Kathmandu, April 20 – Renowned mountaineering guide Kami Rita Sherpa is set to embark on his 31st ascent of Mount Everest, aiming to break his own world record for the most successful climbs of the world's highest peak. As per agency report, the 55-year-old mountaineer departed from Kathmandu on Sunday, leading a team of climbers hoping to reach the summit of the 8,849-metre (29,032-foot) peak during the spring climbing season.

Speaking at the Kathmandu airport before departure, Kami Rita expressed confidence in his preparation, stating that he is mentally, emotionally, and physically ready for the challenge and currently in peak physical condition.

With a current record of 30 successful summits, Kami Rita reached the Everest summit twice in May last year. His closest competitor in this rare achievement is fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa, who has successfully climbed the peak 27 times.

Although his immediate goal is to guide his group of climbers safely to the summit, Kami Rita did not rule out the possibility of attempting the climb again within the same season. He said that decision would depend on the weather conditions and the state of the mountain.

Kami Rita first summited Mount Everest in 1994 and has since returned nearly every year, becoming one of the most respected figures in high-altitude guiding. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the mountain make him an essential part of the annual expeditions undertaken by climbers from around the globe.

Each year, hundreds of foreign climbers rely on the expertise of Sherpa guides like Kami Rita, whose skill and endurance are critical to ensuring safety and success on the treacherous path to the Everest summit.

Jaipur, November 21: Winter is tightening its grip across Rajasthan, with Mount Abu recording a freezing temperature of 0 degrees Celsius. Nine cities in the state reported nighttime temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, while six cities experienced temperatures under 11 degrees. Dense fog enveloped parts of northwest Rajasthan, causing difficulties for motorists who had to rely on vehicle lights for visibility. People were seen wrapped in warm clothing during the chilly mornings and evenings.

According to the Meteorological Department, the relative humidity in most parts of the state ranged between 40% and 100%. Besides Mount Abu, minimum temperatures were recorded as follows: Bhilwara (9.7°C), Sikar (7°C), Dabok (9.2°C), Churu (8.6°C), Sangaria (9.7°C), Jalore (9.3°C), Sirohi (8.1°C), Fatehpur (6.7°C), and Karauli (9.9°C). Cities like Ajmer, Banasthali, Alwar, Pilani, Chittorgarh, and Anta Baran also reported nighttime temperatures below 11°C. On the warmer side, Jaisalmer recorded the highest daytime temperature of 31.5°C, while Phalodi had the warmest night at 16°C.

Drop in Jaipur's Temperature Adds to Winter Chill

In Jaipur, the minimum temperature continued to drop, registering a decline of 0.9°C to settle at 12.7°C, while the maximum temperature stood at 27.6°C. Mild fog was observed in rural areas around Jaipur during the early hours. Light winds persisted throughout the day.

Air Quality Worsens in Jaipur

As the winter season intensifies, Jaipur's air quality is deteriorating rapidly. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered near 300, with some areas entering the "red zone." Mansarovar recorded an AQI of 332, Sitapura RIICO 323, Adarsh Nagar 227, Police Commissionerate 267, Murlipura 239, and Shastri Nagar 261. Despite efforts by the municipal corporation to mitigate pollution, the air quality remains concerning. In some areas, such as Khairthal, schools have been closed due to severe air pollution.

Police to Enforce Anti-Pollution Measures

In response to the rising air pollution, the police department has been tasked with taking proactive steps to curb pollution. The police headquarters has directed officers to prevent stubble burning in their respective areas, with strict action promised against any negligence. Instructions have been issued to all police commissioners in Jaipur and Jodhpur, as well as district superintendents, to monitor and act against air pollution violations.

The ongoing drop in temperatures coupled with increasing pollution levels highlights the need for stringent environmental measures to ensure public health and safety.

Jaipur, Aug 14 (IANS) With a huge inflow of tourists from Delhi-NCR, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal and UP,  domestic tourism is soaring new heights in Rajasthan registering a 394 per cent growth YoY  in Rajasthan.

The tourist places like Udaipur, Jaipur and Mt Abu are all flooded with visitors and hence those who made advance bookings are having a chance to get rooms and vehicles on rent.

Such is the situation that neither vehicles nor rooms are available for those tourists who have been late in making bookings.

Tourism department deputy director, Daleep Singh Rathore says that Sarva Dharm Teerth Circuit being announced recently is the driving factor behind tourists rushing in huge number to Rajasthan. Religious tourism is on the rise here, he added.

Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO) said that domestic tourists should make prior bookings and then come to desert state to avoid last minute tension.

RATO President Mahendra Singh Rathore said that tourists from states like Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat and Delhi-NCR are coming to Rajasthan in large number. Domestic tourists in record number are coming to places like Sawai Madhopur, Kumbhalgarh, etc, to experience wildlife, he added.

Travel veteran Devipal Singh said tourists from Gujarat are mostly camping in Jawai while those from Delhi are going to Sariska, Ranthambore, etc, and those from UP are going to Bharatpur and Dausa.

In fact, for Udaipur, bookings are full for December and January too, for which it has been ranked second in list of beautiful world cities.