With temperatures dropping below freezing, Pangong Lake in Ladakh became the backdrop for one of the world’s most extreme marathons. Battling icy winds and sub-zero temperatures, determined runners from Mumbai were seen pushing through the harsh conditions to complete this breathtaking challenge of, full marathon (42.2 km) at Pangong Lake, located in the Leh district of Ladakh. The participants pushed their limits, proving that endurance is as much about mental strength as it is about physical fitness. Here’s their incredible journey as they battled extreme cold to cross the finish line.
01 March,2025 02:43 PM IST
Amid the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, 22 students from the serene and remote land of Ladakh are experiencing a world far different from their own. For these students, most hailing from the isolated village of Turtuk, the vibrant energy of Mumbai is a stark contrast to the stillness of the snow-covered mountains of their home. Their hearts are full of hope and curiosity as they attend classes at Chembur’s AFAC English School, a part of a heartfelt three-month study exchange program. This initiative, running from November to February, was born out of a deep sense of compassion and the desire to provide these children with opportunities that would otherwise be lost due to Ladakh’s harsh winters. The students from Turtuk and other remote villages face the harsh reality of interrupted learning, leaving them to pause their education when the weather is most extreme. But thanks to the kindness and determination of individuals like Jitendra Mandlecha, the lives of these young minds are being changed. Mandlecha, who has always felt a deep connection to the people of Ladakh, first visited the region in 2018. His journey to Turtuk Valley exposed him to the challenges faced by local schools, and he knew he had to help. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to support border communities, he launched a teacher training programme in 2019 in collaboration with the Kotak Education Programme. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Mandlecha found an innovative solution—encouraging trained teachers to form small groups and educate children in their villages. As the programme’s success grew, parents requested a dedicated school. In response, he converted a guesthouse into classrooms, giving birth to Turtuk Valley School, which now educates over 120 students. A new school building is set to open in June 2025. What started as a small initiative to help children through the winter months has blossomed into a movement that is changing lives, one child at a time.
30 January,2025 02:28 PM IST
Massive protests have erupted in Ladakh following the detention of renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk on September 30. Wangchuk, along with other volunteers, was undertaking a foot march from Leh to New Delhi to urge the central government to resume dialogue with Ladakh's leadership. The protesters demand inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant local populations law-making powers to protect their land and cultural identity. The Delhi police detained Wangchuk and many supporters at the Singhu border, igniting outrage across the region. In response, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Apex Body, Leh, have called for a bandh across Ladakh, mobilizing widespread support for their cause. The protests underscore the deep-rooted concerns of Ladakhis regarding their rights and governance, reflecting a strong desire for autonomy and protection of their unique cultural heritage.
01 October,2024 05:19 PM IST
On August 26, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh—Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This significant move aims to enhance governance and ensure that developmental benefits reach the region’s diverse and remote areas more effectively. Home Minister Amit Shah shared the news on X, highlighting the initiative’s role in fostering regional progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the new districts are crucial for improving governance and driving prosperity in Ladakh. Former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also expressed support for PM Modi’s vision, acknowledging the positive impact of this administrative restructuring. The creation of these districts is expected to bring essential services closer to the people, thereby contributing to Ladakh’s overall development and well-being.
26 August,2024 05:40 PM IST
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) made a significant seizure on July 9, 2024, near the India-China border in Eastern Ladakh, confiscating 108 gold bars weighing 108.060 kg and apprehending two individuals. The operation took place during a proactive long-range patrolling mission conducted by the ITBP's 21st Battalion in the southern subsector. Areas covered included Chismule, Narbula Top, Zakle, and Zakla, known for heightened summer activities and potential smuggling attempts. The patrol aimed to thwart infiltration and monitor border security, responding to specific intelligence about smuggling activities near Sirigaple, Ladakh. This enforcement action underscores the ITBP's vigilance in safeguarding sensitive border regions, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations to prevent illicit cross-border activities. The arrests and seizure of substantial quantities of gold highlight ongoing efforts to maintain border integrity and combat organized smuggling networks operating in the region
11 July,2024 01:30 PM IST
On 26th of March, engineer turned education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who was on fast over several demands, ended his 21-day ‘Climate Fast’. Hundreds of people joined Wangchuk in Leh as he ended his fast. The climate activist and his supporters have demanded statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The educator accused the BJP government of backtracking from its promise of extending safeguards guaranteed under the sixth schedule of the Constitution to Ladakh. On tuesday, 26th of March ending his fast, Sonam Wangchuk reminded the people ballot power and urged them to use it very carefully in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.
27 March,2024 11:54 AM IST
In a major step to boost the defence infrastructure in high altitude areas, BRO set to construct the world’s highest fighter airfield in the Nyoma region of Eastern Ladakh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone of Nyoma Airfield virtually on Sept 12. The world’s highest airfields will boost air infrastructure and would prove to be a ‘game-changer’ for the Armed Forces. Centre is proactively working towards developing infrastructure along the 3,488 Km stretch of the LAC. Earlier, BRO chief Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry said that India will beat China in the next two to three years. Comparing the ruling dispensation with the previous governments regarding infrastructure development along borders, BRO chief stated, “Present govt has changed this thinking, policy and is supporting us with a budget” Notably, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also inaugurated 90 infrastructure projects carried out by BRO in Samba district of J&K.
13 September,2023 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Ladakh talked about Chinese intrusion in the area and said as per locals China has entered in the area and have taken away their grazing land. He said, “Here, the concern is of course China has taken away the land...people have said that China's army has entered the area and their grazing land was taken away but PM said that not an inch of land was taken away, but this is not true, you can ask anyone here.”
20 August,2023 01:21 PM IST
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi embarked on a bike ride to Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh on Saturday, where he would stay overnight in a tourist camp. According to party sources, Rahul will celebrate his father and former PM Rajiv Gandhi's birthday on August 20 at Pangong Lake. Gandhi, during his maiden visit to Ladakh on Friday, held an interactive session with over 500 youth in Leh. The Congress leader arrived in Leh on Thursday on a two-day visit to the region. However, his tour has been extended till August 25.
19 August,2023 05:52 PM IST | Mumbai
India has introduced an upgraded squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to address potential threats from the dual front. The Tridents squadron, now dubbed the 'Defender of the North,' has taken the place of the MiG-21 squadron. MiG-21 was traditionally responsible for countering the Pakistani threat at the Srinagar air base. The enhanced MiG-29s offer numerous advantages over the MiG-21s, which effectively safeguarded the Kashmir valley for an extended period. After undergoing upgrades, the MiG-29s now boast extended-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weaponry.
12 August,2023 01:24 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
