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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Indian Politician Wants to Ban Climbing on Sacred Kangchenjunga
Authorities in Sikkim, India, are demanding that Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest peak, be banned to climbers out of respect for local deities. When British pioneers Joe Brown and George Band climbed 8,586m Kangchenjunga for the first time 70 years ago, they stopped some meters short of the highest point out of respect for the religious beliefs of the local communities in Sikkim. For them, the protective deity Dzoe-Nga, also worshipped as Pho-lha, lives on its white slopes. For years, subsequent expeditions followed that tradition, but this sign of respect was eventually abandoned. Nowadays, climbers focus instead on ensuring that they reach the true summit of Kangchenjunga, which is easy to mistake for other points on its jagged ridge. Kangchenjunga lies in the northeastern corner of Nepal on the border with Sikkim (India) and is also very close to Tibet. The peak has four main climbing routes. Three are in Nepal, and only the eastern one goes up from Sikkim. The Sikkim route has only been climbed three times. The most straightforward route, up the Southwest Face in Nepal, was the chosen line for several early attempts, and the one where the expedition led by Charles Evans succeeded for the first time in 1955. For decades, there were attempts and summits from the north side of the mountain, also in Nepalese territory, but the Southwest Face soon became the normal route and the one offered to commercial teams. Last week, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, asked India's Home Minister, Amit Shah, to ensure that the footprints of climbers no longer deface the slopes of Kangchenjunga. Climbing Kangchenjunga from the Sikkim route has not been an option since 2000, when all ascents from Sikkim were officially banned. This is the first time that Sikkim authorities raised their voices about the matter since then. The problem is, Tamang wants the ban to extend to the entire mountain, including the routes in Nepal, not just from Sikkim. While the measure is unlikely to succeed, it does highlight the sensitivities around the mountain. "Scaling this sacred peak is not only a matter of serious concern but also a violation of both the prevailing legal provisions and the deeply held religious beliefs of the people of Sikkim,' Tamang said. He bases his demands on the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, which prohibits expeditions to sacred sites, as well as Sikkim Government Notification No. 70/HOME/2001, which reaffirmed the state's limited ban on summiting Kangchenjunga, reported. Ironically, the call for a ban was prompted by a climb launched by the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) of Arunachal Pradesh. On that Indian expedition, five members summited via the normal route in Nepal on May 18, together with their Nepalese guides. Other Indian climbers were also on the mountain, including those with a joint Nepali-Indian army expedition. This year, about 30 climbers summited Kangchenjunga despite unstable weather. Others had to retreat due to harsh conditions. There were also some rescues, and one climber died while attempting to reach the top. Nepal's Department of Tourism has no restrictions on the number of climbers on any mountain. In the case of Kangchenjunga, 78 permits were granted to foreigners this season. All climbers were supported by local guides and usually took advantage of brief periods of calm. Kangchenjunga has become increasingly popular among commercial high-altitude climbers. Virtually all expeditions take the normal, Southwest Face route from Nepal. India cannot legislate on the part of the mountain beyond its borders, and it is unlikely that Nepal will do so. Nepal also has sacred peaks banned to expeditions. The best known is Machhapuchhre (6,993m) in the Annapurna region, considered sacred for the Gurung people and never climbed, as far as we know. Sherpas revere mountains, and while they agree to climb them, they always perform puja (offering) ceremonies to ask permission for passage from the mountain gods. Similar cases of sacred mountains in nearby countries forbidden for climbers include Tibet's striking Mt. Kailash and Gangkhar Puensum in Bhutan. At 7,570m, the latter is the highest unclimbed peak in the world, and it should continue to remain so for many years. According to some sources, the silhouette of Kangchenjunga's summit points resemble the shape of a sleeping Buddha, especially when seen from the southwest. In his letter, Chief Minister Tamang recalled that the name of the mountain means the Five Treasures of the High Snow. It refers to five hidden virtues that will only be revealed to devotees if the world is in serious danger. In his extensive report about the Kangchenjunga summit area for Rodolphe Popier ends up with the following words: The magnetic attraction of Kangchenjunga will keep attracting mountain lovers from all over the world, maybe for something more than climbing and/or peak-bagging? As Doug Scott recalled it in his last book, [Kangchenjunga] is the 8,000m summit with the greatest religious significance.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
NGT says interference not required in construction of commando battalion HQ
New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has said that its interference is not required in a matter regarding the alleged illegal permission granted for construction of the second Assam Commando Battalion unit headquarters inside the inner line of reserved forest in Assam's Hailakandi district. The tribunal disposed of the matter, saying it had received an affidavit from the state government that the project's construction would be confined to less than 20,000 square metres or around 4.94 acres and according to rules, and Environmental Clearance (EC) was not required for such construction. The green body had taken suo motu (on its own) cognisance of a media report, which alleged that top forest officials of the Assam government had illegally diverted 44 acres of protected forest land for a Commando Battalion Headquarters -- a project which was being executed by the Assam Police Housing Corporation. "In the affidavit dated April 25, 2025, the state of Assam has taken the stand that it will confine its construction to 20,000sqm (19,668sqm to be precise). For such a construction, EC is not required," said a bench of NGT chairperson Prakash Shrivastava in an order dated May 30. The bench also comprising judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel noted the state government's affidavit, according to which, "The state government is ready to dismantle all the constructions beyond 20,000sqm and shall not undertake any further construction (of buildings and premises) beyond the said limit, for which no EC is required as per the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of 2006. " PTI
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
ECI announces by-election dates for five Assembly seats in four states
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for by-elections to five Assembly constituencies of Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab and West Bengal. The polling date for the five constituencies is June 19, and the date of counting of votes is June 23. Of the five constituencies going to the polls, two are in Gujarat -- Kadi (a reserved seat) and Visavadar. In Kerala, the bypolls will be held for the Nilambur seat. The Punjab will see the bypolls in Ludhiana West, and in West Bengal, the seat where the by-election will be held is Kaliganj. The ECI shared this information in a post on X, its handle, on Sunday. The date of issue of the Gazette Notification is May 26. The last date for making nominations is June 2, and the date for the scrutiny of nominations is June 3. The last date for the withdrawal of candidatures is June 5. The ECI has said that the date by which the election shall be completed is June 25. In Gujarat, the Visavdar seat fell vacant due to the resignation of the then Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Bhupatbhai Bhayani (who later joined the BJP). The Kadi seat, which is reserved for Schedule Caste (SC) candidates, is vacant due to the passing away of the then BJP MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki. The bypoll to the Nilambur Assembly seat in Kerala was necessitated by the resignation of Independent MLA P.V. Anvar. The Ludhiana West Assembly constituency in Punjab fell vacant following the demise of sitting Congress MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. In West Bengal, the election will be held in Kalighat following the Assembly seat falling vacant after the demise of sitting MLA, veteran Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed, who died of cardiac arrest in February. With the announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect in the districts in which the whole or any part of the Assembly constituency going for election is included, said the ECI. The Commission also said that the candidates with criminal antecedents are required to publish information in this regard in newspapers and through Television channels on three occasions during the campaign period. A political party that sets up candidates with criminal antecedents is also required to publish information about the criminal background of its candidates, both on its website and in newspapers and Television channels on three occasions. It said the Commission has directed that the period specified will be decided with three blocks in the following manner, so that electors have sufficient time to know about the background of such candidates: within the first four days of withdrawal; Between the next 5th - 8th days; and, From the 9th day till the last day of the campaign (the second day prior to the date of poll). The ECI also said the political parties shall also publish in newspapers and their official social media platforms and upload on their website, the details and the reasons for selecting candidates with having criminal background within 48 hours of the selection of such a candidate. This information will also be available on an App titled 'know your candidates'.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
SC bars Centre from granting retrospective green clearances
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Friday said right to live in a pollution free atmosphere was a part of the fundamental right as it struck down Centre's office memorandum allowing ex post facto or retrospective environmental clearances to projects in violation of norms. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan made scathing remarks in its judgement delivered on a plea filed by Vanashakti organisation and said, 'Union govt, as much as individual citizens, has a constitutional obligation to protect the environment.' The court said it 'must come down very heavily' on Centre's attempt to do 'something which is completely prohibited under the law'. It added, 'Cleverly, the words ex post facto have not been used, but without using those words, there is a provision to effectively grant ex post facto EC. The 2021 OM has been issued in violation of the decisions of this court….' The bench, therefore, declared the 2021 office memorandum (OM) and related circulars 'arbitrary, illegal, and contrary to Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006'. Centre, as a result, was restrained from issuing directions for grant of ex post facto clearances in any form or manner or for regularising the acts done in contravention of the EIA notification.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Time of India
AP High Court recruitment 2025: Notification out for over 1,600 vacancies, Check how to apply, salary and key details here
The High Court of Andhra Pradesh has officially released the AP High Court Notification 2025, announcing 1,621 vacancies across multiple posts in the state's district judiciary. The recruitment drive includes posts such as Office Subordinate, Typist, Junior Assistant, Copyist, Record Assistant, Examiner, Field Assistant, Driver, and Process Server. The online registration window opens on May 13, 2025, and candidates can submit their applications via the official website, until June 2, 2025. AP High Court recruitment 2025 : Key highlights The recruitment is open to candidates with qualifications ranging from Class 7 pass to graduation, depending on the post. The age limit is between 18 and 42 years as on July 1, 2025. The selection process varies by position but generally includes a written examination, followed by skill tests (for certain posts), document verification, and medical examination. Operation Sindoor IC-814 hijacking mastermind Abdul Rauf Azhar killed in Op Sindoor Pahalgam attack: India flays Pak for opposing TRF mention in UN statement Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said AP High Court recruitment 2025: Steps to apply Eligible candidates can follow these steps as given here to apply online, once the application window opens: Step 1. Visit the official website of Andhra Pradesh High Court: Step 2. Navigate to the 'Recruitments' section and select the relevant post to view its notification. Step 3. Read the notification thoroughly to ensure eligibility. Step 4. Visit the online application portal available through district court websites at, Step 5. Register by generating a registration ID and password. Step 5. Log in and fill in personal and academic details. Step 6. Upload documents as required. Step 7. Pay the application fee as per category using the online payment options. Step 8. Submit the application and download a copy for reference. Alternatively, candidates can check the post-wise notifications through the provided link. Qualifications and Salary Overview The minimum educational requirement varies by post: 7th pass for Office Subordinate and Driver, intermediate for Record Assistant, Copyist, and Process Server, and graduate degree for Junior Assistant, Field Assistant, Typist, and Stenographer. Typist and Stenographer roles also require relevant technical certifications and computer knowledge. The salary range starts at INR 21,000 for Office Subordinates and goes up to INR 1,07,210 for Stenographers. Other key pay scales include INR 25,220–INR 80,910 for Typist, Junior Assistant, and Field Assistant, and INR 23,780–INR 76,730 for Driver, Copyist, and Process Server. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
