Cong holds massive protest over BJP’s delimitation move

April 23, 2026

Congress leaders and workers staging protest in Jammu on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Rakesh

*BJP misusing women’s reservation: Bhalla
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: The District Congress Committee Jammu (Urban & Rural) today held a massive protest at Shaheedi Chowk, Jammu against the BJP, accusing it of attempting to mislead the public ‘in the guise of’ delimitation bill as a Women’s Reservation Bill.
The protest was held on the direction of PCC president Tariq Hameed Karra, and it was organised by former minister and president, District Congress Committee Jammu Urban, Yogesh Sawhney. Working president of PCC, Raman Bhalla was leading the protest while senior leaders- Mula Ram, Ravinder Sharma, Ved Mahajan, Thakur Balbir Singh and several other leaders and party workers participated in large number.
The protesters gathered in strength, raising slogans against the BJP Government and holding placards condemning what they termed as a manipulative and anti-democratic move. The leaders alleged that the BJP was attempting to mislead the women by presenting the bill in a distorted manner, asserting that the real intent was to push delimitation through the backdoor rather than genuinely empower women. The demonstration witnessed significant participation, reflecting widespread resentment among Congress cadre and the general public.
Raman Bhalla while addressing the gathering, launched a sharp attack on the BJP, stating that the party has once again exposed its double standards by attempting to exploit the sentiments associated with women’s empowerment for political gains. He said that while the Congress Party has consistently supported the rights, dignity and political representation of women, the BJP is using the issue as a cover to advance its hidden agenda of delimitation. He emphasized that the structure and presentation of the bill raise serious concerns about its intent, suggesting that it is not a fair effort to ensure women’s reservation but a calculated move to influence electoral outcomes.
Mula Ram strongly criticized the BJP for what he termed a deliberate attempt to mislead the nation. He stated that linking delimitation with women’s reservation is not only misleading but also undermines the genuine cause of women’s empowerment. Mula Ram said that if the BJP was truly committed to empowering women, it would have ensured a clear, transparent and independent implementation of women’s reservation without attaching any hidden political motives.
Yogesh Sawhney, Ravider Sharma, Th Balbir Singh and Ved Mahajan also addressed the gathering.
Prominent among those present included – Satish Sharma, Amrit Bali, Dwarka Choudhary , Sanjeev Panda, Vijay Sharma, Ajaib Motan, Zahida Khan, Inderjeet Kour, Bimla Slathia, Praveen Akhtar, Bharat Priye, Michael Wazir, Ashok Bhagat, Vijayant Pathania, Sonu Dogra, Baldev Raj Bhagat, BD Gupta, Anirudh Sawhney, Kuldeep Sharma and many others.

HC raps mechanical orders in cheque bounce cases

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

‘Interim compensation can’t be granted in routine manner’

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has come down heavily on the “mechanical and routine” grant of interim compensation in cheque bounce cases, making it clear that such orders, if passed without application of mind, cannot stand the scrutiny of law.

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Setting aside an order of the Special Mobile Magistrate, Pulwama, which had directed payment of 10 percent of the cheque amount as interim compensation, the bench of Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal held that such directions cannot be issued in a cursory or mechanical manner and must be backed by cogent reasoning and judicial application of mind.
“A plain reading of the impugned order revealed a complete absence of reasoning, with the trial court merely reiterating the statutory provision without undertaking any prima facie evaluation of the case. The order is conspicuously silent on any independent judicial assessment”, the High Court noted, terming the approach legally unsustainable.
The High Court emphasized that the use of the word “may” in Section 143-A clearly indicates that the grant of interim compensation is discretionary not mandatory and must be exercised judiciously on a case-to-case basis. It ruled that such discretion cannot be reduced to a routine exercise triggered merely upon denial of guilt by the accused.
The judgment further highlighted that before directing interim compensation, the trial court is duty-bound to undertake a prima facie evaluation of both the complainant’s case and the defence raised by the accused. In the present case, the petitioner had categorically denied issuing the cheques and even questioned the authenticity of the signatures, yet the trial court failed to consider this crucial defence.
Taking note of this lapse, the High Court observed that ignoring such a fundamental defence reflects non-application of mind and defeats the very purpose of judicial discretion envisaged under the law. The High Court also raised concerns over the arbitrary fixation of the quantum of interim compensation.
While the law permits compensation up to 20 percent of the cheque amount, the High Court made it clear that selecting any specific percentage such as 10 percent in the present case must be supported by clear and reasoned justification. In the absence of such reasoning, the order becomes legally untenable.
Reinforcing its stand, the High Court relied on the Supreme Court judgment in Rakesh Ranjan Shrivastava Versus State of Jharkhand, which lays down that courts must record brief reasons, evaluate the merits of the case, and consider factors such as the nature of the transaction and the plausibility of the defence before granting interim compensation.
The High Court also reiterated its earlier ruling that discretionary powers must always be exercised on well-recognized principles and cannot be left unguided or unreasoned, especially when the statute allows a wide range from 1 percent to 20 percent for determining compensation.
Consequently, the impugned order dated March 16, 2026, was quashed, with directions to the trial court to pass a fresh order strictly in accordance with law and after due consideration of all relevant factors. The High Court made it clear that if interim compensation is to be granted, it must be supported by a reasoned order reflecting proper application of mind.
Importantly, the High Court clarified that its observations are confined to the disposal of the petition and should not be construed as an opinion on the merits of the underlying cheque dishonour case.

Czech students protest a government plan to overhaul funding for public media

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

PRAGUE, Apr 22: Thousands of high school and university students marched through the Czech capital on Wednesday to protest against a government plan to overhaul and reduce funding for public radio and television.

“We won’t let you take the media,” protesters chanted. Smaller protests were organized across the country.

The new coalition government led by populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis drafted the plan to scrap the fees that individuals, households and businesses pay to access the outlets.

Instead, the public media would be fully dependent on the state budget. Critics say that would compromise their independence.

The draft of the plan would significantly reduce public media’s current budgets. It still needs approval from the government and Parliament.

The media’s labor unions said they were ready to go on strike if the government goes ahead with the legislation, which could take effect next year.

The Vienna-based International Press Institute said it fears that the motivation behind the proposed changes is to “weaken the broadcasters’ financial and editorial independence and compromise their ability to fulfill their public service remit.” (AP)

‘Iran starved of cash;, want Hormuz open because they are losing 500 mn USD a day: Trump

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

WASHINGTON, Apr 22: US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran is collapsing financially, ”starving for cash,” and want the Strait of Hormuz opened immediately as they are losing 500 million US Dollars a day. ”Iran is collapsing financially! They want the Strait of Hormuz opened immediately- Starving for cash! Losing 500 Million Dollars a day,” he said

He also claimed that Iranian military and police are complaining that they are not getting paid.

”They (Iran) want it open so they can make 500 Million US Dollars a day (which is, therefore, what they are losing if it is closed!),” Trump said on his social media platform.

He said Iran says they want it closed because they want to ”save face” as the US has it totally blockaded.

Trump said people had approached him four days ago, saying, Iran wanted to open up the Strait, immediately.

”But if we do that, there can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their Country, their leaders included,” Trump warned.

Renewing his attack on Democrats and US media, especially Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, Trump said They should never be allowed to ‘demean’ or criticise ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’, which had totally obliterated the Nuclear Dust locations to the point where ”bloodthirsty Iran” has been unable to get to it, or dig it out.

He claimed that US Space Force has cameras on every inch of the three sites that were hit last June.

‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ is the code name for the June 22, 2025, US military strike against Iran’s critical nuclear facilities.

The strikes focused on three primary nuclear infrastructure sites: Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, Natanz Nuclear Facility and Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre.

The operation saw a massive display of U.S. air and naval power, involving 7 B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers that flew an 18-hour mission directly from the United States, GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), 30,000-pound ‘bunker buster’ bombs, used in combat for the first time, 30 Tomahawk Missiles launched from a US submarine, over 125 aircraft, including F-35 and F-22 stealth fighters to suppress Iranian air defences.

According to US officials and satellite imagery the sites sustained “extremely severe damage”. The Pentagon estimated the strikes set Iran’s nuclear program back by roughly two years.

(UNI)

2nd ODI vs NZ: Bangladesh team fined 10 percent of match fee for slow over-rate

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

DHAKA, Apr 22: The entire Bangladesh squad has been fined 10 per cent of its match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the second men’s ODI here on Monday, the ICC stated in a media release.

ICC match referee Andy Pycroft imposed the sanction after Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

“In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” the release further stated.

Mehidy pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Gazi Sohel, third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul levelled the charge. (PTI)

Saving Silent Stories

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

There are moments in governance when a single initiative manages to honour the past, serve the present, and secure the future all at once. The laying of the foundation stone for India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park on the banks of the Indus River in Leh, on World Heritage Day, is precisely such a moment. It is a decision that deserves not merely applause but careful appreciation. Ladakh is no ordinary landscape. Carved by glaciers, shaped by centuries of trade along the Silk Route, and bearing quiet witness to the passage of civilisations, its rocks are not merely geological formations – they are pages of an unwritten library. Nearly 400 sites across this high-altitude desert contain petroglyphs: prehistoric images etched, pecked, and engraved onto stone surfaces depicting hunting scenes, Ibex and Snow Leopards, Buddhist stupas, ancient inscriptions in Sanskrit, Arabic, and Chinese, and the countless unnamed stories of people who lived, worshipped, and wandered here thousands of years ago. These carvings span from the Palaeolithic Age through later historic periods, making them a continuous and irreplaceable record of human civilisation. To lose even one is to tear a page from that record permanently.
Yet that is precisely what has been happening. Unregulated tourism, road construction, rock blasting, and sheer public unawareness have placed these silent treasures under grave and growing threat – particularly the isolated petroglyphs along the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The decision to carefully relocate endangered carvings to a dedicated, curated conservation park is not only pragmatic but deeply ethical. As Ladakh LG rightly observed, the conservation of heritage must be treated as an ethical responsibility and woven into the very fabric of development planning. That principle, stated plainly and acted upon firmly, is what separates thoughtful governance from mere administration.
In an age when sceptics argue that the digital world has rendered physical travel unnecessary – that one can see anything from anywhere through a screen – the enduring popularity of museums, the Ajanta and Ellora caves, and similar sites tells a very different story. First-hand experience is irreplaceable. Standing before a carving made by human hands thousands of years ago, feeling the texture of ancient stone, breathing the crisp Ladakhi air, and sensing the sheer weight of time – no screen can replicate that. Curiosity is a fundamentally human impulse, and what is unique will always generate the irresistible desire to see it for oneself. A world-class petroglyph park in Leh will do exactly that.
The timing is particularly apt for international visitors. Ladakh already draws scholars, monks, and spiritual travellers from across the globe who come to study its magnificent Buddhist heritage – its monasteries, thangkas, and sacred landscapes. This park will be a compelling value-add for these visitors, deepening their engagement with Ladakh’s cultural depth. Moreover, by consolidating over 300 scattered sites into one accessible location, the park resolves a practical challenge that has long frustrated serious enthusiasts: the near-impossibility of visiting all significant petroglyph sites across such vast, rugged terrain.
Ladakh’s people have long demonstrated a profound respect for their environment – a sensibility born of living in one of the world’s most fragile and magnificent ecosystems. This park aligns naturally with that spirit. It joins a growing constellation of environmentally friendly tourism initiatives in the region, including the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve with its state-of-the-art telescope, reflecting a consistent and commendable Governmental philosophy: that Ladakh’s future prosperity must be built on sustainable, responsible, and culturally enriching tourism rather than heavy industry or ecologically damaging development.
It is a necessity. With limited industrial scope and constrained agricultural potential, tourism is the lifeblood of Ladakh’s economy. Every unique, world-class attraction adds vital momentum to that sector, generating livelihoods, encouraging longer visitor stays, and drawing Ladakh onto the international tourism map with fresh distinction. As one of only a handful of such specialised parks anywhere in the world, the Petroglyph Conservation Park has every potential to become a landmark destination in its own right. The foundations laid on the banks of the Indus are more than concrete and stone. They are a promise to every future visitor who will stand before these ancient carvings and hear, quite clearly, civilisation whispering across the millennia.

DB seeks action report on pollution, waste dumping failures in Jammu

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has sought a specific progress affidavit from the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) in a long-pending Public Interest Litigation highlighting serious environmental governance failures in Jammu, including alleged irregular clearances to polluting industries, unscientific waste dumping near Jammu Airport and along River Tawi and lack of transparency in pollution monitoring.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation, Rajinder Singh Versus State of J&K and others, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal observed that though several orders have been passed since the petition was filed in 2014, “little has been achieved on the ground.”
The petition alleges that the then State Pollution Control Board, now the Pollution Control Committee, failed to properly advise the Government, lacked recognized laboratories, and issued No Objection Certificates to polluting industries falling in red, orange and green categories without physical verification. It further raises concern over the use of “managed” self-monitoring reports from outside private laboratories to bypass environmental safeguards.
The court also took note of allegations of unscientific dumping of waste near Jammu Airport, posing a bird-strike risk, as well as on the banks of River Tawi. Another issue flagged in the petition is the failure to operationalise the Online Consent Management and Monitoring System, developed in 2011, allegedly to avoid transparency and accountability.
Before proceeding further, the Bench required Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav to join the proceedings. After hearing him at length on multiple issues arising in the matter, the court granted one week’s time to file a specific affidavit detailing the progress, if any, made so far in addressing the concerns raised in the PIL and in earlier court directions.
The matter has been adjourned to April 28, 2026, for further consideration.

Dantewada moves beyond Maoist past, gets sports boost from Sachin

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

DANTEWADA, Apr 22: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar participated in an event in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district on Wednesday as part of a grassroots sports initiative aimed at transforming the once Maoist hotbed into a thriving sports hub and opening new avenues for the youth.

On the occasion, Tendulkar stressed that hard work, discipline and consistent practice were essential for success, and asserted there were no shortcuts to achieving goals. He also advised children to choose friends wisely and strive to become good human beings.

He was speaking after inaugurating a multi-sports ground at Swami Atmanand Hindi Medium High School in Chhindnar village of Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, developed under a grassroots sports initiative aimed at transforming the once Maoist-affected region into a sports hub.

This is among the 25 grounds developed under the ‘Maidan Cup’ initiative of the district administration, supported by the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation and the Mann Deshi Foundation as part of efforts to shed the region’s strife-torn image and promote sports culture. The initiative, launched last year, aims to build 50 playgrounds across the district.

Tendulkar, who arrived earlier at Jagdalpur airport and later travelled to Chhindnar, was accompanied by his daughter Sara and daughter-in-law Saaniya Chandok.

Addressing children, the iconic player said talent may be god-gifted, but success depends on individual effort.

“There is no shortcut to reaching your target. Hard work, discipline and focus are crucial,” he said, encouraging children to remain committed to their goals.

Highlighting the importance of infrastructure, he said strong basic facilities are vital for nurturing future champions.

He also emphasised participation in multiple sports, noting that it helps build strategic thinking and mental strength.

Tendulkar said coaches play a key role in identifying “hidden diamonds”, while the responsibility of shaping their future lies with the children through dedication and perseverance.

Recalling his own childhood, he said his journey began on playgrounds, and the lack of such spaces in regions like Dantewada earlier made the initiative even more meaningful.

He also underlined the importance of guidance and said that under the initiative, we decided that expert coaches will train around 100 local teachers to help them mentor students effectively.

“Energy needs direction. With the right guidance, talent can be polished and its value enhanced,” he said.

Encouraging students, he said this is the age to play and enjoy sports, though studies are equally important, and it is also the time to build good friendships.

A true friend should be like a mirror and a shadow – a mirror never lies, and a shadow never leaves your side. Therefore, one should choose friends who always give the right advice and stand by them, he said.

He added that the most important advice he received from his father was to strive to be remembered as a good human being.

Hailing the equal presence of girls in the event, he said women are the backbone of every family and their involvement is essential for progress.

Tendulkar also interacted with children and joined them in playing sports like tug-of-war and volleyball.

At the concluding session, Dantewada Collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv said that Bastar has now been moving towards peace and development.

He noted that children in the region possess immense talent, which can gain recognition at national and international levels if given proper guidance and opportunities.

He emphasised that sports, education and skill development are crucial for the holistic development of youth.

The event also featured various sports competitions, and winners were felicitated by Tendulkar. Local artists and residents honoured him with traditional handicrafts, while children celebrated his upcoming birthday during the programme by cutting cake.

Bastar Commissioner Doman Singh, Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P and other officials were present on the occasion.

Talking to reporters earlier at Jagdalpur airport, Tendulkar said, “I am very happy that we have developed around 50 school playgrounds (under the Maidan Cup initiative).”

He said a Maidan Cup competition is being held in Dantewada, supported by the Mann Deshi and Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, benefiting more than 5,000 children.

“It feels wonderful as our foundation with Mann Deshi team has been doing a good job here. I may play with the children as the sports event, which includes disciplines like kabaddi, kho-kho, athletics and volleyball, is being held,” the legendary cricketer said.

Dantewada, once known for Maoist violence, including the 2010 ambush in Tadmetla (now in Sukma district) in which 76 security personnel were killed, is witnessing a shift. This initiative seeks to “reclaim childhood” and open new avenues for youth through sports, a district administration official said.

Chhattisgarh was declared free from Left-Wing Extremism on March 31 this year.

Under the Maidan Cup initiative, the target was to develop 50 playgrounds in the first phase in government schools, including high schools, higher secondary schools and porta cabin institutions, using low-cost models and community participation. So far 25 grounds have been developed and work is underway on the remaining 25 others, the official said.

Facilities for 13 sports disciplines, including running tracks, shot put, javelin throw, discus throw, long jump and wall climbing, have been created, he said. (PTI)

Not used to sitting out, but it’s my duty to adhere to team environment: RCB’s Iyer

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

BENGALURU, Apr 22: Venkatesh Iyer is itching to walk into the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s playing XI regularly, but the all-rounder understands the team dynamics that has left him on the benches, and is delighted with the role clarity the management has given to him.

Part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ triumphant IPL 2024 campaign, Venkatesh joined RCB ahead of IPL 2026 but has played only one match so far, struggling to get a look into the packed top and middle-order of the Bengaluru outfit.

“…not used to sitting out, See, this is a team environment and as someone who places the team above everything else, it’s my duty to adhere to the environment,” Venkatesh told a select media gathering.

The all-rounder knows very well that RCB will be reluctant to tinker with a combination that had landed them their maiden IPL title a year ago.

“We’re defending champions. So, to tinker with a combination that has won you a championship is not always the smartest move. So as someone who’s walked into a team, it’s my duty to know what role I can play. The credit for that has to go to Mo (Bobat), Andy (Flower) and DK (Dinesh Karthik).

“They’ve been amazing when it comes to conversations about what my role in the team is. They’ve given me absolute clarity. Yes, It is hard, to be honest (to sit out). It’s something that you can’t prepare for. But that does not mean I’m not a part of their plans. It’s definitely a matter of when rather than if,” he added.

RCB bought the 31-year-old for Rs 7 crore during the auction ahead of IPL 2025, a far cry from his magical Rs 23.75 crore that he commanded from KKR earlier.

Similar to that dip in his monetary value, his chances to feature in matches too has shrunk in RCB, but Venkatesh does not see his motivation taking a dip.

“It’s not easy. But it’s extremely important to stay motivated because you can easily get desperate. You can easily lose out on your work ethic. So, I train my mind in such a way that I’m going to play every game. With the impact player (rule), anything can happen.

“But at the same time, I’ve always lived my life in a way that I compare myself with where I was yesterday. To look back at where I am in life, not just a game, is something that keeps me going. I had a great time for the past few years. I’m married now. I have a family. So, all these things kind of add to it that I’m doing well in life. So, these things keep me motivated,” he explained.

But is there regret lingering in him about KKR off-loading to free-up a purse close to Rs 24 crore?

“I spent quite a lot of time at KKR, learnt a lot of things. I’d be lying if I said that I don’t have any emotional connection to them.

“There was amazing communication between me and Abhishek Nair (KKR coach) who wanted to release me at that point in time. So, he told me what the team requires. And you can get anything done out of me if it’s good for the team,” he said.

Venkatesh said he has been learning the finer points of modern T20 batting from Karthik.

“One thing I’ve understood is how to be flexible when it comes to batting. Obviously, he’s working with me only on my batting. How I can assess situations. How can I be smart in terms of staying ahead of others and combine that with total hard work.”

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, an accomplice of Venkatesh from age-group cricket in MP, has blown away the all-rounder with his simple methods.

“I see the biggest strength of Rajat Patidar is how simple he is in terms of his thinking, in terms of how he carries himself, also in terms of his batting. People are in awe of how he clears the boundary with ease. But at the end of the day, when you jot it down to how he does it, it’s actually simplicity. But he is tough also.

“So I think that fellow, I’ve not seen him change over the years. He’s still the same old Rajat that I used to admire back in under-19 days,” he said.

The IPL net sessions are not the place a player would want to improve his red-ball game skill-sets. But Venkatesh is exactly doing that.

“One aspect is that I get bored in the room. So I don’t want to spend a lot of time there. But one thing that I really feel that I haven’t tapped into is my red ball bowling. So, I make it a point to identify someone who has played a lot of red ball cricket.

“Last year (at KKR), I had Mitchell Starc. This year, I have Josh Hazlewood. So, obviously my conversations with them are about how I can improve my red ball bowling,” he added. (PTI)

Over 1,500 visitors take part in World Earth Day activities at Delhi zoo

Daily Excelsior

April 23, 2026

NEW DELHI, Apr 22 : The National Zoological Park here marked the World Earth Day by organising educational and engaging activities for school students and visitors on Wednesday.
A total of 180 school students and more than 1,500 visitors participated in various educational and awareness programmes.
The activities were aligned with this year’s global theme, ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, with a focus on wildlife conservation and environmental awareness, an official statement said.
The activities included slogan march, expert talks, colouring sessions, quizzes, bingo games, Earth Day pledge, screenings of videos on Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and doodle activities for visitors, all aimed at promoting awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation, according to the statement.
The Earth Day pledge involved students committing themselves to the protection and preservation of the environment.
An educational zoo visit was subsequently organised, enabling students to connect classroom learning with real-life observations and enhancing their understanding of wildlife conservation, the statement added. (PTI)

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