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.
Saving Silent Stories
DB seeks action report on pollution, waste dumping failures in Jammu
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
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
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
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)
KV sanctioned for Ramban
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Apr 22: The Government of India has sanctioned a new Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) in Ramban.
Sources informed that the KV will start from 2026-27 session and will function from temporary campus at Kowbag with classes from I-V initially and it will expand in phases.
Gas pipeline reaching kitchens of Jammuites this year: ED IOCL
‘Trunk pipeline being connected by Sept 2026’
*No need to be panic, sufficient supplies available
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Apr 22: While most of the countries in the world are facing fuel crisis amidst war in the Middle- East, there is good news for the people of Jammu, as they will get cooking gas (LPG) in their kitchens directly through pipes within this year.
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“Over 90% of the work on Gurdaspur-Jammu gas pipeline has been completed and we are expecting to connect the gas trunk pipeline with the source by September this year. Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) is looking after this project and now, hardly 10 % of the work is left on this gas pipeline,” Ashutosh Gupta, Executive Director and UT Head of the Indian Oil Corporation of India Limited (IOCL) for J&K, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh said.
While referring to the progress on this Bathinda-Gurdaspur Jammu Gasline Project, Gupta said, ” The project is progressing well. We are satisfied with the pace of work. GAIL company has been assigned the task by the Government. We hope by the end of next year, when we will meet again for another press briefing, you people (Jammuites) will have cooking gas connections through pipes/taps in your kitchens,” the IOCL Executive Director disclosed.
Gupta said not only, cooking gas, the sufficient supply of CNG will also be available in Jammu area for the vehicles. It will have great relief for the CNG vehicle users as its running cost is low as compared to petrol and diesel, he added.
“Out of the total 78 kms length of gas pipeline from Lakhanpur to Jammu, hardly three kilometers have been left within the territory of J&K. Certain issues with regard to forest clearance etc have also been resolved, which created some hurdles in the earlier stage. The cities of Kathua and Samba will also be the beneficiaries along with Jammu City in the initial stage and before April next, Jammu is certain to get home supply of the cooking gas through pipes,” another official of the IOCL said.
He further disclosed that a detailed survey after discussions with the City administration and Smart City Project officials has already been conducted. Several areas in Jammu City have been identified for the gas gates. The work of laying gas pipes in Jammu City is going to be started shortly while the blue print for it has already been finalized and approved, he added.
Ashutosh Gupta further said that despite Middle- East crisis and blockade at Hormuz strait, there was no shortage of fuel in J&K, Punjab or even Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. He said sufficient stocks are available with the oil companies, and the consumers need not to be panic.
The Executive Director disclosed that country’s 60 % of the LPG supplies are imported from outside while out of these supplies, almost 90 % is procured from Gulf countries through Hormuz. Even under Iran-US crisis, the Government of India is managing supplies and there is no much impact on the supplies of petrol, diesel and even LPG, he claimed.
He said, earlier, there was rush at the fuel outlets due to panic but with the awareness, the people came to know about the reality and the rush has started decreasing in Jammu and other areas.
Gupta further said that Oil companies with the support of Divisional and District administration and the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department heads are trying to regulate the supplies, keeping check on the black marketing. Even, police help is also being taken in certain cases.
Gupta said after Iran-US crisis, the online/ digital LPG cylinders’ booking has increased from 62% to 92 % in J&K. Now, the companies have devised OTP system to deliver cylinders to the genuine consumers. Besides this, 25 days restrictions for urban areas and 45 days for booking in the rural areas has been imposed. But this is temporary and it can be lifted in the near future, after the supply position improves, he added.
Referring to commercial cylinders shortage in the market, the ED said earlier 20 % supply was being ensured for the commercial activity, giving much priority to the domestic supply as per Government directives, but as of now, this supply has been improved to 70%, he added.
The supply to the Industry, Airlines, Rail and allied works contractors has also been improved. The companies have introduced 5kg Free Trade LPG cylinders especially, for the non-resident workers/labour class. In Jammu more than 1000 cylinders have been distributed so far. Special camps with local administration were organized for this purpose, Gupta said.
The Executive Director was accompanied State Level Coordinator of Oil Industry in J&K and Ladakh Himanshu Sharma and PIB Director, J&K, Neha Jalali.
India win three silver and bronze on day two
CAIRO, Apr 22: India’s junior shooters picked up four more medals, including three silver and a bronze, on day two of the ISSF Junior World Cup here on Wednesday.
India are currently third on the medal tally as athletes from Kazakhstan and Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) won four of the five gold on offer on competition day two.
Rohit Kanyan gave India their first silver of the day in the 50m rifle prone men junior event with an effort of 615.8, just 0.5 behind Kazakhstan’s gold winning Oleg Noskov.
Sejal Kamble then topped the junior women’s 25m pistol qualifiers with a score of 580 and then went on to finish second in the final with 27 hits. AIN’s Katsiaryna Ivanova took gold with 31 hits in the eight five-shot series final.
India secured a second double podium in the competition after Shiva Narwal and Chirag Sharma’s heroics on day one, with Raj Chandra shooting 580 and Abhinav Deshwal 578, for silver and bronze respectively in the 25m pistol men junior event.
Kazakhstan took gold again with Kirill Tsukanov shooting 581.
In the junior women’s skeet, Risham Guron (24,23,21,23,24) qualified second with a score of 115 and then finished seventh in the final, bowing out with seven hits to her name after the first 12 shots..
Varvara Zaitseva of the Individual Neutral Athletes won gold in the event with a world record score of 33 hits out of 40.
In the junior men’s skeet, Ishaan Singh Libra made the final eight with a 118 (25,23,22,24,24) giving him sixth place and then improved by two in the final to just miss out on a medal..
He exited at the 28-shot mark with 24 hits. Briton Denzil Jago Grose (31) bested Italian Marco Coco (30) by one hit to win a first ISSF junior world cup gold in the event. (PTI)
Goods worth Rs 1 cr gutted in fire at RS Pura godown
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: Goods worth nearly Rs 1 crore were destroyed in a fire that broke out in a godown at Chakrohi village in the R S Pura area, early this morning.
The godown, owned by Ram Ashish, son of Ramesh Babu, stored air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, air coolers and other electronic items. The owner runs an electronics showroom, Jai Durga Enterprise, in the main Chakrohi market, while the affected godown was located in a nearby street.
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According to police sources, the incident came to light around 6 AM when a local villager noticed flames and smoke emanating from the premises and alerted authorities. A police team, along with fire tenders, rushed to the spot where locals were already attempting to control the blaze.
Firefighting operations began around 6:30 AM and the flames were brought under control by approximately 8:30 AM. The exact cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation.
Rohit bhai asked me to play first 15 balls without any thought in mind, says Tilak
MUMBAI, Apr 22: Tilak Varma revealed on Wednesday that advice from Rohit Sharma – to play the first 15-20 balls without overthinking the match situation – helped him return to form with an IPL hundred.
Tilak struck 101 not out to set up a massive 99-run victory as Mumbai Indians snapped their four-match losing streak with a win over Gujarat Titans in their previous outing.
Tilak’s unbeaten ton off 45 balls, studded with eight fours and seven sixes, came on the back of a slow start, with the left-handed batter reaching 19 not out off 22 balls at one stage.
“I was talking especially with Rohit bhai. He told me to ‘play 15-20 balls’ and that ‘you know what you are capable of’,” Tilak told reporters at the Wankhede Stadium on the eve of MI’s clash against Chennai Super Kings.
“(Rohit said) ‘if you play 15 balls, everyone knows what you will do after that. Just do not look at the situation or anything else, play 15 balls and we will see whatever the result would be’.”
“… That gave me confidence and I had it in my mind to play the 15 balls and to see the rest after that. Once I had played those 15 balls, you get that instinct automatically, that I will hit now,” Tilak added.
Tilak said he did not take any pressure on himself after a poor start to the IPL saw the left-handed batter making 20, 0, 14, 1 and 8.
“(In a couple of matches) I did not get much time on the wicket and I had to go from the start. Sometimes, it comes my way and sometimes I get out, so I did not take much (pressure) on me that I was not in a good form,” he said.
Tilak said Suryakumar Yadav, who has only one fifty to show for in this IPL, is not too far away from a big innings.
“I would not say that Surya bhai is out of form; he is batting well. If you see the shots he is playing in the match, they are coming from the middle of the bat and it doesn’t look like he is out of touch,” Tilak said.
“It is just a matter of one innings which he is waiting for.”
“The same thing had happened in the first match of the T20 World Cup. If the starting match had not gone well for the (Indian) team, the atmosphere would have been different and he proved it there,” Tilak said.
Tilak has floated up and down in the batting order not just for MI but also for India, even though No.3 remains his preferred slot.
“I have been hearing the same question (on batting order) for the last three years. I love to bat at No.3 but I am always up (to bat) where the team needs me to whenever it is Nos. 4, 5, 6 or 7,” he replied when asked about the change of slots.
The 23-year-old Tilak said he doesn’t stick to any one specific approach in training when runs are not flowing.
“To be honest, I always think about what is the need (of the team) at that moment,” he said.
“Sometimes, I feel like I have to practice more and sometimes, I feel like I have to stay off the game. Before going to sleep, I think about how I am feeling mentally. It’s not always possible to practice more in order to score runs — there is nothing like that.”
“In the World Cup, I did not score many runs at the start and I felt I needed to practice and I practiced a lot. But now (in IPL), when I did not score in 2-3 matches, I felt like staying off the game.”
“I did not train much but I spoke with my childhood coach and if there is anything to share about batting, I do it with Rohit bhai,” Tilak added. (PTI)