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Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 5 (ANI): Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the sixth convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar, and conferred degrees upon the graduates. On the second day of his visit to Jammu & Kashmir on Friday, Shivraj Singh said, 'I've been in Srinagar since yesterday. The cool breeze, the fragrance of the soil, the natural beauty, and the warmth of the people have truly touched my heart. Jammu & Kashmir is the crown jewel of India. Yesterday, we had an in-depth review with the Chief Minister on agriculture and rural development. We held extensive discussions on accelerating Jammu & Kashmir's development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to build a 'Viksit Bharat', and for that, a prosperous Jammu & Kashmir, with its empowered farmers, are essential. We are fully committed to achieving this goal.' Referring to a past meeting of the NITI Aayog, Chouhan told CM Omar Abdullah, 'You had emotionally appealed to ministers to come to Jammu & Kashmir and hold advisory committee meetings. You highlighted how internal conditions are stable and only disturbed by external elements. We accepted your invitation and held the advisory committee meeting yesterday.' Chouhan shared how he interacted with locals across Srinagar and received overwhelming love and affection. 'Even a Shikara boatman on the Dal Lake greeted me warmly. I am deeply moved and will share this affection with the rest of the nation,' he said. He praised SKUAST-K's accomplishments and expressed confidence that it would soon become the top-ranking state university. He noted that the university hosts students not just from Jammu & Kashmir but from 30 Indian states and Union Territories, as well as from abroad, making it a nationally and internationally recognised institution. Speaking to the graduates, he said, 'Convocation does not mean the end of learning; it marks the beginning of new knowledge. The lessons you've learned in your classrooms and labs must now be shared with society.' He emphasised the irreplaceable value of agriculture, stating that 'without farming, neither Jammu & Kashmir, nor the country, nor the world can function. Agricultural produce cannot be made in factories.' He added, 'Agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy and the primary livelihood for over half the population.' Thanking PM Modi, he highlighted that under PM's leadership, India's foodgrain stock has reached record levels, with a 44 per cent increase in foodgrain production over the past 11 years, including record growth in rice, wheat, maize, soybean, and groundnut. Jammu & Kashmir's fruits, flowers, and vegetables are exceptional in taste and colour, he said, and reiterated his vision to make J&K a global horticulture hub. He added that the Holistic Agricultural Development Program (HADP) is being implemented successfully in the region. Discussions were held on providing 'Clean Plants' under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Currently, farmers often import planting material from outside the state, which may carry viruses or bacteria. To address this, a decision was made to establish a Clean Plant Center in J&K with a budget of Rs 150 crore. He noted that in 5,000 hectares of apple orchards, per-hectare yield has increased from 10 tonnes to 60 tonnes, a six-fold rise. 'I want to see Kashmiri apples exported globally so that India doesn't need to import apples anymore,' he said. The minister highlighted the Government of India's commitment to protecting farmers' interests under the leadership of PM Modi. He called for more innovation in agriculture, urging students to launch startups and develop advanced technologies in the sector. While praising the university's performance in civil services, he reminded students that true achievement lies in living for others, not just oneself. 'Apply practical knowledge, not just theoretical. Each of you has immense potential, and I'm confident you will do well,' he said. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Chouhan said, 'Man is a storehouse of infinite strength; there is nothing he cannot achieve.' He encouraged students to set goals, make a roadmap, and work persistently for the greater good. He said both central and state governments are working together to implement these strategies. 'India belongs not only to itself but to the world. This is a land that considers the entire world as one family,' he concluded, calling for collective efforts to advance Jammu & Kashmir and the nation with the guiding mantra: 'Peace, not war; love, not hatred.' He expressed confidence that India would build a stronger global identity and emerge as the world's food basket. At the convocation ceremony, nearly 5,250 students received undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees. Additionally, 150 gold medals and 445 merit certificates were awarded to outstanding students for their academic achievements. The event was graced by Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor of the University Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-K Omar Abdullah, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Chaudhary, Education Minister Sakina Masood, along with vice chancellors, professors, senior officials, and other dignitaries. (ANI)
IMPHAL, Nov 17: The NPP on Sunday withdrew support from the BJP-led Government in Manipur, even as violence continued to rock the state as offices of the Congress and the saffron party were ransacked in the hill district of Jiribam where an unidentified body was found earlier in the day, officials said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A BJP MLA's ancestral house was vandalised in Imphal Valley while a building owned by Ashab Uddin, the Independent legislator of Jiribam, was ransacked, officials said. The incidents occurred a day after irate mobs set fire to the residences of ...Read More >
Assam's 75th Constitution Day highlighted the importance of the Indian Constitution, with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma commemorating the contributions of freedom fighters and Dr. BR Ambedkar. The event, held in Guwahati, underscored the Constitution's reflection of India's cultural heritage and its role in ensuring equality, freedom, and justice for all citizens. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participated in the 75th Constitution Day celebrations in Guwahati, emphasizing the significance of the Indian Constitution. This annual observation, assigned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 ...Read More >
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
The annual 'Kartheeka Brahmotsavams' began at the temple of Goddess Sri Padmavati Ammavaru at Tiruchanur here on November 28 (Thursday). Priests hoisted the 'Dhwajapatam', the sacred flag bearing the imprint of the divine elephant (the celestial carrier of Goddess Padmavati), atop the temple flag post as part of the 'Dhwajarohanam' ceremony, which signalled the formal launch of the nine-day fete. Under the guidance of the 'Pancharatra Agama' adviser Manikantha Swamy, the officiating priest (Kankana Bhattar), K. Srinivasacharyulu, and priest Babu Swamy conducted the rituals. Executive Office ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
ess than 24 hours after he asserted in Nigeria's Abuja that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today's India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the gathering of world's most influential leaders converged in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit that the main reason for India's success lies in his government's 'back to basics' and 'march to the future' approach. Addressing the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty' at the bayside museum of modern art during the two-day 19th G20 Summit, ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party leader and in-charge of the party's National IT Department, Amit Malviya, on Monday, criticised the Congress party's 'hypocrisy' over their stance on the Adani Group, pointing to past investments and agreements made with the corporate conglomerate by Congress-ruled states. Taking to social media platform X, Malviya referenced Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's recent "public admission of accepting money" from the Adani Group on November 10, 2024, pointing out that this acknowledgment contradicted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] November 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party MP K Laxman slammed Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing the Congress party of 'misleading' people. He further said that the people of Maharashtra know "how to teach a lesson" to Congress. "Revanth Reddy as a CM of Telangana and as a Congress leader is misleading the public. Maharashtra people are clever enough they know how to teach a lesson to these Congress people and Revanth Reddy you will come to know what has happened in Haryana that is going to be repeated in Maharashtra, and Jharkhand also," K Laxman ...Read More >
Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the third edition of Nayi Chetna - Pahal Badlaav Ki, a national campaign against gender-based violence, at Rang Bhawan Auditorium, New Delhi yesterday. Delivering his address, Shri Chouhan stated that the Government has taken a slew of initiatives for women's economic and social development. He stressed that gender-based violence is not an issue that persists in rural areas, but in urban areas as well. He said with the presence of Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurn ...Read More >
New Delhi: The annual all-India conference of directors general of police and inspectors general of police will begin in Bhubaneswar on Friday where issues related to internal security, Jammu and Kashmir, and pro-Khalistan elements, among others are likely to be discussed, officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, among others will attend the three-day conference where cyber crimes, challenges posed by AI tools and threats emanating from drones are also expected to be discussed. About 250 officers of DGP and IGP ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): India has expressed its concern over the escalating incidents of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and desecration, and damage to their places of worship, and has also called on the interim government there to ensure the safety of minorities. In a response to question asked by RJD MP AD Singh, Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs, Kirit Vardhan Singh in a written reply to Rajya Sabha, stated that the "primary responsibility" for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, "rests with ...Read More >
Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, has accused two top AAP leaders of backing separate candidates for the Barnala assembly bypoll on November 20. Bajwa claimed that while one leader is supporting the official AAP candidate, the other is backing a rebel candidate. He urged the public to reject both and vote for the Congress candidate. Bajwa also took a jibe at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, suggesting he could become Punjab's "Eknath Shinde" after reportedly being in contact with the Union Home Ministry through a Punjab-based Union minister. ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an investigation into three cases of violence in Manipur, including the abduction and killing of six women and children from the State's Jiribam district on November 11. The anti-terror agency re-registered three cases afresh on November 13 after the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to hand over the cases to it considering the gravity of the offences amid escalating violence in the strife-torn State. "The objective is to unearth the larger conspiracy behind the brutal attacks," an NIA spokesperson said on Tuesday (November 26, 2024). Last ...Read More >
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Union Cabinet for approving 3 multitracking projects of the Railway Ministry worth Rs 7 thousand 927 crore. Chief Minister Yadav said that the state is making rapid progress under the able leadership of Prime Minister Modi, due to the increasing network of railways in the state, and transportation for the people of the state has also become fast and easier. The people of the state are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the continuous new developments and contri ...Read More >
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the army has shifted Jammu and Kashmir's focus from "terrorism to tourism" while working towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' He emphasized the army's contribution to national security, development, and disaster relief, highlighting its role in achieving a "Progressive" and "Peaceful" India.Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi said that while moving towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' the army has been able to transform the idea of Jammu and Kashmir from "terrorism to tourism." While addressing an event at Savitribai Phule Pu ...Read More >
Srinagar: The minimum temperature has plummeted and settled below freezing point across Kashmir with many of the stations including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recording the season's coldest night. According to the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the night temperature in Srinagar settled at minus 2.1 degree Celsius. Shopian was the coldest in Kashmir as the mercury plummeted and settled at minus 5.5 degree Celsius. Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination, recorded minus 5.0 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort recorded a low of minus 2.5 degree ...Read More >
JAMMU, Nov 17: Maharashtra police along with Military Intelligence and Army have arrested nine persons hailing from the border district of Rajouri for taking up jobs as security guards in different cities in Maharashtra and carrying weapons with fake licenses. Nine 12-bore rifles and 58 bullets have been recovered from their possession. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrests were made during a joint operation of Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) police in Maharashtra, Southern Command and Military Intelligence on the basis of tip off that some persons from Rajouri distric ...Read More >
Despite its vast potential, the full capabilities of GST data remain largely unrealised. While aggregate data provides a broad overview of tax performance and health of the Indian economy, disaggregated sector-wise information is crucial for evidence-based policymaking. A closer look at the performance of GST revenue collection raises several questions. First, though the growth of GST revenue collection improved in the last seven years (13 per cent) compared to the pre-GST period 2012-17 (11.8 per cent), there has been hardly an increase in the tax base of GST in the last seven years compared ...Read More >
New Delhi, November 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the government at the Centre has strengthened the spirit of the Constitution over the last 10 years. Addressing the Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, PM Modi highlighted that in the last 10 years, more than 53 crore bank accounts were opened, more than 4 crore pukka houses were given and more than 10 crore free gas connections were given. "In the last 5-6 years, by providing tap water facilities in more than 12 crore houses, the government made the lives of citizens easy, particularly of women," he sai ...Read More >
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, campaigning to invite global investors to the Global Investors Summit to be held in Bhopal in February 2025, addressed an interactive session with industrialists during a roadshow in London, UK, on Tuesday. Yadav praised the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rapid industrial development seen across India. Inviting the industrialists to invest in Madhya Pradesh, he highlighted that the state possesses one of the largest land banks in the country. Madhya Pradesh has transparent and investor-friendly policies and is a leader in the mining and ...Read More >
The Indian government has announced a 375km rail network expansion, aimed at enhancing economic growth and connectivity in North Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. With a total cost of approximately Rs79.27bn ($1.05bn), these projects are aimed to be completed within four years. Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, detailed the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs' approval of three railway infrastructure projects. The projects include the Jalgaon-Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines (131km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur thir ...Read More >
PUDUCHERRY: With the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) heavy rain forecast for Puducherry, the UT government has ramped up its preparedness to mitigate the impact, including uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supplies, evacuating residents from low-lying areas, and setting up relief camps. Puducherry experienced 7.69 cm of rainfall Karaikal received 9.6 cm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. After visiting several areas in the UT to assess the situation, Chief Minister N Rangasamy convened an emergency meeting with Public Works Minister Lakshminarayanan, Collector A Kulothungan ...Read More >
Shinde accepts BJP's decision, likely to receive key ministries Shinde has agreed to BJP's decision to make a Chief Minister from its ranks. He is expected to be given important portfolios like Urban Development, Public Works Department, and Water Resources. Sources also say that two Deputy Chief Ministers will be appointed, one each from Shiv Sena and NCP. Pawar has told his party leaders that the swearing-in ceremony could take place this weekend. Despite initial resistance, Shinde announced his party's support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah's decision on the ...Read More >
Wheat is the unsung hero of African food, the secret sauce (or rather, secret grain) behind some of your favorite dishes. From the cloud-like deliciousness of Ethiopian injera to the satisfying Moroccan couscous, wheat is Africa's culinary backbone. This article features five mouthwatering dishes that highlight the versatility and tastiness of African wheat-based cuisine. Injera is a sourdough-risen flatbread with a slightly spongy texture, made from fermented teff flour. In Ethiopia and Eritrea, it serves not only as sustenance but also as a utensil for eating. The blend of teff flour and wa ...Read More >
Cybercrime is quickly increasing in India, with reports surfacing daily about victims losing large sums of money to scammers. These scammers often use tactics like threatening a "digital arrest" to instill fear and pressure individuals into transferring money. They typically operate from foreign countries to evade capture by law enforcement. The Indian government, including Prime Minister Modi, is actively raising awareness about these scams. Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a warning to the public regarding international fraud calls. They advised people to be caut ...Read More >
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 2 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah claimed that Muslims are feeling unsafe and stated that there is no discrimination based on religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir also said that the government should treat Muslims without any discrimination. "...There is no doubt that Muslims are feeling unsafe. I will ask the govt of India to stop that. 24 crore Muslims cannot be thrown into the ocean. They (the govt) should treat Muslims equally, there is no di ...Read More >
ABUJA, Nov 17: Nigeria on Sunday conferred its second-highest national award - the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger - on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive the distinction. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp "Honoured to be conferred with the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger' Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and the friendship of India and Nigeria," Modi said after receiving the award from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Click here to watch vid ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Singles, Doubles, and the Team Championship - the 18-year-old Chennai girl, the daughter of an auto driver from Kasimedu, left nothing for competitors from around the world at the sixth edition of the Carrom World Cup held in the US which Team India swept. The Women's Singles final was a hard-fought contest, where the 18-year-old M Khazima kept her nerves to defeat 12-time national and multiple World Cup winner Rashmi Kumari from Bihar. With this victory, Khazima became the youngest Carrom World Champion. Khazima, whose father Mehaboob Basha is an auto driver from Kasimedu, had been ...Read More >
Defying pollsters, exit polls, and predictions, the BJP scored a hat trick in Haryana, albeit with a narrow lead in the recent Assembly election. It formed a government on its own sans any ally, and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assumed office for a second consecutive term with relative ease. But the euphoria did not last long. In the first Assembly session convened after the new government took over, the opposition, led by the Congress and the electorally diminished Indian National Lok Dal, attacked the government on the issue of fertilizer shortages in the sowing season. The government d ...Read More >
Guwahati, November 27 (IANS): Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday underscored the northeastern region's legacy, cultural diversity, and natural wealth emphasising its rich cuisine, crafts and biodiversity while inaugurating the 12th edition of the four-day long International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Assam's Kaziranga. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that the ITM is a remarkable opportunity for the northeast India to showcase its rich culture and diversity to the world, adding that the event also offers a platform for people from across the g ...Read More >