Five Journalists Getting Awarded During National Press Day 2025 Celebration at Gangtok
Gangtok, Nov 21 : The National Press Day, observed annually on November 16 to recognise The post Five Journalists Getting Awarded During National Press Day 2025 Celebration at Gangtok appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Nineteen years and counting: Nitishs unbroken grip on Bihar
On Thursday, Nitish Kumar achieved yet another rare political milestone, becoming Bihars longest-serving chief minister, despite his party repeatedly finishing as the second-largest partner in both the Mahagathbandhan and NDA alliances in recent times. With this latest swearing-in , he joins the group of Indias ten longest-serving chief ministersa list long dominated by political stalwarts such as Sikkims Pawan Kumar Chamling and Odishas Naveen Patnaik. Chamling served as chief minister for 25 years, while Patnaik has held office for 24 years. West Bengals Jyoti Basu governed for more than 23 years, and Arunachal Pradeshs Gegong Apang for over 22 years. Mizorams Lal Thanhawla also crossed the 22-year mark, while Himachal Pradeshs Virbhadra Singh served more than 21 years. Tripuras Manik Sarkar held office for 19 years. Nitish Kumar, similarly, has now completed roughly 19 years as Bihars chief minister. Tamil Nadus M. Karunanidhi served for more than 18 years, and Punjabs Parkash Singh Badal is also credited with over 18 years in office. In Bihar, however, what distinguishes Nitish Kumar most is his repeated return to the top post, even after shifting between alliances. While Prime Minister Modi promotes the mantra of Sabka Vikas with Sabka Saath through Sabka Prayas, Nitish Kumar is often described as Sabka CM. Political observers in the state believe this contributes to his steady influence among minority voters. He has again included a Muslim minister in his cabinet, and the JD(U) fielded four Muslim candidates in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections. Another point of alignment between him and Prime Minister Modi is his refusal to allow family members to hold roles within the JD(U), reflecting his firm stance against dynastic politicssomething that contrasts with many parties in the Mahagathbandhan. Just as Modi maintains a stance of zero tolerance for corruption and nepotism, Nitish Kumar has ensured that neither corruption, nepotism, nor communalism gains a foothold in his administration. The political chemistry between Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi within the NDA is often regarded as one of the most dependable partnerships in Bihar. Both leaders have no family members active in politics and are widely seen by the public as hardworking, sincere, and trustworthy.
Trekker Dies During Goechala Expedition in West Sikkim
West Sikkim, Nov 19 : A trekker participating in the Goechala high-altitude trail in West The post Trekker Dies During Goechala Expedition in West Sikkim appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
PM Modi Attends Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Babas Centenary Celebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam
Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 19 : The Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Prasanthi Nilayam on The post PM Modi Attends Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Babas Centenary Celebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Meghalaya edge Sikkim in tense finale
Cooch Behar Trophy By Our Reporter Shillong, Nov 18: Led by a century from Gaurav Narleng (128) and an impenetrable knock by Angkit The Rock Tamang (35 not out), Meghalaya defeated Sikkim by two wickets on a thrilling third day to win their Cooch Behar Trophy 2025-26 plate group match at the MCA Ground here []
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in Sikkim to review operational preparedness
NEW DELHI: General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), arrived in Sikkim on Tuesday on a two-day official visit. This follows his comment on Monday that relations between India and China have improved a lot over the last year . He attributed this change to a rise in communication at various levels between the two countries. General Dwivedi will be meeting the commanders posted there and review the operational preparedness of the force. The Trishakti Corps based in Sukna, West Bengal, is mandated to defend the 220-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) along Sikkim. There has been disengagement of Indian and Chinese forces from all standoff points in October 2024. But the troops, along with their equipment and armaments, remain deployed close to the 832-km LAC in eastern Ladakh. China had carried out a massive force deployment in eastern Ladakh after PLA soldiers clashed with Indian Army troops at Finger 4 in May 2020. Around a year after the May 2020 standoff in eastern Ladakh, a new hotline between the two countries was established. The New Indian Express earlier reported that the new hotline was established between Indian Army in Kongra La, North Sikkim, and PLA at Khamba Dzong in the Tibetan Autonomous Region to further the spirit of trust and cordial relations along the borders. The armed forces of the two countries have well-established mechanisms for communication at ground commander level. There are now six hotlines, with two in eastern Ladakh, two in Sikkim and two in Arunachal Pradesh. The other five hotlines have been established along the meeting points at the LAC at Daulat Beg Oldi and Chushul in eastern Ladakh, Nathu La in Sikkim, and at Bum La and Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh. India shares a 3488-km border with China that runs along the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The length of the border along Sikkim is 220 km. Sikkim also shares borders with Nepal and Bhutan To the south of Sikkim lies the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow stretch adjoining Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, measuring about 170x60km, and at its narrowest, around 20-22km, which holds tremendous geopolitical importance. Functioning as a crucial link connecting the northeast of India with the rest of the country, it accommodates major national highways, railway lines, pipelines, and optical fiber connectivity. In 2023, it was announced that border guarding forces are set to play a pivotal role in fortifying the security of the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chickens Neck, during peacetime.
Over 10,000 Women Sensitized: 7,200+ Participate in hrHPV Self-Testing 160+ Healthcare Workers Trained in Innovative Screening Techniques Field-tested Indigenously developed AI-Assisted Cervical Cancer screening device across multiple center s in Indian and across Bangladesh and Uganda Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) successfully convened the PRESCRIP-TEC Conference on November 13–14, aligning with the Government of India’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Mission. MAHE's Manipal School of Information Sciences (MSIS), Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), and Kasturba Medical College (KMC, Manipal) organized the conference in Manipal. Transforming cervical cancer screening through collaboration: "PRESCRIP-TEC Conference" at MAHE The PRESCRIP-TEC consortium represents a powerful collaboration of global and national institutions — including DBT, Tata Memorial Hospital, the University of Groningen (The Netherlands), and MAHE, which serves as the lead implementing partner in India. Together, they exemplify thought leadership and cross-sectoral partnership in advancing equitable women’s health and India’s 2030 elimination target. The two-day event brought together national and international experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to discuss scalable innovations in cervical cancer screening under the Prevention and Screening Innovation Project Toward Elimination of Cervical Cancer (PRESCRIP-TEC), a global initiative jointly implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program. PRESCRIP-TEC’s “Screen, Triage, and Treat” model integrates community participation, digital health, and AI-enabled diagnostics. Across India, the project has sensitized over 10,000 women, facilitated 7,200+ hrHPV self-tests, and conducted 360+ AI-assisted Visual Inspections with Acetic Acid (VIA-AI) using the SAKHI Smart AI Kit for Healthcare Innovation. Over 100 community health workers and 60 medical professionals have been trained, reinforcing the model’s scalability and integration within primary healthcare systems. This approach, built on inclusivity and cost-effectiveness, serves as a replicable blueprint for cervical cancer elimination in low- and middle-income countries. A major highlight in PRESCRIP-TEC is Development and Field testing of AI Innovation Previously part of a Ph.D. at MAHE, Designed and refined at the Manipal School of Information Sciences, this indigenous AI-assisted decision-support system (AI-DSS) powers the VIA-AI component of the project, enabling accurate and affordable early detection in field settings. Currently undergoing validation across India, Bangladesh, and Uganda, the technology underscores India’s growing capability to develop and deploy homegrown digital health solutions of global relevance. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Abhishek Kunwar (WHO India), Dr. Anu Mary Oommen (CMC Vellore), Dr. Esmy P. Okkuru, Radiation Oncologist at CFCHC, Tamil Nadu and Dr. Bency Joseph (ICMR-NCDIR), alongside leading experts from across the world. Opening the conference, Dr. Keerthana Prasad, Professor and Director, MSIS, and Lead Principal Investigator of PRESCRIP-TEC , remarked, “PRESCRIP-TEC represents a paradigm shift in how we approach cervical cancer screening in resource-limited settings. Through AI-assisted diagnostics and strong community engagement, we are transforming access to preventive healthcare and contributing to India’s 2030 elimination mission.” The India implementation of PRESCRIP-TEC, involving MAHE, SDM College of Ayurveda (Udupi), Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai), Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute and Tata Medical Center (Kolkata), St. John’s Medical College (Bengaluru), and Sikkim Manipal University (Gangtok), concluded with actionable recommendations for integrating AI-based screening and cost-effective strategies into India’s national framework. By converging research, technology, and community action, PRESCRIP-TEC stands as a model for how collaborative innovation can drive national health transformation - placing India at the forefront of the global mission to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. www.prescriptec.org About Manipal Academy of Higher Education The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3 rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life.
Cervical cancer claims over three lakh lives every year globally: WHO
NEW DELHI: Cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer in women globally, claims over 3,50,000 lives each year, said the WHO on Monday. Marking the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that it is a disease that already has the tools to be eliminated. In 2018, I was proud to launch the global call to action on cervical cancer elimination, and I'm even prouder now to see what was once a distant dream becoming a reality, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. More and more countries are scaling up HPV vaccination, improving screening, and expanding treatment, bringing us closer to a future free of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine which protects against the human papillomavirus, the primary cause of cervical cancer is highly effective, averting 17.4 deaths for every 1,000 children vaccinated. WHO highlighted the announcement from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and its partners, that they have met the ambitious goal to reach 86million girls by the end of 2025. WHO said this reflects a broader wave of action to advance national elimination plans and expand access to screening and treatment. In India, over 80,000 cervical cancer cases were reported in 2023-24. The Union Budget 2024 prioritised the phased introduction of the cervical vaccine, with the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommending its inclusion in the UIP for girls aged 9-14 years. AIIMS doctors develop Rs 100 kit to detect cervical cancer in two hours The HPV vaccine for cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in India, is yet to be included in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). The HPV vaccination has only been launched in Sikkim and Bihar. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate more than half the worlds children against some of the worlds deadliest diseases, said, more than one million cervical cancer deaths have been prevented, and an estimated 86 million girls are now protected against the leading cause of cervical cancer. The Vaccine Alliance brings together developing countries and donor governments, the WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, the vaccine industry, technical agencies, civil society, the Gates Foundation and other private sector partners. Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer, a disease that is both devastating and largely preventable, said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Experts call for HPV awareness to fight cervical cancer In 2023, Gavi, in partnership with countries across the world, launched an ambitious campaign to protect 86 million girls against the primary cause of cervical cancer and prevent more than a million deaths. Thanks to the incredible commitment from countries, partners, civil society and communities, we have now reached the target ahead of schedule. This collaborative effort is driving major global progress towards eliminating one of the deadliest diseases affecting women. Cervical cancer strikes hardest in lower-income countries, which often lack screening services and equitable access to treatment. As a result, these countries account for 90% of the 3,50,000 deaths from cervical cancer recorded in 2022, it said. According to WHO, the World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day supports the core pillars of the WHOs global elimination strategy: vaccinating 90% of girls against human papillomavirus (HPV), screening 70% of women, and treating 90% of those with pre-cancer and invasive cancer. It serves as a critical platform to strengthen advocacy, accelerate service delivery, and mobilise resources to ensure that every woman and girl has access to life-saving care, the WHO said.
Tseten Tashi Bhutia Receives Inaugural Kongchen Dorjee Award for Protecting Sikkims Old Laws
Gangtok, Nov 16 : Prominent social activist and political figure Tseten Tashi Bhutia has been The post Tseten Tashi Bhutia Receives Inaugural Kongchen Dorjee Award for Protecting Sikkims Old Laws appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Anand Mahindra praised Sikkim after sharing a travel video that highlighted the state's clean streets, orderly parking and strong civic discipline. The clip, originally posted by travel creator Satyajeet Dahiya, compared the well-maintained Sikkim town to Japan, prompting Mahindra to say he hopes Indian locations can eventually be appreciated without foreign comparisons.
Butterfly that mimics dry leaf may become Madhya Pradeshs next 'state butterfly'
pBHOPAL: A tropical Asian butterfly, famed for its extraordinary ability to camouflage itself as a dry or dead leaf, may soon be declared tiger-cheetah state Madhya Pradeshs state butterfly. The countrys tiger-cheetah-leopard-wolf and gharial state Madhya Pradesh may soon notify the Orange Oakleaf variety as its state butterfly. If the state forest departments proposal to declare Kallima inachus as the states butterfly materialises, the Orange Oakleaf will become the central Indian states official state butterfly. Confirming that a proposal has been sent recently to the state government, MPs Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF-Wildlife), Subhranjan Sen, said once the proposal is cleared, MP will join the select league of states which already have their state butterflies. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly is particularly found in the dense forests of the Satpura Mountain Range. Its declaration as the states butterfly will render momentum to focussed efforts on butterfly conservation, Sen told TNIE on Sunday. At least ten states and Union Territories in the country have granted state butterfly status to unique genres of butterflies. These states include Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttarakhand, which notified their state butterflies between 2016 and 2023. Once MP notifies the Orange Oakleaf as its state butterfly, it will become perhaps the first state in central India to do so. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly flies in the Himalayas at low elevations, from Jammu and Kashmir to Garhwal and Kumaon, and across West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. It is also found in central and peninsular India, including Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It flies along the central Indian highlands to Pachmarhi and Amarkantak in the Satpura Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh. Its wings are shaped like a leaf when in a closed position. When the wings are closed, only the cryptic underside markings are visible. The resemblance to a dried leafa masqueradeis extremely realistic and gives the genus its common names, the oakleaf or dead leaf. Butterflies occupy a key position in ecosystem stability by acting as pollinators, helping plants reproduce and being a critical part of the food web or chain also, rendering a food source for predators like birds and bats. They are also vital environmental indicators, as their sensitivity to changes in their habitat signals the overall health of an ecosystem, the PCCF-Wildlife said. Notification of a state butterfly by the forest- and wildlife-rich state will also promote focussed research on various butterflies in MP, which is already considered home to 150 to 175 butterfly varieties.
Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang stable, under observation: Hospital bulletin
GANGTOK: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who was undergoing treatment at a hospital following nose bleeding and high blood pressure, was stable on Friday morning, a bulletin issued by the health facility said. Tamang was brought to the Central Referral Hospital on Thursday, following a minor episode of nose bleeding and elevated blood pressure, the bulletin said. He received immediate medical attention and his condition was promptly stabilised, it said. The chief minister is currently under observation and remains stable, the CRH Medical Superintendent said, adding that there is no cause for concern at this time. The hospital will continue to monitor his condition as per standard protocol, and he will be discharged soon, the bulletin added.
MHA releases Rs 900 crore helicopter subsidy scheme for north-eastern states
NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has released a little over Rs 900 crore for seven north-eastern states under the helicopter subsidy scheme for the financial years in the period from 2015-16 to 2024-25, officials said on Monday. They said that as part of the scheme to provide connectivity to remote areas of the north-eastern states, the helicopter subsidy is being administered by the MHA. The states include Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur. The scheme aims to provide affordable passenger transport in the north-eastern region of the country and assistance is given for evacuation during natural calamities and for urgent medical evacuation. The MHA will bear 75% of the total cost of operation after deducting passenger recovery or a flat 20 percent of the actual operation cost, whichever is more, according to a policy note issued by the North East Division of MHA. For the purpose of restricting the subsidy, the MHA has also fixed an annual ceiling on the flying hours for the seven eligible states. Giving the break for each financial year, the officials said Rs 76.45 crore is given for 2015-16, Rs 86 crore for 2016-17, Rs 86 crore for 2017-18, Rs 90 crore for 2018-19, Rs 100 crore for 2019-20, Rs 72.50 crore for 2020-21, Rs 100 crore for 2021-22, Rs 100 crore for 2022-23, Rs 88 crore for 2023-24 and Rs 110 crore for 2024-25, which is the highest so far. The types of helicopters operating in the northeastern region include Dauphin, MI-172, Bell 412, and Bell 407, among other models. Each state has a fixed number of flying hours per annum sanctioned by the MHA, as Tripura has 480 hours, Arunachal Pradesh 3,460 hours, Sikkim 1,200 hours, Meghalaya 720 hours, Nagaland 480 hours and Mizoram 960 hours.
Bihar dismissed for 265 by Sikkim in first innings
Bihar posted 265 in their Ranji Trophy Plate Group opener against Sikkim, with Sakibul Gani and Ayush Loharuka scoring fifties. Sikkim's Ankur Malik claimed five wickets. In response, Sikkim reached 14 without loss by stumps on Day 1, trailing by 251 runs. The match continues.
The Government Senior Secondary School, Bariakhop, celebrated its 75th anniversary with a historic transformation, emerging as a Smart Model School powered by Solar energy and digital innovation. This milestone was achieved by The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (AOL-SSRDP) , founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar , in collaboration with Schneider Electric India Foundation , bringing sustainable and technology-driven education to rural Sikkim. CM Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Minister Shri Raju Basnett, Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, AOL-SSRDP & SSIAST, and other dignitaries The inauguration event was graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) , Shri M. N. Sherpa , Hon’ble Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Shri Raju Basnett , Hon’ble Minister for Education, Shri Aditya Golay , Hon’ble MLA, Soreng Constituency, Shri Prasana Prabhu , Chairman, AOL-SSRDP and AOL-SSIAST , senior government officials, and Ms. Anjali Lekhi , Manager – CSR, Schneider Electric . Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, AOL-SSRDP & SSIAST, welcomed Hon’ble CM Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) Bridging the Educational Divide through Technology and Sustainability With the vision of a sustainable, self-reliant India, the Smart Model School Program by AOL-SSRDP bridges educational and digital divides through renewable energy, technology-enabled learning, and teacher capacity building. The newly inaugurated Solar Smart School at Bariakhop features a 2.2 kWp solar-powered classroom with battery backup, a Samsung 65” Smart Interactive Board with webcam, a wireless router with a 3-year data plan, audio-visual K–12 learning content, and planned additions including STEM Labs and WASH facilities. Across Sikkim, AOL-SSRDP has empowered 79 government schools , impacting 20,000+ students and 2,500+ teachers. Nationally, the initiative spans 473 government schools across 36 districts in 10 States/UTs, including 293 in border and aspirational regions, reaching more than 1.3 lakh students and teachers annually. Transforming Education, Empowering Lives AOL-SSRDP’s Smart Model School is redefining rural education through modern infrastructure, digital empowerment, and holistic growth. Smart classrooms, clean facilities, and science labs create engaging learning spaces that boost attendance and retention. STEM kits and computer labs build digital literacy and problem-solving skills, while capacity-building workshops for teachers enhance pedagogy and confidence. Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation, and life skills training foster focus, emotional balance, and leadership. Even in remote regions like Leh, solar-powered smart schools ensure that no child is left behind. Promoting sustainability, each school saves nearly 300 tonnes of CO annually through renewable energy and efficient infrastructure. Voices of Vision and Transformation The inauguration of the Solar Smart Model School in Bariakhop was marked by messages of inspiration and hope from visionaries and partners. In a special video message, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar , Founder of The Art of Living, shared, “With changing times, we must integrate technology into our education system. Keeping this in mind, The Art of Living has taken many initiatives. Let us aim to make this country 100% literate and nurture personalities who will inspire and bring positive change in society for the betterment of all.” Ms. Anjali Lekhi , Senior Manager – CSR, Schneider Electric shared, “Our collaboration with AOL-SSRDP ensures that every child, regardless of geography, can learn in a powered, connected, and inspiring environment.” Reflecting on the broader impact, Shri Prasana Prabhu , added, “Along with modern infrastructure, AOL-SSRDP nurtures focus, intuition, and inner strength through yoga, meditation, and Sudarshan Kriya, shaping a generation that is both skilled and centered.” Lighting Minds, Powering Dreams As the first solar-powered classroom lit up in Bariakhop, it symbolized more than electricity. It reflected AOL-SSRDP’s unwavering commitment to empowering rural India through knowledge, sustainability, and opportunity. Echoing this spirit from the classroom, Kavya , a student of the school, said, “Smart classes use videos and interactive sessions that make studying fun and easy to understand.” Together, the partnership continues to light minds and power dreams , proving that with the right energy, every child can shine. About Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST) Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Social Projects — implemented through AOL-SSRDP and AOL-SSIAST — are driving one of India’s largest sustainable transformation movements. To date, 152 water bodies have been restored, 3 million farmers trained in natural farming, 4.75 lakh youth skilled, 665 border villages developed, 50 Medetel Health Units operational, and over 100 million trees planted — a growing legacy of empowerment and sustainable development. Support the Mission Contribute to the Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Programs and help expand these initiatives: ssrdp.artofliving.org/donate-ssrdp Join Us ssrdp.artofliving.org www.instagram.com/srisrirdp www.facebook.com/SriSriRDP x.com/srisrirdp www.linkedin.com/company/srisrirdp
Army begins work on a new military station in Assam under Eastern Command
NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing expansion and reorganisation of security infrastructure and military formations, the foundation stone for a new military station under the Eastern Command was laid on Thursday. The Army said the establishment of this station marks a significant step in strengthening the operational capabilities and infrastructure of the Indian Army in the region. Informing about the event, the Army stated, Lieutenant General R. C. Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, visited the Gajraj Corps in the border areas and laid the foundation stone of the Lachit Borphukan Military Station at Dhubri, Assam. The station holds strategic importance due to its location along the banks of the River Brahmaputra and will serve as a logistics, training, and administrative base for the armed forces. Dhubri shares an international border with Bangladesh and lies close to the border with Bhutan. Named after the legendary Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan, the new military station symbolises the indomitable spirit of courage, leadership, and resilience that defines the heritage of a resurgent Assam. During his visit, the Army Commander reviewed the operational readiness and internal security situation in the bordering areas, as well as the progress of ongoing infrastructure development initiatives undertaken by the formation. Lieutenant General Tiwari expressed gratitude to the Government of Assam and the civil administration for their unwavering support and proactive role in facilitating the establishment of the new military station. He also commended all ranks of the Gajraj Corps for their dedication, professionalism, and collective efforts in ensuring the early operationalisation of the project. The Indian Armys Eastern Command oversees the 1,346 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) covering Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, in addition to managing borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Lachit Borphukan Military Station stands as a testament to the synergy between the armed forces and the state administration, reflecting their shared vision of national security and regional development.
From Ayodhya to Sikkim: Delhi's 41 Roundabouts to Tell India's Story
Delhi's roads are set to become a living showcase of India's rich cultural tapestry. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Public Works Department (PWD) has announced a massive beautification drive that will transform 41 major roundabouts.
Eastern command gears up for major tri-service exercise Poorvi Prachand Prahar
NEW DELHI: As India intensifies its drive toward integrated tri-service operations, the Eastern Command is set to host a major joint exercise named' Poorvi Prachand Prahar' from November 11 to 15 at Mechuka, about 30 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. The exercise will mark the maiden deployment of newly raised Indian Army formations, the Bhairav Battalion, Ashni Platoon of Infantry, and Divyastra Artillery Batteries, which reflect the ongoing modernisation and reorganisation push within the force. These combat units are being raised under a Save and Raise model, incurring no additional cost to the state exchequer. Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said the exercise aims to validate multi-domain integration across land, air, and maritime theatres, refining interoperability and command structures for future joint missions. It will test revised tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance combat agility and adaptability under high-altitude conditions, he added. One of the key highlights will be the coordinated employment of Special Forces, unmanned platforms, precision systems, and networked operations centres, which is a first-of-its-kind high-altitude validation of Indias evolving warfighting doctrine. The Army has already operationalised five of its 25 Bhairav Light Combat Battalions , designed for lean, high-impact operations along Indias borders with China and Pakistan. As reported earlier by TNIE , each infantry unit now includes an Ashni Platoon, equipped with drones for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and loitering munitions. Poorvi Prachand Prahar follows the successful exercise ' Bhala Prahar' (2023) and exercise Poorvi Prahar (2024), which marks yet another milestone in Indias tri-service integration efforts. It coincides with exercise 'Trishul' in the Western Sector , scheduled to culminate on November 13, and follows exercise ' Vidyut Vidhhwans' held in October. In strategic terms, the Eastern Sector remains vital to Indias defence posture. The Line of Actual Control spans three sectors namely Western (Ladakh), Central (Himachal, Uttarakhand), and Eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh). The Eastern Command oversees the 1,346 km stretch including Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, besides managing the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Arunachal Pradesh, often the focal point of Chinese aggression since 1962, includes six disputed areas -- Asapila, Longzu, Bisa, Majha, Tulung-la, and Yangtse -- and four sensitive zones such as Fishtail I & II, Thag La, and Dichu. With Poorvi Prachand Prahar , Indias Eastern Command reinforces its readiness to counter emerging threats through integrated, technology-driven warfare.
'Traditional attire day' to be observed at govt offices in Sikkim every Thursday
Sikkim state to promote cultural and traditional values
Sikkim, a hidden gem in the Himalayas, is captivating travellers with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Industrialist Anand Mahindra recently highlighted its beauty, sparking interest. The state offers breathtaking mountain views, diverse flora and fauna, and a rich spiritual heritage. Sikkim's commitment to sustainability makes it a unique destination. It is a place of serene beauty and adventure.
Heavy Snowfall Along Indo-China Border, Red Alert Issued For Sikkim
Fresh snowfall blanketed the higher reaches of the Indo-China border, including the Nathula Pass area, on Friday, bringing temperatures down sharply across Sikkim.
Weather today: India braces for widespread rain and thunderstorms until November 2, driven by two significant weather systems. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in several regions, including Sikkim and West Bengal, with Gujarat also facing strong winds and lightning. Other areas like Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of the Northeast will experience moderate to heavy showers.
Over 2,200 runners participate in 'Sikkim Soldierthon' Marathon
The marathon was flagged off by Mizoram Governor GeneralV.K. Singh (retired) in the presence of Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur at the Paljor stadium
Arpit, Kishans tons script Mlayas comeback
RANJI TROPHY By Our Reporter Shillong, Oct 26: Classy centuries by Arpit Bhatewara and Kishan Lyngdoh gave Meghalaya a solid platform for the host team to aim for a massive first innings total as they posted 271/2 at stumps on the second day of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 plate group match against Sikkim at the []
Dr Ranjit honoured with award for works in knee replacement surgery
Excelsior Correspondent JALANDHAR, Oct 25: The renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ranjit Singh was today conferred with the Excellence Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of knee replacement surgery, particularly for his innovation and mastery in the Zero Technique, a procedure powered by Artificial Intelligence. The award was presented by Governor of Sikkim, Gurbachan Jagat. The event also witnessed the esteemed presence of Punjab Governor, Gulab Chand Kataria, who addressed the gathering and lauded Dr Singhs dedication and precision [] The post Dr Ranjit honoured with award for works in knee replacement surgery appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sikkim hold edge over Meghalaya
RANJI TROPHY By Our Reporter Shillong, Oct 25: Sikkim walked off the field at stumps in a fine mood after posting 310/6 on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 plate group match against Meghalaya at the MCA Ground in Polo here on Saturday. Meghalaya won the toss in the morning and, as is []
SC raps High Courts over 8 lakh pending execution pleas
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has recently directed the High Courts to work out an effective mechanism for prompt disposal of over 8 lakh execution petitions pending in various lower courts across the country. Expressing its disappointment, a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal, in its October 16 order, said, The statistics which we have received are highly disappointing. The figures of the pendency of the execution petitions across the country are alarming. As on date, 8,82,578 execution petitions are pending nationwide. While the court acknowledged that in the last six months, 3,38,685 execution petitions have been disposed of, it emphasised that over 8 lakh remain to be disposed of quickly. The court made these observations after going through a consolidated data from various High Courts and District Courts over the status of execution plea pendency and disposal. In its 10-page order, the court requested all the HCs to evolve some procedure and guide their respective district judiciaries in effective and expeditious disposal of the execution petitions that are pending. The court scheduled the matter for further hearing to April 10, 2026, and has sought a comprehensive data from all the HCs regarding the status of execution petitions by that date. The SC further noted that unfortunately, the Karnataka HC has failed to furnish it with the necessary data. The Registry shall once again give a reminder to the High Court of Karnataka to furnish the necessary data as regards the disposal of the execution petitions in last six months and the pendency of it as on date. In its order, the top court criticised the HCs for extensive number of pending execution petitions, extending the time for compliance by another six months and asked all HCs to not only monitor their district judiciary but also evolve procedures for effective enforcement of decrees. According to the data furnished by various HCs before the top court, Maharashtra has the highest number of cases, exceeding more than 3.4 lakh, while Sikkim has the least only 61. The data further revealed that Tamil Nadu followed closely with over 86,000 pending cases, while Kerala has nearly 83,000. In addition, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh each have more than 68,000 and over 27,000 pending cases, respectively. The SC, in its order, further observed that if it takes years to execute a decree, after it has been passed, then it makes no sense and would be nothing short of travesty of justice. Earlier this year, while deciding a 40-year-old property dispute case, the SC had directed all the HCs to collect data from their district judiciaries and ensure that pending execution petitions are decided within six months. The apex court said that by its Judgment and order of March 6, 2025 rendered in the case of Periyammal (Dead) versus Rajamani, it had issued directions and ordered all the HCs to call for the necessary information with regard to pendency of the execution petitions.
Sikkim Orders Ban On Firecrackers, Single-Use Plastic Ahead Of Diwali
SPCB urged citizens to avoid firecrackers and single-use plastics, promoting eco-friendly alternatives such as light displays
Why Danny Denzongpa refused to work with Salman Khan for 23 years
Hyderabad: Danny Denzongpa, born Tshering Phintso Denzongpa in Sikkim, is one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema. He is known for his strong voice, classy style, and powerful villain roles. Danny has acted in more than 190 films in Hindi, Tamil, Nepali, and Bengali. Some of his famous movies include Mere Apne, Kalicharan, 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 .
Rahul Gandhi visits Zubeen Gargs family, calls for transparent probe
GUWAHATI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited music icon Zubeen Gargs residence as well as samadhi in Guwahati on Friday and called for a transparent probe into his mysterious death while swimming at a sea in Singapore on September 19. I spoke to his family and they said only one thing, we have lost our Zubeen and all we want is that the truth should be clear, Gandhi told the media. Stating that it is a tragedy that the whole state is facing, he said it is the duty of the government to quickly and transparently investigate and tell the singers family members exactly what happened. At 17, when I was doing a mountaineering course in Sikkim, I would see Mt Kanchenjunga every day. It is honest, transparent, unshakable, and beautiful. Today, while I was coming, Gaurav (Assam Congress chief and MP Gaurav Gogoi) told me that Zubeen Ji said he was KanchenjungaHe was indeed Kanchenjunga because he had the qualities of Kanchenjunga, he said. Meanwhile, a local court remanded Gargs bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and singer Amrit Prava Mahanta to judicial custody on Friday at the end of their 14-day police custody. They will be reproduced in the court after 14 days. The two were arrested on October 3, after days of intense grilling by the Criminal Investigation Department-Special Investigation Team (CID-SIT). Altogether, seven people have been arrested so far in connection with the case. The others arrested are 4th North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Gargs manager Siddhartha Sharma, DSP cousin Sandipan Garg, personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya. They are also in judicial custody. Apart from the probe being conducted by the CID-SIT, the state government also constituted a one-man inquiry commission, headed by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court, to investigate the case. Dont spread unverified information, Zubeens death probe may take another three months: Singapore Police
Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading packaged drinking water company with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, has joined hands with the KATALYTIC Charter Educational Foundation (KCEF) to promote responsible plastic use and recycling across schools in Sikkim. Bisleri International & KATALYTIC Charter Educational Foundation (KCEF) Unite for a Greener Tomorrow in Sikkim Schools As part of Bottles of Change, the collaboration will conduct year-round awareness sessions in charter schools, encouraging students to creatively repurpose used plastic into functional and artistic objects, also engaging over 214 Schools to redefine plastic responsibility in Sikkim. The most innovative and impactful student creations will be recognized and awarded-celebrating youth-led action in environmental stewardship. The initiative will also feature a mega cleanliness drive led by students from charter school students, and local communities. By combining Bisleri’s expertise in sustainability outreach with KCEF’s strong educational network, the partnership aims to embed sustainable habits within classrooms and nurture a culture of environmental responsibility among students and educators alike. Speaking on the association, Mr K. Ganesh, Director – Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. , said, “ At Bisleri, we have consistently focused on engaging young minds to drive the message of sustainability. Through initiatives like ‘Bottles for Change’, we aim to instil a sense of environmental responsibility among students and empower them to lead by example. Earlier this year, we signed a MoU with National Book Trust and Centre for Environment Education to create and distribute an educational book on plastic waste management for Indian schools. Our partnership with KCEF is another step towards nurturing a generation that not only understands the importance of recycling and responsible plastic use but also actively contributes to building a cleaner, greener future .” Adding to this, Ms. Kunzang Choeki, Founder & Director of Katalytic Charter Educational Foundation , added, “ Education has the unique ability to transform how people think and act. Through this partnership with Bisleri, we’re bringing sustainability into the heart of classrooms and communities across Sikkim. By empowering students to take ownership of environmental action, we’re nurturing a generation that practices sustainability every day and inspires others to follow .” This collaboration underscores Bisleri’s long-standing commitment to promoting responsible plastic use, recycling, and community participation. Together with KCEF, Bisleri aims to build a shared culture of accountability- empowering youth to lead the way toward a more sustainable future. About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water. Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. www.bisleri.com .
www.bisleri.com .
Sikkim Govt issues advisory on depiction of religious deities in tattoos
Sikkim issued a warning against objectionable depiction of religious deities after the International Tattoo Convention
Bihar polls: CPI-ML fields Divya Gautam from Digha seat
PATNA: Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) on Sunday announced its candidates for five assembly constituencies even as seat-sharing formula within INDIA bloc is yet to be formally announced. CPI-ML has fielded Divya Gautam, cousin of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, from Digha assembly constituency in Patna district. Divya will file her nomination papers on October 15. Rambali Yadav and Madan Singh Chandravanshi will also represent CPI-ML from Ghosi in Jehanabad and Tarari in Bhojpur districts. Similarly, Shiv Prakash Ranjan has been fielded from Agiaon and Qauamuddin Ansari from Ara in Bhojpur district. A Patna Womens College alumni, Divya Gautam did her post graduation in Mass Communication from the Patna University and worked as assistant professor in the same institute before being finally selected as supply inspector through Bihar Public Service Commission. She, however, resigning from her government job and engaged in social activities. She has been fielded as CPI-ML candidate from Digha assembly constituency, the seat currently held by BJP MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia. Sanjeev is the son of Ganga Prasad, governor of Sikkim and Meghalaya. Divya Gautams entry into the political fray has drawn attention not only for her family connection but her local engagement in Patnas civic and social issues. Her candidacy is expected to appeal to younger voters and women in the Digha constituency. Late actor Sushant Singh Rajputs family also resided in the area falling under Digha assembly constituency. Singhs father K K Singh along with other family members reside at Rajeev Nagar under the same police station limits in Patna. Some residents suggested that Divya might emphasise her family connection to emotionally connect with the voters.
Sikkim plan to recognise traditional forest caretakers awaits clearance from Centre
The Taungyadari, or Taungya, system was a traditional forest management practice dating back to the pre-merger era when Sikkim was a monarchy
'Man-made disaster': Environmentalists blame unplanned urbanisation for Darjeeling landslides
DARJEELING: Environmentalists described the landslides in Darjeeling as a man-made ecological disaster, the inevitable outcome of decades of deforestation, unplanned urbanisation and poor governance that have pushed the fragile Himalayan slopes to the brink. They said the way forward lies in decentralised disaster planning, strict enforcement of construction norms, and climate-sensitive development to prevent the 'Queen of the Hills' from turning into a recurring disaster zone. The picturesque Darjeeling hills, long a refuge for weary travellers, now bear the scars of nature's fury. Twelve hours of relentless rain triggered a chain of deadly landslides that killed over 20 people and left scores homeless. The serene slopes have turned into sites of wreckage and despair -- a grim reminder that nature's retribution often follows human neglect. Environmentalists and experts who have long warned of such a catastrophe said this was not an unpredictable calamity, but the result of years of ecological exploitation and administrative apathy. The hills are paying for decades of neglect -- deforestation, unplanned roads, and reckless construction have made the terrain unstable. The rain is only the trigger; the real cause is how we have treated the mountains, said environmentalist Sujit Raha, a member of the North Bengal Science Centre. There is no proper disaster management plan in place to tackle such crises. The administration and authorities must take this problem seriously and not treat it as an annual tragedy, he said. Unchecked urban growth, poor drainage systems and hill-cutting for construction altered Darjeeling's ecosystem beyond recognition, he added. Disaster management expert Shailendra Mani Pradhan, a professor at Sarojini Naidu College for Women in Kolkata, said the landslides were a direct fallout of unregulated development in one of the country's most ecologically sensitive zones. Darjeeling lies in a high seismic area and is naturally prone to landslides. Yet, infrastructure development for tourism and housing continues without any adherence to building bylaws or drainage norms. The terrain is being pushed to its limits, he said. He pointed out that the rampant construction of multi-storey buildings on unstable slopes, particularly in Mirik, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Darjeeling towns, has increased the risk manifold. He called for decentralisation of disaster management, saying that while national and state-level frameworks exist, district-level disaster management committees remain largely non-functional. People must be sensitised to the ecological risks of violating construction norms. Around 7080 per cent of land in Darjeeling Municipality has been allotted for residential purposes, which is unsustainable, he said. Environmental scholar Vimal Khawas said the tragedy fits a recurring pattern of extreme climatic events that have haunted the region for decades. What we are seeing now is not new, but the scale of devastation this time reflects both natural vulnerability and growing human pressure on a fragile Himalayan ecosystem, he said. Habitations have spread into marginal areas where construction should never have been allowed. Weak enforcement of land use regulations, especially after the Gorkhaland agitation, has led to rampant building and road expansion without adherence to safety norms, said Khawas, a professor at JNU's Special Centre for the Study of Northeast India. He said the pattern of disasters seen in Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh reflects a larger Himalayan crisis driven by global climate change, compounded by local governance failures. He said Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), which administers the Darjeeling hills, lacks both expertise and infrastructure for disaster management. The plans are mostly drawn up in Kolkata without factoring in the local topography. What Darjeeling needs is a locally driven disaster preparedness plan linked with climate action and inter-departmental coordination, especially in managing water resources, he said. Environmental activist Subhas Dutta said the recurring landslides underline the need for a long-term environmental management plan for the entire north Bengal-Sikkim belt. The continuous soil erosion in the hills is causing stones and sand to flow down into the plains, raising the riverbeds and disturbing their natural course. As a result, many riverbeds now lie higher than the surrounding inhabited areas, increasing the risk of floods, he explained. Environmental expert Satyadeep Chhetri warned that the eastern Himalayas have moved from climate change to the climate crisis phase, urging relocation of habitations from high-risk zones and rehabilitation of affected families. The refilled South Lhonak glacial lake poses a renewed threat, and the shift of extreme rainfall to September-October signals a dangerous new climatic pattern for the region, he said. Chetri claimed that large-scale hill-cutting for highways and the ongoing construction of the railway line to Rangpo have destabilised the terrain. The recent disaster bears grim echoes of the October 1968 deluge, when nearly 1,000 people perished as continuous downpours washed away entire settlements across the hills and plains.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday expressed deep concern over the devastating floods and landslides that have killed at least 17 people in Darjeeling and cut off road connectivity to key routes, including access to Sikkim
Several feared dead in Darjeeling as landslides triggered by heavy rain hit West Bengal district
Incessant rainfall triggered multiple landslides in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, with several feared dead. This follows similar disruptions in Kalimpong, closing key routes like NH10 and NH717A, heavily affecting Bengal-Sikkim traffic. Authorities are clearing debris, while the IMD forecasts heavy rain for the region due to a Bay of Bengal depression.
Only two HCs have full strength of judges amid pendency load
NEW DELHI: Indias High Courts are facing a serious manpower crisis, with 330 judges posts lying vacant across 25 states. The Allahabad High Court is the worst affected, with 76 vacancies out of its sanctioned strength of 160the highest among all High Courts. Only two high courts, Sikkim and Meghalaya, are currently functioning with a full bench, according to data accessed by this newspaper from the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) and the Department of Justice. The data is as of September 1 this year. Despite the Supreme Court operating at full strength with 34 judges, the same cannot be said of the high courts, where the shortfall is slowing down the delivery of justice and adding to already massive case backlogs. The sanctioned strength of judges across all high courts is 1,122. But only 792 judges are currently serving. The 330 vacant posts include 161 permanent and 169 additional judges, who are usually appointed for a term not exceeding two years. Legal experts and former judges warn that unless these vacancies are filled promptly, the justice delivery system will continue to suffer badly resulting case pendency going up. The pendency of appointments directly affects case disposal. Litigants suffer the most, said Justice Anjana Prakash, former judge of the Patna High Court. Unless the judiciary and the Central government at address this as a very urgent issue, delays will persist. That is not something very desirable. Justice S R Singh, a former judge of the Allahabad High Court, expressed similar concern. Existing judges are overburdened, which affects both quality and efficiency. Appointments should be made strategically, based on pending caseloads in each high court, he told this newspaper. According to the NJDG, over 67 lakh cases are pending in high courts across the country. The Supreme Court itself has more than 60,000 pending cases despite having no vacancies to fill. Several major high courts continue to grapple with significant judicial vacancies, impacting the pace of justice delivery. The Bombay High Court leads with 26 vacancies out of 94 sanctioned judges. The Punjab and Haryana High Court follows closely with 25 out of 85 positions vacant. Calcutta has 24 out of 72, while Madras faces 19 vacancies out of 75. Patna has 18 out of 53, Delhi 16 out of 60, and Rajasthan 7 out of 50. The persistent shortage of judges is raising concerns over mounting case backlogs and delays in adjudication across these key judicial institutions. Judicial appointments remain a pressing issue for Indias legal system. Smaller high courts also reflect the strain: Uttarakhand has two vacancies out of 11 judges, and Tripura has one vacancy out of five. The appointment process, governed by the Collegium system and requiring government nod, has long been pointed out as reasons for delays. Recommendations are often returned, kept pending, or ignored causing bottlenecks that stretch for months before appointments are made. As the backlog continues to mount, the judiciary is under growing pressure to act swiftly. Experts say that urgent reforms and smoother coordination between the judiciary and the executive are essential to restore the efficiency of the justice system and public faith in it.
Three children go missing every day in Uttarakhand, raising concerns over child safety
DEHRADUN: A deeply alarming trend of missing children continues to plague the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, casting a dark shadow over its image as a peaceful haven. Despite intensified police vigilance, awareness campaigns, and frequent checkpoints, official data reveals a staggering and deeply concerning rate of disappearances. According to the latest report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for the fiscal year 2023-24, an average of three children went missing in Uttarakhand every single day. The report highlights that a total of 1,209 children under the age of 18 were reported missing during this period. The most heartbreaking statistic, however, is the low recovery rate, only 276 of these children have been reunited with their families, leaving a staggering 933 children still unaccounted for. The report further breaks down the missing minors, 408 boys and 802 girls were reported missing, of whom 128 boys and 148 girls were subsequently found. Comparative glance: Himalayan states (2023-24 Data) State Missing Recovered Himachal Pradesh 504 81 Uttarakhand 1209 276 Sikkim 22 13 Arunachal Pradesh 40 21 Nagaland 47 0 Manipur 89 24 Mizoram 1 0 Tripura 268 37 Social activists have voiced strong concerns over the persistent crisis. Anoop Nautiyal, founder president of the Social Development for Communities Foundation, told this newspaper, This situation is deeply worrisome, especially when the state police run 'Operation Smile' every year specifically to trace missing children. The opposition has sharply criticised the ruling governments handling of law and order in light of these figures. Mohan Kala, spokesperson for the Congress party in the state, stated, The claims of the BJP government, which boasts of a safe and tranquil Uttarakhand, have been completely exposed by this data on law and order. Furthermore, the image of Uttarakhand, famous nationwide for tourism and religious pilgrimage, has been severely tarnished. Kala added, There is much fanfare and photo opportunities when claims are made about finding missing children and reuniting them with their families, but the NCRB report released just two days ago has laid bare the reality of police performance. The NCRB report, which compiles annual crime statistics across the country, also tracks general missing persons cases. In Uttarakhand, a total of 6,532 individuals were reported missing in 2023-24, comprising 3,277 men and 3,255 women. Out of these, the police managed to trace 2,701 missing persons, including 1,688 men and 1,013 women.
Across India, only two high courts fully staffed; Allahabad tops with 76 vacancies
NEW DELHI: High Courts across India are grappling with 330 vacant judge positions out of a total sanctioned strength of 1,122, causing mounting delays and affecting millions of litigants, according to the Department of Justice data as of September 1, 2025. The Allahabad High Court has the highest number of vacancies at 76, including 35 permanent and 41 additional judges. Other major High Courts with significant gaps include Bombay (26), Punjab and Haryana (25), Calcutta (24), Madras (19), Patna (18), Delhi (16), and Rajasthan (7). Uttarakhand has two vacancies, Tripura has one. Out of 25 states, only the High Courts of Sikkim and Meghalaya are functioning at their full sanctioned strength. Data from the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) shows over 67 lakh pending cases across High Courts and more than 60,000 in the Supreme Court. While the Supreme Court operates at full strength of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India, High Courts struggle with excessive workloads. Experts attribute the shortage to delays in the appointment process at both the Collegium and government levels, with repeated recommendations sometimes facing executive resistance or remaining unaddressed for months. Former High Court judges and legal experts say that the high vacancy rates in High Courts are a major obstacle to the justice system, causing delays and contributing to growing case backlogs. Retired Patna High Court Judge and legal expert, Justice Anajana Prakash, talking to the TNIE , said that the pendency of filling up judges' posts in HCs added to the woes of the disposal of cases, and as a result, ultimately, litigants suffer for this. The filling up of judges' posts in HCs should be addressed expeditiously. Until and unless the judiciary and the centre decide and deliberate upon this issue, the case disposal rate won't increase, which will ultimately affect the litigants at the state level, she said. Former Allahabad High Court Judge Justice S.R. Singh told the TNIE that judge vacancies in High Courts are a major concern, causing hardship for litigants. Vacancies of judges lead to an unnecessary workload for existing judges, which can compromise the quality of judgments and cause burnout. So a judicious choice must be there to appoint judges keeping in view the pendency across HCs, he said. The vacancies include 161 permanent posts and 169 additional (temporary) posts, the latter appointed by the President for a maximum of two years to address temporary workload spikes.
.jpg)
Dowry cases rise by 14pc in 2023; over 6,100 women killed: NCRB report shows
NEW DELHI: Cases registered under dowry-related crimes saw a 14 per cent increase in 2023, with more than 15,000 cases recorded across the country and over 6,100 deaths reported through the year, according to the latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The NCRB's 'Crime in India 2023' report said 15,489 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act in 2023 -- up from 13,479 in 2022 and 13,568 in 2021. Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest number of cases under the Act at 7,151, followed by Bihar (3,665) and Karnataka (2,322). Thirteen states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Sikkim, reported zero dowry cases during the year. A total of 6,156 people lost their lives in dowry death cases in 2023. Uttar Pradesh again topped the chart with 2,122 deaths, followed by Bihar 1,143. Dowry was listed as the motive in 833 murder cases across the country in 2023. Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 83,327 cases were up for trial in 2023, with 69,434 carried forward from earlier years. The year also saw 27,154 arrests under the Act -- 22,316 men and 4,838 women.
Govt Report Estimates One-Third Of Indias Children Age 5-9 Have High Triglycerides
New Delhi, Sep 26: Over a third of Indias children aged 5-9 could be having high triglycerides, with Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal and northeastern states showing highest prevalence, according to a government report. Over 67 per cent of children in West Bengal, 64 per cent in Sikkim, 55 per cent in Nagaland, 57 per cent in Assam and 50 per cent in Jammu Kashmir were estimated to have high levels of triglycerides a type of blood fat that [] The post Govt Report Estimates One-Third Of Indias Children Age 5-9 Have High Triglycerides appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Prime accused in September 19 ambush on Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur held, arms recovered
IMPHAL: The prime accused in the September 19 ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur, which claimed the lives of two personnel, has been arrested, a top police officer said on Wednesday. A large number of arms and ammunition used in the ambush was also recovered based on the inputs provided by the accused, he said. On receipt of specific information about the presence of armed militants in the Kameng area, a team of district police Imphal West, Bishnupur, 33 AR and other security forces launched a special operation on September 24 at about 1 am. During the operation, one person, namely Khundongbam Ojit Singh (47) was apprehended... He admitted he is a bailed-out member of the PLA (banned People's Liberation Army)... He was directly involved in the ambush, Director General of Police, Manipur, Rajiv Singh, said in a statement. Two jawans of the Assam Rifles were killed and five others injured when a group of armed men ambushed a vehicle of the paramilitary force on September 19. Raids are underway to arrest the other culprits involved in the ambush, it added. He also revealed that he was arrested earlier on April 22, 2007... During further examination, it was revealed that he was directly involved in the ambush on September 19 at Sabal Leikai, Nambol (District Bishnupur) at about 5.30 pm against the 33 AR personnel. After firing at the AR personnel, he along with other persons fled towards the Loktak lake side and hid their arms and ammunition at a secret location, the statement said. The arms and ammunition recovered include INSAS and other rifles, besides magazines. On September 20, two persons were detained in connection with the ambush and a van, suspected to have been used in the attack, was recovered. The silver-blue coloured van was found at Mutum Yangbi in Imphal West district, around 10 km from the ambush site, police had said. Earlier, police and forensic personnel had recovered several fired cartridges from the ambush sspot, around 16 km from state capital Imphal. One of the injured personnel, N Nongthon, had told reporters: The assailants, numbering around four to five, suddenly opened fire at us. We did not immediately retaliate as it would have led to injuries to the public, since it was not an isolated area. The injured jawans hail from Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Uttarakhand, besides Manipur. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had condemned the attack on security forces. Manipur is under President's Rule since February, after the resignation of Chief Minister N Birendra Singh. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA is enforced in entire Manipur except in 13 police station areas of the five valley districts. Nambol, where the ambush occurred, falls in Bishnupur district and had no AFSPA coverage, officials had said. Ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur have left at least 260 people dead and thousands homeless since May 2023. People stage protests against ambush on Assam Rifles in Manipur, search underway for attackers
States salary bills balloon 2.5 times in 10 years : CAG
NEW DELHI: The salary bills of states have ballooned 2.5 times in the 10 years to 2022-23, reaching Rs 16.6 lakh crore, while subsidy bills have more than trebled to Rs 3.09 lakh crore, according to a report published by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The State Finances Publication 2025 further shows that public debt raised by states grew 3.4 times over the same period to Rs 59.6 lakh crore. In FY 2022-23, states committed expenditure on salaries, interest payments, and pensions constituted a significant portion of their finances, accounting for about 43.49% of total revenue expenditure. Salaries formed the largest component of this spending. Expenditure on salaries, pensions, and interest payments as a percentage of revenue expenditure varied widelyfrom as high as 74% in Nagaland to 32% in Maharashtra. In 2022-23, 15 states reported committed expenditure exceeding 50% of their revenue expenditure, seven states between 4050%, and six states below 40%. Among southern states, committed expenditure accounted for 63% of Keralas revenue expenditure, 51% in Tamil Nadu, 42% in Andhra Pradesh, 41% in Telangana, and 33% in Karnataka. Subsidy spending accounted for 8.61% of states revenue expendituredefined as spending on day-to-day government operations and services that do not create assets or increase existing assets. In 2022-23, four statesPunjab, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthanspent more than 10% of their total expenditure on subsidies, with Punjab the highest at 17%. By contrast, in 10 states (Sikkim, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Kerala, Assam, and Goa), subsidies were below 2% of total expenditure. Arunachal Pradesh reported no subsidy expenditure. The report also shows that committed expenditure and subsidies together exceeded states own tax revenueat 102% in 2013-14 and 134% in 2020-21. States major revenue sources include own tax and non-tax revenues, grants-in-aid, and their share of Union taxes. Between 2013-14 and 2022-23, states average share in Union taxes was about 27% of total revenue receipts. In FY 2022-23, this figure remained unchanged at 27%. In 2022-23, 10 states together received 72% of the states share in Union taxes and duties. Uttar Pradesh (17.89%), Bihar (10.07%), Madhya Pradesh (7.86%), West Bengal (7.53%), and Maharashtra (6.33%) together accounted for 50% of devolved taxes. Among southern states, Tamil Nadu received 4.08%, Andhra Pradesh 4.02%, Karnataka 3.65%, Telangana 2.07%, and Kerala 1.93%. As of March 31, 2023, the total public debt for all 28 states stood at Rs 59.6 lakh crore, about 23% of their combined GSDP.
Sikkim To Get Its First Railway Station By 2027: Heres How It Will Look | Exclusive
As per blueprint document accessed by CNN-News18, Sikkim station will cost Rs 240 crore and will be a world-class railway station developed using state-of-the-art technology
Army troops undertake route march at 17,000 feet in Sikkim
Each soldier carried weapons, equipment, and survival gear, replicating battlefield conditions in high-altitude areas
Panchayat president killed in landslip in Sikkim's Gyalshing district
He was looking at the drainage system near his residence when the landslip occurred, the police said
From Periphery to Mainstream: High-Level Policy Dialogue at UN showcases Northeast Indias potential
India Water Foundation organized a dialogue on Northeast India's development at the UN Human Rights Council. Leaders discussed the region's progress in sustainability and inclusivity. They highlighted Sikkim's organic status and Assam's cancer care network. The discussion focused on cross-border trade, climate action, and regional cooperation. Participants emphasized Northeast India's role as a gateway to ASEAN and BIMSTEC economies.
Four family members killed in Sikkim landslide; child survives
GANGTOK: Four members of a family lost their lives and one child was critically injured after a landslide, triggered by relentless rainfall, struck their home in Sikkims Gyalshing district late Thursday night, police said. The tragedy occurred in the Upper Rimbi area around midnight while the family was asleep. A senior police official confirmed that the landslide completely destroyed the residence. Gyalshing Superintendent of Police Tshering Sherpa said that Sikkim Police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel and local residents responded swiftly to the scene and launched a rescue operation despite the continuous downpour. Three of the six family members died on the spot. Two injured women were rushed to the Gyalshing District Hospital, where one of them later succumbed to her injuries, Sherpa said. A seven-year-old boy was pulled out alive and has been admitted to the hospital for treatment. Despite difficult weather conditions, the rescue team acted promptly with the support of the local community. It has been a risky operation, but we have done our best to save lives. The operation is still underway, said SP Sherpa, who also expressed his gratitude to all those who assisted in the rescue efforts.
7-Year-Old Girl Rescued Alive From Sikkim Landslide Debris; Four Dead, Several Still Missing
Sikkim Landslide: Officials warned that persistent rain is complicating search efforts and raising the risk of further slides
Four dead, 3 missing after landslide in West Sikkim's Upper Rimbi
A landslide in Upper Rimbi, Sikkim, claimed four lives and three people are still missing. Rescue operations are underway. Earlier, the Indian Army and Navy's special forces concluded a joint diving exercise. The exercise took place at a high altitude. It involved combat night diving and cold-water dives. The training aimed to enhance operational readiness and jointmanship between the forces.
Sikkim landslide: Four killed, three go missing; rescue operation underway
The police team, in coordination with local villagers and SSB personnel, managed to evacuate two injured women from the affected area after constructing a temporary tree log bridge over the flooded Hume River.
4 Dead, 3 Missing After Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide In West Sikkim
The officials rescued two women from the affected area, out of which one succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
Indian border security arrests 60 Nepal jailbreak inmates as protests leave thousands on the run
NEW DELHI: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) that guards the India-Nepal border has caught about 60 people including a Bangladeshi national from various locations along the international front, officials said. Most of them are Nepalese who are suspected of having escaped during jailbreaks during the unrest in their country. SSB troops caught them from border points in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal over the last two days, the officials told PTI. They have been handed over to the respective state police forces and are being questioned, they said. A Bangladeshi national has also been apprehended from the Musharwa border post in Bihar's West Champaran district. He had managed to slip during a mob attack on the prison premises in Kathmandu. Two or three of those nabbed claim to be of Indian origin and this fact is being ascertained, the officials said. The SSB, which functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), guards the 1,751-km-long unfenced India-Nepal front on India's eastern side. It has deployed about 50 battalions, translating to about 60,000 personnel, in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Sikkim that share the front with Nepal. The force has stepped up vigil in the frontier areas and enhanced surveillance along the border in the wake of the protests in Nepal. The SSB is in touch with its Nepalese counterpart APF. They have also undertaken joint patrols with them apart from independent flag marches in the border areas to send across a message that the Indian side is ready to meet any challenge emerging from the recent developments in Nepal, a senior official said. Nepal has been assured of all cooperation and genuine nationals of the two countries, carrying valid IDs, are being allowed to cross the border, he said. Three inmates were killed on Thursday during clashes with Nepalese security personnel at a jail, while more than 15,000 prisoners are stated to have escaped from more than two dozen jails since violent protests erupted in that country. With the latest deaths, the number of prisoners who died during clashes with security forces has increased to eight since the violence erupted on Tuesday. The violent agitation forced prime minister K P Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday, following which the Nepal Army imposed restrictions due to a serious law and order situation across provinces.
Nathula, Chola, Doklam gears up for India-China trade resumption, Sikkim eyes global tourism boost
India Watching Nepal Unrest With Caution, Prioritising Border Security: Sources | Exclusive
Sources say almost 2 crore Indians, mainly in Bihar, UP, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand, are directly linked to Nepal through family ties, trade relations, and religious connections.
Border guarding force SSB on high alert with additional deployment following turmoil in Nepal
NEW DELHI: Amid political turmoil in Nepal, authorities have issued an alert along the India-Nepal border, with Indias border guarding force, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), having intensified vigilance. It is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any spillover of unrest into Indian territory, officials said on Tuesday. An alert has been issued on the India-Nepal border, considering the unrest in Nepal. Sashastra Seema Bal is keeping a close watch on the development, a senior MHA official said. The official also emphasised that the current heightened vigilance is preventive in nature and the situation remained under control. The officials also said that adequate deployment is in place at the border and strict checks have been implemented at several border outposts. Nepal's youth vs the 'nepo kids': A generation rises against a broken system Coordination with the local administration has also been intensified to ensure the smooth movement of people while ensuring security of the country, they added. It is to be noted here that the open India-Nepal border, stretching over 1,751 km across states including Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim, allows unrestricted movement of citizens of both countries. The movement of people across the borders has been allowed since Independence to foster close socio-economic and cultural ties. But, at times when political unrest or protests erupt in Nepal, special security measures are taken by Indian authorities. In the past, border alerts have been issued during periods of internal turmoil in Nepal, including the 2015 Madhesi protests, which had affected trade and cross-border movement. The SSB is one of Indias Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), which function under the MHA with a strength of over 90,000 personnel. The protests in Kathmandu erupted following the Nepalese government blocked access to several social media platforms, including Facebook, claiming social media users with fake IDs were spreading hate speech and fake news, and committing fraud and other crimes via some platforms. Border districts of Bihar on high alert after violence erupted in Nepal
IMD Warns Of Heavy Rain In East, Northeast India This Week
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, along with Odisha, may see heavy rain this week, with the IMD warning of very heavy rainfall over parts of West Bengal and Sikkim.
Taxi body told to drop inapt Sikkim model demand
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Sep 8: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Monday dismissed the demand of the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) to adopt the Sikkim model of restricting tourist taxis from outside the state, calling the comparison misleading. Sikkim is an endpoint state, while Meghalaya is a transit state. A large number []
Delhi experienced a weekend of humidity and light rain, while Punjab faces severe flooding with significant casualties and displacement. Gujarat's Vadodara is grappling with waterlogging after heavy rainfall. The IMD has issued alerts for heavy showers in East Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
AIZAWL : With the completion of the 51.38-km broad-gauge line from Bairabi to Sairang, Mizoram becomes the fourth Northeastern state to gain direct train connectivity to its capital. This marks a milestone in Indian Railways ambitious plan to link the capitals of all eight Northeastern states with the national rail network. The line, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, connects Bairabi on the AssamMizoram border to Sairang, located 20 km from Aizawl and 12 km from Lengpui Airport. The new Sairang railway station will serve as the key railhead for Aizawl. The project, for which approval was granted in 2008 and construction began in November 2014, has been built at a cost of 8,071 crore. Engineering feat The 51.38-km line, passing through the Kolasib and Aizawl districts, is an engineering feat, with over half its length running through tunnels and bridges. It includes 48 tunnels spanning 12.85 km, 55 major and 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges, and six road underbridges. The line has three intermediate stations at Hortoki, Kawnpui, and Mualkhang. Among the bridges, Bridge No. 144 over the Kurung River near Sairang has earned the distinction of being the worlds second-tallest pier bridge, rising 114 metres above the ground. The tallest is the Noney Bridge in neighbouring Manipur, standing 141 metres tall, which is being built as part of the under-construction 111-km JiribamImphal railway line. World's second tallest pier bridge over Kurung river at Sairang station Challenges faced The railways faced huge challenges in building the BairabiSairang line due to its rugged Indo-Burmese tectonic terrain, marked by steep slopes, deep valleys, and fragile, clay-like soil prone to erosion. Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction), the agency which executed the project, with design and safety aspects reviewed by IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee, had to build 223 km of approach roads as well. Reaching construction sites for hill excavation and pier construction was extremely difficult, as there was no road access. NFR (Construction) built 223 km of approach roads, which have since benefitted several villages in Kolasib and Aizawl districts, a railway official explained. In addition to the topographical challenges, the project encountered other obstacles as well, including opposition to workers brought in from other states and the non-availability of construction materials in Mizoram, which meant they had to be transported from Bihar and Jharkhand. To address local resistance, the Railways eventually engaged local people from Mizoram in the construction work. The project progressed at a slow pace due to the regions short working season of just 67 months a year. Despite higher wages, many labourers left the project because of the remote location and lack of internet connectivity at worksites, the official added. Tunnel in BairabiSairang line Expectations Locals in Dawrpui told TNIE that the railway line will help tackle the high cost of road travel from Silchar to Aizawl, which currently costs between Rs 1,200 and Rs 2,000 along the hilly two-lane highway. During the monsoon season, which lasts for more than five months, landslides frequently cut off road access. Flights, too, are unreliable as they often get cancelled due to bad weather, and there are no departures after 4 pm, said Anthony Zohmingliana, a resident. M. Sathish Kumar, a project associate at Mizoram Central University and a resident of Aizawl for 15 years, noted that over 8 lakh of Mizorams 14 lakh population live in and around Aizawl. This project will benefit a large section of the population, reducing dependence on flights and cabs, he said. Joel Lalengmawii of Lengpui said, My family often travels via Silchar to reach Manipur, Punjab, and Kerala. But the 154-km journey to Silchar takes 910 hours by road. We have been told train fares will be cheaper, but only when services begin will we know how much difference it really makes. S. S. Ajin, a PhD student at Mizoram University, said, We mostly rely on flights or road transport. There are times when vegetables and other essentials do not reach the city for a few days due to landslides on the national highways, and there are no other public transport options. Train connectivity will greatly benefit people from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other states traveling to Mizoram. Once the line becomes operational, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will be able to transport freight for the public distribution system by train, significantly reducing the cost of transporting goods, vegetables, and other items from other states. Initially, passenger services may run between Sairang and Silchar, the railway official added. Rail connectivity to northeast At present, the railway line through Assam's capital, Guwahati, serves as a gateway to the seven other Northeastern states. From Guwahati, branch lines extend to Bairabia station just 7 km inside Mizoram on the SilcharBairabi sectionwhere a passenger train currently runs daily between Bairabi and Silchar. This link to Silchar connects Mizoram with northern and southern states via Guwahati. Additionally, it provides connectivity to Manipur and Nagaland. Guwahati (Assam), Agartala (Tripura), and Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) are the other state capitals with rail connectivity. Work is under way to connect the capitals of Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, and Nagaland. NFR officials said they expect these works to be completed by December 2029. It may be noted that Sikkim remains the only Northeastern state without rail connectivity, mainly due to local opposition. Extending to Myanmar Highlighting plans to develop Sairang station with state-of-the-art facilities, the railway official said the government is also exploring the feasibility of extending the line from Sairang to Myanmar. The proposed route would cover 230 km within Mizoram and the remainder in Myanmar. If realized, this would reduce freight transport from South India to Mizoram via Visakhapatnam and Kolkata ports from 2,000 km to just 500 km, the official explained. Fact File: BairabiSairang Broad Gauge Line New Line: BairabiSairang (51.38 km) Key Locations: Bairabi: Border station on AssamMizoram border Sairang: 20 km from Aizawl, Mizoram Project Cost: Rs 8,071 crore Railway Connectivity in the Northeast Guwahati (Assam): Only railway gateway for all eight Northeastern states Line from Guwahati runs to Bairabi (7 km from Assam border via Silchar) BairabiSilchar (105 km): Daily passenger train operational New Line: SairangSilchar (155 km), passenger services to be introduced Road Access Two-lane National Highway is the only mode of access to Aizawl Travel Cost: Rs 1,000Rs 1,600 per person (Silchar Aizawl) Travel Time: 89 hours by road; train will reduce it to 3 hours States with railway connectivity to capitals Assam Guwahati Tripura Agartala Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Mizoram Sairang (to be inaugurated)
NEW DELHI: Inspiring narratives of teachers going beyond the call of duty to better the lives of their students and society at large emerged on Friday when 81 educators were conferred the National Teacher Awards 2025. There was stunned silence and awe among the audience when short video clips of each awardee were beamed on a giant screen to showcase their achievements. The TNIE caught up with a few of them who are playing a larger than life role in the lives of their students. Teachers from the primary, secondary, colleges and universities, apart from those in the skill development field were awarded on Friday. We are grateful to be recognised like this. The selection process by the government was transparent and the system of self-nomination for the award is a great move, many said. Nang Ekthani Mounglang, Headmaster at the Government Secondary School at Pachin in Arunachal Pradesh joined her school in November 2023. A fire accident had ravaged the school and destroyed all the infrastructure. I was literally told that I had to start from scratch, she recalled. The CBSE school had recorded a maximum pass percentage of 27% until then. In March 2025, the school recorded a 100% pass percentage with all its 92 students clearing the exam. The school was the only one in the Itanagar Circle to get cent percent. We repeatedly held mock exams for all the students. I used to hold training classes to train the teachers. I am an English teacher but whenever any other teacher was not able to make it to class, I would prepare the subject and teach the students, she recalls. Shaikh Mohammad Waquioddin, a teacher at Zilla Parishad High School at Ardhapur in Maharashtras Nanded district is a local celebrity. The Science teacher with 28 years of teaching experience assessed that girl students of the muslim community in his district did not attend school after completion of Class VII due to safety reasons. The high school was 3.5 km from their homes and in an isolated spot. We took a decision in 2015 to create temporary schools in the area by renting rooms so that their education continued without a break. A few of them have today pursued professional degrees and other courses, he says with pride. On hearing that 245 women in the area developed Uterine Cancer due to infection, Waquioddin and other teachers pooled in and decided to supply sanitary pads to the girl students in their school for their use and to be taken home so that other women in the family too use them. I also bought a sanitary pad machine to help the girls in my school from the Rs One lakh I got for my State Teacher award in 2017-2018. It is still functioning, he adds. Kishorkumar MS, a class IV teacher at the Government Corporation Higher Secondary School at Kallara in Trivandrum developed 40 teaching aids from 2019-2024 with the help of students to make them understand their subjects better apart from creating much e-content. I wanted students to develop their personality. During the one-hour lunch break, I would goad them to go on stage and take the mike and speak on some small topic. I wanted them to shed their inhibitions and become bold, he adds. Principal Karma Tempo Ethenpa of PM Shri Mangan Senior Secondary School in Mangan (earlier North Sikkim), a former athlete and footballer, taught students to embrace studies by using sports and music.My students began excelling in studies. Many of them have even gone on to play at the National level too, he said. It is very cold in our place. Instead of going home quickly, students started playing and exercising and becoming physically and mentally fit, he explained. Srivardhini K Jha, professor at the Entrepreneurship at IIM Bengaluru and Chairperson at IIM start-up Incubation Cell has played a pivotal role in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among MBA students. Unlike other subjects, entrepreneurship cannot be taught using books, she said, adding she designed teaching material on her own. The Incubation Cell welcomes people from all over who have an idea and want mentoring and support of a network. Women entrepreneurs are a key focus area, she said. Professor Vineeth N Balasubramanian, who teaches Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence at IIT, Hyderabad, is a Ph.D holder from Arizona State University. He has designed an online course in AI which over 40,000-plus people have taken up. He has played a crucial role in providing quality content for National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), a project of the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Sikkim BJP spokesperson resigns from post alleging indecisiveness of state leadership
Passang Chali Sherpa, Sikkim BJP spokesperson, resigned from his position. He cited indecisiveness and contradictory signals from the state leadership. Sherpa stated this has weakened credibility and confused party workers. He urged clarity on the alliance with Sikkim Krantikari Morcha. Sherpa requested the central leadership's intervention. He believes this is necessary for the party and the people of Sikkim.
MHA frames stricter rules under Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 to tighten entry, stay norms
NEW DELHI: With an aim to further tighten national security by better regulating immigration into the country, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday issued a set of new rules under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which stipulates stricter norms for entry, stay and deportation of foreigners. The order through a gazette notification said, foreigners may be denied entry or stay in India, if found to be convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism, espionage, rape, murder, human trafficking, cybercrime, drug smuggling, or membership of a banned organisation. More to these offences, people found to be involved in cases relating to fake travel documents, money laundering, hawala transactions, child abuse and racketeering will also be barred from entering India. Noting that India would continue to maintain a strict zero-tolerance toward individuals involved in anti-national or subversive activities, in order the MHA has advised the Bureau of Immigration to maintain and update a database of such individuals and prohibit their entry. According to officials, all states and Union Territories (UT) have been asked to set up dedicated detention or holding centres for illegal immigrants until they are deported. The centres will restrict the movement of foreign nationals found staying without valid documents. The Coast Guard and border security forces have also been instructed to capture biometric and demographic details of illegal entrants before their deportation, they said. As per the MHA order, it is mandatory for every foreigner applying for a visa or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration to provide biometric details before approval and these include fingerprints, facial scans and other data, which will be stored on a central government portal. Foreigners seeking employment in India cannot work in sensitive sectors such as power supply, petroleum or water distribution without explicit approval from civil authorities, it noted. The new rules also tighten regulations on media and mountaineering expeditions, as in the order, the MHA said, Foreigners wishing to shoot feature films, documentaries, web series or reality shows in India must obtain written permission from the central government. Foreigners must also secure special permits to enter protected or restricted regions, including Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Nationals of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan will not be allowed entry into these sensitive areas. Notifying the conditions under which foreigners may be refused permission to leave India, the MHA said, These include pending court cases, risks to public health, potential harm to diplomatic relations or orders from law enforcement agencies, and the Bureau of Immigration will maintain an updated list of individuals barred from departure. On the arrival of seamen and crew of aircraft, the MHA said a seaman or the crew of an aircraft, who is a foreigner, shall require a landing permit or a shore leave pass for entry into India, if not in possession of a valid Indian visa.
Incessant rain triggers landslides in northern West Bengal; National Highway 10 closed
The closure of NH10 has affected the main route connecting Sikkim and West Bengal; restoration work is underway
First-ever intra-party parliamentarian forum on womens health to push for cervical cancer vaccine
NEW DELHI: The first-ever intra-party parliamentarians forum on womens health in India will advocate for policies on womens health, including sexual and reproductive health, that are often overlooked and underfunded, and receive insufficient attention in political and policy discussions. The main aim of the forum, which has onboarded eight legislators from seven political parties, is to make womens health a policy priority, supported by research, advocacy and consensus. Among the main agenda items of the forum, which will kick-start its operations during the winter session of the parliament, is to push for the inclusion of the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer , the second most common cancer in India, in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Speaking with TNIE ,Dr. T. Sumathy, DMK MP from Chennai South, Tamil Nadu, said: Womens health never gets priority inside or outside parliament. It has been treated as a secondary concern in our policy priorities, even though it underpins not just individual well-being but the health of our families, communities, and economy. Welcoming the formation of a parliamentarian Forum, launched by the non-profit FRIDA Health, a womens health advocacy lab, she said their immediate goal for the winter session of parliament is to hold policy discussions on the nationwide inclusion of cervical cancer vaccine in the UIP; menstrual leaves for girls and women, and gender-based budgeting. We plan to take up in the winter session of the parliament, the national launch of cervical cancer vaccine, which has been rolled out in a few states, including Tamil Nadu. We want a discussion on adopting the successful models of these states in rolling out the HPV vaccine throughout the country. Cervical cancer awareness month: HPV vaccine should be made available through govt schemes The Union Budget 2024 prioritised the phased introduction of the cervical vaccine, with the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommending its inclusion in the UIP for girls aged 9-14 years. The other states where this vaccination has been launched are Sikkim and Bihar. India has reported over 80,000 cervical cancer cases in 2023-24. On the issue of menstrual leaves, one of the provisions under the draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy, which advocates for a three-day leave for menstruating individuals in workplaces, the parliamentarian said they want an open discussion where the pros and cons are discussed. The DMK MP is among the eight MPs who comprise the Forum. The others are Dr. Maddila Gurumoorthy (YSRCP, Andhra Pradesh),KR Suresh Reddy (BRS, Telangana),Vishal Patil (Independent, Maharashtra), Dr. Fauzia Khan (NCP, Maharashtra), Pradyut Bordoloi (Congress, Assam), Sulata Deo (BJD, Odisha), and Jothimani S. (Congress, Tamil Nadu). The parliament needs to discuss and come out with policies that focus on womens health, from their reproductive rights to their mental health. These issues often remain under-addressed in our policy conversations. I believe it is my duty to amplify these voices in parliament and to work collectively, beyond party lines, for a healthier and more equitable future for women across our country, said Dr Sumathy, who worked as an English lecturer before entering politics. The forum, she said, will raise in one, strong voice the pressing health issues of women. The forum will strengthen advocacy and policy action for womens health in India. According to Prakshi Saha, founder of non-profit FRIDA Health, they have launched the forum with eight MPs from seven political parties across six states. We are talking to several others. The membership will reach 15+ within the next month, she told TNIE. Talking about the forum, Dr Gurumoorthy said: Womens health is not just a medical issue - its a societal imperative. Forums like this create a space for dialogues, awareness, and action, especially in communities where health concerns are often underrepresented or misunderstood. I chose to be part of this initiative because I believe that empowering women with access to knowledge and care strengthens families, communities and the nation, he said. As a physiotherapist and public servant, I have seen first-hand how health - especially preventive and rehabilitative care - can transform lives. It is why I have consistently advocated for accessible wellness infrastructure, from physiotherapy outreach to CGHS centres. Health is dignity and every citizen deserves it, the Andhra MP added. Telangana Rajya Sabha MP Reddy said the gender health gap persists in India and is intensely magnified by socio-cultural factors. For the nations overall growth and progress, we have to ensure that maternal mortality, breast and cervical cancer, malnutrition and anaemia are addressed with utmost priority. The 24-year-old non-profit founder said apart from providing research support to the MPson critical womens health issues, including sexual and reproductive health, womens cancers, nutrition, anemia and access to essential healthcare services, theywill also facilitate dialogue and collaboration between parliamentarians, international organisations, civil society, and healthcare providers to develop and implement effective womens health policies and programs. Talking about her journey, Saha said that, having worked with women and girls in grassroots communities, as well as being a lawyer and policy researcher, she thought to generate political will and consensus to advocate for better womens health policies. She stated that the immediate goal of the forum is to increase parliamentary engagement, including questions, zero-hour mentions, special mentions, and even private members bills, on various issues related to womens health. We are also doing a mapping exercise of the past parliament sessions and measuring the total questions asked, the total zero hours allowed, and how many were about gender/health/womens health! We will continue to update this tracker as operations of our forum kick-start from the winter session. In the long run, she said, they aim to see several policies related to womens health implemented. I believe that data-driven policymaking will ultimately improve the quality of decisions made by policymakers and ensure that womens health challenges are properly understood.
Indian Army and Bisleri International Join Hands for Developing Eco Zone in Sikkim
www.bisleri.com .
ET Graphics | Earnings up, some states lead
Factory jobs are witnessing improved compensation, with average pay per person increasing by 28.9% from 2.8 lakh in 2018-19 to 3.7 lakh in 2023-24. Sikkim leads states and UTs with an average pay of 7.1 lakh, nearly double the national average. Over the past six years, employment in the manufacturing sector has grown by 20.
How Ajit Doval Outwitted A 'Spy Queen' And Secured Sikkim For India
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's life has always read like a spy novel. One of his earliest and least-known missions played out not in Pakistan or China, but in the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim.
Monsoon shifts: Standing crops in danger as IMD predicts heavy rainfall
NEW DELHI : The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast extremely heavy rainfall nationwide for the next five days, following the monsoon troughs shift to its normal position. Northwest India is expected to experience a reduction in heavy rainfall after two days. The IMD indicated that extremely heavy rainfall is likely over isolated areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and West Rajasthan on August 25-26. East Rajasthan and Gujarat will experience rainfall over the next three days, while Uttarakhand is expected to see rain on August 29-30. Odisha is to receive rainfall on August 26-27, and coastal Andhra Pradesh on August 26. Heavy rainfall is expected over the Konkan and Goa, as well as Madhya Maharashtra, in the coming 7 days. In East and central India, there is a potential for heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Chhattisgarh and Odisha as well as in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh will also experience rainfall. The IMD has also warned Northeast India about continued heavy rainfall in Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh over the next 6-7 days. In Southern India, heavy rainfall is predicted for Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. The IMD advised fishermen along the Gujarat and Odisha coasts not to venture out to sea. There is a moderate flash flood risk likely over several areas south of J&K, as well as in northern and central Himachal Pradesh, eastern Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana in the next 24 hours.
How Ajit Doval Outwitted A Spy Queen And Brought Sikkim Into India
Sikkims fate shifted as Hope Cook, an American queen with alleged US ties, influenced politics until Ajit Doval empowered locals, leading to Sikkims merger with India in 1975
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathu La concludes with return of 48 pilgrims
GANGTOK, Aug 25: The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathu La Pass in Sikkim ended with the return of the 10th batch of 48 tourists from the pilgrimage site, officials said on Monday. On their return on Sunday, the 48 pilgrims were received by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) officials, and a valedictory function was held [] The post Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathu La concludes with return of 48 pilgrims appeared first on Northlines .
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 Via Sikkim Route Ends With Return Of 48 Pilgrims: Officials
GANGTOK, Aug 25: The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathu La Pass in Sikkim ended with the return of the 10th batch of 48 tourists from the pilgrimage site, officials said on Monday. On their return on Sunday, the 48 pilgrims were received by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) officials, and a valedictory function was held to mark the successful conclusion of the Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage for 2025. STDC chairman Lukendra Rasaily said the smooth conduct of the tour by around [] The post Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 Via Sikkim Route Ends With Return Of 48 Pilgrims: Officials appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Not fair: Only 11 per cent women Vice-Chancellor's in Indian universities
NEW DELHI: The highest echelons still remain inaccessible to women in education, a field predominantly dominated by the female workforce, with only 11.18% occupying the Vice-Chancellor (VC) positions in universities across the country, data shows. Out of 1,073 universities under the ambit of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), just 120 have women VCs, Secretary General of AIU, Pankaj Mittal, told this newspaper. Of this figure, 16 hold the top job in universities where the post is exclusively reserved for female appointees, she said. India has a total of 1,200-odd universities with 90% of them affiliated to the association. Women are increasingly occupying mid-level leadership roles like the Heads of Departments or Controller of Examinations. However, gender parity at the top remains elusive. The positive aspect is that the present situation is much better compared to the trend in our country three years ago when only 7% of universities had women VCs, Mittal elaborated. JNU, Dr Ambedkar University Delhi, Kashmir University, Allahabad University and Chaudhary Charan Singh University (formerly Meerut University), Dr Hari Singh University (Sagar University) are among the prominent ones with women VCs presently. UP & TN have max women heads. With 19 women Vice Chancellors in its 84 universities, Uttar Pradesh ranks No. 1 in terms of having women in a top leadership role. Tamil Nadu with 11 VCs in its 56 universities and Maharashtra with 10 women out of 79 universities take the second and third positions. The North east states have shown the best and wost represntation simultaneously, with Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim having zero female VCs, while Meghalaya is closest to ensuring gender parity with women VCs in 4 of its 9 universities. Emphasising the need for more women at the apex role, the Secretary General said, Women VCs often lead with a strong sense of purpose, championing initiatives that support gender equity, student well-being, inclusive policies, and social responsibility. They are more likely to prioritise mental health, community outreach, and inclusive decision-making areas that are sometimes overlooked in traditional models of leadership. Their presence at the top sends a powerful message: that leadership can be both strong and compassionate, she added. For women in Higher Educational Institutions, whether students, faculty, or aspiring leaders, the path is still shaped by invisible barriers, unspoken biases, and structural limitations, she felt. To change this, institutions must go beyond symbolic gestures and commit to real, people centric reforms. Mittal highlighted many of these aspects in her concept paper Promoting women-led development for Viksit Bharat during the second conference of women VCs held at Jharkhand on Friday.
ED arrests Cong MLA in illegal betting case
BENGALURU/NEW DELHI, Aug 23: Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra Puppy was arrested on Saturday under the anti-money laundering law from Sikkim in an alleged illegal online and offline betting case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The federal probe agency also said it seized Rs 12 crore in cash (including about Rs crore in foreign currency), gold jewellery worth Rs 6 crore, silver about 10 kg along with four vehicles following raids launched [] The post ED arrests Cong MLA in illegal betting case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Cash Piles, Gold And Casino Cards: ED Arrests Karnataka Congress MLA In Illegal Betting Probe
Enforcement Directorate arrests Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra Puppy in Sikkim for illegal betting, seizes cash, gold, and links to Dubai casinos.
ED arrests Karnataka Congress MLA in illegal betting case
New Delhi: Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra Puppy was arrested on Saturday under the anti-money laundering law from Sikkim in an alleged illegal online and offline betting case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said. The federal probe agency also said it seized Rs 12 crore in cash (including about Rs crore in foreign currency), gold 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 .
ED arrests Karnataka Congress MLA in 'illegal' betting case
K C Veerendra, a Karnataka Congress MLA, faces arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. The arrest occurred in Sikkim related to an alleged illegal betting scheme. Authorities seized significant assets during raids across multiple states. The seized items included cash, gold, silver, and vehicles. Veerendra was in Gangtok for a casino leasing venture.
How Sikkim Cracked Down On Online Gaming Much Before Centre Brought A Bill
Sikkim has been a frontrunner in cracking down on online gaming, said a senior official, explaining how the Himalayan state tucked in one corner of the northeast has played a key role in drafting the centre's latest Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
CBSE to establish six new regional, sub-regional offices to enhance governance
NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the establishment of six new Regional Offices, Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and Sub-Regional Offices to streamline its operations and improve governance of affiliated schools across the country. According to a notification issued by CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, the decision was taken following the approval of the Finance Committee in December 2024, which was later ratified by the Governing Body and cleared by the Ministry of Education. The new offices are being set up in Gurugram, Lucknow, Raipur, Ranchi, Agartala, Itanagar and Gangtok. These will become fully functional between August and September 2025. Gurugram (Haryana) will cover 12 southern districts of Haryana, including Faridabad, Gurugram, Palwal and Sonipat, and is expected to function from 1 September 2025. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) will oversee 30 districts, including Ayodhya, Etawah, Kanpur, Rae Bareli and Unnao, and will also become functional from 1 September 2025. Raipur (Chhattisgarh) will have jurisdiction across Chhattisgarh and became functional on 22 August 2025. Ranchi (Jharkhand) will cover Jharkhand and also became functional on 22 August 2025. Among the Sub-Regional Offices, Agartala (Tripura) will begin functioning from 15 September 2025. Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) became functional on 22 August 2025, along with Gangtok (Sikkim), which also started operations on the same date. The notification stated that all schools affiliated with CBSE will now fall under the jurisdictions of these newly established offices. This move will help strengthen administrative reach, ensure better coordination with schools, and enhance educational support services across these regions, the CBSE said.
Gross Misconduct: Sikkim University Cancels Student's Admission Over Remarks On Nepali Language
The Sikkim University (SU) cancelled the provisional admission of an M Com student over gross misconduct after he allegedly made derogatory remarks against the Nepali language, officials of the institution said on Friday.
Prayas was born from a simple idea: What if places of governance that generally record high footfall on work days can also serve as platforms for empowerment?
Sikkim University Student Sparks Row With 'Nepali' Remark, Taken Into Custody
A major controversy has erupted on the campus of Sikkim University in Gangtok over alleged derogatory remarks against the Nepali community and language by a student from Uttar Pradesh in a department WhatsApp group.
Sikkim University student arrested for insulting Nepali language
Gangtok: A Sikkim University student, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly making insulting remarks against the Nepali language which is widely spoken in the Himalayan state, officials said. Acting on a complaint lodged by some local students, a team from Rani Pool police station reached the university campus and took 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 .
Bairrabi Railway Station, which has the station code BHRB, has three platforms and serves the entire population of 1.25 million (12.25 lakhs) of the state.
Earthquake News Updates: Earthquake of magnitude 2.8 hits Sikkim's Soreng
IMD issues red alert for flash floods, cloudburst risk in Uttarakhand, week after Dharali disaster
NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised a red alert, cautioning against an imminent threat of flash floods across the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Bihar and Sikkim in eastern India, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the south and some parts of Maharashtra. It has asked people to remain vigilant over the next 24 hours as nature prepares to unleash fury. IMDs caution applies to Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahul and Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts in Himachal and Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi districts in Uttarakhand. The weather office has alerted the Himalayan states, including the Jammu region, of extremely heavy rainfall up to 210 mm in the next day and heavy rain in the next 6-7 days. Satellite imagery shows scattered to broken intense convective clouds over Uttarakhand and also around Uttarkashi, which may cause cloudburst-induced flash floods. Uttarakhand cloudburst-hit Dharali villagers seek Kedarnath-style rebuild, relocation to nearby sites Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim of east India, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, east and north Telangana and Maharashtras Marathwada region may also witness low to moderate flash flood risk. In its bulletin, the IMD said inundation may occur at some saturated soils and low-lying areas over the regions of concern. The IMD has warned of hefty rainfall in west-central India adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off north Andhra and south Odisha coasts due to the emergence of a low-pressure area along the Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, Telangana, and Karnataka are more likely to receive hefty rainfall from August 13 to 17. Fisherfolk have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea between August 13 and 18. A similar advice relates to areas along and off the Sri Lankan coast, along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast, and the Odisha coast during the same period. Blockbuster monsoon likely in the second fortnight of August, said Debashish Jena, researcher and agrometeorologist at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Uttarakhand. Experts blame decades of deodar tree felling for worsening Uttarkashi cloudburst
