KOCHI: Climbing peaks is akin to a marathon up a rock wall with a bag of bricks on your back, battling freezing winds, dizzying heights, and pushing ones limits. Shaikh Hassan Khan, a state secretariat employee with a passion for adventure, loves doing that. His dream was to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents. And, a few days ago, he became the first person from Kerala to achieve this feat. My love for the mountains began in 2015 when I was posted in Delhi for work. Thats when I started sneaking off for trips to the hills whenever I could, says Shaikh. On one such journey, I ended up at the Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering in Darjeeling. I felt a spark, and alongside my civil service training, I took a 28-day basic mountaineering course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. By the end of the course, I was completely hooked. Not long after, I climbed Mount Satopanth, a 7,000-metre peak, and that was just the beginning of my journey. The Thiruvananthapuram native scaled his first summit, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341ft) in Tanzania, in February 2021. At 3pm on November 10 this year, by waving the Tricolour atop Mt Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia, Shaikh completed the Seven Summits challenge. I cant put into words how jubilant I felt as I stood atop Mt Kosciuszko with the Indian flag, wearing the mundu in the cold just to add a bit of Kerala vibe, Shaikh smiles. His earlier conquests include Mt Vinson in Antarctica, Mt Everest in Asia, Mt Denali in North America, Mt Elbrus in Europe, and Mt Aconcagua in South America. Shaikh also holds a world record for unfolding the largest Tricolour atop Mt Everest, a feat that he achieved on the 75th anniversary of Indias Independence. I carried a 30x20ft flag. It was heavy, but its symbolism outweighed its physical weight, he says. On his return from the Everest Eco Expedition, Shaikh carried back more than just memories; he lugged down over 100kg of junk. About challenges of mountaineering, Shaikh concedes that there have been moments of doubt when giving up seemed tempting, but his passion pummelled through those blocks. Solitude can be daunting, but its also a space for self-reflection, he adds. I use solitude to connect with my inner self. During expeditions, I also rely on mindfulness techniques, journaling, and reminding myself of the people who believe in me. What about physical fuel? I take calorie-dense foods like nuts, energy bars, and dried fruits for quick energy boosts, he says. I consume complex carbohydrates like oats and rice for sustained energy, and ensure adequate protein intake through dehydrated meal packs. I also carry electrolyte tablets to replenish myself. Most importantly, we need to listen to our bodies and eat regularly, even when our appetite is low. Reflecting on his three-year Seven Summit journey, Shaikh recalls the most memorable moments that deepened his appreciation for nature and reaffirmed his commitment to environmental conservation. Climbing Mt Vinson in Antarctica, the sheer purity of the place humbled m making me realise how small we are compared with nature, he says. And when I stood on the rim of Mt Kilimanjaro at sunrise, watching the golden light spread across the savannah, I felt like the world had paused. It was a powerful reminder of why I climb to experience natures raw beauty. For Shaikh, conquering the Seven Summits is just the beginning. At 37, he now aims to become the first person in the world to scale the highest peak in every country over the next five years. However, securing sponsorships for a less popular sport like mountaineering remains a challenge. I often find myself knocking on 100 doors to get one to open, he says. For my Everest expedition, I had to take loans and faced a lot of struggles. But for my trips to Antarctica, Russia, and Kangchenjunga, Al Muqtadir jewellery stepped in as sponsor. My alma mater, Musaliar College of Engineering, supported my American expedition. I didnt have any sponsor for the Australian one, but my friends raised the funds to make it happen. Shaikh rues that the governments efforts to promote sports in Kerala are minimal. I dont expect much, he says. My goal is to inspire others through my Seven Summits journey and attract sponsors for my next challenge covering 195 countries. I remain hopeful that someone will see the value in my effort and offer support. Going beyond the thrill factor, Shaikh says he has been raising awareness about climate change and world peace. I have seen the effects of climate change up close, he says, suddenly turning grim. The ice on the peaks is melting, and theres more rainfall in North America than ever. Everywhere I go, I try to spread the message about whats happening to our planet and share it through my social media. Shaikh is also planning a project focused on cleaning the beaches in Kerala, believing that to inspire others to take action, one must lead by example. He asserts that every human has infinite potential within. Standing atop the peaks, I realised that the summit is not just a physical goal but a metaphor for life itself. The unexpected revelation was the power of resilience within me an ability to push beyond limits, he says. The journey taught me that every small step matters, and that great achievements often require one to go through solitude, discomfort, and uncertainty.
Calcutta HC stays suspension of 7 BBMCH medical students
Kolkata: A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Tuesday, stayed the decision of the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) at Siliguri in West Bengals Darjeeling district to suspend seven medical students accused of running threat culture within the college campus. After an investigation into the matter, the NBMCH authorities barred these 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 .
Okayti Tea Estate Completes Enchanting Moonlight Plucking in Darjeeling's Iconic Tea Gardens
Rajeev Baid , MD of Okayti Teas. As global tastes evolve, we see increasing demand for limited-edition, artisanal teas that tell a story. This year's Moonlight Harvest is part of our ongoing journey to showcase Darjeeling's natural beauty and distinct terroir, but also to lead by example in promoting sustainable practices and honoring heritage. As we look ahead, we're committed to innovating with traditional methods like this and preserving the intrinsic value of authentic Darjeeling tea . Okaytis Moonlight Harvest tea, expected to be released soon, will be available in limited quantities, offering connoisseurs a rare sensory experience. The tea is set apart by its smoother, refined flavor profile and unique fragrance-a direct result of the nocturnal plucking process that encapsulates the calm essence of the moonlit hills. In addition to the estate's efforts, Okayti believes that the future of the tea industry lies in a dual commitment to quality and sustainability. This includes transparent practices, organic cultivation, and dedication to preserving the ecosystem that gives Darjeeling tea its unique character. As tea consumers globally become more discerning, Okayti is poised to take Darjeeling's reputation forward, promoting the area's unique practices and supporting its hardworking tea community. With its limited-edition Moonlight Harvest and plans to expand its range of exclusive offerings, Okayti Tea Estate is not only preserving Darjeeling's legacy but also setting a standard for innovation and sustainable production that can benefit the region for generations to come. For more information on Okayti and its dedication to sustainable tea cultivation, please visit www.okaytitea.com About Okayti Tea Estate Okayti Tea Estate is a pioneering producer of organic, single-estate Darjeeling teas that are appreciated worldwide. Situated in Darjeeling's renowned tea region, Okayti combines tradition with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, elevating the reputation of Darjeeling tea through unmatched quality, eco-friendly practices, and an enduring respect for the natural world.
Famous Toy Train Service From New Jalpaiguri To Darjeeling Resumes After 4 Months
The 87 km long services have been suspended since July 5, 2024 after the railway tracks of the toy train got affected due to the massive landslide.
Darjeelings UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train Resumes Service After Monsoon Hiatus
Good news for tourists and rail enthusiasts: Darjeelings UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train has resumed operations after being halted since July due to the monsoon season. This iconic train, a The post Darjeelings UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train Resumes Service After Monsoon Hiatus appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Shreya Sen-Handley | Trumped? Reset climate goal, for it's not over yet
So, Trump again, huh? Enough to make you want to shut out this greedy, wilfully ignorant world that put a misogynistic, racist, fascist tyrant like him back behind the planets most powerful desk. But in turning away from the world, youd only deplete the diminishing ranks of the humane. Your voice raised in protest, still matters, if just in the echo chambers inhabited by the likeminded. It encourages perseverance. Shutting yourself away is not the answer then, but stepping back might be key to your survival and this planets. Like all well-meaning people despairing over the state of the world, withdrawing temporarily from the battlefield thats social media, switching off from the many fake platforms masquerading as news outlets, is essential for your mental health. But because the smutty pawprints of the grasping are everywhere, not only on the virtual plane, our sanyas must extend to the real world as well. Yet, nothing heals like immersing ourselves in the natural worlds majesty, especially in the company of those we love best. Why, in such dark times, should we deprive ourselves of this solace? Sacrifices, you see, have to be made to ensure a future for our descendants. Like long-term sustainability for everyone over short-term gains for the few, which weve rejected again and again when choosing our governments. But is the re-election of Trump the final nail in our coffin, or can we continue to fight on other fronts to salvage our destiny? Im struck, in particular, by the urgency with which we must shrink our ambit for travel (as hard as that is for a veteran travel writer to advocate), nurturing the beauty on our doorsteps instead, even as we fling our minds and hearts open to those to whom weve never allowed admittance. If wed paid more attention to the travails of tiny Kiribati, or much bigger but impoverished Bangladesh, could we have averted this autumns deadly floods in Spain? Stylish Barcelona itself was smashed to watery smithereens, despite its citizens taking to the streets mere months before that in furious anti-tourism protests, warning of disasters exactly like the one they faced. Rising 7% year-upon-year, Barcelonas tourist numbers in 2024 touched 10.9 million, putting unbearable pressure on their citys infrastructure, leading to catastrophe. And while there wasnt a protester in sight in Darjeeling, where I spent the few quiet days before Diwali, only swarms of monkey-capped Bengalis (the women too, with pink pompoms to distinguish them) visiting from the plains, there undoubtedly should have been. I say this not because I didnt love the awe-inspiring, respite-giving mountains, but because I absolutely ADORED them. And it pained me to witness what humanity, especially visitors to these stunning landmasses, are doing to them (yes, me included, though we try to leave the lightest of footprints on our travels). Its not hard to spot the profound injuries to the Himalayan eco-system, no matter how blind an eye our government chooses to turn on them, with the other perfectly-functioning ocular orb firmly on the money tourism brings. Decades after my last trip to these mountains, far too much has changed. Their enduring beauty is still exhilarating, with not even the imminent return of the Orange Menace (that week) able to deflate my buoyance. But other factors almost managed. The dirt, disease, and dereliction, thats taken over so much of this part of India was depressing to say the least. Poverty is undeniably responsible, but the unsustainable levels of tourism and scourge of corruption are major culprits too. Lamahatta Eco Park, a slice of pine forest, wouldve been a delight, with its settling mists and soaring evergreens, but for the litter marring its landscape handiwork of heedless touring throngs, jostling for selfies with my British husband (light skin is all it takes for some of our colour-obsessed countrymen to embarrass themselves) instead of binning their waste in the clearly provided baskets. As for Darjeeling, it broke my heart with the squalor thats overtaken it. Although its historic cafes, tea-tasting havens, and authentic Tibetan takeaways, were all worth sampling, wall-to-wall tourists, ugly new constructions, and dogs and ponies in heart-rending conditions, obscured its once-legendary allure. But the gloriously green and twisting mountain roads, tranquil monasteries, charmingly quaint tea gardens, friendly locals, and the view, oh the view, of the most spectacular mountain range in the world, wouldve completely wiped away the more discordant experiences, had our finest moment there not been occasioned by the ravages of global warming. The Kanchenjunga, worlds third highest peak, on our first morning there was amongst the most magnificent sights wed ever seen, aflame in the light of the rising sun and as clear as day as it was surprising. Surprising because this fabled, cloud-shrouded peak is known for being elusive, but the global-warming-induced high temperatures that has visited the area lately, allowed us an unparalleled glimpse, leaving us with bittersweet memories. Global warming will only get worse now that Trumps returned, promising to drill, baby, drill our already devastated earth, to his followers glee. A climate-change denier whos trashed rot-stemming international climate treaties in his last presidential blood-spree, there can be no doubt our natural world, and all right-thinking (wrong-thinking as well actually) humanity, face an existential threat from him. How does one even begin to counter this? I reckon the answers wont reveal themselves immediately. Walk away, for now, from the noxious effluence (the meaning of trump in British English) he injects into every good thing. Wipe away your footprints from much of the earth so it doesnt have you to blame as well. Then? Rejuvenate, regroup, and reset, the terms of the battle ahead.
Mamata meets slain ABGL netas family in Darjeeling
Darling, Dream, Victory: Mamata Banerjee Names Snow Leopard, Red Panda Cubs
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday named six new cubs - two snow leopards and four red pandas - born at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, a centre for breeding endangered Himalayan species.
Darjeeling: Mamata Banerjee names snow leopard cubs Charming and Darling (PICS)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has named two snow leopard cubs, born in captivity in the Darjeeling Zoo, Charming and Darling.
Mamata calls for unity of hills and plains; focuses on development in north Bengal
This is her first official visit to Darjeeling in two years; she did not go to the hills even during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaigns
Working on system to stop fake Darjeeling Tea: Mamata
DARJEELING (WB), Nov 13: Expressing concern over the sale of fake Darjeeling Tea, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said her government was working on a system aimed at thwarting attempts to harm its reputation. Darjeeling Tea, known across the world for its flavour and aroma, has a geographical indication (GI) tag. Darjeeling Tea is the best in the world. During my trip to foreign countries, I was very happy to find Darjeeling Tea being served in airport [] The post Working on system to stop fake Darjeeling Tea: Mamata appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sikkim's Lifeline Now Under National Highway Body, Not Bengal Government
BJP MP from Darjeeling Raju Bista has announced that National Highway 10 has been handed over to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). Earlier this road was maintained by the PWD West Bengal.
West Bengal: Sacks full of pigeons found on rice-laden truck
By the end of the experiment, the pigeons learned to discriminate between 26 and 58 words. Hopefully, none of them include world or domination. By the end of the experiment, the pigeons learned to discriminate between 26 and 58 words. Hopefully, none of them include world or domination. Jalpaiguri: The police have found six sacks full of pigeons on a truck laden with rice during a routine checking on a highway in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, the police said on Tuesday. Two persons were arrested for violating norms as they should have brought the birds on a vehicle designated to transport livestock. The pigeons were later released in a forest. During the naka checking on Monday, police personnel noticed movement inside a sack kept on a truck full of rice bags. During a search, pigeons were discovered in the sack. Six such sacks were found on the vehicle and the total number of pigeons rescued was more than 100, police said. The accused persons were taking the birds from Karandighi in Uttar Dinajpur district to Siliguri in Darjeeling district for selling. The truck was brought to New Jalpaiguri Police Station and the forest department was informed. The forest department officials took the pigeons and released them in a jungle.
Sacks full of pigeons found on rice-laden truck in WB
JALPAIGURI: The police have found six sacks full of pigeons on a truck laden with rice during a routine checking on a highway in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, the police said on Tuesday. Two persons were arrested for violating norms as they should have brought the birds on a vehicle designated to transport livestock. During the naka checking on Monday, police personnel noticed movement inside a sack kept on a truck full of rice bags. During a search, pigeons were discovered in the sack. Six such sacks were found on the vehicle and the total number of pigeons rescued was more than 100, police said. The accused persons were taking the birds from Karandighi in Uttar Dinajpur district to Siliguri in Darjeeling district for selling. The truck was brought to New Jalpaiguri Police Station and the forest department was informed. The forest department officials took the pigeons and released them in a jungle.
Company uses mining dust to enhance carbon capture
A Darjeeling-based company is transporting basalt dust from Jharkhand and using it as an organic fertiliser to enrich soil and accelerate carbon sequestration. It has used about 500 tonnes of dust.
Darjeeling-based man arrested in connection to bomb threat emails received by Bengaluru colleges
On October 4, the principal of Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT) lodged a complaint at the V.V. Puram police station after getting threat mail about hydrogen-based IEDs placed on the college campus
Odisha University develops herbal tea for diabetics and patients with heart and kidney disorders
Bhubaneswar: In a promising development for individuals suffering from diabetes and other chronic conditions such as kidney disorders, heart disease, and arthritis, Sambalpur University in Odisha has introduced a range of herbal teas designed to enhance the health of people with lifestyle-related diseases. The teas, developed by the universitys Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, are made using herbs sourced from the Gandhamardan Hills, a region rich in medicinal plants. With 30 varieties of these medicinal teas now available, the university is planning to launch them in local markets soon, in collaboration with a startup. According to university sources, the herbal teas have undergone successful testing on mice and have received approvals from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Genetic Modification Organism (GMO) authority, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications. We have created 30 different varieties of herbal tea by blending green tea with medicinal herbs from the Gandhamardan Hills, said Professor Pradip Kumar Nayak, head of the biotechnology and bioinformatics department. These teas are designed to help manage lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, high cholesterol, and liver and kidney detoxification, he added. The university has also installed specialised equipment for tea processing and packaging in its Food Science department, which is currently capable of producing 27 varieties of herbal tea. The tea leaves are sourced from Darjeeling and Assam before being blended with herbs collected from the Gandhamardan Hills, located near Paikamal in Bargarh district. Dibya Ranjan Sahoo, director of Orchid Herbals Pvt. Ltd., the startup partnering with the university, stated, After collaborating with Sambalpur University, weve established a production unit. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed, and weve secured the necessary FSSAI, ISO, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) licenses.
RG Kar: Bengal govt seeks daily updates on condition of hospitalised junior doctors
Kolkata: The West Bengal government has sought daily health updates of the junior doctors who had been hospitalised after their condition deteriorated amid the fast-unto-death agitations, both at Esplanade in Kolkata as well as Siliguri in Darjeeling district, in support of their demands on the ghastly rape and murder of a junior woman doctor 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 .
Nostalgia Alert! Shah Rukh Khan's Fauji in new Avatar on Doordarshan
This definitely should be marked as a delightful nostalgia retreat! The iconic 1989 serial Fauji, which introduced India to the Iconic actor, Shahrukh Khan, is set to return with a fresh new version. Filmmaker Sandeep Singh, in collaboration with Indias prestigious national broadcaster Doordarshan, will bring Fauji 2 to the audience in an updated, modern format. Filmmaker Sandeep Singh stated, We are bringing back one of the greatest shows ever seen on television, but in a new and exciting version. The 1989 Fauji gave us Shahrukh Khan, an actor who captivated the entire nation not just with his unconventional looks but with his extraordinary energy and talent. With Fauji 2, I hope to recreate history and connect with every Indian, especially the youth. In Fauji 2, Sandeep Singh shall be introducing Vikas Jain to mainstream television. Vikas, previously known for his appearances in reality shows, will portray Colonel Sanjay Singh, while Gauhar Khan will take on the role of Lieutenant Colonel Simarjeet Kaur and a cadet trainer specialising in weaponry. Legend Studios and Sandeep Singh are all set to recreate history with this iconic adaptation by introducing 12 new actors to the world of cinema. The actors have been tactfully selected for their sheer talent from all over the country. The serial focuses on the trials, struggles, and camaraderie of army personnel and introduces new actors in pivotal roles. Below is a breakdown of the actors, their characters, and the regions they hail from: Aashish Bhardwaj as Daksh Desai, Surat Utkarsh Kohli as Rangrez Phogat, Charkhi Dadri, Haryana Rudra Soni as Harun Malik, Srinagar Aman Singh Deep as Vikram Singh Bagga, Chandigarh Ayaan Manchanda as Aakash Chhetri, Darjeeling Niel Satpuda as Vijay Sachan, Kanpur Suvansh Dhar as Abhimanyu Rai, Deolali, Maharashtra Priyanshu Rajguru as Subbu Balakrishnan, Chennai Udit Kapur as Arjun Negi , New Delhi Maansi as Kavya Rajadhyaksha, Deolali, Maharashtra Sushmita Bhandari as Kinjal Joshi, Surat Filmmaker Sandeep Singh says, Its fascinating that the actors chosen to play these roles are, in real life, from the same states as their characters. We left no stone unturned in casting the right talent from across India. Sandeep Singh further elaborated, We spent six months brainstorming to develop a story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Unlike the usual television narratives, Fauji 2 has a unique storytelling style, which will be one of its highlights. The show is rich in emotion and will offer a close look at the lives of army personnel, their bonds despite cultural and religious differences, and their dedication to safeguarding the country. Fauji 2 is a tale of courage and inspiration. Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of DOORDARSHAN, added, 'Fauji,' one of our most prestigious shows, continues to rule hearts and it just had to come back for today's audiences. We are thrilled to bring 'Fauji 2' and can't wait for the audiences to experience the valour of our army officers, once again. Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Doordarshan added, Fauji was one of the most acceptable and successful serials of its time. When we came across the concept of Fauji 2, it took us no time to begin working on this iconic project. The show shall be on-air very soon and we are ecstatic to bring the magic of 'Fauji' once again to the Indian audiences. Adding to the appeal, Padma Shri and National Award-winning singer Sonu Nigam has lent his voice to the title track of Fauji 2. The show will feature 11 songs, with music composed by Filmfare Award-winning music director Shreyas Puranik. Music directors Shashi Suman and Jazim Sharma have also contributed, with lyrics by Prashant Ingole, Mahimma Bhardwaj, and Abhendra Kumar Upadhyay. Produced by Sandeep Singh and co-produced by Vikas Jain and Zafar Mehdi, Fauji 2 marks the series debut of film director Abhinav Pareek, who earlier directed Sab Moh Maaya Hai and A Wedding Story. Show will air on Doordarshan and will be broadcasted in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Bengali.
Armed Forces Must Ensure They Are Fully Prepared: Rajnath Singh On Dussehra
Darjeeling, Oct 12: In light of the present situation, the potential for any action from neighboring countries cannot be dismissed, and the armed forces must ensure that they are fully prepared, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Saturday. Click Here To Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp And Get Latest News Singh said this after performing Shastra Puja at Sukna Cantonment in Darjeeling on the occassion of Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra and celebrated the festival with Army soldiers. Addressing to [] The post Armed Forces Must Ensure They Are Fully Prepared: Rajnath Singh On Dussehra appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rajnath performs 'Shastra Puja' at Army's 33 Corps HQ on Dussehra
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday performed Shastra Puja (worship of weapons) on the occasion of Vijayadashami at the headquarters of an Army corps in West Bengal. Vijayadashami marks the end of Navratra and is celebrated as the festival of Dussehra. On the occasion of Vijayadashami in India, there has been a long-standing tradition of weapon worship. Today, I performed 'Shastra Puja' at the 33 Corps headquarters in Sukna, Darjeeling, Singh posted on X in Hindi. Singh also shared photographs. Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, senior officers and jawans were also present on the occasion. Singh was scheduled to address the Army Commanders Conference in Gangtok on Friday in person. But due to bad weather in the Sikkim capital, he addressed them through video conference from the Army location in Sukna.
Multiple landslips in Darjeeling hills; toy train services affected
One person died after huge boulders dropped on his house during severe landslips
1st hydrogen train to start trial run in Dec
NEW DELHI: India will soon become the fifth country to run hydrogen-fuelled trains, after Germany, France, Sweden, and China. Indian Railways has awarded a pilot project for reto-fitment of hydrogen fuel cell in existing DEMU (diesel electric multiple unit) trains, along with the necessary ground infrastructure. The first prototype of hydrogen-fuelled train is set to run on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana under the Northern Railway zone by December 2024. A senior railway official said the integration of the prototype train is going on at the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is personally overseeing this eco-friendly railway project, sources said. After trials, the railway will introduce 35 hydrogen trains under Hydrogen for Heritage initiative, investing over Rs 80 crore for each train and Rs 70 crore for infrastructure development across various heritage and hill routes. Terming this a major move that will contribute to Indias target of achieving net zero carbon emissions, officials said using hydrogen as a fuel source offers significant benefits for green transportation. The railway has received approval for a hydrogen plant from the Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization, and on-board hydrogen safety assessments are being conducted by leading agencies, including TUV-SUD Germany, officials said. Among the heritage routes targeted for the introduction of hydrogen trains are the Matheran-Hill Railway, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka-Shimla Railway, Kangra Valley, and Nilgiri Mountain Railways, officials said. Once these trials are successfully completed, the routes will be operational within the next three years, showcasing Indias rich cultural and natural heritage, they added. Why its important Being a clean fuel, hydrogen can transform the green transportation technology and support Indias zero carbon emission goals What to expect Initially, 35 H-powered trains will be launched, with each having a composition of six cars, on eight heritage routes.
Darjeeling shuts over bonus demand by tea garden workers
Darjeeling witnessed a strike after almost seven years. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who was on a trip to north Bengal refused to intervene in the ongoing bonus issue of tea garden workers but said that she does not support strike.
Heavy rain partially affects normal life in several parts of West Bengal
Heavy rain partially affected normal life in several places of West Bengal as the Met office on Thursday forecast heavy downpour in the sub-Himalayan districts of the state till Friday. Fairly widespread rain is likely over many places in West Bengal during the next three days and scattered to fairly widespread rain during the subsequent four days, it said in a forecast. The Met warned of very heavy rain with extremely heavy downpour at one or two places in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar till Friday morning. All the districts in south Bengal, including Kolkata, are also likely to receive heavy rain till Friday morning, it said. Owing to moderate to heavy rain overnight, normal life was partially affected in Kolkata and several other districts of south Bengal. School and office-goers had a tough time reaching their destination on Thursday morning owing to moderate to heavy downpour through the night. Some streets in Kolk
Founded in 1888, Okayti Tea Estate has long been a symbol of premium organic Darjeeling tea. Known for its expansive estate and meticulous tea production methods, Okayti's teas have earned a loyal following among tea connoisseurs worldwide. With a heritage of over 150 years, the estate remains committed to producing sustainable, high-quality teas, elevating the reputation of Darjeeling tea globally.
Why Farmers In This Darjeeling Village Are Shifting To Chilli Cultivation
Farmers at Sittong have created arable land on the slopes of the hill to grow chillies on it.
DC Edit | Centre must find Manipur solution; cant rely on CM
What started off as an ethnic issue between two peoples in the border state of Manipur 15 months ago has reached a flashpoint now, hardly leaving the Union government with an option other than resolute and transparent action towards finding a political solution to a political issue and restore peace and stability. Attempts to keep the partisan state administration with a failed chief minister at the top could take the state to a point of no return. Nine people have lost their lives in the state in the first week of this month in drone attacks and gun battles, which is indeed an unprecedented escalation of the situation. The use of drones in the fighting points to the deepening of hostility between the Kuki and Meitei communities; that the latest episodes of the fratricidal war have occurred in the border district of Jiribam points to its widening. If not arrested, it could engulf the entire state in no time. There has been little effort to find a political solution to the issue, forcing the warring factions to intensify their agitations and taking their battle to newer and more dangerous heights. The Kukis, who claim they are discriminated against by the Meitei-dominated state administration have been demanding a separate administrative region for the hill areas where they mostly reside. The Union government, represented by home minister Amit Shah, has listened patiently to the community's demands, but little progress has been made. The state government has for obvious reasons been consistent in its opposition to suggestions of power sharing. Reports suggest that chief minister N. Birendra Singh, standing on injured pride over the developments in the strife-torn state, has demanded that the Union government step up its actions against the militant Kuki groups. There are also conflicting reports about the imposition of Article 355, which bestows the Union government with the responsibility of running the law and order machinery in a state. A section says it is already in place with the unified command of the security apparatus lying with the Manipur governments security adviser and the state government wants it back ; there are reports about the government mulling over its formal imposition. It will be ill-advised for the Union government to resort to force to settle the issue that has cropped up between two brotherly peoples of the same state. It should instead explore the possibilities for finding a peaceful solution to the strife. It is not uncommon in India for people of a particular region to have autonomous administrations: the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils, with bases in Kargil and Leh, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration based out of Darjeeling and the Kokrajhar-based Bodoland Autonomous Regional Council are examples of such an arrangement within the states or the Union territory concerned. Manipur itself hosts the Ukhrul Autonomous District Council, based in Ukhrul; the district is home to the Tangkhul tribes. The Union government must engage the Kuki rebels on exploring the possibility of such an arrangement; merely listening to them is not enough. A democratic, non-partisan and focused approach would have already got Manipur back on the peace track, but it has not been attempted yet. It is now for the Union government, which has in its collective memory the experience of handling internal disturbances, to come up with a solution and buy peace. A decision cannot be left to a chief minister who is unfit to remain in power in a society which upholds the rule of law.
Need to remove basmati rice floor price to boost shipments, say exporters
India and Pakistan, the only growers of basmati, both try to promote the premium grade of rice in a manner similar to French Champagne or Darjeeling tea
4 Red Pandas And 2 Snow Leopards Born In Darjeeling Zoological Park
After the birth of these newborns, the number of red pandas in the zoo now stands at 19 and snow leopards at 11.
Why This Century-old Bakery In Darjeeling's Kurseong Is A Tourist Hotspot
This place is famous for its bakery biscuits and cookies that are both tasty and beautiful.
Low Pressure To Bring Heavy Rain In Most Parts Of Bengal Until Aug. 26
Additionally, heavy rain is expected in several districts in north Bengal, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri, until Aug. 26, weather officials said.
Speeding SUV mows down pilgrims in Bengal, six killed
Shillong, August 12: As many as six pilgrims died at Bagdogra in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, on Monday, after they were hit by a speeding SUV. The victims were going to a Shiva temple to perform the ritual on the last Monday of the month of Shravan. Local people said that [] The post Speeding SUV mows down pilgrims in Bengal, six killed appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Darjeeling Ropeway Company reports standalone net profit of Rs 0.31 crore in the June 2024 quarter
Sales reported at Rs 0.91 crore
BSF thwarts infiltration attempt by large Bangladeshi group in West Bengal
NEW DELHI: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday said it thwarted a significant infiltration attempt by a large group of Bangladeshis along the International Border (IB) in West Bengal, amid an ongoing high alert, announced due to turmoil in the neighbouring country. Officials said the personnel of the force stopped about 120140 Bangladeshi citizens who were attempting to cross over to the Indian side from multiple locations in the eastern state. The force has been a high alert mode since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Dhaka earlier this week. The North Bengal Frontier of the force issued a statement to quell umours and clarify that there was o widespread movement of the minority population from Bangladesh towards the Indian border. The individuals gathered were primarily motivated by fears of local unrest. The BSF, in coordination with the BGB, and Bangladeshi civil authorities, has reassured these individuals of their safety and encouraged them to return to their homes, a spokesperson for the frontier headquartered in Kadamtala, Darjeeling, said. The Bangladeshi nationals were observed gathering near the IB around noon in two sectors, the statement said. These gatherings were prompted by fears of attacks by protestors in Bangladesh, it said. According to the statement, BSF personnel demonstrated exceptional vigilance and proactive measures and swiftly responded to these situations, ensuring the security of the border and the safety of the gathered Bangladeshi nationals. In one sector, it said, the BSF and the Border Guard Bangladesh, as well as local civil authorities, sent back 35 Bangladeshi civilians to their homes. BSF has deployed additional forces to manage the situation effectively, the statement said said. In another sector, a group of Bangladeshi villagers approached the IB, causing a brief commotion, but the BSF personnel promptly engaged with the group, and the situation was peacefully resolved without any adverse incidents. The villagers returned to their homes, and BSF remains on high alert, the spokesperson said. In another incident, the North Bengal Frontier said, a significant infiltration attempt was thwarted when a large Bangladeshi crowd was observed near the border. It added, BSF personnel quickly mobilised and, with the cooperation of BGB, dispersed the crowd, preventing any violation of the international border. The North Bengal frontier of the BSF guards a 932.39 km section of the total 4,096 km-long India-Bangladesh border, covering the districts of Uttar Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar in West Bengal.
Incessant rain lashes Kolkata, other parts of West Bengal
Kolkata : Incessant rain lashed Kolkata and its neighbouring districts on Saturday as a low-pressure area turned into a deep depression, an official said. As a result of the rains, waterlogging was reported from several parts of Kolkata, including the airport. Similar was the scene in the neighbouring cities of Howrah, Salt Lake and Barrackpore. The situation would remain the same throughout the day, the weather office said. The West Bengal government asked the people, mostly in the northern parts of the state, not to panic but to remain alert for the initial part of next week when there is a prediction of a downpour. Alapan Bandopadhyay, chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said that the CM was overseeing the situation 24X7 and was in touch with senior officials in the rain-affected districts. According to the police, ankle-deep water was reported from parts of central and south Kolkata, but traffic movement was not disrupted. Waterlogging was also reported from inside the Kolkata airport, but flight services were not affected, an official said. Both the runway and all taxiways are fully operational. However, a few parking stands are affected by waterlogging for which additional pumps have been deployed to drain the water from the operational area, he said. While Dumdum recorded 100 mm rainfall since Friday, 81.1 mm rainfall was recorded in Salt Lake and 31.9 mm at Alipore area in northern and southern parts of the city respectively. The low pressure over Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal turned into a deep depression. It is gradually shifting towards Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. This, accompanied by an active monsoon trough over the southern districts of West Bengal, resulted in the rains, he said. The southern districts of Howrah, Paschim and Bardhaman, Birbhum, Hooghly, Nadia, and North and South 24 Parganas districts will continue to experience showers over the next 12 hours, he said. The Met Department also warned of thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning. A 'yellow' alert for the Gangetic West Bengal districts, including Kolkata, was issued, while an 'orange' alert for heavy to very heavy rains was issued for Purulia, Murshidabad, Malda, Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. A red alert was also issued for Alipurduar district. On Friday, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 30.1 degrees Celsius, which was 2.4 notches less than normal. The lowest temperature was 26 degrees, which was 0.6 notches below normal. Bandopadhyay alleged that the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) released a huge quantity of water in the last two days without informing the state government, leading to the inundation of several areas. The member secretary of the Damodar Valley River Regulatory Committee has said that they will release another one lakh cusec of water. The state government expects this to be catastrophic for the state's people. The state has requested DVC not to release such a huge quantity of water without discussions, he said. There is a need to stay extra alert on August 5 and 6, said Bandopadhyay, a former chief secretary of the state. In the next 4-5 days, water level of rivers in different parts of (north Bengal districts) Cooch Behar and Alipurduar may go up, Bandyopadhyay told reporters. Accusing the DVC of discharging water to engineer a 'man-made flood', ruling TMC leader Kunal Ghosh also posted on X handle in Bengali, When water level rises in Jharkhand, DVC aggravates the situation in Bengal by releasing water. But never releases water in summer when the state needs the most for irrigation and farming activities. An irrigation department official said 36,000 cusec water was discharged from Panchet dam, 70,000 cusec from Durgapur barrage, 12,000 cusec from Durgapur barrage. DVC sources said after heavy rains, stored water has to be discharged from barrages to prevent water bursting the walls. Meanwhile, flights operations to and from the Kazi Nazrul Islam (KNI) airport at Andal in Paschim Bardhaman district continued to be suspended for the second consecutive day on Saturday as the airport is yet to be ready for operations. The operations at the airport were shut down on Friday due to water logging in and around its premises. Due to continuous heavy rains in Durgapur, we've had to cancel all flights scheduled for today. The prevailing rain has caused some operational challenges and waterlogging in various parts of the city, IndiGo airlines, which is the only company to operate in and out of the airport, tweeted on X on Saturday. All scheduled flights to and from the airport have been cancelled today, a spokesperson of Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd (BAPL), said. BAPL is the developer of the airport. The water has receded from the airport premises and the cleaning process is on. We will be able to resume flight operations from Sunday, the spokesperson said. Flight operations to and from the Kazi Nazrul Islam (KNI) airport at Andal in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district were temporarily suspended on Friday due to water logging in and around its premises, officials said. Water had gushed into the airport premises and caused water logging in the operational area, an official said. Several places at the approach road to the airport from the highway were also inundated, he said.
Bengal and Britain to come closer in Edtech sector
Kolkata: West Bengal and the UK are poised to come closer with the UK edtech sectors disruptive innovation offer to the education sector in Kolkata. The UK-India Edtech collaboration event, organised by the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, Union Education Group, WOWL, and supported by ABE, Defacto Ed, Novistra and the British Council, held at the British Club on Friday aimed to celebrate and advance the partnership between the UK and India in the education technology sector. The event brought together educators, policymakers and industry leaders in Kolkata to explore the transformative potential of Edtech in enhancing education and fostering stronger bilateral ties between the state and the UK. The UK stakeholders highlighted cutting-edge technologies developed by UK Edtech companies that enhance learning, personalise education and empower educators in India. During the interactive session, along with the core sessions on Edtech, they also provided information on scholarships available for Indian students to study in the UK, fostering a global exchange of knowledge and culture. The initiative seeks to facilitate the development of collaborations between Indian educational institutions and world-renowned schools in the United Kingdom. The representatives of the UK edtech sector showcased their innovative solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of Indian students and institutions. British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India Andrew Fleming said: We have already seen successful collaborations between UK Edtech companies and Indian institutions. For instance, platforms like Century Tech and Sparx Maths have partnered with Indian schools, delivering exceptional results in student engagement and academic performance. He added, The organisers of this wonderful event, Union Education Group and WOWL had partnered with schools in Kolkata and Darjeeling and students are reaping the benefits of their language learning platform. I am excited to think that such partnerships are just the beginning; there is immense potential for further collaboration. Union Education Group CEO Harry Darell said: Union Education Group (UEG) is expanding its business in India via collaboration with WOWL Edtech. Ever since the British Council's 'Digital Learning and Innovation Fund,' we have been enthusiastically working with WOWL to connect with Indian students in the primary, secondary and higher education sectors, as well as workers who are looking to develop their skills and employability opportunities. He added, The focus up to this point has been language and skills development on the WOWL app, learning with educators from UEG. We are now moving into physical centres in Kolkata and Darjeeling, with a view to opening up in both Delhi and Bangalore later this year. An additional core focus area will be UK Study abroad and UEG will shortly begin facilitating tours of UK schools and universities for Indian students.
Landslides and torrential rain lead to road closures in NH10 in North Bengal
The Geological Survey of Indias National Landslide Forecasting Centre has issued landslide forecasts in places across Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts with an orange (high) alert between Friday and Saturday and a yellow (moderate) alert between Saturday and Sunday, on itsonline portal
10 chai varieties enjoyed across India
Assam tea, darjeeling tea, masala chai, cutting chai and more chai varieties across India
