Road trip to Leh in a decade-old Maruti Dzire: Covered 6300 km in total

BHPian unoczar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.1.7.22The idea for such an audacious trip was conceived about 10 years ago. Or more, I don't really remember. This was the time when a certain juggernaut named Tanveer Singh was rolling all over the Himachal and much further north. Much further than a sane mind can imagine. His white elephant and its tarp-covered front end still haunt me to this day, thinking about what would I do if I were in such a position. And we are not even talking about the camps he set up in the middle of nowhere and that too in temperatures where we could make igloos. In 2014, I bought a new Royal Enfield Electra with the thought that I would ride it to the northmost road in India. Thoughts that remain only thoughts and never made their way into reality. Currently, I own a Swift Dzire 2014 which has been a solid companion through numerous trips. Never did it give me any trouble. But still, the thought of taking this compact sedan to the unforgiving terrain of Ladakh never came to my mind. I've been following the Ultimate Guide religiously and reading about Ladakh whenever I find free time. I've read uncountable travelogues of 2 wheelers and 4, YouTube videos - don't even ask!Jump to 2022, I've seen enough travelogues with people doing the circuit in smaller cars to muster the strength to plan a trip and planning I have started. Somewhere I read, The best car to do this trip is the car in your Garage. That was enough motivation for me. If you're thinking that the trip is done, you're wrong. I'm still a month away from the start date and thought of starting this log anyway. Will it be this time?13.7.22Initially, the start date was August 27. It has now been pushed to September 16 owing to leaves and stuff. Planning for the trip is currently on hold as we're yet to finalize the dates. I'm already worried as it would be colder when compared to the earlier dates. This was what my initial itinerary looked like. This will be changed and it is currently WIP. 22.7.22Everywhere I've read about this kind of trip - They all say one thing. Preparation! So with the limited resources I have, I've started the preparation. Mentally and theoretically, I've been preparing for this for years. But physically, the preparations started a few weeks ago. Can one prepare enough for this kind of trip? 18.8.22Exactly a month to go for the trip and today is an important day. Why? Today is the day I spoke to my manager at the office and got the leaves approved. It's a big step indeed. Now to speak to my kid's teacher (which wifey already did) about the days of our trip and the classes he might miss. He actually has an Autumn break in the second half of September which was also the reason for the postponement. Also, the wife has to finalize leaves at her office. But, today the trip seems to be materializing and it has pumped in some excitement to the rather mundane days that are passing by currently. Wish I could go now, but wishes are wishes and reality is almost always different. It is this almost that keeps us going, doesn't it? 8/9/22The trip almost died during the last few days cause my mother is not keeping well. I had almost made up my mind to cancel/postpone it AGAIN! And suddenly a few days ago she says... Don't cancel your trip. It sounded like 'Jaa, jee le apni zindagi'. I was like, are you sure? And she said yes! Yes! It might happen finally. So, the day before yesterday I made a hotel booking for our day 1 of the trip. Hotel on NH44 bypass in Sagar, MP. I'm not making any other bookings due to the unpredictable nature of the trip. Everything will be done on the way. Yesterday, got my car serviced. Engine oil replaced, oil filter replaced, fuel filter replaced, tyres checked, battery checked, lights checked, gear oil, brake oil checked, coolant top up. Other things were inspected and look good to go. Brake pads are at 90% and my mechanic friend says so we're good there too. Air filter only cleaned. I'll put a new one in probably Srinagar or Leh. So, final preparations left and off we go. Start date is fixed at 17 Sep. I'm a bit worried about all the rain around us. How's it gonna be in the hills? Time only will tell. Finally the route plan is finalized just a week before the trip. Here it is: This is something I've learned on this trip. YES! We finally did it! The biggest doubt I had before the trip was that if my car would make it. Well, it did, kind of. I'll tell all about it in the log. If I say that we breezed through all the terrain, I would be lying. Even the Innovas and Scorpios were struggling, such is the challenge posed by the hills. Let me quickly delve into penning down my experiences here - I would like to first write briefly about some things and then we'll get into the daily log. So please bear with me and I do apologise for the picture quality. The DSLR I took along for the trip - its battery gave up as soon as we reached Leh. So we used our good old smartphones for the clicking. True that! We experienced a lot of things on this trip. From around two to three hundred metres above sea level, we went to about five thousand metres above sea level! We saw summer, we experienced snowfall, we were drenched in rain and we also shuddered up in the cold! If we talk about roads, we got the smoothest of tarmacs to the most rugged off-road tracks I've ever seen. The car Did not click many pictures of the battered beast but this will have to do. I have to say it exceeded my expectations. Numerous times, I felt that it would give up. Either the engine will fail or the tyres or any of the hundreds of tiny things that are being attacked by the unforgiving roads. But nothing happened! We did not even have to fill air into the tyres up until we were on our way back near Manali! All throughout I was cursing myself for putting her through this, but after every challenge, every steep climb, every water crossing, every stone crossing, it came out with flying colours. Before this trip, I had thoughts of selling this 8-year-old beauty and buying a bigger one. But now I'm at peace with the car, I feel like I'm a part of it when I'm at the wheel and the thoughts of selling are just thoughts now which are away from me. Far away! She will stay with me for as long as possible and I vow to take good care of it. It still gives me around 24-25KMPL on the highway - what more can I ask?The CompanionsAccompanying me on this trip - my wife and my 8-year-old son. My son, Abdullah was excited at first but soon after experiencing the mountains, he said to me - The mountains keep calling, but I must never go! But kudos to my wife, she was a pillar of support throughout! She encouraged me when I was down. I almost gave up twice during this trip, but she egged me on. She helped me through each difficult water/rocky crossing. Even though breathing was difficult, she got down every time and guided me through it. She was like Sam from LOTR, I can't carry it, but I can carry you! She's so afraid of driving in the mountains and I did 99% of the driving but she was never afraid to get down in the cold and tough conditions to guide us through!The RoadsWe got the best roads in the world, we got the worst roads in the world. We got no roads and we got watered roads and sharp stone roads. We went through mud and sand and slush and rocks. You name it, you got it. I said to my family that this trip would be a trip of a lifetime and you couldn't ask for more when it comes to all the types of terrain we saw.The WeatherStarted cloudy near home and ended cloudy. Between that, we faced hot humid weather, bone-chilling winds, rain, snow everything. This is the beauty of this country, it has everything!The KashmirisI cannot even start to imagine what it is like to be a Kashmiri and to be bang right in the middle of a conflict that has gone on. But one thing I did not like - they love to argue, they just won't give up on anything. I'm sure many have experienced this. The Shikara wala will argue with you, the hotel manager will argue with you, and even the auto wala will argue. They just won't stop talking. Of course, I met many nice people and the old folks I spoke to say that the situation is fine now and more peaceful than it ever was. The youth, however, is a different story.The LadakhisThese people are out of this world. The nicest warmest people I've seen or met. Of course, there are bad apples and many cabbies there, but the normal Ladakhi does not discriminate. They will be nice to you and they are not affected by the outside world. There's something about that place that calms you down probably.The FoodWe carried ready-to-eat stuff, we carried cup noodles, oats, biscuits, chips, dry fruits etc. Only needed a few things out of those on rare occasions. You get normal food almost everywhere now. We usually ate at roadside dhabas and focussed on freshly cooked dal, roti and rice. Only in Srinagar, Leh and Delhi, we indulge in local delicacies and the rest of the time we stick to basics. Of course, basics include Fruits, Lays and chewing gum. Yes, chewing gum, it helps keep your teeth clean, helps you stay focussed and doesn't let you munch unnecessarily. Water, we carried a steel bottle each and filled it up at every RO or similar we found. We even filled them at all rivers we could reach and all waterfalls/streams we could touch. But on a few occasions, we had to buy mineral water when there was no option. In Hunder, we had Nala water, that's what they call the stream of pure natural water!The Things we carriedWe did not take too much of the stuff that's recommended online for Ladakh. We stuck to basics, plus some extra stuff. We carried a puncture repair kit (untouched to this day), 12V air compressor from Woscher (not used on the trip), extra coolant, brake oil, spare tyre, jack etc. Coolant and brake oil we used on several occasions just to top up. No jerry cans, never felt short of fuel, the reason being the economy of the Dzire. We carried zip ties and one of them was used on day 1, more on that later. Plus we had our regular stuff - some normal summer clothes, body warmers, jackets, warm caps and gloves. Enough for this time of the year even in snowing conditions. Then we had our med kit, full of stuff and I had a torch, a hunting knife and a Swiss army knife. My 10-year-old (maybe more) leather gloves were handy while driving in sub-zero temperatures. The woollen ones would probably not give much of a grip. We always carried enough cash to last us at least a couple of days, but we almost always paid online. I can't remember a place where they didn't accept online or card payments. One thing I regretted (only till I found a solution) was that I did not take a postpaid connection. Faced a little difficulty for a day but soon after bought a local Jio SIM and it worked even in Shyok River, LOL! With those things out of the way, let's get down to the Daily log. Some statistics first -Dates - 17/9/22 - 4/10/22Odo - 76240KM - 82613KMTotal KMS on trip - 6373KMDiesel spent - Rs.25446Cheapest Diesel at a pump - Rs.81.xx - Swarghat, HP. Actual cheapest diesel Rs.80 at Whisky Nala tent shop. (more on this later)Dearest Diesel - Rs.99.xx - Nizamabad, TSAverage for the trip - 23.02 KMPL - lowest - 18.3 Hunder to Karu via Pangong. highest - 25.5 Delhi to MPTotal Toll - Rs.7350Underbody hits - 500 or 1000 don't really remember! Apparently, there's an engine cover plate to protect the engine underneath the car. That plate lost a screw and was hanging by one screw, got this fixed in Manali. The mechanic said that if that plate had fallen off, you could have been stranded in the middle of nowhere! eek! Day 1 - 17/9/22Start - 6 amToday's destination - Sagar, MP912KMPreparations were ongoing and quite hectic in the few days preceding the Go day. Car was loaded with fuel our bags and stuff the previous day. We just had to get up and go. I was so tired on Friday itself that I called in sick to work and had no energy even to be nervous. Slept early, got up early and actually we would have started by around 5.15-5.30 but Madam Dearest was a bit busy with something and we finally started around 6 am. Everything went well until we bypassed Nagpur and entered the Pench National Park area. There was a storm warning and we were caught right up in it. Visibility was very poor, it was that bad and suddenly the new Bosch wiper blades I got installed gave way. The right side one broke off or whatever and was dangling up and down and up and down. I looked at my wife and she looked back at me. Is this the beginning of something bad? Visibility was zero now and I had to get out, get wet in the torrential downpour and fix it. Yay! It's fixed, we go on and suddenly it happens again. Why?! Again I pull over and try to fix it, this time wife helps and we're both wet, it stays and we get out of the rain area. As soon as it is dry outside, I pull over again in hopes of fixing it well. Something seems broken as it is not how it's supposed to be. Suddenly, a Eureka moment and I asked my wife to bring out a zip tie we had in the trunk. Quickly, she gets it and I tie it into one of the holes and it's set. She then takes out the scissors we're carrying the cuts of the hanging bit. All set! I say to her - Ab ye naya jab hi lagega jab ye zip tie fail hoga! She smiles, and till this day it's like that. Did not fall or break, all through the hills and back! Magic! After that, it was uneventful and we negotiated some bad roads of MH and a tiny bit in MP and we reached our hotel in Sagar. Hotel Kuber Vatika, big huge place with decent rooms. As soon as I reach the desk -Sir aapne 2 adults ki booking ki hai.Toh aur kya, hum do hi hai.Sir child bhi likhna tha.Bhai, chota bachha hai aur bahut thake huye hai. Kal baat karte hai.Ok sir.He wanted me to pay something extra, not online, but in cash. I waved it off and went to crash. Let's see in the morning.Day 2 - 18/9/22Start 7.25amToday's destination - Sonipat, HR745KMToday we were not in any hurry to start. Took our own sweet time to get ready and start our day. There was only one guy at the reception in the morning. Again he tried to bring up last night's topic, I calmly said that we did not take an extra mattress and we're not paying you anything extra. Bye! Navigating through the cattle we made our way to another Dhaba for some local parathas and Poha. The day after that was mostly uneventful except for how to reach and cross Delhi. My plan was to take the Mathura road (less toll and more fun to drive), but as per Google baba both the Mathura road and YEW have exact same toll. On top of that, it also said that YEW and EPE will be faster. I wanted to avoid UP roads cause of obvious reasons but then seeing the current scenario I thought why should I spend an equal amount and take the NH? I went on towards the Yamuna Expressway. Google baba played a trick on us here, we had to go through a couple of villages as that seemed to be the only road to reach the YEW. That spoiled our moods a bit, but we were soon on the YEW and reached Noida by evening. Then onto the EPE for Sonipat and we were there by around 8.30pm. Again we had problems with our hotel reservation which we made on the way. On reaching this place, we were told that he had no tie ups with anything online. Called up goibibo and asked about this, and they said we'll fix you up with an alternative hotel which turned out to be better than what we had booked. So, on our second night, we stayed in Fair Vacanze, a little south of Murthal. Looks like our luck with our hotel booking is not turning out so good. But wait till you read what happened next!Day 3 - 19/9/22Start 8.30amToday's destination - Jammu, J&K550KMAfter last night's gadbad, we were in no mood to start early. And anyways, we just had to cover 500 odd KMs today. Road from Sonipat onwards is smooth all the way to when you enter J&K. We missed this ramp (9Q9X+89Q) and went towards Chandigarh but then took a left further on to meet the correct road. Same thing happened on our way back and we again went into Chandigarh and lost about an hour. I have no idea how is this possible. Anyways, a smooth drive till Pathankot and the scenery also changed a bit. Now, we stopped at a fuel station and thought to book our hotel for the night. So, I told my wife to book a good hotel so that we wouldn't have problems like we had previously. So we checked on Google etc and booked the Grand Hill in Jammu. Navigated to that place which is atop a hill on the highway we were supposed to take the next day. Hoping for the best, we reach and I go into the place and ask the first person I see -Hi, where's the hotel, we have a reservation online.What hotel sir? This is a restaurant.What? we made this booking see (I show him the voucher)*smiles* this is Grand Hill, your booking is for The Grand Hill, it is 5KM in the reverse direction.We made a mistake by seeing 'Grand Hill' on Google and then booking 'The Grand Hill' on ibibo. *facepalm* Now, since we entered J&K, there was no network on any of our SIMs. Already regretting the idea of skipping the postpaid connection. I applied for it and rejected it at the last moment, thinking 'Jo hoga dekha jayega'. We had offline maps for J&K and Ladakh, so I thought we should be good. Frustrated, we go back thinking, Oh no! Not again! But we had no idea that bad luck with hotels is going to get worse. We reach The Grand Hill, a not-so-good hotel like we saw online. So we're tired and try to check in anyway. The man at the reception drops a bomb on us by saying -Ye kab book kiya aapne?Aaj hi - dopahar mei.Oh sorry sir. We already gave that room to another person.What? How can you take a booking without having the rooms?Sorry sir. But we have another room I can give you which has a single bed. I'll throw in extra mattress and dinner for free.I was like whatever now, just get over with it and we eat the food and go off to sleep. At least the AC was working and Jammu weather at the time was hot and humid like Delhi. Phew!Day 4 - 20/9/22Start 8.00amToday's destination - Srinagar, J&K550KMSo, we get up and get ready to leave. Breakfast was added to the booking and upon enquiry he says Abhi Time lagega. I was like we cannot wait because of all the cut-off times and stuff and we leave. It's time to negotiate our way through the Nagrota check post where absolutely no one stopped us or checked anything. Last night we felt the discomfort of not being able to use the mobile phones and were looking for an alternative. Upon enquiry, I found out that if we buy a prepaid SIM in J&K, it will work here and in Ladakh. So I planned to buy one as soon as we enter Srinagar. Some good luck with that and we found a Jio check post right after we exited one of the tunnels. Purchased a SIM for 300/- and it worked just fine for the rest of our trip. Spent 15-20 minutes there and got it activated and called mom too! Easy peasy! Reached Srinagar by 4pm after seeing thousands of trucks lined up for the cut-off times trying to go down and having authentic wazwan cuisine for lunch just before entering Srinagar. On the way, we also visited a bat factory and spoke to locals. Shopped for some walnuts and saffron too! Through the tunnels Stopped for army convoy coming from the other side - 30 minutes! Buried! One thing was beginning to dawn upon me - You cannot mess with the cabs here in J&K (or Ladakh for that matter). You must let them go as soon as they show up in the RVM or honk. They will just not stay behind you (read out-of-state vehicle). We checked in to Hotel Curio's at Srinagar. Decent property and a nice clean place. But again we had trouble with the booking. After a long discussion with the manager, we were settled in to the room without extra charges. He was initially giving us a double occupancy room (but we had a booking for 3 people) and then relented and gave us a triple room. In the evening, we made a round of the Dal Lake and had some snacks at Makai Point and another one near Nishat Gardens. After that we called it a night.Day 5 - 21/9/22Rest day Today was basically a rest day and I intended to wander around Srinagar. So, in the morning we set off towards Gulmarg hoping to do a Gondola ride. Little did we know what was in store for us. Started early morning and grabbed a few bananas on our way to Gulmarg. As soon as we neared the first check post before the climb started, we were hounded by a group of guides (read thugs). I said NO straightforward! I wasn't entertaining them even for a second. Then an old man from their group pleaded with me to listen.Saab ji, aapne 50 rupay yaha entry ke dene hai aur 300 rupay wapas aane pe300 rupay kis cheez ke chacha?Ham aapko ghumayenge, points batayenge, jaha koi rokega hum dekh lenge.I said nothing doing and moved on and paid the Rs.50 for entry and went on for a toilet stop. They even reached their in their Alto and again started to irritate me. The old man was pleading again that this is their only source of income, and if you're not satisfied, do not pay a single rupee. He even said that he'd take us in his Alto instead of the ponies towards the Gondola ride. I said OK and started to follow them. After reaching the top, they shamelessly hand us over to the ponies group and basically, this whole game was to extort money out of us. I had made up my mind not to shell out a single rupee. We moved away from the groups and had breakfast, parathas and tea. Even the shopkeeper was empathetic towards us and said that these guys are like this only. After all the commotion, we were in no mood for any rides and we wandered around the place and turned back. My wife was saying they'll hassle us on the way back and to pay them. I told her sternly in front of them. Ek rupaya bhi nahi dunga mai! That episode done, we made our way back down disappointed and stopped at an Apple orchard and gave the car a much needed wash. Then we headed back towards Srinagar for lunch. I had heard about a place called Chopstick and we went there. Amazing small little place, serves an amazing soup as a welcome thing for free! I had 2 cups! Then we had momos, noodles and their famous Shafali (paratha type with kheema filling). The place is located in a small Muslim Tibetan colony. Full stomachs and after meeting their owner, we said goodbye with a smile on our faces. Then we made our way back to our hotel and I needed to do some things on the car. Luckily behind our hotel were some mechanic shops and I asked them to change the Air Filter (which was pending from earlier) and check other things. All good and we're good to go towards Ladakh. It was late afternoon now and we really needed to relax in a Shikara. Yes! Walked out on towards the road and grabbed an auto rickshaw and let the car rest in the hotel. Reached Dal Lake and again the same story with the Shikara people. Bargaining on the price for the ride. Settled on Rs.1500 for 2 hours ride and had the most amazing time in the lake. The old man who was rowing us was a very gentle and nice chap. Singing traditional kashmiri songs he told us about how the Char Chinar are now just one or two Chinar after the 2014 floods and how the Prince sometimes comes to the palace in the Lake. How the locals farm on the fields inside the lake and live there itself. I never thought all of that was possible in the middle of a lake!? There was even a masjid in the lake apart from a full-fledged market and not to mention - Houseboats. A whole lot of them. After the ride, we paid them happily and made our way towards Lal Chowk for some woman's satisfaction (shopping) and just to stroll about. Done that, we walked back towards our hotel and had dinner at the hotel and retired for the day. The trip is actually going to start tomorrow, yes, we shall enter Ladakh and we need to get up early and encounter mountain passes and whatnot. Excited and tired, we go to sleep! Big day tomorrow as I have never crossed a mountain pass before and I'm nervous. Continue reading unoczar's road trip experience for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

Will seek transfer of Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan, says SAD chief Badal

Will seek transfer of Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan, says SAD chief Badal The Shiromani Akali Dal on Saturday came out with its poll manifesto and said it will seek transfer of Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan to India through mutual land exchange between the two countries. After releasing his party's manifesto for the June 1 Lok Sabha polls in Punjab, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said his party makes a commitment to renew the fight for the inclusion of Chandigarh and other Punjabi speaking areas left out of the state. ''Chandigarh was categorically declared to belong to Punjab and was to remain a Union Territory only for five years. We will fight Centre's betrayal of Punjab on this with renewed force,'' he said in a statement. Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. Describing its manifesto as 'ailan-nama', Badal said the party will use its mandate to seek transfer of Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan to India through mutual land exchange between the two countries. ''The party also promises to work through the Government of India seeking that the requirement for passports for pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib be dropped and be replaced with a simple permit system, he added. The Kartarpur corridor links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district. The party manifesto said with people's mandate, it will move to cancel all decisions and settlements on river waters that have been made without Punjab's concurrence and in violation of the nationally accepted Riparian principle. Badal said his party will seek royalty on its river water given to non-Riparian states and will take all political or legal steps necessary for this. The manifesto demanded opening of Attari and Hussainiwala borders with Pakistan for trade and tourism to usher in economic prosperity. It also promised to secure Special Economic Zones (SEZ) status for the entire border. We will engage with the Centre to bring small, medium and MSME industrial units in the border districts, '' it said. It also emphasised the need for industry-focused skill education institutes in this belt. The manifesto said apart from ''discriminating'' against the Sikhs, the Centre is ''discriminating against and terrorising other minorities, including Muslims, Christian, Bodhis and Jainis. SAD will champion their cause in every sphere''. It also announced to oppose any move at enforcing the Uniform Civil Code. The manifesto said the party will seek to put an end to the ''dangerous interference into Sikh religious affairs by non-Sikh forces who have been using some disgruntled Sikh elements as cosmetic front for their nefarious designs to weaken the 'Panth' from within''. Badal said his party would use the people's mandate to create three Special Economic Hubs, developing Mohali as an IT hub, Malwa belt as textile hub and Sri Amritsar Sahib as well Hari ke Patan and areas around Pathankot, Ranjit Sagar Dam as major tourism hub of global scale.

Chandigarh Sizzles at a Scorching 44.5C!

Chandigarh Sizzles at a Scorching 44.5C! The maximum temperature in the city reached 44.5 degrees Celsius as hot weather conditions continued unabated in Haryana and Punjab, the weather office here said on Friday. According to the Meteorological Department, the common capital of the two states was hotter by six notches above the season's normal limits. Rohtak and Sirsa in Haryana recorded identical maximums of 45.8 degrees Celsius, while heatwave also swept Hisar, Karnal and Ambala, which recorded temperatures of 45.5, 43.4 and 43.4 degrees Celsius, respectively, it said. Bhiwani recorded a maximum temperature of 43.2 degrees Celsius, the MeT department said. In Punjab, the maximum temperature in Amritsar reached 44.3 degrees Celsius, while in Faridkot it was 43 degrees Celsius, it said. According to the weather office, the mercury settled at 44.4 degrees Celsius in Patiala and Pathankot, and 43.8 degrees Celsius in Ludhiana. Gurdaspur recorded a high of 43 degrees Celsius while Mohali registered a maximum of 43.2 degrees Celsius, it said.

EMPLOYMENT (17-05-2024)

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Travel tips: If you are planning to go to Manali then keep these things in mind, the trip will become memorable.

Himachal Pradesh is the most beautiful hilly region of North India which attracts tourists. Situated in the lap of the Western Himalayas, this state is surrounded by mountains and rivers. This state is the origin area of big rivers like Ravi, Chenab, Beas, Yamuna and Sutlej. This area full of natural beauty is a great choice for holidays. Manali is a beautiful tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh, which is about 275 kilometers from Shimla. Seeing Manali surrounded by mountains on all sides gives an experience of thrill and romance. This is a great spot for adventure lovers. This is also the best honeymoon spot. If you are planning to visit here then know 13 special things about this place... Adventurous This is a great spot for adventure lovers. Tourists coming here stay in the village located in the town. Here you enjoy trekking, skiing and rafting. Solan or Solang Valley, located at a distance of 13 kilometers from Manali, attracts tourists. Trekking, skiing and mountaineering camps are organized here. You can also do paragliding, parachuting, skiing and horse riding here. Nature's treasure Seeing Manali surrounded by mountains on all sides gives an experience of thrill and romance. Manali is not only a center of tourist attraction due to its amazing natural beauty, but the real beauty of Kullu Valley can be seen in Manali only. There are many famous places to see and visit here. The joy of the beautiful evening and lazy morning here is something else. Vyas River, Jogini Waterfall, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass and Himvalley are worth seeing in Manali. Kothi Rahla Falls Kothi is situated at a distance of about 12 kilometers from Manali. A picturesque view of the mountains is visible from here. Here the fast flowing cold water of Beas River presents a wonderful sight. Rahla Falls is situated on the Beas River at a distance of two km from Kothi. Here the water of the waterfall falling from a height of 50 meters attracts the tourists a lot. Take a dip in the hot pool Vashishtha Temple is situated at some distance from Manali. This place is especially known for its hot water source. The temperature of this water is very high. Tourists coming to this place must take a dip in this pond at least once. All the diseases of the body are cured by this water. Forest Tourists reach Manali Sanctuary for capping. This sanctuary is 31.8 square km. It is spread over the area of Manali which is the main attraction center of Manali. This century was inaugurated on 26 February 1954. This sanctuary has been opened under the Punjab Bird and Wild Animals Protection Act, 1933. There are many types of birds and animals in this sanctuary which are quite rare in the country and are not commonly seen. Tourists come here to see Kashmir flying squirrel, Himalayan black bear, flying fox, Himalayan yellow-throated marten and You can see many types of animals like Himalayan Palm Civet etc. whose names you might have never even heard of. Fruit wine The climate of Manali is very good. Due to which Manali is also called the fruit basket of India. Apart from apples and oranges, you can buy homemade fruit wine from here. Road trip by rented car If you are fond of riding a bike, then you can rent a bike in Manali and visit Rohtang Pass. This pass remains open from June to October. Even after the pass is closed, you can still visit Gulaba which is situated at a distance of 50 km from Manali. Rohtang Pass About 53 km from Manali. The famous Rohtang Pass in the distance offers tourists adventurous and breath-taking views of glaciers, peaks and valleys. Religious place There are many religious places in Manali like Hadimba Devi Temple, Manikaran Gurudwara, Vyas Kund, Shiva Temple made of wood etc. River rafting For lovers of river rafting, Beas river in Manali is no less than a paradise. Tourists coming here can enjoy rafting on this river. This rafting is completed in a period of one and a half hour. Air vent There is a unique natural place of wind on the outskirts of Manali 'Jharokha'. This place is surrounded by hills on all three sides. Cold winds continuously blow through those hills. There is also a Shiva temple here, which is completely made of 'wood'. This is the best proof of ancient art skills. Honeymoon destination This is also the best honeymoon spot. If you want, you can roam around in Old Manali by taking a bike on rent. Go to the local market and enjoy delicious food here. If you are fond of eating non-veg, then definitely eat trout here, which is a type of fish. Precautions If you are going to Manali then carry all your safety and trekking equipment. Also make arrangements to avoid snowfall and cold. Landslides also keep happening here. Snowfall occurs here in January and February. How to reach The nearest railway stations to Manali are Chandigarh, Pathankot and Kalka, where you can reach by train from any corner of the country. Manali is located at a distance of 305 km from Chandigarh Railway Station, 293 km from Pathankot and 277 km from Kalka. Its nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar. After reaching Chandigarh or Delhi by train, bus is available to Manali. The distance from Chandigarh to Manali is 309 kilometers. Bhantur airport is near Manali. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Five Killed In Separate Road Incidents In Jammu And Kashmir

JAMMU, May 15: Five people, including a minor girl, were killed in four separate road incidents in Samba, Poonch, and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said. Two sadhus, Baba Bhim Giri, 55, and Suresh Kumar, 52, both residents of Narwal bypass, were killed when their two-wheeler was hit by a truck coming from the wrong side on a bridge in Samba along the Jammu-Pathankot highway, they said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The [] The post Five Killed In Separate Road Incidents In Jammu And Kashmir appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Colonel Kale killed in Gaza played crucial role in fending off 2016 Pathankot terror hit

Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale, serving with UN department of safety and security, played a crucial role in fending off the 2016 terror attack on Pathankot airbase. Lt Col Hange SD mentioned Kale was an alumnus of NDA in Pune, commanding Indian Army's 11 J&K Rifles battalion during the attack.

Congress candidate Sukhjinder Randhawa predicts victory in Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat

Congress candidate Sukhjinder Randhawa predicts victory in Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat Four-time Punjab MLA and the Congress's Lok Sabha poll candidate from Gurdaspur Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa does not see any challenge from his political rivals on the road to ''victory'' from the constituency, which once used to be the grand old party's fortress. The former deputy chief minister of Punjab considers drugs and weapons being sent to the state from across the border through drones and unemployment as some of the major issues facing the border constituency. At the same time, he lashed out at the Bhagwant Mann government over the allegedly deteriorating law-and-order scenario of the state. The Congress has placed its faith on political heavyweight Randhawa to wrest the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the June 1 election in Punjab. The seat is currently represented in the Lok Sabha by BJP MP Sunny Deol. ''We have complete support of people in the Gurdaspur constituency. We will definitely win,'' Randhawa told PTI on Thursday. The Congress leader will go to Parliament for the first time he wins the poll contest from Gurdaspur. Randhawa became an MLA from Fatehgarh Churian in 2002 and was re-elected to the Assembly from the Dera Baba Nanak segment in 2012, 2017 and 2022. The Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat comprises nine Assembly constituencies, of which six -- Dera Baba Nanak, Sujanpur, Gurdaspur, Dinanagar, Qadian and Fatehgarh Churian -- are held by the Congress, two -- Bhoa and Batala -- are with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Pathankot segment is represented by BJP. The Gurdaspur parliamentary segment used to be a Congress citadel before the BJP brought in actor Vinod Khanna and fielded him from the constituency in 1998. Khanna defeated five-time Congress MP Sukhbans Kaur Bhinder. Khanna again registered victory in the 1999, 2004 and 2014 Lok Sabha polls. However, he lost the seat to Congress candidate Partap Singh Bajwa in 2009. Following Khanna's death in 2017, Congress leader Sunil Jakhar won the seat in a bypoll. In the 2019 parliamentary polls, Deol won the seat. Slamming the AAP government in Punjab, Randhawa, who held the home portfolio in the previous Charanjit Singh Channi government, claimed that law and order has ''collapsed'' in the state. ''People are receiving extortion calls every day. In Batala, many families have received extortion calls,'' he said. Describing the smuggling of heroin and arms and ammunition through drones from across the border as a major issue, the Congress leader said drugs are being pushed into the state on a daily basis. ''Unemployment is another major issue here,'' he added. The 65-year-old leader demanded announcing fiscal incentives, as given to industries in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, for the border districts of Punjab to boost industrial development. ''When new industry comes up here, it will generate employment opportunities,'' he said. Randhawa claimed that due to a lack of support, many industrial units have shifted from the area to Kathua in Jammu and Baddi in Himachal Pradesh. He said there is a need to revive Batala's industrial cluster -- foundries and machine tools -- and industrial units in Pathankot district. Calling the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) the ''B team'' of the BJP, the Congress leader said, ''Voting for the Akali Dal will be equal to voting for the BJP.'' On BJP nominee Dinesh Babbu, Randhawa said he was an MLA for 15 years ''but never uttered a single word in the Assembly''. ''People are not allowing him to enter villages,'' he said, referring to farmers holding protests against the BJP's poll candidates. Randhawa was the deputy chief minister in the previous Congress government in Punjab led by chief minister Channi. He is currently an MLA from the Dera Baba Nanak Assembly seat and also the Congress's in-charge for Rajasthan. Gurdaspur is set to witness a four-cornered poll contest. The SAD has fielded former minister Daljit Singh Cheema, BJP has named former MLA Babbu and the AAP has nominated Batala MLA Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi from the seat.

Four players from Roundglass Punjab Academy selected for Indian junior hockey team

Four players from Roundglass Punjab Academy selected for Indian junior hockey team Gurjot Singh, Gursewak Singh, Arshdeep Singh and Prince Deep Singh from Roundglass Punjab Hockey Academy have been selected to the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team that will tour Europe between May 20 and May 29. The Indian Junior Men's Hockey team will be playing matches in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands as part of Hockey India's initiative to help the team gain exposure and build on experience. 19-year-old Gurjot Singh, who hails from Nakoder in Jalandhar was part of the Indian Senior side that finished fifth in the FIH Hockey5s World Cup held in Oman. Gursewak Singh comes from Batala and has been with the Academy since 2021. The 17-year-old has been performing at the highest level in the national junior circuit and will debut for the National side. Pathankot-born goalkeeper, Prince Deep Singh, joined the Academy in 2022 and the 19-year-old will look to impress between the posts in Europe. 19-year-old Arshdeep Singh hails from Amritsar and will look to spearhead the attacking line of the junior national side. Gursewak, Prince Deep and Arshdeep will be playing in the national team for the first time. Sharing his thoughts on the selection, Dronacharya award winner, Olympic Gold medalist and Technical Lead of Roundglass Punjab Hockey Academy, Rajinder Singh, said, The selection of Gurjot, Gursewak, Arshdeep and Prince Deep is a result of the hard work put in by everyone at the Academy. We always focus on the development of grassroots players, and we believe that in the coming years, we will be sending many more athletes from our Academy to play on the national side. I wish all four of our boys good luck and hope they perform their best during the tour. The Indian team will play their first match on 20th May against Belgium in Antwerp, Belgium before playing the same opponents in Breda, Netherlands on May 22. The Indian Junior Men's Hockey team will then play the Netherlands' Club team Bredase Hockey Vereniging Push in Breda on May 23 followed by a game against Germany on May 28 in Germany. After that, they will return to Breda to play Germany again on May 29 in the final match of the tour. (ANI)

These 5 places of Punjab will give relief in summer

s the scorching summer sun beats down relentlessly, seeking refuge from the sweltering heat becomes a top priority for many. In Punjab, a land known for its warm climate, finding respite from the rising temperatures can be a challenge. However, nestled amidst its vibrant cities and bustling streets are hidden gems that offer a cool retreat from the oppressive heat. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply in need of a relaxing getaway, Punjab has something to offer everyone. Here are five places in Punjab that promise to provide relief from the summer heat: 1. Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh: Where Tranquility Meets Serenity Chandigarh's Oasis: Sukhna Lake stands as a shimmering oasis amidst the urban landscape of Chandigarh. This man-made reservoir is not only a scenic spot but also serves as a popular recreational hub. Visitors can indulge in a leisurely boat ride across the tranquil waters or take a rejuvenating stroll along the lakeside promenade. Surrounded by lush greenery and offering breathtaking views of the Shivalik Hills, Sukhna Lake provides the perfect escape from the heat and hustle of city life. 2. Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar: A Historical Haven in the Heart of Punjab A Moment of Reflection: Amidst the bustling streets of Amritsar lies Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant reminder of India's struggle for independence. This historical garden, immortalized by the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, offers visitors a serene space to reflect and pay homage to the martyrs. Shaded by ancient trees and adorned with a memorial, the park provides a peaceful retreat from the summer heat while honoring the sacrifices of the past. 3. Ranjit Sagar Dam, Pathankot: Where Nature Flourishes Amidst Engineering Marvels Nature's Bounty: Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Pathankot, Ranjit Sagar Dam is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The sprawling reservoir, formed by the damming of the Ravi River, offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking. Surrounded by lush greenery and framed by majestic mountains, Ranjit Sagar Dam provides a cool and refreshing escape from the summer heat, making it a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways. 4. Pinjore Gardens, Panchkula: A Mughal-inspired Paradise A Mughal Marvel: Step into a world of beauty and tranquility at Pinjore Gardens, also known as Yadavindra Gardens, in Panchkula. Inspired by the Mughal gardens of yore, this sprawling complex is a testament to exquisite design and meticulous craftsmanship. Visitors can meander through lush lawns, cascading fountains, and fragrant flower beds, immersing themselves in the serenity of nature. With ample shaded areas and cool breezes wafting through the air, Pinjore Gardens offers a welcome respite from the summer heat. 5. Gurudwara Shri Ber Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi: A Spiritual Sanctuary Sacred Serenity: Situated on the banks of the Bein River in Sultanpur Lodhi, Gurudwara Shri Ber Sahib is a place of profound spiritual significance for Sikhs. Legend has it that Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated under a ber tree (Ziziphus mauritiana) at this spot, seeking enlightenment. Today, the gurudwara stands as a symbol of peace and piety, attracting devotees from far and wide. With its serene surroundings and spiritual ambiance, Gurudwara Shri Ber Sahib offers a tranquil retreat from the summer heat, allowing visitors to connect with their inner selves amidst nature's embrace. While the summer heat may be relentless, Punjab's diverse landscape offers an array of refreshing getaways where one can seek solace and rejuvenation. Whether it's the tranquil waters of Sukhna Lake, the historical significance of Jallianwala Bagh, or the natural beauty of Ranjit Sagar Dam, each destination promises a welcome escape from the scorching temperatures. So pack your bags, embark on a journey of discovery, and beat the heat in style amidst Punjab's coolest retreats. Shake Up Your Morning Routine: 10 Alternatives to Tea or Coffee to Combat Drowsiness The Cool Choice for Weight Loss: 10 Reasons to Sip on Sattu This Summer Summers Beauty MVP The Transformative Powers of Muskmelon

Greater Kailash Murder Case: People stages protest, block Jammu-Pathankot National Highway

Police slaps PSA against Gola Shah Jammu Tawi, May 2: Seeking stern action against the culprits arrested by the police in murder case of a youth over land issue, the family of the deceased and the people of the area on Thursday staged protest and blocked the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway near Gangyal here in the [] The post Greater Kailash Murder Case: People stages protest, block Jammu-Pathankot National Highway appeared first on Northlines .

Greater Kailash Murder Case | Family Stages Protest, Block Jammu-Pathankot National Highway

JAMMU, May 2: Seeking stern action against the culprits arrested by the police in murder case of a youth over land issue, the family of the deceased on Thursday staged protest and blocked the Jammu-Pathankot national highway near Gangyal here in the city outskirts. Shouting We want justice and anti-police slogans, the family members and relatives staged a protest demanding strict action against the culprits. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel Notably, a day after police initiated action in [] The post Greater Kailash Murder Case | Family Stages Protest, Block Jammu-Pathankot National Highway appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PSEB Class 8 Result 2024 announced at pseb.ac.in, 98.31% students clear Punjab Board 8th Exam

The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) announced the Class 8 Result for the year 2024 on April 30th. The results were declared via a press conference at 4 pm, with an impressive overall pass percentage of 98.31%. Girls outperformed boys, with a pass percentage of 98.82% compared to 97.84%. Pathankot district secured the highest pass rate at 99.68%, while Moga recorded the lowest at 97.14%.

SAD to contest Gurdaspur LS seat on party symbol for first time in 26 years

SAD to contest Gurdaspur LS seat on party symbol for first time in 26 years After snapping ties with the BJP, the Akali Dal is all set to contest the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat on party symbol 'takdi or scales for the first time since 1996 as it braces for a showdown with its former ally which has used star power to clinch the seat on numerous occasions. The Shiromani Akali Dal had joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1996. As part of the seat-sharing arrangement for the 13 Lok Sabha constituencies of Punjab, the BJP used to contest from Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur. The SAD walked out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in 2020 over the now-repealed farm laws. The SAD walked out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in 2020 over the now-repealed farm laws. The Sukhbir Singh Badal-led SAD has placed its bet on the party's senior vice president and veteran leader Daljit Singh Cheema from the seat. The SAD workers are enthusiastic over the party fielding its own candidate from Gurdaspur and are happy to see the party symbol 'takdi'. There is an emotional attachment with the symbol, Cheema told PTI. Cheema, an MBBS doctor, said the SAD had last contested from Gurdaspur in the 1996 general elections and party nominee Jagdish Singh Walia came second. Rubbishing BJP's charge that he was an outsider, Cheema said he was born in Mari Buchian village in Sri Hargobindpur and studied in the village school. He said he contested his first election in 2002 from the Sri Hargobindpur assembly seat in Gurdaspur. The BJP has managed to keep the seat in its kitty by fielding Bollywood stars like Vinod Khanna and Sunny Deol from the seat. However, this time around, it has named local leader and former MLA Dinesh Singh Babbu as its candidate -- a move 62-year-old Cheema attributed to the ''negativity'' that the BJP was facing. The BJP had announced on March 26 that it would go solo in the general elections in Punjab. The party named Babbu in its eight list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls on March 30. The BJP has been facing negativity in the constituency where it has been fielding movie actors. The party has been dependent on film actors as it failed to find suitable local candidates, Cheema said. The BJP had been bringing candidates from outside and it was the SAD that ensured their victory, he said, referring to the erstwhile alliance with the BJP. The Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat used to be a Congress bastion before the BJP brought in Bollywood star Khanna and fielded him from the constituency in 1998. Khanna defeated five-time Congress MP Sukhbans Kaur Bhinder and won again in 1999, 2004 and 2014. Khanna lost the seat in 2009 to Congress candidate Partap Singh Bajwa. Following Khanna's death in 2017, Congress' Sunil Jakhar won the 2017 bypoll. In the 2019 Lok Sabha poll, the BJP fielded Deol who won the seat. Taking a jibe at Deol over his absence from the constituency, Cheema said gumshuda or missing posters had come up against the actor-turned-politician in the constituency. On Babbu's candidature, Cheema said the BJP was ''forced'' to field him as the people of the constituency were fed up with the paradropping of film actors. Babbu (when he was MLA) never spoke in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. He did not utter a single word. What will such people do in Parliament, asked Cheema, who was the education minister in the erstwhile Akali government. On the campaign trail, Babbu has been facing the anger of farmers protesting against the BJP-led central government for not allowing agitators enter Delhi and its failure to give a legal guarantee for MSP among other issues. A group of farmers showed black flags to Babbu on Saturday while he was campaigning in Gurdaspur. He also faced the farmers' wrath in Batala on April 21. On the Kartarpur corridor, Cheema said a permit system should be introduced by doing away with the requirement of passports so more and more people can offer prayers at the historic gurdwara in Pakistan. The corridor links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district. Cheema pitched for a special package for the border areas to boost industrialisation and also stressed fiscal incentives for the industry in Gurdaspur and Pathankot. From the Gurdaspur seat, the AAP has fielded Batala MLA Amansher Singh Kalsi while the Congress has yet to name its candidate. Polling for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab will take place on June 1.

Shoolini University hosts Principals Conclave-2024

Excelsior Correspondent SOOLAN, Apr 19: Shoolini University, based in Kasauli Hills, Himachal Pradesh, organized two- day School Principals Conclave inside the University campus wherein around 33 Principals of the leading institutions of J&K and Pathankot participated. The Principals who attended the conclave, included Ritesh Kapoor, Director ASN Hr Sec. School, Channi Himmat; Manmet Kour, Vice Principal APS Jammu Cantt; Girish Kumar, Principal Jodhamal Public School Jammu; Akash Pradhan, Principal Heritage School, Jammu; Amarendra Mishra, Principal K C Public School; Kunjwani [] The post Shoolini University hosts Principals Conclave-2024 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab: Several trains affected as farmers squat on track demanding release of fellow protesters

Punjab: Several trains affected as farmers squat on track demanding release of fellow protesters Farmers under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Wednesday squatted on a rail track in Patiala district near the Punjab and Haryana border, demanding the release of three farmers who had been arrested by the Haryana Police. The movement of more than 30 trains was impacted as they were either diverted, cancelled or short-terminated because of the blockade at the Shambhu Railway Station, railway authorities said. The disruption in rail movement also caused inconvenience to rail passengers on the occasion of Ram Navami. KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the Haryana administration had given them an assurance that the arrested farmers would be released by April 16. ''When our farmers were not released, we decided to squat on the rail track,'' Pandher said. Three farmers, including Navdeep Singh, were arrested during the ongoing farmers' stir. Though the Punjab Police had erected barricades to prevent protesters from heading towards the rail track, farmers forced their way and sat on the Ambala-Ludhiana rail track. Farmer leaders said they will not end their protest until the protesters are released. ''If the government releases them now, we will vacate the rail tracks within 10 minutes,'' said another farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The farmer leaders said they were forced to sit on the rail track as the Haryana government failed to accept their demand. Pandher threatened to squat on more rail tracks if the three farmers were not released in the coming days. According to railway authorities, trains from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri, Amritsar to Kathiar, Pathankot to Old Delhi, Amritsar to Tata Nagar, Kolkata to Amritsar, Delhi to Amritsar, Haridwar to Amritsar and Darbhanga to Amritsar were diverted. While trains from Ludhiana to Churu and Churu to Ludhiana, Ambala Cantt to Jalandhar City, Ludhiana to Ambala Cantt, and Patiala to Ambala were cancelled, they said. The SKM (non-political) and the KMM are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers to press the government to accept their demands which include that the Centre should give a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. The farmers have been staying put at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 when their march was stopped by the security forces.

Woman killed, 5 injured in multi-vehicle crash in Kathua

Jammu Tawi, Apr 7: A 41-year-old woman was killed and five people, including her husband, were injured in a multiple-vehicle collision in Kathua district on Sunday, a police official said. The accident took place at Dayala Chak along Jammu-Pathankot highway apparently due to over-speeding by two passenger buses, the official said. One of the buses [] The post Woman killed, 5 injured in multi-vehicle crash in Kathua appeared first on Northlines .

Woman killed, 5 injured in multi-vehicle crash in J-Ks Kathua

Jammu: A 41-year-old woman was killed and five people, including her husband, were injured in a multiple-vehicle collision in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district on Sunday, April 7, a police official said. The accident took place at Dayala Chak along the Jammu-Pathankot highway, apparently due to overspeeding by two passenger buses, the official said. One Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

LS polls: Punjab police, BSF strategise to counter drug supply from across Indo-Pak border

LS polls: Punjab police, BSF strategise to counter drug supply from across Indo-Pak border In view of the coming Lok Sabha polls, Special Director General of Police Arpit Shukla on Thursday chalked out a strategy with the Border Security Force (BSF) to further strengthen the second line of defence and break the supply chain of drugs from across the border. He held a joint coordination meeting with BSF Inspector General (Punjab Frontier) Atul Fulzele and senior officers of CRPF, ITBP, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and other central agencies to review security arrangements in the state's border areas and discuss matters pertaining to the parliamentary elections 2024, according to a statement. Giving a call for greater synergy and teamwork between the BSF and Punjab Police, Shukla exhorted both forces to work as one team to ensure free and fair elections in the state. He said being positioned at the first line of defence, the BSF needs to be more alert to prevent smuggling and infiltration bids by militants, terrorists or smugglers, the statement said. He also ordered to increase the number of police personnel deployed on night patrolling along the International border, it added. The Special DGP advised the BSF to use drone detection technology to counter the suspicious drone operations at Punjab borders, which have over time emerged as the modus operandi to smuggle drugs from across the Indo-Pak border, according to the statement. He also directed all the district police chiefs of border districts to conduct regular meetings with village level defence committee (VLDC) members and sensitise field staff to keep a strict vigil on the movement of drones. There were 325 drone sightings across the border in 2023, of which 118 drones were successfully recovered. Similarly, 26 drones have been recovered in 2024 so far, the statement said. Sharing details on security arrangements for the coming Lok Sabha elections, Shukla said security has been beefed up across the state and Punjab Police has mobilised 75 per cent of district police and 50 per cent force from other units for deployment during elections. He said police have already laid well-coordinated strong inter-state checkpoints at the points of 10 border districts in the state to stop the menace of liquor and drug smuggling. The 10 inter-state border districts include Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda. He said 25 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed in vulnerable districts of the state to instil confidence among the general public as well as to dominate sensitive and hyper-sensitive areas in the state.

Arni University's Two-Day Bike Rally Passes on Strong Messages - 'Say NO to Drugs' and Empower Women

Vivek Singh Chancellor Arni University Flag Off Bike Rally Along with Kashmiri faculty Mehr Un Nisa, Dr. Neha Salaria, Ms. Monica Thakur, Dr. Gurvinder Singh, along with faculty member Mr. Mayank Sharma, and students Kunal, Sheeran, Gulshan, and Tauseef, played pivotal roles in organizing and executing the rally, ensuring its resounding success. The rally, with its strong emphasis on drug prevention and women empowerment, served as a platform to galvanize community support and drive home important societal messages. The active involvement of women riders, comprising nearly one-third of the total participants, underscored AUs commitment to gender equality and inclusivity. Commencing from Chandigarh, the rally embarked on a symbolic journey, culminating at Khatkar Kalan, a village renowned for its memorial honoring Bhagat Singh, a revered figure in Indias freedom struggle. Mr. Vivek Singh, leading the rally, emphasized the importance of societal values and collective action in combating substance abuse. He remarked, The bike rally serves as a powerful reminder of the values we cherish as a society. Its heartening to see the community come together to promote positive messages and honor the heroes of our nation. The rally continued its course to the Arni University campus, where an enthusiastic reception awaited the bikers, highlighting the unity and support from students towards the cause. The subsequent day saw the rally traversing through Pathankot-Nurpur-Dharamshala, attracting significant attention and participation at each stop. At Dharamshala, the rally reached its zenith, with nearly 1000 people gathering to welcome the riders. Among the distinguished speakers addressing the crowd was Dr. Kshama Metre, popularly known as Doctor Didi, and a recipient of the esteemed Padma Shri award. Flagging of the rally, Dr. Metre underscored the importance of redirecting energies towards constructive endeavors, stating, Addiction, when directed towards sports, education, or nation-building activities, holds the key to individual and societal progress . About Arni University Arni University (AU) stands as a stalwart in the realm of Indian higher education, and it prides itself on the fusion of technical prowess and academic excellence it provides to its students. This institution has been a beacon of knowledge since its inception in 2009, earning the prestigious accreditation by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India. AUs educational offerings transcend conventional boundaries. Its diverse range of programs offers students a pathway to academic growth, personal development, and career fulfillment. The institution is committed to instilling versatility, promoting experiential learning, and fostering an interdisciplinary approach among its students. This approach empowers them to discover and pursue their passions while charting their course toward their dream careers. Arni University places great emphasis on shaping socially sensitive individuals. It does so by challenging students intellectually and immersing them in a contemporary and diverse cultural milieu. This environment nurtures not only academic knowledge but also a deep understanding of societal issues and a sense of responsibility toward addressing them.

J-K: Gangster shot dead in encounter with police, injured officer dies during treatment

J-K: Gangster shot dead in encounter with police, injured officer dies during treatment A gangster has been shot dead in an exchange of fire with police near Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, officials said on Wednesday. Probationary Sub-Inspector Deepak Sharma, who suffered head injuries during the encounter, died during treatment on Wednesday, they said, adding that a special police officer was also injured. Acting on a tip-off, a team of officials chased gangsters Vasudev, a key accused in a murder case registered at Ramgarh police station, which led to an exchange of fire near the Government Medical College hospital around 10.30 pm on Tuesday, a police spokesperson said. Vasudev was killed in the encounter while one of his associates was injured, she added. Deepak Sharma was injured in the head while 40-year-old Special Police Officer Anil Kumar also suffered injuries. They were initially admitted to GMC Hospital in Kathua and later taken to Amandeep Hospital in Pathankot, the spokesperson said. Sharma died during treatment on Wednesday. His body has been taken to GMC hospital in Kathua, she added.

EMPLOYMENT (02-04-2024)

JMCT (OPC) PRIVATE LIMITED Urgently Required: 1. Tele Caller 30 Female-Graduate+ Experience 2. Marketing Executives 35 M/F 12th pass and must have 2 Wheeler 3. Office Peon 5 Male (Dusting & Cleaning must) 4. Web Developer 3 No. M/F Experience of min. 3 years. Email id:- jmcgroupjammu@gmail.com Contact/ WhatsApp us: 9797323565/8493094333 Venue:- Ist floor, Trikuta Shopping Complex, B C Road, Jammu. Sai International School Hiranagar, Distt. Kathua (J&K) 45 km from Pathankot (Session 2024_25) [] The post EMPLOYMENT (02-04-2024) appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab farmers fear wheat crop damage due to rains

Punjab farmers fear wheat crop damage due to rains With rains lashing many parts of Punjab on Saturday, wheat growers expressed fear that unseasonal showers could damage their standing crops. Rains with strong winds and hailstorms at some places lashed Punjab's several parts, including Bathinda, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Patiala, Amritsar and Pathankot. Heavy rains with strong winds came at a time when the wheat crop was ready for harvesting. Wheat procurement season starts on April 1 in Punjab and Haryana. Several farmers rued that their crops got flattened because of rains and high-velocity winds, which will hit the crop yield. A farmer in Bathinda said the yield of his wheat crop will be affected because of untimely rains. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal asked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to order a 'girdwari' to assess crop damage due to rains and hailstorms. ''Unseasonal rain and hailstorms have flattened the wheat crop across vast swathes in the Malwa region of the state. This is a double blow to farmers who faced a hailstorm some time back. ''CM @BhagwantMann should order a girdawari to assess damage to the wheat crop as well as provide interim compensation to farmers immediately,'' SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said in a post on X. His wife and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, ''Today's hailstorm in the Malwa region, the second in a month, has flattened and destroyed wheat crops across vast swathes in Punjab. Farmers, who have not been compensated for the earlier crop damage, should be awarded interim compensation immediately till such time the girdwari is not ordered and completed''.

Assembly elections in J&K will be held before September: Home Minister Amit Shah

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday claimed that the culture and language of Kashmir have flourished after the abrogation of Article 370 under the current dispensations at the centre. Now, J&K is moving towards prosperity with peace, he said. Amit Shah claimed that the government has banned 12 organisations, designated 36 individuals as terrorists, registered more than 22 cases to stop terror finance seized properties worth Rs. 150 crore, attached 90 properties and frozen about 134 bank accounts so far. The Union Home Minister announced that the election in J&K would be held by September this year as well. Enshrining democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is Modi Jis promise and will be fulfilled. However, this democracy will not be confined to three families alone and will be a peoples democracy, he said. He claimed that for the first time, the OBCs of Jammu and Kashmir have been given reservation by the Modi government, women have been given one-third reservation, and OBC reservations have been made in Panchayat and urban local bodies. Speaking at a conclave here, Shah also added that more than 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, and Formula-4 car racing takes place in Srinagar. Outlining his governments objectives, he stated that the BJP aims to free Kashmir from the influence of dynastic politics that has long dominated the region. He alleged that three dynastic parties - the Congress, the National Conference, and the PDP - consistently obstructed the spread of democracy at the grassroots level. Now, I am sure that these three parties will be shown the door by the people completely this time , he averred. Speaking about J&K, he mentioned that the increase in the number of tourists reflects a growing interest in tourism and a strengthening emotional bond between Kashmir and the rest of India. He emphasized that the Modi government is dedicated to engaging in dialogue with the youth of Kashmir, but not with organizations with ties to Pakistan or those perpetuating dynastic politics. Reiterating Indias claim on PoK, he asserted, The Muslim brothers in PoK are also Indians, as are the Hindu brothers living there, and the land also belongs to India, which has been illegally occupied by Pakistan. Speaking on the effects of the abrogation of Article 370, Shah said that the people of the valley were given the wrong interpretation of Article 370, which now stands nullified after its abrogation Taking a jibe at the Opposition, Shah said, It was always said that once Article 370 is abrogated, the culture, language, and existence of Kashmiriyat will be threatened. It has now been five years since the abrogation, but nothing of the sort has happened. Kashmiris are free today, the importance of the Kashmiri language and food culture has increased, and tourists are flocking to the tourist spots of Kashmir. Highlighting the detrimental consequences of the continuation of Article 370, he said, 'Under the shadow of Article 370, a separatist ideology took root, leading the youth of Jammu and Kashmir into terrorism. 'Pakistan exploited this situation, and in the last four decades, more than 40,000 youths lost their lives. However, today, Jammu and Kashmir is progressing, and terrorism is on the decline. He said that a new kind of renaissance of development is taking place across J&K after the abrogation of Article 370, and peoples money is reaching the people. He mentioned that the Pathankot Naka Permit system has been removed, and after 33 years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are watching movies at theaters at night, and the procession of Muharram is now being taken out. Touching upon the BJPs strategy to win more than 370 seats, Shah said, The strategy to win 370 seats is very clear. The Modi government has worked to develop the nation, including Jammu and Kashmir. We have strengthened the economy, secured the nation, curbed terrorism, and enhanced the nations pride through our foreign policy. Today, Bharat is recognized as a manufacturing hub and a bright spot. Our economy has climbed several steps, moving from the 11th to the fifth largest economy. This will certainly help the BJP achieve its target. Upon being asked about employment, he stated that as many as 34,000 employment opportunities were created in the government sector, with the appointment process of 10,777 people completed. He added, Around 7.5 lakh youths have received opportunities for self-employment through businesses like beekeeping, khadi, pashmina, and fruit processing. Self-employment opportunities of this magnitude were never created earlier in Jammu and Kashmir. After the completion of the proposed investment process, 4 lakh youths will gain employment. He continued, We have allocated space for SCs and STs, without reducing the share of the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. Pahadis have been given 10% reservation, and special provisions have been made to accommodate those displaced from POK. Speaking about PoK, Shah said that the BJP and the entire Parliament believe that PoK is an integral part of India. The Muslim brothers in PoK are also Indians, as are the Hindu brothers living there, and the land also belongs to India, which has been illegally occupied by Pakistan. It is the goal of every Indian, every Kashmiri, to get it back, he asserted. Citing data, he said that in 2010 there were 2,564 incidents of stone pelting, which is now zero. From 2004 to 2014, there were 7,217 terror incidents, and that has reduced to 2,227 in 2014-23. This is almost a 70% reduction. Total deaths amounted to 2,829 from 2004 to 2014, and it has reduced to 915 during 2014-23, which is a 68% decrease. Deaths of civilians were 1,770 and have decreased to 341, which is an 81% drop. The deaths of security forces decreased from 1,060 to 574, which is a 46% decrease, he claimed. Taking a dig at the Opposition, he said that those who talk about Islam should know that 85% of the deceased in J&K were Muslim. They should stop it. Previously, students from Jammu and Kashmir used to go outside the region for education, but now students from other states come to Jammu and Kashmir for education. I want to urge the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to stay away from the conspiracies of Pakistan. Today, Pakistan is plagued by hunger and poverty, yet they view Kashmir as heaven. I want to tell them that if anyone can save Kashmir, it is Modi Ji, he said.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's 'district police chief' brother transferred

The poll panel said in a statement on Thursday that the officials in these two districts have been transferred as pre-emptive measures to dispel any apprehensions of the administration being biased or perceived to be compromised. Among others moved out are SPs of Chhota Udaipur and Ahmedabad Rural districts in Gujarat, SSPs of Pathankot, Fazilka, Jalandhar Rural and Malerkotla districts in Punjab, DM of Dhenkanal and SPs of Deogarh and Cuttack Rural districts in Odisha and DM of Purba Medinipur, Jhargram, Purba Bardhaman and Birbhum districts.

EC Tells Centre to Stop WhatsApp Promo

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday directed the Centre to stop WhatsApp messages promoting the Centres Viksit Bharat campaign as it violates the Model Code of Conduct. In a letter addressed to the secretary of the electronics and information technology ministry, the EC said though the poll body had sent a letter on March 15, before the MCC came into force, these messages are still being circulated. The EC added it had got complaints from various quarters that such messages are still being delivered on citizens phones. Since the MCC is now in force, you are directed to ensure forthwith that no further delivery of WhatsApp messages take place during the MCC period. A compliance report in this regard may be sent immediately, the EC letter said. The Congress, after succeeding in stopping the BJP governments Viksit Bharat campaign messages, on Thursday met EC officials against the BJPs political advertisements. Urging the EC to get the BJPs false advertisements invoking the 2G allocation issue removed, the Congress said the BJP was pursuing a decade-old narrative that has been thoroughly discredited through a comprehensive judicial process. The second complaint is against the Modi Parivar ads. The Congress has alleged that official resources are being used in what is essentially a thinly veiled campaign advertisement. Furthermore, the brazen use of the armed forces violates multiple directives of the EC. The fact that the I&B ministry is being compelled to produce and broadcast the same also needs to be addressed, the EC said. The Congress third complaint is against an unsolicited letter being circulated on the social media purportedly from the Prime Minister himself. This complaint seeks an inquiry into how the official letterhead of the PMO can be used for what is obvious campaigning material, the Congress said, seeking an inquiry into the group circulating the same and the takedown of the material along with other appropriate action. The Congress has also raised objections to the BJPs advertisements on the Delhi Metro with the tagline #ModikiGuarantee. It also sought the removal of all images of the Prime Minister from government bodies, offices, petrol pumps for the duration of the elections as it violates multiple safeguards in election law. The EC has, meanwhile, issued transfer orders for non-cadre officers posted at leadership positions as district magistrate and superintendent of police in four states Gujarat, Punjab, Odisha and West Bengal. The DM and SP posts are cadre posts for IAS and IPS officers. The decision was taken after the commission convened a meeting chaired by chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. The officers to be transferred are: Gujarat SP of Chhota Udaipur and Ahmedabad Rural districts; Punjab SSP of Pathankot, Fazilka, Jalandhar Rural and Malerkotla districts; Odisha DM of Dhenkanal and SPs of Deogarh and Cuttack Rural districts; West Bengal DM of Purba Medinipur, Jhargram, Purba Bardhaman and Birbhum districts. Also, the EC has directed the transfer of SSP Bathinda in Punjab and SP Sonitpur in Assam in view of their kinship or familial association with elected political representatives. The officials in these two districts have been transferred as a pre-emptive measure to dispel any apprehensions of the administration being biased or perceived to be compromised. All state governments have been instructed to promptly transfer non-cadre officers from their current role as DM and SP/SSP with immediate effect, and submit a compliance report to the commission.

Punjab CM expresses solidarity with kin of slain constable

Punjab CM expresses solidarity with kin of slain constable Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Tuesday expressed solidarity with the family members of police constable Amritpal Singh who was recently shot dead. Singh was killed on Sunday when a police team came under attack while conducting a raid in Mansoorpur village, about 66 km from here, in a bid to arrest Sukhwinder Singh, suspected of harbouring illegal weapons. As the team was entering the house, the suspect opened fire and Singh was struck in the chest. He later died at a hospital. During his visit, Mann expressed solidarity with the bereaved family members and offered his ''deepest sympathies''. He also paid floral tributes to Singh, highlighting that the constable was not just a son of Jandour village but also a son of Punjab. In his address to the media, Mann reaffirmed the government's commitment to support the family of the slain constable. Mann also announced the construction of a stadium in remembrance of the constable. The man, who killed Singh, was shot dead by the Punjab Police following an exchange of fire near the Adda Bhangala area on the Jalandhar-Pathankot national highway on Monday.

Police gun down gangster who shot dead Punjab cop during raid

A day after gangster Rana Mansurpur fatally shot constable Amritpal Singh during a hideout raid, he was killed in an encounter near Bhangala village on the Mukerian-Pathankot national highway in Punjab's Hoshiarpur. Tracking him through CCTV footage, the police located Mansurpur heading towards Bhangala after hitching a ride on a motorcycle.

Man Who Killed Punjab Cop Shot Dead In Encounter

The man who allegedly killed a Punjab Police constable was on Monday shot dead in an encounter with police on the Jalandhar-Pathankot national highway here, officials said.

Army raises first squadron of Apache attack helicopters near Pakistan border

NEW DELHI: Adding attack capability along the Western borders, the Indian Army's Aviation Corps on Friday raised its first squadron of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The 451 Aviation Squadron was formally raised at Jodhpur in the presence of Lt Gen A. K. Suri, Director General Army Aviation. The Army will receive the first batch of three Apaches in May and another three in July, a defence source said. India and the US signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apaches for the Indian Army during US President Donald Trump's visit to New Delhi in 2020. The Ministry of Defence had finalized its order for the production, training and support of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters in September 2015. The US completed delivery of 22 Apache attack helicopters to the IAF in July 2020. Army to raise 2 Pinaka regiments The Apache is said to be the most modern attack helicopter meant to take the place of the existing fleet of Mi-35 choppers for assault and anti-armour operations. The AH-64E Apache is designed and equipped with the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. It has an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System that provides day, night and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. Its Fire Control Radar can classify air and ground targets and can operate in the maritime environment. It can also be used for missions like reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations, apart from attack operations. The first eight US-made Apache AH-64E multi-role combat helicopters were inducted into the Indian Air Force at Pathankot Air Base on September 3, 2019 as part of the Helicopter Unit (HU) 125 Squadron (Gladiators). The second HU 137 Squadron is based out of Jorhat, Assam. The first four Chinooks had reached India on March 25 2019 at Chandigarh and are twin rotor heavy lift, multi-mission transport helicopters. They can carry a maximum payload of 11 tonnes and 45 troops. A total of 15 helicopters have joined the force with the second Squadron based out of Dinjan, Assam. The delivery of the last five 15 CH-47F (I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to the IAF was completed in March 2020. As per Boeing, India is one of 17 nations operating the Apache which have been tailor made to suit the IAF's requirements. Twin rotor Chinooks have been operating for more than 50 years and 20 defence forces around the world either have Chinooks in service, or are on contract to receive them.

Varun Beverages to sharply focusing on growing production capacity, distribution

It has also ramped up capacity in six existing manufacturing plants Pathankot, Kosi, Bharuch, Tirunelveli, Begusarai and Guwahati

India, US Call For Perpetrators Of 26/11 Mumbai And Pathankot Terrorist Attacks To Be Brought To Justice

New Delhi, Mar 7: In a statement after the Counterterrorism Joint Working Group (CTJWG) and 6th Designations Dialogue, India and the United States have strongly called for the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot terrorist attacks to be brought to justice. The two countries, as they held the dialogue, also called for concerted action against all terrorist groups, including those proscribed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), the [] The post India, US Call For Perpetrators Of 26/11 Mumbai And Pathankot Terrorist Attacks To Be Brought To Justice appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

India, US renew vows to fight terrorism, promote security

NEW DELHI: India and the US have reiterated the need to bring the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks to justice. India and the US have called for the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot terrorist attacks to be brought to justice. They also called for concerted action against all terrorist groups, including the groups proscribed by the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, such as al-Qaida, ISIS (Daesh), Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammad, according to the joint statement released after the 20th meeting of the US-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group and 6th Designations Dialogue on March 5, 2024, in Washington DC. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, coordinator for counterterrorism at the Department of State, and Ambassador KD Dewal, joint secretary for counterterrorism at the Ministry of External Affairs, led their respective delegations. In addition to this, the US and India emphasized the extraordinary value and durability of the US-India comprehensive global and strategic partnership. The two sides renewed their commitments to countering terrorism and promoting regional security as an integral part of their broader bilateral cooperation. Both the sides reiterated that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and security. Countering terrorism remains an important element in ensuring prosperity and peace for Americans, Indians and global citizens. The two nations also reviewed emerging threats and tactics in terrorism, including the use of the internet and new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, international movement of terrorists, terrorist recruitment, the financing of terrorist activities, and radicalisation to violence and violent extremism. The two sides committed to information-sharing, capacity-building and continued bilateral and multilateral efforts to address these threats.

Bring 26/11, Pathankot attackers to justice: India, US

India, U.S. Call For Bringing Perpetrators Of 26/11, Pathankot Attacks To Justice

They also demanded concerted action against all terrorist groups, including those proscribed by the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, such as Al Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), the MEA said in a statement.