UP woman becomes first Indian woman to cycle to Everest Base Camp in 14 days
Gorakhpur: Divya Singh (28), a teacher from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, has become the first Indian woman and the second woman globally to reach Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC) on a bicycle, NDTV reported.
She began her journey from Kathmandu and reached the base camp at an altitude of 17,560 feet after a 14-day expedition.
During the journey, Divya faced extreme conditions, including temperatures dropping to -12°C, low oxygen levels, and strong winds. She cycled for 10 to 12 hours daily across steep and rugged mountain terrain. In stretches where cycling was not possible, she carried her bicycle on her shoulders to continue the climb.
Her path from Kathmandu included challenging stretches through Saleri, Surke, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Lobuche, and finally Gorakshep before reaching the base camp.
A video of her reaching EBC, where she is seen holding the Indian tricolour beside her bicycle against the Himalayan backdrop, has gone viral on social media.
"Congratulations Divya Singh; you have become the first woman of India to reach Everest Base Camp by bicycle. It's a proud moment for our Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India," the video was captioned on Instagram.
Her accomplishment has drawn widespread praises and congratulatory posts on social media. The feat has also filled her hometown of Gorakhpur with pride and is inspiring aspiring athletes and adventure enthusiasts across the country.
One user wrote, "Congratulations to you. This is why I love women with determination in their eyes. Keep on growing and making history like this."
Another commented, "This is so inspiring. Thank you for something like this. Such things always motivate."
Divya reportedly prepared for the expedition through rigorous self-training despite limited resources. The journey was flagged off by local officials in Gorakhpur, who later hailed her accomplishment as a proud moment for the region and a significant achievement for women's empowerment in India.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka Minister Muniyappa to hold meeting to resolve Auto LPG supply issue
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister K H Muniyappa on Monday said that he will call a meeting on April 10 aimed at resolving the Auto LPG supply issue in the state.
He also said that private oil companies had hiked LPG prices for vehicles, leading to long queues at public sector stations.
Bengaluru and several other places in the state are witnessing disruption in auto services, hit by a shortage of Auto LPG. Long queues of autos are seen outside fuel stations at many places.
On Monday, the minister met with representatives of auto drivers' associations and heard their concerns.
"We are aware that auto drivers are in distress. Around 3,000 Auto LPG cylinders are being supplied by the central government daily, but private suppliers have increased the price, which is causing inconvenience to auto drivers. I will immediately call a meeting to resolve the issue," Muniyappa, who holds Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs portfolios, said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "The government supplies approximately 3,000 Auto LPG cylinders daily. The private companies also supply equal numbers of cylinders. I have learned that private companies have increased the prices. I will speak to the concerned officials."
"On April 10, I will call a meeting and try to solve the issue. Auto drivers' lives depend on these LPG supplies, so I will try to resolve the issue on a priority basis," he said, adding that private companies representatives, union government officials, Indian Oil Corporation coordinators, police and senior state government officials will also be called for the meeting.
According to official sources, PSU-operated outlets, including those of IOC, are retailing Auto LPG at around Rs 89.52 per litre in Bengaluru, whereas private marketers are selling between Rs 99 and Rs 105 per litre. This difference has led to a significant shift in customer preference toward PSU-operated Auto LPG Dispensing Stations (ALDS), resulting in increased footfall and longer wait times at these stations.
Stating that the situation is serious as the war is on in West Asia, the minister sought cooperation from everyone.
"The energy or fuel crisis is there across the world. If the Centre had planned to get the energy supplies from Russia a month in advance, this situation would not have arisen. Things have happened now. Let's try and resolve the issues," he added.
