CLIMATE ACTIVIST
Sonam Wangchuk seeks President Droupadi Murmu's intervention in Ladakh, accuses LG V K Saxena of smear campaign
Sonam Wangchuk called for presidential intervention regarding the situation in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. He claimed that Ladakh has experienced significant repression since it became a Union Territory. Wangchuk accused the Lieutenant Governor of engaging in a smear campaign against him and other local leaders. He expressed concerns over various policies that favor corporatization and harm local communities.
Sonam Wangchuk appeals to President Murmu, alleges smear campaign by Ladakh administration
Sonam Wangchuk has expressed concerns to President Droupadi Murmu regarding administrative actions affecting critics in Ladakh. He alleges that a smear campaign is being orchestrated by the Lieutenant Governor's administration against him and others. The appeal follows the cancellation of the land lease for the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh, which he co-founded.
Activists breach Microsoft data centre construction site as protests spread in Europe
Activist groups have announced actions in 16 countries on Friday and Saturday, according to the "Stop Dirty Data Centres" coalition, which is rallying environmental groups and digital rights campaigns behind calls to pause large-scale construction.
Ladakh administration asks Sonam Wangchuk-founded institute to halt school activities pending HC decision
The Ladakh administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, founded by Sonam Wangchuk, to stop activities at its Desert Flower School in Leh until the High Court delivers its decision in a pending matter concerning the institute. The notice cited the absence of requisite approvals and clearances for starting classes.
Protest against liquor policy in Ladakh suspended after govt agrees to all demands: Wangchuk
Women's organisations in Ladakh suspended their protest against a liquor policy after receiving assurance from the UT administration. The organisations demanded a complete rollback of the liquor policy and preservation of local culture and values. The UT administration agreed to all demands and requested a week's time to formalise the agreement. The interim suspension of protests reflects the organisations' faith in the administration's commitment.
Venezuela's Maria Corina Machado hopeful for 2027 presidential election
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in her first public remarks since returning from 10 months in exile, said the country is moving irreversibly towards presidential elections in 2027. She called for the dismantling of the repressive system and the release of political prisoners, while denying any contact with interim President Delcy Rodriguez or Washington over a possible meeting.
Ladakh has only one operational liquor shop, LG Admin rebuts Sonam Wangchuk's claims
Sonam Wangchuk has raised concerns over the increase in liquor outlets in Ladakh, leading to protests by women. The UT administration responded by rejecting his claims as false and cautioned against spreading rumors. Wangchuk alleged that liquor shops were being opened despite local opposition, particularly near schools. The administration clarified that only one liquor shop is operational and the new Excise Policy was rolled back after public feedback.
Protests great mechanism for governments to perform better: Sonam Wangchuk
Sonam Wangchuk highlighted the significance of protests for government performance during his remarks at the IPF Festival. He mentioned the unrest in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as cautionary tales against suppressing protests. Wangchuk argued that protests should not necessitate government permission, except for city management purposes. He noted that many countries allow protests in front of parliamentary buildings. His comments came amid criticism of the Indian government's restrictions on protests.
Five appeals, 15 visits, 30 calls: Sonam Wangchuk cites administrative delays in execution of HIAL land lease
Sonam Wangchuk has blamed administrative delays for the failure to execute a lease deed for land allotted to his Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), citing a February 2021 letter from the Ladakh administration that said the process was pending a new lease policy. Wangchuk said he made five written appeals, 15 visits and 30 phone calls seeking the deed.
LeBron James National Anthem Controversy: Why is Donald Trump accusing NBA star? Watch viral practice video
Donald Trump and LeBron James have been critical of each another for years, occasionally trading public swipes.
Centre betraying people of Ladakh: Sonam Wangchuk
"It was MHA that proposed a meeting on October 22 and asked us to come to Delhi, saying it would arrange a meeting. Accordingly, we made our plans and booked tickets to Delhi for October 22. I have arrived here today (October 22) but we are now being told that nobody seems to know about the meeting," Wangchuk said.
Sonam Wangchuk accuses Centre of going back on May understanding, reiterates demand for Ladakh legislature
The May 22 meeting had raised hopes of a democratic framework for Ladakh, Wangchuk said. The representatives had initially sought statehood but, after being told that the region lacked the resources for it, proposed a Union Territory with a legislature and constitutional safeguards, he added.
Amending Article 371 to give safeguards, says Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra
Ladakhi leaders are engaged in negotiations with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs regarding constitutional safeguards. Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra stated that Article 371 is being amended to address regional demands. He highlighted that there are major gaps in the current discussions, particularly concerning the elected legislature's powers. Kundra emphasized the importance of patience and mutual trust in moving forward.
A $3.5 million Jeff Bezos Earth Fund grant targeted LA’s Concrete Wash in 2023; 3 years later, it became a greenway
Pacoima Beautiful, a local nonprofit, funded the work using a $3.5 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund awarded in 2023. That funding directly supports climate resilience in an area facing extreme temperatures.
Protesters across France rally over rising living costs, joining students' grievances
Protests have arisen in France regarding increasing living costs and dissatisfaction with educational conditions. High school students, supported by the CGT union, are actively participating in demonstrations. President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm while emphasizing respect for individuals and property. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the anticipation of numerous protests and implemented restrictions on specific gatherings. Recent student protests have resulted in significant unrest and have impacted national attention.
Ladakh is not part of China which is our spritual enemy as well: Apex Body Leh
Representatives from Ladakh condemned a recent statement by China claiming the region as part of its territory. They emphasized that Ladakh has never been part of China in recorded history. During a press conference, concerns were raised about the necessity of Indian governmental response to the Chinese assertion. The people of Ladakh expressed their support for the Indian armed forces during conflicts with China.
MHA-Ladakh talks inconclusive, next meeting on October 22
Ladakh representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ draft proposal after a meeting in Leh, citing a wide gap between the two sides’ positions on constitutional safeguards. They are seeking legislative, executive and financial powers, with the next meeting scheduled for October 22 in New Delhi.
Cornell president faces no-confidence push over handling of sexual assault case
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff confronted faculty frustration regarding his administration's handling of a serious sexual assault allegation. During a Faculty Senate meeting, faculty members expressed significant anger and questioned Kotlikoff's management of the incident. Faculty are considering a no-confidence resolution to signal their dissatisfaction with administration transparency and reforms. As the administration has faced a lawsuit related to the case, many faculty urge changes to address systemic issues.
Asian countries, including India, must accelerate transition to renewable energy
Asian countries including India need to accelerate a just transition to renewable energy and take a stronger lead in shaping the Global South’s climate response, climate activist Harjeet Singh said at Bangkok Climate Action Week. Discussions ahead of COP31 focused on regional cooperation, clean-energy roadmaps and the need for developed countries to meet climate finance commitments.
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