Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh, 18 December 2025; A delegation of the College Teacher Association (CTA), Union Territory of Ladakh, led by Dr Sonam Wangmo, Assistant Professor and President, CTA Ladakh, and accompanied by Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Former Member of Parliament (17th Lok Sabha), today called on Shri Kavinder Gupta Ji, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, at Lok Niwas, Leh. The delegation submitted a comprehensive and detailed representation highlighting long-standing and unresolved issues affecting college teaching faculties in UT Ladakh. The meeting witnessed in-depth, constructive and solution-oriented deliberations on critical matters such as the absence of cadre clarity, prolonged stagnation in placements and…

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Leh, December 17:The Department of Mathematics, University of Ladakh, Leh Campus, in collaboration with Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, on Wednesday commenced the National Mathematics Day celebrations, marking the beginning of a series of academic and student-centric activities. The programme was organised under the patronage of Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof. Saket Kushwaha, with support from Prof. Stanzin Yangdol, Principal, Eliezer Joldan Memorial College. The inauguration signalled the start of a day-long celebration aimed at highlighting the beauty, relevance and significance of mathematics. The event featured a presentation competition, quiz competition and a documentary screening, with active participation from faculty…

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Leh, December 18:KVK Nyoma (Leh-II), the country’s highest Krishi Vigyan Kendra, on December 16 launched a 16-day Swachhata Pakhwada from Tukla Village as part of the nationwide cleanliness campaign. The drive will continue till December 31, 2025. The programme was inaugurated under the leadership of Dr Phuntsog Tundup, Head, KVK Nyoma, with participation from KVK scientists, staff, farmers and local villagers. On the inaugural day, participants took the Swachhata Pledge, committing themselves to cleanliness and hygiene. As part of the campaign, cleanliness drives and awareness activities will be carried out across the Nyoma and Durbuk subdivisions, covering river banks, public…

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Leh, December 18:Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday launched the Holistic Rural Development Project (HRDP) for Nubra and the Focus Rural Development Project (FRDP) for Khaltsi under HDFC Bank’s Parivartan CSR initiative, in partnership with the PHIA Foundation, reaffirming the UT Administration’s commitment to improving living standards while preserving Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage. The FRDP-Khaltsi project aims to strengthen community institutions through the establishment of stone carving centres, provision of artisan toolkits and heritage documentation, promoting climate-resilient livelihoods across Khaltsi and Saspol blocks. The HRDP-Nubra focuses on enhancing quality of life in Nubra villages through initiatives such…

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Leh, December 18:Ladakh is steadily emerging as a memorable, responsible and sustainable global tourist destination, Lieutenant Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta said on Wednesday, asserting that tourism growth in the Union Territory is firmly rooted in cultural preservation, community participation and environmental responsibility. The Lt Governor was speaking at a programme organised by the Department of Tourism for the unveiling of the Destination Ladakh logo, release of the ‘Celebrate Ladakh’ tourism calendar, and launch of the STP Incentive Scheme. He said these initiatives will significantly strengthen Ladakh’s national and global tourism presence. Unveiling the new tourism logo, Shri Kavinder Gupta said…

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Leh, December 18:In a major push towards clean energy and sustainable healthcare, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, on Wednesday inaugurated a 60 kW geothermal-based space heating system at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Thiksay. Developed as a pilot project at a cost of ₹80 lakh by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), the eco-friendly system provides efficient heating without causing environmental pollution, making it ideally suited for Ladakh’s harsh winter conditions. Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor said the initiative would help make Ladakh a model Union Territory in clean energy adoption. He noted that the project…

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Leh, December 17, 2025:A one-day Capacity Building Programme on the Poverty Reduction Plan (PRP) for Self Help Groups (SHGs) was held at the District Panchayat Resource Centre, Leh, under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA). Organised by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, the programme witnessed active participation from 95 SHGs. Effective coordination and mobilisation ensured strong attendance and smooth conduct of the training. The interactive session, led by a Master Trainer, focused on structured poverty reduction strategies, enabling SHG members to strengthen their planning and implementation skills at the grassroots level. Officials of RGSA, Leh, expressed gratitude…

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 New Delhi, December 17, 2025:Veteran India commemorated Vijay Diwas 2025, marking the 54th anniversary of India’s historic victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, with patriotic fervour at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi. The event paid rich tribute to the brave soldiers whose sacrifices led to the liberation of Bangladesh, while also recognising outstanding contributions in the fields of sports and education. On the occasion, Shanaz Parveen, Physical Education Teacher at Druk Padma Karpo Higher Secondary School, Ladakh, was conferred the Patriotic Sports Ambassador Award for her exceptional work in promoting grassroots sports in remote and high-altitude regions. Hailing…

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New Delhi, December 16:Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said Ladakh has made significant progress in strengthening the cooperative movement, with the Centre approving the computerisation of 10 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) so far. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Shah said that as per the 2011 Census, Ladakh has a population of 2,74,289, including a rural population of 2,12,280. He informed the House that the Union Territory has 169 PACS, of which 129 are currently functional, adding that every panchayat in Ladakh has an operational PACS, despite the region’s sparse population. Under Phase-I of the…

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New Delhi, December 12:Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri Kavinder Gupta on Thursday met Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi and held detailed discussions on Ladakh’s developmental priorities, financial requirements and infrastructure strengthening for inclusive growth. During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor apprised the Finance Minister of the UT Administration’s efforts to accelerate development works, strengthen institutional capacity and ensure timely and efficient utilisation of funds. He highlighted the systems put in place to streamline project implementation across the region. The LG sought enhanced budgetary support to sustain development momentum, stressing the need for adequate capital assistance for…

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Nyoma, December 16:A team of 14 students and their mentors from Nyoma and Mudh visited Dehradun under the Operation Sadbhavna National Integration initiative, aimed at promoting national unity and exposure among youth from remote areas. During the visit, the students witnessed the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and explored the historic campus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC). They also interacted with NCC cadets, gaining first-hand insights into discipline, leadership and service to the nation. The interactions provided students and teachers with valuable exposure to leadership values, nation building, and the vital role of the…

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Leh, December 16:The Fire and Fury Corps commemorated Vijay Diwas in Leh with solemn reverence and patriotic fervour, paying tribute to the heroes of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Fire and Fury Corps, paid homage at the Hall of Fame Memorial, Leh, by laying a wreath in honour of the Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The ceremony was attended by senior officers, military personnel and members of the local community. The GOC also interacted with veterans of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, Veer Maatas, and…

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Thasgam (Kargil), December 16:Team Stringmo, a group of young girls from Kargil, observed Vijay Diwas 1971 in collaboration with the Indian Army by organising a patriotic painting activity at Thasgam village, paying rich tribute to the brave soldiers who secured India’s historic victory in the 1971 war. On the occasion, the young participants created paintings depicting the courage, sacrifice and valour of the Indian Armed Forces, expressing deep respect and gratitude for the soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation’s unity and sovereignty. The initiative aimed to instil patriotism and national pride among the youth, using art as…

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Kargil, December 16, 2025:Basit Afzal, Founder of Arces of Ice, called on Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Kacho Mohd Feroz, and presented data-driven innovations aimed at improving water management and agricultural resilience in Ladakh’s high-altitude regions. During the meeting, Afzal outlined a scalable model of artificial, automated reservoirs designed specifically for high-altitude terrain to address acute water scarcity and help local communities adapt to climate change while sustaining traditional livelihoods. Appreciating the initiative, EC Kacho Mohd Feroz congratulated the founder and team, stating that with rapidly changing climatic conditions, declining groundwater levels and shrinking natural water sources, such innovations could play…

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Diskit (Nubra), December 16:B-3 helicopter services were inaugurated at Diskit in Nubra, marking a major step towards improving regional connectivity, promoting tourism and strengthening emergency response services at subsidised fares. The inauguration was held in the presence of Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nubra Mukul Beniwal (IAS), SHO Meraj Giri and Naib Tehsildar Habibullah, along with other officials. Soon after the launch, the helicopter was pressed into service for a medical emergency, successfully airlifting a patient from Hunder to Leh for advanced treatment, underscoring the service’s critical role for residents of remote and high-altitude areas. The initiative is expected to significantly benefit…

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The Union Territory of Ladakh owes Rs 2,504.46 crore to Jammu and Kashmir as its share of liabilities arising from the bifurcation of the erstwhile State of J&K in August 2019. The Centre on Monday formally sanctioned this amount, with the Lok Sabha approving it as additional expenditure for Ladakh for transfer to Jammu and Kashmir. The approval came through the Supplementary Demands for Grants for the financial year 2025–26, presented by the Union Finance Ministry. The sanctioned amount will be transferred to Jammu and Kashmir on account of the apportionment of liabilities between the two Union…

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LADAKH: Ladakh has recorded cultural mapping of just 238 villages under the Centre’s flagship National Mission on Cultural Mapping, highlighting the limited coverage of the region’s vast and diverse cultural heritage. The information was placed before the Lok Sabha on Monday in response to a starred question on the status of the National Cultural Mapping exercise. The Ministry of Culture informed Parliament that the Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) portal, the digital backbone of the mission, has so far mapped 6,23,449 villages across India out of 6,38,365 identified villages. Ladakh’s contribution remains relatively modest within this nationwide exercise. The…

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New Delhi, Dec 15: The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned to January 7, 2026, the hearing on a plea filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, against his detention under the National Security Act on September 26. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria deferred the matter due to paucity of time. The plea claims that the detention is illegal and an arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights On November 24, the top court had deferred the matter after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the UT of Ladakh,…

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Kargil, December 15, 2025:Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, who is also the Councillor of Thasgam–Thovina Constituency, today distributed electrical induction cooktops among beneficiaries belonging to economically weaker sections under the National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP). The cooktops were provided by the Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD) as part of the NECP, a flagship initiative of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) aimed at promoting clean, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable cooking solutions. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jaffer Akhoon congratulated the beneficiaries and informed that LPDD had supplied a limited number of induction cooktops…

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Leh, December 15, 2025:The quarterly inspection of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and VVPAT warehouse of Leh district was conducted today at the Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra. The inspection was carried out under the supervision of Chief Electoral Officer, Leh, Rahul Sharma, IAS, along with Nodal Officer (EVM) Leh Sonam Chosjor (JKAS) and Deputy District Election Officer Padma Angmo (JKAS). Representatives of political parties including BJP, Congress and AAP were also present, in line with prescribed electoral protocols. During the inspection, officials verified the condition of EVM and VVPAT boxes, reviewed security arrangements, and ensured proper sealing of the warehouse doors.…

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