Guntur cybercrime police arrest social media fraudster at Indo-Nepal Border
Vijayawada: A team of the Guntur Cyber Crime Police has arrested a person who impersonated as Telugu Desam NRI convener for defrauding several persons in the guise of providing them medical assistance. The accused, Konduri Rajesh (34), was caught at the Indo-Nepal border in Panitanki, Darjeeling district of West Bengal, after a manhunt by the AP CID team. Police here said in a media release that the accused had fled to Goa, then to the Andaman Islands, and subsequently to Nepal via Uttar Pradesh and he continued his fraudulent activities there too. The accused exploited social media by monitoring hashtags like #help_@naralokesh, #help_@pawankalyan, and #help_@ncbn on Twitter to identify potential victims seeking medical and financial assistance. He used disposable US phone numbers to contact victims through WhatsApp and posed as the TDP NRI Convener. To make his scam appear real, he used AP IT minister Nara Lokesh's photograph and sent fake bank credit receipts to the victims, the media release said. He would then follow up with calls from Indian numbers, pretending to be bank managers, and convince victims to deposit money into his accounts under the pretext of (beneficiary) charges. The investigation has revealed that the accused Rajesh is facing nine cases registered under various sections of the BNS and IT Act. Some even cases in Andhra Pradesh and two in Telangana were registered last year. These were in addition to four cases registered in Telangana during 2022-2023. The amounts defrauded in the nine recent cases total `54.34 lakh, the release added. The release said the police received 1,614 complaints against him in total, of which nine have been formally registered as cases. Two additional complaints are pending registration in AP and four in Telangana, involving a fraud of `3 lakh. The cumulative amount lost by victims across all cases is estimated at `57 lakh. The arrest came after a 15-day operation by the investigation team through West Bengal, working in collaboration with the police network there. The accused was caught at Panitanki, under the jurisdiction of Kharibari police station in Darjeeling.
Indian Tea Association Submits White Paper On Darjeeling Tea Industry To West Bengal
It also highlighted key issues like production challenges and market dynamics.
New political party announced in Darjeeling hills, to push for Gorkhaland
The leaders behind the new political outfit IGJF feel that there is a vacuum in the political space in the Darjeeling hills and they can challenge the Anit Thapa led Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM)
500 enemy properties encroached in Bengal: MHA
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data has revealed that out of the total 4,376 enemy properties in West Bengal, over 500 of them are encroached by illegal occupants and the authorities initiated eviction proceedings only in cases of 49 such assets so far. MHA officials said that the government has recently conducted a survey in West Bengal and it was found that there are 4,376 enemy properties in the states of which 4,320 were left by Pakistani nationals and 56 were that of Chinese, who left during 1962 war. Based on the survey conducted so far, encroachment has been found in 536 enemy properties situated in West Bengal and so far, 49 eviction proceedings have been initiated, a senior MHA official said, adding that out of these two are situated at 78- A&B Shakespear Sarani and the rest are in South Tangra Road, Kolkata. The official went on to add that no enemy property in the state has been sold in the past three years. But, lease rents o he tune of `69.72 lakh have been collected during the last three years in respect of such properties in the state, he said. The District Magistrates (DMs) act as an ex-officio Deputy Custodian of such properties and they are responsible for preservation and maintenance, and act as Estate Officers. Therefore, under the law they are authorised to take action against illegal occupants under the Enemy Property Rules, 2015, the official said. The maximum number of 1,728 enemy properties is situated in Murshidabad district, followed by 711 in Coochbehar, 625 in Purba Bardhaman, 427 in Birbhum and 100 in Alipurduar. All of these were left by Pakistani nationals. Among those enemy properties, which were left by Chinese nationals include 19 in Kolkata, 17 in Kalimpong, 13 in Darjeeling, 5 in Jalpaiguri and 2 in Alipurduar, according to the MHA data. Giving details of the procedure of disposing off the enemy properties, the official said, In terms of guidelines framed in 2018, such assets are sold through e-auction after carrying out valuation by a committee under the chairmanship of the DM of a district, where the property is situated and based on this the central government decides the manner in which they are to be dealt with.
Renowned botanist Patrick Blancwhose Tiger Wings project was recently opened at the Kempegowda International Airport lists Kodagu, Nilgiris, Darjeeling, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park among his favourite green spots in India
Five-time Everester Kushang Dorjee Sherpa dies at 59
Darjeeling, Dec 8: Kushang Dorjee Sherpa, a five-time Everester and among the few adventurers in the globe to have scaled the worlds tallest peak from its three sides, has died at his home here, the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (East Zone), announced on Sunday. Sherpa, 59, breathed his last on Saturday and is survived by his [] The post Five-time Everester Kushang Dorjee Sherpa dies at 59 appeared first on Northlines .
Darjeeling Zoo has new arrivals like white tigers and golden jackals
Home to some highly endangered species like the elusive Red Panda, Darjeeling Zoo in the iconic HMI complex area becomes more attractive and richer with the arrival of two white tigers, and as many golden jackals, official sources said on Sunday.
Culture and heritage are Bengals travel destinations this winter
The crowd which usually head to the Darjeeling hills and the beaches, is now exploring the very essence of Bengal: its history and its architecture and its forests and its rivers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Centre is no hurry to restore J&Ks statehood: Govt official
New Delhi: The Centre is in no hurry to restore the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and would instead wait and see how things go in the Union Territory in the next three to six months, a senior government official said on Tuesday. The Centre wants to have constructive relations with the Omar Abdullah government and build on the gains made in the past few years. It is committed to restore statehood to J&K but may do it only after closely monitoring the situation on ground for next three to six months, the officer told this correspondent. When asked if Ladakh will be reunified with J&K whenever its statehood is restored, the officer who spoke privately said, No, Ladakh will not be a part of J&K again. It will remain a centrally ruled region for strategic and other vital reasons. Rules may be changed to lay out the composition of a local assembly with limited powers, He added that the Centre may also consider some of the demands -not all- of the local pressure groups. Though under Centres direct rule for the past more than five years, two separate autonomous hill development councils continue to work with village panchayats to take decisions on economic development, healthcare, education, land use, taxation, and local governance in Ladakhs twin districts of Leh and Kargil currently. The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Leh and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil se councils were established on the pattern of Darjeeling Hill Development Council in September 1995 and July 2023, respectively. The administration of UT of Ladakh looks after law and order, communications and higher education in the districts. J&K was stripped of its special status with the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and split up into two UTs on August 5, 2019. The erstwhile state of J&K had been brought under the Centres rule earlier in June 2018 following the collapse of the Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP coalition government. The elections to the J&K Assembly were held recently after a gap of ten years in which the National Conference-Congress combine secured absolute majority. NC vice president Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the UT of J&K on October 16. The formation of the first elected government in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 ended the 6-year-old Central rule in the UT. At the first cabinet meeting, the Abdullah government unanimously adopted a resolution seeking restoration of statehood to J&K. The resolution pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have more than once committed to restoration of statehood to J&K post the Assembly elections and said that that if the Centre wants to make the people happy then it should fulfil the commitment as an elected government is already in place in J&K. The meeting also decided to approach the Centre for restoration of statehood. However, Mr. Shah while addressing a press conference in Jammu on September 6 had said that he, as the Home Minister, has promised on the floor of the Parliament that J&Ks statehood will be restored at an appropriate time after the Assembly elections. As seeking the restoration of statehood to J&K was the main poll plank of the Congress and some other parties, Mr. Shah had asked, Why to demand something that has already been accepted. But it was for the first time that the Home Minister had made the fulfilment of the Centres commitment conditional by adding at an appropriate time to it.
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.
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
West Bengal Government announces 16% bonus to Darjeeling tea garden works
The workers unions threatened to intensify the strike, saying that they cannot accept anything less than 20% of wages as bonus
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
