Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh: A two-week Army Attachment cum Training Camp for NCC male cadets of Ladakh concluded at Phyangon Friday. The camp, held from July 21 to August 1, 2025, was organised by FORCE IBEX Battalion under the aegis of the Fire and Fury Corps. Cadets from 1 Ladakh Battalion NCC, Leh and 2 Ladakh Battalion NCC, Kargil participated in the camp, where they were trained in drill, weapon handling, map reading, physical fitness, and hygiene. Throughout the programme, the cadets displayed discipline, patriotism, endurance, and commitment, reflecting the true spirit of the NCC.

Leh : In a landmark relief, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has reinstated Tashi Namgail, a teacher from Ladakh, nearly three decades after his services were terminated.  The order, delivered by the CAT’s Jammu Bench at its Leh Circuit, ends a 28-year-long legal struggle. Namgail, appointed as a teacher in 1987, had taken a month’s leave in 1996. Soon after, his services were abruptly terminated on grounds of unauthorized absence.  Challenging this, he approached the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in 2011, which directed that a proper inquiry be conducted. A three-member committee led by the Joint Director of Education…

Leh: At 14,000 feet above sea level in Ladakh, two young scientists have begun living in complete isolation to simulate what life might be like on the Moon or Mars. The 10-day analogue space mission kicked off on Friday at Tso Kar, inside a special research base called the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE). The project is being conducted by Isro’s Human Space Flight Centre in collaboration with Bengaluru-based firm Protoplanet, which set up the HOPE station. It was inaugurated on Thursday by Isro chairman V Narayanan. The mission crew includes Rahul Mogalapalli, a PhD researcher at Purdue University,…

Leh: Perched high above the town of Leh, against the backdrop of rugged Himalayan peaks, stands the magnificent Leh Palace—a 17th-century royal residence once home to the Namgyal dynasty. Recently, author and philanthropist Sudha Murty drew national attention to this architectural marvel, calling it an “impressive royal residence” inspired by Tibet’s iconic Potala Palace. Built by King Sengge Namgyal, the nine-storey palace was among the tallest buildings of its time, watching over Leh with majestic pride. Though abandoned during the Dogra invasion in the mid-1800s, the palace still tells stories of royalty, war, and resilience. Leh Palace, an impressive 17th-century…

Jammu: Border areas of Ladakh will be connected to the National Power Grid by October 2026, with major transmission line projects currently underway. Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik informed Parliament that regions like Nubra, Zanskar, and Changthang—currently dependent on small hydro projects, solar plants, and diesel generators—will soon be linked through new transmission lines. The 220 kV Nubra and Zanskar transmission lines and 66 kV lines from Himya to Nyoma and Kharu to Durbuk are under construction. Out of 265 towers needed for the Phyang-Disket (Nubra) line, 90 have been erected, while work on the Drass-Padum (Zanskar) line…

Leh : Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has pledged to transform Ladakh into a global destination for tourism, culture, and commerce. He made the announcement during a felicitation programme organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Jammu. Highlighting Ladakh’s vast untapped potential and strategic importance, the Lt Governor said the region is poised to emerge as a major center of economic activity in the Himalayas.  He cited ongoing infrastructure milestones, including the much-awaited Zojila Tunnel, which he said will significantly enhance connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country, opening new avenues for development. In a major announcement,…

Leh:  For the people of Ladakh, Pashmina wool is more than just a product—it’s a symbol of identity and a major engine for economic prosperity. Though Ladakh is the sole region in India that produces this prized wool, its people are still striving for full recognition of that fact, and helping the cause is a cooperative society that looks after the production and marketing of the super-fine wool. The All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society has been working since 1995 to ensure that the Pashmina wool fetches the maximum price for its producers, the nomadic herders of Ladakh. Since…

Kargil: A delegation from the Zila Sainik Welfare Board, Kargil, today called on Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, IAS, at his office. The team included Zila Sainik Welfare Officer Captain (IN) AK Pawar, President Ex-Servicemen Welfare Trust Haji Ahmad Hussain, and representatives Lhawang Stanzin and Basharat Hussain. The delegation welcomed the Deputy Commissioner with a traditional khatak and congratulated him on assuming his new role. During the meeting, they held detailed discussions on issues concerning Veer Naris and Ex-Servicemen of Kargil. Captain Pawar also briefed the Deputy Commissioner, who is the President of the Zila Sainik Welfare Office, on the status…

New Delhi: A portion of the sacred Buddhist relics excavated in the northern parts of the country in 1898, which was earlier set to go under the hammer at an international auction house in Hong Kong in May, was returned to India on Wednesday. “This momentous repatriation has been made possible through an exemplary public-private partnership between the government of India and the Godrej Industries Group,” the Ministry of Culture said. The sacred Piprahwa relics, carried in a box, were received by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at a technical area of the Delhi airport, a senior official said.…

Leh: In a landmark achievement for remote connectivity in Ladakh, Sumdha Chenmo village in the Markha Constituencyhas been connected to the road network for the first time in 70 years, bringing long-awaited hope and progress to the region. Marking this historic occasion, Councillor Sonam Norboo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Modi Government, UT Ladakh Administration, LAHDC Leh led by Chairman Tashi Gyalson, and BJP Ladakh for fulfilling the decades-old dream of the villagers. “After 70 long years, Sumdha Chenmo is finally connected to the road network — a historic milestone that brings hope, opportunity, and progress to our doorstep. Thank…

Leh: In a prompt and coordinated rescue operation, Sonam Tsewang, who met with an accident in Nubra, was successfully airlifted by helicopter and shifted to SNM Hospital, Leh, with timely assistance from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Hon’ble CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Army and Air Force for their swift response. He extended special gratitude to Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, UYSM, SC, SM, VSM, GOC 14 Corps, and Air Commodore Sanjay Prabhu, VSM, AOC 21 Wing AFS Leh, along with the UT…

Leh: The Women Wing of Anjuman Moin-Ul-Islam today visited the Solid Waste Management Plant at Skampari, Ward No. 12, Leh, UT Ladakh, to encourage community participation in effective waste segregation. https://youtu.be/1N5cIsiPU84 During the visit, the members handed over properly segregated household waste to the plant workers, supporting the facility’s ongoing efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness. The manager of the plant guided the delegation through the waste processing units, demonstrating the functioning of various machines and highlighting the importance of segregating waste at the household level. The Women Wing emphasized that proper waste separation not only ensures smooth plant operations but…

Leh: In a bid to ensure safe and fair trading practices, a surprise market inspection in Khaltse has led to fines totaling ₹22,300 for multiple violations. The two-day drive, conducted on July 30 and 31 on the directions of SDM Khaltse Mohd Sharif, targeted general stores, hotels, restaurants, vegetable vendors, and poultry sellers. Led by Naib Tehsildar Asgar Ali, the team included the Tehsil Supply Officer, SHO Khaltse, and officials from the FCS&CA Department and local police. During the raid, expired food items were found on shelves, domestic LPG cylinders were being used in hotels and restaurants, and several shops…

Leh: The Administration of UT Ladakh and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, have extended a warm invitation to the public to participate in the grand celebration of Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston on August 5, 2025, marking UT Ladakh Declaration Day. The event is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage, remarkable contributions, and indomitable spirit of the people of Ladakh. It aims to highlight the region’s history, traditions, and resilience, while bringing together communities to celebrate the journey of Ladakh as a Union Territory. Cultural performances, traditional displays, and community gatherings are expected to mark the occasion,…

Kargil: In a historic and proud moment for Ladakh and the nation, local Taekwondo star Rinchen Youdol has struck gold at the 2025 Junior, Cadet & Para Asian Taekwondo Championships in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Rinchen clinched the Gold Medal in the PARA Poomsae Individual Female Senior P34 Category, making her the first-ever athlete from Ladakh to win gold at an Asian Taekwondo Championship. The prestigious tournament saw participation from 12 countries, where Rinchen’s remarkable performance showcased her unwavering grit, skill, and determination. Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, Joint Director of Youth Services and Sports, congratulated Rinchen on her landmark achievement. He also…

Leh:In a fresh administrative move, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh has allocated important departments to Rahul Sharma, IAS (AGMUT: 2013).  As per the official order issued by the General Administration Department, Sharma will now oversee Elections, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Public Health Engineering, and Irrigation & Flood Control. The allocation is effective immediately and will remain in place until further orders.  The order was issued by Michael M. D’Souza, IAS, Administrative Secretary, GAD.

Leh: In a bid to strengthen the livestock and fisheries sectors in Ladakh, Dr. Mohammad Ismail, Director of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, UT Ladakh, conducted a detailed inspection of major fish farms located at Sindhu, Shey, and Chochut in Leh district. Accompanied by Dr. Iftiqar Hussain, Director of Sheep Husbandry, UT Ladakh, and the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Leh, the visit aimed to assess the functioning, production status, infrastructure, and overall management practices at the farms. Dr. Ismail expressed satisfaction with the efficient operations at the sites and appreciated the efforts of the staff in maintaining the farms. He stressed…

Srinagar/Jammu: The Amarnath Yatra resumed from the Baltal axis in the Kashmir valley on Thursday but was suspended from Jammu due to inclement weather conditions. No fresh batch of pilgrims was allowed to proceed from Jammu to the cave shrine in the South Kashmir Himalayas this morning, officials said. In view of maintenance works on the Pahalgam axis of the Amarnath Yatra route following the rains, the yatra will continue only through the Baltal axis. Torrential rains in Kashmir had rendered the roads unsafe, following which the pilgrimage was suspended on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes on Wednesday. “The…

Srinagar:  Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here on Wednesday, an official spokesperson said. “Azad discussed various important matters pertaining to the development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. The meeting comes amid speculations about a change at the Raj Bhavan, the LG’s residence in the Union Territory.

Jammu:  Police on Wednesday arrested a driver, who was caught on video deliberately reversing a Thar vehicle at high speed and ramming an elderly man after his scooty collided with the SUV in Jammu. The video went viral, drawing widespread criticism. Sixty-five-year-old Kamal Kant, who was critically injured and is undergoing treatment in the ICU of Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu, was shifted to a hospital in Chandigarh on Wednesday for specialised care. “Accused Thar driver, namely Mannan Anand, son of Rajinder Anand, resident of Nanak Nagar, Jammu, who was absconding in the case of rash driving and attempt…