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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Two workers killed during manual scavenging in Bengal’s Nandigram

Kolkata, Feb 16 (IANS) Two workers engaged in scavenging and manual cleaning of a septic tank at Nandigram in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal were killed on Sunday.

This is the second such mishap reported in West Bengal during the current month.

Earlier on February 2, three workers engaged in scavenging and manual cleaning of a sewerage drain pipe within the Bantala leather complex on the eastern outskirts of Kolkata had died.

In both instances, the first on February 2 at Bantala and then on Sunday at Nandigram were because of poisonous gas emitting out of sewerage water there, which makes it evident that in the case of both the mishaps, the deceased workers got engaged in manual scavenging activity with proper measures, including safety gadgets.

The two workers killed on Sunday at Nandigram have been identified as Mrityunjay Jana and Manas Giri.

A local person, Kanai Jana, who was there at the spot while the manual scavenging was taking place, had also fallen sick because of the poisonous gas.

He is currently under treatment at a local hospital.

The bodies of the two deceased workers have been sent for post-mortem.

Tension is prevailing in the area where the incident occurred.

Incidentally, last month only a bench of the Supreme Court led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia had ordered a complete ban on manual scavenging and sewage cleaning in six major metropolitan cities, including Kolkata.

The next hearing is scheduled for February 19.

Recently, during a discussion held by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on the rights of manual scavengers and ensuring their dignity, experts suggested that robots can be used to clean sewage lines and septic tanks.

Addressing the discussion on ‘Dignity and Liberty of the Individuals — Rights of Manual Scavengers’, NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian said it is necessary to study and understand the causes to suggest remedial measures.

–IANS

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Disappointing that Centre, UGC destabilising higher education sector: CM Vijayan

Kochi, Jan 14 (IANS) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Tuesday, accused the Centre and the University Grants Commission (UGC) of adopting a disappointing approach aimed at “destabilising” institutions under the state government.

He cited the latest UGC regulations which, he claimed, threatened the autonomy of state universities.

“A prime example of this is the latest UGC regulations, which threaten the autonomy of state universities. State Universities function according to Acts formulated by elected Legislative Assemblies, and the creation of such regulations undermines this autonomy,” said CM Vijayan while inaugurating a Conclave on Next-Gen Higher Education, titled, ‘Shaping Kerala’s Future – Towards A New Episteme’, here.

He said, “The Union government and the UGC should refrain from such actions, and respect the autonomy of universities and the rights of state governments in matters concerning education.”

“We have no opposition to establishing minimum qualifications for teacher appointments or similar matters, and we fully adhere to such regulations. However, the UGC overstepping its boundaries in this way is unacceptable. Most of the universities are funded by state resources, with minimal Central contributions,” said CM Vijayan.

“By pursuing such actions, the UGC and the Union government fail to recognise that these efforts could lead to the collapse of a publicly funded higher education system that is efficient, ultimately paving the way for more private educational institutions. Already, numerous private universities operate across the country, many of which do not even adhere to UGC regulations. If these attempts continue, they will not only harm public universities but also undermine the very integrity of the UGC itself,” added CM Vijayan.

The Chief Minister further stated that his government’s goal is to make quality higher education accessible to everyone and inclusive for learners with different learning challenges and needs. “Kerala’s higher education sector is being transformed to meet local needs and global demands. We will welcome learners and educators who are ready to work cooperatively on local and global issues,” said CM Vijayan.

He pointed out that restructuring the state’s higher education sector to align with industry and employment demands is crucial. “As part of this effort, initiatives such as campus industrial parks and skill parks have been launched in various parts of the state. Consequently, industrial partnerships will be a central focus of this conclave.”

The draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, was released on January 6 by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. It has revised the selection process for Vice-Chancellors. The UGC draft has given the powers to Chancellors or Visitors to constitute a three-member search-cum-selection committee to appoint Vice-Chancellors. The guidelines also warn that non-implementation of it may result in debarring an institution from participating in UGC schemes or from offering degree programmes. The UGC has given 30 days for the stakeholders and public to comment on the draft.

–IANS

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We must move together for the state’s development: Rajasthan CM

Jaipur, Feb 27 (IANS) Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stressed on Thursday that both the ruling party and the opposition must unite to drive Rajasthan’s development for its eight crore citizens.

Addressing the Assembly, he emphasised that every member has the duty to uphold the dignity of the House and conduct debates with respect and restraint.

Reflecting on the recent deadlock in the House, the Chief Minister urged all legislators to think carefully before speaking.

“When we debate, emotions can run high, but every word matters. We must ensure that our conduct does not undermine the respect our people expect from us,” he said.

He warned that careless remarks not only hurt others but also damage one’s own reputation, likening unchecked behavior to a small fault growing into a major issue. Sharma also reiterated the importance of following the established rules of the House.

He praised the Speaker for his role in maintaining order and reminded members that every minute spent in the House should benefit the people of Rajasthan. “Our time here is precious and funded by the public. We must use it wisely, ensuring that our actions reflect the trust placed in us,” he stated.

Highlighting the need for accountability, the Chief Minister encouraged members to acknowledge constructive contributions and to address missteps directly.

“Let us call good what is good and wrong what is wrong,” he declared, calling for a culture of mutual respect and responsibility.

The Chief Minister said that many great personalities have been on the chair of the Speaker, all of them have been respectable for us. The Speaker is respectable for all of us. He is the head to run the House.

“Before making a lot of noise or making headlines one day, we should pay attention because the time of the House is very precious. We should think how every minute in the House can be useful. What can we do for the people of Rajasthan? What is our goodwill towards the person sitting in the last row, this House is to think about,” he added.

Sharma said that there was a big disruption in the House for a few days, on which many people said that the proceedings of the House should be adjourned further.

“However, I said that the House is not meant for adjournment. This is the House of the people of Rajasthan. The people of Rajasthan think that our public representatives care for us,” he claimed.

He said that we make many kinds of comments in the heat of the moment, which is not right. It is the responsibility of the members of both the ruling party and the opposition to ensure that the dignity of the House is maintained, he added.

In a final appeal, Sharma requested that the Speaker remove remarks made by a minister that did not meet the decorum expected in the Assembly. He emphasised that the House is a platform entrusted by the people, and its proceedings should always reflect their aspirations.

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Whip for their efforts in ending the recent deadlock, reaffirming that bipartisan cooperation is key to achieving progress for Rajasthan.

–IANS

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