
community and the need for institutional protection of Hindu temples and shrines in Kashmir require a united and democratic struggle by the community to pressurize the NCled Government in Jammu &amp Kashmir for their resolution.Moti Lal Malla president ASKPC and K.K. Khosa president KP Sabha who shared dais with BJP leader also highlighted the pressing issues of the community.The programme witnessed participation from a large number of intellectuals heads of social and Dharmic organizations social activists prominent citizens representatives of PM package employees besides KDD Prabhari Chand Jee Bhat Seh Prabhari Hira Lal Bhat UT Executive Members H.K. Razdan and Sweety Koul district office bearers Mandal presidents and general secretaries as well as office bearers of KDD Yuva Morcha and Mahila Morcha.During the interaction community representatives raised various issues concerning the displaced Kashmiri Hindu community. The participants appreciated the efforts of BJP under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and acknowledged the role of BJP KDD in consistently standing with the community through difficult times.Among those who spoke on the occasion were Dr. Ramesh Bhat Dr. M.T. Krishan Dr. Sushil Watal Chand Ji Pandita Prof. Virender Rawal Jai Kumar Bhat M.K. Jalali Bhushan Lal Bhat (Jagati) Ranjan Jyotshi A.K. Raina P.K. Raina. The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Hira Lal Bhat district Seh Prabhari. Moti Lal Bhat district general secretary welcomed the guests while the vote of thanks was presented by Chand Jee Bhat district Prabhari. 2213614 May 16, 2026 BJP brazenly crushed common man under weight of inflation: Cong  Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 The District Congress Committee (DCC) Jammu Urban on Friday organized a massive protest demonstration against the BJPled NDA Government at the Centre for failing on every front and burdening the common people with soaring inflation rising fuel prices unemployment and what the party described as antipeople economic policies.The protest was held under the leadership of DCC Jammu Urban president and former minister Yogesh Sawhney and witnessed enthusiastic participation by senior Congress leaders officebearers Mahila Wing members youth activists and hundreds of party workers.CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEOThe demonstration was marked by the raising of slogans against the Central Government and the carrying of placards highlighting issues such as the increasing prices of petrol and diesel the spiraling cost of essential commodities shrinking employment opportunities and growing financial distress among ordinary households. Congress leaders said that while the Government continues to claim economic progress
the reality on the ground is that families across the country are struggling to manage their daily expenses.Addressing the gathering working president of JKPCC Raman Bhalla launched a sharp attack on the BJPled NDA Government alleging that it has failed to fulfill its promises and has instead adopted policies that benefit a handful of influential corporate houses at the cost of the common citizen. He said that the latest increase in the prices of petroleum products particularly petrol and diesel would have a cascading effect on the entire economy and would directly hit poor and middleclass families.He pointed out that transport costs are closely linked to the prices of all consumer goods and any increase in fuel prices inevitably leads to a rise in the prices of vegetables food grains milk medicines construction material and other essential items and with this common man will be badly hit.Sawhney said the protest was a reflection of widespread public anger over the worsening economic situation in the country. He said inflation has
penetrated every aspect of daily life and is affecting families irrespective of their social or economic background.Several senior leaders Ved Mahajan Iqbal Dar Amrit Bali Kapil Chib Parveen Singh Sandeep Dogra Rakesh Sharma and others were present on the occasion. 2213611 May 16, 2026 Nalwa terms BJP's victory in WB a new chapter free from fear Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentRAJOURI May 15 BJP Minority Morcha president Ranjodh Singh Nalwa today addressed a series of meetings at Nowshera attributing decisive victory in West Bengal polls to the partys core ideology developmental policies and effective grassroots organization.The win described as a paradigm shift and strategic turning point was built on promising industrial growth and raising concerns over regional security Nalwa said and described the result as a new chapter free from fear. Under the BJP rule our daughters sisters and mothers will be more secure he said.He told the gatherings that the massive West Bengal poll victory was because of the Prime Minister Narendra Modis propeople policies and nationalist approach. People now fully understand the partys vichardhara. This is the reason that they are now supporting BJP overwhelmingly he said.BJP does not practice the politics of discrimination and appeasement Nalwa added. He asked the party cadre to take the BJPs ideology and policies to every home.Unlike the leaders of other
parties there is no difference between what PM Modi says what he does Nalwa said. He called upon the party workers not to take rest till the PM Modis vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 was achieved. Our motive is seva sangarsh sushan and not to grab power Nalwa said.He also gave the example of Kartarpur Corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan to the Indian border which became a reality during the BJPled government.He also took pride in saying that it was PM Modi who had in January 2022 announced Veer Bal Diwas to honour the supreme sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singhs young sons Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Pritam.Sukhdev Kour (exsarpanch &amp vicepresident of Morcha for Nowshera) Bal Krishan and locals in large numbers attended the meetings. 2213612 May 16, 2026 West Pak refugees demand ownership rights on land Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentKATHUA May 15 West Pakistani refugee led by its chairman Labha Ram Gandhi assembled here today and strongly demanded grant of land ownership rights to them.The protestors raised slogans in favour of their burning issues saying that they have left thousands Kanals of land and other immovable and movable property in West Pakistan and migrated to Jammu during India Pakistan war.A large number of refugees including women assembled here and highlighted their demands and urged the Government to give justice to them.While talking to media president of refugees Labha Ram Gandhi said We are thankful to Government for granting us citizenship rights and compensation to nearly 5500 West Pakistani Refugee families. But till the date we were not given land ownership rights. The Refugee were allotted nearly 47000 kanals of land for their rehabilitation but despite the passing 50 years they were not given legal rights of land allotted to us which created problem to us.He said that DC Jammu has called a meeting of tehsildars to
discuss on this matter. We hope that Government will issue special order to give us legal rights of our land. He said that Government needs to give full legal land ownership rights to West Pakistani refugee on the land which is in possession of them since years. 2213613 May 16, 2026 Kundan vows to fight for ownership rights to DPs Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Congress leader Neeraj Kundan today interacted with residents of Kaku de Kothey in Arnia area where local people strongly raised the longpending issue of proprietary rights over allotted lands and demanded immediate justice.During the meeting locals narrated the continuous hardships they face due to the lack of full ownership rights on the lands allotted to the Displaced Persons (DPs). They stated that without clear proprietary rights they encounter numerous difficulties in daily life including access to bank loans making improvements on the land and securing their holdings. They alleged that their lands are frequently acquired by authorities without proper notice or adequate compensation leaving families in distress and uncertainty.Kundan who hails from the area assured the gathering that he considers this issue as his personal responsibility. I am one of you and this matter is very close to my heart. I will fight this issue without any political angle. Even if I have to face batons I will not back
down. I will take the blows first he declared.The local allottees have been consistently demanding full proprietary (ownership) rights over lands allotted to them decades ago. Many of these allotments relate to evacuee properties and alternate lands provided in lieu of earlier acquisitions particularly under historical Government orders.A large number of allottees in the Jammu region especially in border areas like Arnia were given possession of lands but were never granted complete ownership rights. This lack of ownership prevents them from using the land freely for agriculture housing or as collateral for financial needs.In contrast proprietary rights have been granted in several other categories of displaced persons in the past but similar relief has not been extended uniformly to all genuine local allottees. They demand early regularization of all such allotted lands.Kundan reiterated his firm commitment to take up this cause as a nonpolitical peoplecentric struggle. He appealed to the administration to resolve these longpending
grievances. 2213721 May 16, 2026 BJP demands ban on liquor, takes out march to CM house Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 The police today foiled a protest march by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here and detained half a dozen party leaders who were attempting to march toward the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to press for a complete ban on liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir.Scores of BJP workers assembled on Srinagars Gupkar Road carrying banners and placards against the operation of wine shops in Kashmir. Protesters raised slogans against the ruling National Conference government accusing it of promoting alcohol consumption in the region.The march began from Ram Munshi Bagh in Sonwar and moved toward Gupkar Road where the Chief Ministers residence is located. Police intercepted the protesters en route and prevented them from proceeding further. Several BJP leaders were detained during the protest including Altaf Thakur Sahil Bhat Sajid Yousuf Shah Arif Raja and Anwar Khan.BJP state spokesperson Manzoor Bhat said the party was demanding an immediate prohibition on liquor sales alleging that alcohol
addiction was destroying the younger generation. The youth are getting addicted to alcohol. Earlier people were dying because of bullets now they are dying because of drugs and alcohol Bhat told reporters during the protest.He said the campaign against liquor was aimed at protecting society and urged religious leaders and civil society groups to support the demand for prohibition.Bhat also criticized the Omarled government for ignoring public sentiment on the issue and warned that the BJP would intensify its agitation if liquor sales continued. 2213662 May 16, 2026 HC upholds constitutional validity of Rule 147-A of Army Rules Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 High Court upheld the constitutional validity of Rule 147A of the Army Rules 1954 and dismissed the plea that the delinquent officials were not supplied with the proceedings of the court martial.The Rule 147A restricts issuance of certified copies of court martial proceedings where these are held to be against the interests of national security or friendly relations with foreign states.The Division Bench of Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Sanjay Parihar upheld the validity of the Rule under challenge. The aggrieved petitioners had assailed the tribunals April 23 order dismissing their appeal against conviction by Summary General Court Martial on the ground that the same was not accompanied by a certified copy of the conviction order.The court said that the question that arises for determination is whether Section 147A which prima facie tramples the right of a person to fair trial and take recourse to appropriate legal proceedings and thus offends Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India
is saved by Article 33 of the Constitution of India.The Government of India defended the provision of Army Rules with the contention that the Central Government had certified that supplying the proceedings would be against national security interests and therefore copies were legitimately withheld.The court after examining the provisions observed that the Army Rules framed under Section 191 of the Army Act have the force of law and are therefore protected under Article 33 of the constitution.However the High Court found fault with the Armed Forces Tribunal for dismissing the petitioners appeal solely for want of certified copies despite the fact that copies had been denied under Rule 147A itself.The Tribunal court added ought to have summoned the court martial records in a sealed cover and examined the appeal on merits instead of rejecting it on technical grounds.With these observations the court set aside the Tribunals order and restored the petitioners appeal and directed the Tribunal to hear the matter afresh after summoning the
Summary General Court Martial record. 2213663 May 16, 2026 Absconder in NDPS case held after 7 years Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Government Railway Police (GRP) Jammu today claimed they have arrested one person who was evading his arrest in an NDPS case registered in the year 2019.Sagar Thappa of Birna Wari Tehsil and District Jalpaiguri West Bengal was wanted in case FIR number 132019 under sections 820 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station GRP Jammu a GRP official said.The accused however was evading his arrest since the registration of the FIR he said.Acting on specific information today he was arrested from Gangyal area by a team of GRP Jammu the GRP official said.Ganja worth more than Rs 4 lakh was also recovered from the possession of the arrested individual he said.Pertinently GRP Jammu has arrested 13 absconders in the last 20 months. 2213664 May 16, 2026 Indian Academy of Paediatrics conducts ‘FOCUS’ workshop Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) City Branch Jammu in association with the Department of Paediatrics GMC Jammu organised an academic and clinical update module titled FOCUS Fever Observation Clinical Clues Understanding Strategy at Jammu.The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from paediatricians postgraduate students and healthcare professionals from across the region. The event started with an address by Dr Neelam Mohan National President IAP 2026 through virtual mode.Dr Sanjeev K Digra HOD Department of Paediatrics GMC Jammu and President IAP City Branch Jammu in his welcome address apprised that the workshop was aimed at enhancing the clinical approach towards fever evaluation and management in children especially during the upcoming season of dengue through casebased discussions and interactive learning.Dr Sunil Dutt Sharma Professor in Department of Paediatrics GMC Jammu deliberated upon the basic concepts of fever including the approach to evaluation of fever and also
introduced the distinguished faculty for this workshop.The scientific agenda featured a series of structured Green Zone Yellow Zone and Red Zone case discussions focusing on clinical clues fever assessment strategies differential diagnosis transit zone fever evaluation probiotics quizzes and spotters.The sessions were delivered by esteemed faculty members including Dr Sanjana Sharma Associate Professor Paediatrics GMC Jammu Dr Neerupam Gupta Consultant Paediatrician J&ampK Health Services Dr Sandeep Rawal and Dr Manish Balde Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist Motherhood Hospital Gurugram.The other prominent dignitaries present at the occasion were Dr N K Pargal Dr S S Slathia Dr G S Saini Dr Ashu Jamwal Dr Ravinder K Gupta Dr Mahesh Gupta Dr Mohd. Razaq Dr Subash Chander Dr Sandeep Raina Dr Raman Sharma Dr Vikas Mahajan and Dr Manoj Sharma.Dr Rajesh Kaul Treasurer IAP Jammu Branch conducted the proceedings and Dr Anuj Bhatti Professor of Paediatrics GMC Jammu and General Secretary IAP Jammu Branch presented vote of thanks. 2213669 May 16, 2026 Women are foundation of strong families: Sanjita Dogra Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 BJP general secretary and Headquarters in charge Sanjita Dogra said that women are the foundation of strong families and a progressive society and they play an important role in nation building.She was speaking at a programme while releasing a poem titled Matrashakti composed by Balbir Ram Rattan BJP spokesperson and former VC here today.BJP women leaders Neeru Rajput Pooja Grover and Lovisha Gupta also accompanied Dogra during event. The poem Matrashakti highlights the strength sacrifice compassion and dedication of women towards their families and society. Through meaningful and emotional verses the composition pays tribute to the spirit of motherhood and the invaluable role played by women in nurturing values culture and humanity.Sanjita Dogra on this occasion said that literature and poetry are effective mediums to inspire society and spread positive social messages. She said that women have always played a vital role in building strong families and shaping responsible generations.Sanjita said
that a society that respects women progresses on the path of development harmony and prosperity.She further said that Indian culture has always regarded women with the highest respect and dignity. She added that empowering women socially economically and politically remains essential for a strong nation. She also said that creative works like Matrashakti help in creating awareness among the younger generation about the importance of respecting and honouring women.Balbir Ram Rattan said that the poem is a humble tribute to mothers and women whose silent sacrifices and endless affection strengthen families and society. He expressed gratitude to the BJP women leaders for appreciating and unveiling his poem.Neeru Rajput Pooja Grover and Lovisha Gupta also praised the poem and termed it a meaningful literary effort dedicated to women empowerment and dignity. They said that such creative expressions inspire society to recognize the immense contribution of women in nationbuilding and social upliftment. 2213668 May 16, 2026 MSJK protests against hike in petrol, diesel prices Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Mission Statehood Jammu Kashmir (MSJK) activists here today staged a protest demonstration against the hike in petrol and diesel prices. The protesters also raised slogans against the shortage and black marketing of LPG cylinders.The protest was led by MSJK president Sunil Dimple who while addressing the protesters claimed that hike in petrol and diesel prices will in turn increase transport charges of the essential goods commodities vegetables grocery etc.He said that to all the Ministers MPs and MLAs should leave their Government bungalows and start living in their own personal houses to meet the present situation.The MSJK leader also demanded rolling back of the increased prices of petrol diesel and LPG gas cylinders.Prominent among those who were present in the protest were H.R Gupta Karan Pradhan Mintoo Kumar Sanjeev Kumar Nitin Saini and many others. 2213720 May 16, 2026 5-vehicles seized for illegal mining Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 The police today seized five vehicles involved in illegal mining activities during separate operations in Anantnag district as part of the ongoing drive against unlawful extraction and transportation of minor minerals.A police spokesperson said that a team from Police Station Srigufwara intercepted and seized four tractors during naka checking at Srigufwara for allegedly transporting illegally extracted boulders FIR No. 492026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Srigufwara and investigation has been taken up he said.In another operation Police Station Utrasoo intercepted a tractor bearing registration number JK13E4993 at Bosan crossing carrying illegally extracted minor minerals. The vehicle was being driven by Gowhar Ahmad Shergojri of Krad the spokesperson said.Police said cognisance in the matter has been taken under law. Strict legal action will continue against those involved in illegal mining and exploitation of natural resources the police spokesperson
said. 2213732 May 16, 2026 Natrang celebrates 44th Foundation Day Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Theatre group Natrang here today celebrated its 44th Foundation Day by organising a mega cultural extravaganza honouring the stalwarts whose dedication and artistic brilliance transformed Natrang into a globally acknowledged cultural institution.The chief guest on this occasion was Dr. Devansh Yadav JMC Commissioner.Those who were honoured on the occasion were Arvind Anand Sanjeev Luthra Suraj Singh Vijay Bhat Neeraj Kant Anil Tickoo Sanjeev Gupta Pankaj Sharma Rakesh Kumar Subash Jamwal Vikrant Sharma Sumeet Sharma Chander Shekhar Suraj Ganjoo Mohd. Yaseen Rahul Singh Pawan Verma Sunny Mujoo Palshin Dutta Meenakshi Bhagat Mahikshit Singh Shivam Singh Kananpreet Kaur Kushal Bhat Sanket Vishal Sharma Aadesh Dhar Mitali Sarmal Mihir Gujral Sheetal Sen Gopi Sharma Brijesh Avatar Sharma and Soujanya ShekharThe celebrations commenced with a welcome address by the founder of Natrang Padma Shri Balwant Thakur who took the audience through the extraordinary and eventful 43year journey of the institution.He
stated that had Natrang not existed Dogri theatre would never have attained international recognition.Thakur shared that over 7600 events and participation in more than 385 national and international theatre and cultural festivals have established Natrang as one of Indias most vibrant cultural institutions.He also expressed gratitude to his wife Deepika Thakur and daughters Aarushi and Gauri for their unwavering support in strengthening his artistic mission and vision.The institution has earned numerous national and international honours like Padma Shri Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Sanskriti Award National Fellowships and International Fellowships awarded to Balwant Thakur and several others from Natrang.Sharing his future vision Thakur revealed that Natrang dreams of establishing Jammu as an international destination for theatre and performing arts. 2213733 May 16, 2026 NSUI protests over NEET paper leaks, demands dissolution of NTA Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 National Students Union of India (NSUI) Jammu Kashmir unit today staged a strong protest against the recurring NEET paper leaks.The protestors assembled near the Jammu University main gate and marched through key areas holding placards and raising voices against what they termed institutional failure and betrayal of student aspirations.CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEOThe protestors raised slogans demanding the immediate dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the resignation of the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for failing to safeguard the sanctity of the countrys premier medical entrance examination. They also torched an effigy of the Education Minister.NSUI State President Ajay Lakhotra led the demonstration and sharply criticized the Central Government for its apathetic attitude towards student concerns. 70 examination papers have been leaked so far yet there is no concrete action from the Government. This has become a recurring pattern now. The NTA has lost all credibility
and must be dissolved immediately Lakhotra said.He further highlighted the emotional and academic trauma faced by aspirants and their families. NEET is not merely an examination it is the cherished dream of lakhs of students and their families who aspire to serve the nation as doctors. This Governments casual approach is allowing scammers and mafia elements to play with the dreams and emotions of our youth. The future of meritorious students is being ruined due to systemic failures and leaks he added.The NSUI leader warned that if immediate steps are not taken the student community will intensify its agitation across Jammu and Kashmir. He demanded a timebound transparent investigation into all leaks stringent punishment for those involved and a complete overhaul of the examination system to restore students faith.Prominent among those who joined the protest were Jai Sidh Bhalla Adnan Ali Choudhary Sparsh Kumar Kulvir Rajput Rishi and several other NSUI activists and student leaders. 2213792 May 16, 2026 Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha Return to Delhi after Historic 15-Day Exposition in Ladakh Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentLEH May 15 Amid chants of prayers fluttering khataks and folded hands raised in reverence the Holy Relics of the Tathagata Buddha departed from Ladakh on Friday after a spiritually significant 15day sacred exposition that drew thousands of devotees from across the Himalayan region.From the Dharma Centre at Choglamsar to the Technical Airport in Leh the farewell procession unfolded in an atmosphere of deep devotion and emotion.Hundreds of monks nuns and lay devotees lined the roads carrying incense sticks and ceremonial khataks many offering silent prayers as the sacred relics made their final journey through the town. Elderly devotees stood shoulder to shoulder with young children hoping for one last glimpse of the relics that many described as a onceinalifetime blessing for Ladakh.&nbspAt the airport the Holy Relics were accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour before their departure to Delhi. The ceremony was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena along with
His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche International Buddhist Confederation Secretary General Ven. Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena and Administrative Secretary Tourism &amp Culture UT Ladakh Shri Sanjit Rodrigues.Several prominent religious political and social leaders were also present including President of the Ladakh Gonpa Association Ven. Dorje Stanzin President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association Chering Dorjey Lakruk former Members of Parliament Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal former CEC LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson besides representatives of various religious cultural and social organisations.&nbspOver the past fifteen days the exposition transformed the different venues into a spiritual confluence where devotees from different faiths and regions gathered in prayer reflection and collective reverence. Monlam prayers ceremonial offerings and continuous streams of pilgrims marked the historic event which many believe will remain etched in Ladakhs collective memory for years to
come.&nbspAs the relics finally departed Ladakh chants continued to echo softly in the morning air not merely as a farewell but as an expression of gratitude for what devotees called a rare and sacred moment in Ladakhs spiritual history.&nbsp 2213791 May 16, 2026 LG VK Saxena operationalises Igoo–Phey Irrigation Canal in Leh Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentLEH May 15 The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena today formally released water in the historic IgooPhey Irrigation Canal at Martselang in Leh marking the commencement of the irrigation season for 2026.The canal which was heavily silted and in a dilapidated state has been restored desilted and cleaned in a record time of just 20 days since the Lieutenant Governor visited the canal on April 25. The Lieutenant Governor had then directed the officials to repair and clean the canal by May 15 so that it could be made operational.Construction of the canal was initiated in 1979 and completed in 2005. It had been lying in shambles since then thereby defeating the purpose of the project.Operationalisation of the 43km canal also reaffirms the UT Administrations commitment towards strengthening irrigation infrastructure ensuring water security and enhancing agricultural productivity in Ladakh.In the next 60 hours when the water reaches the other end of the Canal it will irrigate 4334
hectares of land in villages en route.Calling it a good beginning Lieutenant Governor Saxena stated that the release of water in the canal would benefit farmers and villages dependent on irrigation and contribute significantly towards agricultural prosperity in the region.On the occasion the Lieutenant Governor lauded the officials of the PHEI&ampFC Department for successfully restoring the canal and making it operational within the deadline set by him during his earlier visit to the site on April 25.The Lieutenant Governor had directed the officials to complete the necessary works in time so that water could be released by May 15.Saxena also directed for constructing additional distributary channels to ensure wider outreach and equitable distribution of water to more villages and agricultural lands.He said agriculture scientists will be invited to work with local farmers in the region and help them experiment with crop varieties that are suited to Ladakhs climate to increase farmers income through diversified agricultural
practices.The Lieutenant Governor also announced that the defunct Stakna Canal would soon be revived and informed that directions had already been passed to the concerned department to initiate work at the earliest. 2213813 May 16, 2026 Power shutdown Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL Jammu has informed that the power supply to Upper Barnai Lower Muthi Paloura JK Colony Chandan Vihar Muthi Metador Stand PHE Roop Nagar MES Rajouri Lines Patoli BSF Paloura Talab Tillo Hazuri Bagh Anand Vihar Udheywala New Udheywala and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 16 from 11 am to 2 pm.Similarly the power supply to Dogra Hall Rehari Resham Ghar Bus Stand Jewel Hari Market Raghunath Bazar Kaleeth Mohalla Kanak Mandi Manda New Plot Sarwal Part of Karan Nagar and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 16 from 8 am to 4 pm.Likewise the power supply to Pouni Shiv Khori Dadua Bharkh Ransoo Talwara and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 16 from 8 am to 3 pm.Similarly the power supply to Bantalab Nardani Bhalwal Thathar Swarn Vihar Radio Station CRPF Pooja Colony Bhalwal Kangan More Kot Bhalwal and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 16 from 7 am to 12 noon.Likewise the power supply to Birpur Complex Sainik Colony Greater Kailash
Kaluchak Jallo Chak Apna Vihar Chowadhi and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 16 from 7 am to 2 pm.Similarly the power supply to Sainik Colony Chowadhi Birpur Data Talab Ratnuchak MES Kaluchak and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 16 from 7 am to 11 am.Likewise the power supply to Chakroi Pindi Flora BOP Kirpind and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 16 from 8 am to 1 pm.Meanwhile Superintending Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL O&ampM Circle Kathua has informed that the power supply to Rajpura Lala Chack BSF2nd and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 16 and 18 from 7 am to 12 noon.Similarly the power supply to Rahya and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 16 from 7 am to 12 noon.Likewise the power supply to Industry and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 19 from 7 am to 12 noon.Similarly the power supply to Industry and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 16 and 18 from 7 am to 12 noon.Meanwhile Executive Engineer Electric DivisionI JPDCL Parade Jammu has informed that the
power supply to Patel Bazar Mandir Right Link Road Dhakki Siraja Near Central Basic School Peer Mitha Gali Pada Mandir Wali Gali Fattu Chougan Dhakki Malhotra Gali Jain Bazar Khilone Wali Gali and Afgan Mohalla will remain affected from May 16 to 30 from 6 am to 1 pm (As and when required) except May 27 and 28 on the auspicious occasion of EidulAzha. 2213802 May 16, 2026 Comm Secy Planning visits Bobiya, reviews Vibrant Village Programme-II in border villages Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentKATHUA MAY 15 Commissioner Secretary Information Planning Development &amp Monitoring Department R. Alice Vaz who has been assigned the twin border villages of Bobiya and Gajnal under Vibrant Village ProgrammeII (VVPII) today visited Bobiya village and convened a public outreach programme to interact with the stakeholders and get a firsthand appraisal of the developmental needs and aspirations of these border villages.Speaking on the occasion the Commissioner Secretary said that the objective of the Vibrant Villages Programme is to ensure holistic and sustainable development of border villages.She said the programme aims to bridge the development gaps by strengthening the infrastructure and identifying critical gaps in sectors such as connectivity health education livelihoods and digital access.Commissioner Secretary emphasized that convergence and saturation of ongoing Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and UTState Sponsored Schemes is an equally important aspect of the programme and appealed to the local
residents to extend full cooperation to the district administration for smooth execution of the planned works.She also laid special focus on saturation of individual beneficiary schemes and called for ensuring effective convergence of Centrally Sponsored and State Sponsored Schemes with special emphasis on HADP and Mission YUVA for maximizing benefits to the people.Earlier former PRI members of village Bobiya appreciated the district administration for conducting an inclusive and participatory planning exercise while formulating the development plan for the villages.Earlier Sub Divisional Magistrate Hiranagar Phulail Singh presented the border profile of Hiranagar Sub Division and highlighted the strategic significance of the villages situated near the International Border. 2213803 May 16, 2026 DC inaugurates 3-day Historical Annual Shiv Parvati Mela at Sar Dabbar- Moungri Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentUDHAMPUR MAY 15 The threeday historical Annual Shiv Parvati Mela commenced today at Sar Dabbar in Block Moungri of Udhampur district with traditional religious fervour and enthusiasm.The mela was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa in the presence of Senior Superintendent of Police Amrit Pal Singh local Tehsildar Arushi Sabharwal District Officers and a large gathering of local residents and devotees.A large number of pilgrims and visitors thronged Sar Dabbar on the first day of the mela. Devotees visited the revered ShivParvati Cave Shrine to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.Addressing the gathering the Deputy Commissioner congratulated the mela committee for organizing the grand annual event.He observed that such traditional melas play a significant role in promoting communal harmony and strengthening the spirit of unity by bringing together people from different religions communities and regions on a common platform.The DC also appreciated the enthusiastic participation of
local students in cultural and sports activities and extended his best wishes for their future endeavours.He further sensitized the participants about the upcoming Census exercise and appealed to the public to actively support the ongoing 100 Days Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan campaign aimed at eradicating drug abuse from society.The devotees and visitors from Bhomag Panchari Udhampur Chenani and Ramnagar areas of Udhampur district besides Reasi Ramban and Jammu districts converge at the shrine every year to celebrate the mela and pay obeisance at the naturally formed ShivParvati Cave Shrine.Adding colour and vibrancy to the celebrations artists from the Information Department local performers and students from different educational institutions presented scintillating cultural performances on the inaugural day which were highly appreciated by the audience. 2213804 May 16, 2026 Secretary RD&PR calls for strict enforcement of SC directions on SWM Rules, 2026 Daily Excelsior State Jammu May 15 Secretary Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj Mohammad Aijaz Asad today chaired a highlevel review meeting to assess implementation of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules 2026 and directed all districts and field officers to ensure strict and timebound compliance with Supreme Court directions on solid waste management.The meeting was attended by Director General Rural Sanitation Anoo Malhotra Director Finance Umar Khan Superintending Engineers REW Deputy Directors Rural Sanitation Assistant Commissioners Panchayat and other concerned officers.The Secretary emphasized that the Supreme Court through its various orders especially dated February 19 April 29 and May 5 2026 has issued comprehensive directions to States UTs District Collectors and Pollution Control Boards for effective implementation of the SWM Rules 2026.He directed all districts to submit comprehensive plans for doortodoor waste collection across rural areas and submit the same within given timelines for strengthening waste collection
systems.Aijaz Asad stressed constitution of Village and BlockSanitation Committees under overall supervision of District Sanitation Committees(headed by DCs) wherever pending to improve coordination monitoring and implementation of sanitation initiatives.He also directed wide dissemination of the SWM Rules 2026 including translation into regional languages and called for awareness workshops at UT district and blockpanchayat levels to educate communities on scientific waste management practices.The Secretary informed that UTlevel action plans had already been submitted in compliance with earlier Supreme Court directions and stressed that the focus must now shift to effective ground implementation and submission of compliance reports as per indicated timelines.&nbspHe reiterated mandatory fourstream waste segregation wet dry sanitary and special care waste across all rural local bodies without exception.&nbspThe Secretary further directed districts to identify and register all Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) operationalise
Special Cells under Deputy Commissioners for close monitoring of SWM implementation and ensure scientific management of legacy dumpsites through biomining and bioremediation.&nbspHe stressed effective use of the mWater portal for monitoring sanitation assets and directed that all assets be made fully functional within stipulated timelines. He also warned against open burning of waste stating that zerotolerance enforcement would be adopted.During the meeting Director General Rural Sanitation presented a detailed overview of the SWM Rules 2026 including roles and responsibilities of departments Panchayati Raj Institutions and implementing agencies.&nbsp&nbsp 2213706 May 16, 2026 Marsh’s powerful 90 powers LSG to 7-wicket win over CSK Daily Excelsior Sports_left LUCKNOW May 15Mitchell Marshs 38ball 90 was a stunning rhapsody of power carrying an alreadyeliminated Lucknow Super Giants to a sevenwicket win over Chennai Super Kings in an IPL match here on Friday.Once the Super Kings posted a healthy 187 for five which was built around Kartik Sharmas prudent 71 the Super Giants task was cut out on a slightly twopaced track.But Marsh who along with his Australia teammate Josh Inglis (36 31b) added 135 runs for the opening wicket to make a mockery of the pitch and even more so of some listless bowling by CSK.Chennai stayed on 12 points from as many games and now they need to win both their remaining matches and some other results to go their way to have a chance to enter the playoffs.There was some assistance to exploit on the deck particularly if you dug the ball in but the Chennai bowlers were more keen to discover from nonexistent swing while pitching the ball up.On other occasions the attempted snorters turned out to be pathetic halftrackers but Marsh was not complaining.The 34yearold gorged on
the offerings in his inimitable style.Pacer Anshul Kamboj felt the brute strength of Bison while getting pasted for four sixes in a row with a four to boot in the fifth over the chase. The over yielded 28 runs.The LSG ended the Power Play with an impressive 86 without loss and Marsh continued to drive his side.Pacer Spencer Johnson was his next target hitting him for two fours and a six as the runs flowed in thick and fast.Marsh reached his fifty off just 21 balls and reaching a landmark only fuelled his desire to score even quicker.But the smoothsailing alliance was broken when Inglis skied Mukesh Choudhary to Urvil.Marsh who looked set for a second hundred of the season departed in an unfortunate manner as Nicholas Poorans straight drive crashed onto stumps at nonstrikers end after taking a deflection from Choudharys fingers.The Super Giants seemed to be in a slight worry and also needed 24 runs off 24 balls but Pooran (32 17b) struck Kamboj for four sixes on the bounce just like Marsh did earlier as they reached home in 16.4 overs.
Kamboj ended up with disastrous figures of 2.40630.Earlier Kartik (71 42 balls) made a composed fifty after CSKs toporder stumbled against LSG bowlers hard length strategy.Kartik and Dewald Brevis (25) added 70 runs for the fourth wicket as CSK slipped out of a tight 52 for three after 7.2 overs. (PTI)Brief ScoresChennai Super Kings 187 for 5 in 20 overs (Kartik Sharma 71 Shivam Dube 32 not out Akash Singh 326).Lucknow Super Giants 188 for 3 in 16.4 overs (Mitchell Marsh 90 Mukesh Choudhary 124). 2213723 May 16, 2026 Bihar CM hands over Rs 1 cr cheque to cricketer Ishan Kishan for T20 world cup heroics Daily Excelsior sports news PATNA May 15Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday handed over a cheque of Rs 1 crore to cricketer Ishan Kishan for his contribution in winning the 2026 T20 World Cup.Kishan who has his roots in Nawada district of the state and had spent his early childhood in Patna called on the chief minister at his office.The 27yearold wicketkeeper batsman received a warm welcome from Choudhary who placed a stole around Kishans neck and presented him with a memento before handing over the cheque.Member of the Indian cricket team which won the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 the brilliant batsman the son of Bihar Shri @ishankishan51 Ji was honoured by the state government with a cash prize of Rs 1 crore for his crucial contribution in winning the World Cup Choudhary said in a post on X.Top officials including Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit and close relatives of Kishan were also present on the occasion. (PTI) 2213649 May 16, 2026 Strait of Hormuz was open for navigation until Feb 28 when Iran faced aggression, says Lavrov Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 15 The Strait of Hormuz was open for safe navigation until February 28 when the US and Israel launched an aggression against Iran Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said here on Friday.Interacting with reporters here he made the comments in Russian which were translated into English by an interpreter.The minister was asked about the choking of the Strait of Hormuz and reports suggesting attempts by the US to get China to do something to help reopen the critical sea lane. Moscow is not aware of it he responded.The Strait of Hormuz was not blocked and was open for safe navigation until February 28 when for the second time in six months the US and Israel launched an aggression against Iran Lavrov said.He emphasised that there was a need to deblock energy supplies via Strait of Hormuz.The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The West Asia conflict has impacted the global economy and energy supply chains triggering an energy crisis.Iran shut down the key strait
bordering its southwest following the launch of the USIsraeli attacks on February 28.Lavrov was also asked about Pakistan seeking a role as a mediator to resolve the West Asia crisis.He suggested that India could play a mediating role in normalising ties between Iran and the Arab states.Lavrov who is on a visit to India on Thursday attended the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting under Indias chairship of the bloc. (PTI) 2213463 May 16, 2026 US energy official briefs nuclear industry delegation ahead of India visit Daily Excelsior International WASHINGTON May 15 US Energy Secretary Chris Wright briefed a delegation of senior executives from the American nuclear industry scheduled to visit India next week to explore areas of cooperation after New Delhi opened up the tightlycontrolled sector for private players.A 20member US executive nuclear industry delegation will interact with government officials and private sector leaders keen to explore opportunities in the civil nuclear sector available since the enactment of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) law in December last year.The SHANTI Act replaced the Atomic Energy Act of 1964 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CNLD) Act of 2010. The CNLD Act had tougher liability provisions on nuclear suppliers which global companies found to be an impediment to exploring the Indian market.The US nuclear industry delegation is travelling to India as part of an initiative by the USIndia Strategic Partnership Forum and the Nuclear Energy Institute.USISPF and the Nuclear
Energy Institute (@NEI) were honoured to welcome the US Secretary of Energy @SecretaryWright for a briefing with members of the US Executive Nuclear Industry Delegation ahead of their visit to India the USISPF said in a post on X on Friday.The US industry delegation is expected to explore joint project opportunities with the Indian private sector in civil nuclear energy.After the IndiaUS civil nuclear agreement was signed in 2008 two sites Chhayamithi Virdi in Gujarat and Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh were allotted to US companies to establish 1000 MW nuclear power plants.India and the US are also exploring cooperation in small modular reactors (SMRs) which are billed as the future of nuclear power due to ease of deployment particularly by repurposing sites of coalbased power plants.Legislations like the SHANTI Act and EO14299 have led to a revival of dialogue on nuclear energy in both India and the US. We can expect more opportunities for private companies from the two countries to collaborate in this sector said Abhik Sengupta a
programme officer with a Washingtonbased industry body.The US is also taking steps to fasten SMR deployment and explore recycling and reprocessing of spent fuel. The US has not reprocessed or recycled nuclear fuel since 1970.In India private sector players such as Tata Consulting Engineers Adani Group Larsen and Toubro among others have evinced interest in the civil nuclear sector.Indias public sector undertaking National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has established a joint venture with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to build at least six power plants at Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan and Chutka in Madhya Pradesh.India has set a target of producing 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 a significant rise from the present installed capacity of nearly 9 GW. (PTI) 2213650 May 16, 2026 Uniform laws, procedures needed across globe in fight against narcotics: Amit Shah Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 15 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday called for uniform laws and processes across the globe for drug trafficking extradition of drug kingpins and sharing of intelligence.Addressing the R N Kao Memorial Lecture2026 organised by the Research and Analysis Wing (R&ampAW) Shah said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India has set a goal to achieve a DrugFree India by 2047.The lecture is held in the memory of R&ampAW founder Rameshwar Nath Kao.In his address on Narcotics A Borderless Threat A Collective Responsibility Shah said Indian security agencies had prepared a roadmap to eradicate drug syndicates.At the event held in the agencys headquarters attended by ambassadors high commissioners and diplomats from more than 40 countries Shah said there was still time for all responsible nations to work together to defeat the threat of drugs.If joint efforts were not initiated now after ten years the world would realise that it was too late to reverse the harm it had caused he cautioned.The world
must simultaneously fight both narco networks and narcoterror states. In this fight the world will have to adopt uniform laws for a common definition of prohibited substances standardised punishments for drug trafficking extradition of drug kingpins and intelligence sharing he said.The home minister said that unless there is a high degree of global alignment on what is designated as controlled substances as well as common standard penalties for drug trafficking cartels would continue to take advantage of the inconsistencies in policy weakening the fight.Underscoring the need for international cooperation Shah said sharing realtime intelligence to interdict narcotics consignments and detain and deport drug kingpins was extremely important.He stressed the need for a consensus on the fact that the war on drugs is critical for national security public health and preventing NarcoStates from becoming alternative power centres.He urged the ambassadors and diplomats in attendance to join Indias efforts in the war against drugs.Shah said under
Indias policy of zero tolerance towards drugs the country would ensure that not one gram of narcotics is allowed to enter the country or leave it using India as a transit route.Shah emphasised that drug trafficking is not just a law and order subject to be handled by the police or the antinarcotics agencies but an issue with a longlasting impact on society and future generations.The minister said that while there was awareness about drug money being funnelled to fund terrorists and criminal networks and fuelling a parallel economy what largely goes unnoticed is the permanent damage drug abuse causes to the human body.Shah said that in the last two years India was successful in bringing back more than 40 transnational criminals to India with the support of friendly countries. Yet much more needs to be done he added.He said that the world with a population of eight billion people 195 nations and 250000 kilometres of international borders cannot tackle the problem of drugs through fragmented approaches.The war against drugs must rise
above geopolitical differences and should be fought with collective resolve intelligence sharing coordinated action and crossborder operations he said.The event was attended by Kaos family former secretaries of R&ampAW diplomats and officials from the Indian security apparatus. (PTI) 2213707 May 16, 2026 Inconsistent KKR fight to stay alive as GT eye top-two finish Daily Excelsior sports news KOLKATA May 15Back home after nearly a month on the road and with their campaign hanging by a thread Kolkata Knight Riders will look to stay alive in the IPL when they face a rampaging Gujarat Titans side chasing a toptwo finish here on Saturday.It has been another inconsistent and underwhelming season for KKR under veteran Ajinkya Rahane whose appointment as captain itself had raised questions after the franchise finished a disappointing eighth under him last year.KKR had to wait till their seventh match (halfway stage) of the season to register their first win and have looked far from a settled side throughout the campaign with questionable team selections and battingorder hurting their rhythm.Their brief revival which brought four consecutive wins starting with the victory over Rajasthan Royals in their last home match on April 19 ended with a defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru after sloppy fielding and a batting masterclass by Virat Kohli.KKR now have three matches remaining and can reach a maximum of 15 points if they win all
of them but even that may not guarantee a playoff berth as qualification would then depend on other results.Another defeat however would virtually end their campaign and could also intensify scrutiny on Rahanes future with the franchise.Their fourmatch winning run was built largely around the return to form of spin twins Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy along with consistent contributions from vicecaptain Rinku Singh.But Chakravarthys absence against RCB because of a fractured left leg proved costly.There is some relief for KKR though with head coach Abhishek Nayar hinting at the spinners return.Were always excited to go back (home). We have our fans there and were looking to make sure when Varun comes back in the next game we get our strong bowling side back together and use home conditions to our advantage Nayar had said after the sixwicket defeat to RCB.KKRs batting has lacked consistency all season and even former captain Sourav Ganguly publicly questioned the team managements handling of Rinku saying at an event that the
lefthander bats too low.Youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been one of the few bright spots with 340 runs including four fifties at a strike rate of 139.44 while Rinku has scored 286 runs at 148.95 with two halfcenturies.The duo will have key roles to play in KKRs remaining home fixtures against Gujarat Titans Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. (PTI)SquadsKolkata Knight Riders Ajinkya Rahane (c) Rinku Singh Angkrish Raghuvanshi Manish Pandey Rovman Powell Rahul Tripathi Finn Allen Tejasvi Singh Tim Seifert Sunil Narine Anukul Roy Ramandeep Singh Cameron Green Sarthak Ranjan Daksh Kamra Rachin Ravindra Navdeep Saini Vaibhav Arora Umran Malik Matheesha Pathirana Kartik Tyagi Akash Deep Varun Chakaravarthy and Prashant Solanki.Gujarat Titans Shubman Gill (c) Anuj Rawat Arshad Khan Ashok Sharma Jos Buttler Connor Esterhuizen Gurnoor Brar Jason Holder Kulwant Khejroliya Kumar Kushagra Mohammed Siraj Glenn Phillips Prasidh Krishna Kagiso Rabada Rashid Khan Sai Kishore Sai Sudharsan Shahrukh Khan Ishant Sharma Nishant Sindhu Manav Suthar
Rahul Tewatia Washington Sundar Luke Wood and Jayant Yadav. 2213466 May 16, 2026 US: Indian-origin founder of outlaw biker gang 'Punjabi Devils' sentenced for gun trafficking Daily Excelsior International NEW YORK May 15 A 27yearold Indianorigin man who founded an outlaw motorcycle gang called Punjabi Devils has been sentenced to over five years in prison on charges of unlawful dealing of firearms and possession of a machine gun.Jashanpreet Singh of Lodi California was sentenced Monday by US District Judge Dale Drozd to five years and four months in prison for unlawful dealing of firearms and unlawful possession of a machine gun US Attorney Eric Grant said Thursday.According to court documents Singh was the founder of the Punjabi Devils Motorcycle Club a Stocktonbased outlaw motorcycle gang associated with the Hells Angels a Californiabased global outlaw motorcycle club.In June last year Singh attempted to sell several weapons to an undercover officer including a shortbarrelled rifle three assault weapons three machine gun conversion devices and a revolver. A search of Singhs residence resulted in the discovery of additional firearms including a machine gun another machine gun conversion device and a silencer.Officers also discovered a
single pineapplestyle capped and fused hand grenade as well as what law enforcement believed was a military electroniccapped claymore mine. The explosives ordinance detail of the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Department bomb team destroyed these items at the scene.Initially Singh faced state charges in San Joaquin County related to these offences. In July 2025 he failed to appear in court and the state court issued a bench warrant for his arrest.Later that month the FBI received an alert from the US Customs and Border Protection that Singh had booked a ticket to India and was scheduled to depart from the San Francisco International Airport on July 26 2025 when officers located and arrested Singh at the airport before he could flee.Singh remains in federal custody. (PTI) 2213711 May 16, 2026 DYSS holds district-level girls competitions at Udhampur Daily Excelsior sports news Excelsior Sports CorrespondentUDHAMPUR May 15 The Directorate of Department of Youth Services and Sports Jammu and Kashmir Udhampur today conducted District Level InterSchool Competitions for Girls in the disciplines of Fencing Netball Shooting Basketball and Cycling for the academic session 202627.The competitions were organized under the patronage of DGYSS Anuradha Gupta and under the supervision of the Incharge District Youth Services and Sports Officer Udhampur. A total of 139 girl participants from various Government and private educational institutions of the district participated enthusiastically displaying talent discipline and sportsmanship.Addressing the participants the Incharge DYSSO Udhampur encouraged students to actively participate in sports and cocurricular activities for physical and mental wellbeing. He also urged young athletes to stay away from drugs and support the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Social activist and motivational speaker Vimal Sharma also interacted with the participants and motivated them to adopt a
healthy lifestyle.The event was attended by Jaswinder Singh Nisha Kumari Vikas Sharma Jatin Sethi Karun Magotra Sanjeev Khajuria and Meenakshi. Technical officials included Naveen Kumar Raj Kumar Manik Nargotra Rakesh Modi Ramesh Kumar Jagdish Sharma Ajay Sharma Mukh Raj Jajju Kuldeep Sharma Sanjay Sharma and Sunil Dutt Khajuria.In Shooting U14 Girls Vartika Sharma secured first place followed by Aayra Singh and Alisha Mahajan all from APS Udhampur. In U17 Aaradhya Rastogi stood first while Angel Rana and Tejaswi Thakur secured second and third positions respectively.In Fencing competitions Mayra of DPS Udhampur Devika of DPS Udhampur Aadiya of APS Udhampur Bhavleen Kour of APS Udhampur Ashwathie of APS Udhampur and Shranya of DPS Udhampur secured top positions in different categories. Trials for Basketball in U14 and U17 categories were also conducted at Subash Stadium Udhampur. 2213651 May 16, 2026 Rajnath Singh, Naidu offer prayers at Prasanthi Nilayam in Sri Sathya Sai district Daily Excelsior National PUTTAPARTHI (Andhra Pradesh) May 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and others visited Prasanthi Nilayam here on Friday and offered prayers to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.Earlier Singh and Naidu laid the foundation stone for the Rs 16000 crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure facility at Puttaparthi before proceeding to Prasanthi Nilayam.Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh also accompanied them during the visit to the spiritual centre.According to a press release from the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust Singh Naidu and other leaders offered prayers at Prasanthi Nilayam.Following the darshan the trustees held cordial interactions with Singh and Naidu sharing details of the humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the trust in healthcare education rural welfare and spirituality inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Babas message of selfless love and service to humanity. (PTI) 2213464 May 16, 2026 Xi will have state visit to US this fall, says Chinese foreign minister Daily Excelsior International BEIJING May 15 Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a state visit to the US this fall Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday.US President Donald Trump extended a September 24 invitation to Xi and his wife during his reciprocal toast at a banquet Thursday.According to a readout about Wangs briefing to media outlets on the summit Wang said Trump and Xi agreed to keep close contact through meetings phone calls and letters the Chinese official news agency Xinhua reported.Wang said both slides should work together to make thorough preparations for the leaders interactions and create an appropriate atmosphere to accumulate more results. (AP) 2213709 May 16, 2026 J&K Sub Jr Roll Ball team flagged off for North Zone C’ship Daily Excelsior sports news Excelsior Sports CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 The Jammu and Kashmir Sub Junior Roll Ball Team has been flagged off to participate in the 3rd North Zone Roll Ball Championship scheduled to be held in Shimla from May 15 to 17.The 30member contingent comprising both boys and girls teams will represent the Union Territory at the regional sporting event showcasing their skills and competitive spirit at the national level.The team is being led by chief coach Ashraf Dijoo. The flagoff ceremony witnessed enthusiasm among players parents and officials who expressed gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and the Roll Ball Association of Jammu and Kashmir for their continuous support in promoting emerging sports talent across the region. Officials highlighted that such initiatives are instrumental in providing young athletes with opportunities to gain exposure at higher levels of competition and build their sporting careers.The Girls team is led by Captain Meera Verma and includes players Khevna Gupta Ashwika Srivastava Arshita Singh
Harshita Saini Dhwani Nanda Aarna Verma Zunaira Shah Uswa Zahroor Aisha Wani and Anayah Ali Haji. The team is supported by Coach Rimpu Sharma and Manager Shruti Srivastava.The Boys team is captained by Divaynsh Kandroo and features players Vivaan Sharma Shivansh Khajuria Mohd Iltifat Yuvan Gandotra Astitva Choudhary Gurusis Singh Ansh Srikul Mohd Ayaan Armaan Tahri Asrar Rather and Sheikh Ahamad Sajad. The squad is guided by Coach Sameer Gupta Manager Jasbir Saini and Technical Head Manvijay Singh Slathia. The contingent is expected to deliver strong performances in the championship reflecting the growing standard of Roll Ball in Jammu and Kashmir. 2213465 May 16, 2026 Pak PM welcomes growing business ties with China Daily Excelsior International ISLAMABAD May 15 Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday welcomed the growing businesstobusiness cooperation with China during a meeting with a business delegation from the country.The Chinese delegation was led by Qian Xiaojun founder and president of IBI Beijing United Technology a major Chinese industrial ecommerce and digital technology company.Sharif also praised President Xi Jinpings leadership and said he was looking forward to visiting China later this month.According to a statement from Sharifs Office the 11member delegation called on Sharif in Islamabad and discussed plans to expand digital economy cooperation and industrial collaboration between the two countries.Welcoming the delegation Sharif said Pakistan and China shared historic ties and remained allweather strategic cooperative partners.The prime minister appreciated IBI Groups decision to establish its Digital Economy Headquarters in Pakistan and expressed satisfaction over the expanding business cooperation between Chinese and Pakistani companies.He said
it was encouraging that IBI planned to promote cooperation in the digital economy investment facilitation and industrial collaboration.Qian said IBI hoped to help build the digital backbone needed for Pakistans economic transformation and added that the proposed Digital Economy Headquarters would serve as a command centre for that transformation.It would create opportunities for Pakistani small and mediumsized enterprises by helping connect them to the Chinese market said Qian. (PTI) 2213712 May 16, 2026 Sakshi’s weight change does the trick, seals CWG, Asian Games berth Daily Excelsior sports news PATIALA May 15For three days at the selection trials in Patiala Sakshi Chaudhary boxed like someone with nothing left to lose.The 25yearold from the famed Bhiwani Boxing Club walked into the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games selection trials carrying the weight of rejection disappointment and selfdoubt.She walked out having defeated two world champions in successive bouts to seal her maiden berth for both multisport events in the fiercelycompetitive 51kg category.My mindset was simple I just had to get the quota somehow. It was do or die for me Sakshi told PTI after completing her remarkable run.Not long ago her career seemed to be drifting away from the spotlight.Last year Sakshi was knocked out in the round of 16 by Paris Olympic silver medallist Hatice Akbas at the World Championships. That disappointment was followed by an underwhelming National Championships campaign where she failed to even reach the podium.Then came another crushing blow.Ranked third in the federations assessment process Sakshi missed selection for the Asian
Championships in the 54kg category. Preeti Pawar went to the continental event struck gold and secured her berth for the CWG and Asian Games.Desperate to compete at the two multisport events later this year Sakshi made an inspired decision to drop down to 51kg a category that has become synonymous with twotime world champion Nikhat Zareen.It was very important for me to go to the CWG and Asian Games. I have been training since 2012 with full discipline and dedication. So I wanted it desperately she said.The move was risky. Cutting weight is never easy for boxers particularly in a category where speed and endurance define margins between victory and defeat.The transition demanded immense sacrifice.Sakshi had already endured years of frustration after an injury in 2022 forced her out of national camp contention and denied her a shot at the previous Commonwealth and Asian Games trials.A twotime youth and junior world champion she suddenly found herself battling simply to stay relevant.It was a very challenging time. So I had to bounce
back. I was very hungry...that this time I have to win the quota. (PTI) 2213467 May 16, 2026 FBI offers USD 200,000 reward to catch ex-Air Force specialist wanted on espionage charges in Iran Daily Excelsior International WASHINGTON May 15 The FBI is offering a USD 200000 reward for information leading to capture and prosecution of a former US Air Force counterintelligence specialist who defected to Iran in 2013 and was later charged with revealing classified information to the Tehran government.Monica Elfriede Witt who is in her 40s was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2019 on charges of espionage including transmitting national defence information to the government of Iran. She remains at large.Witt allegedly betrayed her oath to the Constitution more than a decade ago by defecting to Iran and providing the Iranian regime National Defence Information and likely continues to support their nefarious activities Daniel Wierzbicki special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Offices Counterintelligence and Cyber Division said in a news release Wednesday.The FBI has not forgotten and believes that during this critical moment in Irans history there is someone who knows something about her whereabouts.It wasnt immediately known why the
FBI was bringing attention to Witts case. The United States and Iran have been at war since February 28.Witt served in the Air Force between 1997 and 2008 where she was trained in the Farsi language and was deployed overseas on classified counterintelligence missions including to the Middle East. She later found work as a Defense Department contractor.The Texas native defected to Iran in 2013 after being invited to two allexpensepaid conferences in the country that the Justice Department says promoted antiWestern propaganda and condemned American moral standards.Before that Witt had been warned by the FBI about her activities but told agents that she would not provide sensitive information about her work if she returned to Iran prosecutors said.According to the indictment Witt placed at risk sensitive and classified US national defense information and programs the news release said.Witt allegedly intentionally provided information endangering US personnel and their families stationed abroad. She also allegedly conducted research on
behalf of the Iranian regime to allow them to target her former colleagues in the US government it said. (AP) 2213754 May 16, 2026 Indian women dominate at Wushu World Cup Daily Excelsior sports news MACAU May 15The Indian wushu team delivered a commanding performance at the 11th Sanda World Cup winning two gold one silver and two bronze medals.The women athletes in particular put up a stellar display by securing both gold medals from the sixmember contingent underlining the positive impact of the Asmita Khelo India Womens League.In the womens 75kg category Border Security Force athlete Shivani defeated her Russian opponent to clinch the gold medal with an impressive display of skill and determination.Aparna also produced a brilliant performance in the 52kg category to secure Indias second gold medal.Both athletes had earlier won silver medals at the World Wushu Championships in Brazil but this time they showed remarkable improvement by converting their previous silvermedal finishes into gold at the Sanda World Cup. (PTI) 2213652 May 16, 2026 NEET aspirant hangs self in Delhi; family suspects cancellation of exam to be trigger Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 15 A 20yearold NEET aspirant who had been preparing for the medical entrance test for the past few years died after allegedly hanging herself at her residence in northwest Delhis Azadpur police said on Friday.Although no suicide note was found at the spot the deceaseds family members suspect that she took the extreme step due to the cancellation of the national entrance test a senior police officer said.They also took the body to a crematorium without informing the authorities claiming that they were unaware of the legal formalities in such cases the officer said.The victim was a NEET aspirant. We are probing as to why she took the extreme step. No suicide note has been found during the investigation the officer said.On Tuesday the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET held on May 3 amid allegations of paper leak leaving about 23 lakh students in the lurch.A reexamination has been scheduled for June 21.A PCR call was received at the Adarsh Nagar police
station on Thursday evening informing that a womans body was brought to the Kewal Park Shamshan Ghat for cremation without police intimation.A police team rushed to the crematorium and found that the deceased was a resident of Lal Bagh in Azadpur the officer said adding that the body has been sent to the Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial for an autopsy.A forensic team has visited the womans residence to inspect the scene and collect evidence he added.Rinku Sharma a priest at the crematorium told reporters The family members approached us for the cremation of a young woman on Thursday evening. When I asked them the cause of death they said she had been unwell for the past few days and had died during treatment.When I asked for the deceaseds Aadhaar card and hospital records they showed the Aadhaar card but could not furnish any medical documents raising suspicion.When I checked the body I noticed a mark around the neck that appeared suspicious. Sensing that something was wrong I informed the police Sharma said.A maternal uncle of the deceased
claimed that the woman had been under stress following the cancellation of the NEET UG 2026.She was a bright student and had been preparing for NEET for the past few years. Her parents had told me that she was disturbed after the test was cancelled on Tuesday. She was alone at home at the time of the incident as her parents had gone out for work he told reporters outside the mortuary.We suspect that the abrupt decision to cancel the NEET may have driven her to take the extreme step he added.He also said that the deceased dreamt of becoming a doctor and her parents ensured that she got every possible help for her studies.She had expressed her desire to join the medical profession when she was in Class 5 and started her preparations after reaching Class 8 he said.She was very sincere. Whenever she faced difficulties in any subject she would contact her teachers to clear her doubts. She spent most of her time studying and was fully focused on achieving her goal he added. (PTI) 2213755 May 16, 2026 Sindhu, Lakshya out, Satwik-Chirag pair marches on in Thailand Open Daily Excelsior sports news BANGKOK May 15Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu squandered a onegame advantage to go down fighting to top seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the quarterfinals but the ace mens doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty entered the semifinal of the Thailand Open here on Friday.Sindhu lost by 2119 1821 1521 to world number three Yamaguchi in the womens singles quarterfinal match that lasted just over one hour in the USD 500000 Super 500 tournament.Despite the loss world number 12 Sindhu leads the headtohead record against Yamaguchi 1513. In the Malaysia Open Super 1000 tournament in January Sindhu had prevailed after Yamaguchi retired from their quarterfinal game due to an injury.Lakshya Sen too lost his mens singles quarterfinal match to second seedKunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand going down 1921 1621 in 53 minutes.However there was some positive news in the doubles event as top seeds Satwiksairaj and Chirag advanced to the semifinals with a commanding 2112 2113 victory over the sixthseeded Japanese pair of Takumi Nomura and
Yuichi Shimogami.The Indian duo will next face the thirdseeded Malaysian pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin.Earlier Sindhus match was a tightly contested affair with both players locked at 1111 before Yamaguchi edged ahead 1311. Sindhu however fought back to level the score and after the pair were tied again at 1919 she held her nerve to win the next two points and clinch the opening game.In the second game Sindhu raced to a 51 lead and initially looked set to carry the momentum forward. However she allowed her longtime rival to claw her way back and level the score at 1111. From 711 down Yamaguchi dominated proceedings winning seven consecutive points to move ahead 1411.By then the momentum had swung in Yamaguchi favour and she went on to take the game 2118. (PTI) 2213654 May 16, 2026 Redeveloped Alwar station to reflect cultural, architectural heritage of Rajasthan: Vaishnaw Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 15 Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Friday that the redevelopment work of Alwar railway station worth Rs 112 crore is progressing rapidly in accordance with the cultural and architectural heritage of Rajasthan.Viashnaw while virtually laying the foundation stone and dedicating to the nation various projects worth over Rs 400 crore in Rajasthan provided an update on the ongoing work and said that the entry facilities are being developed on both sides of the station to improve urban connectivity.Strategically located on the important DelhiJaipur route Alwar station serves as a major hub catering to thousands of passengers every day.Keeping in view the continuously rising passenger footfall the station is being upgraded with improved traffic management systems ample parking facilities organised arrival and departure areas and modern passenger amenities.The station buildings are being constructed in accordance with the cultural and architectural heritage of Rajasthan. Modern platforms foot overbridges parking
arrangements and passenger movement facilities are also being developed he said.Officials said that under the redevelopment project passengers will benefit from improved and seamless entry and exit arrangements at both the main and secondary entrances of the station.The new station complex being developed over an area of nearly 16000 square metres will showcase modern infrastructure and passengercentric facilities a press note from the Railway Ministry said.An additional highlevel platform two foot overbridges of sixmetre width and nine modern lifts are also being developed for enhanced passenger convenience it added.The railway minister said that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme three other stations in the Alwar area Govind Garh Rajgarh and Khairthal have already been completed.Redevelopment work is underway at 85 stations across Rajasthan out of which 15 stations have been completed so far.Vaishnaw said that the completed stations include Barmer Bundi Dausa Deeg Deshnok Fatehpur Shekhawati Gangapur City Gogamedi Govind Garh
Rajgarh Khairthal Jaisalmer Mandalgarh Mandawar Mahwa Road and Somesar.Across the nation 1340 stations have been identified for development under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. (PTI) 2213757 May 16, 2026 If I’ve to prove my worth and value, that place is not for me: Kohli Daily Excelsior sports news NEW DELHI May 15Virat Kohli still loves the game enough to be focussed on playing next years World Cup but the star India batter also makes it clear that if his worth is constantly called into question in a certain environment he would accept that the place is not meant for him.Speaking on his IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengalurus podcast the 37yearold superstar said he detests constant change of positions as far as the judgement on his value is concerned.I am always ready because thats my daily life. You know I work out we eat well at home. It is because I like living that way. It is not only to play cricket. So that is where I am. I mean this 27 (2027 World Cup) chat and all that...Ive been asked so many times do you want to play 27 he said.I know the answer. Like why would I leave my home you know get my stuff over and be like I dont know what I want. Of course if Im playing I want to play cricket. I want to carry on. Playing a World Cup for India is amazing. But as I said the value has to be two sides he asserted.My
perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I am part of and the environment feels that I can add value I will be seen. If I am made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value I am not in that space said Kohli who is counted among the greats of the game.Kohli only plays the ODI format now after quitting T20 Internationals in 2024 and Tests in 2025. With ODI schedule shrinking considerably in the past few years Kohlis India appearances are now scarce.The next series he is likely to feature in is the away threematch assignment against England from July 14 to July 19. Despite his desire to be a part of the team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has been largely noncommittal on what the future holds for both Kohli and another ODI great Rohit Sharma.Kohli said he would be around till he is wanted in the setup. (PTI) 2213758 May 16, 2026 KCPS holds programme Daily Excelsior sports news Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 KC Public School (Senior Wing) today held an impressive programme in the general hall of KC Sports Club where elected representatives of the School Students Council for the academic session 202627 were conferred with badges and insignias of authority.Manav Gupta Director Finance Home Department and Secretary Jammu Tawi Golf Course attended the function as chief guest while Arti Chowdhary Managing Director of the school was also present. Members of the Environment Club welcomed the chief guest by presenting him with a sapling.The programme began with the school song by the choir group followed by a ceremonial marchin by office bearers of the Students Council. Principal Amarendra Kumar Mishra administered the oath to the newly elected members emphasizing honesty sincerity and commitment in leadership roles.The badges and insignias were presented by the chief guest Managing Director Principal and Vice Principal. Vice Principal Sekhon presented the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the ceremony. 2213828 May 16, 2026 India, UAE sign landmark energy, defence pacts during Modi’s visit Daily Excelsior Todays story India to extend all support for peace in West AsiaAbu Dhabi pledges USD 5 bn investmentABU DHABI May 15India and the UAE today inked a series of landmark pacts spanning strategic petroleum reserves longterm LPG supply defence and shipping with Abu Dhabi pledging investments totalling USD 5 billion in India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in highlevel talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan amid the escalating West Asia conflict.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppOne of the six pacts was a strategic collaboration agreement signed between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to strengthen Indias energy security including cooperation in petroleum reserves and possible collaboration on liquid natural gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage facilities.It will enhance the UAEs participation in Indias strategic petroleum reserves to 30 million barrels and set up strategic gas reserves in India according to an official statement.A separate pact between Indian
Oil Limited Company and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company will facilitate new opportunities in the sale and purchase of LPG including long term supply of the fuel and entry into a longterm saleandpurchase agreement between the two companies.India and the UAE also signed a framework for a strategic defence partnership which focuses on defence industrial collaboration technology sharing innovation and regional security cooperation the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.Under the framework the two countries are set to explore joint development of military hardware besides boosting cooperation in a number of other crucial areas.The two sides also signed a separate strategic collaboration pact on LPG which is supposed to ensure longterm supply of the cooking fuel widely used in India.The agreements came amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia which has heightened concerns in India over disruptions to crude oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz a critical shipping route for the countrys energy imports.The prime minister
described the agreements inked between the two sides as pivotal in vital sectors such as energy defence infrastructure shipping and advanced technologies. He said they will provide a fresh boost to IndiaUAE comprehensive strategic partnership.Modi said his visit to the UAE was brief yet extraordinarily fruitful and he was confident that the outcomes will further solidify the bonds of friendship between us and contribute to achieving growth and prosperity.The UAE announced investments worth USD 5 billion in India which Modi said will further deepen economic ties.The MEA said that the USD 5 billion investment commitment included plans by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Indias National Infrastructure and Investment Fund to explore investments of up to USD 1 billion in Indias infrastructure sector.According to the ministry Emirates NBD will invest USD 3 billion in RBL Bank while UAEbased International Holding Company will invest USD 1 billion in Sammaan Capital of India.It said the investment commitment is aimed at creating stronger
markets and generating jobs describing it as a reflection of the UAEs sustained commitment to Indias development and growth story.In the field of investment the UAE has traditionally been a significant investor in India. It is cumulatively the seventhlargest investor in India over the course of the last 25 years Indias Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.Misri further said This visit is a reflection of the exceptional trust and confidence that marks this very very important relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates said Misri highlighting the energy sector which he said has always been a very important part of IndiaUAE relationship.The talks between Modi and Al Nahyan took place during the prime ministers stopover in Abu Dhabi in the first leg of his fivenation tour that will also take him to the Netherlands Sweden Norway and Italy.The two sides have agreed on deepening defence industrial collaboration and cooperation on innovation and advanced technology training exercises maritime security cyber defence secure
communications and information exchange the official statement said.Other agreements included setting up a ship repair centre at Vadinar in Gujarat cooperation on ports and coastal infrastructure and an arrangement on skill development in ship repair. An agreement was also signed between Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World of Dubai.The two sides also signed a term sheet for setting up a supercomputing cluster aimed at strengthening Indias artificial intelligence and highperformance computing capabilities. This will add to Indias AI mission and the infrastructure involved with that said Misri.The MEA said the two leaders also welcomed the operationalisation of a virtual trade corridor linking customs and port authorities of both countries to streamline cargo movement reduce logistics costs and cut transit time.The operationalisation of the digital trade corridor is expected to further deepen commercial integration between the two countries by improving customs coordination and cargo efficiency. It is also expected to help the
two countries in building supply chain resilience in a world that is seeing increasing disruption in supply chains said Misri.The two sides also exchanged views on the West Asia crisis.We condemn the attacks on the UAE Modi said in his opening remarks adding that the way UAE has been targeted is not acceptable.The UAE which hosts a major US military base has also faced Iranian strikes since the conflict began on February 28.Praising the Emirati leadership for handling the situation with restraint Modi said India was ready to extend all possible support to bring peace in West Asia. (PTI) 2213830 May 16, 2026 Govt has set goal to achieve Drug-Free India by 2047: Shah Daily Excelsior Todays story Uniform laws needed in fight against narcoticsNEW DELHI May 15Union Home Minister Amit Shah today called for uniform laws and processes across the globe for drug trafficking extradition of drug kingpins and sharing of intelligence.Addressing the R N Kao Memorial Lecture2026 organised by the Research and Analysis Wing (R&ampAW) Shah said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India has set a goal to achieve a DrugFree India by 2047.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppThe lecture is held in the memory of R&ampAW founder Rameshwar Nath Kao.In his address on Narcotics A Borderless Threat A Collective Responsibility Shah said Indian security agencies had prepared a roadmap to eradicate drug syndicates.At the event held in the agencys headquarters attended by ambassadors high commissioners and diplomats from more than 40 countries Shah said there was still time for all responsible nations to work together to defeat the threat of drugs.If joint efforts were not initiated now after ten years the world would
realise that it was too late to reverse the harm it had caused he cautioned.The world must simultaneously fight both narco networks and narcoterror states. In this fight the world will have to adopt uniform laws for a common definition of prohibited substances standardised punishments for drug trafficking extradition of drug kingpins and intelligence sharing he said.The home minister said that unless there is a high degree of global alignment on what is designated as controlled substances as well as common standard penalties for drug trafficking cartels would continue to take advantage of the inconsistencies in policy weakening the fight.Underscoring the need for international cooperation Shah said sharing realtime intelligence to interdict narcotics consignments and detain and deport drug kingpins was extremely important.He stressed the need for a consensus on the fact that the war on drugs is critical for national security public health and preventing NarcoStates from becoming alternative power centres.He urged the ambassadors and
diplomats in attendance to join Indias efforts in the war against drugs.Shah said under Indias policy of zero tolerance towards drugs the country would ensure that not one gram of narcotics is allowed to enter the country or leave it using India as a transit route.Shah emphasised that drug trafficking is not just a law and order subject to be handled by the police or the antinarcotics agencies but an issue with a longlasting impact on society and future generations.The minister said that while there was awareness about drug money being funnelled to fund terrorists and criminal networks and fuelling a parallel economy what largely goes unnoticed is the permanent damage drug abuse causes to the human body.Shah said that in the last two years India was successful in bringing back more than 40 transnational criminals to India with the support of friendly countries. Yet much more needs to be done he added.He said that the world with a population of eight billion people 195 nations and 250000 kilometres of international borders cannot
tackle the problem of drugs through fragmented approaches.The war against drugs must rise above geopolitical differences and should be fought with collective resolve intelligence sharing coordinated action and crossborder operations he said.The event was attended by Kaos family former secretaries of R&ampAW diplomats and officials from the Indian security apparatus. (PTI) 2213781 May 16, 2026 Khalsa Club Gol Gujral enters final after 4-1 win Daily Excelsior sports news 7Aside Night Hockey TourneyExcelsior Sports CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 In a thrilling semifinal clash of the ongoing Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji 7ASide Night Hockey Tournament 2026 Khalsa Club Gol Gujral delivered an impressive performance to defeat Shahid Bhagat Singh Hockey Club by 41 and secure a place in the final. The match played in a highly competitive yet sporting atmosphere drew a large crowd of hockey enthusiasts and local youth who cheered both teams throughout the game.The tournament is being organised by Khalsa Club Gol Gujral under the aegis of Hockey Jammu &amp Kashmir and the Jammu &amp Kashmir Sports Council. It has emerged as an important platform for promoting hockey and encouraging youth participation in sports activities across the region.Balvinder Singh Vice President District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Jammu attended the match as the chief guest. He appreciated the organisers for promoting sports culture and highlighted the importance of such tournaments in engaging youth in healthy and disciplined
activities.The second semifinal of the tournament will be played tomorrow between Sahil Hockey Club Gol Gujral and Bandu Rakh Hockey Club starting at 700 pm.The organising committee includes Iqbal Singh (Chief Patron) MS Reen (General Secretary) Satvir Singh Satti (President) Harkirat Singh Harpreet Singh Harjit Singh Surinder Singh Goldi Inderpal Singh and Karamjit Singh.Prominent persons present on the occasion included Harmohinder Singh (Dy Director) Manjit Singh (Social Worker) Padamdev Singh (Veteran Hockey Player) PP Singh (exSarpanch) Ranjit Singh (President Gurdwara) Rajinder Singh Soodan Janak Singh Gurdeep Singh Ajit Singh (Veteran Hockey Player) Sharanjeet Singh Shanti Karamveer Singh (Australia) Gurdeep Singh (New Zealand) and Satinder Pal Singh Banto. 2213829 May 16, 2026 HC refuses to quash FIR in J&K Bank-IFFCO Tokio insurance deal Daily Excelsior Todays story Excelsior CorrespondentSrinagar May 15 The High Court has refused to quash FIR registered in connection with the J&ampK BankIFFCO Tokio insurance deal observing that the allegations disclose cognizable offences and require a deeper investigation.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppJustice Sanjay Dhar while passing the judgment upheld the FIR under challenge while hearing Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin S. Qadri who appeared on behalf of the AntiCorruption Bureau.The court said that the role of the petitioners who were members of the evaluation committee constituted by J&ampK Bank for selecting an insurance partner still requires a detailed probe by the investigating agency.It is only after the final report is filed by the Investigating Agency that things would become clear and it can be ascertained with certainty whether or not there was a conspiracy between the petitioners herein and the main accusedthe beneficiary. Scuttling the investigation at this stage would amount to quashing a genuine prosecution
which is impermissible in law Justice Dhar said.According to the FIR registered by the ACB in 2019 allegations surfaced that J&ampK Bank entered into an insurance agreement with IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company in alleged violation of norms following which a close relative of former J&ampK Bank Chairman Parvez Ahmad Nengroo was appointed in the company on a substantially higher salary package.Upon verification it was found that prior to execution of agreement between the J&ampK Bank Ltd. and MS IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance Company Ltd Asif Manzoor Beigh was working as Deputy Manager in Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Ltd on an annual salary package of Rs.8.75 lakhs only.It was found that relative of the then Chairman in order to obtain undue favour and pecuniary advantage under a preplanned conspiracy hatched with the Chairman resigned from Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Ltd. on 13.03.2019 a day after the execution of agreement between the two companies whereafter he was appointed in IFFCO Tokio
General Insurance Company Ltd on an annual salary package of Rs.1928886 which is two and a half times higher than his previous package.This according to the impugned FIR established connivance of Parvez Ahmad the then Chairman of the J&ampK Bank Ltd and others with IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company Ltd. as a result of which beneficiary Asif Manzoor Beigh came to be appointed in IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company Ltd. in lieu of the agreement executed between the two companies. It was also found that the deal between the Insurance Company and the Bank was approved by the Board of Directors postfacto.The ACB counsel contended that the then chairmanNengroo and officials of the insurance company conspired to confer undue benefit upon Beigh while the bank allegedly suffered financial losses in commission earnings after shifting insurance business from Bajaj Allianz to IFFCO Tokio.The petitioners who were senior officials of J&ampK Bank at the relevant time argued before the court that their role was limited to evaluation of
bids submitted by insurance companies and that they had no role in the appointment of Asif Manzoor Beigh.They further contended that the financial loss assessment made by the investigating agency was imaginary and not based on proper insurance business calculations.During the proceedings the court observed that there appeared to be prima facie merit in the petitioners contention that differing evaluations by expert committees could not automatically establish criminal conspiracy. The court also noted that the alleged commission loss calculations appeared uncertain and dependent upon several businessrelated factors.The Court further stated that the investigating agency still needs to examine whether the presence and influence of the then chairman during the bid evaluation process had any impact on the committees decisionmaking.Refusing to interfere at the present stage the court said that quashing the proceedings at this point would amount to scuttling a genuine prosecution which is impermissible in law.The court dismissed the petition
with liberty to the petitioners to approach the court again after the filing of the final report or seek discharge before the court below in case a chargesheet is filed. 2213827 May 16, 2026 Panchayat electorates go up to 72 lakh; 3.5 lakh new voters added, 1.25 lakh deleted Daily Excelsior Todays story SEC awaits Govt response on OBC Comm reportULB voter lists to be taken out from SSR or SIRSanjeev PargalJAMMU May 15 Voters in the Panchayats of Jammu and Kashmir are set to reach around 72 lakh as electoral revision has been completed and the final rolls are expected to be published on May 20. The increase in number of voters comes around at 3.2 percent.Nearly twomonth long exercise for revision of Panchayat electoral rolls was completed today by the State Election Commission (SEC). The rolls have now been sent for publication and the final lists will be out on May 20.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppState Election Commissioner Shantmanu told the Excelsior that the electoral rolls revision exercise has been completed today. Hopefully he said the final electoral rolls will be published on May 20.On whether the revision for Municipal electoral rolls will also be taken up after Panchayats the SEC said as per the provisions in the Act the voter lists for Urban Local Bodies are taken from the Assembly rolls.The Assembly voter
rolls are expected to be updated either through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) or Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise in Jammu and Kashmir. While announcing SIR exercise in 16 States and three UTs yesterday the Election Commission of India deferred the revision in the Union Territories of Jammu &amp Kashmir and Ladakh besides Himachal Pradesh the hilly States and UTs citing weather conditions there.There were 69.80 lakh electorates in Panchayats prior to revision. The number has now gone up to around 72 lakh an increase of 3.2 percent the sources said. In fact there was an increase of 3.50 lakh voters and 1.25 lakh deletions they added.As reported exclusively by the Excelsior earlier the SEC has written to the UT Government on the fate of OBC Commission report which was submitted by the Panel Chairman Justice (Retd) Janak Raj Kotwal in February 2025.The Government response is however awaited the sources said.Sources pointed out that the elections to Panchayats can be held only after the Government takes a decision on OBC
Commission report as the OBCs have to be given reservation in the Local Bodies after a law to this effect was passed by the BJP Government in Parliament before Omar Abdullah Government was formed in the UT. Presently SCs STs and women have reservation in the Local Bodies.The OBC Commission was set up by the Lieutenant Governors administration for determining percentage of reservation for OBCs in the Local Bodies.The Panchayats ceased to exist in Jammu and Kashmir on January 9 2024 and the UT is without the elected Panchayats for past over two years now.Similar is the case with the Municipalities which completed their term in OctoberNovember 2023. Term of the Block Development Councils (BDCs) was coterminus with the Panchayats and their tenure also ended on January 9 2024.Tenure of the District Development Councils (DDCs) ended on February 24 2026.Now the Jammu and Kashmir is without the elected Local Bodies with all three tiers of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) nonexistent.This was for the first time that the Jammu and Kashmir
had all three elected Institutions of the PRIs.During budget session of the Legislature the Government in response to several questions didnt give any timeline for the Local Body elections. 2213824 May 16, 2026 Petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3 per litre, CNG up by Rs 2 per kg Daily Excelsior Todays story Global crude oil prices surge over 50 pcNEW DELHI May 15Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by Rs 3 per litre each on Friday marking the first increase in more than four years as staterun fuel retailers passed on part of the hit from surging global crude prices triggered by the Iran war.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppAlongside CNG prices in cities like Delhi and Mumbai were raised by Rs 2 per kg.Petrol price in the national capital has been increased to Rs 97.77 per litre from Rs 94.77 while diesel now costs Rs 90.67 as against Rs 87.67 per litre previously industry sources said.Rates vary across states due to differences in valueadded tax.CNG in Delhi now costs Rs 79.09 per kg and in Mumbai it costs Rs 84. However prices of both natural gas piped into household kitchens for cooking called piped natural gas as well as domestic cooking gas LPG remained unchanged.Global crude oil prices have surged more than 50 per cent since USIsraeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehrans subsequent retaliation disrupted energy
flows through the Strait of Hormuz a key artery for global oil shipments.Despite the surge in crude prices retail fuel rates were kept frozen as part of what the government said was an effort to shield pricesensitive consumers from higher global energy costs. But the opposition parties saw political motives behind the move as key states went to polls.The increase in fuel prices followed completion of elections and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party expanding its influence after winning three of five states including West Bengal.After the increase petrol and diesel prices are now the highest since May 2022.Prices have remained on freeze since April 2022 but for a oneoff reduction by Rs 2 a litre each on petrol and diesel in March 2024 just before Lok Sabha elections. Rates were last hiked in April 2022.Petrol in Mumbai now costs Rs 106.68 a litre and diesel comes for Rs 93.14 per litre. In Kolkata petrol now costs Rs 108.74 per litre and diesel Rs 95.13 while in Chennai prices increased to Rs 103.67 for petrol and Rs 95.25 for
diesel.Industry sources said the price hike is modest relative to the rise in crude prices and still leaves retailers absorbing losses estimated at Rs 11 per litre on petrol and Rs 39 per litre on diesel.Fridays move follows excise duty cuts announced in March and comes as the government rolls out measures to curb fuel consumption and contain the countrys oil import bill. Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week urged fuel conservation workfromhome practices and reduced travel as higher energy prices strain Indias foreign exchange reserves and threaten to widen the current account deficit for a third straight year.Some state governments have already instructed departments to limit travel avoid physical meetings and operate with reduced office staffing.Analysts said the fuel price increase combined with conservation measures could dampen demand growth.Prashant Vasisht Senior Vice President and CoGroup Head Corporate Ratings. ICRA Ltd said the modest hike provides limited relief to the oil marketing companies. (PTI) 2213826 May 16, 2026 Govt cancels transfers, attachments issued by ex DHS Daily Excelsior Todays story Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Jammu and Kashmir Government has cancelled all transfer posting and attachment orders issued by former Director Health Services Jammu between April 15 and April 30 2026 citing administrative concerns and the need for smooth functioning of healthcare institutions.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppAccording to the Government order issued today by the Health and Medical Education Department the decision was taken after the Department reviewed a large number of orders concerning doctors nongazetted staff paramedical employees ClassIV workers and other personnel.The order stated that the present Director Health Services Jammu had submitted details of the transfers and attachments issued during the period following which the matter was examined by the Government.In the interest of administration and patient care all such orders have been rescinded ab initio with immediate effect the order said. The Government further directed that all affected employees shall continue to work at their previous
places of posting as they existed before issuance of the cancelled orders.It also warned that any noncompliance by officers or officials would be viewed seriously and disciplinary action initiated against the concerned employees. The Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) have also been made responsible for ensuring implementation of the order.Further the Director Health Services Jammu has been directed to ensure strict implementation of the Government order and submit a detailed compliance report to the Administrative Department within three days positively.See Order Copy Click Here...... 2213825 May 16, 2026 NEET-UG re-exam on June 21, computer based test from next year: Pradhan Daily Excelsior Todays story Students future Govts topmost priorityNEW DELHI May 15Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the NEETUG reexamination will be held on June 21 and said the medical entrance exam will be computerbased test from next year onwards as part of reforms in view of allegations of irregularities linked to it.CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEOAddressing a press conference Pradhan said students future remains the Governments topmost priority adding that there will be zero tolerance for any irregularities found in the conduct of the NEETUG. Strict action is being taken he said.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppNational Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) held on May 3 was cancelled following allegations of irregularities in the examination process.Informing that the duration of the retest has been extended by 15 minutes Pradhan said the candidates will also get to choose their preferred test cities again and that they will get their admit cards by June 14 he said.The central Government will also
coordinate transport arrangements for the students with the State Governments he said.Our topmost priority is the future of the students. I want to appeal to society especially to all students to appear for the examination without fear. The Government stands with you. We will not let malpractice happen this time he said.We did not want any mafia conspiracy or money power to snatch away your seat. We did not want that to happen. That is why we had to take a tough decision. As guardians as officials entrusted with responsibility and as a minister we are all deeply saddened and concerned by what has happened the minister said.The minister said after irregularities surfaced last time the Radhakrishnan Committee was constituted and its recommendations were implemented.Despite that this incident occurred. Therefore our first step was to cancel the examination he said.To those creating fear and disturbances I want to say through you stay away from the upcoming examination process. Otherwise they will have to face punishment Pradhan added.The
education minister explained that the issue came to light after objections were received through the NTA grievance system regarding alleged overlaps with guess papers following which a preliminary inquiry was initiated.The examination was conducted on May 3. By May 7 objections were received through the NTAs grievance redressal system stating that certain questions appearing in the alleged guess papers had also appeared in this years question set.Immediately discussions were held and both the NTA and the government along with the Higher Education Department initiated a preliminary inquiry he said.Pradhan said then the matter was then handed over to the concerned agencies of the Government of India.The process effectively began on the night of May 7 and continued from May 8 onward. Within three to four days... on the 8th 9th 10th and 11th... when we received clarity and became certain that questions had indeed been leaked under the guise of guess papers we took action on May 12 in the interest of students.We did not want any deserving
student to be deprived of their rights because of the conspiracy of education mafias or because an undeserving candidate benefited through unfair means the minister said.He said the Government has handed over the case to the CBI and expressed confidence in the probe. CBI has rightly said... no one will be spared. Whether someone is within the NTA or outside it no one will be spared he said.CBT mode of exam is comparatively better than OMR. It is a bit protected. Cybercrime has become a big world in itself. There are challenges however we will have to trust the system of our country Pradhan said.The minister said students will also be given the option to select the cities they want to appear for the retest in. The NTA has decided to give students one week to choose their preferred examination city for retest he said adding NTA has decided to extend the examination duration by 15 minutes.The exam which was scheduled from 2 pm to 5 pm will now continue till 5.15 pm he said.He said the admit cards for this examination will be issued to
all candidates by June 14. The minister said the Centre will coordinate with states for transport arrangements and he will personally speak to the chief ministers.The Government of India will speak to the states regarding the arrangement of transport facilities he said adding that NTA is also considering weatherrelated contingency arrangements for June 21.The press conference by Pradhan comes after a highlevel meeting was held late on Thursday evening at the Ministers residence to review preparations for conducting the exam afresh. (PTI) 2213782 May 16, 2026 Special Olympics Bharat holds programme Daily Excelsior sports news Excelsior Sports CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Special Olympics Bharat JKUT organized an Orientation Programme at Model Academy Inclusive School to spread awareness about the principles ideology and inclusive vision of Special Olympics among students educators coaches and school staff.The session was presided over by Dr Ashwani Jojra Founding President and area Director Special Olympics Bharat JKUT who spoke about the vision mission and ideology of Special Olympics.A major highlight of the event was a live demonstration of the Bocce Ball game by the Special Olympics Bharat JKUT team for special children. The activity showcased the confidence abilities and sporting spirit of the athletes while encouraging active participation among attendees. A dental checkup camp for special students was also conducted by a team of specialized doctors.Among those present from Model Academy were Rupa Gupta Joint Director MIER Pramod Kumar Srivastava Principal Esha Sharma Vice Principal Anuradha Thakur Incharge Inclusive School Dr Pallavi Gupta Supervisor
and Physiotherapist Inclusive School and special educators.Representing Special Olympics Bharat JKUT were Dr Ashwani Jojra Sahil Badyal Programme Manager Jagdev Singh Family President Rashpal Coach Sharun Badial Office Incharge and Raghudeep Singh Special Athlete.Anuradha Thakur coordinated the programme while Dr Pallavi Gupta presented the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with interactive discussions reinforcing the commitment towards inclusive education unity respect acceptance and empowerment through sports. 2213821 May 16, 2026 Illegal mining in Jhajjar Nallah poses threat to water sources in Dansal Daily Excelsior Todays story G&ampM officials turn blind eye to violationsVillagers take up matter with AdministrationGopal SharmaJAMMU May 15 A large scale illegal mining in Jhajjar Nallah in Karkyal Jhajjar Kotli and Dansal area has posed a major threat to the water sources including tube wells along the Nallah during these hot summer days while the concerned official of the Geology and Mining (G&ampN) Department in Jammu and local administration have turned a blind eye towards this sensitive public issue.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppNot only the people from Dansal Tehsil but from the entire Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Complex Narayana Hospital villagers from Karkyal and over 60 % of the population from Katra is dependent on the water supply of the Jajjar Nallah. If the illegal mining activity continued unchecked closer to the water sources dug wells their water intake capacity will keep on dropping and the people of these areas will be left high and dry to face water crisis during hot summer days due to the negligence on the part
of concerned police and G&ampM officials.The locals led by former Sarpanch Panches who approached the Tehsil administration a few days ago alleged that in violation of existing norms and mining rules mining mafia is illegally operating in Jhajjar Nallah and posing severe threat to the water sources in Dansal Tehsil and its adjoining villages and hamlets of Jammu district.While as per the defined norms of the Geology and Mining Department no contractor or party holding contract license of any mining block of the river or Nallah is allowed to conduct mining activity within 500 meters from any motorable bridge or water source (dug well tube well etc). The stone crushers established at the banks of Nallahs or nearby areas are also not permitted to carry on such activity as per norms but in Dansal and Jhajjar Kotli area the norms are being flouted with impunity.A stone crusher closer to Chadali village in Dansal has been set up in the Jhajjar Nallah closer to an important bridge but despite hue and cry by the villagers and public of
the area the illegal mining activity is carried out there just within 100 to 150 mtrs of the main water source and two three other adjoining dug tube wells. These four to five Tube wells provide water supply to a population of over 15000 to 20000.They said that as per standing norms and the contractauction agreement the mining block holders are not allowed to dig more than 3 ft river bed but in Dansal and Jhajjar area even more than 78 feet deep Nallah has been dug using heavy machinery near this stone crusher and closer to the water sourcesdug wells of the villagers. The villagers claimed that neither G&ampM officials nor the Jal Shakti Department officials take cognizance of the matter and during April May and June the area faces water crisis. They alleged that at the crusher near bridge water pumps are used to clean the crushed material and that dirty and muddy water again goes into the Nallah and affects the water quality.Huge dumps of sand and other river material have been raised at several locations illegally. Even during
the rest period of rainy season the activity is not suspended in Jhajjar Nallah and the mafia in alleged connivance of the local police and G&ampM official carries out its illegal activity without any fear at the cost of threat to the local water sources. Chadali bridge is facing threat from the mining mafia but the G&ampM officials are least bothered they added.The villagers said that they approached District administration Jammu few days ago and they deputed DMO and a Naib Tehsildar to the area. They just did the formality seized the machine which was later handed over to the Munshi of the same Stone crusher and left the spot with assurance to take action. But the activity started again after two days.District Mineral Officer Jammu Naveen Kumar when contacted said he and Naib Tehsildar from Dansal had visited the spot hardly 34 days ago. He claimed that a machine was seized and a penalty was imposed on the the operators owners of the stone crusher. Replying to another question the DMO said that the penalty amount of Rs 4
lakh is yet to be recovered from the violators.The locals alleged that the visit of DMO and Revenue officials and police was just an eye wash. Another machine started same activity near the stone crusher in Jhajjar Nallah after next day. They urged the Deputy Commissioner Jammu and Director G&ampM J&ampK to take a prompt and strict action in this regard and save the water sources of the area. 2213823 May 16, 2026 Multi-crore loan fraud in Bandipora, hundreds duped Daily Excelsior Todays story Irfan TrambooSrinagar May 15 A multicrore loan fraud has surfaced in Bandipora district where over 100 people have been defrauded by the scamsters in the alleged connivance with the bank officials.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppThe scamsters have trapped mostly laborers and their spouses and even minors by using their Aadhaar details photographs and signatures.The alleged fraud dates back to 2022 with victims claiming that loans averaging around Rs 7 lakh per person were fraudulently secured in their names including their family members as well as minors without their knowledge or informed consent.Several villagers alleged that a man identified as Hilal Ahmad Wani son of Ali Mohammad Wani of Sumbal approached residents years ago promising to arrange a scheme under which each beneficiary would receive Rs 70000.A police official said that Wani has confessed before the police that he has at least duped over 100 people in several villages of Sumbal in Bandipora district.Farooq Ahmad Dar a resident of Ganastan in Sumbal area
of Bandipora district alleged that villagers were asked to submit Aadhaar cards bank passbooks account details and signatures as part of the process.He told us not to use thumb impressions and instead asked for signatures. We did not even know how to sign properly but he still made us sign documents he alleged.Dar claimed that he and several others later received Rs 70000 in cash and remained unaware of any irregularities for nearly two to three years until banks began sending notices regarding loans allegedly issued in their names.We only received Rs 70000 but later came to know that loans around Rs 7 lakh had been taken in our names he alleged.According to Dar when victims questioned the accused they were assured that the matter would be handled. However deductions from their bank accounts allegedly continued.He further alleged that scholarship money meant for his children Kisan assistance gas subsidies and disability benefits received by his wife were deducted without their knowledge.My childrens scholarship money and my wifes
disability assistance also got deducted. Recently Rs 23000 in scholarship money was deducted from the account he said.Another resident Shabir Ahmad Bhat of Ganastan alleged that the accused had collected documents and signatures from villagers including signatures on cheque books.Later when we checked bank statements no cheque withdrawals were shown Bhat said alleging that transactions were instead carried out through mobile payment services linked to their accounts.Bhat also alleged possible involvement of officials from two J&ampK Bank branches in Gadhkhud and Sumbal claiming that money was transferred between accounts without account holders being informed.Villagers further alleged that even a minor had been issued a loan despite being underage at the time.When we approached the bank they admitted he was a minor then. So how was a loan issued in his name residents questioned.Another alleged victim Farooq Ahmad Mir of RakheShilwat claimed that loans amounting to nearly Rs 9 lakh were issued in both his and his sons
names.Normally banks take months to verify and approve loans. We do not understand how such loans were sanctioned so easily he questioned.Residents alleged that people from at least five to six villages may have been affected with some claiming loans of Rs 7 lakh and others Rs 9 lakh were issued in their names without their knowledge or informed consent.The villagers further claimed that the accused had provided one victim Farooq Ahmad Dar with an undertaking stating that he had taken over Dars PMEGP case worth Rs 7.50 lakh and would not claim the subsidy amount at any point.According to the villagers many affected persons continue to receive court summons related to the loans while some alleged that the matter was being handled internally without adequate action.The affected families have demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged fraud and the possible involvement of others linked to the scam. 2213819 May 16, 2026 Police attaches HM operative’s property Daily Excelsior Todays story Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 Police today attached the immovable property of a proclaimed offender linked with the banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen in Sopore area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district as part of the ongoing crackdown on terror networks and antinational elements.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppA police spokesperson said that the action was taken in connection with FIR No. 022008 registered at Police Station Panzalla under Section 23 of the E&ampIMCO Act against Ghulam Mohammad Bhat alias Hyder of Rohama Rafiabad.The spokesperson said that the accused had illegally crossed over to Pakistanoccupied Jammu Kashmir for arms training and was presently operating in coordination with the Hizbul Mujahideen network from Pakistan.Police attached land measuring six marlas at Daengrut Rohama and 10 marlas at Reshinar Rohama in coordination with the Revenue Department the spokesperson said.According to police the accused had been evading arrest for a long time and was declared a proclaimed offender
by the court under Section 88 CrPC. The attachment was carried out after completion of legal formalities in the presence of Revenue officials and witnesses. 2213822 May 16, 2026 NEET paper leak kingpin arrested Daily Excelsior Todays story NEW DELHI May 15Three days into its probe the CBI today claimed that it had cracked the NEET paper leak case with the arrest of a Punebased professor the source of the leak of the paper.Professor P V Kulkarni a domain expert in chemistry from Latur who has for years served on panels involved in setting the NEET question paper was taken into custody from his residence in Pune officials said.P V Kulkarni has been arrested at Pune after thorough interrogation a CBI spokesperson said.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppExploiting his privileged access to confidential material Kulkarni hosted special coaching classes at his house in the last week of April and dictated to his students questions options and answers which appeared in the NEET UG paper on May 3.During the last week of April 2026 he had mobilised students with the help of another accused namely Manisha Waghmare who was arrested on May 14 by CBI the spokesperson said in a statement.Students allegedly paid several lakh rupees to attend the sessions where they wrote the
questions down in their notebooks and later tallied exactly with the actual NEETUG paper conducted on May 3 the spokesperson said.CBI teams probing the case have found the actual source of the leakage of the chemistry paper as well as the middlemen involved in mobilising the students who paid several lakhs of rupees to attend the special coaching classes where these question banks were dictated and discussed she said.In the last 24 hours CBI has also conducted searches at several locations across the country and seized several incriminating documents electronic gadgets and mobile phones the spokesperson said.A detailed forensic and technical analysis of the seized items is going on she said.On Thursday the agency arrested Dhananjay Lokhande from Ahilyanagar and his associate Manisha Waghmare from Pune.The CBI found that Lokhande had received the paper from Waghmare and passed it on to Nashikbased Shubham Khairnar who in his turn passed it on to Yash Yadav who circulated it further officials said.The Central Bureau of Investigation
(CBI) has arrested three individuals from Jaipur Mangilal Biwal Vikas Biwal and Dinesh Biwal along with Yadav from Gurugram and Khairnar from Nashik.Khairnar was in touch with Yadav and informed him in April that Mangilal Biwal was ready to pay Rs 1012 lakh for arranging leaked NEET (UG) 2026 questions for his younger son.Khairnar allegedly shared with Yadav 500 to 600 questions ensuring enough marks to get a seat in a reputed medical college.Mangilal Biwal allegedly procured the paper from Yadav who was known to his elder son Vikas Biwal from a NEET coaching in Rajasthans Sikar.The deal between Mangilal Biwal and Yadav was struck for Rs 10 lakh the officials said.Mangilal Biwal shared the paper with his son and further distributed it among relatives.Yadav also told Vikas Biwal to find more NET aspirants to sell them the questions to recover some of the money the officials said.An analysis of digital devices has given the agency incriminating chats leaked question papers and other digital evidence. The CBI will subject the devices
to a forensic examination to get the deleted data the officials said. (PTI) 2213820 May 16, 2026 Drones, UAS like claws in sky: IAF chief Daily Excelsior Todays story NEW DELHI May 15IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Friday said drones and other unmanned aerial systems are no more just eyes in the sky rather they are now akin to claws in the sky being an extension of air power.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppIn his address at a defence seminar themed on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counterUAS he asserted that in any modern aerial threat complete domain awareness is the key and there should be total coordination among the three services which will be operating in the same air space.We have seen what happens... if you dont have domain awareness you dont know where your people are and where others are. Weve seen what happened to F15 in Kuwait. The fratricide part. So we cannot afford to have things like that the IAF chief said referring to the incident on March 1 in which three US F15E Strike Eagles went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire according to the US CENTCOM.The seminar is being cohosted by thinktank Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies
(CAPSS) and Indian Military Review (IMR) publication at the IAFs Subroto Park here.The drones UAS and counterUAS are very relevant today it is a reality and not something for the future the IAF chief said.So there is no denying that the battlefield has shifted. We are shifting totally from those very concentrated air power to a sort of decentralised and autonomous way he added.The air chief marshal underlined that the UAS is an extension of air power.So all the rules of air power will apply when you use the UAS just remember that. And they are no more eyes in the sky. They are like claws in the sky now. This weve seen it in the recent conflicts that have taken place. And we also realised that during Operation Sindoor and this part cannot be forgotten he asserted.And when it comes to counterUAS it is like a cat and mouse game. You develop technology in one field the counter technology has to develop along with it. Because that is how the game can be played otherwise one side will have total advantage the IAF chief said.You cant always
have force versus force. It has to be force versus defence and others.Singh recalled the key role of the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor the decisive military action by India during May last year.I think weve done reasonably well in Op Sindoor. And why that happened because there was coordination. Without coordination without central agency coordinating it. Without having that IACCS (Integrated Air Command and Control System) becoming a nerve centre whether it is counterUAS or counterweapon or counteraircraft it wouldnt have been possible he said.So we were successful we were successful... none of their weapons systems landed upon target. None of their UAS landed upon target is because we were operating in a manner that is the way to go he added.A swarm of drones were sent in multiple waves by the adversary during the nearly fourday conflict which were countered effectively by the Indian forces. (PTI) 2213818 May 16, 2026 10 JKAS officers promoted Daily Excelsior Todays story Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 The Jammu and Kashmir Government today ordered the promotion of 10 Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers to their next higher administrative grades.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppAs per an order JKAS officer Inderjeet was promoted to the Super Time Scale of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (Level 14) with immediate effect.Another order said that two JKAS officersTazayun Mukhtar and Rakesh Kumarwere promoted to the Special Scale of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (Level 13) with immediate effect.Similarly JKAS officer Sher Singh was promoted to the Selection Grade of the JKAS with effect from October 27 2016 and Special Scale notionally with effect from August 5 2022 and on regular basis prospectively.As per another order JKAS officer Syed Naseer Ahmad has been promoted to the Selection Grade of the JKAS (Level 12) with effect from September 3 2022 on notional basis and on regular basis prospectively.Selection Grade (NonFunctional) was also
released in favour of Syed Naseer Ahmad with effect from January 1 2022.Five more JKAS officers were promoted to the Selection Grade of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (Level 12).The order issued in this context said that Prince Noorul Hamid has been promoted notionally with effect from December 5 2024 and on regular basis prospectively while Mazahir Hussain Shah has been promoted notionally with effect from September 26 2025 and on regular basis prospectively. Three other officersPeerzada Farhat Ahmed Arun Kumar Badyal and Syed Nadeem Iqbalwere promoted prospectively. 2213815 May 16, 2026 India calls for UNSC expansion Daily Excelsior Todays story NEW DELHI May 15India on Friday strongly called for expansion of the UN Security Council with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying that the effectiveness and credibility of the global body will remain constrained without reforming it.Jaishankar made the remarks at a conclave of the foreign ministers of the BRICS nations in New Delhi.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppWe meet at a time when the effectiveness of global governance and the credibility of multilateralism are under increasing scrutiny he said.The world today is more interconnected complex and multipolar than when many of our current institutions were created. Yet the structures that underpin global governance have not kept pace with these changes he noted.Jaishankar listed four specific points to press for reforming the key international bodies and multilateral trading systems and asserted that the reform of the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies remains central.The membership of the United Nations has expanded significantly and its
responsibilities have grown. Yet key structures particularly the Security Council continue to reflect an earlier era he said.Without meaningful reform including expansion in both permanent and nonpermanent categories the effectiveness and credibility of the UN will remain constrained. Representation of Asia Africa and Latin America is essential he noted.India has been a strong contender for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.Elaborating his second point Jaishankar said the time has come for serious negotiations for reform of the UN Security Council.BRICS itself has debated this issue deeply especially at the Johannesburg Summit. Our outcome documents have reflected that consensus. But much more has to be done to make reform a reality he said.Third there is an urgent need to reform the international financial architecture the External Affairs Minister said.He said there is a need to reform the global financial architecture to effectively deal with various economic challenges including vulnerabilities in supply chains pressures
on food and energy security and inequalities in accessing critical resources.Fourth the multilateral trading system must be strengthened and reformed. Nonmarket practices concentration of supply chains and uncertain market access have exposed the global economy to new risks he said.Jaishankar said a rulesbased fair open and inclusive trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its core remains essential.At the same time it must address asymmetries and reflect the concerns of developing countries he said. (PTI) 2213817 May 16, 2026 Monsoon to hit Kerala on May 26 Daily Excelsior Todays story NEW DELHI May 15The southwest monsoon is expected to set in early over Kerala on May 26 the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its forecast on Friday.The monsoon the primary rainbearing system normally arrives in Kerala around June 1 and advances northwards to cover other parts of the country.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppThe onset of monsoon in the state marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon season (June to September). Last year the onset of the monsoon happened on May 24.This year the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on May 26 with a model error of 4 days (could occur four days before or after) the IMD said.The weather office also added that conditions were favourable for the monsoon to advance over parts of the South Bay of Bengal Andaman Sea and Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 24 hours.The advance of the southwest monsoon over the Indian mainland is marked by monsoon onset over Kerala and is an important indicator characterising the transition from the hot and dry
season to the rainy season the IMD said.As the monsoon progresses northward relief from scorching summer temperatures is experienced over the areas it added.The fourmonth monsoon season brings almost 70 per cent of the countrys annual rainfall. It is critical for agriculture and crops for the economy as a whole and to recharge reservoirs and aquifers.The IMD has said that India might receive belownormal rainfall this year during the monsoon season.The country is likely to get 80 cm of rainfall in the monsoon months with the longperiod average (19712020) of seasonal rainfall at 87 cm.The IMD said this could be due to the emergence of the El Nino conditions which cause less rainfall in the country.In its monthly forecast on May 1 the department said that El NinoSouthern Oscillation (ENSO)neutral conditions over the equatorial Pacific were evolving toward El Nino conditions. (PTI) 2213816 May 16, 2026 SC to hear cases through VC on two days a week Daily Excelsior Todays story NEW DELHI May 15The Supreme Court today decided to hear cases exclusively through video conference on Mondays and Fridays and judges unanimously resolved to encourage carpooling arrangements amongst themselves in order to ensure optimum fuel utilisation.The move came following a call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on cutting down avoidable expenditure due to the ongoing West Asia crisis.Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsAppMatters listed on miscellaneous days (i.e. on Mondays Fridays or such other days as declared to be miscellaneous) and matters listed during the Courts partial working days shall be heard by videoconferencing only.The Registry shall ensure that links for the videoconferencing are sent in a timely manner stable videoconferencing facilities are maintained and timely technical assistance facilities are extended so as to avoid any inconvenience to the Honble Court a circular issued said.The communication from the apex court also said that till further orders up to 50 per cent of staff in each branch or section
of the registry are permitted to work from home (WFH) for up to two days every week provided that the remaining staff remain available in the office to ensure uninterrupted functioning.The Registrar concerned shall ensure that a weekly roster is prepared before the commencement of the week. Staff who are permitted to work from home are directed to remain available on the telephone and be ready to attend office in case of requirement at any time.The concerned officers shall also ensure the timely completion of various tasks assigned to them. If after considering the essential nature of the work in a branch or section the concerned Registrar is of the opinion that a workfromhome arrangement is not effective the Registrar may restrict or modify such arrangements for that branch or section the circular said. (PTI) 2213667 May 16, 2026 KPC expresses reservations about heritage tour Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 The Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) in a meeting today at New Delhi expressed strong reservations regarding the proposed Global Kashmiri Pandit Heritage Tour &amp Conclave 2026 scheduled to be held in Kashmir from June 6 to June 14.Kashmiri Pandits believe that the socalled heritage tour appears to be a deliberate attempt to psychologically socially and symbolically reintegrate the victimized Kashmiri Pandit community into the same atmosphere and environment from where they were mercilessly hounded out through terrorism religious extremism fear and targeted violence nearly 37 years ago KPC said.In a statement issued here today the KPC chief Kundan Kashmir said his organisation strongly feels that such programmes are being projected to create an impression before the nation and international community that normalcy has fully returned to Kashmir and that the displaced Kashmiri Pandits are emotionally prepared to reconnect and reintegrate into the Valley. However the ground realities remain
entirely different and deeply painful.He said that KPs are not tourists requiring heritage tours to visit their native land Kashmir Valley. They are the original inhabitants and indigenous people of Kashmir who became victims of genocide. Their houses were burnt temples desecrated business establishments looted properties encroached upon and thousands of innocent members of the community were killed humiliated and forced into exile.KPC stated with anguish that even after nearly 37 years of exile the community has not received justice honourable rehabilitation political empowerment Constitutional safeguards or adequate security guarantees. The culprits responsible for killings genocide intimidation and forced displacement have largely escaped accountability while the victims continue to suffer in exile under difficult social economic and psychological conditions. 2213484 May 16, 2026 UK government faces weeks of uncertainty over the prime minister's future Daily Excelsior International LONDON May 15 Britains government faces a prolonged period of uncertainty after a week of maneuvering within the governing Labour Party failed to oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer but started the clock on a leadership contest that could last well into the summer.Although Starmer vowed to fight on after a bruising week in which one Cabinet member resigned dozens of lawmakers called for the prime minister to quit and his new policy proposals were largely ignored some observers believe its only a matter of time before he steps aside.The message of the past week is that Labour seems to have made up its mind that Keir Starmer is going to have to go said Tim Bale a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London. And hes going to have to go reasonably quickly and hes going to have to be replaced by someone who can unlike him connect with the public.Weeks of speculation about Starmer s future broke into open rebellion Thursday when Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned in preparation for a possible a leadership bid and the mayor
of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham declared his intention to seek the top job. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced she had cleared up a tax issue that forced her to resign from the Cabinet last year thus freeing her up as well.Starmer is under growing pressure to step down after Labour performed dismally in local and regional elections last week hemorrhaging votes to both the antiimmigrant Reform UK party on the right and Green Party on the left. The electoral drubbing cemented doubts among many party members about Starmers judgment vision and leadership less than two years after he led Labour to a landslide victory.But the potential contest to unseat him is on hold for now as Labour leaders wait to see if Burnham can win a special election for a seat in Parliament that would allow him to enter the race. That seat became available on Thursday when a Labour lawmaker resigned to make way for Burnham.That election will be held in about five weeks. After that Labours National Executive Committee will set the timetable for
any leadership election. The most recent contest lasted three months.The governments borrowing costs rose Friday and the pound weakened on investor concern about continued disarray in Westminster. The pound has dropped 1.3 per cent against the US dollar this week.Housing Secretary Steve Reed on Friday appealed to party members to step back from the brink of a divisive leadership contest that he said would prevent the government from tackling issues like the cost of living crisis and bolster the prospects of Reform UK.This weekend people just need to take a breath look at whats gone wrong this week and come back next week ready to do what we said wed do country first party second and focus on delivering the change we were elected to deliver he told the BBC.That plea came after a week of political jockeying that overshadowed everything else in Westminster.The infighting reached a crescendo on Thursday morning when Streeting resigned. While praising Starmers courage and statesmanship in international affairs Streeting said he had lost
confidence in the prime ministers leadership because of missteps on domestic issues.Where we need vision we have a vacuum. Where we need direction we have drift Streeting wrote in a stinging resignation letter.Leaders take responsibility but too often that has meant other people falling on their swords he added. You also need to listen to your colleagues including backbenchers and the heavyhanded approach to dissenting voices diminishes our politics.Streeting stopped short of putting himself forward as the best candidate to lead the party at the next general election suggesting Starmer should step aside to allow a broad field of candidates to debate the future of the party.That seemed to be a nod to Burnham a former Cabinet minister who left Parliament in 2017 to run for mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham has been looking for a way to return to the House of Commons so he can challenge Starmer for the top job.Josh Simons a Labour lawmaker from Northern England provided that opening on Thursday by resigning his seat explicitly to make
way for Burnham. But that was only the first step for Burnham. Before he can return to Westminster Burnham must win a special election to represent Makerfield a community where Reform UK posted strong results in last weeks local elections.Burnham acknowledged those challenges on Thursday when he announced his candidacy for the seat.I truly do not take a single vote for granted and will work hard to regain the trust of people in the Makerfield constituency many of whom have long supported our party but lost faith in recent times he said in a statement. (AP) 2213722 May 16, 2026 Intl conference on ‘Manoeuvring Business, Society & Culture’ concludes Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Twoday international conference on Manoeuvring Business Society and Culture in the New World Order concluded at Government SPMR College of Commerce with an intellectually vibrant and ceremonially rich valedictory session marked by scholarly reflections visionary deliberations and cultural eloquence.The valedictory ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Prof Pragati Kumar Vice Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University as the chief guest Prof Ashok Aima former Vice Chancellor of Central University of Jammu and presently Chairman of the ISTD Jammu Chapter and the Prof Hardeep Chahal Director ICCCR HRM University of Jammu.In his welcome address Prof Sunil Gupta Principal of the host institution underscored the significance of academic collaborations and interdisciplinary research in addressing the complex realities of the rapidly transforming global order. He emphasized the institutions commitment towards fostering critical inquiry innovation and socially responsive education
aligned with national and global developmental aspirations.In the keynote valedictory address Prof Pragati Kumar underlined the importance of education research and innovation in shaping future societies and lauded the conference for providing a meaningful platform for interdisciplinary academic dialogue and sustainable global perspectives.Addressing the gathering Prof Hardeep Chahal highlighted the transformative role of higher education institutions in promoting ethical leadership innovation and sustainable societal development while emphasizing the need to balance changing socioeconomic realities with cultural values and human sensitivity.Prof Ashok Aima stressed the significance of independent thinking intellectual freedom and valuebased education and appreciated the organisers for conceptualising a conference theme of great contemporary relevance.A major highlight of the conference was an engaging panel discussion conducted by Dr Ridhi Sharma. The participants in the panel discussion included Prof Simmi Dutta from GCET Jammu Dr
Sunanda Gupta from SMVDU Dr Ashok Sharma from Bhaderwah Campus of JU and Dr Gaurav Varshney from IIT Jammu.The conference report was presented by the Dr Jasvinder Singh. Over the two days the conference witnessed participation of more than 250 researchers academicians and resource persons from within the India and abroad. The brainstorming technical sessions involved eminent resource persons from the US UK Fiji Malaysia and Israel along with experts from prestigious institutions. More than 150 research scholars and academicians presented papers on diverse themes. 2213756 May 16, 2026 DPS Jammu organizes awareness programme Daily Excelsior sports news Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Delhi Public School Jammu organized an awareness programme titled Empower HER A Journey Through Puberty Hygiene and Wellbeing to educate young girls about puberty menstrual hygiene emotional wellbeing and selfcare.Vice Principal Meenu Gupta in her address emphasized the importance of open discussions on adolescence and menstrual health encouraging students to embrace this phase with confidence and positivity. The programme was attended by Deputy Headmistress Rimpi Sharma Coordinators Prerna Malhotra and Anuradha Wadhera teachers and students.A major highlight of the event was a Nukkad Natak titled Breaking the Ice performed by students depicting the emotional and physical changes during adolescence and stressing the need for support and selfacceptance. Students also participated in a practical activity Creating Comfort Kits promoting awareness about personal hygiene and selfcare.School Counsellor Supreet Kaur conducted an interactive session on Understanding Puberty while Dr Anita Kotwal delivered
an informative talk on menstruation and menstrual hygiene addressing myths and misconceptions in a relatable manner.Principal Ruchi Chabra appreciated the efforts of the organizing team and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in nurturing confident and informed young individuals. 2213483 May 16, 2026 Norway defends its decision to cancel missile system sale to Malaysia Daily Excelsior International OSLO May 15 Norways foreign ministry affirmed Friday it has revoked export licenses tied to a naval missile system for Malaysia saying sales of its most sensitive defence technologies are now restricted to allies and closest partners.The move blocked delivery of the Naval Strike Missile system and launcher components intended for Malaysias littoral combat ship programme prompting sharp protests from Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned it could damage confidence in European defence suppliers.Norways foreign ministry said in reply to Associated Press queries that the government has strengthened oversight on defence technology in response to major shifts in the security landscape in Europe and globally in recent years.Exports of some of the most sensitive Norwegiandeveloped defence technologies will be limited to our allies and closest partners it said. It is regrettable that this affects Malaysia.Malaysia inked a deal for the NSM antiship missile system in 2018 with Norways Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS. The
missiles were intended to arm Malaysias new class of littoral combat ships under a broader naval modernisation program.Anwar said Thursday he raised Malaysias strong protest during a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. He said Oslos move would hurt Malaysias operational readiness and cast doubt on the reliability of European defence partners if signed agreements could be reversed unilaterally.Contracts are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner Anwar said. If European defence suppliers reserve the right to renege with impunity their value as strategic partners flies out the window.The Norway foreign ministry said Store had explained Norways decision to Anwar during their call. Despite the curbs it said Norway greatly values its relationship with Malaysia and looked forward to continued cooperation and constructive dialogue with Malaysian authorities.Malaysia has already paid 95 per cent of the contract value and is now examining legal options and possible compensation claims over the cancelled
delivery. (AP) 2213482 May 16, 2026 Authorities search waters in Maldives after 5 Italians were killed in cave dive accident Daily Excelsior International ROME May 15 An Italian expert joined police divers and rescue vessels for searches in the Maldives on Friday a day after five Italian divers were killed in a scuba accident authorities said.Italys Foreign Ministry said the five divers apparently died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 metres (164 feet) on Thursday. It said the circumstances of their death remain under investigation.Maldivian authorities said they launched a major rescue operation after the incident on Thursday deploying boats aircraft and dive teams to search the area. One diver was found dead in a deep underwater cave with the body recovered from nearly 60 metres (200 feet) below the surface the Maldives National Defence Force said in statement.The remaining four divers were believed to be inside the same cave and additional teams and specialized equipment were being sent for what officials described as a dangerous highrisk operation.The Italian foreign ministry did not provide information on the recovery of bodies. It said an Italian expert was
assisting the coast guard and Maldivian vessels in the search operation on Friday.It said officials planned a dive to evaluate access to an underwater cave in the Vaavu Atoll where the accident occurred but rough weather conditions could delay the recovery.The ministry added that Italys ambassador to Colombo which oversees relations with the Maldives has traveled to the capital Male to meet with coast guard officials. The Italian Embassy was also in contact with the victims families and providing assistance.The group had been on a morning dive near Alimathaa and was reported missing after failing to surface by midday Thursday according to initial reports. Conditions were described as unfavorable at the time with a yellow weather alert in effect. (AP)&nbsp 2213481 May 16, 2026 Palestinians in Gaza mark anniversary of 1948 mass expulsion, say today's catastrophe is worse Daily Excelsior International GAZA May 15 Blink and you might miss the few stone walls that are all thats left of the village that Yusuf Abu Hamams family was forced to flee when he was an infant in 1948.The village alJoura was demolished by the Israeli military at the time. It has since vanished under neighbourhoods of the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon and the grounds of a national park.The neighbourhood where Abu Hamams family ended up and where he spent most of his life now lies also largely in ruins.Buildings in the Shati Camp in the northern Gaza Strip have been razed and wrecked by Israeli bombardment and demolitions during the past 2 and a half years of war.On Friday Abu Hamam and millions of Palestinians mark the 78th anniversary of the Nakba Arabic for catastrophe referring to the mass expulsion and flight of some 750000 Palestinians from what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation. Its the third commemoration of the Nakba since the war in Gaza began.The 78yearold Abu Hamam one of a dwindling number of Nakba survivors says
the current war is an even greater catastrophe.More than six months after an October ceasefire he and the rest of Gazas more than 2 million people are now crammed into less than half of the 25milelong strip along the Mediterranean coast surrounded by an Israelicontrolled zone encompassing the rest of the territory.There is no country left Abu Hamam said speaking next to his home which was heavily damaged by Israeli shelling earlier in the war. A square kilometre and a half extending from the sea this is what we are living in Its indescribable unbearable.What was the NakbaFor Palestinians the Nakba meant the loss of most of their homeland. Some 80 per cent of the Palestinians who lived in the area that became Israel were driven from their homes by forces of the nascent state before and during the war.The fighting began when Arab armies attacked following Israels establishment as a home for Jews in the wake of the Holocaust. Palestinians who remained behind hold Israeli citizenship.After the war Israel refused to allow Palestinian
refugees to return to ensure a Jewish majority within its borders.Palestinians became a seemingly permanent refugee community that now numbers some 6 million with most living in refugee camps in the Israelioccupied West Bank Lebanon Syria Jordan and Gaza.Around 530 Palestinian villages in what became Israel were destroyed according to the Palestinian Bureau of Statistics.Abu Hamams birth village was one of them. AlJoura was seized by the Israeli military as it advanced against Egyptian forces in November 1948.Soldiers were ordered to destroy every home in alJoura and neighbouring villages to ensure their Palestinian populations couldnt come back according to military archives cited by Israeli historian Benny Morris.Refugees swelled the population of the tiny patch of territory along the southern coast that became the Gaza Strip.They stayed in tent camps run by a newly created UN agency for Palestinians UNRWA which provided aid and schooling. Those camps like Abu Hamams Shati Camp grew into dense urban neighbourhoods over the decades
before many were flattened during the latest Gaza war by Israeli bombardment.In Gaza Palestinians live a new NakbaThe ancestors of Neman Abu Jarad and his wife Majida were already living in what would become the Gaza Strip in 1948.They both recall stories from their families about refugees streaming in by foot from areas further north like the village Abu Hamam came from.Though they avoided the original Nakba there was no escaping from what Majida now calls our Nakba.Their hometown has been wiped off the map. Over the past year Israeli bulldozers and controlled detonations have razed nearly every building in the northern Gaza towns of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun. A new Israeli military base stands about 700 metres from where the Abu Jarads house once stood according to satellite photos.Also gone is the southern Gaza city of Rafah once home to a quarter million people and other villages and neighbourhoods located in the Israeliheld half of the Gaza Strip.The military says it is destroying positions used by Hamas and preparing the area
for reconstruction. Satellite photos show nearly every structure reduced to rubble.Over the last 31 months of war the Abu Jarads and their six daughters have been displaced more than a dozen times as they fled Israeli bombardment and offensives.They currently live in a camp in the southern city of Khan Younis. Their tent offers little shelter from biting winter winds or summer heat Majida said.Their daughters have been out of school for over two years now.The Nakba of 48 I dont think it can be compared to our Nakba Majida said. In 48 they say people were displaced once and settled in one place and they are still there until now. But our Nakba honestly is more severe because our displacement has happened multiple times. There is no stability.Around 90 per cent of Gazas more than 2 million people have lost their homes according to UN estimates with most of them now sheltering in huge tent camps with rat infestations and pools of sewage. They are dependent on aid to survive.Israels offensive has killed over 72700 Palestinians according
to local health officials. It was triggered by Hamas October 7 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed some 1200 people. Militants also abducted 251 hostages.In the northern West Bank tens of thousands of Palestinians are entering their 15th month of displacement after the Israeli military ordered them out of their refugee camps as it launched an operation it said was targeting militant groups.Since then troops have demolished or heavily damaged at least 850 structures across the refugee camps of Nur Shams Jenin and Tulkarem according to an analysis of satellite imagery by Human Rights Watch released in December.Saving what was lost again and againThe 1948 Nakba also brought the loss of Palestinians history as those fleeing struggled to keep hold of the documents and possessions tying them to their homes.One of the largest archives of Palestinian documents dating back to the Nakba belongs to UNRWA.UNRWA staff members who fled their offices in Gaza after Israel ordered the north evacuated had to leave behind the agencys extensive
archive.The staff then launched a mission to rescue the most crucial documents birth death and marriage certificates and refugee registration cards according to Juliette Touma a former senior UNRWA official.Without those documents Palestinians could lose their rights and refugee status. Staffers crammed their personal suitcases full of papers and carried them through checkpoints and out of the territory Touma said.The current war has cost Palestinians in Gaza what little remained of their personal histories. Majidas parents home in Beit Hanoun was destroyed and with it family photos.There is nothing left she said.Abu Hamam too says everything has been lost.When this war came it devoured trees stones and people he said. Entire families were erased from the civil registry. Hundreds of families are still buried under the rubble. (AP) 2213480 May 16, 2026 Trump says China will buy 200 planes from Boeing, with possibility of expanding the deal to 750 Daily Excelsior International WASHINGTON May 15 Aircraft manufacturer Boeing will make its first major sale to China in nearly a decade with an order for 200 planes President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Friday a deal he said had been made during his summit with Chinas President Xi Jinping this week and that could grow to as many as 750 planes.The White House has not released details of the deal and the company itself has not commented. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg had joined Trump for the trip to Beijing one of a large group of CEOs seeking to sell products and services to China. For Boeing the deal would mark a significant breakthrough in a market that was once central to its longterm growth.Trump also said the deal would benefit General Electric which he said would supply 400 to 450 engines. General Electric did not immediately comment on the agreement.Last month Ortberg signalled confidence that any broader USChina agreement would include aircraft purchases telling investors he expected Trumps meeting with Xi to be a meaningful opportunity for
Boeing.Ortberg took over in 2024 a calamitous year for Boeing as it came under intensifying scrutiny over production and quality failures and faced mounting financial pressure. In January 2024 a panel known as a door plug blew off a 737 Max shortly after takeoff from Portland Oregon renewing scrutiny of Boeings manufacturing practices.Months later the US Justice Department revived a criminal case against Boeing tied to the two fatal Max crashes although prosecutors later reached an agreement with Boeing to dismiss the case committing the company to an additional USD 1.1 billion in fines compensation for victims families and internal safety and quality improvements.Then an eightweek strike stretching through the fall by machinists who assemble the 737 Max in Washington state disrupted production and added to the companys financial strain. (AP) 2213687 May 16, 2026 Administrative training, governance institutions must reinvent themselves: Minister Jitendra Singh Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 15 Union minister Jitendra Singh on Friday said that administrative training and governance institutions across the country must reinvent themselves and shun stereotype models to remain relevant.Addressing the concluding session of the National Departmental Summit on Institutionalising Capacity Building From Training to PerformanceLinked Governance through virtual mode he said Mission Karmayogi is steadily moving towards an AIintegrated governance framework linking capacity building competency development technology and public service delivery.The National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) popularly known as the Mission Karmayogi aims to create a competent civil service rooted in the Indian ethos with a shared understanding of the countrys priorities working in harmony for an effective and efficient public service delivery.Singh the Minister of State for Personnel said governance reforms today require transparency timeline discipline ease of procedures and optimum use of technology supported by
innovation and human sensitivity.Referring to governance reforms undertaken in recent years he said annual grievances received on the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) portal have increased from nearly two lakh in 2014 to more than 2530 lakh presently reflecting growing public trust due to improved responsiveness and accountability.Singh also referred to the success of Digital Life Certificates noting that nearly 1011 crore certificates have already been generated enabling pensioners to complete formalities digitally without physical visits.The daylong summit brought together senior officials from the Department of Personnel and Training Capacity Building Commission Karmayogi Bharat state governments Union Territories and administrative training institutions from across the country to deliberate on strengthening institutional capacitybuilding frameworks and performancelinked governance systems.Key takeaways from the summit included a broad consensus on transforming administrative training
institutions from conventional training centres into digitally integrated outcomeoriented governance hubs aligned with Mission Karmayogi.Singh while addressing the valedictory session of the summit also said governance institutions can no longer function through silos and must move towards integrated and interdisciplinary learning systems involving institutions beyond conventional government structures including IITs IIMs and specialised domain institutions.He said artificial intelligence would remain an important enabler in governance but technology alone cannot substitute human intelligence ethical conduct and behavioural sensitivity in public service delivery.Stressing the need to encourage innovation and free flow of ideas within institutions the minister called for creating platforms for willing trainers promoting regionspecific best practices and strengthening collaboration among states and training institutions.Singh said governance reforms ultimately succeed only when citizens experience responsiveness dignity and sensitivity
at the ground level adding that Mission Karmayogi provides a transformational opportunity to build integrated innovative and futureready governance systems for the country.Department of Personnel and Training Secretary Rachna Shah emphasised the importance of comprehensive capacitybuilding plans across ministries departments and states to identify competency gaps and align governance learning systems with future administrative requirements.Capacity Building Commission Chairperson S Radha Chauhan said training institutions must undergo structural and strategic transformation to remain relevant in an AIenabled governance environment. (PTI) 2213686 May 16, 2026 Money-dispute angle emerges in Delhi bus gangrape case Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 15 Police probing the alleged gangrape of a 30yearold woman inside a private sleeper bus in Outer Delhi have found that there was a dispute over money between the victim and the accused sources said on Friday.The woman was allegedly dragged inside the bus and raped by the driver and the conductor in the Mangolpuri area here on May 11. Both the accused were arrested the following day.According to the police sources the woman in her complaint has stated that there was a dispute over money with the accused.The sources also said that one of the accused did not flee the spot after the incident and the victim later used his mobile phone to call police.The woman has also told police that her husband is suffering from a medical condition and is unable to work. The couple have four children and she has been working to support the family the sources said.Police are probing the case from all angles and have already seized the bus. CCTV footage from the route taken by the vehicle on the day of the incident is also being
examined.The case was registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) dealing with rape and gangrape police said. (PTI) 2213683 May 16, 2026 Disputed Bhojshala site is temple of Goddess Saraswati: MP HC; quashes ASI 2003 namaz order Daily Excelsior National INDORE May 15 In a landmark ruling the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday declared that the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar district is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and also quashed the 2003 ASI arrangement allowing Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays at the site.The HCs Indore bench which heard the case related to the longrunning dispute over the religious nature of the 11th century monument underlined that the continuous practice of Hindu worship at the site associated with the legacy of King Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty has never ceased.The court in a 242page verdict accepted the plea for exclusive Hindu worship rights at the disputed complex and also quashed the Archaeological Survey of Indias (ASI) order of April 7 2003 which allowed Muslims to offer prayers at the monument every Friday.The HC established the religious nature of the medieval monument as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati worshipped as the Goddess of knowledge in Hindu mythology.The Hindu community considered Bhojshala to be a temple dedicated to
Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati) while the Muslim side called it Kamal Maula Mosque. A petitioner from the Jain community claimed the complex was a medieval Jain temple and gurukul (traditional learning centre).A division bench Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi delivered the muchawaited verdict on five petitions and one writ appeal related to the matter in the light of archaeological and historical facts ASI notifications and its scientific survey of 2024 and legal provisions.The bench dismissed four petitions filed by Muslim and Jain parties.In its order the High Court also referred to the principles laid down in the Supreme Courts judgment in the Ayodhya Ram JanmabhoomiBabri Masjid dispute case.The bench while allowing two PILs filed by social organisation Hindu Front for Justice Kuldeep Tiwari and others said The religious character of the disputed area of the Bhojshala Complex and Kamal Maula Mosque is held to be a Bhojshala with a temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).It further said We have noted the continuity of Hindu
worship at the site through regulated over time has never been extinguished.The HC also referred to historical records and literature.The court stated We find on record that historical literature placed established that the character of the disputed area was Bhojshala as a centre of Sanskrit learning associated with Raja Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty and the literature and architectural references including those connected with the period of Raja Bhoj indicate the existence of a temple dedicated to goddess Saraswati at Dhar.The Hindu petitioners had pleaded for return of a Vagdevi statue housed in the British Museum in London to India and its reinstallation within the Bhojshala complex. On this the court stated that the petitioners had already submitted several representations to the Government of India in this regardand the Centre could consider them.The High Court ruled that the Government of India and the ASI would decide on the administration and management of the Bhojshala temple and the affairs of Sanskrit education within it and
that the ASI would continue to administer and manage the property in accordance with legal provisions.The bench clarified that the ASI a central government body would have full supervisory control over the preservation protection and regulation of religious access to the complex.The court said Every government has the constitutional obligation to ensure preservation and protection of not only the ancient monuments and structures including temples of archaeological and historical importance but also of sanctum sanctorum as well as the deity of spiritual importance.There is a constitutional duty even to sanction funds for providing basic amenities to pilgrims proper arrangements for shelter places maintenance of law and order and the preservation of purity and pristine character of the deity emphasised the Judges.During the HC hearing petitioners from Hindu Muslim and Jain communities presented detailed arguments and sought exclusive rights to worship at the disputed monument for their respective communitiesWhile dismissing petitions
filed by the Muslim side the court however stated that if the community applies for land allotment for the construction of a mosque in Dhar district the state government may consider it in accordance with legal provisions.After the Bhojshala controversy erupted the ASI issued an order on April 7 2003 allowing Hindus to worship at the complex every Tuesday and permitting Muslims to offer prayers at the site every Friday.On March 11 2024 the HC ordered the ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Bhojshala TempleKamal Maula Mosque complex. The ASI began the survey on March 22 2024. It completed the survey within 98 days after which a detailed report was presented in the HC on July 15 2024.The HC said It is noteworthy to remember that archaeology as a branch of knowledge draws sustenance from the science of learning it is the wisdom and experience and the vision which underlines the process of interpretation. Therefore the court can safely rely upon the conclusions derived on the basis of such multidisciplinary scientific studies by the
ASI and the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India.The court citing the ASIs scientific survey report on the disputed monument and other documents on record stated that the structure was associated with King Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty a Rajput kingdom that ruled the Malwa region of presentday central India between the 9th and 14th centuries.A prominent cleric said the HC verdict will be challenged in the apex court.Asked about the judgement Dhar Shahar Qazi or cleric Waqar Sadiq told PTI Videos We have not seen the full judgement. We respect the High Court decision but will appeal against it in the Supreme Court after going through it.Nearly 1200 police personnel were deployed in and around the complex ahead of the HC ruling.Dhar Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena warned of strict action against anyone spreading objectionable content on social media as the administration erected barricades at the site where Friday prayers coincided with the court verdict.The ASI indicated in its over 2000page
report that a massive structure dating back to the reign of the Parmar kings of Dhar predated the mosque and that the current disputed structure was built using repurposed temple components.The Hindu side claimed that coins sculptures and inscriptions found by the ASI during its scientific survey prove the complex was originally a temple.However the Muslim side argued in court that the ASIs survey report was biased and prepared to support the claims of the Hindu petitioners.Refuting this the ASI told the court the scientific survey process was carried out with the help of experts including three from the Muslim community. (PTI) 2213743 May 16, 2026 Forest Deptt seizes truck carrying illicit wood to Punjab Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentKATHUA May 15 Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department launched a major operation against illegal timber smuggling in Kathua on Friday intensifying its drive to curb forest crimes in the district.Officials said acting on specific inputs the Forest Department seized a truck allegedly transporting illegally extracted wood to Punjab.According to officials the vehicle bearing Registration Number JK02CG8757 was intercepted during a special daylong enforcement drive conducted by the vigilance team of the APCP Lakhanpur Range under the supervision of Range Officer Sanjeev Singh. The operation was carried out under the overall directions of Ankit Sinha.During inspection the truck was found loaded with a substantial quantity of illegally felled forest wood reportedly being smuggled out of Jammu and Kashmir towards Punjab. After seizure of the vehicle further legal proceedings under relevant forest laws have been initiated officials said.Officials said the Department has stepped up surveillance across vulnerable forest belts
and key transit routes to prevent illegal extraction and transportation of timber including valuable forest produce such as Khair wood and fuel wood. They noted that smuggling networks are frequently changing routes and methods but intensified monitoring and coordinated field operations are helping foil such attempts.The Department also revealed details of a serious incident that occurred on May 13 when suspected timber smugglers allegedly attempted to run over members of the forest protection team while fleeing from a checking point. During the incident a Forest Guard from the Kathua Division sustained serious injuries and was shifted to Government Medical College Kathua for treatment where he is currently undergoing medical care. Officials reiterated that the Department remains committed to protecting forest resources and will continue strict enforcement against those involved in illegal felling and smuggling. They added that action has been taken out in recent days as part of an intensified antismuggling campaign across the
district. 2213682 May 16, 2026 Parliament's joint committee on MPs' salary, allowances reconstituted Daily Excelsior National NEW DELHI May 15 A joint committee of the two Houses which looks into the the issue of salary and allowances of MPs was reconstituted on Friday.The Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament is constituted every year and comprises members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The chairperson is elected by the members under the provisions of the Salary Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act 1954.According to a Lok Sabha bulletin Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan have nominated members to the panel.While 14 members have been nominated there is one vacancy.The Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament is a statutory standing committee constituted under Section 9 of the Salary Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act 1954.It consists of 15 members 10 from the Lok Sabha and 5 from the Rajya Sabha who frame and regulate rules regarding the pay allowances housing medical and other facilities of MPs for a term not exceeding one year.
(PTI) 2213740 May 16, 2026 Admn should investigate complaints instead of imposing restrictions: ABVP Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentKATHUA May 15 Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Jammu Kashmir has expressed serious concern regarding the recent circular issued by the District Administration Kathua pertaining to student participation in protest activities.ABVP stated that while student welfare safety discipline and the academic environment must always remain a priority imposing broad restrictions through administrative circulars cannot be considered a constructive or democratic solution to public grievances. The organization emphasized that instead of discouraging expression through restrictive measures the administration should focus on conducting fair transparent and timebound inquiries into the genuine complaints raised by students parents and citizens.Sannak Shrivats State secretary ABVP Jammu Kashmir while talking to reporters said his organization firmly believes that schoolgoing children should never be misused or influenced for activities that negatively affect their education and discipline. At the same time the organization
asserted that democratic expression and peaceful participation in issuebased educational and social concernsparticularly at the college and university levelare Constitutional rights that must be respected in a democratic society.He said that students are conscious citizens and important stakeholders in nationbuilding. Any attempt to unnecessarily suppress or criminalize student voices may create distrust among youth and weaken democratic participation. ABVP maintained that responsible and peaceful student engagement should be encouraged rather than restricted through fear or excessive administrative controls.Sannak clarified that if any individual group or organization is found forcibly involving minors in protests or using students for personal or political motives the administration must take strict and lawful action after a proper investigation. However generalized restrictions through circulars without addressing the root causes of public concern are neither balanced nor effective.ABVP Jammu Kashmir demanded the Deputy
Commissioner Kathua and the concerned authorities to adopt a sensitive balanced and democratic approach that safeguards academic activities while simultaneously respecting Constitutional values public concerns and democratic rights. 2213741 May 16, 2026 7 clinics, Labs sealed Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentRAJOURI May 15 Acting on the complaints from the public and despite earlier warnings issued by the Health Department the office of the Chief Medical Officer Rajouri launched a major crackdown against private clinical establishmentsLabs operating in violation of prescribed norms and regulations.A surprise inspection drive was conducted on Friday by CMO Rajouri Dr ML Rana along with Naib Tehsildar Sham Lal and Drugs Inspector Shakoor Ahmad in different areas of Rajouri town. During the drive around 11 private clinical establishments were inspected and strict action was taken after several serious irregularities were detected.A total of 7 clinical establishments Clinics were sealed for operating without proper registration under the Clinical Establishments Act. These included Dr Lal Lab Collection Centre Kheora Global Dental Clinic Dr Shahid Anjum Clinic Joint and Spine Clinic Satellite Clinic and Medicare Clinic among others.Besides this the license of one diagnostic centre was suspended for 48 hours due to
violations found during inspection while three other establishments were fined for noncompliance with Health Department guidelines.The inspection team found that several institutions were operating without mandatory documents had licensing deficiencies and were violating prescribed healthcare norms posing a serious concern for public health and patient safety.He further said that such inspection drives will continue in the future and strict action will be taken against violators to ensure quality healthcare services and safeguard public interest. 2213742 May 16, 2026 Residents of Hiranagar protest against FCSCA Department Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentKATHUA May 15 The inhabitants of Hiranagar border area led by social worker BL Kandly held a protest demonstration against the failure of J&ampK Government in solving the basic issues of the people.The prominent citizens held a conference before protest and passed a resolution demanding settlement of the problems of the people.In the conference the delegates were unanimous regarding the total failure of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in meeting the demands of the people. The Department totally failed to enter the names ofchildren born since 2011 and issuance of a separate Ration Card to the every married person of Sub Division Hiranagardespite official fee has been deposited in the treasury through village Chowkidars as identity of separate families.In the conference of delegates from Hiranagar Marheen and Dinga Amb it was unanimously resolved that Statehood to Jammu Kashmir should be granted immediately.It was also demanded that political Organisations students and social activists
should demand Statehood unitedly and start peaceful campaign in this regard.BL Kandly submitted the memorandum to SDM Hiranagar and said that the residents of SubDivision Hiranagar are facing numerous problems due to lack of restoration of statehood. Common man is suffering a lot and public is facing many problems in getting their grievances redressed. He added. 2213735 May 16, 2026 Adm retrieves encroached Eidgah land at Kotranka Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentRAJOURI May 15 In a major step towards strengthening religious infrastructure in the area the Kotranka Administration retrieved the encroached land meant for the construction of the Eidgah in Kotranka and further accelerated the ongoing construction work after removal of the encroachment.The action was carried out under the supervision of ADC Koteranka Dil Mir ensuring that the land was restored for its original public and religious purpose. Following the retrieval of the land construction activities at the Eidgah site have been expedited.When contacted Dil Mir stated that the encroached land had been successfully reclaimed after due administrative action enabling smooth continuation of the construction work.The Eidgah Project was initiated by Dr Darakhshan Andrabi Chairperson of Jammu &amp Kashmir Waqf Board as part of its broader mission to strengthen and upgrade religious infrastructure. Dr Andrabi has been actively working for the development restoration and beautification of religious institutions
shrines mosques etc in different districts of the Union Territory. Under her leadership the Waqf Board has initiated several landmark projects aimed at improving facilities for devotees and addressing longpending public demands. The construction of the Eid Gah at Kotranka was also one such longawaited demand of the local population which has now started taking shape due to her intervention.Locals appreciated the proactive role of Dr Andrabi for prioritizing the project and ensuring that the construction process moves ahead without hurdles. They also lauded the efforts of the Kotranka Administration for taking timely action against encroachment and facilitating the smooth execution of the project.Residents stated that the construction of the Eidgah would greatly benefit the people of the area by providing a proper and spacious venue for offering Eid prayers and conducting religious gatherings. 2213736 May 16, 2026 JDA conducts anti-encroachment drive in Sidhra, Majeen & Paloura Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Under the supervision of Vice Chairman JDA Rupesh Kumar the Jammu Development Authority carried out a targeted antiencroachment drive today at multiple locations in Sidhra Majeen and Paloura.In Sidhra and Majeen several plinths and temporary structures on JDA land were identified and removed at a nascent stage to prevent the construction of larger permanent structures. Early demolition prevented the escalation of encroachment and safeguarded the integrity of the Authoritys land holdings.In Paloura (opposite Lohan Park) Temporary structures erected on JDA land were demolished. Occupants were issued warnings to remove construction material from the site immediately.Ward No. 52 Paloura Demolition of unauthorized structures was also undertaken to restore public land and ensure unhindered access.The drive was carried out in a coordinated manner to minimize disruption while enforcing landuse regulations. The Jammu Development Authority reiterates its commitment to protecting public land and preventing
illegal construction. Further action will be taken against those who fail to comply with warnings in accordance with applicable laws and JDA procedures. 2213737 May 16, 2026 Immoral trafficking racket busted; five including two Thai women held Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Five persons including two women from Thailand were arrested after police raided a rented accommodation at Bandhu Rakh area under the jurisdiction of Police Station Gangyal here and unearthed an alleged immoral trafficking racket.Sources said acting on specific information about immoral activities a team of Police Station Gangyal conducted a raid at a rented property at Bandhu Rakh Kunjwani and arrested the accused from the spot.They said the accommodation was allegedly taken on rent by a Special Police Officer (SPO) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police currently posted at District Police Lines (DPL) Jammu.While a case under the relevant sections of the law has been registered at Police Station Gangyal further investigation has been set into the motion to ascertain the involvement of others in the racket sources said. 2213738 May 16, 2026 PoJK Displaced Persons Forum demands ST II status Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 All J&ampK PoJK Displaced Persons Intellectuals Forum held a meeting here today under the chairmanship of Amrik Singh in which the long pending demands of the refugees were highlighted.The meeting among others was also addressed by Kuldeep Singh general secretary of the Forum.The meeting in an appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged him to concede the grant of Schedule Tribe II status to the PoJK displaced persons who have been displaced from those areas of Princely State of J&ampK which is under forcible occupation of Pakistan on the same pattern as has been granted to the people of Rajouri and Poonch districts.The meeting said that the community of the PoJK displaced persons is a Pahadi Tribal community which belongs to Pahadi ethnic society having common ethnicity and culture with the common dialect. The Forum reiterated that the PoJK displaced persons are spread across the Line of Actual Control and their population is more than 15 lakh and they already possess the same attribute
of Pahadi Tribal as possessed by those granted Scheduled Tribe II status. The PoJK displaced persons over the years have been living in the very harsh conditions because of the forced displacement it said.The Forum said since 1947 this community has no opportunity to compete with other communities due to which they lagged behind in social progression for which they may have been socially economically and politically deprived.Keeping these facts in view the Forum said the case of PoJK displaced persons is far better than Pahadi community who did not face any burnt of displacement. The members of POJK community settled in Poonch and Rajouri districts got the Pahadi status but those who are not settled in Poonch and Rajouri have been denied this status.The Forum said that Government of J&ampK in principle has agreed in State Assembly in response to a question that PoJK displaced persons will be granted ST II status.The Forum expressed the hope that on the pattern of granting the ST II Status to displaced persons settled in Rajouri
and Poonch the PoJK refugees settled in other areas of Jammu Kathua Samba and Udhampur districts will also be given justice. 2213739 May 16, 2026 Car hits motorcycle, 2 injured Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentKISHTWAR May 15 Two bikers were injured here this evening after they were hit by a car in Padder area.As per reports a car bearing registration number JK7A 3093 hit a motorcycle with registration number JK5407 in Kundal area leaving the two bike riders injured.The injured were identified as Imtiaz Ahmad son of Gh Qadir Khandey resident of Kijaie Padder and Mohd Salman son of Mohd Amin Khandey resident of Kijai.Both the injured were shifted to SDH Atholi from where after preliminary treatment they were taken to District Hospital Kishtwar. Imtiaz Ahmad being critical was referred to GMC Jammu for specialised treatment.SDPO Padder DySP Vijay Bhagat said Police has registered a case in this regard and started investigation. The erring car has been seized but the driver managed to escape from spot. He is believed to be local of Padder. 2213681 May 16, 2026 Hindu petitioners term Bhojshala ruling victory after 700-year struggle Daily Excelsior National INDORE May 15 Hindu petitioners in the Bhojshala dispute on Friday welcomed the Madhya Pradesh High Courts decision declaring the disputed complex in Dhar as a Saraswati temple saying the community has achieved a victory after a 700year struggle.Ashish Goyal state vice president of the Hindu Front for Justice which was one of the petitioners before the court said it was an unforgettable and historic day for the community.After the Ram Janmabhoomi case in Ayodhya the Bhojshala case in Dhar is the second consecutive victory for the Hindu community he told PTI.The Public Interest Litigation filed by the organisation claimed that Bhojshala was originally a Saraswati temple built in 1034 by King Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty which was demolished in 1305 during the invasion of Alauddin Khiljis army and its remains were used in the construction of the mosque at the site.The Hindu community had been fighting for the liberation of Bhojshala and restoration of its glory for the last 700 years Goyal said.Kuldeep Tiwari who had filed another PIL in
the matter said The Hindu community has had unwavering faith in the Saraswati temple in Bhojshala for centuries. We were confident that one day we would win.The Indore bench of the High Court in its ruling on Friday held that the BhojshalaKamal Maula Mosque complex was a Vagdevi (Saraswati) temple.The court also quashed the Archaeological Survey of Indias April 7 2003 order allowing Muslims to offer prayers at the complex every Friday.Hindu petitioners outside the High Court premises greeted each other after the verdict and offered sweets. A man was seen carrying a small replica of the Vagdevi idol.The Hindu petitioners had claimed that the original idol once installed in the Bhojshala temple is currently in the British Museum in London. (PTI) 2213734 May 16, 2026 Northern Army Commander reviews security situation, operational preparedness in Sgr Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma the General Officer CommandinginChief (GOCinC) of the strategically important Northern Command today chaired a highlevel security review and coordination meeting in Srinagar to assess the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness across the region.During the meeting Joint Control Centres (JCCs) briefed the Army Commander on the current security scenario counterterrorism measures intelligence coordination and overall security dynamics in the Kashmir Valley and adjoining areas.Senior officials from various security and intelligence agencies attended the meeting.The Army Commander stressed the need for stronger interagency coordination and seamless sharing of intelligence to ensure swift joint operations against security threats.He said close cooperation among the Army police and intelligence agencies remains vital for maintaining peace and strengthening the counterterrorism grid in Jammu and Kashmir.Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma also appreciated
the professionalism and vigilance of the security forces operating in challenging conditions and asked them to continue working in close coordination to effectively deal with emerging threats. 2213705 May 16, 2026 Jyotiraditya Scindia reviews key development projects in Sikkim's Namchi Daily Excelsior National GANGTOK May 15 Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M Scindia reviewed several key initiatives on education tourism tea production and sports development in Sikkims Namchi district on Friday.Scindia has been on a threeday visit to the northeastern state since Thursday according to an official statement.The minister was accorded a Guard of Honour by the India Reserve Battalion at Temi Bungalow before he proceeded to Sikkim State University.During his visit to the University Scindia inspected infrastructure developed under the North Eastern Council (NEC).Superintending Engineer (Education) Kamlesh Pradhan briefed him on the facilities established within the campus including the gymnasium and sports infrastructure.The minister emphasised the importance of preserving greenery and maintaining the natural environment within the varsity premises the statement said.Scindia also visited Temi Tea Estate where he interacted with women tea pluckers and estate workers during his visit to
the plantations and tea processing facilities.He visited the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and EcoTourism at Chemchey and was informed about various training programmes being offered in the field of adventure tourism.The minister also reviewed the facilities and activities being developed at IHCAE including rock climbing ice climbing cycling mountaineering and guided ecotourism initiatives.Scindia also briefly attended the semifinal match of the ongoing Sikkim Premier League between Yangthang United and Singling FC at Bhaichung Stadium.Addressing the gathering he stated that the Ministry of DoNER has been instrumental in creating infrastructure aimed at nurturing and developing athletes and sportspersons across the region.He said that the ministry has established a highlevel task force focused on the development of sports in the North Eastern Region through capital investment and skill development initiatives.The minister also visited Tathagata Tsal also known as the Buddha Park at Ravangla where he was briefed on the various
schools of Buddhism and the significance of Tibetan and Gandhara artistic traditions.He also inspected the ongoing construction of the Bhaley Dhunga Skywalk project at Yangang. Upon completion the 240metrelong circular glass skywalk proposed at an altitude of 3200 metres is envisioned to become the worlds highest such facility.The minister travelled via the Bhuleydunga Ropeway and reviewed the progress of implementation while examining the various infrastructure components associated with the project the statement said. P(TI) 2213666 May 16, 2026 Two held with 1 kg opium-like substance from Miran Sahib Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentJAMMU May 15 Two women drug peddlers were arrested with 1 kilogram of opiumlike substance from Miran Sahib Area here today officials said.Pooja Rathore of Bhilwara Rajasthan and Anita Kanwar of Bhakliya Bhilwara Rajasthan were arrested with one packet of opiumlike substance weighing around one kilogram during routine patrolling duty on the Ring Road in Miran Sahib Area they said.Accordingly officials said the accused women peddlers were booked under the relevant sections of the NDPS Act.Meanwhile further investigation has been set into the motion to trace the backward and forward linkages of the arrested peddlers they said. 2213783 May 16, 2026 India U-18 men draw 2-2 against Australia, women too fight valiantly Daily Excelsior sports news BHOPAL May 15The India U18 mens hockey team was held to a 22 draw by Australia U18 side at the SAI Central Regional Centre here on Friday.Akash Deep (11th minute) and Deepak Prakash Toppo (45th) scored for the hosts. For Australia Jett Johnstone (2nd) gave the visitors an early lead while Franky Baker (60th) found the equaliser in the final minute of the game.In the womens opener the Australia U18 team clinched a 43 win.Aurora Kovacevich (21st) gave the visitors the lead before Diya (22nd) quickly restored parity for India.The hosts then surged to a twogoal advantage with Kiran Ekka (42nd) and captain Sweety Kujur (48th) finding the back of the net.However late goals from Mia Klimpsch (54th) and Stella Bartholomeusz (54th 55th) helped the visitors edge past India.The womens team will be in action for its second match of the series on Sunday while the men will play their second match later in the evening. (PTI) 2213486 May 16, 2026 Germany's Merz worries about America's 'social climate' Daily Excelsior International BERLIN May 15 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday said he wouldnt recommend that his children work in the US because of its social climate.I am a great admirer of America. My admiration isnt growing at the moment he said during a panel discussion at the Catholic Congress in Wuerzburg Germany.So I wouldnt recommend to my children today that they go to the US get an education there and work there. Simply because of a social climate that has suddenly developed there.He added By the way the question of what welleducated young people can achieve used to be answered very differently in America up until a year ago than it is today. Today the besteducated in America have great difficulty finding a job. (AP) 2213665 May 16, 2026 Fruit growers seek crop insurance, MIS revival Daily Excelsior State Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR May 15 The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union has written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seeking immediate implementation of a crop insurance scheme and restoration of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) after recent hailstorms and strong winds caused widespread damage to orchards across Kashmir.In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister the Union said intense hailstorms lightning and gusty winds on May 12 ravaged apple orchards in Tangmarg Pattan Wagura Kreeri Rafiabad Baramulla Bandipora and the Kangan belt of central Kashmir.The growers body said orchards in Shopian and Kulgam districts of south Kashmir had also suffered extensive damage in similar storms a few days earlier.Describing the losses as irreparable the Union said the storms devastated hundreds of apple orchards that form the economic backbone of lakhs of families associated with the horticulture sector.The sudden loss has not only dealt a severe blow to orchard owners but also affected everyone linked to the horticulture
industry the letter said adding that the damage would have wider economic repercussions across the region.The Union said that despite repeated demands and budgetary provisions the crop insurance scheme for the horticulture sector has yet to be implemented. It also sought the revival of the MIS to protect growers from financial distress during natural calamities.Chairman of the Union Bashir Ahmad Basheer said the organisation had repeatedly approached the Government over the years seeking protection measures for fruit growers vulnerable to weatherrelated disasters.