Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 strikes Assam, jolts major parts of North Bengal
An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck near Dhekiajuli, Assam, on Sunday jolted major parts of West Bengal's northern district, especially in the Dooars, Terai and Darjeeling region, official sources said.
NEW DELHI: The Indian Railways is considering measures to make the On-Board Housekeeping Staff (OBHS) more courteous and leave a positive impression on passengers during their journey. In the new initiative, currently being introduced, proves successful, OBHS personnel will begin introducing themselves to passengers at the start of the journey in an effort to build trust and establish a good rapport with the passengers. With this aim in mind, Indian Railways has instructed all its zones to conduct counselling sessions for OBHS staff. In an official communication issued by the Railway Board to all zones, the railway has proposed system improvements following a recent on-board inspection. These improvements include counselling for the housekeeping staff. All OBHS staff should be counselled to introduce themselves at the beginning of the journey and build trust of passengers, the Railway Board directive stated. The directive also emphasises that OBHS staff should be available to assist passengers throughout the journey. Stressing the importance of consistency, the Railway has further instructed that daily counselling sessions for OBHS staff must be carried out to ensure that these practices are adhered to regularly. Additionally, the chiefs of all zones have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these instructions. According to available information, the OBHS scheme was initially launched by the Railway Board in 2006 as a pilot project in six Mail and Express trains. Following its success, the service was subsequently extended to additional trains. As per official data, the scheme is now operational in over 1,200 pairs of key Mail and Express trains. Under this initiative, the cleanliness of coaches, toilets, and other on-board facilities is managed by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Despite these efforts, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), in its 2023 audit of OBHS conducted across 15 trains, identified several discrepancies. The report was tabled in both Houses of Parliament. Notably, the CAG stated that in 13 out of the 15 audited trains including the Bilaspur Rajdhani Express, PuneSecunderabad Shatabdi Express, KotaPatna Express, Darjeeling Mail, and Gorakhpur Weekly Express deficiencies such as choked and stinking lavatories and wash basins, soiled linen stored in doorway areas, and dirty vestibule areas were observed during the audit. The CAG also stated, The shortfall in inspections, coupled with a large number of instances of deficiencies against contractual provisions, was indicative of the need for strengthening control over the contractors. Side by side, the CAG has further suggested that the Railways must ensure full implementation of the Railway Boards directives, including surprise inspections by authorities on all operating Mail and Express trains. Meanwhile, a senior source in the Ministry of Railways told TNIE on Thursday that the Railway is taking the CAG's audit report seriously and has begun working in mission mode to implement both the CAGs recommendations and the Railways own guidelines for improving the functioning of OBHS.
Border Areas Along Indian Territory On Alert As Nepal PM Resigns Amid Violent Gen-Z Protests
Paramilitary forces and police were on patrol at Panitanki in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
7 hill stations in West Bengal that rival Darjeeling
Quieter, quirkier, and sometimes downright surprising, these destinations prove that you dont just have to stick to Darjeeling to get your fill of mist and mountains. Lets take a detour off the usual track and explore seven hill stations in West Bengal that rival Darjeeling.
IMD forecasts heavy rain in north Bengal till August 29
Get ready for heavy rainfall in northern West Bengal. The India Meteorological Department predicts it for the next two days. Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri are likely to be affected. Light to moderate showers are expected in Gangetic West Bengal. Kolkata may experience thundershowers. Fishermen are advised to avoid deep sea ventures.
Independence Day 2025: Must-visit memorials that keep the spirit of freedom alive
India celebrates its 79th Independence Day. The day honours freedom fighters' sacrifices. The article suggests visiting war memorials. The National War Memorial in New Delhi is a grand tribute. Kargil War Memorial commemorates the 1999 war. Darjeeling War Memorial honours Gorkha soldiers. Chandigarh War Memorial is among the largest.
IMD warns of heavy rain in Darjeeling and other districts of West Bengal
The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for sub-Himalayan West Bengal districts until August 12, with potential for very heavy rainfall on August 11. Several southern districts, including South 24 Parganas and Purulia, are also expected to receive heavy showers until August 9. Kolkata anticipates overcast skies with light to moderate rain.
Strong monsoon flow, cyclonic circulation to bring heavy rain in some Bengal districts: IMD
The IMD has forecast heavy rain across parts of West Bengal till August 6 due to a cyclonic circulation over the north Bay of Bengal. Districts in south Bengal, including Kolkata, may see thunderstorms and gusty winds. North Bengal districts like Darjeeling and Kalimpong could experience very heavy rain from August 24. Canning and Kalimpong recorded 110 mm rainfall.
Indias tea production increases in 2025, Darjeelings output remains a concern
The production of tea across the country from January to May 2025 stood at 336.22 million kg compared to 267.36 million kg between January to May 2024
Kolkata Diary | 8th anti-submarine ship rolls out of Garden Reach
Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has released the eighth and last ship in a series of anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASW SWCs) built for the Indian Navy. The ship, named Ajay, was inaugurated at an event in Kolkata on July 21. These ships are versatile platforms and can participate in a variety of operations. Designed with low draughts, the crafts are capable of coastal operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations, and mine-laying. These 77.6-metre-long and 10.5-metre-wide warships are also capable of full-scale sub-surface surveillance in coastal waters and pack a lethal anti-submarine armory comprising lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets and mines. Old city ghat set for renovation, deal inked In a significant step towards urban renewal and preservation of heritage spaces, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata and TNS Logi-Park Pvt Ltd have entered an agreement to breathe new life into historic Doi-Ghat at the heart of the old metropolis. Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, at the confluence of Adi Ganga stream and the main channel, Doi-Ghat derives its name from the Bengali word for curd (doi), reflecting its historical link to the local dairy trade. Once a bustling commercial hub, the ghat served as a market where curd and other goods arrived in earthen pots, especially from Howrah, renowned for its dairy produce. At the intersection of key waterways, Doi-ghat had emerged as a centre for trade and daily dialogue between rural Bengal and the emeging metropolis of Calcutta. 15 new hotels to come up in next 5 years Kolkata-based Ambuja Neotia Group announced an agreement for 15 new hotels with the Indian Hotels Company. This agreement is set to expand the partnership to over 40 hotels. The 15 new sites identified to be developed are a combination of greenfield, brownfield and conversion projects across West Bengal, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. These include Taj resorts in Sunderban, Darjeeling, Shimla and Rabong, SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri and Tree of Life in Dooars in North Bengal. The projects are expected to become operational in the next five years. Kaushik Pradhan Our correspondent in West Bengal kaushik@newindianexpress.com
Anita Katyal | Will Shringla Get Darjeeling Ticket? Whos Coming To Tharoors Party?
The invitees usually include a mix of leaders from the Congress as well as other Opposition parties like Mohua Moitra and Supriya Sule. Since Mr Tharoor is currently in the disgruntled category, speculation about the guest list is building up
Heavy rains triggered multiple landslides in Darjeeling, displacing families and damaging infrastructure, including tourism quarters and the Salvation Army School for the Deaf. While no casualties have been reported, ten families are displaced and are being provided temporary shelter. Authorities are conducting rescue operations and distributing relief as the IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall in the region.
Aman Tea Group Launches Groundbreaking Sustainability & GAP Initiative for 6,000+ Small Tea Growers
Darjeeling | Siliguri, West Bengal, India | 15thJuly 2025: In a landmark move set to reshape sustainable tea cultivation in India,Aman Tea Groupone of the countrys largest and most respected tea producershas launched an ambitious six-month Sustainability and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Initiative aimed at empowering over 6,000 Small Tea Growers (STGs) across North Bengal, [] The post Aman Tea Group Launches Groundbreaking Sustainability & GAP Initiative for 6,000+ Small Tea Growers appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .
Darjeeling toy train celebrates 144th birthday
KOLKATA: The iconic toy train of Darjeeling, a timeless favourite among tourists visiting the hill station, celebrated its 144th birthday on July 4 with the first-ever Toy Train Day. Despite a few recent accidents, the train continues to captivate visitors with its slow, scenic journey along the mountain slopes. The celebration, organised jointly by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and the North Bengal Painters Association, was held at Sukna Railway Station near Siliguri. The DHR, which holds UNESCO World Heritage status, marked the day with a series of events and competitions themed around the toy train. Activities such as a Sit and Draw competition, poster making, live art, and a picture exhibition were held, with participation from several local kindergarten students. The event aimed to foster a deeper connection between the community and the historic railway, while also boosting tourism in the region. The roots of the Darjeeling toy train date back to British rule, with its first experimental run in 1870. After nearly a decade, commercial operations officially began on July 4, 1881, when the first train journeyed from Siliguri to Darjeeling. To commemorate that historic date, DHR decided to celebrate the toy trains birthday for the first time this year. Sukna Station, chosen for its preserved British-era railway architecture, served as the central venue. This is the first time that we have taken the initiative to celebrate Toy Train Day, said Tapan Malakar, Station Manager at Sukna. We hope that like the Ghoom Festival or Summer Festival, Toy Train Day will become a major attraction for tourists. To further boost tourism, DHR is planning to expand Joy Rides, introduce modern toy train engines from Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, upgrade station infrastructure, and enhance the museums and workshops along the route. Officials are hopeful that such cultural initiatives will help place Darjeelings beloved toy train on the global map.
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
'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!
IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in several Bengal districts
Heavy rainfall likely to occur in north Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong; thunderstorms likely to occur in south Bengal districts of Purulia
