Srinagar, Nov 17 : High voting turnout was recorded in Leh and Kargil region in Ladakh division on Monday in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.

Despite severe cold people in large numbers were seen at the various polling stations waiting to cast their vote.

Notwithstanding the freezing cold and the fear of the separatists, the trickle of voters at polling stations across the 10 constituencies in the Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir the crowds were increasing as the day progressed.

Jammu, Nov. 17 : Braving freezing temperatures and ignoring separatists'' boycott call, voters came out in large numbers with an average 55 per cent turnout recorded in the first phase of the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir held amid unprecedented security on Monday.

New Delhi, Nov 17 : The first Indo-German Environment Forum programme begins on Tuesday.

It aims to strengthen cooperation in the field of environment. It will focus on issues relating to climate, energy, water and waste policies.

The main purpose of this forum is to share the lessons through extremely fruitful engagement and to widen the scope of commonly, agreed environmental agenda of both the countries.

New Delhi, Nov 17 : Defence Minister A. K. Antony released the in-house ''Manual of Security Instructions - 2008 (MSI-2008)'' at a brief function in his office here today.

Speaking on the occasion Antony underlined the security drill to tackle emerging threats and unpredictable risks.

The Defence Minister lauded the Security Wing of the Defence Ministry in compiling the detailed security instructions.

Antony called upon the security guards and officers to adhere to the instructions in spirit and action.

New Delhi, Nov 17 (ANI): Chief of the Italian Army Staff Lietunant General Fabrizio Castagnetti arrived at New Delhi on Monday and was given a Guard of Honour at South Block.

He is visiting India on an official tour from November 17-21 on a reciprocal visit and cement our bonds of friendship further.

His visit will not only enhance the existing military cooperation between the two countries but will also open up new opportunities for training cooperation.