Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh: The 14th Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone for the new Chowkhang Vihara in Leh, marking a moment of deep spiritual significance for the region. The ceremony drew a large gathering of religious leaders, local dignitaries, and community members. On arrival, the Dalai Lama was welcomed by Ladakh Buddhist Association President Chering Dorjay Lakruk, members of the LBA, its youth wing, and local residents. The reception included traditional Ladakhi music and the ceremonial offering of Khataks. The event was attended by Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson, Executive Councillors of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, and other prominent figures…

Leh: Youths in a border village in Ladakh are looking up towards the dark night sky for their future, with the stars shining bright down on their hopes and expectations. They are the ‘astro-ambassadors’ at Hanle, the country’s first dark sky reserve, who have taken up stargazing as a profession, giving astronomy enthusiasts and tourists a glimpse into the vast, deep universe through their telescopes. “The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IOA) is located here, which has been a driving point for the declaration of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR). The local administrations came together with them to set this concept…

Leh: Iran has openly backed India in the wake of fresh US tariffs and sanctions, accusing Washington of “weaponizing the economy” to impose its will on sovereign nations. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi condemned President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs on Indian imports and the sanctions placed on several Indian companies for trading with Tehran. In a sharp statement, it called the US policy “coercive, discriminatory, and in violation of international law and India’s national sovereignty,” describing it as a “modern form of economic imperialism.” “The United States continues to weaponize the economy and use sanctions to dictate its will…

Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital to discuss the Union Territory’s development priorities and tourism potential. In his meeting with the Prime Minister, the LG highlighted Ladakh’s immense opportunities in eco-tourism, adventure sports, and cultural heritage-based experiences. He also briefed PM Modi on the ground realities, challenges, and aspirations of the people, focusing on the need for better connectivity, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Prime Minister Modi reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Ladakh, ensuring welfare schemes reach even…

Leh: Ahead of the upcoming visit and teachings of His Holiness the Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche on August 9–10 at Zerthang Photang, SDM Khaltse Mohd Sharif chaired a preparatory meeting to finalise arrangements. The meeting was held as per the directions of CEC Tashi Gyalson. Officials from key departments and representatives of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) Sham Unit discussed logistics, including road connectivity, water and power supply, traffic management, parking, medical facilities, seating, public address systems, and waste management. Following the meeting, a joint inspection of the venue was carried out. The SDM also visited the PWD Rest House,…

Leh: CEC Tashi Gyalson has assured monks of the Drepung Gomang Buddhist Cultural Association that LAHDC Leh will extend full support and cooperation in securing recognition, academic affiliation, and infrastructural assistance for Buddhist monastic institutions. He gave the assurance during a meeting with a delegation from the Association, led by Councillor Stanzin Lakpa and Secretary Geshe Tenzin Wosung, accompanied by venerable monks. The delegation highlighted the importance of formal academic affiliation for monastic institutes, which would allow enrolled monks to access scholarships and other educational benefits. They also raised concerns about infrastructural requirements to enhance the learning environment. CEC Tashi…

Kargil: Karsha Block’s outstanding performance in the Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) was celebrated in Kargil, with CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon urging other blocks to adopt the same dedication and strategies to achieve similar success. Speaking at the concluding ceremony of the Sumpoornata Abhiyaan Samman Samaroh at Syed Mehdi Memorial Hall, Dr. Akhoon praised the Block Development Officer and team for securing second place in the All-India Delta Rankingsunder the Hilly, North-East, and Island category. He called Karsha a model for grassroots development and full saturation of key performance indicators. The event, organised by the District Administration, was attended by…

Leh : As part of Operation Sadbhavana, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Government Veterinary Hospital, Diskit, organised a veterinary aid camp in Nubra Valley. During the camp, around 109 animals and poultry were examined and provided with free medical care. Treatments included vitamin supplements, dietary enhancers, and dewormers to address ailments and improve the overall health of livestock and poultry in the region. The initiative aimed to support the local farming community and promote animal well-being in this remote Himalayan valley.

Leh: Swift action by Army personnel stationed at Khardungla Top saved five lives after a civil vehicle was hit by a falling rock near Khardungla Pass. Humanitarian Assistance A civil vehicle with five occupants was struck by a falling rock near Khardungla Pass. The injured were provided first aid and safely evacuated around 8.30 pm by Army personnel stationed at Khardungla Top. Army in the service of Nation. #Khardungla… pic.twitter.com/jCVc9Pvw6I — @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) August 2, 2025 The incident occurred in the evening when the vehicle, carrying five occupants, was struck by the rock. Soldiers immediately rushed to the spot, provided…

Leh: Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson has reiterated his commitment to ensuring inclusive and sustained development across all regions of Ladakh, including the remote border areas of Turtuk. He was speaking during a meeting with a delegation from Turtuk, led by Executive Councillor Ghulam Mehdi, along with Maulana Abdul Karim, Imam of Jamia Masjid Turtuk, and other village representatives. The delegation expressed heartfelt gratitude for the CEC’s proactive leadership and for delivering key infrastructure projects, particularly the Turtuk–Hanu road. They described the road as a vital lifeline that will improve mobility, access to services, and economic opportunities for the…

Leh:  In a move to bolster strategic infrastructure, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is in the advanced planning stages of constructing numerous tunnels and high-altitude passes to ensure all-weather road connectivity in eastern Ladakh, a senior officer said on Saturday. The BRO is also aggressively adopting new technologies to accelerate project execution in this high-altitude region, where the working season is restricted to just a few months due to harsh winter conditions. “Primarily, Ladakh is linked by two national highways – NH 1 and NH 3. We are responsible for NH 3. The Rohtang tunnel has already come up and…

Kargil: The 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana was released today by the Prime Minister of India during a national webcast at 11:00 AM. To mark the occasion, the Department of Agriculture Kargil organised a special programme at the Farmers Conference Hall, Khurbathang. Executive Councillor for Agriculture, LAHDC Kargil, Agah Syed Mujtaba Mussavi, attended the event and underlined the scheme’s role in boosting the rural economy and improving livelihoods, especially for small and marginal farmers in remote areas like Kargil. Chief Agriculture Officer Kargil, Ashiq Hussain, shared updates on the scheme’s implementation in the district…

Kargil: Government Degree College (GDC) Kargil organised a heartfelt farewell to honour 13 faculty members who have been transferred after years of dedicated service to the institution. The outgoing staff included Razia Parveen, Rinchen Angmo, Jigmet, Thinles Chondol, Padma Wangchuk, Dr. Rinchen Tundup, Tsewang Gyaltson, Dr. (Lt.) Murtaza Ali, Murtaza (Librarian), Haider Askary, Zahoor Ahmad, Kunzang Dolma, and Nasir Shabani. Academic arrangement faculty members who completed their one-year tenure were also recognised for their contributions. The programme featured emotional speeches and experience-sharing by the departing faculty, who expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation received from the Principal and colleagues.…

Leh: A joint inspection by the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) enforcement squad targeted shops in Leh’s main city and areas near educational institutions, leading to the seizure of a large quantity of illegal tobacco products. The raid focused on violations of COTPA provisions, including the ban on selling tobacco within 100 yards of schools and to persons under 18 years of age. Despite repeated advisories, several shops were found flouting the rules. The confiscated items — including 150 packets of cigarettes, 45 packets of bidi, 198 packets of Raj Niwas, 130 packets of Suvidha, 178 packets of…

Leh: Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, today received a formal proposal from Thiksey Councillor Stanzin Chosfail to nominate veteran Ladakhi folk artist  Tundup Dorjey, popularly known as Dorjey Stakmo, for the prestigious Padma Shri Award. Councillor Chosfail praised Dorjey Stakmo’s lifelong commitment to preserving Ladakhi folk music and traditional art forms, particularly the endangered Junglu genre. A State Award recipient, Dorjey is celebrated as a cultural custodian and an inspiration to younger generations. The proposal noted that conferring the Padma Shri on him would be a well-deserved recognition of his decades of dedication to Ladakh’s cultural heritage.

Leh: Spituk Monastery marked the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with a blend of development and tradition — laying the foundation stone for a Solar Lift Irrigation Scheme and inaugurating Riglam (traditional Buddhist dialectical training) classes. The irrigation project, designed to tackle water scarcity in higher-altitude hamlets of Spituk, was inaugurated by His Eminence Bakula Rinpoche Tenzin Ngawang Jigmet Wangchuk, along with CEC LAHDC Leh Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Phyang Councillor Tundup Nurbu, ADC Ghulam Mohammad, and other officials. Chokje Lama Geshe Lobsang Wangchok expressed gratitude to the Hill Council for supporting the monastery’s long-standing demand. He…

Leh: As part of their exposure tour to the Union Territory of Ladakh, 27 probationer IPS officers of the 77th Regular Recruit (RR) batch visited the Ladakh Police Headquarters to gain first-hand insight into policing in the region. They were warmly welcomed by Altaf Ahmed Shah, IPS, Commandant IR 25th Battalion and In-charge Head of Police, Ladakh, who briefed them on the organizational structure and functioning of Ladakh Police. Senior officers including Piyush Fulzele, IPS (SSP Security), Stanzin Nurboo, JKPS (AIG Prov),  Sonam Dechen, JKPS (AIG Personnel), and Sh. Regzin Sangdup, JKPS (Addl. SP Leh) were also present. Sonam Dechen…

Srinagar: A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday, officials said. The overnight encounter began after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forest area at Akhal in the south Kashmir district after receiving specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists there. After the initial exchange of fire between the two sides, the operation was halted for the night, the officials said. The cordon was strengthened and additional reinforcements were rushed to the area. The firing resumed on Saturday morning, in which one terrorist was killed,…

Jammu: A Sub-Divisional Magistrate and his son were killed, while his wife and two others were wounded, when a boulder hit the vehicle they were travelling in in Reasi district, police said on Friday. The incident occurred Thursday night in the Salukh Ikhter Nallah area when Rajinder Singh Rana was on his way to his native village, Pattian, from Dharmari, with his family. A large boulder, part of a landslide, struck their vehicle, killing Rana, a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service officer, and his son on the spot. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, and after primary treatment,…

Jammu: Rooted in the spirit of equitable access to world-class healthcare, the AIIMS stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening regional medical infrastructure by treating over 2.6 lakh patients in outpatient departments during its first year of operation, officials on Friday said. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the first such institution established in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as a powerful national benchmark with the completion of its 43 buildings in a record time of three and a half years despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, they said. “In…