Asia’s high-altitude snow run in Himachal on March 23

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Chandigarh, March 18 (IANS) The fourth edition of the Snow Marathon Lahaul, Asia’s only and the world’s highest snow marathon at an altitude of 11,000 feet, will take place on March 23.

It will be held in Sissu in Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, announced officials on Monday.

This unique event challenges long-distance and ultra-runners in extreme conditions. This year’s marathon will see the participation by over 300 participants across the country, competing in four categories — 42 km (Full Marathon), 21 km (Half Marathon), 10 km, and 5 km.

The event is a key part of India’s global representation in high-altitude snow marathons for attracting top endurance athletes and adventure enthusiasts.

The event has seen strong participation from the Indian Army and the Indian Navy in previous editions. This year, the Indian Air Force Adventure Team with 20 runners are taking this challenge.

The Indian Army is sending 25 elite runners, including athletes from the Ladakh Scouts, Dogra and Kumaon Regiments.

Additionally, paramilitary forces like the ITBP and the SSB would compete alongside elite runners and outdoor athletes.

Speaking about the run, Col (retd) Arun Natrajan, event organizer, highlighted the environmental significance of the event.

“Lahaul’s winter landscape offers a thrilling experience for runners and adventurers. However, the melting glaciers and diminishing snowfall are urgent concerns. We hope this event raises awareness about the need for immediate action to protect our fragile environment,” Col Natarajan said here.

High-altitude trainer Sachin Sharma described the race as a one-of-a-kind experience for outdoor and endurance runners.

“It’s the only race in India that offers a challenging run in snow while allowing participants to engage with the region’s rich culture and traditions,” he said.

Event founder Gaurav Schimar emphasized the marathon’s environmental message. “While the race is designed for extreme outdoor sports enthusiasts, its core purpose is to highlight the ecological challenges faced by the Himalayas and the Trans-Himalayan region.”

–IANS

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Not received death certificate yet: Murdered doctor’s parents accuse Mamata govt of passing the buck

New Delhi, Feb 28 (IANS) The parents of RG Kar Medical college doctor, who was raped and murdered on the hospital campus on August 9 last year, on Friday said that Mamata Banerjee-led state government is responsible for their daughter’s tragic fate. They also accused the state government of passing the buck and failing to deliver justice, even a year after the horrifying case of rape and murder that shook the entire nation.

The parents of the murdered woman doctor of R G Kar hospital said this after meeting the CBI director, regarding the ongoing probe into the crime. They recently traveled to Delhi to raise their concerns before the investigating agency.

“We met CBI Director Praveen Sood and discussed the verdict given by the Sealdah Court. We also sought clarity on what the CBI has done so far in the investigation and requested the director to ensure my daughter gets proper justice. The supplementary chargesheet, which was scheduled for submission in court, was also a point of discussion,” said the victim’s father.

Raising concerns over procedural delays, he added, “We have not even received my daughter’s death certificate yet, so we urged the CBI director to help us obtain it. He assured us of his support.”

The grieving parents slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her recent remarks, in which she accused the CBI of not handling the case properly. “Mamata Banerjee is misleading the people and voters. She never questioned why her own police failed to act promptly. Instead, she always blames the CBI and other agencies,” the father stated.

He also alleged that the state government deliberately tried to suppress the case. “Mamata Banerjee’s police did nothing for four days after my daughter’s death. She instructed all stakeholders to stay silent and even arranged for my daughter’s body to be cremated at 2:00 a.m. that night.”

Hinting at a larger conspiracy, he said that the Chief minister must take accountability for inordinate delay in justice.

“As both CM and health minister, she had the duty to ensure my daughter’s safety but failed. I believe there is a bigger plot behind this crime, and she is responsible for it.”

The body of the 31-year-old second-year postgraduate student, who was raped and murdered inside a seminar hall of the hospital, was found on August 9. The police later said that multiple lacerations and wounds were found on her body.

–IANS

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Cong is ’60 pc commission’ govt; K’taka inching closer to bankruptcy: BJP

Bengaluru, Jan 8 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka Assembly and senior BJP leader, R. Ashoka, has described the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government as a “60 per cent commission government”, adding that the Congress is pushing the state towards bankruptcy.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Bengaluru, Ashoka said that Karnataka is heading towards bankruptcy, similar to Himachal Pradesh and Kerala.

He alleged that contractors are unable to receive salaries due to the government’s inefficiency.

Ashoka claimed that while contractors accused the previous BJP government of charging 40 per cent commission, they are now labelling the Congress government as a “60 per cent commission government” and are even applying for euthanasia due to their plight.

The BJP leader also alleged that bribes were rampant during the Congress government being in power in the state, with Rs 10 lakh required for allotment of plots measuring 30×40, Rs 20 lakh for plots sized 40×60, and Rs 40 lakh for larger plots.

The Congress government reportedly owes contractors Rs 32,000 crore, and to meet these expenses, it is imposing taxes everywhere, Ashoka said.

He criticised the state government for failing to utilise budgeted funds.

Out of Rs 3.22 lakh crore allocated in the state Budget, only Rs 1.79 lakh crore (55.69 per cent) has been spent so far, leaving 45 per cent to be utilised in the next two months, he said.

In schemes such as the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP), out of Rs 28,527.02 crore, only Rs 13,923 crore (48.81 per cent) has been utilised, he added.

In Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) out of Rs 11,515.39 crore, only Rs 4,937.59 crore (42.88 per cent) has been spent, he noted.

Out of Rs 3,077 crore, only Rs 1,076 crore (34 per cent) has been used in Special Development Projects, Ashoka said.

He claimed that no proper utilisation of state funds has been done as promised by the Congress government.

Ashoka criticised the Congress government for slashing allocations to key welfare schemes compared to the BJP’s budget allocated while it was in power in the state.

In Ambedkar Development Corporation (Ganga Kalyana Scheme) the BJP allocated Rs 60 crore in 2022-23, the Congress-led government reduced it to Rs 40 crore, the BJP leader said, while slamming the state government.

“In Ambedkar Development Corporation (Self-Employment Scheme) the BJP allocated Rs 100 crore; Congress reduced it to Rs 45 crore. BJP gave Rs 110 crore for the Tanda Development Corporation, Congress slashed it to Rs 60 crore,” Ashoka added.

“The BJP provided Rs 100 crore for the Veerashaiva-Lingayat Development Corporation. While the Congress reduced it to Rs 60 crore,” he said.

“BJP allocated Rs 274.68 crore for temples and religious institutions whereas the Congress slashed it to Rs 17.50 crore,” Ashoka added while criticising the Congress government.

“Towards the maintenance of Hindu burial grounds, the BJP allocated Rs 25 crore; Congress reduced it to Rs 10 crore. For Weavers’ Welfare Schemes, the BJP provided Rs 125.77 crore; Congress allocated just Rs 10 crore,” the BJP leader highlighted.

Ashoka accused the Congress government of pushing the state into darkness due to corruption and financial mismanagement.

He also alleged that key aides of Minister Priyank Kharge, some of whom are on the criminals list, have not been arrested yet.

Ashoka suspected that they might be under police protection.

He also claimed that during his tenure as State Transport Minister, bus depots were built, and revenue was generated through rentals.

However, he alleged that the current Congress government has failed to create infrastructure and has burdened BMTC with losses due to its policies.

Ashoka urged the Congress government to establish a task force to tackle the spread of new viruses.

He emphasised the need for oxygen facilities, audits by officials at district and taluk levels, and immediate preparation.

–IANS

mka/khz

MeT department predicts rain, hailstorm in parts of Rajasthan on Holi

Jaipur, March 12 (IANS) As the maximum temperature in most parts of Rajasthan was recorded above normal, the Meteorological (MeT) Department on Wednesday issued a warning for hailstorms accompanied by rain for March 14 and 15 in parts of the state.

The weather is expected to start changing on March 13, with a yellow alert in place for hailstorms on March 15.

Barmer and Jalore registered extreme heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring.

In the past 24 hours, Barmer recorded the highest temperature in the state at 41.2 degrees Celsius, while Jalore reached 40 degrees, which is 7 degrees above the average.

Other districts, including Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Sirohi, Dungarpur, and Pali, also experienced intense heat, with temperatures around 39 degrees. The heatwave persisted for the second consecutive day on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, an orange alert was issued for the heatwave in Barmer and Jalore. The Health Department has instructed local authorities to make necessary arrangements to tackle the rising temperatures.

According to weather experts, strong winds from the west and the formation of an anti-cyclone over Rajasthan and Gujarat are the main reasons behind this heatwave. Due to this, an orange alert has been issued for western Rajasthan, while Gujarat is under a red alert. Apart from Jaipur, many cities recorded a temperature rise.

The maximum temperature recorded on Wednesday was 37 degrees Celsius in Jaipur, 37.8 degrees in Ajmer, 37.9 in Bhilwara, 38.6 in Kota, 37.9 in Udaipur, 36.4 in Churu, and 38.7 in Dholpur.

In response to the extreme heat, Health Department officials held a meeting on Tuesday. District hospital superintendents, CMHOs, and in-charges have been directed to ensure the availability of essential medicines and resources for heatwave-affected patients. Instructions have also been given to make immediate arrangements for coolers, fans, and ACs in hospitals.

Authorities have been urged to stay vigilant and ensure preparedness for both heatwave and hailstorm conditions in the coming days.

Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department Gayatri Rathore reviewed preparations for heat stroke, seasonal diseases, and other related issues in a high-level meeting.

She emphasised the need for proper management across the state to tackle the challenges posed by rising temperatures. She instructed all department officials to begin proactive preparations in light of the anticipated severe heat and heatwave conditions in Rajasthan.

–IANS

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