The exhibition, titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” was recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcasing priceless relics that have returned to India after more than a century, marking a historic moment for the nation and the global Buddhist community.

During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor paid reverence to the sacred relics and described their return to India as a matter of deep civilizational pride and spiritual significance. He said that the relics of Bhagwan Buddha are not merely historical artifacts, but living symbols of India’s timeless values of peace, compassion, and harmony, which continue to guide humanity even today.

Gupta noted that the exhibition at the historic Qila Rai Pithora complex adds a profound spiritual chapter to a site already rich in India’s heritage. He said the presence of the sacred relics at this ancient location reflects the continuity of India’s civilisation, where history and spirituality come together to inspire present and future generations.

The Lieutenant Governor lauded the efforts of the Government of India in ensuring that the sacred relics, which were taken away during the colonial period, have returned to their rightful home. He said this step has restored an important part of India’s cultural and spiritual legacy and reaffirmed the country’s role as the custodian of Lord Buddha’s heritage.

Highlighting the global reverence for Bhagwan Buddha, Kavinder Gupta said that wherever the sacred relics have travelled across the world in recent months, they have evoked immense faith and devotion among millions of people, cutting across nationalities and cultures. He remarked that this universal appeal underlines the fact that Lord Buddha belongs to all humanity and continues to connect people through shared values of peace and coexistence.

The Lieutenant Governor specifically emphasised the deep spiritual bond between Ladakh and the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha. He said Ladakh, often referred to as the “Land of High Passes” and a stronghold of Buddhist culture, has preserved and practised the Buddha’s teachings for centuries through its monasteries, traditions, and way of life.

In this context, Kavinder Gupta stated that the UT Administration of Ladakh has taken up the matter with the Union Ministry of Culture to bring the sacred Buddha relics to Ladakh as well.

“We have taken up the matter with the Union Ministry of Culture to bring the sacred Buddha relics to Ladakh, and we are hopeful that this effort will bear fruit. The presence of these relics in Ladakh, even for a limited period, will be a moment of great spiritual significance for the people of the region and for devotees from across the Himalayas,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He expressed hope that the sacred relics, if brought to Ladakh, would further strengthen the region’s role as a centre of Buddhist learning and spirituality, promote spiritual tourism, and provide devotees with an opportunity to receive the blessings of Bhagwan Buddha in the serene Himalayan landscape.

The Lieutenant Governor urged people, especially youth, to visit the exhibition and connect with the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha, which remain highly relevant in today’s world. He said the exhibition serves as a powerful bridge between India’s glorious past and its aspirations for a future rooted in peace, harmony, and mutual respect.

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During the meeting, the Lt Governor briefed the Prime Minister on key developmental initiatives, welfare schemes, and major infrastructure projects currently underway in Ladakh. He highlighted efforts being made to strengthen road and air connectivity, improve public infrastructure, and ensure the timely delivery of essential services in the geographically challenging and strategically significant region. Kavinder Gupta also apprised the Prime Minister of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, preserving Ladakh’s unique cultural and ecological heritage, and creating livelihood opportunities for local youth. Issues related to education, healthcare facilities in remote and border areas, and the implementation of Central Government schemes were also discussed in detail.

The Lt Governor emphasised the administration’s focus on inclusive growth, good governance, and people-centric development, particularly in far-flung areas that face harsh climatic conditions. He shared feedback from the grassroots regarding public aspirations and developmental needs, underlining the importance of continued Central support for accelerated progress in the Union Territory.

The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts being made for inclusive growth in Ladakh and reiterated the Centre’s continued support for the region’s all-round development and the welfare of its people.

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Presently, the girl is under the supervision of a Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and is suffering from “mental trauma,” the proceedings dated January 2 said.

The complainant is Sagar Bhante, from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, it said.

“The complainant alleged that on December 26, a minor Khalatse Ladakhi girl belonging to a tribal Buddhist community went missing from her home. The complainant further alleged that her family immediately lodged a missing complaint with the PS Khalatse, FIR No.39/2025 dated 28.12.2025, u/s 137(2) BNS and under the POCSO Act. During the police investigation, the said girl was found in Srinagar with a Muslim boy,” it said.

“Presently, the girl is under the supervision of CWC, and she is now in mental trauma,” the proceedings said.

The complainant had sought the intervention of the commission and requested an “impartial investigation into the role of other individuals involved in the crime, justice for the victim girl and her family, protection, counselling with medical, psychological, and legal assistance.

“Due to social pressure at the local level, this sensitive case is not receiving the seriousness it warrants. A detailed action-taken report should be sought from the police and the administration, in accordance with the law,” it said.

The allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victim, the rights panel said.

A bench of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), presided by its member Priyank Kanoongo, has taken cognisance under section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

“The Registry is directed to issue a notice to the DC (Deputy Commissioner), Leh and the SSP/DIG, Leh, Ladakh, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into and to submit an action taken report within seven days for perusal of the Commission,” it adds.

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Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta approved the exemption from entertainment tax, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor announced in an official statement on X. The decision comes after the film’s strong box office performance since its early December release.

“Lt Governor Shri @KavinderGupta declares Bollywood film Dhurandhar tax-free in UT #Ladakh. Shot extensively in the region, the film spotlights Ladakh’s cinematic landscapes, signalling strong support for filmmakers and reinforcing the UT’s push to emerge as a preferred [filming destination],” the post read.

The film was shot extensively across Ladakh, showcasing its breathtaking mountain landscapes and high-altitude terrain. The tax-free status is seen as both recognition of the film’s promotion of the region and an incentive for future productions to choose Ladakh as a shooting location.

Industry experts view the move as a strategic win for local cinema tourism, potentially opening doors for more high-budget productions to explore Ladakh’s unique topography.

Dhurandhar has set new records at the box office, crossing Rs 1000 crore worldwide in just 21 days. The film has earned over Rs 650 crore domestically, driven by its high-octane action sequences and real-life-inspired espionage narrative that have pulled massive crowds.

Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film has maintained strong momentum weeks after its premiere, defying the typical theatrical slowdown.

Directed by National Award-winner Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role of a covert operative. The ensemble cast includes Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal.

The plot focuses on large-scale espionage operations based on true events, with Ranveer Singh’s intense performance as a spy winning praise for its grit and emotional depth.

The Ladakh administration’s decision to make the film tax-free underscores the region’s ambition to position itself as a key hub for the Indian film industry, leveraging its stunning natural beauty and unique locations to attract major productions.

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The delegation, which extends to administrators and LGs of other Union Territories including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep, was notified through an official order issued on Friday.

The order comes a month after the MHA had withdrawn the existing delegated powers of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to approve schemes and projects up to Rs 100 crore, as well as the powers of Administrative Secretaries to approve projects up to Rs 20 crore.

On November 28, 2025, the ministry had centralised high-value financial approvals in Ladakh for projects up to Rs 100 crore, significantly reducing the discretionary powers of the LG. The move drew sharp criticism from various political parties and civil society groups in the Union Territory.

In the fresh official order, Under Secretary to the Government of India (MHA) Lendup Sherpa stated that the competent authority has approved “the delegation of powers for appraisal and approval of projects up to Rs 100 crore under Delegation of Financial Powers Rules (DFPRs), 2024, to the administrators and LGs” of union territories without legislatures, including Ladakh.

However, the restored powers come with specific conditions. The Lieutenant Governor must exercise these powers “in consultation with the Secretary (Finance) or the Financial Advisor equivalent of the respective union territory,” and subject to the availability of adequate budgetary provisions.

The ministry also clarified that “the delegated powers shall not be further re-delegated.”

Details of all proposals approved under the delegated powers must be furnished to the Department of Expenditure through the MHA every quarter, the order stated.

The ministry added that the powers of the Lieutenant Governor to sanction expenditure on schemes—from in-principle approval to final approval—would continue under Rule 16 of DFPRs, 2024, but “only after appraisal and approval of schemes by the concerned authorities” in accordance with existing finance ministry guidelines.

The order stated that the delegation of powers has been issued “in supersession of earlier order” dated September 19, 2025, and has been approved by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.

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According to an order issued by the MHA, Mukesh Singh, an AGMUT cadre officer of the 1996 batch has been posted as DGP, Ladakh on repatriation from Central deputation, until further orders.

The order, approved by the competent authority, also announced other postings of IPS officers of the AGMUT cadre.

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According to a communique, the powers to LGs and administrators have been granted under the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules (DFPRs), 2024.

As per conditions set by the ministry, these powers have to be exercised by LGs/administrators in consultation with the respective UT’s Secretary (Finance) or Financial Advisor, as well as after adequate budgetary provisions are available.

The Finance Ministry directive states that delegated powers cannot be further re-delegated.

It also directs that details of all proposals sanctioned under these powers must be submitted quarterly to the Department of Expenditure through the Ministry of Home Affairs-by the end of July, October, January, and April.

As per the letter, the powers of Administrators and LGs to sanction expenditure-from in-principle approval to final approval, including appraisal-will continue under Rule 16 of DFPRs, 2024, but only after schemes are appraised and approved by the competent authorities.

This decision is particularly significant for Ladakh, where political and non-political groups had taken strong exception to the Union Government’s move to withdraw the LG’s powers to approve projects up to Rs 100 crore, centralizing authority with the MHA—(KNO)

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He replaced Dr Pawan Kotwal who retired from services on 31st December.

Upon assuming office, Kundra reaffirmed his commitment to effective governance, transparent administration, and inclusive development across the Union Territory. He emphasized the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms, enhance service delivery, and ensure the timely implementation of developmental programmes aimed at the welfare of all sections of society.

Highlighting the importance of teamwork, accountability, and responsiveness, the new Chief Secretary stated that addressing the aspirations of the people of Ladakh would remain a key priority of the administration. He laid emphasis on accessible administration which reaches out to all parts of the Union Territory in line with Prime Minister’s vision of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas.

The administration, he said, must gear up to meet the economic aspiration of youth and unlocking the economic potential of the territory. Ladakh has a civilizational history and has always been emblematic of peace. This must always be treasured and preserved.  He also underscored that given its fragile ecology, the model of development must necessarily address issues of sustainability and climate change, and we must not go on a path of reckless construction in the name of development.

Earlier, a ceremonial Guard of Honour was accorded to Ashish Kundra, IAS, at the UT Secretariat, Leh, following his assumption of charge as the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

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As 2025 closes, communities look to 2026 with cautious hope for dialogue, inclusivity, and a revival of economic and cultural life under the leadership of Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta who took over in July, replacing Brigadier B D Mishra (retd).

The residents of Ladakh described 2025 as a challenging year for the region, also marked by the detention of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, now under review in the Supreme Court.

Six years after the abrogation of special status to J&K under Article 370 which led to the creation of separate Union Territory for Ladakh in 2019, the defining political story of 2025 was the intensification of a mass movement jointly led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), demanding full statehood for the region, its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, land and job protection.

The tensions reached a breaking point on September 24, when protests in Leh turned violent. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces left four people dead, scores injured and government property damaged, including a BJP office and security vehicles.

Authorities imposed curfew, suspended mobile internet services and detained many protesters, while a judicial inquiry is underway. The detention of educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent face of the movement, escalated anger and drew national attention to Ladakh’s political grievances.

Even as a united front was projected on core demands, internal anxieties surfaced during the year. In Muslim-majority Kargil, political and religious leaders raised concerns over perceived disparity between Leh and Kargil districts, alleging uneven development, resource allocation and administrative outreach.

Simultaneously, some groups in Leh questioned the marginalisation of Buddhist voices in talks held with the Centre, arguing that negotiations were being dominated by select political representatives while sections of civil society were sidelined.

Despite these undercurrents, LAB and KDA continued to stress unity, maintaining that regional and community concerns would be addressed within a shared political framework.

Amid the unrest, the appointment of senior BJP leader Gupta as the Lt Governor of Ladakh marked a shift from bureaucratic to political leadership.

The appointment raised expectations of dialogue but also scepticism, particularly after administrative changes later in the year curtailed local financial decision-making powers, reinforcing fears of increased centralisation.

However, Gupta said the administration remains committed to sustained dialogue to ensure that all concerns are addressed in a constructive manner.

“The stakeholders have already submitted their draft proposals (to the Union home ministry) addressing various issues and the Centre will take action in the interest of the Union Territory and the nation,” he had said, expressing satisfaction over the process moving forward in a structured manner.

Ladakh representatives held a meeting with the sub-committee of Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi on October 22. The panel took part in the talks with a focus on their primary demand of statehood and constitutional safeguards, as two more demands including the issue of job reservation for locals was addressed in the earlier meeting.

Justifying the delay in holding elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh which completed its five-year term on October 30, the Department of Law and Justice directed the Leh deputy commissioner to administer the affairs of the hill council until a new council is constituted following fresh elections.

On August 25 last year, the central government had approved five new districts for Ladakh — three in Leh and two in Kargil — in response to the public demand, taking the total number of districts in the UT to seven. However, the new districts are yet to be created.

The Centre had also announced 33 per cent reservation for women in the two hill councils of Leh and Kargil on December 3, 2024. The Kargil Hill Council, ruled by the National Conference and Congress, was formed in October 2023 and is completing its five-year term in October 2028.

The municipalities and panchayats in the entire Ladakh had completed their term in November-December 2023. Both Leh and Kargil Hill Councils have 30 seats each. Of them, elections are held for 26 seats while four councillors are nominated by the UT administration

The LG said necessary steps are being taken to put in place the required administrative, infrastructural and human resource frameworks for the smooth implementation of the five new districts in the UT.

He said the long-awaited creation of five districts is expected to bring governance closer to the people, improve access to essential services, and address long-standing developmental imbalances in Ladakh’s unique and challenging terrain.

Ladakh’s fragile ecology came under sharp focus in 2025 after the region experienced unusually heavy rainfall, triggering flash floods, damaging roads, bridges and homes, and isolating several villages.

Scientists warned that extreme weather events in the cold desert region pointed to accelerating climate change, posing risks to glaciers, water security and traditional livelihoods.

Even as political tensions simmered, strategic infrastructure development gathered pace. The Border Roads Organisation completed and upgraded several high-altitude roads and passes, enhancing connectivity for remote villages and strengthening military logistics along the Line of Actual Control with China.

The projects underscored Ladakh’s growing strategic importance — and the delicate balance between national security priorities and local environmental concerns.

Against the backdrop of unrest, the Ladakh Festival 2025 was held in Leh, showcasing traditional culture, crafts and sports in an effort to revive tourism — a key economic lifeline. However, political uncertainty and climate anxieties continued to cloud the sector’s recovery.

The year ended with uneasy calm — but with a clear message from the high Himalayas: Ladakh’s debate over identity, autonomy and representation is far from over and is set to shape the political landscape in 2026.

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The Lt Governor, as per an official statement issued on Sunday was speaking during his visit to the iconic Sangam Point, one of Ladakh’s most prominent tourist destinations, located about 35 kilometres from Leh on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway.

The site marks the spectacular confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers and is globally renowned for the striking visual contrast of the blue waters of the Indus merging with the muddy green-brown waters of the Zanskar, forming a single majestic river.

Describing Sangam Point as a natural marvel and a flagship attraction of Ladakh tourism, Kavinder Gupta noted that such destinations significantly enhance the region’s appeal among domestic and international tourists. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that Sangam Point has emerged as a major hub for adventure tourism, offering activities such as river rafting, trekking, and sightseeing, while also serving as an important stopover for travellers journeying along the Srinagar–Leh corridor. Its easy accessibility from Leh further strengthens its importance in the overall tourism circuit of the Union Territory, he added.

Kavinder Gupta said that since Ladakh was accorded the status of a Union Territory, focused and accelerated development has taken place across key sectors, with tourism emerging as a major priority area. He stated that the UT Administration is giving special emphasis to the holistic development of all prominent and potential tourist destinations across the Union Territory, ensuring improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and enhanced visitor facilities.

The Lieutenant Governor further said that the Zoji La Tunnel, expected to be completed in the next two years, will also be a game changer by providing year round all-weather road connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country. Emphasising the importance of winter tourism, Kavinder Gupta said that focused efforts are being made to promote winter sports, cultural events, and experiential tourism so that tourists visit Ladakh throughout the year.

Emphasising the broader vision for Ladakh tourism, Kavinder Gupta stated that the UT Administration is committed to developing world-class tourism infrastructure while ensuring ecological balance.

The Lieutenant Governor also appealed to the people of the country to come and explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Ladakh.

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