SRINAGAR : Majority water bodies were frozen in Ladakh region, where Leh recorded coldest night of the winter so far after the minimum temperature dropped to minus 17.3 degree while at border town of Kargil it was minus 16.4 degree, also lowest so far.
The world famous ski resort of Gulmarg with minus 9.6 degree also witnessed coldest night of the season so far in the Kashmir valley, where cold conditions had further intensified with below freezing temperature.
However, a Met department spokesman said that Western Disturbances (WD), originating in Arabian sea and entering the region through Afghanistan and Pakistan could touch the region which would result in rain or snow on December 31.
This will ease the chilly conditions, particularly during night when the temperature will improve.
Majority of water bodies were frozen in Leh, where the minimum temperature dropped to minus 17.3 degree, the lowest of the winter so far.
Since the maximum temperature also remained below normal, the water bodies remained frozen during the day also, reports reaching here said.
Kargil, a border town on closed Srinagar-Leh national highway also witnessed coldest night as the minimum temperature dropped to minus 16.4 degree, freezing water bodies and forcing people to remain indoor.
However, authorities were supplying drinking water to residents at Leh and Kargil through tankers while in some areas people were using spring water which remained warm during winter and cold in summer.
The water level in rivers in Kargil has also decreased affecting power generation there.
Gulmarg, about 55 km from here in north Kashmir was coldest in the Kashmir after the minimum temperature dropped to minus 9.6 degree, about four notches below normal because of clear sky after snowfall recently.
Met spokesman said famed health resort of Pahalgam, about 100 km from here in south Kashmir also recorded drop in the minimum temperature. Against yesterdays minus 6.9 degree, it was minus 7.4 degree. However, the coldest so far was minus 9.6 degree, recorded on December 27.
Cold conditions also intensified in the summer capital, Srinagar, where the minimum temperature was minus 3.7 degree, about two notches above normal. However, the coldest so far was recorded on December 16 when the night temperature was minus 4.3 freezing taps and water bodies, including Dal Lake partially.
Kokernag, a health resort in south Kashmir also recorded minus 5.2 degree, coldest of the winter so far.
At Qazigund, gateway of Kashmir, on Srinagar-Jammu national highway, which is through for only one-way, recorded minus 4 degree minimum temperature, two notches below normal while at Kupwara in north Kashmir it was minus 3.7 degree against yesterdays minus 2.5 degree. (AGENCIES)
Leh freezes with minus 17.3, Kargil minus 16.4, Gulmarg minus 9.6 deg
Govt to send Prez ref this week for probe against Ganguly
NEW DELHI : Government is likely to send this week a Presidential reference to the Supreme Court for conducting a probe into the allegation of sexual harassment against Justice (retd) A K Ganguly after the Attorney General has endorsed it.
The Home Ministry is expected to place a note, for sending a Presidential reference, in the next meeting of the Union Cabinet incorporating the views of Attorney General G E Vahanvati, who has noted that a case can be made out against Ganguly following allegations of “unwelcome behaviour” towards a woman law intern.
Sources said once the Cabinet clears the proposal, it will be sent to President Pranab Mukherjee for approval.
The Home Ministry then will send the Presidential reference to Chief Justice of India for conducting a fresh probe into the whole incident.
The Government is expected to take the initiative after the Supreme Court meets this week after a winter break.
The Attorney General’s suggestions came after his views were sought on a letter to the President by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seeking Ganguly’s removal from chairmanship of West Bengal Human Rights Commission following a woman law intern’s allegation of sexual harassment against the former judge.
Justice Ganguly has strongly denied the charge and refused to quit his post.
Sources said the Attorney General had been asked to give views on whether any case can be made out on three issues — the allegation of sexual harassment against Ganguly, his visit to Pakistan without informing the West Bengal Government and taking an assignment from All India Football Federation despite holding the high post of human rights commission.
The Protection of Human Rights Act is clear that a Chairperson or member of the NHRC or a state human rights commission can only be removed “by order of the President of India on the grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity after the Supreme Court, on reference being made to it by the President, has, on enquiry…Reported that the Chairperson or the member, as the case may be, ought on any such ground to be removed.” (AGENCIES)
Militant hideout busted, war like stores recovered in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Troops unearthed a militant hideout and recovered war like stores, including automatic weapons, in the frontier district of Kupwara in north Kashmir, official sources said here today.
They said Army launched a search operation in the woods of Purkhain Gali in the frontier district of Kupwara following a tip off about a militant hideout.
After a long search operation in the dense woods, troops unearthed a hideout and recovered war like stores, including 20 AK rifles and 20 pistols besides other arms and ammunition.
Details about recoveries were being collected, they said adding no one was arrested as militants had escaped when the operation was launched. (AGENCIES)
Kids Planet Public School celebrates Annual Day
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 28: Kids Planet Public School celebrated its Annual Day function with zeal and gaiety.
The function was inaugurated by the chief guest Sham lal Sharma, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control. Vice principal Mrs Rita Manhas presented the welcome address, followed by the ceremonial lighting of lamp.
The Principal of the school Mrs Mona Gupta presented the annual report, showing the broadcasting the accolades and laurels notched by the students of the school for excellence in curricular and co-curricular activities and read out the ambitious future plans of the school.
Earlier, the chief guest put emphasis on promoting moral education in all Government and private education institutions to protect age old moral ethics and rich cultural heritage of the country.
The programme started with Ganesh Vandana to mark the cultural programme and the conclusion of the celebration of the day with fusion dance which left all in awe.
Mrs Arti Nagpal presented the vote of thanks. The Director, Mohan Lal Gupta and chairperson Rohit Gupta of the school were also present.
Jodhamal students win in Sangeet Mahotsava
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 28: The upcoming instrumentalists of Jodhamal Public School once again brought back laurels by fetching various prizes at Pandit Uma Dutt Sangeet Mahotsava held recently.
It was organized by Nirvana Academy in which Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma was the chief guest and gave away the prizes to the winners. The students participated in various categories like Casio, Guitar, Singing (Light Singing and Group Folk Song and also Solo Singing) etc.
The first prize winners in their respective categories incuded
Pragati Sharma, Bhumika, Amishi Sarotia, Amvit Harshraj, Prateek Singh Bedi, Mian Mohammad Raza, Kartik, Aditya, Adhya Sambyal, Ishaan, Saksham, Bhavya Grover, Ayush, Vanshika, Aadit, Kusha, Naman, Prisha Chandok, Vanshika, Saquib, Sudhanshu and Gursimar.
The second prize winners were Dhairya Choudhary, Kaustav Sharma, Gauri Sharma, Ananya Mahajan, Arya Abrol, Vanshika, Manya, Anahita Anand, Apoorv, Sarthak Malhotra, Navtej, Prisha Chandok, Akshit Gupta, Kshitij, Sankalp and Mehul.
The third prize winners included Aditya Gautam, Vinamlin, Soham, Abhijot, Zitin Koul, Naman Chandok, Nandini Kapoor bagged first prize both in Light Singing and Folk Singing competition.
Arya Abrol, Shaan, Charu, Abhijot, Angad also bagged 1st prize in Group Folk Song competition.
These achievers were acknowledged by the Principal Trilok Singh Bist along with their mentors Subash Dey and Deepak Kumar.
Jammu boy Sumit Pal guides India to title win over Hong Kong
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 28: Trainee of CLTA Chandigarh, budding tennis star from Jammu and Kashmir, Sumit Pal Singh played a vital role in leading India to victory in the Asian Junior Cup Qatar 2013.
After a series of victories in the league matches against Qatar, Behrain, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Sumit Pal defeated Ching Lam of Hong Kong by (7-6, 7-2) in the summit clash, helping India to gain an early (1-0) lead. Then, Prikshit Somani of India drubbed Sou of Hong Kong by (6-7, 6-2, 6-2) to help India clinch the prestigious Championship.
Sumit Pal won 9 out of the 10 matches he played in the Championship.
Director Coaching and Development, CLTA, Gejendra Singh lauded the efforts of Sumit Pal and others for this landmark achievement and informed that the victorious tennis champions will get a one week stay at Qatar to watch top tennis players like Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray etc in action there.
Jammu Sanskriti School celebrates first Annual Function
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 28: Jammu Sanskriti School celebrated its first Annual Function-(Sanskar-2013) with great fervour.
The programme started with the traditional lighting of lamp followed by Sarswati Vandana.
On the occasion, chief guest Sanjeev Verma (IAS) Secretary to Government BPE and Floriculture in his message congratulated the school management for exercising all the efforts, energy and experience in building up this knowledge centre par excellence. He appreciated the high standards for imparting value education through new techniques and technologies brought into the system.
Earlier, Mrs Rohini Aima, vice chairperson and principal of the school, formally welcomed the chief guest Sanjeev Verma (IAS), Guest of honour, Randhir Singh (KPS) SP-PHQ, Sheikh Faizel Qayoom (IMS) DySp PHQ, for sparing their valuable time to grace the occasion.
She also highlighted the achievements of the school in short span of time. Prizes and medals were awarded to the students who excelled in various scholastic and co-scholastic activities. Harpreet Singh, chairman of the school conveyed the vote of thanks to the chief guest for his encouraging and motivating words. Special thanks were conveyed to the media staff and the all the parents of the students.
RM School organizes hockey skates match
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 28: RM Public School, Chowadhi, the sister concern of Shiksha Niketan, organized hockey skates match in its premises, here today.
The match was held between the Sunflower Yellow & Brave Brown teams. The match went for 30 minutes. The Sun Flower Yellow registered victory by 4 goals over Brave Brown. Both the teams played well throughout the match.
The event was held under the supervision of sports in-charge, Padma Thinels and the event manager was Ajay Kumar. Yashpal was the Lineman.
Rita Mengi, Trustee RM Public School was the chief guest, while Principal, Ravinder Kour and Vice Principal, Shashi Jamwal were present on the occasion.
Administrator Meenakshi Sharma and Meenakshi Pathania were also present on the occasion.
Reasi Club organizing cricket tournament from Jan 1
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 28: To give fillip to sports in Reasi and adjoining areas, Reasi Cricket Club is organizing a mega cricket tournament from January 1, 2014 at Sports Stadium, Reasi.
According to a handout issued here by chairman Reasi Cricket Club, the teams from other districts of the State and outside the State will be participating in the tournament, in which the winner will receive a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 and the runners-up team will get Rs 50,000, besides attractive prizes for man of the series, best batsman, best bowler and best fielder awards.
The teams interested to take part in the tournament can contact organizers Nadeem Bat, Surinder Sharma, Narinder Sharma, Mohd Sewer Mir, Vikas Baru and Rajesh Dogra on the 9906352151 or 9419156102.
Handball trials from Jan 3
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 28: To select the players for representing State in the forthcoming 36th Junior Girls National Handball Championship to be held at Indoor in Padhya Pradesh from February 1 to February 6, 2014, the Jammu and Kashmir Handball Association will be holding 3-day selection trials from January 3 to January 6, 2014 at MA Stadium, here.
According to a handout issued here, the Association has advised the players interested to take part in the trials to report at the venue on the said dates alongwith the date of birth certificates.
The players born on or after 2- 1-1994 are eligible for the trials.
Christmas Soccer Championship Parveen guides JK Bank Academy to semis
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 28: Parveen displayed superb soccer skills and scored 2 splendid goals to help JK Bank Academy defeat Air Force Club by two goals to nil (2-0) to enter semifinals of the ongoing Christmas Soccer Championship, being organized by Christian Sports Organisation J&K at GGM Science College Football Ground, here.
Parveen scored goals in 13th and 38th minute to help JK Bank Academy win in a crucial match.
In another match, Jammu Sports scripted a solitary goal win over Jammu United in a close contest. Bunty was the goal scorer in 13th minute of the match.
The matches were officiated by Nazir Ahmed, Vijay Kumar, Hilal Ahmed, Moon Stephen, Harneel Singh, Harmanjeet, Elijah Sotra and Rinku Gill.
Mussa Club will take on Jammu Sports in the last quarterfinal match tomorrow.