Calcutta University teams up with Darjeeling college to preserve and promote Lepcha language
Workshop aims to connect endangered language and literature of hill communities to wider audiences
Bimal Gurung Rejects Sikkim-Darjeeling Merger Talk, Reaffirms GJMMs Stand
Darjeeling, June 10 : Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJMM) leader Bimal Gurung has firmly dismissed any The post Bimal Gurung Rejects Sikkim-Darjeeling Merger Talk, Reaffirms GJMMs Stand appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
'Why Order From A Place That Serves Non-Veg Too?': Consumer Court Sides With 'Wow Momo'
On December 19, 2020, two customers at Wow Momo in Sion claimed they ordered vegetarian 'Darjeeling Momos' but were served chicken momos despite twice specifying veg
Steam Engines That Run Darjeeling's Iconic Toy Train Turn 125
The steam engine-powered narrow-gauge railway known as the toy train or Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a train service from the New Jalpaiguri railhead near Siliguri to the hill station of Darjeeling, has achieved a major milestone.
Sikkim poised to become global tourism, Green Model hub: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared that Sikkim is the pride of India and that the government envisions transforming the state into a global tourism destination and a Green Model State for the world. Addressing the Sikkim@50 event in Gangtok via videoconferencing, due to adverse weather conditions preventing his travel to the venue, Modi said, We are advancing the 'Act East' policy with the spirit of 'Act Fast' and Sikkim and the entire Northeast are emerging as a shining chapter in India's progress. He emphasised the Centres ambition to make Sikkim an international tourism hub, highlighting the states potential and natural assets. In the coming years, India is poised to emerge as a global sports superpower. The Yuva Shakti of the Northeast and Sikkim will play a pivotal role in realising this dream, he said. He further reiterated, Our vision is for Sikkim to become a Green Model State not just for India but for the entire world. Reflecting on Sikkims journey over the past five decades, Modi said, Fifty years ago, Sikkim charted a democratic future for itself. The people of Sikkim not only connected with India's geography but also with its soul. He noted that the nation has witnessed the fruits of this trust in the state's remarkable development. Sikkim is the pride of the nation, he reaffirmed, adding that the state has become a model of progress in harmony with nature. Highlighting its economic success, he said, Sikkim is among the states with the highest per capita income in the country. These achievements are a testament to the capabilities of the people of Sikkim. The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of inclusive development, saying that since 2014, the government has worked with the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, development for all, with everyones support. He added, A developed India requires balanced growth, ensuring that no region is left behind while others forge ahead. He remarked that every region in India has unique strengths and the government has placed the Northeast at the centre of development over the past decade. Sikkim, along with the entire Northeast, is becoming a shining chapter in India's development story, Modi said. Where once the distance from Delhi posed a barrier to progress, the same region is now opening new doors of opportunity. He stressed that the key driver behind this transformation has been improved connectivity, which the people of Sikkim have directly experienced. Reminiscing about a time when travel for education, healthcare and employment was a major challenge, he noted that this situation has changed significantly over the past ten years. Nearly 400 kilometres of new national highways have been built in Sikkim during this period, in addition to hundreds of kilometres of roads constructed in villages. The Prime Minister also spoke about major infrastructure projects in the state, including the construction of the Atal Setu which has enhanced Sikkims connectivity with Darjeeling. He added that work is progressing swiftly on the road connecting Sikkim with Kalimpong, among other developmental initiatives. The foundation of a developed India rests on four strong pillar, empowerment of the poor, farmers, women and youth, Modi said. As part of this effort, he announced the establishment of Indias first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng district, a step that further enhances Sikkims profile as an organic leader. Recalling the recent NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in Delhi, the Prime Minister said it emphasised the need for each state to develop a tourism destination of international repute. The time has come for Sikkim to move beyond its identity as merely a hill station and to establish itself as a global tourism destination, he stated. He cited Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a source of immense national and international pride. Modi also referred to the new skywalk under construction, the Golden Jubilee Project inauguration, and the unveiling of a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee as symbols of Sikkims growing stature. The people of Sikkim understand the power of tourism, and tourism is not just entertainment but a celebration of diversity, he said. Addressing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Prime Minister declared that it was not merely an assault on Indians, but an attack on humanity and the spirit of brotherhood. He stated that the terrorists sought to divide the people of India and caused pain by wiping the sindoor off the foreheads of Indian daughters, but that India responded strongly with Operation Sindoor against the perpetrators. Today, the world is witnessing Indias unprecedented unity and the nation has come together to send a clear message to terrorists and their supporters, Modi asserted.
8 Best Places in East India to Escape the Summer Heat
Escape the summer heat with cool destinations in East India, including Darjeeling, Shillong, Sikkim, Digha, Tawang, and more!
Punjab tutor held for abducting student; boy rescued from Darjeeling after over a month
HOSHIARPUR: A 13-year-old boy, who was allegedly abducted by his tutor about over a month ago, has been rescued by the police and the kidnapper arrested, officials said on Sunday. Model Town SHO Sub-Inspector Gursahib Singh said the boy, a native of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra, was currently living with his parents in a rented accommodation in Hoshiarpur. Studying in Class 7, the boy used to take tuition from Bhupinder Singh (51), a resident of Dashmesh Nagar, daily between 3 pm and 7.30 pm. According to the police, Bhupinder Singh somehow convinced the boy's parents to allow him to take the child to Shimla for two days. However, after taking the boy with him on March 12, he blocked all contact numbers of the family and prevented the child from speaking to anyone. The boy's parents searched for him on their own for around 18 days, but when they failed to trace the abductor and their child, they lodged an FIR. The FIR was registered at the Model Town Police Station on April 2 under relevant provisions of the law that deal with the punishment for kidnapping or abducting someone with the intent to secretly confine them. A hunt was launched for Bhupinder, who kept changing his location frequently to evade arrest. Eventually, police located him at a hotel in West Bengal's Darjeeling and arrested him two days ago. The boy was safely rescued. The police said the accused had taken the boy close to the Nepal border and there was a strong possibility that he could have crossed over into Nepal with the child. The rescued boy has been produced before the Child Welfare Committee, while the accused was presented before a court, which remanded him in four-day police custody for further interrogation. The police are investigating the motive behind the kidnapping.
Blood-Sucking Fly That Can Cause Human Blindness Identified In Darjeeling, Kalimpong
Onchocerciasis, commonly known as 'river blindness,' is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. The worm is carried by black flies.
5 Easy Weekend Getaways From Darjeeling That Locals Swear By
Need a quick break from Darjeeling's usual rhythm? These weekend getaways offer fresh views, quiet corners, and zero travel drama.
Govt advances summer vacation in Bengal schools due to hot weather conditions
The West Bengal government has announced an early summer vacation for schools, starting April 30, due to the intense heatwave, excluding schools in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Education Minister Bratya Basu stated the vacation's duration will be determined later, based on weather conditions.
Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela are currently shooting their upcoming romantic drama in Gangtok and Darjeeling. The untitled film is directed by Anurag Basu and could be titled Aashiqui 3.
Bengali travellers seem to be moving away from Darjeeling and Sikkim to Kashmir
Compared to Darjeeling and Sikkim, Kashmir offers better value for money in terms of hotels, food, and experiences in addition to political stability, they say
Juhi Gupta, Sustainability Director, Tetra Pak South Asia said, This partnership is a great example of like-minded partners coming together to take a challenge and convert that into an opportunity to do the right thing. We are very happy to partner with Tieedi on this initiative and believe that together we are setting a wonderful precedent in this region for decentralized, community-driven waste management solutions that benefit both the environment and the people working to keep it clean.
Uttarakhand's Galogi Hydroelectric Project achieves record electricity generation
DEHRADUN: Uttrakhand's historic Galogi Hydroelectric Project has set a new record by generating 8.075 million units of electricity in the financial year 2024-25. This marks the highest annual electricity generation since the project was commissioned in 1907. Speaking exclusively with TNIE , Uttarakhand Jal Vidhyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) Managing Director, Dr. Sandeep Singhal, stated, The 3.5 MW Galogi Hydroelectric Project, situated between Kyarkuli and Bhatta near Mussoorie in district Dehradun, has surpassed its previous record of 7.96 million units achieved in the financial year 2023-24. Dr. Singhal emphasised the dual focus of the project, saying, While we strive for excellence in electricity generation, we are equally committed to preserving the Galogi site as a historic heritage landmark. Dr. Singhal further stated, The Galogi Hydroelectric Project not only contributes to the region's energy needs but also stands as a testament to the rich history of hydroelectric power in India. He added, As UJVN Limited continues to operate this facility, it aims to balance modern energy demands with the preservation of its historical significance. The Galogi Small Hydroelectric Project, established in 1907 during British rule, has played a pivotal role in supplying electricity and water to the Mussoorie region. According to Vimal Dabral, the public relations officer of UJVNL, At that time, Mussoorie, along with Kolkata, Darjeeling, and Shimla, was one of the few places with electricity distribution facilities. He emphasised the project's historical significance, stating, This project is the only hydroelectric plant from the British era that continues to successfully generate electricity while fulfilling its original purpose of water supply. Dabral further elaborated on the importance of the Galogi project, noting its unique status in India's energy landscape. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early hydroelectric power initiatives, he remarked. As UJVNL continues to operate this historic facility, it not only meets modern energy demands but also preserves a vital piece of Indias energy heritage.
Darjeeling City Guide: Where To Eat, Stay, Shop, And Roam In The 'Queen Of The Hills'
This charming hill town in West Bengal is packed with jaw-dropping mountain views and colonial-era nostalgia, served with a side of steaming momos.
In a first, Darjeeling zoo launches project to preserve DNA samples of wildlife in Hills
Chief Wildlife Warden Debal Roy said 60 DNA samples from indigenous animals have already been collected for profiling
Senior doctor who became face of RG Kar movement transferred to a lower-ranked post
Kolkata: Senior doctor Subarna Goswami, who became a face of the movement by the medical fraternity against the R.G. Kar rape and murder tragedy in August last year, has been transferred to Darjeeling and in a lower ranked-post. Goswami been transferred to a post which is one rank lower than his existing rank. As 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 .
Rain, hailstorms likely in several South Bengal districts on Thursday, Friday
KOLKATA: The India Meteorological Department has forecast thundersqualls with gusty winds and hailstorms in several districts of South Bengal on Thursday and Friday, due to a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal. According to a bulletin issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, thundersqualls with gusty winds (50-60 kmph) accompanied by lightning and hail are likely to occur at one or two places over Jhargram, Bankura, West Midnapore, East Midnapore and Hooghly districts on Thursday. For Kolkata and neighbouring areas, Thursday's forecast is for ain or thundershowers with strong gusty winds, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 34 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. The weather system will intensify on Friday, extending to more districts in gangetic West Bengal, the IMD said. Thundersqualls with gusty winds (50-60 kmph) and lightning accompanied with hail are likely over East Burdwan, Howrah, Jhargram, Bankura, West Midnapore, East Midnapore and Hooghly districts, while other districts in South Bengal could experience thunderstorms with gusty winds (40-50 kmph), it said. Rain or thundershowers with strong gusty winds are likely in the metropolis on Friday, with temperatures expected to drop to between 32 deg Celsius and 22 deg Celsius, the bulletin said. North Bengal will largely remain dry on Thursday, with light rain or thunder expected only in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. By Friday, thunderstorms with gusty winds (30-40 kmph) and lightning are likely at one or two places across Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, it said. The IMD has also warned of potential damage to standing crops, vegetables and horticulture, as well as loose structures.
With bio-banked genetic material, Darjeeling has Indias first frozen zoo
India's first frozen zoo in Darjeeling's Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is preserving the DNA of endangered Himalayan species using cryogenic technology. This initiative aims to ensure the long-term preservation of genetic material to aid future conservation efforts, including the possibility of assisted reproduction.
By Rabindra Nath Sinha KOLKATA: A surprise announcement by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on February 5 at the plenary session of Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS)about higher cap on use of tea plantation land for non-tea, commercial purposes has prompted trade unions to make it an issue for protests in north Bengal . The chief ministers announcement also has political implications, particularly in the Darjeeling hills, where her party, Trinamool Congress, has hardly any base and circumstances [] The post Bengal Govts Decision To Raise Cap On Use Of Tea Plantation Land For Commercial Purposes Creates Furore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
KOLKATA: Clashes erupted between activists of various Leftist student bodies and Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) across West Bengal on Monday during a strike called by CPI(M)'s student wing SFI on university campuses across the state demanding the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu. Clashes were reported between members of the TMC's students' wing and Leftist activists of AIDSO and SFI in Medinipur town in Paschim Medinipur district, Siliguri in Darjeeling district, Cooch Behar district and Panskura in Purba Medinipur district. Campuses of Jadavpur and Presidency universities in Kolkata wore a deserted look as common students, faculty members and other staffers stayed away while Students' Federation of India (SFI) members gathered on the campuses to enforce the day-long strike that began at 10 am. Campuses of other higher educational institutions such as Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal University and Burdwan University were partially affected as some classes were not held even though semester examinations were conducted, officials said. However, fewer SFI activists were seen on these campuses, unlike at JU and Presidency University. Activists of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, the students' wing of the ruling TMC, were also seen on the campuses. The strike did not affect vehicular movement so far as the SFI activists did not cause any disruption to road traffic and candidates proceeded smoothly to various examination centres across the state since the morning hours. West Bengal board class 12 examinations also began on Monday. Two students were injured when a car in the convoy of Basu grazed past them during a melee in Jadavpur University on March 1 as Leftists students tried to prevent the minister from leaving the campus, demanding a discussion on the conduct of student union polls. Basu sustained injuries as the windshield of his car was damaged by the protesters. The incident took place when Basu was leaving the premises after attending the AGM of West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA) as the chairman of the TMC-aligned teachers' body. Outsiders sheltered by the TMC had instigated the violence and vandalism on the Jadavpur University campus on Saturday during the AGM of WBCUPA in the presence of Basu, SFI state committee member Shuvajit Sarkar alleged. Tracing the chain of events on the Jadavpur University campus on March 1, Sarkar told PTI, The students only wanted to have a discussion with the education minister in the presence of vice-chancellor but he behaved in a high-handed manner with them and tried to leave the campus in a huff. Despite the students demanding an audience with the minister, he, accompanied by TMC musclemen and outsiders, boarded his car and his driver accelerated the vehicle without concern about the safety of the students who were protesting near the vehicle. His car injured two students, one of them seriously, and he did not bother to look back but sped away, Sarkar alleged. Basu is responsible for the injuries to the two students and we demand his resignation from the state cabinet and police action against him for fuelling fire on Jadavpur University campus, he said. The SFI will extend its help to the smooth conduct of the higher secondary examinations, which began on Monday, and will organise camps near examination centres to assist the candidates, he added.
Kendriya Vidyalaya teacher leaves Bihar amid row over 'Biharis lack civic sense' remark
PATNA: Deepali Shah, a Kendriya Vidyalaya teacher previously posted in Bihars Jehanabad district, has reportedly left the state after being summoned by district police for questioning over a viral video in which she allegedly made controversial remarks about Bihar residents. Deepali was suspended by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan after Lok Janshakti Party (RV) MP Shambhavi Chaudhary complained against her for using abusive language against Biharis. Deepali was attached to the Masarakh branch of the KVS in Saran district after disciplinary action was initiated against her and subsequently put under suspension. Deepalis Biharis lack civic sense remark created a furore in the state, with people demanding action against her. Police swung into action and initiated an investigation as the incident took a political overtone. A complaint was registered at Kako police station in Jehanabad district. The cybercrime cell was asked to assist the district police in the investigation. Arvind Pratap Singh, SP, Jehanabad, confirmed that the teacher in question was summoned by police for interrogation. Since the matter is related to cybercrime, the cyber cell of the district police has been roped in, the SP said, adding that the authenticity of the viral video was being ascertained. Earlier, Jehanabad District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey took cognisance of the matter and recommended disciplinary action against the teacher in question. She assured that suitable action would be taken against the teacher for making such objectionable remarks against any state and its citizens. In the viral video, the teacher can be heard saying, Biharis have zero civic sense. She alleged that India is a developing country because Bihar is a part of it. The day we remove Bihar from India, it will be developed. People have no civic sense; they have messed up the Indian Railways, she says in the viral video. She also expressed her frustration over her first posting in Bihar and sought to know why she was posted in Bihar. What mistake have I made that I was posted in Indias worst region while my friends have been posted at places like Darjeeling, Silchar, and Bengaluru? I would have preferred to even go to Ladakh, where most people dont want to go, she said in her utter frustration. Meanwhile, sources said that Deepali got herself transferred outside the state, citing security reasons.
UK's King Charles And Queen Camilla on Wednesday took part in pre-Ramadan preparations during a visit to Darjeeling Express, an Indian restaurant based in London.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured that the State government will not disrupt tea cultivation while granting approvals for tourism-related activities
Seven persons held, 22.5 kg of ganja seized in two separate cases
In one case, the contraband was procured in Odisha, and in the other, it was purchased in Darjeeling
NEW DELHI: As a part of ongoing Operation Chakra-IV, the CBI in close coordination with German authorities has dismantled a sophisticated virtual asset-supported cybercrime network targeting German nationals since 2021. The international operation division of the CBI had registered a case on February 12, 2025 against Rahul Shaw, Shubham Sharma, Rajeev Budhiraja and unknown others, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act 2000. A senior CBI official said, Following the registration of the case, agency sleuths swiftly conducted extensive searches at multiple locations associated and linked to the accused persons, yielding substantial incriminating evidence. The raids took place at six locations across Delhi, Kolkata and Siliguri between February 14 and 17 and revealed that this transnational cyber-enabled financial crime network was channelling the proceeds of crime through virtual assets, he added. As a part of the investigation into the case, the CBI arrested Rahul Shaw from Siliguri, a key accused in the case and was produced before a special court here. During raids conducted at his residential premises, the CBI sleuths recovered seven mobile phones, one laptop and incriminating documents about the crime, the official said. The CBI has also unearthed an illegal Call Centre being operated by the accused Rahul Shaw and other accused persons at Webel IT Park, Matigara, Darjeeling in West Bengal and dismantled the same, an official said. He also added that during the raid, 24 hard disks of computer systems used by the accused persons, containing incriminating digital evidence, were recovered from the said illegal 'Call Centre' as the operation continued to identify the proceeds of the crime. The officials said investigation into the case to find a broader network on the basis of international leads is ongoing in close coordination with the foreign law enforcement agencies. The CBI official alleged that during 2021-2022, the accused individuals conspired to target the German victims by gaining unauthorised remote access to the victims computer systems and bank accounts, under pretext of offering tech support services. They falsely informed the German-based victims that their bank accounts had been compromised. Claiming that their funds were at risk, the accused allegedly manipulated the victims into transferring Euro 646,032 to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by them, he added. According to the officials, the agency has initiated Operation Chakra-IV to combat and dismantle organised cyber-enabled financial crime networks through a globally coordinated law enforcement response leveraging INTERPOL channels.
