Tag: Leh

Watch: Rahul Gandhi interacts with Army veterans and locals at Leh Market in Ladakh

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a visit to the Union Territory of Ladakh, spent time with Army veterans and locals at Leh Market on Monday. He visited the main market in Leh where he interacted with Army veterans and locals while the crowd cheered for him.

Rahul Gandhi’s presence was met with enthusiasm as he waved the tricolour from a local restaurant. The crowd erupted in cheers as he emerged from the restaurant. A video of Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the Leh market was shared on X, formerly Twitter, by the Congress Party on its official handle.

In the video, Rahul Gandhi is seen waving the Tricolour while the crowd chanted ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.

भारत माता की जय 🇮🇳

📍 लेह pic.twitter.com/E4fPiSdSwW

— Congress (@INCIndia) August 22, 2023

This engagement with Army veterans and locals comes in the wake of the Congress leader’s recent critique of the Central government’s claims regarding the territorial disputes with China. During his interaction, Rahul Gandhi stated that the claim that no Indian land was taken by China’s PLA troops is “not true”, reported ANI. He also said that local residents also share the belief that Chinese troops intrude upon and occupied Indian territory.

Rahul Gandhi also visited the banks of Pangong Lake in Ladakh on Sunday, paying homage to his father and former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, on his 79th birth anniversary. There, he laid floral tributes to a framed photograph of his father.

Rahul Gandhi earlier took a bike ride to Pangong Lake. He reached Leh on Thursday and his tour will end on August 25. The Congress MP explored the area extensively on his KTM Duke 390 bike and he even participated in a local football match and engaged with the youth.

Notably, Congress Party and National Conference have formed a pre-poll alliance in opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming Kargil council elections, scheduled for September 10. Moreover, according to reports, Rahul Gandhi is expected to address a public meeting in Kargil in the coming days.

Even though Rahul Gandhi travelled to Srinagar and Jammu twice earlier this year, this marked his first visit to Ladakh since the abrogation of Article 370. In January, the Congress leader visited Jammu and Srinagar as part of his Bharat Jodo Yatra. He went to the Gulmarg ski resort for a personal visit in February.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Nine soldiers killed as Army vehicle plunges into gorge in Ladakh

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Nine soldiers were killed and another was critically injured when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Leh district of Ladakh on Saturday, officials said.

The accident occurred near Kiari in southern Ladakh’s Nyoma, the officials said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Leh P D Nitya said the Army vehicle, with 10 personnel on board, was on its way to Nyoma from Leh when its driver lost control and it plunged into a gorge at 4.45pm on Friday, August 19.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the death of the personnel.

“Saddened by the loss of Indian Army personnel due to an accident near Leh in Ladakh. We will never forget their exemplary service to our nation,” the defence minister said on ‘X’, formerly Twitter.

“My thoughts are with the bereaved families. The injured personnel have been rushed to the Field Hospital. Praying for their speedy recovery,” Singh said, without mentioning the number of soldiers killed and injured in the accident.

SSP Nitya said a police team rushed to the accident site and all the injured soldiers were shifted to an Army medical facility where eight personnel were declared dead. Another jawan died subsequently, she said.

The officer said one more jawan was undergoing treatment and his condition was stated to be “critical”.

Condoling the death of the soldiers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Ladakh in which we lost our valiant soldiers, as their vehicle fell into a gorge.” “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. My sincerest condolences to them. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he posted on ‘X’.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Fresh tremors rock Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda, Ladakh

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Early on Sunday, two mild-intensity earthquakes shook the mountainous Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir, according to officials. A separate mild tremor was also recorded in the Union Territory of Ladakh late on Saturday. There have been no reports of any damage from any of these incidents.

The National Centre of Seismology (NCS) reported that the first earthquake, measuring 4.1 magnitude, occurred at 3.50 am in Doda. It had a depth of 11 km, a latitude of 32.96 degrees north, and a longitude of 75.79 degrees east. The second tremor, with a depth of 10 km, a latitude of 33.01 degrees north, and a longitude of 75.78 degrees east, was felt at 5.22 am. The NCS, the nodal government agency for monitoring earthquake activity, provided this information.

Residents were awakened by the first earthquake and hurriedly left their homes. Over the past six days, Doda has experienced a total of 10 tremors with varying intensities. On June 13, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck the district, resulting in cracks in numerous buildings, including houses.

In Ladakh, the NCS recorded a 3.9 magnitude earthquake at 10.38 pm and a 4.5 magnitude earthquake in Leh at 9.44 pm on Saturday. The tremor in Leh occurred 215 km northeast of the city at a depth of 10 km.

— With PTI inputs

Also read: Second earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir in 12 hours, Katra hit by 4.3 magnitude quake

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Amit Shah to hold meeting in Leh-Ladakh and J&K today — issues of Kashmiri pandits, security on cards

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to hold two meetings — one in Leh-Ladakh at 3 pm and the other in Jammu and Kashmir at 4 pm — on Wednesday. These meetings come against a “chance encounter” between terrorists and security forces in Jammu.

“Four terrorists were killed in an encounter in Sidhra area in Jammu,” ADGP Mukesh Singh was quoted by news agency ANI as saying. He said seven AK-47 rifles, three pistols, and other ammunition were recovered.

Recalling the incident, Singh said, “A suspicious movement of a truck moving towards Kashmir was observed. It was followed and stopped near Sidhra checkpoint, but its driver escaped on the pretext of attending the call of nature.”

He said, “When the truck was searched, (we found) terrorists hiding inside. They fired on the personnel. Retaliatory firing was done,” he said, adding, “The truck owner is yet to be identified.

The intense firing between the two sides lasted for over 45 minutes. Several explosions, apparently caused by the hurling of grenades, were also heard, PTI quoted officials as saying.

Amit Shah’s high-level meeting: What is likely to be discussed?

Hours after the incident, reports emerged saying that Amit Shah would hold a high-level meeting to discuss the security arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir at 4 PM on Wednesday.

An official said that CRPF, BSF officers, J&K police officers, IB chief and RAW chief, along with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, will be present in the meeting. “The operation against terrorists in Jammu will also be discussed,” he was quoted by News 18 as saying.

The issue of terrorist activities, drone activity, targeted killing and attacks on Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir may also be discussed.

According to reports, the Kashmir fight Blog, which police suspect is operated from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (POK), released the names of 56 Pandits who work in the Valley as part of the PM relief package. “The post threatened to kill the Pandits if they did not leave the valley. They had earlier threatened journalists in the valley,” News 18 reported.

On Tuesday, police defused an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing 15 kilograms which was recovered in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district. A major terror plan was averted when the cylindrical shaped IED, 300-400 grams of RDX, seven 7.62 mm cartridges and five detonators were recovered in the Basantgarh area on Monday, officials said.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Planning a road trip? Check out these breathtaking mountain trails in India

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Are you planning a road trip? If yes, we have compiled a list of the some of India’s most breathtaking mountain passes in India that you’d must experience yourself.

A road trip from Srinagar to Leh

If you’re looking for a sensory overload, go no farther than this path, which is among the top mountainous treks in India. The whole drive will be memorable as you pass through the stunning landscape of Kashmir and the picturesque towns of Drass, Sonamarg, and Drass. The availability of essential services and improved connections make this route more convenient than the Manali – Leh highway.

Traveling from the Nubra Valley to the Pangong Lake

Similarly, this is the kind of road trip that will exceed all of your expectations. It’s no secret that Pangong Lake is stunning, but the route from Nubra Valley towards Pangong Lake, through Shyok, is also a photo-op waiting to happen. This trip might be stressful, so cautious preparation is needed. Some travelers nowadays even like taking the scenic route via the high-altitude mountain pass of Wari La, which is located on the route from Nubra Valley to the beautiful Pangong Lake at a height of 5,312 meters.

The route from Leh to Tso Moriri

Tso Moriri is a sight for sore eyes as it is among the most picturesque highland lakes in the nation. The lake’s natural beauty is unmistakable due to its remote position and the small local population of 400. Traveling directly from Leh instead of through Manali will make the trip much simpler. The journey from Leh towards Tso Moriri will be full of unexpected discoveries, and the Himalayas will be a constant source of visual delight. The river will be running, and the mountains on each side will be quite tall. A trek from Leh to the picturesque Tso Moriri is an experience that will stay with you forever.

The journey from Shimla to Kaza

A journey between Shimla to Kaza is said to be one of the world’s most dangerous, so that’s to be expected. You’ll be glad you made the effort to go here when you see old monasteries and beautiful landscapes. Between these two points, you’ll see several quaint towns where you may stop for gas and rest your weary bones while also taking in the breathtaking scenery. If you consider yourself to be a person of courage, you should go on this adventure.

From Darjeeling to Pelling

It’s a well-known mountain trail, and visitors from all over the Northeast seek it out. The journey passes through some beautiful scenery, including hilly landscapes and expansive, lush green tea plantations. If you’re up for an exciting journey, you may begin your vacation in Delhi and travel all the way to Bangkok.

Starting in Shillong and ending at Cherrapunji

Driving to Cherrapunji is the kind of road drive that vacation fantasies are made of. Interestingly, the whole path is breathtakingly beautiful, with spots so lofty that you feel like you could reach out and touch the sky. Also, the trip will be aesthetically pleasing because to the stunning cliffs, fields, and woods you’ll pass through.

Gangtok, Lake Tsomgo, and the Nathu-La Pass

It’s about a 50-kilometer trip from Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo, which is located at an elevation of 12,310 feet.

You have the option of staying in Sikkim for the night before continuing on your adventure. The mountainous topography of this route may provide some difficulty, but the breathtaking scenery along the way will have you forgetting about your troubles in no time. You will go via the tallest automated teller machine in the world as well as the historic Indo-Chinese trade center of Sherathang. Avoid making this journey in the winter, when snowfall might potentially cause road closures and other inconveniences.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Top 5 things you should consider before deciding on workation in Ladakh

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Tired of working indoors when you can be laying on the grass under the bright blue sky or playing on the beach or warming yourself in a fireplace whilst watching snow-capped mountains? With the remote working setup, digital nomad lifestyle and freelance employment type, you can work from absolutely anywhere. It’s time to leverage this opportunity in your favour. What if we told you that you can work from the highest peak in the world, enjoy the picturesque landscape and still make money? Let’s show you the top five things you need to know for your next workation trip to Ladakh.

Best time to visit

If you are not familiar with freezing cold and your body doesn’t respond to cold, you might want to stay in Ladakh between June and September. Even during this time, it is advisable for you to carry warm wear, as the nights may be cold. If you want to enjoy the wintry abode during its peak winter, then pack as many layers as possible, because it’ll be terribly cold even in the mornings.

Stays and food

There are plenty of affordable accommodations for you if you travel alone or with a partner. For one person, dorms are available at INR 400/day and nominal hotel rooms can cost around INR 1500/day. Based on the amenities you want, the style you prefer and the location you need, pricing will vary. All hostels or stays have a restaurant or fully functioning kitchen, so food won’t be a problem. However, if you want to try other authentic food varieties of the region, you can try the local cafes or restaurants. If you are working during the day, the hostel or stay itself provides breakfast and lunch, so you don’t miss working hours in search of food.

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Internet

Most accommodations have free stable Internet connectivity, however, it’s best to check with them for the speed of the Internet. In Leh and other commercial centres of Ladakh, you can expect good WiFi and mobile connectivity, where you can even use your hotspot if there’s a glitch in the WiFi. An important point to be noted here is that the state of Jammu and Kashmir does not allow prepaid SIM cards in their region, so you need to switch your prepaid to postpaid before coming to Ladakh.

BSNL, the national telecom provider, has a stronghold in Ladakh, followed by Airtel. Jio connection is available but its bandwidth has to be checked with the host or stay owner beforehand.

With Ladakh becoming a preferred workation spot, a lot of people are flocking towards the serene spot. So, there might be a competition to get connected to the Internet during working hours. If you start working earlier than the rest, you can finish important tasks before others start consuming the Internet.

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Ergonomics

Based on your choice of accommodation, you might have varying amenities. It’s better to carry a slim portable table so that you are ergonomically supported during the workation and your back doesn’t feel pressured.

Transport

Due to Ladakh being a difficult terrain, transportation cost is very high. If you can bargain and get your way, the better. If you bring your own vehicle, much of your transport cost can be curtailed. If not, it’s best to optimally plan your stay and travel so as to minimise spending on transport alone.

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Venturing out

Days are longer in Ladakh during summer. So, you can venture out after a hectic workday, to witness the snow-capped mountains, or tranquil monasteries or just absorb the breathtaking beauty of the place, and travel extensively during the weekends.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

When to travel to Leh and Ladakh: Ideal season to plan your vacation

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Ladakh is a beautiful and remote region in the Himalayas. This region’s exuberance and attractiveness are sustained by its craggy valleys and mountains, meandering roads, and thriving cultural life. Leh and Ladakh are home to a number of breathtaking sights, including the world-famous Magnetic Hill, the blue Pangong Lake, the meeting point of two mysterious rivers, many old and inspirational monasteries, and some of the world’s highest passes.

All of your senses will be enriched and your spirit will be satisfied by the variety of hiking trails available. The desert mountains, which resemble the surface of the moon, remain a top attraction for travellers interested in Buddhist culture and breathtaking natural scenery. The most exciting part of India awaits you, so don’t forget to pack your bags.

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Ladakh in the heat of summer

Summer is one of the ideal times to visit this region to fully experience its invigorating environment, as well as the many other benefits it has to offer. The snow appears to have softened this time of year, making for some breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Fantastic changes are on display in late April. Spectacular colour and scenery are gradually revealed as the Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes rapidly thaw. These days in Leh, the weather is perfect and the sky is crystal clear. The monasteries of Stongdey, Likir, Shey, and Thiksey are all well worth your time right now.

Ladakh in the rainy season

The cool, pleasant air is ideal for going on walks and other outdoor activities. White water rafting and other extreme sports may be enjoyed at their peak in the Zaskar and Indus rivers. The months of May through October are ideal for participating in any of the region’s numerous treks, but the Kang Yatse walk, the Markha Valley trek, and the Spituk to Stok trek are particularly recommended.

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Ladakh in the dead of winter

The Chadar Trek, often considered to be among the top treks in the world, is best experienced in the winter months. And if that weren’t enough, you’ll also get to enjoy the much-loved and big Zanskar River, which has developed into a hiking route. Only the first few weeks of winter are bearable for travel. Great and well-known treks in Ladakh, such as the Frozen River Trek and the Zanskar Valley Trek, are best done at this time of year. However, the greatest time for a Chadar walk is from the middle of January to the beginning of March.

The Ideal Time to Visit Leh and Ladakh

From April through July, the summer months, the temperature averages in the pleasant range of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it the ideal time to explore Ladakh. Almost the whole year, Ladakh’s temperature stays far below freezing. While the summers are mild, the winters are bitter and harsh. During the summer months, Ladakh is at its most pleasant, therefore that’s when you should go.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Why you should buy Two Wheeler Own Damage insurance before going on a road trip

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The craze for long-distance motorbike rides has been growing among adventurers and biking communities. We often see motorbike enthusiasts going on such trips to Leh Ladakh, Spiti Valley, and cross country.

Even short-distance motorbike ride from Mumbai to Lonavala, Pune to Goa, and Bangalore to Coonoor is gaining popularity.

When going on a long and even short-distance trip on a motorbike, it is imperative to factor in the risks involved. One such major risk you must consider is accidental damage.

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No matter how well prepared you are, accidents, theft and natural disasters like flash flood and landslide can happen anytime. Thus, it is wise to ensure you are financially covered before hitting the roads to avoid any unfortunate incidents incurring additional expenditures.

Two-wheeler insurance plays an important role in augmenting that protection, and the own-damage component of the policy is particularly beneficial in such events.

Benefits of Two Wheeler Own-Damage Cover

While having a third-party insurance cover for two-wheelers is mandatory by law, it is equally crucial to get financially covered for own damage. It is important to note here that third-party insurance only covers third party’s liabilities such as accidental death, injury or damage.

However, it does not indemnify losses to your own vehicle arising from an accident, or above-mentioned natural disasters or even theft.

Own-damage cover will provide financial protection in case of damages that may occur due to an accident as well as natural calamity, theft, riots, collisions, etc. It compensates for the damages caused and provides financial assistance to repair or replace the parts of your damaged two-wheeler.

Some insurers also offer cash-less repair services in own-damage cover at their network garages wherein you do not need to pay a single paisa at the insurer’s network garage.

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The payment will be directly taken care by the insurer. Even in the event of total loss, an own-damage cover will offer protection up to the Insured Declared Value (aka Sum Insured Amount) of the two-wheeler.

A little extra protection can go a long way for worry-free rides

Anything can happen when you are out on the roads. Imagine riding through the picturesque Wayanad, and your motorbike breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

Having a 24 hours Roadside Assistance Add-on Cover will be beneficial for such situations as it will offer you roadside assistance from the insurer’s network garage. All you need to do is inform your insurer about the requirement.

Now, let’s assume a scenario where your motorbike met with an accident and has gone to the nearest garage for repair, or someone stole your motorbike while you were having lunch at a roadside eating joint.

And because of these types of emergencies, you need a place to stay for the night. With Emergency Hotel Accommodation Add-on Cover, the insurer will compensate your hotel room rent and you can rest stress-free.  

A Hospital Cash add-on can be very useful in an unfortunate event of an accident involving your insured motorbike wherein you and your family were required to be hospitalised.

If hospitalized for more than 24hours, with this cover you will receive reimbursement of your daily hospitalization cost up to the sum insured.

In conclusion

Getting an insurance policy for your motorbike is a wise financial decision that will protect you from unforeseen expenses arising from any of the abovementioned incidents.

Third-party two wheeler policy is compulsory by IRDAI and will only protect you from legal and financial obligations for the damages caused to the third parties and their vehicles.

Thus, getting an own-damage cover and a few useful add-ons are advisable to protect you financially and to ensure a stress-free journey. 

(The author is Rakesh Jain, Chief Executive Officer at Reliance General Insurance)

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Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Overdrive sets up electric charging stations from Chandigarh to Leh in association with Audi India & ABB

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Team Overdrive has embarked on a very ambitious drive – a drive in the Audi e-Tron up Ladakh. Overdrive has also teamed up with ABB, one of the largest electric charging infrastructure providers in the world, to set up five charging points from Chandigarh to Ladakh highway.

These five points are at Mandi, Manali, Jispa, Pang and then in Leh.

The charger provided by ABB is a 22 kilowatt (kW) type 2 AC charger. It is one of the quickest AC charger set-ups anywhere in the country and is capable of charging a 50kW power battery in a little over two hours.

For the entire show, watch the accompanying video.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow