Kolkata tourist among two killed in Sikkim accident

Kol tourist & driver killed, 4 injured as vehicle falls into river in Sikkim

Asian Development Bank approves USD 148.5 million loan for Sikkim to boost power supply

Mohan Guruswamy | The importance of being Tibets 14th Dalai Lama

The 14th Dalai Lama (spiritual name: Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso), who was born on July 6, 1935, has been resident in India since 1959, and is the highest spiritual leader and most revered head of Tibetan Buddhism. When I had visited Tibet, it was common to see ordinary Tibetans discreetly wearing his medallion. It was also very common to see his pictures in most Tibetan-owned shops in Tibet, Yunnan and Qinghai. The Dalai Lamas ecclesiastical influence extends into Indias border areas such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Ladakh. Despite a historical political identity entwined with China, Tibet has traditionally looked towards India for moral and spiritual sustenance. Tibet has had a long history of struggle with China and the present Dalai Lama is not the first one to seek refuge in India. The British had an active policy to create a buffer against China in the form of an independent Tibet. The Chinese Amban (plenipotentiary) in Lhasa watched the Younghusband expeditions exertions in Tibet passively and one immediate consequence of this was an assertion of Tibets independence. After the establishment of the Republic of China with Sun Yat Sen as President on January 1, 1912, in April that year the 13 th Dalai Lama declared the end of Tibets relationship with China and expelled the Amban and all Chinese troops. Almost immediately after their civil war triumph in 1949, the Chinese Communists reasserted control over Tibet, which had by then enjoyed over four decades of independence. Since then, India has tried to head off the Tibet problem by accepting its annexation into the Peoples Republic of China. In the years since, the Chinese Communists tried to solve the Tibet problem by attempting to wipe out Tibetan nationalism and Buddhism with Maos Communism. It didnt succeed. This policy has now been replaced by the creeping Hanisation and massive doses of economic development. These too have worked only partially for the Chinese, but they seemed to do better with this than with the Maoist iron hand. Though Tibet is now relatively passive, it still remains a dry tinderbox and the Chinese dread the likelihood of any spark that may set off a fire. For India too, the policy has worked partially. Over 150,000 Tibetan refugees now live in India, and India has willy-nilly become the fulcrum of a worldwide struggle by the Tibetans to regain their nation. In short, the Tibet issue, though dormant now, is still very much alive and whether India likes it or not, it is being played out in its front yard. Central to this sustained struggle has been the international stature of the Dalai Lama, who has become the symbol of many ideals and images. The mix of new age spiritualism, ethics, ecological values and politics has won for the Dalai Lama many influential and wealthy Western adherents to Tibetan Buddhism and supporters of Tibets cause. Today, the tiny enclave of McLeodganj, a suburb of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, is a magnet that draws large numbers of young Westerners seeking a new meaning to and purpose in life. It draws top political personalities like Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, and top Hollywood actors like Richard Gere and Uma Thurman. Both China and India must worry about a post-Dalai Lama period. Tibetans believe the Dalai Lama to be a living God. But he is also human and must die like all humans. He is now 88 years old, and time is certainly not on his side. As long as he is alive, he keeps the embers of Tibetan nationalism from conflagrating with the blanket of the new age Buddhism that he has woven. When this Dalai Lama is gone, the embers might just combust. The chosen leadership of the exiles will not go unchallenged. The Chinese Communists will almost certainly try to foist their own incarnation and will try to legitimise it with all the power available to them. It is unlikely that they will succeed, but it will certainly obfuscate the situation and preclude any future compromise on the issue of the spiritual leadership of the Tibetan Buddhists. While the spiritual leadership may be contested, it is almost inevitable that a new generation of Tibetan exiles will stake a claim for the temporal leadership of the Tibetan nationalist movement. If this is contested by the regency around the India-based incarnation, then we will almost certainly see a competition for the hearts and minds of young Tibetans and this will inevitably lead to more assertive postures as the different factions jockey for power. Such internal struggles often result in greater militancy, with India has its base. On the other hand, we may see a duality of leadership emerging among the Tibetan exiles, a spiritual leadership that tends to the soul and a militant leadership that leads the struggle for attainment of political goals. It is due to the Dalai Lamas foresight and sagacity that the contours of such a dual leadership is now emerging, with the second tallest Buddhist ecclesiastical figure, Ugen Thinley, the Karmapa (now in Germany), and the Sikyong (president) of the government-in-exile, Tempa Tshering. Both now enjoy much stature among migr Tibetan groups and within Tibet. From the Indian perspective, the rise of an alternate religious leader in the interim would well prevent the splintering of the Tibetan Buddhist movement. The young Karmapa might well provide this. Geographically and ethnically, much of Ladakh is an extension of the Tibetan Changthang, and the main language spoken is a Tibetan dialect. The Tawang tract in the other end was, till it was annexed by India in the early 1950s, under the temporal control of the Dalai Lama in Lhasa. We must not forget that the border dispute with China is in reality a border dispute with Tibet. It is another matter that if Tibet was truly independent, it would have been unable to assert its claims in the way that the Chinese did. The Chinese claims to Tawang and surrounding areas is largely based on a claim made by the present Dalai Lama in the late 1940s, when he wrote a letter to the government of newly independent India laying formal claim to it. Two decades from now, China will be an aging nation and hence it feels that it must make the best of the present opportunity. Its periodic aggressiveness with India has more to do with this, than any parcels of land. The transition of Tibetan leadership is a major consideration.

Northeast braces for downpours, IMD issues orange alert for Assam & Meghalaya

Guwahati: Northeast India braces for a week of wet weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts widespread rainfall across the region. While light to moderate showers are expected across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, some areas will see significantly heavier downpours, Weather Channel [] The post Northeast braces for downpours, IMD issues orange alert for Assam & Meghalaya appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

Heavy to very heavy rainfall to continue over south Peninsular India till May 23: IMD

Heavy to very heavy rainfall to continue over south Peninsular India till May 23: IMD Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to continue over south Peninsular India till May 23 with extremely heavy falls during May 19-21, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Southwest Monsoon is very likely to advance into the South Andaman Sea, some parts of Southeast Bay of Bengal and Nicobar Islands around May 19, the IMD said. It further said that a cyclonic circulation lies over south interior Tamil Nadu and neighbourhood in low and mid-tropospheric levels. A trough runs from south Chhattisgarh to South Interior Karnataka and another trough runs from Marathwada to a cyclonic circulation over south interior Tamil Nadu in lower tropospheric levels. As per the IMD, under the influence of the cyclonic circulation, fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) is likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe, Lakshadweep, south Karnataka and Isolated to scattered light/moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning & gusty winds (30-40 kmph) over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Telangana and Rayalaseema during next 7 days. The IMD has also predicted isolated heavy rainfall very likely over Coastal Karnataka from May 19-22, South Interior Karnataka from May 21-22, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema on May 18 and Lakshadweep from May 18-21. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe on May 18 and 22 and South Interior Karnataka during May 18-20. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall also very likely over Tamil Nadu and Kerala during May 19-21, it added. Isolated light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds is very likely over Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Madhya Pradesh on May 18 and 19. Further, according to an IMD release, a cyclonic circulation lies over northeast Assam and the neighbourhood in lower tropospheric levels. The IMD said that under the influence of the cyclonic circulation, scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during the next seven days. Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Sikkim during May 18-20, Arunachal Pradesh on May 18-19, Assam and Meghalaya during May 18-20, Nagaland, Manipur on May 18. Isolated very heavy rainfall also likely over Meghalaya on May 19 and 20, it said. The IMD also said strong surface winds very likely to prevail in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan during the next five days. (ANI)

Tourist from Kolkata among 2 killed as taxi falls into river in Sikkim

A tragic incident near Singtam in Sikkim resulted in a taxi plunging into the Rani river, claiming the lives of two individuals, including Rabindra Nath Paul. The family of five tourists from Kolkata, including Tapas Paul, Krishna Paul, Mira Paul, and a four-year-old girl, sustained injuries and were hospitalized in Gangtok.

Sikkim Awarded As The Best State In Environment Education Programme

The northeastern state of Sikkim has been awarded with the prestigious title of Best State for excellence in implementing the Environment Education Programme (Eco-Club Programme) for the year 2023-24. This accolade was presented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) during the National Review Meet held in the national capital. The award,... The post Sikkim Awarded As The Best State In Environment Education Programme appeared first on Northeast Today .

State Bank Of Sikkim Lodges FIR Against 3 Officials For Embezzlement Of Rs 69 Crore

The State Bank of Sikkim has lodged an FIR with the Crime Investigation Department (CID) against three officials of the bank for alleged irregularities and embezzlement of funds amounting to over Rs 69 crore, an official said on Friday. The bank has accused three officials Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, general manager (operations), Tsewang Dorjee Lepcha,... The post State Bank Of Sikkim Lodges FIR Against 3 Officials For Embezzlement Of Rs 69 Crore appeared first on Northeast Today .

Sikkim: Senior SBS officials implicated in Rs 69 crore fraud

GANGTOK: In a significant financial scandal, three senior officials of the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) have been accused of embezzling funds exceeding Rs 69 crore. The crime investigation department (CID) of the Sikkim police has filed a first information report (FIR) against the implicated individuals. The accused officials are Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, general manager [] The post Sikkim: Senior SBS officials implicated in Rs 69 crore fraud appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

Asian Development Bank Approves USD 148 Million Loan To Improve Power Supply In Sikkim

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 148.5 million loan to help modernise and enhance the reliability, quality and resilience of electricity supply in Sikkim. This project fully supports Sikkims Power for All initiative, ensuring round-the-clock uninterrupted access to quality electricity for households, industries, businesses, and the public, ADB said in a statement on... The post Asian Development Bank Approves USD 148 Million Loan To Improve Power Supply In Sikkim appeared first on Northeast Today .

Mumbai Hoarding Collapse: Ghatkopar Billboard Owner Bhavesh Bhinde Arrested in Udaipur

Mumbai, 17 May : In a major development, Mumbai Police have apprehended Bhavesh Bhinde (51), the owner of the hoarding that collapsed in Ghatkopar on May 13, resulting in 16 The post Mumbai Hoarding Collapse: Ghatkopar Billboard Owner Bhavesh Bhinde Arrested in Udaipur appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

ADB approves $148 mn loan to improve power supply in Sikkim

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a loan of USD 148.5 million to facilitate the modernization and improvement of the reliability, quality, and resilience of electricity supply in Sikkim. This initiative aligns completely with Sikkim's Power for All program, guaranteeing uninterrupted, high-quality electricity access round the clock for households, industries, businesses, and the public.

Sikkim's Power Supply To Get A $148.5 Million Boost From ADB

Asian Development Bank approves $148.5 million loan to modernise and enhance Sikkim's power supply, supporting round-the-clock access to quality electricity for households, industries, and businesses.

Sikkim Governor Lakshman Acharya Champions For Progress And Unity On 49th Statehood Day

Today marks Sikkims completion of 49 years in the democratic system. The journey from voluntary integration into the worlds largest democracy and to mark the significance of this day, the Honble Governor of Sikkim Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya graced the celebrations at Chintan Bhavan. A special book titled, Hamro Sankalp: Viksit Bharat Pushpit Sikkim was... The post Sikkim Governor Lakshman Acharya Champions For Progress And Unity On 49th Statehood Day appeared first on Northeast Today .

Sikkim introduces AI-powered traffic management system

GANGTOK: The Sikkim transport department announced plans, on Thursday (May 16), to roll out an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven traffic management system across the state, scheduled to commence operations from May 25. The innovative system aims to modernize traffic management practices and enhance regulatory efficiency by automating document verification and detecting violations. In an official statement, [] The post Sikkim introduces AI-powered traffic management system appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

PM, Guv, CM greet people of Sikkim on 49th Statehood Day

Gangtok: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday greeted the people of Sikkim on the 49th Statehood Day. Greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day, Modi wrote on X. This state is known for its scenic beauty and hardworking people. Over the years, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Statehood Day Greetings Pour in from PM, Guv, CM for Sikkim's 49th Anniversary

Statehood Day Greetings Pour in from PM, Guv, CM for Sikkim's 49th Anniversary Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday greeted the people of Sikkim on the 49th Statehood Day. ''Greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day'', Modi wrote on X. ''This state is known for its scenic beauty and hardworking people. Over the years, Sikkim has made a mark in organic farming. Our government will keep working for the welfare of Sikkim in the times to come'', Modi said, adding, ''I pray that the people of this state are always healthy and prosperous''. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya also greeted the people of the state on the occasion. ''Today marks Sikkim's completion of 49 years in the democratic system. The journey from voluntary integration into the world's largest democracy on 16 May 1975 until today has been profoundly memorable and meaningful for Sikkim and its people,'' he said. ''Sikkim has achieved remarkable development in various sectors, including social, economic, cultural, and infrastructure, under the democratic system, setting an example for other states and strengthening democracy,'' Acharya added. In a Facebook post, Tamang said, ''It marks a pivotal moment in history when Sikkim embraced democracy, embarking on a journey of progress and prosperity that has deeply intertwined its fate with that of our nation. Over the past 49 years, Sikkim has carved out a distinct identity and made remarkable advancements.'' ''As we celebrate this milestone, let us reaffirm our unwavering dedication to safeguarding our rich cultural heritage, traditional values, and the spirit of unity while striving to enhance the quality of life for all our citizens,'' the Chief Minister said.

Sunil Chhetri Retiring , June 6 Will Be His Last Football Against Kuwait

Pakyong, 16 May : Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri announced on Thursday that he will retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kuwait on The post Sunil Chhetri Retiring , June 6 Will Be His Last Football Against Kuwait appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

AI-driven traffic management system set to go live in Sikkim from May 25

Gangtok: The Sikkim transport department on Thursday announced the launch of an Artificial Intelligence-driven traffic management system across the state from May 25. The system aims to modernise traffic management and improve regulation efficiency by automatically verifying documents and detecting violations. With a view to modernise traffic management and enhance the efficiency and accuracy of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

State Bank of Sikkim Files FIR Against Three Employees for Embezzling Rs 69 Crore

Gangtok, 16 May : The State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) has lodged an FIR against three employeesDorjee Tshering Lepcha, General Manager (Operations); Tsewang Dorjee Lepcha, Assistant Manager (IT); and Tilak The post State Bank of Sikkim Files FIR Against Three Employees for Embezzling Rs 69 Crore appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Bank Holiday Today: Banks will remain closed in this state today, check the list of holidays.

Bank Holiday Today: According to the list of holidays released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks are going to remain closed in one state of the country today. Today banks are going to remain closed only in Sikkim. Today is Sikkims State Day Bank Holiday Today: According to the list of holidays released [] The post Bank Holiday Today: Banks will remain closed in this state today, check the list of holidays. first appeared on informalnewz .

Sikkim: Day 2 Of Counting Process Training Conducted At Rurban Complex, Pakyong

The second day of training for Counting Supervisors, Counting Assistants and Micro Observers was conducted at the conference hall of Rurban Complex, Pakyong today. A total of 107 participants attended the training for the counting process in both morning and afternoon sessions. During the training, Mr Tashi Chophel, DC cum DEO Pakyong, emphasised the roles... The post Sikkim: Day 2 Of Counting Process Training Conducted At Rurban Complex, Pakyong appeared first on Northeast Today .

ECI Bans Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices Inside Counting Halls for 2024 Elections

Gangtok, 15 May : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced strict restrictions on the carrying of mobile phones and other electronic devices inside the counting halls during the The post ECI Bans Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices Inside Counting Halls for 2024 Elections appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

3 Killed, 15 Injured In Pickup Van Accident Along NH31A at Phasidewa

Siliguri, May 15: Three people were killed and more than 15 injured when a wedding pickup van carrying guests to Bihar overturned on the NH31A highway at Kantivitha Phasidewa. The The post 3 Killed, 15 Injured In Pickup Van Accident Along NH31A at Phasidewa appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Sikkim: Eighth Batch Of Postal Ballots Received In Namchi District

The District Election Officer (DEO) Namchi, along with the Nodal Officer for the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) at the District Administrative Centre, Namchi, today, on May 15, oversaw the reception of the eighth batch of postal ballots from service voters. The postal official handed over 21 postal ballots, bringing the total number of... The post Sikkim: Eighth Batch Of Postal Ballots Received In Namchi District appeared first on Northeast Today .

Travel tips: Sikkim full of beautiful valleys will fascinate your mind, definitely explore these places here.

Sikkim is one of the most famous tourist destinations located in the northeast part of India. It is a small and beautiful state of India. Sikkim, drenched in natural beauty, is an expert in captivating the mind with its beauty. It is known for its plants, animals, rivers, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Sikkim shares its borders with Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet. If you are also planning to travel somewhere, then Sikkim can be the best option for you. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about some famous places in Sikkim that you must explore. After visiting these beautiful places, you will not feel like coming back. Let us know about these places... Tsomgo Lake If you want to visit some romantic place in Sikkim, then Tsomgo Lake will be the best option for you. Tsomgo Lake is just 40 kilometers away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. This lake is present at an altitude of 12,400 feet. This lake is also known as Changu Lake. Let us tell you that this lake freezes completely in winter. On the occasion of spring, the beauty of this lake blossoms with many beautiful flowers. nature pass Nathula is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that connects Sikkim to China. Nathu La, located on the Indo-Tibet border at 14450 feet above sea level, is one of the highest roads in the world. Nathula is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China and is famous for its picturesque beauty and scenic environment. The temperature here remains low for most of the year, and it becomes a tourist attraction during summer. But only Indian tourists are allowed here and foreigners are not allowed to go here. This border is a place where after going there you can see Chinese soldiers and their passing trucks along with Indian soldiers. May to mid-November is the summer season when the temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius which is the best time to visit Nathula Pass. Kanchenjunga National Park If you like trekking, then you must visit Kanchenjunga National Park once. Kangchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is named after Mount Kangchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. Reputed as a trekking paradise, this park is home to around 550 species of birds. Close to the India-China borders, adventure lovers will definitely enjoy this thrilling base camp. Yumthang Valley Yumthang Valley, more than 100 kilometers from the main city of Gangtok, is famous for the Valley of Flowers. Many species of flowers can be seen growing here. This valley is a beautiful valley surrounded by fields of flowers and lush green grass. This tourist place is a good place to visit with your families. This valley is very much liked by nature lovers. Some hot springs and lush green grasslands are also located in Yumthang Valley, which remains the center of attraction for the tourists visiting here. If you are searching for famous tourist places in Sikkim to visit with your friends or family, then Yumthang Valley is also the perfect option for you. Ravangala Ravangla is a beautiful and peaceful town situated in South Sikkim which is situated at an altitude of about 7000 feet. This city is located at a distance of about 65 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. This place is very famous among tourists for its peaceful environment and natural view, as well as the grand view of the snowy ranges of the Himalayas can be seen from the city and its surrounding areas. This place is for those who are looking for a calm and clean environment. Apart from this, there are many other tourist places around this beautiful city which are worth visiting. Yuxom Yuksom, one of the major tourist destinations of Sikkim, is a beautiful place located in the western region of Sikkim and is known for its natural beauty. Situated amidst mountains covered with lush green vegetation, Yuksom also serves as a base camp for reaching Mount Kanchenjunga. If you are searching for places to visit in Sikkim with your friends, then you can pick Yuksom for your trip. The major attractions of this city include historical monuments, ancient monasteries, tranquil waterfalls, and lakes, which you can see here and you can also enjoy many adventure activities here. Yuksom is also a very special place for tourists interested in the religious and historical importance of Sikkim because the first Dabdi Monastery of the state of Sikkim was established in Yuksom. Juluk To see Juluk, one has to travel about 3 hours from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. During this time, 32 hairpin turns on the way can make your journey more spectacular. Juluk is a small and very beautiful village in Sikkim. But Thumbi View Point, situated at a height of 11 feet from here, is famous for its beautiful views of Kanchenjunga Peak. During your trip to Juluk, you can also see Kapup Lake or Elephant Lake. Pelling Pelling, located at a distance of about 140 kilometers from Gangtok, is also the best place to visit. Pelling, a beautiful town in the West district of Sikkim, is the second largest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. Pelling, situated at an altitude of 6800 feet above sea level, is a beautiful town that offers breathtaking views of Khangchendzonga and the neighboring peaks. Pelling is one of the best places in Sikkim for nature lovers as well as adventure lovers, where tourists can enjoy attractive activities like trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, walking, and having a peaceful time. Gurudongmar Lake This lake, full of natural beauty, is one of the best tourist places in Sikkim which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Gurudongmar Lake, situated at an altitude of more than 17000 feet, is the second-highest lake in Sikkim. The high snow-covered mountains play an important role in enhancing the beauty of this lake. Tourists come from far and wide to visit this lake. Tourists coming here also take the water of this lake with them. This lake proves to be a boon for nature lovers. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crystal icy waters, Gurudongmar Lake is considered to be a very sacred lake which also has a 'Sarva Dharma Sthali' nearby, which is a very popular place of worship for all religions. Lachung Lachung, a popular tourist destination located in North Sikkim, is a small town situated on the banks of the serene and beautiful Lachung River. The city is situated close to the Tibetan border and is surrounded by amazing and spectacular views of nature. Apart from the beautiful waterfalls and cool climate, one can also get a glimpse of the beautiful view of snow-clad mountains and flower gardens which is liked by almost every tourist. This is an ideal place for people who love nature and is also considered the best place for photography and adventure lovers. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Travel tips: Not only Uttarakhand, these 6 states are also the best option for rafting, adventure lovers should definitely visit once in their life.

Are you looking for adventure out of Uttarakhand and want to experience something unique amidst nature? So the rivers of these 5 states of the country are waiting for you. Here you can have such an experience of river rafting which will not only be worth the money but will also be the next level of adventure. Nestled in the dense forests of the Western Ghats, Karnataka's Kali River offers an exciting rafting experience amidst lush greenery and waterfalls. This river has grade III and IV rapids, which is a great experience for adventure lovers. The stretch from Dandeli to Kurundvad is the most popular for rafting, which offers challenging rapids and a tranquil environment together. Goa is not only known for its beaches, but you can also enjoy the thrill of rafting on the Mandovi and Valpoi rivers. This river flowing through the forest provides an opportunity to enjoy rafting as well as the surrounding natural beauty. The best time to enjoy rafting in Goa is monsoon. If you are looking for real adventure, then rafting on the Zanskar River can be a memorable experience for you. This place is one of the highest rafting places in the world. However, this rafting destination is suitable only for experienced rafters and the rafting season is open only for a few weeks in July and August. If you are in Sikkim then you can enjoy rafting on the Teesta River. The fast flow and challenging rapids of the Testa river thrill the rafting lovers. The rafting season here is between the months of October to February. In Kullu, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and lush green vegetation, you can enjoy rafting on the Beas River. Rafting in Kullu is good for both beginners and experienced-level rafters. The rafting season here is between April to October. You can also go rafting on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh. On this journey, you can enjoy the beautiful views of forests, rugged valleys, and tribal villages. (PC: Zee news)

Octogenarian couple departs together for heavenly abode within a span of hour of illness

Pakyong, 15 May: In a heartbreaking incident unfolding in Mulukay Village, nestled within the picturesque Pakyong District of Sikkim, an octogenarian couple met a fate that deeply touched hearts. Within The post Octogenarian couple departs together for heavenly abode within a span of hour of illness appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Sikkim transport dept to use AI Algorithms for traffic management

GANGTOK, March 14: The Sikkim Transport Department has decided to introduce Artificial intelligence driven traffic management system in the Himalayan state from May 25, an official said on Tuesday. The new system powered by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms is designed to automatically detect the validity of documents such as insurance, tax, fitness, pollution under []

Sikkim Transport Departments Introduction of AI-Based Traffic Management System

Pakyong, 14 May :The Transport Department of Sikkim has announced the implementation of an innovative Artificial Intelligence Driven Traffic Management System aimed at modernizing traffic management throughout the state. This The post Sikkim Transport Departments Introduction of AI-Based Traffic Management System appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

PM Modi seeks blessings at Dashashwamedh Ghat ahead of Varanasi nomination

PM Modi seeks blessings at Dashashwamedh Ghat ahead of Varanasi nomination Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganga here on Tuesday morning before his nomination filing from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. He also performed aarti at the ghat amid chanting of Vedic mantras. In a post in Hindi on X, Modi said, ''My relationship with my Kashi is amazing, inseparable and incomparable... all I can say is that it cannot be expressed in words!'' He is eyeing a hattrick in the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, which he had won for the first time in 2014. The prime minister held a dazzling roadshow in Varanasi a day ago and vowed to do a lot more to serve the holy city in his third term. A day later, he posted a clip from his Monday's roadshow on 'X' and said, ''The love and blessings that my family members of Kashi showered on me during the road show has become an unforgettable moment in my life.'' Several Union ministers, including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of BJP and NDA-ruled states and leaders of the party are likely to accompany Modi to the collectorate for his nomination filing on Tuesday. The BJP's NDA partners Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary, LJP chief Chirag Paswan, Apna Dal (S) president Anupriya Patel and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party president Omprakash Rajbhar are also expected to be present. Besides Adityanath, chief ministers Nitish Kumar (Bihar), Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), Eknath Shinde (Maharashtra), Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan), Himanta Biswa Sharma (Assam), Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana), Pramod Sawant (Goa), Prem Singh Tamang (Sikkim) and Manik Saha (Tripura) are also likely to attend the prime minister's nomination filing. Following the nomination process, Modi will hold a meeting with BJP workers at the Rudraksha Convention Centre. Voting in Varanasi will take place in the seventh phase on June 1.

PM offers prayers at Varanasi Ghat, to file nomination shortly

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganga here on Tuesday before filing his nomination from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.He also performed aarti at the ghat amid chanting of Vedic mantras. Several Union ministers, including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of BJP and NDA-ruled states and leaders of the party are likely to accompany Modi to the collectorate for his nomination filing. The BJP's NDA partners Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary, LJP chief Chirag Paswan, Apna Dal (S) president Anupriya Patel and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party president Omprakash Rajbhar are also expected to be present. Besides Adityanath, chief ministers Nitish Kumar (Bihar), Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), Eknath Shinde (Maharashtra), Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan), Himanta Biswa Sharma (Assam), Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana), Pramod Sawant (Goa), Prem Singh Tamang (Sikkim) and Manik Saha (Tripura) are also likely to attend the prime minister's nomination filing. Following the nomination process, Modi will hold a meeting with BJP workers at the Rudraksha Convention Centre. Voting in Varanasi will take place in the seventh phase on June 1.

Padma Shri Awardee, Ren Jorden Lepcha welcomed with a warm reception

Pakyong, 13 May (IPR): The Padma Shri Awardee, Ren Jorden Lepcha, arrived in Sikkim today. Ren Jorden Lepcha was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri award by the President of The post Padma Shri Awardee, Ren Jorden Lepcha welcomed with a warm reception appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

PM Modi Leads Grand Six-Kilometer Roadshow in Varanasi Before Nomination Filing

New Delhi/Varanasi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a six-kilometre-long roadshow in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, which was decked with posters and garlands throughout the route. Mr Modi will file his nomination papers on Tuesday from Varanasi for the third time as the BJP-led NDA chases an ambitious target of 400 paar. Before beginning his roadshow, the PM garlanded the statue of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya outside the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Mr Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP UP chief Bhupendra Chaudhury. Beginning from the famous Lanka Chowk right outside the BHU, the roadshow ended near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, and along the route passed through nearly 120 big and small temples and various ghats. Later, the PM offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Varanasi will go to polls in the seventh and the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1. The mega roadshow passed through Sant Ravidas Gate, Assi, Shivala, Sonarpura, Jangambadi and Godaulia. The roadshow reverberated with the sounds of conches, dhols and damrus to welcome the PM. Hundreds of people were seen in saffron attire while people from different states in their traditional attire were also part of the gathering. People lined the barricaded roads, some of them holding saffron flags, balloons and small trishuls. Small stages were set up along the route where cultural performances were held. Cutouts of famous people from Kashi were also installed in many places. People from different communities, including Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Maheshwari, Marwari, Tamil and Punjabi, welcomed Mr Modi at 100 points in 11 zones marked out on the route of the roadshow. Two hours after the roadshow began from the Malviya Chauraha in Varanasis Lanka area, the Prime Minister reached the Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered prayers. The PM also shared a video of the roadshow on the social media platform X and said, Kashi is special... The warmth and affection of the people here is unbelievable. The PM will spend the night at the BLW guest house. On Tuesday, the PM will file his nomination papers after offering prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple. Mr Modi may also offer prayers at the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganga around 9 am, a BJP statement issued in Lucknow said. As per his itinerary, the PM may also take a cruise trip to the Namo Ghat in the city ahead of filing nomination papers. Following the nomination process, Mr Modi will hold a meeting with BJP workers at the Rudraksha Convention Centre. Mr Modi is also expected to take a dip in the Ganga river on the occasion of Ganga Saptami on Tuesday. Several ministers, including Union home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of the BJP and NDA-ruled states and leaders of the party are likely to accompany Mr Modi to the collectorate. The BJPs NDA partners Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary, LJP chief Chirag Paswan, Apna Dal (S) president Anupriya and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party president Omprakash Rajbhar are also expected to attend, the statement said. Besides UP CM Adityanath, chief ministers Nitish Kumar of Bihar, Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand, Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh, Vishn Deo Sai of Chhattisgarh, Eknath Shinde of Maharashtra, Bhajan Lal Sharma of Rajasthan, Himanta Biswa Sharma of Assam, Nayab Singh Saini of Haryana, Pramod Sawant of Goa, Prem Singh Tamang of Sikkim and Manik Saha of Tripura are also likely to attend the Prime Ministers nomination filing.

Government to spend over 2 crore on each kilometre of road built along the China border in Uttarakhand and Sikkim

In the past five months, the MHA has sanctioned 113 roads under the Vibrant Village Programme; there are at least 168 villages along the border with China that do not have any road connectivity

Assessment of Infrastructure Needs for Achieving USD 1 Trillion Exports: Official

Assessment of Infrastructure Needs for Achieving USD 1 Trillion Exports: Official A study to assess required infrastructure and identify main industry clusters for achieving the USD 1 trillion merchandise exports target by 2030 may be submitted by August-September to the commerce ministry, an official said. The official said that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is doing that study for the ministry. In 2023-24, India's merchandise exports dipped by over 3 per cent to USD 437 billion. Imports during the last fiscal dipped by 5.7 per cent to USD 675.4 billion. By 2030, the ministry is aiming to more than double the country's outbound shipments of goods. Explaining the rationale behind the exercise, the official said that to take the exports to USD 1 trillion, there will be an import of about USD 1.5 trillion, so to handle USD 2.5 trillion worth of trade ''we need'' additional infrastructure and logistics capacity at roads, ports, airports and railways. ''If exports will increase, imports will also increase. There is a correlation between higher exports and imports. So we have to create an infrastructure to handle about USD 2.5 trillion worth of merchandise goods,'' the official added. Besides infrastructure requirements, there is also a need to identify the industry clusters from where there will be a large movement of goods. To query when the ministry is expected to get the report, the official said ''by around August-September''. After that, the commerce ministry will share the details with ministries concerned, including shipping, aviation, roads and national highways, and railways. The ministries would see if they need investments for additional capacity development and where all that investment will go. As per rough calculations and estimates, another official said that India may need to create an infrastructure which will support an additional 2,000 million tonne of goods movement in the ports. Similarly in the railways, there could be a need to create an infrastructure which will allow railways to carry on an additional 338 million tonne of goods by 2030. Airports also need to create an additional 5 million tonne of facilities for movement of goods. ''The study is trying to identify what kind of infrastructure is required at the exit points and which are the clusters from where there will be the larger movement of goods,'' the government official added. Sectors which are expected to help India boost the country's exports in the coming years include electronics, pharmaceuticals, marine products, and engineering. India's electronics goods' export rose by about 24 per cent to USD 29.12 billion in 2023-24. Drugs and pharmaceuticals exports increased 9.67 per cent year-on-year to USD 27.9 billion in the last fiscal. The main clusters for electronic goods in the country include Chennai (Sriperumbudur) and Bengaluru (Sri city). For shrimp, huge opportunities are coming up in states like Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal. Similarly for pharma, Baddi in Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim are major clusters. ''So today, if there is a movement of 100 containers in these clusters, tomorrow we may need 300 and for that we need an assessment and planning.. We have to see if we need more internal container depots (ICDs),'' the official said.

Sikkim flood was one of Asias worst climate disasters in 2023

Why did the disaster play out the way it did? What can be done going forward?

Intrepid Travel unveils new adventure packages for India

Intrepid Travels India office has unveiled tailor-made adventure packages for the North Eastern States and Central India, aiming to immerse travellers in the vibrant culture, rich heritage, and stunning wildlife of the region. The packages, dubbed Premium India Safari and India Expedition: Sikkim, Assam, and Nagaland, are designed to draw approximately 12,000 adventure enthusiasts...

Sikkimese director Samten Bhutia's 'Tara' selected for Cannes festival

Sikkimese director Samten Bhutias Tara selected for Cannes festival

Sikkimese Director Samten Bhutias Tara: The Lost Star selected for screening at Cannes festival

The film has been selected for screening at March Du Film, the official film market of the Cannes Film Festival

Why did Sikkims hatmaker Jordan Lepcha receive Padma Shri Award?

Why did Sikkims hatmaker Jordan Lepcha receive Padma Shri Award

Rainfall Alert: Warning of strong storm and hailstorm with heavy rain in 17 states, know the weather condition in your state.

According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of heavy rain in West Bengal and Sikkim on May 9. At the same time, a warning of hailstorm along with strong thunderstorm has been issued in some parts of Eastern Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha. Apart from this, there is a possibility of heat wave continuing [] The post Rainfall Alert: Warning of strong storm and hailstorm with heavy rain in 17 states, know the weather condition in your state. first appeared on informalnewz .

Bapatla: Know your candidates

TDP Tenneti Krishna Prasad, TDP Krishna Prasad, a 1986 batch IPS officer, served in various posts and joined BJP after retirement. He recently expected a BJP ticket from Secunderabad Cantonment (SC) constituency in Telangana, but could not get the ticket. He also reportedly aspired for the BJP MP ticket from Warangal for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections but has ultimately been announced as the TDP candidate for Bapatla. Vegesana Narendra Varma - Bapatla Industrialist and philanthropist Narendra is making his electoral debut in the 2024 elections from Bapatla Assembly constituency. After former TDP MLA Annam Satish Prabhakar resigned from the party and joined BJP, TDP appointed Narendra Varma as constituency in-charge and later gave him an MLA ticket to contest against two-time MLA Kona Raghupathi from Bapatla Assembly constituency Nakka Ananda Babu - Vemuru Ananda Babu, a senior leader in TDP, rose through the ranks from student union president. He was elected to AP Legislative Assembly for two terms in 2009 and 2014 from Vemuru. He served as the Social Welfare, Tribal Welfare Minister from 2017 to 2019. He lost in the 2019 elections against Minister Merugu Nagarjuna. In 2020, he was appointed as a Politburo Member of TDP. He is contesting the 2024 elections for the fourth time Anagani Satya Prasad - Repalle Real estate businessman-turned-politician, Anagani has a political background. His uncle Anagani Bhagavantha Rao served as MLA and minister. The reconstitution of constituencies in 2009, and subsequent defeat of TDP in Repalle, brought Anagani into the political arena. The decision of TDP to allot 100 seats to BCs then was an enabling factor for him. He lost the 2009 elections and emerged victorious in 2014 and 2019 BN Vijaya Kumar BN Vijaya Kumar - Santhanuthalapadu Vijaya Kumar, a notable leader from the SC community, made his electoral debut in the 2009 election from the Congress party and won. After the bifurcation of the State, he jumped ship to TDP and successfully contested in 2014 and 2019 elections against Minister Adimulapu Suresh and TJR Sudhakar Babu respectively with a slight majority. Vijaya Kumar is in the 2024 poll fray from Santhanuthalapadu for the fourth consecutive time against Minister Merugu Nagarjuna Yeluri Sambasiva Rao - Parchur Sambasiva Rao, representing Telugu Desam Party, won the 2014 State Legislative Assembly elections with 97,248 votes (51.65%), defeating YSRC candidate Gottipati Bharath Kumar. Yeluri was re-elected in the 2019 Andhra Pradesh General elections, securing 97,076 votes (47.78%) against YSRC candidate Daggubati Venkateswar Rao, once again representing the Parchur Assembly in the ensuing general elections Gottipati Ravikumar - Addanki Began his political career with Congress and won in 2004 elections from Martur. Later, he successfully contested from Addanki in 2009 elections and later joined YSRC. He contested from Addanki in the 2014 elections and won. In 2016, he left YSRC and joined TDP and won in 2019 elections. He is the only candidate, who won in 2019 from among the 23 YSRC MLAs who defected to the TDP after 2014 elections. Ravikumar is contesting for the fourth consecutivetime Nandigam Suresh YSRC Nandigam Suresh, YSRC The sitting MP of Bapatla Lok Sabha constituency was born into a poor agricultural labour family. A close associate of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Suresh entered politics and joined YSRC in 2014. In 2019, he made his debut and contested from Bapatla LS constituency, a SC reserved segment, and is contesting for the second consecutive time Kona Raghupathi - Bapatla The son of former governor for Maharashtra and Sikkim states Kona Prabhakar Rao, Raghupathi made his electoral debut in the 2014 elections from Bapatla Assembly constituency from YSRC and emerged victorious over Annam Satish Prabhakar of TDP. In 2019, he won as an MLA from Bapatla constituency and became the deputy speaker of AP Legislative Assembly. He is aiming to win a hat-trick from Bapatla Varikuti Ashok Babu - Vemuru He rose from ranks to constituency in charge in YSRC. Ashok was appointed as Kondepi Assembly constituency in-charge a few years back. But later he was appointed as in-charge of Vemuru, an SC reserved constituency, replacing Minister Merugu Nagarjuna and was later given MLA ticket. Ashok is contesting against two-time MLA and former minister Nakka Anand Babu Dr Evuri Ganesh - Repalle Belonging to the BC Gowda community, Ganesh is fielded from Repalle. He contested in the 2009 elections from Praja Rajyam Party and lost to Mopidevi. He, along with his wife Dr Kesavati, joined the YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and MP Mopidevi in November 2023. He is the son of former MLA Evuri Subba Rao and Sitaravamma, who was a former minister in the TDP regime and was elected to the Assembly thrice from Kuchinapudi Merugu Nagarjuna Merugu Nagarjuna - Santhanuthalapadu A PhD graduate from Andhra University, Merugu Nagarjuna worked as a professor before beginning his political journey. The Social Welfare Minister started his career in politics with Congress, and he was active in student politics. Nagarjuna served as Chairman of SC, ST Commission of AP. After joining YSRC, he worked as the party SC wing chief and won from Vemuru in 2019 elections. Nagarjuna has been shifted to Santhanuthalapadu Yadam Balaji - Parchur Balaji is making his electoral debut in 2024 elections from Parchur Assembly constituency against two-time MLA Yeluri Sambasiva Rao. He was YSRC incharge in Chirala constituency. As part of its reshuffling of its contestants, YSRC high command appointed Balaji as Parchur in-charge and later gave him the MLA ticket. After 2019 elections, though rumours of him joining TDP went wild, Balaji continued in YSRC Panem Chinna Hanimi Reddy - Addanki A strong leader from Reddy community, Panem Chinna Hanimi Reddy was given the YSRC ticket to contest for Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Addanki in the 2024 elections. He was working as coordinator of Pedakurapadu Assembly constituency and was given an MLA ticket and is making his electoral debut. To garner the support of the voters, he has intensified his election campaigning Amanchi Krishnamohan Chirala MM Kondaiah Yadav, TDP An industrialist-turned-politician, Kondaiah Yadav is making his electoral debut in 2024 elections from Chirala. He entered politics in 2022 and joined TDP. Later, he was appointed as Chirala in-charge. He is the father-in-law of Telugu movie actor Nikhil Amanchi Krishnamohan, Congress In 2014, Krishnamohan won as an independent member for Chirala, then after the elections, he merged his party with Telgu Desam. In 2019, he quit TDP and joined YSRC and again jumped ship to Congress Karanam Venkatesh, YSRC Making his electoral debut in 2024 elections and he is contesting against TDP candidate Kondaiah Yadav. Son of former TDP MLA Karanam Balarama Krishna Murthy, Venkatesh won in the 2019 elections on TDP ticket

Greenko Energies Gets CCI Nod To Acquire Additional Stake In Sikkim Urja

The proposed combination relates to the acquisition of additional shares in the Sikkim Urja Ltd (formerly Teesta Urja Ltd) by Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd., CCI said.

BRO Celebrates Diamond Jubilee, Embarks on Historic Shinkun La Tunnel Project

BRO Celebrates Diamond Jubilee, Embarks on Historic Shinkun La Tunnel Project The Border Roads Organisation marked its 65th Raising Day on Tuesday as Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane urged the BRO to infuse latest technology and techniques for faster completion of projects, saying automation and mechanisation will be key for it in the future. The defence ministry in a statement said the BRO will soon commence the construction on 4.10-km long Shinkun La Tunnel. Once completed, this tunnel will become the world's highest tunnel at 15,800 ft bypassing Mila Tunnel in China at 15,590 ft. An event was organised in New Delhi on the occasion, which was presided over by the defence secretary. In his address, he lauded the BRO for fulfilling its responsibilities successfully in inhospitable terrain and tough weather conditions. Aramane also recalled the valuable contribution of the BRO personnel in the relief and rescue efforts during the Silkyara tunnel collapse incident and the Sikkim floods. He said the organisation will play an important role in the Vibrant Villages Programme, which envisages comprehensive development of select border villages. Aramane termed the BRO an ''extremely crucial'' organisation which, through its infrastructure projects in the border areas, is playing a major role in the security of the country besides ensuring the socio-economic progress of the far-flung areas. He commended the BRO for completing the projects in a time-bound manner, exuding confidence that the 'Karmayogis' will continue to ensure border infrastructure development in a record time. Aramane urged the BRO to infuse latest technology and techniques for faster completion of projects through which human efforts will be reduced and utilised more efficiently. Automation and mechanisation will be key for the BRO in the future, he said. Director General, BRO, Lieutenant General Raghu Srinivasan, extended greetings to all ranks of the organisation. He stated the BRO's pan-India presence reflects its commitment to national security, connectivity and development. Lt Gen Srinivasan added the tagline 'In the Silence of Our Great Mountains Work Speaks' speaks volumes of the organisation's dedication, perseverance and impact on the lives of the people residing in the remotest corners of the country. He exhorted all ranks to renew the pledge to continue 'Connecting Places Connecting People' and leaving a lasting legacy of progress, prosperity and unity. The event also witnessed the unveiling of a compendium on Sela Tunnel as well as some books, including, 'Oonchin Sadaken', 'Path Pradarshak' and 'Path Vikas' by the defence secretary, the ministry said in a statement. He gave away 'Excellence Awards' to the BRO personnel for the year 2023-24 and felicitated the women achievers of the organisation. The casual paid labourers, who worked in various projects such as Sela Tunnel as well as during Sikkim floods were also felicitated, it added. Raised with just two projects in 1960 -- Project Tusker (now Vartak) in the east and Project Beacon in the north, the BRO has today become a vibrant organisation with 18 projects operating in 11 states and three Union Territories. It has now established its credentials as the leading infra construction agency in the high-altitude and difficult snow-bound areas, the statement said. The BRO executes road construction and maintenance works at altitude ranging from 9,000 ft up to 19,000 ft along the northern and western frontiers, primarily to meet the strategic requirements of the armed forces. ''In over six decades, it has constructed over 62,214 kms of roads, 1,005 bridges, seven tunnels and 21 airfields in adverse climatic and geographical conditions along India's borders as well as in friendly countries, including Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, thus contributing towards the nations strategic objectives,'' the statement said. In 2023-24, the BRO completed a total of 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,611 crore. This includes the construction of Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang Road. The tunnel was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently from Itanagar virtually. The BRO accomplished the completion of two significant airfield projects namely Bagdogra and Barrackpore, marking yet another milestone in its journey of excellence. The foundation stone for Mudh Airfield Project was laid by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently. The BRO aims to complete the project within just two working seasons. Over the few years, the BRO has witnessed an ''exponential surge'' in budget expenditure, marking a remarkable leap forward in capabilities and impact. This increased budgetary support has empowered the organisation to undertake crucial projects, accelerate critical infrastructure development and enhance its operational readiness, the ministry said. ''The BRO has been at the forefront of promoting gender equality and inclusivity, offering key roles and opportunities to women. Officers like Col Ponung Doming is leading critical projects in eastern Ladakh. Assistant Executive Engineer (Civ) Nikita Chaudhary has played a pivotal role in successful completion of Sela Tunnel Project,'' it added.

Shimla To Munnar, 8 Best Places In India For Summer Holidays

Gangtok, the capital of the state of Sikkim, is known for its peaceful environment and Buddhist monasteries.

Sikkim: Chief secretary VB Pathak reviews preparations for state day celebrations

GANGTOK, May 5: Chief secretary VB Pathak on Saturday chaired a meeting to review the preparation for the 49th State Day celebrations on May 16. Presiding over the meeting at Tashiling Secretariat, he gave an overview of necessary arrangements to be made for the programme and assigned responsibilities to each department, besides discussing the event []

Talks with China on Track: Rajnath Singh Updates on Eastern Ladakh Border Situation

Talks with China on Track: Rajnath Singh Updates on Eastern Ladakh Border Situation As the military standoff between India and China drags on along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the talks between the two sides are going on well and indicated hope for a resolution of the lingering row. In an interview to PTI on Saturday, Singh also said that India has been developing infrastructure along the frontier with China at a rapid speed, asserting that the country's borders will remain safe. ''The talks are going on well,'' he said declining to elaborate further considering the sensitive nature of the dialogue process. Asked whether he was hopeful of a positive outcome and an end to the nearly four-year face-off between the two militaries, Singh shot back: ''If there was no hope, then why to have talks.'' ''They (the Chinese side) also have hope and that is why holding the talks,'' he said. The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points. The defence minister also took a potshot at the Congress for continuously targeting the government on the eastern Ladakh standoff. ''They (Congress) are questioning the bravery of Indian soldiers ... who are you demoralising? What is your intention? I can also go back to 1962 as well,'' he said. The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades. India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. The two sides held the last round of high-level military talks in February with an aim to resolve the row. Though there was no indication of a breakthrough at the 21st round of talks, both sides agreed to maintain ''peace and tranquillity'' on the ground and continue the communication on the way ahead. The next round of military talks is expected to be held soon. In January, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande said the situation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh is ''stable'' but ''sensitive'' and asserted that the Indian troops are maintaining a ''very high state'' of operational preparedness to effectively deal with any eventualities. Gen Pande also said that both India and China continue to hold talks at military and diplomatic levels with an aim to return to the ''status quo ante'' that existed in the middle of 2020. To resolve the face-off, the two countries are also holding diplomatic talks under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on IndiaChina border affairs. Following the Galwan Valley clashes, India has been majorly focusing on boosting its overall military capability along the frontier with China. The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors, following the clashes. The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in several friction points, including on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.

India's Response to Nepal's New Currency Note Featuring Disputed Territories

New Delhi: India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, criticized Nepal for its unilateral action in introducing a new Nepalese Rupee 100 currency note featuring three disputed Indian territories. Speaking at an event in Bhubaneswar, Jaishankar stated that Nepal's move wouldn't alter the diplomatic situation between the two countries. Jaishankar emphasized that India and Nepal were in discussions about their boundary matters through an established platform. He mentioned that Nepal's unilateral measures wouldn't change the situation or the reality on the ground.On Friday, Nepal announced the printing of a new Nepalese Rupee 100 currency note featuring a map showing the disputed territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani. India has previously termed this move as untenable and an artificial enlargement. Nepal's government spokesperson, Rekha Sharma, informed the media that the decision to redesign the currency note was made during the cabinet meetings held on April 25 and May 2.Diplomatic tensions between Nepal and India escalated in 2020 after Nepal updated its map to include the three disputed territories. The move was made by Nepal's Ministry of Land Management, with the Department of Survey claiming to have incorporated the territories with accurate scale, projection, and coordinate system. However, India had already included these territories in its November 2019 map. The situation worsened further after the inauguration of a road linking Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh on May 8, 2020. Nepal objected to this move and handed over a diplomatic note to India. Prior to this, Nepal had raised objections to India's unilateral decision to construct the road.In response to Nepal's objections, India's External Affairs Ministry clarified that the road passing through Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district lies entirely within Indian territory. Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Sikkim. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: India Will Not Coerce Capture of PoK NADA Suspends Wrestler Bajrang Punia for Failure to Provide Dope Test Bakshish Singh Beaten to Death Over Alleged Sacrilege at Gurdwara in Punjab

IMD Rainfall Alert: Good news! It is going to rain in these states including UP-Delhi; Note down the date

IMD Rainfall Alert: According to the Meteorological Department, it is going to rain in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura for the next five days. There is rain alert in UP and Delhi also. IMD Rainfall Alert: Amidst the ongoing heatwave in many states, the Meteorological Department has announced a good news. [] The post IMD Rainfall Alert: Good news! It is going to rain in these states including UP-Delhi; Note down the date first appeared on informalnewz .

Relief from Scorching Heat Expected as Rainfall Forecasted for UP and Bihar

Lucknow: Th e Meteorological Department has announced that relief from the scorching heat is on its way with the prediction of rainfall in many states, including UP and Bihar. The forecast indicates that the heat wave conditions in Eastern India will persist until May 5. However, there is good news for North-East India, with heavy to very heavy rain expected on May 5 and 6, along with a possibility of storms. Eastern UP may also experience rainfall between May 6 and 9. In the last 24 hours, heatwave conditions were observed in Gangetic West Bengal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The highest temperature recorded was 46.2 degrees Celsius in the Nandyal area of Rayalaseema. Conversely, heavy rain was reported in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura. The Meteorological Department has forecasted light to moderate rain in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura over the next five days. Additionally, warnings for rain, thunderstorms, and lightning have been issued for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh between May 3 and 5. In North-West India, light rain is expected in Western Rajasthan on May 3 and in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab on May 4. Strong winds are also likely in Uttar Pradesh, Southern Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi on May 3 and 4. Furthermore, light to moderate rain is predicted in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand between May 6 and 9, with an alert for thunderstorms and lightning. In Delhi, the minimum temperature on Friday was recorded at 18.3 degrees Celsius, six degrees below normal. The relative humidity in the national capital was 34 percent at 8:30 am. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted strong winds during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to be around 38 degrees Celsius. Nepal Decides to Print New Rs 100 Currency Note with Controversial Map Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Planning to Implement Jizya Tax Mansukh Mandaviya, BJP Candidate from Porbandar, Equates Party Workers to God

IMD Rainfall Update: There will be heavy rain with thunderstorm in these states for 5 days, know the weather condition in your state

Weather Update: Light to moderate rain with gusty winds at isolated places is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura during the next 5 days. IM Weather Update: The Meteorological Department has given relief news amid the scorching heat. Strong winds are likely from Bay of Bengal to Northeast India [] The post IMD Rainfall Update: There will be heavy rain with thunderstorm in these states for 5 days, know the weather condition in your state first appeared on informalnewz .

Giants Clash for Treble Glory: Mohun Bagan Set to Face Mumbai City FC in ISL Final

Giants Clash for Treble Glory: Mohun Bagan Set to Face Mumbai City FC in ISL Final Mohun Bagan will look to cap off their fairytale season with a historic treble as they face Mumbai City FC in the ISL summit clash at Salt Lake Stadium, with 62,000 partisan fans expected to cheer their guts out and paint the stands in green and maroon, creating an electrifying atmosphere here on Saturday. The season began with the Mariners winning the Durand Cup for the first time after 23 years. Having slipped to fifth in the table at midway stage, Antonio Habas took over from Juan Ferrando and led them to their maiden League Winners Shield. Two weeks after they defeated Mumbai City FC 2-1 to win their maiden Shield, the two teams will return to the same venue of Salt Lake Stadium with an aim to complete a rare double in the ISL and a hattrick of titles in one season. As per noted football statistician Hari Prasad Chattopadhyay, the last time Mohun Bagan won three titles or more was more than 23 years back when they had won the erstwhile National Football League (NFL), Federation Cup, Calcutta Premier Division League, Sikkim Gold Cup and Bordoloi Trophy. The coach was India captain Sunil Chhetri's father-in-law Subroto Bhattacharyya. Mumbai City FC have done it before in 2020-21 and the stage will be set for Mohun Bagan to follow suit. ''Statistics have no relevance. We have to continue playing well and complete the circle,'' the 66-year-old Spanish tactician said in the pre-match media interaction. Three years back, Mohun Bagan had squandered a 1-0 lead to to suffer a 1-2 defeat against the same team at the ISL final held in Margao, which was played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But revenge is not on Habas' minds. ''I'm not about revenge; that's stuff you see in movies or with the mafia. It's just another game against tough opponents, and it's going to be a great show for the ISL,'' Habas said. The target however is to finish the game in ''45 minutes'', said Habas making it clear that he will go all-out in attack with Anirudh Thapa, Jason Cummings, Dimitri Petratos and Manvir Singh. Asked about this strategy, he said: ''To finish it in 45 minutes.'' ''Obviously we don't want to go to extra team. It's hot out there so better to finish it in 90 minutes.'' The 66-year-old, who has two ISL titles one Winners Shield making him the most successful coach of the top-tier league, further said he's in the fag-end of his career. ''I'm in the final stage of my coaching career and it's a proud moment for me.'' Mohun Bagan's attack will be boosted by a fit-again India midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad who came off the bench to strike the winning goal against Odisha FC in the return leg ISL semi-final. While Sahal will be fit, Armando Sadiku will miss the match. Mumbai City on the other hand will bank of Vikram Pratap Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte, while their Dutch midfielder Yoell van Nieff will miss out because of suspension. ''For last four years, ISL battle is all about Mumbai and Mohun Bagan who are fighting for this Shield and Trophy. The recipe for our success has been to stay together and play together. When the season began, we were a group, now we have become a family and we have to play like one.'' Mohun Bagan have frequently struggled to maintain their lead and have conceded goals due to defensive lapses, a vulnerability that Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky will surely be mindful of and seized the momentum. ''Players want to play in front of packed stadium, I think it will be an extra motivation to do well,'' he said. He further said losing the Shield was difficult. ''We knew what was at stake, it's always hard. We tried to regroup put ourselves together. A couple of training sessions the spirit was little down, but now we are good to continue.''

Heat wave conditions likely in TN during next 3 days; Nandyal recorded highest maximum temperature of 46.2C on May 2

Heat wave conditions are likely to continue over East India till May 5 and over south Peninsular India till May 6 and abate thereafter. Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rainfall spell accompanied with thunderstorms and gusty winds very likely over Northeast India on May 5 and 6, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. On Thursday, the highest maximum temperature of 46.2C was reported at Nandyal (Rayalaseema) over the country. On the same day, maximum temperatures were in the range of 43-46C in some parts of Odisha and Rayalaseema, in isolated pockets of Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; in the range of 40-43C over many parts of Gangetic West Bengal; in some parts of Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Gujarat; in isolated pockets of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Madhya Pradesh and North Interior Karnataka. These are above normal by 4-7C in some parts of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu; in isolated pockets of Assam & Meghalaya, north Odisha, east Bihar, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema and South Interior Karnataka. According to the IMD, maximum temperatures in the range of 44-47C likely to continue over Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Telangana and Rayalaseema till May 3 and decrease thereafter. Heat wave conditions very likely in some pockets over Gangetic West Bengal; at isolated pockets over Telangana, Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu during next 3 days; over Kerala, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on May 3; Odisha, Bihar on May 3 and 4; Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada on May 4 and 5 and over West Rajasthan on May 7. Hot and humid weather very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal and Kerala and Mahe during next 4-5 days; Assam & Meghalaya, Tripura, Saurashtra and Kutch on May 3 and 4 and Konkan during May 3 to 5, 2024. According to Skymet, the first pre-monsoon spell of May is expected between May 9 and 11. The intensity and spread of activity will be large to cover parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan. The southern parts, the private weather forecaster added, will have a large spread of pre-monsoon thunderstorms, simultaneously covering different pockets. Heat-struck regions of Rayalaseema, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu will be relieved of oppressive conditions. Severe thunderstorm activity is likely over South Interior Karnataka, Southern parts of Andhra Pradesh and farther parts of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu.

Eastern Army Commander visits forward areas in Sikkim

Lt. Gen. R C Tiwari, Eastern Army Commander, visited border areas in Sikkim, reviewing operational preparedness and infrastructure development. Accompanied by Lt. Gen. VPS Kaushik, GOC Trishakti Corps, he commended troops for their professionalism and dedication. Tiwari also met with Sikkim Governor Lakshman Acharya, discussing security and connectivity initiatives. Trishakti Corps executed 67 projects worth over Rs 5 crore last year and plans projects exceeding Rs 15 crore this year, highlighting the Indian Army's commitment to border area development and civil assistance.

Sikkim's Sentinels: Eastern Army Commander Inspects Forward Defenses

Sikkim's Sentinels: Eastern Army Commander Inspects Forward Defenses Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen R C Tiwari visited the border areas in Sikkim and reviewed the operational preparedness, an official release said. Tiwari, the General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Army Command visited the border areas on May 1 and 2 accompanied by GOC Trishakti Corp Lt Gen VPS Kaushik and reviewed the operational preparedness and progress of infrastructure and capability development, it said. The Eastern Army Commander appreciated the officers and troops of the Trishakti Corps for maintaining the highest standard of operational preparedness and efforts towards the development of border areas and nation-building. Interacting with troops at forward locations, he complimented them for their dedication and high standard of professionalism under the most challenging conditions. He exhorted them to continue working with dedication, motivation and enthusiasm. Lt Gen Tiwari also called upon the Governor of Sikkim Lakshman Acharya at Gangtok on May 2 and apprised the governor on the overall security situation and initiatives being undertaken to improve connectivity in the state. He also briefed the governor on the various welfare projects being undertaken under Operation Sadbhavana. Lt Gen Tiwari apprised the governor that 67 projects worth more than Rs 5 crore were executed by Trishakti Corps during the last financial year and formation plans to implement projects worth more than Rs 15 crore in the current financial year. The Eastern Army Commander assured the governor about the Indian Army's commitment to the development of border areas and continued assistance to the civil administration and local people.

Naidu and alliance leaders responsible for hardships of welfare pensioners, says YSRC

Vijayawada: YSRC general-secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy has said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has put all the possible promises in the YSRC election manifesto but the Chandrababu alliance put all the impossible promises in its joint manifesto. Ramakrishna Reddy held Naidu and alliance leaders responsible for the present problems of elders in receiving social security pensions. Addressing the media on Thursday, he said that the people knew the manifesto announced by Chandrababu was a hoax and that the YSRC is acting as a responsible party in fashioning its manifesto. Ramakrishna Reddy asked why there were no photos of the BJP in the alliance joint manifesto and why did the BJP AP unit incharge refused to hold the manifesto at its release event. He recalled that the photos of PM Modi and BJP leaders were printed on the alliance manifesto in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh states. The BJP has understood that Chandrababu's manifesto promises cannot be implemented and hence it did not want to take any responsibility thereof. Ramakrishna Reddy said Chandrababu was spreading lies on the Land Titling Act which should be implemented by the BJP government at the Centre, and if there are any doubts about that Act, then Naidu should ask his alliance partner about the Act instead of accusing the YSRC and CM Jagan. He said Naidu did not understand what is happening and who formulated the Act and spread falsehood. Chandrababu alleged that through the Land Titling Act, all the land will be taken away by the government. If so, PM Modi should grab all the land and sell those after the Act is in force, according to the statement of Chandrababu. The YSRC leader asked the BJP state and national leaders to give clarity on Land Titling Act. On Nov 25, 2019, NITI Aayog has constituted a committee to draft the Model Act and the rules on Conclusive Land Tilting that includes six senior officers from across the country. He said the YSRC understood the financial situation of the state and announced only what can be implemented. He recalled that in 1999, the TD promised to provide one crore jobs to the unemployed youth in the undivided Andhra Pradesh but it deceived them. During Chandrababu's rule, two months before the elections, the pension was enhanced to `1000 but he failed to deliver it properly. Ramakrishna Reddy stated that the opposition alliance moved the court, complained to EC and stopped the volunteers from keeping the pensioners to various difficulties. Naidu and the alliance are responsible for the hardships being faced by the senior citizens and the disabled, he stressed. He said, The volunteer system will be totally removed and the TDs Janmabhoomi Committees will be back to show hell to the poor and marginalised if TD returns to power. Chandrababu is angry that people defeated TD in the 2019 elections and is ready to mess with the lives of the poor.

GLOF early warning system takes off; Centre targets 188 critical glacial lakes

The Indian government initiates an early warning system (EWS) for 188 critical lakes in the Indian Himalayan Region prone to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) following the 2023 Sikkim disaster. Joint expeditions assess risks and plan mitigation measures. A parliamentary committee highlights inadequate monitoring systems, emphasizing proactive hazard assessment and risk management.

Above normal heatwave days in May, predict IMD

NEW DELHI: The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a forecast indicating that India is likely to experience an above-normal number of heatwave days in May, with both maximum and minimum temperatures expected to rise. The trend of warmer weather has already been observed, with April recording 40% more heatwave days than the historical average. Normally heat waves prevail over northern plains, central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India for about 3 days in different meteorological stations in May.However, this month, different parts of the country will have an additional 2-8 days of heatwave. The number of heatwave days is likely to be above normal by about 5-8 days over central India i.e. south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada and Gujarat region.Additionally, the Northwest, Eastern, and Southern regions, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, northern interior Karnataka, Telangana, and isolated pockets of northern Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, may experience 2-4 days of above-normal temperatures. Furthermore, most parts of the country are expected to see above-normal maximum temperatures, except for certain regions in the northeast, northwest, central India, and parts of the northeast peninsula. Similarly, above-normal minimum temperatures are anticipated across the nation, except for specific areas in northwest India, the Indo-Gangetic plains, central India, and much of northeast India. Despite rainfall averaged over the country in May 2024 is most likely to be normal (91-109% of the long-period average). Earlier in April, the Southern Peninsula was one of the driest regions since 1901. This region experienced only 12.6 mm rainfall in April which is the fifth lowest since 1901. In addition, the Peninsular region was the second hottest month since 1901, the average mean temperature is 31.39Celsius which is more than the normal mean temperature of 30.16Celsius. Furthermore, April reportedly 118 days of heatwave days against average of 71 days. Most heatwave days were reported from Odisha (18 days) highest in the pastnine years, West Bengal (16 days) which was the highest in past 15 years, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Interior Karnataka (10 days), Southern Karnataka (8 days), Tamil Nadu and Sikkim (7days). Moreover, Odisha got the longest spell of heatwave in April 2024 during 15-30 April(16 days), after April 2016 when it prevailed during 9- 30 April 2016(21 days). A Larger number of heatwave days than average is due to scanty rainfall and the persistence of anti-cyclones over Bay of Bengal and adjoining eastern coasts of India. However, no heat waves were reported over north & central India during April 2024 due to back-to-back five Western Disturbances.

Sikkim CM greets people on Labour Day

GANGTOK, May 1: Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday greeted the people of the state on International Labour Day. He said the day signifies the dignity of labor and recognises each individuals efforts in societal progress. On this propitious occasion of International Labour Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable contributions []

Sikkim Professional University hosts Sikkim State Students Meet

HT Correspondent TEZPUR, May 1: The Sikkim State Students Meet of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has been organised at the Seminar Hall of Sikkim Professional University in Gangtok. Attending the programme as chief guest Ashish Chauhan, national organising secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) urged various officials and workers (karykarta) of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi []

India Braces for Extreme Weather: Heatwaves and Thunderstorms Predicted For These States

The weather department has issued warnings across India for extreme heat and thunderstorms over the next few days. In Gangetic West Bengal, a red alert has been issued for a severe heatwave lasting three days. Odisha faces a two-day heatwave alert. Meanwhile, East India has been placed under an orange alert for the next 3-5 days. IMD scientist Soma Sen anticipates a slight drop in temperatures starting from May 5 due to increased moisture. From May 4, South Peninsular India, including states like Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, will experience thunderstorm activity. The IMD attributes the severe heatwave conditions to fewer thunderstorms in East and Northeast India. IMD's Rainfall Predictions: Thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall or snowfall are expected in several northeastern states over the next 5 days. Hailstorms were predicted over Sikkim on May 1. Heavy rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya from May 1-2, and over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura from May 1-3. Very heavy rainfall is expected over Arunachal Pradesh on May 1-2, and over parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura on May 2. Rainfall or snowfall with thunderstorms and lightning are expected in northern regions from May 3-6, and over certain parts of North and West India from May 4-6. IMD's Heatwave Predictions: Maximum temperatures ranging from 44-47C will persist over Gangetic West Bengal, East Jharkhand, north Odisha, and Rayalaseema until May 3, followed by a decrease. Severe heatwave conditions are expected over various regions including Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and others on May 1, with a gradual reduction in intensity thereafter. Telangana, Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam are expected to experience heatwave conditions for the next 4-5 days. Hot and humid weather is forecasted for Coast Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe over the next 5 days. IMD's Maximum Temperature Predictions: Northwest India will see a rise in maximum temperatures by 4-6C in the next 24 hours. East India will experience no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next 48 hours, followed by a decrease of 2-3C. Central India is expected to witness a rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3C over the next 3 days. West India will see no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next 48 hours, followed by a rise of 2-3C. Make a plan to visit this beautiful place with your family in summer, the beauty is limitless How Coconut Water Can Keep You Cool and Hydrated During Summer How Summer Fruits Packed with Vitamin C Boost Your Nutrition

Sikkim CM Extends Labour Day Greetings, Highlights Workers' Contributions

Sikkim CM Extends Labour Day Greetings, Highlights Workers' Contributions Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday greeted the people of the state on International Labour Day. He said the day signifies the dignity of labor and recognises each individual's efforts in societal progress. ''On this propitious occasion of International Labour Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable contributions of our diligent workforce. Their tireless dedication builds a brighter future for our state,'' he said. Tamang said he was committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of all workers, besides creating an environment that fosters equality, safety, and prosperity.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik files nomination for Hinjili assembly seat

If BJD returns to power, Naveen will become the longest-serving CM, surpassing the record of Pawan Kumar Chamling of Sikkim

Sikkim operates wildlife surveillance cameras in 2 PAs in with assistance from Aaranyak

Guwahati, April 30: With an objective to deter wildlife crimes to achieve the larger goal of biodiversity conservation, the Forest Department of Sikkim has started the process to install wildlife surveillance cameras in wildlife protection areas (PA). The begin with, the tiny Himalayan state bordering China, has initiated the process to install such surveillance [] The post Sikkim operates wildlife surveillance cameras in 2 PAs in with assistance from Aaranyak appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Senior Women's NFC for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy to kick off in Kolkata

Senior Women's NFC for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy to kick off in Kolkata The Final Round of the 28th edition of the Senior Women's National Football Championship for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy is set to commence in Kolkata on Wednesday. Twelve teams, divided into two groups of six each, will play in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The 12 teams in the final round consist of six group stage winners, three best runners-up and three direct entrants West Bengal (hosts), Tamil Nadu (defending champions) and Haryana (runners-up). Matches will be played at the Kishore Bharati Stadium and the AIFF National Centre of Excellence. The Final Round group stage will finish on May 11. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 13 and the champions will be crowned on May 15. In Group A, Tamil Nadu's title defence will begin at 8 am on Wednesday as they face Delhi, who qualified for the final round with a perfect record of three wins in three. Railways, who have been champions once in 2015-16 and runners-up five times, are the other favourites in the group. They had a spotless qualifying campaign, pumping 38 goals without reply, and will face Chandigarh in their first match, who qualified as one of the best runners-up. Hosts West Bengal will have their work cut out in Group A if they are to break their 27-year title drought. They have lost 10 finals since then, including nine defeats to Manipur. West Bengal's campaign will begin against Punjab, who will be eager to put on a better showing after failing to win a game in the final round last year. Group B contains eternal heavyweights Manipur, who have staggeringly won 21 of the previous 27 editions of the Senior Women's NFC. Without any surprises, they ruthlessly won all three of their qualifying matches with a 27-0 aggregate. After a shocking group-stage exit last year, Manipur will look to reclaim the title, beginning with their first game on May 2 against Jharkhand, who qualified as one of the best runners-up. Haryana had a dream run last year, making the final for the first time in their history. They were bronze medallists at the 2023 National Games in Goa and will be hunting for another podium finish in Kolkata in two weeks. In their first game, Haryana will be up against one of the toughest opponents in Odisha, who were champions in 2011-12 and National Games gold medallists last year after edging out Manipur on penalties. Maharashtra and Sikkim are the other two teams in the group. Maharashtra were also one of the best runners-up and only lost once to Railways in qualifying, while Sikkim topped Group C, with four wins and a draw. 28th Senior Women's National Football Championship for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2023-24 Final Round Fixtures: May 1 - Group A08:00, Delhi vs Tamil Nadu (AIFF NCE)16:00, Railways vs Chandigarh (AIFF NCE)16:00, Punjab vs West Bengal (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 2 - Group B08:00, Odisha vs Haryana (AIFF NCE)16:00, Manipur vs Jharkhand (AIFF NCE)16:00, Sikkim vs Maharashtra (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 3 - Group A08:00, Delhi vs Chandigarh (AIFF NCE)16:00, Punjab vs Railways (AIFF NCE)16:00, Tamil Nadu vs West Bengal (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 4 - Group B08:00, Haryana vs Jharkhand (AIFF NCE)16:00, Odisha vs Maharashtra (AIFF NCE)16:00, Manipur vs Sikkim (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 5 - Group A08:00, Tamil Nadu vs Railways (AIFF NCE)16:00, Chandigarh vs Punjab (AIFF NCE)16:00, West Bengal vs Delhi (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 6 - Group B08:00, Jharkhand vs Odisha (AIFF NCE)16:00, Haryana vs Sikkim (AIFF NCE)16:00, Maharashtra vs Manipur (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 8 - Group A (Time and Venue TBD)Railways vs West BengalChandigarh vs Tamil NaduPunjab vs Delhi May 9 - Group B (Time and Venue TBD)Sikkim vs JharkhandMaharashtra vs HaryanaManipur vs Odisha May 10 - Group A (Time and Venue TBD)West Bengal vs ChandigarhDelhi vs RailwaysTamil Nadu vs Punjab May 11 - Group B (Time and Venue TBD)Jharkhand vs MaharashtraOdisha vs SikkimHaryana vs Manipur May 13 - Semi-finals (Time and Venue TBD)Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group BWinner Group B vs Runner-up Group A May 15 - Final (Time and Venue TBD)Winner Semi-final 1 vs Winner Semi-final 2.(ANI)

Lok Sabha polls: Rajnath Singh to file nomination from Lucknow today

Lok Sabha polls: Rajnath Singh to file nomination from Lucknow today Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will file his nomination papers on Monday from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow constituency for the Lok Sabha elections. Before the filing of nomination papers, Rajnath Singh will also hold a two-kilometer roadshow in the city. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also be present during the nomination. According to sources, Singh will go to the BJP office in Lucknow where he may participate in the roadshow for the nomination. On the way, he will also visit a temple. Lucknow will go to polls alongside 13 other constituencies on May 20 in the fifth phase of elections. Rajnath Singh in 2019 had defeated Samajwadi Party Poonam Shatrughan Sinha with over 6.3 lakh votes. He had defeated Congress candidate Rita Bahuguna Joshi by a margin of 2,72,749 votes in 2014. The first phase of voting for the seven-phased Lok Sabha election was held on April 19 in 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs with over 62 per cent voter turnout. The second phase election was concluded on April 26. In the first phase, polling was held in Arunachal Pradesh (2 seats), Assam (5), Bihar (4), Chhattisgarh (1), Madhya Pradesh (6), Maharashtra (5), Manipur (2), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (1), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (1), Uttar Pradesh (8), Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal (3), Andaman and Nicobar (1), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Lakshadweep (1) and Puducherry (1). The second phase election was concluded on April 26. This phase saw polling on 88 Lok Sabha constituencies, including all 20 seats in Kerala, 14 in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir. The third phase of Lok Sabha elections will be held on May 7. The 2024 general elections will be held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results will be announced on June 4. (ANI)

These beautiful villages of India will fascinate you, here is the complete list

India, with its rich cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes, is home to some truly enchanting villages. From picturesque hamlets nestled in the Himalayas to serene coastal settlements along the Arabian Sea, the country boasts a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Let's embark on a journey to explore some of the most captivating villages that India has to offer. 1. Majuli, Assam: The River Island Paradise Nestled amidst the mighty Brahmaputra River, Majuli is the largest river island in the world. This idyllic destination is renowned for its scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and unique way of life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of its lush green landscapes, interact with the friendly locals, and witness traditional Assamese art forms such as mask-making and pottery. 2. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya: Asia's Cleanest Village Tucked away in the verdant hills of Meghalaya, Mawlynnong has earned the title of Asia's Cleanest Village. Its immaculate streets, adorned with blooming flowers and bamboo dustbins, showcase the community's unwavering commitment to cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Travelers can also explore living root bridges, trek through dense forests, and savor authentic Khasi cuisine. 3. Khonoma, Nagaland: A Green Crusader Khonoma, nestled in the northeastern state of Nagaland, is renowned for its conservation efforts and eco-friendly practices. This picturesque village is surrounded by lush forests and terraced fields, offering breathtaking views of the Dzukou Valley. Visitors can engage in nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural exchanges with the Angami tribes. 4. Hampi, Karnataka: The Ruins of Vijayanagara Empire Steeped in history and architectural splendor, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that transports visitors back in time to the golden era of the Vijayanagara Empire. Scattered across its rocky landscape are magnificent temples, royal complexes, and ancient ruins that evoke a sense of awe and wonder. Travelers can explore the iconic Virupaksha Temple, climb the Matanga Hill for panoramic views, and marvel at the intricate carvings of the Vittala Temple. 5. Malana, Himachal Pradesh: Land of Mystique and Myths Hidden amidst the towering peaks of the Parvati Valley, Malana is a secluded village steeped in mystique and ancient traditions. Believed to be one of the oldest democracies in the world, Malana is renowned for its distinct cultural practices and the production of high-quality hashish. Visitors can trek through scenic trails, interact with the indigenous Malana people, and immerse themselves in the village's enigmatic aura. 6. Lachen, Sikkim: Gateway to the Himalayas Perched at an altitude of over 8,500 feet above sea level, Lachen serves as the gateway to the pristine wilderness of North Sikkim. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and gurgling streams, this charming village offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Travelers can embark on treks to the majestic Gurudongmar Lake, encounter exotic wildlife, and witness the vibrant festivals of the Lachenpas. 7. Gokarna, Karnataka: Where Serenity Meets Spirituality Nestled along the azure shores of the Arabian Sea, Gokarna is a tranquil coastal town revered for its pristine beaches and sacred temples. This laid-back destination offers the perfect blend of relaxation and spiritual exploration, with attractions such as the revered Mahabaleshwar Temple and the picturesque Om Beach. Visitors can indulge in yoga and meditation retreats, savor fresh seafood delicacies, and soak in the breathtaking coastal vistas. 8. Nako, Himachal Pradesh: A Himalayan Gem Perched on a rugged plateau in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Nako is a hidden Himalayan gem that enchants travelers with its surreal landscapes and ancient monasteries. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and barren terrain, this remote village offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of its Tibetan inhabitants. Visitors can explore the centuries-old Nako Monastery, embark on treks to nearby villages, and witness the mesmerizing starlit skies. 9. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: Land of the Apatani Tribes Tucked away in the verdant hills of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro Valley is home to the Apatani tribes, known for their unique cultural practices and vibrant festivals. Surrounded by rice fields, bamboo groves, and misty forests, this scenic valley offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can attend the famous Ziro Music Festival, hike to the picturesque Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and interact with the hospitable locals. 10. Alleppey, Kerala: Venice of the East Renowned for its intricate network of backwaters, tranquil lagoons, and lush coconut groves, Alleppey is a mesmerizing destination that beckons travelers to experience the quintessential charm of Kerala. Visitors can cruise along the serene backwaters on traditional houseboats, witness spectacular sunsets over the Vembanad Lake, and savor delectable seafood delicacies. Alleppey is also famous for its annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, where majestic snake boats compete for glory amidst much fanfare and excitement. Embark on a Journey of Discovery India's villages offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and timeless charm. Whether you're seeking tranquility amidst nature, immersion in ancient traditions, or simply a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, these enchanting destinations have something to offer for every traveler. Embark on a journey of discovery and experience the magic of India's beautiful villages firsthand. Financially, today is going to be your day People of these zodiac signs may have to work harder, know what your horoscope says People of this zodiac sign will be worried today due to children or education, know your horoscope

Over 280,000 visitors flock to Sikkim this year

Sikkim is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals in 2024. According to official data released by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Sikkim has welcomed an astonishing 290,401 tourists in the first quarter of the year, up to March 31, 2024. Among these, 256,537 were domestic tourists, while 30,864 arrived from foreign countries.... The post Over 280,000 visitors flock to Sikkim this year first appeared on India's Top Travel News Source: TravelBiz Monitor .

Travel tips: Darjeeling is full of natural beauty, definitely visit these places with your family.

Whenever it comes to traveling with family, people mostly like to choose places that are known for their natural beauty. There are many such places in the country, one of which is Darjeeling. It is a beautiful hill station surrounded by the Himalayan peaks in the Indian state of West Bengal which is also known as the Queen of Mountains. This city, full of natural beauty, was once a part of Sikkim, which is today one of the famous tourist destinations of India. Due to its beauty and attractiveness, it attracts tourists from all over the world. If you are planning to visit Darjeeling, then let us know which places you can enjoy visiting. Kursong Kursong is a small hill station known for its beauty. Every year tourists from every corner of the country reach here, and return with many good memories. Here you will see clouds on the mountains, seeing them you will feel as if you can catch them. This site attracts everyone. To reach Kursong you have to travel about 50 kilometers from Siliguri. Batasia Loop As soon as you reach Batasia Loop, you start feeling like you are actually in heaven because the clouds are below you and if you are above those clouds on the peak of the mountain, just imagine how spectacular that view would be. Batasia Loop is one of the most famous places to visit in Darjeeling and what makes it even more beautiful is the toy train that runs from there. Its special thing is that it circles the entire Batasia Loop and along with this, this place is one of the most visited places in India. One of the highest railway lines. Lepchajagat This is a small village located in Darjeeling, whose distance from the city is about 15 kilometers. You can have many peaceful moments here, away from the noise of the cities. Here you can go on a picnic with your family. Everyone likes the calm environment and pleasant weather here. Barbatiya Rock Garden The 5-kilometer-long winding road from Darjeeling city to reach Rock Garden passes through huge mountains and forests and the beautiful valleys of nature all around fascinate the tourists visiting Rock Garden. After reaching the Rock Garden, you will find many beautiful waterfalls that flow around the lush green garden, which brings peace to the mind. If you are looking for a perfect place to visit in Darjeeling, then you will hardly find any place better than this, especially for the people who are fond of photography, Rock Garden can prove to be very wonderful. Jorpokhari Jorpokhari is located at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Darjeeling. Here you can spend relaxing moments, which will make you feel good. There is also a lake here, sitting on its banks you can spend time with your family. Many tourists come here every year. Zoological Park The famous Zoological Park of Darjeeling is named after Padmaja Naidu, daughter of Sarojini Naidu. This park was built under the Red Panda Program of the Central Zoo Authority of India. Snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Asiatic black bear, clouded leopard, red panda, goral, blue sheep, and other endangered and threatened Himalayan species are protected in this zoological park. The park is so beautiful and so charmingly maintained that it is one of the better zoos in India. Mirik Tourists from far and wide come every year to see the beauty and magnificence of Mirik. This is the best place to spend time with family. Here you will get to see tea plantations, orange orchards, and Mirik Lake. Where you can enjoy with your family. Tiger hill Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is famous for its sunrise because, from Tiger Hill, colorful rays of the sun rising from the hills of Kanchanganga are visible, which thousands of tourists come every day to see. This place is one of the places worth visiting in Darjeeling, but to see the sunrise, you have to leave your hotel at 3 to 4 in the night because its distance is about 10 kilometers from Darjeeling. (PC: LIFEBERRYS)

2nd Phase of LS Polls Witnesses 61 Per Cent Voter Turnout Amid EVM Glitches

NEW DELHI: The second phase of polling for Lok Sabha elections saw nearly 61 per cent voter turnout as people avoided venturing out of homes in the summer heat and voted largely in the morning and evening. Polling in the second phase covered 88 seats across 13 states and UTs amid complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. The Election Commission of India (ECI) said polling remained largely peaceful though incidents of intimidation were reported from Manipur in the second phase too. The ECI data showed the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 79.25 per cent polling, followed by Manipur 77.32 per cent, while the turnout in Uttar Pradesh was at 54.85 per cent and Maharashtra at 56.63 per cent. Rajasthan registered 64.07 per cent, West Bengal 71.84 per cent, Assam 71.11 per cent, Bihar 55.08 per cent, Chhattisgarh 73.55 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 71.91 per cent, Karnataka 68.26 per cent, Kerala 65.78 per cent, and Madhya Pradesh 57.76 per cent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning urged people to cast their votes in record numbers and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy. Stressing on the importance of each vote, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi issued impassioned appeals asking people to step out and exercise their franchise. After the end of polling, Modi in a tweet said, Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDAs good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumars brother D.K. Suresh (Congress), and former Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates while BJPs Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies. Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. After Fridays phase, polling is over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1).

Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections

Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections Over 63 per cent polling was reported in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid few complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura, Rajasthan's Banswara and Maharashtra's Parbhani were boycotting the polls over various issues but were later persuaded by authorities to cast their franchise. Polling for the second stage of the seven-phase elections started at 7 am and ended at 6 pm. Several states experienced intense heat conditions. The first phase of polling was held on April 19 in 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories. The Election Commission (EC) said polling remained largely peaceful. The tentative figure at 8 pm of voter turnout was 63.50 per cent. It is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained, the EC said, adding voters reaching polling stations till the end of polling hour are allowed to cast their vote. The National Democratic alliance (NDA) under Prime Minister Modi is seeking a stronger majority for a third consecutive term, while the constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc are hoping for a rebound after facing reverses in the 2014 and 2019 elections. Election Commission data showed the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 79.46 per cent polling, followed by Manipur at 77.32 while the turnout was in Uttar Pradesh at 54.85 per cent and Bihar 55.08 per cent. Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh (Cong), and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates while BJP's Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning urged people to cast their votes in record numbers and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy. Stressing on the importance of each vote, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi issued impassioned appeals asking people to step out and exercise their franchise in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election. After the end of polling, Modi in a tweet said, ''Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDA's good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support.'' In Kerala, the turnout was 65.91 per cent. The election process, held amid tight security arrangements, was primarily incident free except for instances of bogus voting and breakdowns of electronic voting machines (EVMs) being reported in some booths of the state. Such incidents resulted in delaying the polling process in the affected booths. One person each reportedly died at Palakkad, Alappuzha and Malappuram after casting their vote and a polling agent died after collapsing at a booth in Kozhikode. Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency recorded a turnout of 79.46 per cent. Election officials said there were some complaints from a few booths but those were ''promptly addressed''. A jawan of the Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Force deployed on poll duty allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle at a government school where he was stationed in Gariaband district under the Mahasamund seat in Chhattisgarh, where a voter turnout of 73.62 per cent was recorded. A polling booth at Sivni village in Balod district (Kanker seat) was decorated like a wedding 'mandap', with a display of rituals of traditional weddings. Several brides and grooms, dressed in their wedding finery, cast their votes at several polling booths. The EC said people from 46 villages in Bastar and Kanker seats cast their votes in a polling booth set up in their own village for the first time in a Lok Sabha election. In neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, there was a turnout of 57.88 per cent. An estimated 71.11 per cent of the 77,26,668 voters exercised their franchise in the five parliamentary constituencies of Assam that went to polls in this phase. In restive Manipur, where polling is being held under high presence of security personnel, the turnout was a significantly high 77.32 per cent. There were reports of intimidation by suspected militants, altercation between Congress workers and NPF supporters and damage of EVM at a polling station in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated hill district. At KK Leishi Phanit polling station in Ukhrul, irate voters destroyed an EVM and other items after alleged disturbances by armed miscreants. The overall voting percentage in Karnataka was 68.30. A case was booked against BJP MP and Bangalore South Candidate Tejasvi Surya for allegedly posting a video on a social media platform and soliciting votes on the grounds of religion, the Election Commission said. Another BJP leader CT Ravi was booked for allegedly promoting hatred and enmity between citizens through his social media post. Various restaurants in Bangalore were offering free dosas, laddu, coffee and other food items at discounted rates to customers who cast their vote. A private hospital assisted 41 inpatients cast their vote with the help of city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Green corridors were created for the ambulances across constituencies to ensure easy, hassle-free voting. Some EVMs were destroyed at a polling station in Indiganatha village in Chamarajanagara district of Karnataka during a clash between two groups of people over whether to vote or not. Officials said an FIR is being filed the Election Commission will take a call after getting a detailed report. A voter turnout of 57.83 per cent was recorded in eight constituencies in Maharashtra, while in Rajasthan, the turnout was 64.07 per cent. Incidents of confrontation between the supporters of the Congress candidate and an independent candidate were reported at a couple of places during polling in Barmer-Jaisalmer Lok Sabha constituency of Rajasthan. Police said they were looking into the complaints besides some about fake voting from some places. The by-election for the Bagidora assembly constituency in Banswara district was also held simultaneously on Friday and 76.66 per cent voting took place. A voter turnout of 54.85 per cent was recorded in the eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Senior citizens dominated the early hours of voting in Noida in the Gautam Buddh Nagar constituency. Some residents' welfare associations made arrangements for electric vehicles to ferry voters to and from the polling booths. In Bihar, the turnout was 55.08 per cent, 71.84 per cent in in West Bengal and 71.91 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lok Sabha polls are the first major electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into Union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh -- on August 5, 2019. The Election Commission registered nearly 300 complaints in West Bengal, mostly related to EVM malfunctioning. After Friday's phase, polling is over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1). The third phase of elections for 94 seats across 12 states and Union territories will be held on May 7. Counting will be done on June 4.

Himachal Pradesh: IMD predicts thunderstorms, rain in 10 districts during next 48 hours

Himachal Pradesh: IMD predicts thunderstorms, rain in 10 districts during next 48 hours The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted thunderstorms, hail and rainfall in 10 districts of the state during the next 48 hours. Thunderstorms with lightning, hail and strong wind (30-40kmph) are very likely at isolated places over Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Una during the next 48 hours, said IMD Shimla. Meanwhile, severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over East and South Peninsular India during the next 5 days, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday. According to the IMD, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions will likely prevail in many places over Gangetic West Bengal, in some parts of Odisha, and in isolated pockets over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal during the next 5 days. The IMD has also predicted a fresh spell of rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds is likely to occur over the Western Himalayan region from April 26-29 and the plains of Northwest India from April 26-28 and adjoining Central India from April 26-27. IMD further said that fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall/snowfall accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) is very likely over Arunachal Pradesh and scattered to fairly widespread rainfall over Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura during April 26-30 2024. It added that isolated light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is very likely over Sikkim on April 28, 2024. It added that heavy rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya on April 28-30, 2024. (ANI)

Travel tips: IRCTC has brought a wonderful tour package to visit beautiful Sikkim, you are getting these facilities

IRCTC keeps coming up with many amazing tour packages to visit popular places in the country and abroad. Summer season is going on. In such a situation, if you are planning to visit some good place. In such a situation, IRCTC has brought a very wonderful tour package for you. Under this tour package, you are getting a chance to visit beautiful Sikkim. Sikkim is very popular all over the world due to its natural beauty. The snow-covered hills here add to the beauty of Sikkim. The beauty of Sikkim attracts a large number of tourists from all over the country and the world. In this episode, let us know in detail about this tour package of IRCTC - The name of this tour package of IRCTC is SIKKIM PLATINUM. Under this tour package, you will be taken for 7 nights and 8 days. Its package code is EHH124. Under this tour package of IRCTC, you will be taken by bus. Under the package, you will be taken to Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, and Pelling. This tour package starts from Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri on 1st May 2024. Under this tour package, you do not have to worry about food and drinks. Everything from food to accommodation will be arranged. Apart from this, you are getting many great facilities in this tour package. If you want to know about the fare. In such a situation, you can visit this link https://www.irctctourism.com/pacakage_description?packageCode=EHH124. (PC: ISTOCK)

Weather update: IMD issues red alert for severe heatwave in many states, rain likely in some states; check full forecast

It said that severe heatwave conditions likely over coastal Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and isolated pockets of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, as well as interior Karnataka for the next five days.

India ranks low in early disaster warning

NEW DELHI: India is among the top vulnerable countries as Asia remained the worlds most disaster-hit region because of weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2023, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Tuesday while highlighting that extreme heat, severe floods, a glacial lake outburst flood devastated parts of India last year claiming around 2,500 lives. The report placed India at below average in the composite category of early warning system. India ranked 14 out of 21 countries composite scores which calculate based on risk knowledge, observation and forecasting, warning, dissemination and preparedness to respond. India has performed well on observation and forecasting and preparedness to respond index but zero report on risk knowledge and warning and dissemination. We have not done any economic analysis of our loss and damage to come up with any study to project our economic vulnerability, said Dr Sreejith OP of India Meteorological Department and a lead author of Indias chapter of WMO report. According to experts, India assesses its loss and damages based on the aftermath of the event and also based on media reports. Sreejith also pointed out Indias lack of last-mile connectivity to warn and disseminate early warning messages. India is a diverse country with different languages lacking a robust dissemination system, he said, adding that IMD has been working on it to iron out the flaws. According to the report, only five out of 21 countries performed well on each indicator. It means people of these countries can access a multi-hazard early warning system. These five countries are Korea, Qatar, Japan, Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar. In 2023, various parts of the country experienced extreme weather events like extremely heavy rainfall, floods, landslide, lightning, thunderstorm, heat wave, snowfall, cold wave and hailstorm, among others, which caused about 2450 deaths, out of which more than 1330 were due to lightning and thunderstorm. The annual mean land surface air temperature average over India during 2023 was +0.65C above the long-term average (period 1981-2010). The year 2023 was the second warmest year on record after 2016 since nationwide records commenced in 1901. In 2023, there were 6 cyclones formed over the north Indian Ocean. Of these, 3 were Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Mocha, Biparjoy and Tej, two were Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung and Midhili, one was Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Hamoon. Of these, 4 cyclones, viz. Mocha, Hamoon, Midhili, and Michaung, formed over the Bay of Bengal & two cyclones, namely Biparjoy and Tej, over the Arabian Sea. In addition to it, there was below the normal rainfall observed in both during southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon season in 2023. Moreover, a significant glacial lake outburst flood originating in South Lhonak in North Sikkim led to the catastrophic collapse of the Teesta III hydroelectric dam, causing widespread devastation downstream. According to the National Emergency Response Centre of India (NDMI), there were over 100 deaths and over 70 people went missing.

U20 men's football nationals: Sikkim, Telangana prove too good in big wins

Constitution can never be changed... Congress creating confusion: BJP candidate from Kota Om Birla

Constitution can never be changed... Congress creating confusion: BJP candidate from Kota Om Birla Lok Sabha Speaker and BJP candidate from Kota constituency for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Om Birla, slammed the Congress for spreading confusion within the Scheduled Castes by saying that the BJP wants to change the Constitution and curtail the rights of people. The BJP candidate assured that the Constitution can never be changed. Speaking to ANI here on Monday, Birla said, Prime Minister Modi has clearly said that the Constitution can never be changed. No one is going to be fooled. The Congress is trying to spread false things and create confusion within the Scheduled Castes... Replying to a query, he said, If someone has secured and protected the rights of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Dalits, then it has been done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government wants to change the Constitution and curtail the rights of people. Their (BJP) leaders are saying to everyone that they should get 400 seats and they will change the Constitution. On the other hand, Narendra Modi says - We will not change the Constitution. This is a conspiracy. The Constitution gives the right to equality to women, and the right to 'jal, Jungle' for Adivasis. This is the same Constitution for which the great men of the country sacrificed themselves. They want to change the Constitution because the PM only wants power. They want to weaken the rights of the people. They want to weaken the reservations, Priyanka Gandhi said at a rally in Rajnandgaon. Voting for Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan is being held in two phases. Polling for 12 seats was held in the first phase on April 19 and voting for the remaining 13 seats will be contested in the second phase on April 26. The counting will take place on June 4. In 2019, the BJP registered a sweeping victory, winning 24 out of 25 seats. Rashtriya Loktrantrik Party's Hanuman Beniwal also won a seat. The first phase of voting for 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories was held on Friday with a voter turnout of nearly 64 per cent. In the first phase of LS polls, voting took place in the following states - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. Polling was also held in the following Union Territories - Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry. The Lok Sabha polls are being held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. (ANI)

RBI asks payment system operators to report high value, suspicious transactions during elections

The Election Commission has so far announced the schedule for holding General Elections to Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim

Unprecedented Feat: 35 Candidates Clinch Lok Sabha Seats Without Contest Since 1951

Unprecedented Feat: 35 Candidates Clinch Lok Sabha Seats Without Contest Since 1951 The BJP's Mukesh Dalal has become the first candidate in the last 12 years to have won a Lok Sabha election unopposed. He is also perhaps the first candidate from the BJP to have ever won a parliamentary poll unopposed. His victory from the Surat parliamentary constituency comes close on the heels of 10 BJP candidates winning uncontested in the just-held assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh. Dalal was on Monday elected unopposed from Surat Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat after all other nominees withdrew from the fray, a poll official said. The candidature of the Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected a day earlier after the district returning officer prima facie found discrepancies in the signature of the proposers. This is the first victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the ongoing seven-phased Lok Sabha elections. Before Dalal's unopposed entry to the 18th Lok Sabha, there have been at least 34 others who have won the parliamentary polls since 1951 without an electoral battle. Samajwadi Party's Dimple Yadav had won the Kannauj Lok Sabha bypoll in 2012 unopposed. The seat was vacated by her husband Akhilesh Yadav after he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Amongst the other prominent leaders who have won parliamentary polls unopposed are Y B Chavan, Farooq Abdullah, Hare Krishna Mahtab, T T Krishnamachari, P M Syeed and S C Jamir. Of the candidates who have entered the Lok Sabha without a contest, the maximum have been from the Congress. Sikkim and Srinagar constituencies have seen such unopposed elections twice. While most candidates have won polls unopposed in general or regular elections, there have been at least nine, including Dimple Yadav, who have won bypolls uncontested. A maximum of seven candidates won the general elections uncontested in 1957, followed by five each in 1951 and 1967 polls. While three candidates won uncontested in 1962 and two in 1977, one candidate each won the polls in a similar fashion in 1971, 1980 and 1989.

Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal 2024 Phase 2: Schools and colleges to remain closed on April 26

Voting for the 18th Lok Sabha elections commenced on April 19th across 21 states and Union territories in India, witnessing a turnout of approximately 64% of eligible voters. States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry participated in the electoral process.

80% voter turnout in Sikkim Assembly elections, says EC

Yoksom-Tashiding assembly constituency registered the highest voter turnout at 85.37 per cent, while Gangtok (BL) assembly constituency witnessed the lowest turnout at 63.66 per cent.

Fifty years ago| Sikkim ruler for closer co-operation with India

Railways succeeds in mining tunnel in sandy soil below NH-10, averting cave-in risk

NEW DELHI, April 20: The Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project, which will connect Sikkim to the railway network for the first time, has got a major boost with the completion of an 855-metre-long emergency exit tunnel. A 20-metre section of the tunnel runs under National Highway-10, along the Teesta river, and according to officials, mining through its []

Travel tips: Sikkim is the perfect place to celebrate holidays, definitely enjoy these festivals during your trip.

In this vast country of India, you will find more than one place where your beauty and beauty can please you. One such state is Sikkim which is known for its plants, animals, rivers, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Sikkim is a mountainous state located in the north-eastern part of India. This thumb-shaped state is also known for its festivals which become the attraction here. The main religion for the people of Sikkim is Hinduism although a large population also follows Buddhism. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about the famous festivals of Sikkim which can make your trip even more memorable. Let us know about these festivals... Losang Festival Losang Festival is a major festival of Sikkim celebrated at the end of the harvest and the tenth month of the year according to the Tibetan calendar. During this festival, people pray for a good harvest and good prospects in the coming year. This festival symbolizes the spirit of good over evil. Chams were held 2 days earlier in most monasteries. People wear masks and are well-dressed and perform the Cham dance. During the festival, many competitions of traditional skills are organized, such as archery, merrymaking competitions, etc. Sonam Lhochar Festival Sonal Lhochar Festival is one of the most prominent festivals of Northeast India which is celebrated as the beginning of the Tibetan New Year for the Tamang community. To celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm and pomp, men and women wear colorful and traditional clothes and perform rituals. People wear masks and dance to the beats of drums. The exotic and delicious Tamang dishes served to the people are a real treat for the people of Sikkim as well as the visitors. It is celebrated in Sikkim as well as in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet in February. Losar Festival Losar Festival is celebrated as Tibetan New Year in February. Yak dance is very popular in this festival and a procession is also taken out in it. Here the local community gathers together to watch grand religious performances. People celebrate the festival by singing, dancing, eating, and drinking along with traditional Sherpa songs. Many traditional ceremonial dances are performed that depict the conflict between demons and gods, this event is mainly held in monasteries. Even in Nepal, the Saur festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Saga claim Saga Dawa is an auspicious month for Sikkim. It is also known as the Triple Blessed Festival. Tibetan Buddhists celebrate the auspicious time of the year when the Saga star appears in the sky in the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar. Buddhists celebrate Shakyamuni festival on the full moon day of this month. Those of birth, enlightenment, and nirvana were all born in the same month and reached their peak on April 15. Believing that good deeds and prayers are multiplied during this period, people are much more compassionate than usual. Jokhangs chant around the temple and give alms to the needy to avoid killing animals. Bhumchu Bhumchu is celebrated with many ceremonies and rituals among the northeastern people of India. Bhumchu means sacred vessel of water. The festival features an opening ceremony on the first day where monks from Tashiding Monastery open pots and predict the future of the coming year. The next day, during the closing ceremony, the monks refill the pot with water brought from the sacred river and the pot is sealed until the next year. The festival showcases the rituals and customs of Buddhism and is an ideal opportunity for tourists to witness the traditions. Dance festival The Dance Festival is one of the special festivals in Sikkim which is celebrated in December. The dance performed by the monks during this festival depicts the destruction of evil forces. During this festival they also pray for peace and prosperity in Sikkim. Tendong Lho Rum Phato It is the most important and ancient festival of the people of Sikkim celebrated by the Lepcha tribe people as it is believed that the ancestors of the Lepcha tribe were saved by Tendong Hill during a flood that lasted for 40 days. A grand festival is organized and rituals and ceremonies are performed throughout the state of Sikkim. The main focus of this festival is the trek from Ravangla to Tendong hill which is a unique experience and is visited by many locals as well as tourists to induce some adrenaline rush. Pang Lhabsol Pang Lhabsol is a very popular festival of Sikkim which is celebrated as the Independence Day of India. On this festival, people pray to God for the country and Sikkim. All celebrations are held around Mount Kangchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. Apart from celebrating the peak it honors the treaty between the Lepchas and Bhutias. All the Gods and Goddesses are welcomed in this festival. The celebration takes place around the fifteenth day which falls in the seventh month of their calendar and at the end of August in the English calendar. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Record-breaking 79.77 per cent voter turnout in Sikkim Assembly elections

Record-breaking 79.77 per cent voter turnout in Sikkim Assembly elections The Sikkim Assembly elections recorded a voter turnout of 79.77 per cent while the polling figure for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the Himalayan state was 80.03, officials said on Saturday. Voting for the 32 Assembly segments and the lone Lok Sabha seat in the Himalayan state was held on Friday. The election officials had given a voter turnout figure of 67.95 per cent after 5 pm on Friday. The final voter turnout figure for the Sikkim Assembly election is 79.77 per cent which was an improvement by one per cent from 78.63 per cent in 2019 assembly polls, they said. The Himalayan state has 4.64 lakh voters. Yoksom-Tashiding assembly constituency registered the highest voter turnout at 85.37 per cent, while Gangtok (BL) assembly constituency witnessed the lowest turnout at 63.66 per cent. As many as 20 assembly constituencies recorded voter turnout at 80 per cent or more, while 10 other assembly constituencies saw polling between 70 and 79 per cent. The voter turnout for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Sikkim was 80.03 per cent which is a shade lower than 81.41 per cent in 2019, officials added. A total of 146 candidates, including Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, his predecessor Pawan Kumar Chamling, former India Football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, and Tamang's wife Krishna Kumari Rai are in the fray for 32 assembly constituencies. Tamang and Chamling are contesting from two assembly constituencies each. The counting of votes for the Sikkim Assembly elections will be taken up on June 2 and that for the Lok Sabha election on June 4.

Railways Successfully Mines Tunnel in Sandy Soil below NH-10, Preventing Potential Cave-In

Railways Successfully Mines Tunnel in Sandy Soil below NH-10, Preventing Potential Cave-In The Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project, which will connect Sikkim to the railway network for the first time, has got a major boost with the completion of an 855-metre-long emergency exit tunnel. A 20-metre section of the tunnel runs under National Highway-10, along the Teesta river, and according to officials, mining through its soft and loose soil was the most challenging part of the whole project as there was a high risk that it might cave in, snapping Sikkim's road connectivity with the rest of the country. ''NH-10 is the only road network that connects Sikkim with other parts of the country. It was a huge challenge for us to mine a tunnel 18 metres below the highway, because the soil is very soft and loose, just like the river sand bed (fine to coarse-grained), with alternate bands of pebble, cobble and boulders,'' an official from Ircon International, which is constructing the project, said. ''Mining for only that 20-metre distance, which is the width of NH-10 including the impact areas on both sides along the highway, has been the most challenging moment of the project so far. We completed it successfully, without causing a single millimetre of deformation to the highway,'' he added. Railway officials said they used the secant-piling method, rarely used in tunnel mining. After getting it proof-checked by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ircon officials prepared a case study, explaining the ingenuity of the mining work. The study says, ''To provide fool-proof safety to NH-10, it was suggested to prepare a secant pile wall. Secant piles are designed by constructing reinforced concrete piles that interlock with each other and are reinforced with steel rebar. Typically, primary piles are cast in situ, leaving space in between them, and this is followed by secondary piles cut into the primary piles to form a continuous wall of piles.'' The Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project (SRRP), covering a total length of 44.96 km between Sivok in West Bengal and Ranpo in Sikkim), has 14 tunnels, 22 bridges (13 major, nine minor) and five railway stations -- Sivok, Riyang, Teesta Bazar, Melli and Rangpo. A railway official told PTI that of the 14 tunnels, mining work has been completed in 10 and of these 10, the lining work has been finished in four. The longest tunnel of the project is 5.3 km and the shortest 538 metres. ''Of the 13 major bridges, 12 are ready with the substructure. The maximum height of the pier (of Bridge-17) is 85 metres, constructing which was itself an uphill task. The most demanding aspect of the project is that 86 per cent of the total rail line passes through tunnels and 5 per cent over bridges,'' the official said, adding that only 9 per cent of the project is on the ground. The Indian Railway has set a new deadline of August 2025 to finish the SRRP that will connect Sikkim with the rest of the country through the rail network for the first time.

Lok Sabha elections: BSF Meghalaya ensures peaceful polls

Lok Sabha elections: BSF Meghalaya ensures peaceful polls The Border Security Force Meghalaya played a crucial role in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the electoral process across the state during the first phase of the general elections held on Friday. For the parliamentary elections in 2024, which included two constituencies in Meghalaya--Shillong and Tura--the BSF Meghalaya Frontier deployed a dedicated contingent comprising six companies across Garo Hills and East Khasi Hills districts, an official release said. On the election day, BSF troops maintained security measures and assisted local border residents, the elderly, and special-abled individuals in reaching the election booths to cast their votes without hindrance. This congenial environment facilitated the overall conduct of the election by enhancing public confidence. As per estimated voter turnout data, Meghalaya recorded around 74.38 percent turnout. The voting concluded at 6 pm in 102 Lok Sabha constituencies. Meanwhile, Tripura recorded the highest turnout at around 80.17 per cent, followed by West Bengal at 77.57 per cent. Sikkim recorded around 69.47 per voter turnout. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in India in seven phases, starting from April 19 to June 1 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results will be announced on June 4. The second phase will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1 accordingly. The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases. (ANI)

First day, First show and the polling begins

The first round of 7-phase parliamentary polls was held across 21 states, with sporadic incidents of violence being reported from Manipur and West Bengal. In the biggest round of the elections, all 39 seats of Tamil Nadu, 12 of Rajasthan and 8 of Uttar Pradesh went to polls. With PM Modi eyeing a third term in office, the BJP hopes to win 22 of the 25 seats in Northeast, hold on to its 2019 tally in the Hindi heartland and Maharashtra and better its show in West Bengal as well as in the South. The Opposition INDIA bloc insists that it will do well across the country, especially in the saffron bastion of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar this time. The counting of votes will take place on June 4 Rajasthan: Total seats - 25 1st phase - 12 It was subdued enthusiasm among voters in 12 seats. Voting was largely peaceful in most constituencies, though some witnessed sporadic clashes. In Kuchera, Nagaur, one of the hot seats, supporters of BJP candidate Jyoti Mirdha and INDIA Alliance candidate Hanuman Beniwal of RLP clashed with each others, injuring Tejpal Mirdha, the chairman of Kuchera municipality. Nagour is a Jat-dominated seat. In another hot seat of Jhunjhunu in the Shekhawati region, BJP candidate Shubhakaran Chaudhary fought with security personnel and in Churu, an MLA was involved in altercation with a policeman Uttar pradesh: Total seats - 80 1st phase - 8 The overall turnout seemed to be lower than the 2019 elections. The eight constituencies which went to the polls included Saharanpur (63.29%),Pilibhit (60.2%), Kairana (58.68%), Nagina (SC) (58.05%), Moradabad (57.65%), Muzaffarnagar (54.91), Bijnor (54.68%), Rampur (52.42%). No major incident was reported during the polling. Last time, a turnout of 66.47% was recorded in the eight constituencies. Overall turnout in Uttar Pradesh during 2019 was 59.21%. In the Neuria area of the district, villagers said they would not vote as they are peeved at man-animal conflict Bihar: Total seats - 40 4 A low turnout of 48.23% was recorded in four constituencies where 38 candidates were in the fray. In 2019, 53.47% voters had exercised their franchise. Gaya has the highest 14 candidates in the fray. There is a decrease of around 5.24% of turnout in 2024. According to chief electoral officer H R Srinivasa, Gaya (SC) recorded the highest 52% turnout, Jamui (SC) and Aurangabad 50% each. In Nawada, only 41.50% voters exercised their franchise. In 2019, Aurangabad had recorded 53.63% turnout, Gaya 56.16 %, Nawada 49.33% and Jamui 55.21%. Voters called for poll boycott in six stations, there was no report of clashes or violence though, according to Srinivasa. WEST BENGAL: Total seats - 42 1st phase - 3 Sporadic incidents of violence marred the first phase, with TMC and BJP workers clashing in Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri. Three reserved seatsJalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Beharin North Bengal went to polls. The TMC and the BJP lodged 80 and 39 complaints, respectively, related to violence, voter intimidation, and assaults on poll agents in Cooch Behar and Alipurduar. Union MoS Nisith Pramanik is contesting from Cooch Behar. TMC leader Udayan Guha said that the BJP, along with central forces, unleashed a reign of terror to rig the elections. The BJP, however, denied the allegations. chhattisgarh: Total seats - 11 1st phase - 1 The voters defied the Maoist threat, as the encouraging turnout eclipsed the terror that haunted Bastar zone ahead of the polling. A CRPF personnel, Devendra kumar, was killed in an IED blast at Usoor in an edgy district of Bijapur during an area domination operation. He died of his injuries while on the way to Raipur in a chopper. In the same district, an assistant commandant of CRPF was injured during a poll-related duty at Bhairamgarh. Barring the two incidents, the polling across Bastar remained peaceful. For the first time, 102 new polling stations were set up for the convenience of voters. Madhya Pradesh: Total seats - 29 1st phase - 6 Six constituencies recorded around 67% turnout till 6.30 pm and the figure is likely to go up. The six seats had registered 75.23% polling in. The high-profile Chhindwara seat (where ex-CM Kamal Naths MP son Nakul Nath took on BJPs Vivek Sahu) stood on top in terms of poll percentage with 78.67% as shared by chief electoral officer Anupam Rajan. Another key constituency Mandla-ST (where sixth-time BJP MP and Union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste was pitted against ex-minister and fourth-time Congress MLA Omkar Markam) reported 72.92% polling. The Maoist-hit Balaghat seat reported 72.60% polling Jammu & Kashmir: Total seats - 5 1st phase - 1 For the first-time in over three decades, residents at the International Border in Hira Nagar sector of Kathua district exercised their right to vote for the Udhampur seat without any fear or threat of cross-border firing. It was the first major electoral exercise in J&K since the abrogration of Article 370 and bifurcation of erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories. People men, women, including young and old thronged at the polling station in Kadyala village close to International Border. India and Pakistan on February 24, 2021, announced to strictly uphold the November 2003 border ceasefire pact between the troops of two countries. Residents said due to the ceasefire, more people have come to vote in this election UTTARAKHAND 5 5 Despite clear weather and relatively low temperature, the turnout was below expectation. Villagers of Jalal in Nainital and Tehri parliamentary constituency boycotted the election for lack of infrastructure, posing risks to their travel and safety. Newlywed couples, dressed in their wedding attire, arrived at several polling stations to cast their votes. However, around 350 were not able to vote on polling day due to wedding ceremonies. Bhagwan Singh, father of the groom from village Chhedi in Srinagar, expressed regret for not being able to vote on polling day due to clash over marriage date Maharashtra: Total seats - 48 1st phase - 5 Voting for the five seats took place without untoward events in Maharashtra. The voting began on a slow pace due to the scorching heat in the Vidarbha region. The tribal and Naxalite district of Gadchiroli witnessed the highest turnout at 64.95%, while Nagpur reported lowest at 47.91% till 5pm. In Ramtek-SC seat, 53.38% turnout was reported, 56.87% in BhandaraGondia and 55.11% in Chandrapur seat. To avoid technical snags cropping up in EVMs in the remote polling booths in Gadchiroli, three spare EVMs were dispatched by a helicopter to the Sironcha area of the district, said an official. Manipur: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 Sporadic incidents of gunfire and intimidation of voters as well as Congress workers by armed miscreants marred Lok Sabha elections in ethnic violence-hit Manipur on Friday. The turnout was 72.32% in the Inner Manipur seat and 61.98% in Outer Manipur. The violence occurred in places falling under the Inner Manipur seat which straddles the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley. The armed men fired several rounds outside a polling station at Thamnapokpi in Bishnupur district. Three persons were reportedly injured.The voters and the Congress polling agents were intimidated by the armed miscreants Tamil Nadu: Total seats - 39 1st phase - 39 The polling began at 7am amid tight security in most of the 39 constituencies. Argument broke out between voters and officials in some polling stations as authorities did not allow people to carry their smartphones/mobiles inside the booths. People belonging to Parandhur village with over 1,000 voters near Sriperumbudur did not turn up to vote till 9.30 am. Around 1,000 voters of Ennore who had called for boycott of the election over the ammonia gas leak incident at Ennore Creek withdrew their decision and decided to vote Puducherry: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 The Union Territory gets to elect their lone representative to the Lok Sabha. A visit to some of the polling stations in rural areas brought to the fore a mixed picture. Pink booths were the centre of attraction. The green environment at a booth housed on the premises of the more-than-century-old VOC Government Boys school in the town added to the lustre of the arrangements. Gruel, nutritious cereals, millets and buttermilk were given to the voters Lakshadweep: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Nearly 60% voter turnout was recorded until 5pm in the Lakshadweep constituency spanning across 10 inhabited islands of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, with an electorate of 57,784, as per data shared by the Election Commission. Out of this total, 28,506 are women. The polling began at 7.30am across the 10 inhabited islands and concluded at 6.30 pm. An official said that the figures provided are preliminary, as voters who were in line by this deadline were given the opportunity to cast their votes Andaman & Nicobar islands: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Around 3,15,148 voters in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have exercised their franchise till 3pm for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the Union Territory. Seven members of the Shompen tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTGs) of the Great Nicobar Islands, on Friday exercised their voting rights for the first time, an election official said. Other two primitive tribes, too, exercised their voting rights like in 2019, the CEO said Arunachal Pradesh: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 The unique Malogam polling station in Anjaw district of the state recorded cent per cent polling with the lone female voter, exercising her constitutional right on Friday, officials said. Supporters of two candidates clashed at the Bameng Assembly constituency in East Kameng. Irate mobs damaged EVMs in polling stations elsewhere in the state. Miscreants tried to snatch EVMs in three polling stations in the Nacho constituency in Upper Subansiri and in one in Kurung Kumey district, where polling was also suspended Assam: Total seats - 14 1st phase - 5 Long queues were seen outside booths since morning as polling was underway for five constituencies. Poling began at 7 am in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Kaziranga seats, and 86.5 lakh voters are eligible to vote. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal of BJP and Congresss deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi were among those who cast their votes in the first hour Meghalaya: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 Voters at numerous polling stations were seen queuing up as early as 6 am, underscoring their enthusiasm to participate in the electoral process. The first five voters were rewarded with mementoes and first-time voters were also felicitated. Voters in a model polling station planted trees after casting their votes. Polling was being held at 3,512 polling stations in which 10 candidates are in the fray Mizoram: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 At least 6,500 polling personnel, over 3,500 policemen and 12 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed for the polls in the state. All international borders and inter-state borders have been sealed to ensure peaceful elections, a senior police officer said. Although there are six contenders, it is believed that the fight will be mainly among ZPM, MNF and Congress Nagaland: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Polling personnel in six eastern districts of Nagaland waited for nine hours in booths, but not one of the four lakh voters of the region turned up following a shutdown call given by an organisation to press for its demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT). Of the 13.25 lakh voters in Nagaland, 50.41 per cent have exercised their franchise, the officials said. Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan exercised his franchise at Model Polling Station Sikkim: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Over 50% of the 4.64 lakh voters in Sikkim exercised their franchise in the 32 Assembly seats and in the lone Lok Sabha constituency till 3 pm on Friday, an official said. Thirteen companies of CAPF have been deployed in Sikkim, of which five companies are from ITBP and eight from SSB, he added. Former Indian Football captain and SDF vice president Bhaichung Bhutia who is contesting from Barfung (BL) assembly seat voted Tripura: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 1 The opposition Congress and CPM alleged that largescale rigging in several places across the constituency, with the Election Commission saying that it received some complaints and was looking into those. In the bypolls to the Ramnagar assembly seat, which was being held simultaneously, a turnout of 56.68% was recorded. Altogether 14.61 lakh people are eligible to vote in this phase of Lok Sabha polls in Tripura