Shah: Northeast police must shift focus to ensure speedy justice

Agartala: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the time has come for a change in approach of the police force with the end of insurgency in the northeast, in order to ensure that people get speedy justice. Shah, addressing the 72nd plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) here, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought peace in the region by inking 20 peace accords in 10 years, leading to the surrender of 9,000 armed militants. The police fought insurgency in the northeast for the past four decades. As insurgency has now ended, we need to change the approach of the force to ensure people get justice within three years of lodging FIRs, he said. The home minister also said connectivity is no longer a problem in the region, as the Centre has spent Rs 81,000 crore for rail connectivity and Rs 41,000 crore for road network in the northeastern states. Asserting that PM Modi expedited development activities in the northeast, Shah said Union ministers spent 700 nights in states of the region since the BJP-led NDA assumed power at the Centre. After the exchange of enclaves (land boundary agreements) with Bangladesh, the whole world will open for the northeast. This will change the investment ecosystem in the region, he said. The senior BJP leader also laid emphasis on the upliftment of people in rural areas by promoting vegetable cultivation, production of milk, eggs and meat. Only a hike in the GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) is not enough for overall development. There is a need to attain self-sufficiency in vegetables, milk, eggs and meat, he said. Besides, the central government has been focusing on organic cultivation in the region, said Shah. The Centre has already constituted the National Organic Corporation Ltd to boost the sector. I urge all the CMs (in the northeast) to sign agreements with NOCL for packaging, marketing and exporting of organic products, he said. The home minister, however, said more efforts were needed to tackle narcotics smuggling in the region. Earlier in the day, Shah inaugurated the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) at Prajna Bhavan here. Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with governors, chief ministers of all the eight northeastern states, and senior officials, were also present at the event. The council is the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the northeastern region, consisting of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

CM Golay Expresses Deep Reverence for Rolu Diwas, Emphasizes Unity and Gratitude

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) extended his heartfelt reverence and best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Rolu Diwas, describing the sacred shrine of Manokamana Siddhi Devi Rolu Mata The post CM Golay Expresses Deep Reverence for Rolu Diwas, Emphasizes Unity and Gratitude appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Civil society outfits urge President to withdraw central forces from Siang Hydropower project survey

Hundreds of environmentalists, civil society organizations urged the President of India Droupdi Murmu to withdraw paramilitary forces deployed to quell indigenous peoples protest against proposed 11000 MW hydropower dam surveys in Siang valley of Arunachal. They said the proposed dam will cause disasters and loss of biodiversity and indigenous habitats. According to the letter written to the Murmu, over 351 concerned citizens activists, researchers, lawyers, scientists, journalists, experts, community representatives and 109 peoples organisations and environmental groups, especially from the Himalayan region appealed for immediate withdrawal of paramilitary troops in the Siang valley in Arunachal Pradesh. The Central government has made a paramilitary force deployment meant to facilitate a pre-feasibility survey for the 11000 MW Siang Upper Valley Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The project will cause the submergence of dozens of indigenous Adi tribe villages. So far villagers are protesting peacefully in their villages andno untoward incidents have been reported. Expressing solidarity with the indigenous populations of the region, the submission to the President draws attention to the fact that this will be Indias largest hydropower project. The letter goes on to highlight recent unprecedented rise in catastrophic disasters, events like cloud bursts, floods, glacial lake outbursts in Himalayan region caused thousands of deaths and massive destruction of infrastructure. Arunachal CM Khandu cites China's dam construction, bats for Siang Upper Multipurpose Project The 2013 Uttarakhand floods led to deaths of over 5000 people officially and damage to multiple hydro projects. In 2021 an avalanche in Chamoli caused catastrophic floods that destroyed hydropower infrastructure and claimed over 200 lives. In 2023, the Teesta III Dam was destroyed by a Glacial lake outburst in Sikkim. And this year in Himachal Pradesh the Malana Dam burst as it was hit by a sudden flood from upstream. The letter further highlights the proposed survey violates constitutional statutes, especially Section 5 of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006. These survey is being done without the consent of the local village councils and is also a violation of constitutional statutes, states the letter. Experts say the Siang region is a global biodiversity hotspot particularly within the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve which spans across West Siang, Upper Siang, and Dibang Valley. It has one of the most biodiverse areas in the state with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many endemic species.

12 SSB Jawans Injured in Zuluk Accident, Swiftly Rescued by Indian Air Force

In a tragic incident on Friday morning around 10:40 AM, a Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) paramilitary truck carrying 12 personnel, and a driver, veered off the road and plunged into The post 12 SSB Jawans Injured in Zuluk Accident, Swiftly Rescued by Indian Air Force appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Sikkim Jobs : Sikkim Manipal University Recruitment 2024

Applications are invited for recruitment of various teaching positions or jobs in Sikkim Manipal University. Sikkim Manipal University is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the posts or jobs of Assistant Professor for BBA/MBA for its Centre For Distance And Online Education (CDOE). Sikkim Manipal University, State Private University, UGC, NMC AICTE and [] The post Sikkim Jobs : Sikkim Manipal University Recruitment 2024 appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Kerala Shatters the Digital Divide

The Keralas KFON model has inspired states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Sikkim, while earning international recognition with the Infrastructure Initiative of the Year award at the 2024 Asian Telecom...

Assam, Manipur and Sikkim writers receive Sahitya Akademi Award

Guwahati:The Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 has been conferred upon three eminent writers from Assam, and one each from Manipur and Sikkim, honouring their remarkable contributions to literature. From Assam, Sameer Tanti received the award for his poetry collection Pharingbore Bator Katha Jane,Aron Raja was honoured for his novel Swrni Thakhaiand Dipak Kumar Sharma was recognised [] The post Assam, Manipur and Sikkim writers receive Sahitya Akademi Award appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Sikkim badminton team gears up for Senior Nationals 2024 in Bengaluru - MSN

Sikkim badminton team gears up for Senior Nationals 2024 in Bengaluru MSN

Rethinking Christmas: Infusing local flavours into Indian ads

Last year, IKEAs Christmas ad titled Take a Holiday from the Holidays captured the essence of the holiday season with a refreshingly honest take. The ad depicted various holiday scenarios that, while filled with the warmth of family, friends, and festive cheer, also highlighted the overwhelming chaos that often accompanies the season. The ad uniquely captured the reality of the season, portraying the different ways families celebrate Christmas. Globally, Christmas ads have often been rich in storytelling, weaving heartfelt narratives about traditions, family, and togetherness. However, experts argue that Indian Christmas advertisements have yet to fully capture the diverse and vibrant reality of how the festival is celebrated across the country. Its a treasure trove of stories that is desperately waiting to be discovered. I think weve never explored the Indianness of Christmas, says Vishnu Srivastav , National Creative Director, 22feet Tribal Worldwide. The way Indians celebrate Christmaswhether its in Kerala, Mangalore, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Mumbai, Calcutta, or SikkimIndians incorporate their own culture into Christmas much like the Mexicans do. And those as subjects or portrayals have not been used nearly as much as they should be. In Kerala, Christmas is marked by elaborate feasts of Neyyappam, Kappa Biryani, and seafood, with vibrant Nativity scenes and beach competitions. Tamil Nadu celebrates the season for weeks, with dishes like Vivika and mutton curry. In Goa, the midnight mass at the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a significant event, uniting people in faith and celebration. Yet, despite this rich diversity, Indian ads often miss the opportunity to capture these distinct regional traditions. So how can brands get their Christmas narratives right? Rethinking Christmas Globally, brands have shown us the power of storytelling during Christmas. The Coca-Cola campaign, Anyone Can Be Santa, is a great example. By challenging the stereotypical image of a traditional Santa, the campaign promoted the idea that the spirit of giving and kindness can live in anyone. Santa could never be done and dusted, but what he chooses to do this time around is what makes the plot interesting, says Teresa Sebastian , Creative & Founding Member, Talented. Talking about the Coca-Cola ad, she says, Coca-Cola effectively featured diverse individuals as Santa, capturing inclusivity and connecting with a wider audience. However, when we look at the Indian Christmas ads, there's a noticeable difference in approach. Much of what we see here draws heavily from Western imagery, snow-covered streets, chimneys, and turkey dinners dominate the visuals. But these scenes, though familiar to us from countless Hollywood movies, dont really resonate with the majority of Indian viewers. The reality of an Indian Christmas is vastly different from the snow-capped villages were often shown. Experts suggest staying away from these tropes. Just being generic and American in the portrayals doesnt work, Vishnu Srivastav points out. Most of us get our Christmas themes from American movies, and so we tend to reflect that in our advertising. But theres a really rich tapestry of Indian Christian culture that can be explored. As brands look to rethink their approach to Christmas, the key may lie in embracing the uniqueness of Indian celebrations, focusing less on universal symbols and more on the authentic, lived experiences of people. Emotional Storytelling At the heart of every unforgettable Christmas campaign lies one truth, emotion is key. Whether its the joy of giving, the warmth of family, or the comfort of shared traditions, these emotions have the power to connect deeply with audiences. Globally, brands like John Lewis have set the gold standard for emotional storytelling. Instead of simply showcasing products, their ads invited viewers to think about how your gift made someone feel, says Teresa Sebastian , reflecting on the iconic British retailers approach. By shifting focus from transactions to connections, John Lewis revolutionised festive advertising, gifting audiences heartwarming tales like Monty the Penguin and The Man on the Moon. These ads didnt just sell products, they became cultural touchpoints, sparking conversations and shaping how the season is celebrated. On the other side of the world, Indian brands are still beginning to tap into this emotional depth. While humour, nostalgia, and empathy often drive the creative direction, the potential to touch hearts runs deep. To make Christmas ads truly relevant to the spirit of the festival, brands should focus on family values that tug at the heartstrings by coming together and celebrating as one, says Vishnu Srivastav . Brands should use humour and nostalgia to dial up shared experiences and evoke a happy tear. Last but not least, they should feature empathy in the creative idea to represent the joy of giving. This shift towards more emotional, and humorous storytelling has already begun. One campaign that stands out is Swiggys Santas Resume. In this ad, Santa urges people to hire him to do more deliveries as #SantaOpenToWork because he has hired Swiggy Genie to do his deliveries. Similarly, Zomato took a quirky approach, turning an everyday frustration into a funny message, Late deliveries are painful, thats why we deliver on time. Both campaigns remind us that great Christmas storytelling doesnt have to be grand. It's the simplicity, the human connection, that makes it unforgettable. In the end, its this ability to blend simplicity with soul that sets great Christmas campaigns apart. Humour, nostalgia, and empathy are key elements that can elevate storytelling, adds Sunil Gangras , Head of Creative Services, Liqvd Asia . These are emotions that unite us, and when tapped into thoughtfully, they make a campaign resonate long after the festive season fades. Learning from global brands in India While Indian brands often focus on products and transactional messaging during Christmas, global brands in India offer valuable lessons on balancing emotional storytelling with local flavour. Creative experts believe Indian brands can draw inspiration from global approaches to make their festive campaigns more impactful. Sunil Gangras says, Global brands in India nail Christmas by fusing their international playbook with local flavour. They often take a two-pronged approach: They embrace local culture by dwelling deep into the spirit of the festival. Most importantly, they keep it simple and lace it with the right emotions that strike a chord. But in the case of Indian brands, they are so product-focused that they miss the very fabric of Christmas. By choosing to be transactional in their approach, they lose out on building an impactful story. Gangras pointed out takeaways for Indian brands: Merge local nuances with global trends to stay relevant yet distinctive. Double down on emotionally resonant storytelling. Experiment with fresh ad formats like AR filters or gamified content to grab attention. Viren Mahendra , National Creative Director, 21N78E Creative Labs adds that global brands excel because they focus on emotions. They invest heavily in emotionally-driven storytelling. For example, Coca-Colas Christmas ads often feature magical, heartwarming stories that transcend cultural boundaries, making them memorable. He highlights how Amazon India also takes cues from this strategy. Their Great Indian Festival, which begins with Diwali, extends into Christmas by introducing flash sales and gifting themes. This keeps the festive spirit alive and connects Christmas seamlessly with ongoing celebrations. Mahendra also points out the importance of timing. While Indian brands plan extensively for other festivals, rolling out campaigns a month or two in advance, this approach is often overlooked when it comes to Christmas. Mahendra says, Global brands often begin their Christmas campaigns early (late November) and carry them into New Year celebrations, emphasizing the holiday season as a whole. This extended approach ensures they stay connected with audiences throughout the festive period. Advice for brands As brands look to incorporate Christmas into their festive marketing strategies for 2025, creative experts share their insights on how to go beyond clichd narratives and bring fresh, meaningful approaches to the table. Appreciate, dont appropriate: Avoid cultural appropriation and move towards cultural appreciation in campaigns. Go beyond clichd visuals like anglicised families with specific accents and suspenders. Celebrate cultural evolution: Embrace the evolving cultural landscape and recognise the role of homogenisation in fostering social cohesion while highlighting individual identities. Christmas as a canvas: Use Christmas as a versatile tool, it can be either a message or a setting. Christmas doesn't always have to have a message, it can be used to tell other stories. Think beyond digital: Innovate beyond digital spaces and experiment with new formats. Explore immersive experiences that creatively wrap festive connections around the brand story. Collaborate & stay authentic: Collaborate and stay real while crafting campaigns that resonate authentically with audiences. Christmas offers Indian brands an opportunity to go beyond clichs and tap into the festivals emotional and cultural depth. By embracing local traditions, celebrating family values, and weaving in humour, nostalgia, and empathy, brands can create stories that truly connect. As global brands have shown, the key lies in balancing simplicity with soul. Thoughtful storytelling and authentic narratives can help Indian brands craft Christmas campaigns that leave a lasting impact.

ONOE To Be Introduced In Lok Sabha Today

The One Nation, One Election bill, which aims to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The post ONOE To Be Introduced In Lok Sabha Today appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Sikkim Jobs : ICAR RCNEH Sikkim Centre Recruitment 2024

Applications are invited for recruitment of various project based positions or jobs in ICAR RCNEH Sikkim Centre Sikkim. ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region (ICAR RCNEH) Sikkim Centre Sikkim is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the posts or jobs of Senior Research Fellow (SRF) under AICRP on Poultry Seed Project. ICAR Research [] The post Sikkim Jobs : ICAR RCNEH Sikkim Centre Recruitment 2024 appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Nagaland Lottery Dear Dwarka 1 PM Monday lucky draw, check full list here

These Legal States are Nagaland, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Mizoram, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Assam. First Prize In All three lotteries of the day is Bumper 1 Crore Rupees.

Know All About Blood Sugar and Diabetes In Depth

For individuals with diabetes, maintaining control over blood sugar levels is essential to manage the condition effectively and reduce the risk of complications such as heart and kidney diseases. A The post Know All About Blood Sugar and Diabetes In Depth appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Gearing up for inclusion of left-out communities in ST list: Sikkim CM

GANGTOK, Dec 15: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday said that his government has remained steadfast in advocacy for the inclusion of 12 left-out communities of the Himalayan state in the Scheduled Tribe list. He attended the inaugural meeting of the Sikkim State High-Level Committee, established to secure the inclusion of 12 left-out []

Indias Per Capita GDP Has Grown 41% Since 2019-20, Reveals Finance Ministry Data, Sikkim Best Performer

Per capita GDP at current prices is a ratio that measures a country's economic growth by dividing its gross domestic product (GDP) at current market prices by its total population. This indicator measures the economic growth of a country

Sikkim CM takes stock of preparedness of Maghey Mela

Sikkim CM takes stock of preparedness of Maghey Mela Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang chaired a meeting for the celebration of the upcoming Jorethang Makar Sankranti Maghey Mela at Community Hall Jorethang in the Namchi district on Friday, officials said. The Chief Minister in his speech emphasised the need to elevate the [] The post Sikkim CM takes stock of preparedness of Maghey Mela appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Nagaland Lottery Dear Meghna 1 PM Friday lucky draw, check full list here

Nagaland, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Mizoram, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Assam are among these legal states. Bumper 1 Crore Rupees is the first prize in all three of the day's lotteries.

Telangana Remains Richest State by Per Capita

Hyderabad: Telangana's economy continues to expand significantly, with its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) rising to Rs 15.02 lakh crore at current prices in 2023-24 from Rs 13.11 lakh crore in 2022-23, according to the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Despite the growth, the state slipped one spot to rank seventh among Indian states in terms of GSDP at current prices. At the time of its formation in 2014, Telangana's GSDP was Rs 3.91 lakh crore. Over the decade, it has surged to Rs 15.02 lakh crore, reflecting robust economic growth. At constant prices, the GSDP rose to Rs 7.93 lakh crore in 2023-24 from Rs 7.26 lakh crore the previous year. Among states, Maharashtra retained the top spot with a GSDP of Rs 40.44 lakh crore at current prices, followed by Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. Telangana ranked eighth at constant prices, with Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu again leading the list. Telangana continued to remain the richest state by per capita income. It has maintained its top position among major states in per capita income at current prices, reaching Rs 3,56,564 in 2023-24, up from Rs 3,12,522 in 2022-23. At the time of its formation, the state's per capita income was Rs 1,12,162. However, Sikkim and Delhi, smaller states, outperformed Telangana with per capita incomes of Rs 5,87,743 and Rs 4,61,910, respectively. At constant prices, Telangana's per capita income stood at Rs 1,83,854, ranking third among major states after Kerala and Haryana. Telangana's outstanding debt rose to Rs 3.89 lakh crore in 2023-24, compared to Rs 3.52 lakh crore in 2022-23. In 2014-15, this figure was Rs 56,398 crore. The states gross fiscal deficit increased to Rs 56,063 crore from Rs 50,147 crore, while its revenue deficit widened to Rs 4,882 crore. Interest payments on loans surged to Rs 22,408 crore in 2023-24, and pension payments rose to Rs 13,024 crore, compared to Rs 18,912 crore and Rs 11,385 crore, respectively, in the previous year. Social sector expenditure also saw significant growth, reaching Rs 1,27,123 crore in 2023-24 from Rs 1,06,855 crore in 2022-23. The states tax revenue (SOTR) climbed to Rs 1,31,029 crore in 2023-24, a substantial increase from Rs 1,10,592 crore in 2022-23. Similarly, non-tax revenue (SNTR) rose to Rs 22,808 crore from Rs 15,292 crore. Despite its impressive economic growth and high per capita income, Telangana faces challenges such as rising debt and fiscal deficits. The state government has emphasised increased social sector spending and revenue generation as key priorities to sustain its growth momentum.

National Green Tribunal takes Suo Motu cognizance of unauthorized dumping of medical, hazardous waste in Siliguri

The National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognizance of the unauthorized dumping of medical and hazardous waste at a vacant plot in Farabari near Siliguri, West Bengal, allegedly from neighbouring Sikkim. The original application is registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item dated November 12, 2024. As per the article, the vacant [] The post National Green Tribunal takes Suo Motu cognizance of unauthorized dumping of medical, hazardous waste in Siliguri appeared first on India Legal .

Sikkim Jobs : NIT Sikkim Recruitment 2024

Applications are invited for recruitment of various teaching positions or jobs in NIT Sikkim. National Institute of Technology (NIT) Sikkim is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the posts or jobs of temporary faculty in the Department of Civil Engineering & Department of Computer Science and Engineering in a purely contractual capacity. NIT [] The post Sikkim Jobs : NIT Sikkim Recruitment 2024 appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Amit Shah misleading Parliament, people: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of misleading the Parliament and the people on the Wayanad disaster. His statement that the state government submitted the detailed report on Wayanad disaster late is not factual. It is unfortunate that the Union government wanted to evade the responsibility of allowing financial aid by converting it into a controversy. This is not the first time Amit Shah has done this, Pinarayi said at a press conference on Monday. He said the state submitted a memorandum requesting a primary financial aid of Rs 1,202 crore to the Centre on August 17. On November 13, the state submitted a detailed report after the post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA) was done. However, the home minister had told the MPs from Kerala that it was because of the late submission of this report that a special package for Kerala could not be declared. But at the time of the prime ministers visit, PDNA was not considered as an official document to get financial aid. This is the first PDNA after the guidelines were created, he said. To prepare this, at least a three-month period is needed. The state only took that time. Kerala has submitted a 583-page detailed report. States like Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh also prepared the detailed report in a three-month period after disasters, he added. The CM alleged that the Centre is ignoring Wayanad and the victims by not declaring the special financial aid. Though the Centre had declared financial aid to states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tripura, and Bihar for flood calamities, Kerala was ignored. Kerala is one of the states in India. The aid given to other states should be made available to us too, Pinarayi said. If the Union government is of the view that the Wayanad landslides do not come under the category of disaster, the Centre should clarify which one is eligible for financial aid. There are no lapses on the part of the government in informing the High Court about the details of SDRF, he added.

Army-developed system for flood safety in Sikkim earns accolades

Guwahati:An innovative system developed by the Indian Army for flood safety in Sikkim has earned accolades at Inno Yodha a national-level competition that promotes innovative solutions for defence and disaster management. Guwahati-based Defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said the Advanced Flood Monitoring System (AFMS) has been developed by the Trishakti Sappers of the [] The post Army-developed system for flood safety in Sikkim earns accolades appeared first on NorthEast Now .

DoPT allocates 2 IAS officers for Telangana

Hyderabad: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) allocated two IAS officers of 2023 batch Saurabh Sharma and Saloni Chhabra for Telangana. These two IAS officers were among the 32 officers who were allocated for Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kanataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. A communication in this regard was issued by DoPT Deputy Secretary Charulata Somal addressing the Chief Secretaries of the States concerned. The allocation of cadres was made on the basis of Civil Services Examination (CSE)-2023.

Sikkim University Allows One-Day Menstrual Leave Every Month For Students

Sikkim University has allowed one day menstrual leave per month for female students, according to a notification.

Sikkim University allows one day menstrual leave for female students

Gangtok: Sikkim University has allowed one day menstrual leave per month for female students, according to a notification. The Sikkim University Registrar Laxuman Sharma issued the notification to this effect on December 4 following a representation by the Sikkim University Students' Association (SUSA) last month. The Vice-Chancellor has been pleased to allow one-day menstrual leave in a month for girl/women student of Sikkim University except during university examinations, said the registrar of the central university. The leave so availed shall be adjusted with the mandatory 75 per cent attendance criteria of the classes held in a semester for examination purposes, he said.

Sikkim showcases its rich cultural diversity at Hornbill Festival

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, Dec 6: Sikkim, a state partner of Nagaland for Hornbill Festival 2024, showcased its rich cultural diversity through captivating performances by its cultural troupe on Friday as part of the silver jubilee celebration of the festival. Known for its harmonious blend of tribal, ethnic, and caste groups, Sikkims social fabric is deeply []

758 BRTF honoured for restoration efforts following Sikkim flash floods

GANGTOK, Dec 6: Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Friday presented the prestigious Governors Unit Appreciation Award for 2024-25 to the 758 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) for restoring connectivity following last years devastating flash floods in the state. Colonel AK Dixit, commander of 758 BRTF, said it was a proud moment for the entire []

Mountain biking expedition flagged off in Sikkim

GANGTOK, Dec 6: Sikkim Tourism minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia on Friday flagged off the Tour De Sikkim, a mountain biking expedition. The minister wished the riders a safe journey and expressed his appreciation for their enthusiasm. He emphasised the health benefits of cycling and encouraged everyone to take in the breathtaking scenery that Sikkim has []

CRICKET | Baroda smashes highest-ever T20 total for mammoth win over Sikkim

SYED MUSHTAQ ALI TROPHY | It also struck an unprecedented 37 sixes, with Bhanu Pania belting as many as 15 in his unbeaten 134; Gujarat exits despite its win over Karnataka as an inferior NRR scuttles Axar Patels teams hopes

SMAT 2024: Baroda shatter record books with belligerent batting display vs Sikkim

Baroda made history by becoming the first Indian domestic team outside the IPL to reach 100 runs within a T20 PowerPlay.

Tourism ministry partners with hospitality giants for skill development, sustainability push

NEW DELHI: To make human resources in the tourism industry future-ready, the Ministry of Tourism has agreed with the country's top global hospitality chains, which will be training and mentoring the students in government-run hotel management institutions. The minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the top Indian hospitality brands had agreed to design the curriculum of state-run institutions and give training as per their requirement. We had a discussion with stakeholders keeping in mind the future requirement of human resources in the tourism industry. The meeting was held in view of potential in the sector. Our observation is that the way the industry is expanding; the requirement of trained professionals will also increase. However, the institutions are not getting students in accordance with their capacity. And the industry doesnt have the manpower. We had formed a committee to assess the gap; states were engaged and industry people were also roped in, said the minister. According to the findings of the committee report, the ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with the hospitality groups to impart training to the students in 21 government institutions.The ministry said that meetings with the stakeholders in the tourism sector in the last four months including travel and hotel operators had benefited immensely and all of us are very motivated. Finally, we have entered into agreements with the country's top global hospitality chains such as Taj hotels, Marriott International and Radisson Group. The groups have signed MoU with three-five institutes. They will impart training as per their requirement. They will design a curriculum for them. After on-ground training, the groups will also absorb the students. Results will be visible in the next one-two year, said Shekhawat. The government hotel management institutes various coursessix months to three years duration. Besides reducing the gap between demand and supply, Shekhawat further said that the Government is working on sustainability simultaneously. We have launched a Green Leaf Rating based on sustainability parameters like star rating for hotels and other accommodations; based on whether they are recycling the water and what system they have to conserve electricity. New projects are sanctioned according to efforts proposed for sustainability, he added. The governments are also proposing initiatives to change the behaviour of the tourists so that they can behave responsibly. Sikkim has already adopted a proposal. The tourists have to show at every checkpoint that they are carrying a bin with them in the vehicle. They will keep all trash in the bin and dump it at designated sites, Shekhawat said.

Sikkim Democratic Front suspends leader for anti-party activities

GANGTOK, Dec 1: Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front on Saturday suspended its leader J B Darnal for anti-party activities, days after he withdrew a petition against Sikkim Krantikari Morcha president and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang from the Supreme Court. The party has decided to suspend his primary membership with immediate effect till further notice, SDF []

Sikkim delegation reaches Nagaland for Hornbill Festival

GANGTOK, Dec 1: A car and bike rally, comprising a 144-strong delegation from Sikkim, has reached Nagaland to take part in Hornbill Festival, a member of the team said recently. Sikkim has been declared as the partner state for Hornbill Festival, 2024. Press Club of Sikkim general secretary Dilliram Dulal, who is a member of []

Fatal accident claims 5 near West Bengal-Sikkim border

GANGTOK, Dec 1: Five people were killed and 15 others injured as a bus plunged into a 150-ft-deep gorge near the West Bengal-Sikkim border on Saturday afternoon, police said. The accident happened between Andheri and Atal Setu, about 1 km from the Rangpo border, around 3 pm. The bus, heading to Gangtok from Siliguri, veered []

6 Killed, 15 Injured As Bus Plunges Into Gorge Near West Bengal-Sikkim Border

The accident happened between Andheri and Atal Setu, about 1 km from the Rangpo border, around 3 pm

Sikkim Democratic Front suspends J. B. Darnal for anti-party activities

The party has decided to suspend his primary membership with immediate effect till further notice, SDF vice-president (Administrative & Legal Affairs) Dev Gurung said in a statement

Centre Approves Rs 3,296 Crore Investment to Boost Tourism Infrastructure Across 23 States

NEW DELHI: The Central government has approved a significant investment of Rs 3,296 crore to develop 40 tourism projects in 23 states. This initiative aims to improve infrastructure and upgrade popular tourist destinations to meet international standards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his excitement about the potential of tourism to drive economic growth. Tourism has the potential to bring prosperity to the lives of many. Our Government will keep focusing on enhancing Indias tourism infrastructure to ensure more people can experience the wonders of Incredible India, he said on X. The announcement came after Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, shared details of the approved projects. He said, In a huge boost for Bharats tourism sector, our government, led by PM Narendra Modi, has today approved 40 projects across 23 states under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, to develop iconic tourist centers to global standards. The projects are expected to improve local economies and create jobs through sustainable tourism. The plan includes measures like easing congestion at popular sites, integrating new technologies, and promoting sustainability. Public-private partnerships will also be encouraged to enhance infrastructure and visitor experiences. Some of the notable projects include the Gandikota Fort, Havelock Bridge, and Pushkaram Ghat in Andhra Pradesh; the Siang Adventure and Eco Park in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh; and the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden in Guwahati. Additionally, projects such as the development of Umiam Lake in Shillong, the Nathula Pass border experience in Sikkim, a rafting base station in Rishikesh, and the creation of an ecotourism hub in Keralas Ashtamudi backwaters are included in the plan. Minister Shekhawat emphasized that the aim of SASCI is to create world-class tourist destinations and provide a richer experience for visitors, helping showcase Indias natural, cultural, and historic beauty on a global scale. PMAY-G Scheme: 19,300 Families in Nagaland Receive New Homes Four Indian Cities Among the Fastest-Growing Urban Centers: Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi-NCR Lead by 2033 Andaman & Nicobar to Launch Seaplane Services to Boost Tourism

Sikkim sends final expedition to study high-risk glacial lakes

Sikkim has initiated its final expedition to study high-risk glacial lakes, focusing on flood mitigation strategies in sub-zero temperatures. The team aims to develop robust measures after a recent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood caused significant devastation, exploring proposals such as lowering lake levels and retention structures.

Sikkim to allow tourists in Mangan district from Dec 1

GANGTOK, Nov 27: Tourists will be allowed in various Himalayan destinations of the Mangan district, including Yumthang, Dikchu, Lachung and the Guru Dongmar Lake, in a staggered manner from December 1, a senior official of the Sikkim government said on Wednesday. Tourism activities were suspended in the district five months ago after heavy rainfall caused []

Indian Army inducts 'Sabal' logistics drone, boosting operational capabilities in challenging terrains

NEW DELHI: India's indigenous defense technology and manufacturing received a significant boost with the successful induction of the Sabal 20 logistics drone into the Indian Army. Developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, the drone will strengthen stealth capabilities and enhance logistics support for the defense forces operating in challenging terrains. On Wednesday, the Indian Army successfully deployed the Sabal 20 logistics drone in the Eastern Theatre, which is responsible for defending the Line of Actual Control along the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. The Army in this region also handles anti-insurgency operations and humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The Sabal 20 , manufactured by EndureAir, a leading unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology company, is an electric unmanned helicopter based on variable pitch technology. The drone is specifically designed for aerial logistics and can carry payloads of up to 20 kilograms, equivalent to 50% of its own weight, with scalable options for future upgrades. Based on the legacy of the Chinook helicopter, the Sabal 20 features large rotors and a tandem rotor configuration that ensures high efficiency and exceptional load-carrying capability. This design ensures remarkable stability, superior high-altitude performance, minimized turbulence risk, and outstanding lifting capacity across diverse terrains, said the company. The Sabal 20 is built to meet rigorous operational demands and supports long-range deliveries, high-altitude operations, and precision logistics. Its advanced Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technology enables seamless operations in confined and rugged terrains. The drones low RPM design minimizes noise and reduces its aural signature, enhancing stealth during sensitive missions. Additionally, it offers cutting-edge autonomous flight capabilities with user-friendly controls that simplify complex tasks, ensuring reliable performance even in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) conditions. In a related development, IIT Kanpur also announced a breakthrough in stealth technology with the launch of the Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System (Anlakhya MSCS) . According to IIT Kanpur, the Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System is a textile-based broadband Metamaterial Microwave Absorber designed to absorb waves across a broad spectrum, significantly enhancing stealth capabilities against Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging. Developed by a team of leading researchers, this innovative system sets a new benchmark in multispectral stealth capabilities and has applications in defense, national security, and specialized industries. The technology has been licensed to Meta Tattva Systems Pvt. Ltd. for manufacturing and deployment.

NGT issues notice to govt, agencies over rapid expansion of Himalayan glacial lakes

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Centre and its agencies regarding the rapid expansion of the Himalayan glacial lakes, raising concerns over the increasing risk of natural disasters. NGT took a suo motu proceeding over a media report. The report indicated the expansion of Himalayan glacial lakes by 11 per cent in over a decade, raising serious flood threat concerns. It also called for urgent action. The NGT issued notice to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment, and Central Pollution Control Board. The bench scheduled the date of the hearing on March 10 next year. The glacial lake expansion is a direct result of rising temperatures and accelerated retreat of glaciers due to climate change. Glacial lakes are formed after the melting of glaciers. Rise in such lakes holding a significant volume of water raises concern about Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). GLOFs can trigger catastrophic consequences to downstream communities, infrastructure and the biodiversity. In an order issued on November 19, the bench headed by the NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel said, The report notes that the surface area of glacial lakes in India has increased by 33.7 per cent from 2011 to 2024. The tribunal also noted that a recent report by the Central Water Commission (CWC) has also highlighted a significant expansion of glacial lakes in the Himalayan region, with an increase of 10.81 per cent in surface area from 2011 to 2024. The report identifies 67 lakes in India that have seen an increase of over 40 per cent in surface area, placing them at the high-risk category for potential GLOFs, the tribunal said. The order also noted that the expansions have been observed in regions such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. The tribunal stressed the urgent need for enhanced monitoring, early warning systems, and improved flood management strategies to mitigate the potential damage.

Real Wage Growth Flat in the Past Five Years

Chennai : The overall real wage growth at the national level has remained flat between Q2FY20 and Q1FY25. However, 17 out of states saw better real wage growth than the national average. The growth of overall real wage, which is nominal wages deflated by state-specific Consumer Price Index, at the national level has been flat at 0.01 per cent over 2QFY20-1QFY25. However, the real wage growth was above 2 per cent for Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana. It was between 1-2 per cent for Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Jharkhand, and a robust 6.8 per cent for Goa among the small states, finds India Ratings. On the other hand, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh witnessed a contraction of 1.7 per cent and 1.2 per cent. Among the small states, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Assam were the ones to have recorded a severe contraction of more than 3 per cent in real wages. In terms of ranking, Goa remains at the top with its average wages being 2.27x of the national average in 2023-24. It is followed by Mizoram, Kerala, Maharashtra and Haryana. Kerala and Maharashtra pipped Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim to be at the third and fourth positions. At the national level, 73.2 per cent of workers were engaged in informal jobs in the non-agriculture sector in 2023-24 increasing by 4.8pp from 2018-19. The increase in share of informal jobs within the non-agriculture sector was prevalent in 20 states. Bihar now has the highest share of informal jobs within the non-agriculture sector in the country. The share of private sector jobs within the non-agricultural sector increased to 11.3 per cent in 2023-24 compared to 2018-19. Goa, Telangana, and Maharashtra led the increase in share of private sector jobs between 2018-19 and 2023-24. Goa has the largest share of private sector jobs at 25.8 per cent within the non-agriculture sector. Among the major states, Maharashtra with a share of 23.5 per cent in 2023-24 has replaced Gujarat to be the state with the highest share of private sector jobs.

Centre Approves Rs 1,115-Cr for Disaster Mitigation and Capacity-Building Initiatives

The Indian government has approved a total of Rs 1,115 crore for disaster mitigation and capacity-building projects across various states. This includes Rs 1,000 crore for projects aimed at reducing the impact of disasters and improving the response capabilities of 15 states. Additionally, Rs 115.67 crore has been allocated for the training and development of civil defense volunteers nationwide, according to an official statement. The approved funds will be distributed to states based on their specific needs. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh will each receive Rs 139 crore, Maharashtra will get Rs 100 crore, and Karnataka and Kerala will both be allocated Rs 72 crore each. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will each receive Rs 50 crore, while a total of Rs 378 crore has been earmarked for the eight Northeastern states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The high-level committee, which includes Union ministers for finance and agriculture along with the vice-chairman of NITI Aayog, considered proposals to reduce landslide risks in these states, with funding from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF). In addition, the committee discussed plans to train and build the capacity of civil defense volunteers in all states and Union Territories through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Earlier this year, the committee had approved a Rs 3,075.65 crore initiative for urban flood risk mitigation in seven cities, as well as Rs 150 crore for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk management projects in four states. These efforts are part of the broader goal to strengthen Indias disaster resilience. The Ministry of Home Affairs, under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has taken several measures to ensure effective disaster management, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a disaster-resilient India. These efforts include enhancing the disaster risk reduction system to prevent loss of life and property during disasters. This year, the government has already released over Rs 21,476 crore to states for disaster management. This includes Rs 14,878.40 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to 26 states, Rs 4,637.66 crore from the NDRF to 15 states, Rs 1,385.45 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 11 states, and Rs 574.93 crore from NDMF to six states. Centre Approves Rs 725 Crore for Fire Service Modernisation in Three States Centre Introduces Guidelines to Combat Misleading Ads by Coaching Centres

Centre approves Rs.1115.67 Cr for disaster mitigation for States: Amit Shah

New Delhi: A high-level committee, under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah has approved Rs.1115.67 crore for disaster mitigation and capacity building projects for various States. The committee, comprising of Finance Minister, Agriculture Minister and Vice Chairman NITI Aayog as members considered the proposal to mitigate Landslide Risk in 15 States, for funding from National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and another proposal for training and capacity building of civil defense volunteers in all States and UTs under preparedness and capacity building from the funding window of National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The committee has approved the National Landslide Risk Mitigation project in 15 States - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal at a total cost of Rs.1000 crore. The committee approved Rs. 139 crore for Uttarakhand, Rs. 139 crore for Himachal Pradesh, Rs.378 crore for eight North East States, Rs.100 crore for Maharashtra, Rs.72 crore Karnataka, Rs. 72 crore for Kerala, Rs.50 crore for Tamil Nadu and Rs.50 crore for West Bengal. The HLC has also approved another project for training and capacity building of civil defense in all States and UTs at a total outlay of Rs.115.67 crore. Earlier, the committee had approved Urban Flood Risk Mitigation projects in seven cities at a total outlay of Rs 3075.65 crore and GLOF Risk Management in four States at a total outlay of Rs.150 crore from NDMF. To fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of disaster resilient India, the Ministry of Home Affairs under the guidance of Home Minister, Amit Shah has taken several initiatives to ensure effective management of disasters in the country. A number of steps have been taken to prevent any extensive loss to life and property during disasters by strengthening the disaster risk reduction system in India. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi and guidance of the Union Home Minister, more than Rs.21,476 crore has already been released to the states during this year. This include Rs.14,878.40 crore from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to 26 States, Rs.4,637.66 crore from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to 15 States, Rs.1,385.45 crore from State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 11 States and Rs.574.93 crore from National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to six States.

Residents of THIS state earn in crores and pay Rs 0 income taxes, here's how

Thanks to Article 371(F) of the Indian Constitution, Sikkimese residents are exempt from paying income tax, making it a unique financial haven

Pavan K. Varma | Casinos, beef, prohibition: Get off the moral pedestal

Elections will come and go, and our great democracy will run on, but at the social level and not unrelated to politics and economics some issues need to be tackled head on. One of them is: Are we a nation of hypocrites? Or, to put it more gently, are we as a people, more accepting of the gulf between public posturing and private morality? Do we profess something, and even make it public policy, while in private know that it is all a sham? And, worse, have we forgotten the difference between the two, what we say we believe in, and what we practice in real life? During the freedom movement, under the towering influence of Mahatma Gandhi, there was genuine acceptance of the need for simplicity in public life. Gandhiji popularised Khadi, and that became the livery of public leaders. But soon thereafter, while the livery, complete with Gandhi cap, remained for public consumption, private lifestyles, fuelled by shameless corruption, were marked by wealth, conspicuous consumption, and ostentatious living. Secure in their faade of Khadi, our political role models lived the good life big bungalows, an army of minions, and every conceivable luxury. The tragedy is that they did, and continue to do so, oblivious to the deceit involved. The Central and state governments run Khadi production corporations, without serious thought to value addition and commercialisation of a genuinely fine product. In the shabby government outlets for Khadi, political workers are the first buyers. Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy of our Constitution recommends that the government should prohibit the consumption of alcoholic drinks that are harmful to health. Pursuantly, Gujarat adopted prohibition, Haryana and some other states experimented with it, and Bihar has most recently imposed it in 2016. Discouraging excessive alcohol consumption is a laudable objective. But both our leaders and the public know that prohibition is an unworkable solution. It increases rampant alcohol smuggling, creates powerful liquor mafias, coopts the administration in corruption, encourages the sale of lethal illicit spirits, and deprives the state of much needed resources. Yet, lip service continues to be paid to such a policy. I know so many politicians who drink nimbu pani in public and expensive Scotch in private, Coca Cola laced with unseen rum. In Bihar, alcohol is available everywhere, and the enforcement authorities are complicit in enabling it. The result of this hypocrisy is that even needed policy measures against alcohol abuse are not seriously implemented. The policy of not allowing casinos is motivated by high ethical principles against gambling. But in our country, millions gamble in private, and some even consider it auspicious on Diwali, as an invitation to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Billions are spent by common people in betting on matka , cricket matches, and the results of elections. The networks for unauthorized gambling, are massive, pervasive and organised, functioning without any legal regulatory framework, and with the connivance of enforcement agencies. Indians flock to Kathmandu, London, Macao, Las Vegas and world over to casinos, to add to the tourist revenues of those countries, whose ethical standards incidentally are often superior to ours. Casinos are legal in Sikkim, Diu and Daman and Goa. In Goa, our hypocrisy is such that they can run only on luxury boats anchored in the Mandovi river, not onshore, lest our high morality is not further diluted. Few people know or remember, that in 2002, the Haryana Assembly passed a law, the Haryana Casino (Licensing and Control) Bill, whose objective was to foster infrastructure growth, attract global investment, increase tourism and create new job opportunities. The Bill never received Central government clearance. In my view, that was an opportunity lost. What our country needs is alternative avenues of employment. Industry is an option, but with automation and Artificial Intelligence, and the need to cut costs, most of these are not labour intensive. The graduates and semi-trained army of the young we produce from sub-standard educational institutions with a few exceptions are largely unemployable in high-tech or exacting managerial sectors. In this situation, tourism has a very high potential for job creation. It does not require highly skilled or educated personnel. It is widely dispersed, not over-centralised in just a few states or clusters, provides employment opportunities at lower levels of the educational curve, and has ripple economic effects on a variety of other sectors. Currently, tourism in our country is operating far below its potential and, in comparison with some other nations, including China, operating far below its actual potential. This is particularly unfortunate since there is almost nothing our country lacks in terms of tourist attraction. Our policy on casinos, based on duplicitous moral grounds, needs a rethink for these reasons, as the Haryana government courageously tried once, and not because I am in any way advocating the encouragement of gambling in general. Vegetarianism is becoming another of our moral fads, although reliable surveys show that even among Hindus, 52 to 56 per cent are non-vegetarians. Food habits are a matter of individual choice. Beef is not universally banned in India, but keeping the sentiments of Hindus in mind, cow slaughter is rightfully banned in many states. However, we have no qualms in benefiting from the exports of buffalo or carabeef, of which we are the worlds second largest exporter. Governments have the solemn duty to encourage morality and prevent vice. Ideally, people should only be honest, wear Khadi, abstain from drink, shun gambling and eat sattvik food. But even if this was possible, any attempt to achieve it is deeply vitiated by our hypocrisy. Our national motto is: Satyameva Jayate. It is an inspiring clarion call, reflective of the loftiness and courage of our philosophical heritage. Let us honour it in real life, not by encouraging immorality, but by pragmatically recognising our own double standards where morality is concerned, especially where this hypocrisy is hurting the real needs of the people. Only if we get off from our make-belief moral pedestal, can we credibly, effectively and actually rectify such a situation.

NDA sweeps Northeast by-polls

Guwahati: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept the by-elections to eight Assembly seats in the Northeast on Saturday. Five of them Behali, Samaguri, Dholai, Bongaigaon and Sidli are in Assam, two Soreng-Chakung and Namchi-Singhithang are in Sikkim while one Gambegre is in Meghalaya. The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, which rules Sikkim, had won the two seats unopposed earlier. The BJP won three seats in Assam. Allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United Peoples Party Liberal (UPPL) won one seat each. As per its seat-sharing understanding with allies in Assam, BJP had contested from Behali, Samaguri and Dholai seats. AGP and UPPL contested from Bongaigaon and Sidli seats respectively. The BJP retained Behali and Dholai seats and wrested Samaguri from Congress. AGP and UPPL retained Bongaigaon and Sidli seats respectively. The NDA was expected to win all seats except Samaguri, a Congress bastion. But BJPs Diplu Ranjan Sarmah managed to defeat Congress Tanzil Hussain, son of Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain. A series of incidents of pre-poll violence were reported from here. BJP candidates Diganta Ghatowal defeated Congress Jayanta Borah in Behali, and Nihar Ranjan Das edged past Dhrubajyoti Purkayastha of Congress in the Dholai seat. In Bongaigaon, AGP candidate Diptimoyee Choudhury was the winner. Diptimoyee, wife of Barpeta MP and AGP veteran Phani Bhushan Choudhury, defeated Brajenjit Singha of Congress. In Sidli, UPPLs Nirmal Kumar Brahma defeated Suddho Kumar Basumatary of Bodoland Peoples Front. Meanwhile in Meghalaya, ruling National Peoples Partys (NPP) Dr Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, wife of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, won the Gambegre seat. She defeated Trinamool Congress Sadhiarani M Sangma. The seat was earlier held by Congress. The NPP said the result in Gambegre reaffirmed peoples trust in the party. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was euphoric. We bow in gratitude to the people of Assam The NDAs 5/5 victory in the current by-elections is a resounding testament to Assams unwavering support for Adarniya @narendramodi Jis vision of good governance and development. A special mention for Samaguri, a constituency with pic.twitter.com/a7cqaVwvQT Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 23, 2024 NDAs 5/5 victory in the current by-elections is a resounding testament to Assams unwavering support for Adarniya @narendramodi Jis vision of good governance and development, Sarma posted on X. A special mention for Samaguri, a constituency with a 65% minority population, held by Congress for 25 years, now won by the BJP. This historic victory reaffirms peoples trust in our welfare agenda and their firm rejection of the Oppositions divisive politics, he further wrote.

Sikkim bypoll results 2024: SKM nominees elected unopposed from two assembly seats

Mr. Golay was the only candidate in the fray for the bypolls to Soreng-Chakung seat after SDF's Probin Hang Subba withdrew his nomination

Bhargav Saikias debut film Bokshi to have its world premiere at IFFR

New Delhi, Nov 22: Bhargav Saikias directorial debut feature Bokshi, a folk horror fantasy shot in the deep forests of Sikkim in Northeast India, will have its world premiere at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2025. The film is selected in the Harbour section which is named after Rotterdams port city identity and []

Bypoll election results updates | Counting of votes in 48 seats across 14 states begins

Counting of votes for two Lok Sabha seats, Wayanad and Nanded, and 46 Assembly seats began at 8 a.m. today, with early trends expected by 9 a.m. Wayanad, in particular, has drawn nationwide attention as it marks the electoral debut of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra . She is contesting from the seat formerly held by her brother, Rahul Gandhi. The election in Wayanad was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi, who contested and won from both Wayanad and Rae Bareli in the last general election, opted to retain the latter. Meanwhile, in Nanded, there is a direct fight between Ravindra Chavan of Congress and BJPs Santukrao Hambarde. The bypoll was necessitated due to the death of sitting Congress MP Vasant Chavan. Bypolls for 46 assembly constituencies across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka went for bypolls took place on November 13 and 20. Elections were held in nine assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh with an overall voter turnout of 49.3%. The constituencies that went to the polls included Katehari, Karhal, Meerapur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan, Sisamau, Khair, Phulpur, and Kundarki. Ghaziabad recorded the lowest turnout at 33%, while Kundarki saw the highest at 57.7%. The voter turnout percentages in other constituencies were as follows: Katehari (56.9%), Khair (46.3%), Karhal (54.1%), Majhawan (50.41%), Meerapur (57.1%), Phulpur (43.43%), and Sisamau (49.1%). This was significantly lower than the 61.03% recorded during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. A total of 90 candidates contested the bypolls in the state, with Ghaziabad fielding the highest number of candidates at 14. In Punjab, by-elections were held in four constituencies Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), and Barnala. These polls were necessitated after the sitting MLAs from these constituencies were elected to the Lok Sabha during the general elections earlier this year. The results of bypolls for six assembly seats in West Bengal are poised to be a significant indicator of public sentiment, serving as a crucial test for the ruling Trinamool Congress. The elections come against the backdrop of widespread protests over the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, which has sparked public outrage and demands for justice. Bypolls were also held for one seat each in Kerala (Palakkad) and Uttarakhand (Kedarnath), seven assembly seats in Rajasthan, five in Assam, four in Bihar, and three in Karnataka. These elections will be a crucial indicator of public sentiment ahead of key state and general elections in the coming months.

Sikkim introducing modern day technologies for fisheries: CM Prem Singh Tamang

Gangtok, Nov 21: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said on Thursday that the state government has been working to advance the fisheries sector by introducing modern technologies and providing training and financial support to increase productivity. On World Fisheries Day, CM Tamang extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the hardworking fish farmers, [] The post Sikkim introducing modern day technologies for fisheries: CM Prem Singh Tamang appeared first on The Shillong Times .

At Indias Machu Picchu

Taran and family stumble upon a lost kingdom and its forgotten capital while on a visit to Sikkim.

Act fast to mitigate a disaster in Teesta Valley, groups urge PM, CMs

Sikkim and West Bengal need to approach disasters at a landscape level instead of limiting their focus to within their respective boundaries

ED seizes Rs 8.8 crore from corporate office of lottery king Santiago Martin

Chennai: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday seized Rs.8.8 crore in cash from the corporate office of Chennai-based 'lottery king' Santiago Martin, officials said. Martin was the single biggest donor to political parties with over Rs.1,300 crore in now-scrapped electoral bonds. The searches were carried out in multiple states as part of a money laundering investigation against the 'lottery king', officials said. The action comes after the Madras High Court recently allowed the ED to proceed against Martin as the Tamil Nadu Police had decided to close the predicate or primary FIR against him and a few others and a lower court accepted this police plea. Officials said at least 20 premises linked to Martin, his son-in-law Aadhav Arjun and associates in Chennai and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Faridabad in Haryana, Ludhiana in Punjab and Kolkata in West Bengal were being searched as part of a comprehensive action against his business empire. A clutch of police FIRs have been taken into cognisance by the ED to initiate the latest action against Martin and his business network for lottery fraud and illegal sale of lottery. The agency searched him earlier too. The federal agency last year attached assets worth about Rs 457 crore in a case against Martin linked to an alleged loss of over Rs 900 crore to the Sikkim government by fraudulent sale of the state lottery in Kerala. Future Gaming Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. is the master distributor of Sikkim lotteries and the ED has been investigating Martin, known as 'lottery king' in Tamil Nadu, since 2019. Martin recently made news after it came to light through Election Commission data that his company (Future Gaming) was the largest purchaser of now-scrapped electoral bonds worth more than Rs 1,300 crore, between 2019 and 2024, meant for donations to political parties. The Madras High Court last month allowed the ED case against Martin and his linked people to go on as it set aside a lower court order which had accepted a closure report filed by the Chennai Police crime branch in a case related to the seizure of unaccounted Rs 7.2 crore from his Chennai home. His other companies include Martin Builders Pvt. Ltd. and Daison Land and Development Pvt. Ltd. The ED had said earlier that these firms acquired immovable properties worth Rs 19.59 crore from the loans and advances given by Martin and his family members.

President Murmu, VP Dhankhar and Speaker Om Birla Honor Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Janjatiya Gaurav

President Draupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla marked Janjatiya Gaurav Divas by honoring the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter, on Thursday. The two leaders celebrated by playing a traditional dhol, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Indias tribal communities. Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrates the contributions and achievements of Indias tribal communities, with a special focus on Bhagwan Birsa Munda's remarkable impact. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jamui, Bihar, on Friday to pay tribute and officially commence the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. During his visit, Modi is expected to unveil a commemorative coin and postal stamp dedicated to Munda. In his commitment to advancing the welfare of tribal communities, Modi will also inaugurate a range of development projects totaling over Rs 6,640 crore. These initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure and improve the standard of living in rural and tribal regions. Among the projects, Modi will participate in the Grih Pravesh ceremony for 11,000 homes built under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). Furthermore, Modi will launch 23 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) under PM-JANMAN and 30 additional MMUs under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) to expand healthcare access in remote tribal areas. Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) to boost tribal entrepreneurship and 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools to provide quality education to tribal students. The celebration will also feature the opening of two Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums in Madhya Pradesh and two Tribal Research Institutes in Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim, preserving the heritage of tribal communities. As part of enhancing regional connectivity, Modi will lay the foundation for 500 km of new roads, establish 100 Multi-Purpose Centres, and expand Eklavya Model Residential Schools. Other major initiatives include constructing 25,000 new homes under PM JANMAN and 1.16 lakh homes under DAJGUA, as well as building new hostels, mobile medical units, and Anganwadi Centers. These efforts reflect a focused approach to improve education, healthcare, and community infrastructure for Indias tribal population. PM Modi's Dual Visit: Bodoland Mahotsav in Delhi,Tribal Pride Celebrations in Odisha, Bihar Rahul Gandhi Pays Tribute to Guru Nanak and Birsa Munda, Celebrating Unity and Heritage

PM to visit Bihar's Jamui today

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jamui in Bihar, which borders poll-bound Jharkhand, on Friday. The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 6,640 crores, aimed at uplifting tribal communities and improving infrastructure in rural and remote areas of the region, which the BJP hopes will have an impact on tribal-dominated Jharkhand. The PM will visit Jamui to commemorate Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, marking the commencement of the 150th birth anniversary celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Mr Modi will unveil a commemorative coin and postal stamp in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The PM will participate in the Grih Pravesh of 11,000 awas built under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). He will also inaugurate 23 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) launched under PM-JANMAN and an additional 30 MMUs under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) to enhance healthcare access in tribal areas. The Prime Minister will inaugurate 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) to promote tribal entrepreneurship and support livelihood generation and 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, worth around Rs 450 crores, dedicated to tribal students. He will also virtually inaugurate two Tribal Freedom Fighters Museums in Chhindwara and Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh and two Tribal Research Institutes in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir and Gangtok, Sikkim to document and preserve the rich history and heritage of tribal communities. He will lay the foundation stone of 500 km of new roads to improve connectivity in tribal regions and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs) to act as community hubs under PM JANMAN. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of 25 additional Eklavya Model Residential Schools, worth over Rs 1,110 crores, furthering the commitment of quality education for tribal children. Mr Modi will also sanction various development projects that include 25,000 new Awas under PM JANMAN worth around Rs 500 crore and 1.16 lakh Awas under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) worth over Rs 1,960 crore, 66 hostels under PM JANMAN and 304 hostels under DAJGUA worth over Rs. 1,100 crore, 50 new MPCs, 55 MMUs and 65 anganwadi centres under PM JANMAN, six Centres of Competency for Sickle Cell Anaemia elimination along with 330 projects for upgradation of Ashram Schools, hostels, Government Residential Schools among others under DAJGUA, worth around Rs 500 crores.

Telangana and Tamil Nadu Lead the Charge for Gaming Innovation at IGDC 2024

HYDERABAD: Day Two of the 16th edition of the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC), an initiative of Game Developer Association of India (GDAI), kicked off with a strong call for collaboration between state and central ministries to propel India's emerging video gaming and interactive entertainment sector onto the global stage. Industry leaders and key government officials which included Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, Telangana IT Minister and Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan, Tamil Nadu IT Minister, amongst other key dignitaries emphasised the strategic role of state and central cooperation in fostering talent, infrastructure, and innovation. The day began with policy round tables meets with the GDAI board members, CXOs of gaming companies, Ministers and other policymakers brainstorming on initiatives that are key for the growth of the India video gaming industry. Some of the top video gaming companies that were part of the policy round table included Nazara Technologies (only listed gaming company In India), Playsimple, Super Gaming, Nodwin Gaming, Mayhem, Lakshya Digital, EA, Winzo, YesGnome, 99 games, Leela Games amongst others. Special Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Smt. Neerja Sekhar built upon the momentum generated on the policy discussion with Shri. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, MIB on day 1 of IGDC by expressing enthusiasm for the establishment of a premier game development school and inclusion of gaming courses among premier tech, design and arts colleges of India. The industry will deliberate and present a detailed project report to the central government. This initiative aims to address the growing need for skilled talent in game design and development, creating a pipeline of world-class game creators. As part of the discussions, the state governments of Tamil Nadu and Telangana engaged actively with GDAI members and MIB officials and requested establishing regional Centre of Excellence (CoE) hubs in Telangana and Tamilnadu for a broader vision for the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector. These regional CoEs will then serve as local hubs for research, development, and training in game design and interactive media. The day also saw signing of MoUs between GDAI and various state governments including Rajasthan and Sikkim. In another significant development, the Incubator White Paper, prepared by the Game Developer Association of India (GDAI) after extensive industry consultation, was released jointly by the Tamil Nadu IT Minister, Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan and the Special Secretary of MIB Neerja Sekhar. The white paper outlines a common framework for the establishment of incubators across the country, aimed at nurturing intellectual property (IP) development and supporting early-stage gaming start-ups. The IT Ministers from Telangana and Tamil Nadu highlighted the spirit of competition and collaboration between states, aiming to attract global gaming companies and local talent to their respective regions. Both states are vying to become the preferred destination for gaming studios, leveraging infrastructure, policy support, and talent development initiatives to build a thriving ecosystem. The discussions at IGDC 2024 underscored the importance of a unified approach, with the central government facilitating cross-ministry interactions, including with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Commerce. This coordinated effort aims to align policy measures, drive innovation, and position India as a leading player in the global gaming industry. The panel discussions on Day Two at IGDC 2024 included Unlocking the Future: The Governments Pivotal Role in Developing Talent for the Games Industry panelists Laiju IP Nair, HOD-COE and Skill Demand Aggregation, Dept. of Higher Edn. Govt. of Kerala, Mohit Soni, CEO-MESC, Shrikant Sinha, CEO- TASK; Bridging the Gap: How colleges are shaping and must evolve to build the game development talent of tomorrow- panelists Chaitanya Chinchlikar- VP & Business Head- Whistling Woods International, Derek Ham-Director of the ETC, Carnegie Mellon Entertainment Technology Center, Dr. Padmavati; Unlocking Growth: The Science of Analytics and User Acquisition- Panellists Jasmeet Singh, Product Director, Nukebox Studios, Pankaj Uniyal, BD-Lead, India and the US, SocialPeta, Priyanka Singh-Director Sales- APAC, Country Manager India, Digital Turbine, Shreyas Mehta- Customer Success Group Leader, AppsFlyer.

Chhattisgarh Celebrates Janjatiya Gaurav Divas with Cultural Fest

Raipur: The two-day state level programme showcasing rich cultural heritage of various tribes of the country kicked off here on Thursday to mark the birth anniversary of adivasi freedom fighter Birsa Munda, falling on Friday. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the two-day grand event here. Artists from northeastern states and across the country are set to showcase their rich cultural heritage at the grand two-day event being organized to observe the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on Friday as a mark of respect to revered tribal leader Birsa Munda, a spokesman of the Chhattisgarh government said. Prime Minister Narenda Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, scheduled to be observed across the country on Friday, virtually from Jamui in Jharkhand. The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas will be observed in all the districts in the state on Friday, Mr Sai said here. Artists from five northeastern states- Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim- have already arrived here to give their performances during the period. These northeastern artists are scheduled to celebrate the diverse colours of their culture by presenting folk dances such as Wangla-Rungla, Ret-Kinong, Geh PadamA Na-Nyi E, and Solkia. A senior state government officer said 21 tribal dance troupes from 20 states are scheduled to perform on the occasion.

97 govt schools in Sikkim to be shut due to shortage of students

The Sikkim government announced the closure of 97 schools with low enrollment. Education Minister Raju Basnet stated that students will be merged into nearby schools to improve resource allocation and educational quality. This decision aligns with the government's commitment to prioritize education.

Lottery scams and money laundering: ED conducts raids in multiple places across Sikkim, Bengal and Tamil Nadu in Santiago Martin case

On the basis of the charge sheets filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the ED had initiated a money laundering probe against Martin and his company, Future Gaming Solutions (P) Limited (presently Future Gaming and Hotel Services (P) Limited and formerly Martin Lottery Agencies Limited).

Lottery scam: ED raids multiple places

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted pan-India searches at multiple locations in West Bengal, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu in connection with financial fraud of lottery and the corruption case involving money laundering through lottery tickets to certain influential people. The raids have been underway since Thursday morning in at the premises of suspects in West Bengal's Kolkata, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu's Chennai and Coimbatore. The agency is probing a lottery scam case registered in 2012 against lottery baron Santiago Martin and others, in which the Sikkim government was allegedly cheated. The ED had earlier attached assets worth Rs 277.59 crore in the case. They included a large number of immovable properties in Tamil Nadu. On the basis of the charge sheets filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the ED had initiated a money laundering probe against Martin and his company, Future Gaming Solutions (P) Limited (presently Future Gaming and Hotel Services (P) Limited and formerly Martin Lottery Agencies Limited). The agency had then alleged that Martin and others conspired to make wrongful gains. They entered into an agreement with State government officials, in contravention of the Lottery Regulations Act, under which the company could avoid remitting the face value of lottery tickets sold in Kerala to the State exchequer as sale proceeds. An illegal gain of over Rs 910.30 crore was made by inflating the prize winning tickets' claims from April 1, 2009, to August 31, 2010, as alleged. In another case, the Enforcement Directorate in 2022 had also attached properties worth Rs 409.92 crore in the case against Future Gaming and Hotel Services Private Limited and its various sub-distributors and area distributors for West Bengal. The ED probe is based on the cases registered by the Kolkata Police under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Lotteries (Regulation) Act. The attached assets are in the form of bank balance and mutual fund holdings.

ED launches fresh raids against 'lottery king' Santiago Martin

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting searches across India in connection with a lottery scam and money laundering case. The raids target lottery baron Santiago Martin and others for allegedly cheating the Sikkim government and laundering money through lottery tickets.

PK Mishra bats for building disaster resilience

NEW DELHI: The best way to deal with disasters is to prevent them, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, said on Tuesday, emphasising that proactive measures are essential to safeguard communities. Disaster risk reduction is not just about responding to disasters but also about building resilience, Mishra said, quoting PM Narendra Modi. We must work together across borders and disciplines to create a safer world, he said, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges like glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). He said mitigating risks associated with glacial lakes is to ensure a safer future for communities. Complimenting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the department of water resources for organising the 4th workshop of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction, Mishra dwelt on international perspectives and experiences, specially Indias, gaps and challenges in mitigating the risks. He said the discussion on Sikkim glacial lake outburst flood disaster has brought to focus the enormity of the challenge. Indeed, the South Lhonak GLOF was a wake-up call for all of us and required urgent measures for effective strategies to address risks associated with glacial lakes, he added. Mishra said Indias commitment extends beyond national borders, calling for engagement with GLOF experts from countries, such as Bhutan, Nepal, Peru, Switzerland and Tajikistan. Such collaboration is vital for enhancing our understanding of response strategies, he said. Mishra underlined the key contributions from experts, including from abroad, who have enriched the understanding of the critical issues. Structuring the deliberations, he mentioned about the challenges including the confusion over the quantum of the problem defined in terms of the number of glacial lakes and risk factors associated with them.

Centre maps 100 glacial lakes, 47 'glof facing' dams

Following a devastating glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim last year, India is intensifying efforts to map and address vulnerabilities in hydropower projects. Assessments reveal 47 projects are highly susceptible to such floods, with Himachal Pradesh alone accounting for 20.

'Only responding to disasters not enough, we need to build resilience', says Principal Secretary PK Mishra

NEW DELHI: Disaster risk reduction is not just about responding to disasters but also about building resilience, said PK Mishra, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, on Tuesday quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modis words. Mishra reiterated the PMs emphasis that the best way to deal with disasters is to prevent them, reminding us that proactive measures are essential in safeguarding our communities. We must work together across borders and disciplines to create a safer world, Mishra said while highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges like GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) risks. He also noted that mitigating risks associated with glacial lakes is to ensure a safer future for communities. Complimenting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Department of Water Resources for organising the 4th Workshop of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR), Mishra asked for international perspectives and experiences, especially Indias experiences, gaps and challenges in mitigating the risks and related aspects. He said that the discussion on Sikkim glacial lake outburst flood disaster has brought to focus the enormity of the challenge. Indeed, the South Lhonak GLOF was a wake-up call for all of us and required urgent measures for effective strategies to address risks associated with glacial lakes, he added. On international cooperation, Mishra emphasised that Indias commitment extends beyond national borders, hence the vital aspect of engaging with GLOF experts from countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, Peru, Switzerland and Tajikistan. He reiterated that such collaboration is vital to enhancing our understanding of response strategies. Mishra underlined the key contributions of experts from the country and abroad, who have enriched our understanding of the critical issues. Structuring the deliberations, Mishra mentioned the challenges including the confusion over the quantum of the problem defined in terms of the number of glacial lakes and the risk factors associated with them. He said that earlier attempts to mitigate risks from the South Lhonak lake were not successful and plans were primarily restricted to scientific hazard assessments and geospatial monitoring of lake size increases, while there was diffused responsibility among states and central agencies, causing confusion regarding roles.

French ambassador meets Sikkim chief secretary, seeks to deepen cooperation

GANGTOK, Nov 11 : French ambassador Thierry Mathou met Sikkims Chief Secretary VB Pathak in Gangtok on Monday. He was accompanied by his spouse Cecile Mathou and officials of the French consulate in Kolkata to the meeting at the Tashiling Secretariat. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to deepen cooperation. Mathou noted the historical ties between France and Sikkim, notably through Alexandra David-Neel who spent nearly three years in Sikkim and authored over 30 books, including Magic and [] The post French ambassador meets Sikkim chief secretary, seeks to deepen cooperation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Campaign ends for first phase of Jharkhand polls and bypolls to 31 Assembly and one Lok Sabha seats

Among the 33 Assembly seats originally announced to go to byelection in this phase, polling would be held in only 31 as in Sikkim, the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has won two seats uncontested.

Sikkim Manipal University, TISS Invite Applications For PhD Programmes, Check Details

Sikkim Manipal University PhD Admission 2024: The deadline for application submission is November 16. Applicants can make corrections to their forms between November 17 and November 19.

Sikkim's Lifeline Now Under National Highway Body, Not Bengal Government

BJP MP from Darjeeling Raju Bista has announced that National Highway 10 has been handed over to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). Earlier this road was maintained by the PWD West Bengal.

Andhra Pradesh: DSP, Army Major Daughters Make Parents Proud

Anantapur: It was a proud moment for the teacher-parents as their daughters achieved prestigious heights in the countrys uniform services. The couple was accompanied by their daughter Pratibha - who is working in the Indian Army as a Major in Kolkata while attending their elder daughter Pradeepthi's passing out parade as Deputy Superintend of Police (DSP) at the AP Police Academy centre in Anantapur. The parents Appa Rao and Sugunaveni have had joyful moments witnessing their younger daughter, an Army Major, congratulating her DSP sister. This middle-class family could achieve this goal after years of struggle and hard work. Appa Rao and Sugunaveni are government teachers and natives of Amudalavalasa. While Appa Rao is retired, Sugunaveni is still in service. The couple has two daughters Pradeepthi and Pratibha and both are engineering graduates. Though initially, mother Sugunaveni wanted her two daughters to be settled as software engineers, she had to accept the goals of her daughters. Pratibha, after completing her graduation in mechanical engineering in 2014, set a goal to join the Indian Army. She attempted SSC thrice and succeeded in her third attempt. She served two-and-a-half years in crucial sectors in Sikkim and Jammu and Kashmir and one-and-a-half years in South Sudan on a United Nations mission. Presently, she is working as a Major in Kolkata. I am proud of my sister Pradeepthi. She has achieved the goal after a series of struggles, Pratibha appreciated and recalled the routine discouragement from relatives and friends for middle-class young girls while choosing their careers, especially in security services. Appa Rao and Sugunaveni were happy as their daughters achieved a rare feat by joining the leadership positions in the nations uniform services.

Two sisters, two uniforms: A familys pride

Anantapur : A proud moment for a family of teachers, as their two daughters reached the pinnacle of their careers in uniform services. Major Pratibha, serving in the Indian Army, recently travelled from Kolkata to attend her elder sister DSP Pradeepthis passing-out parade at the AP Police Academy in Anantapur. Appa Rao, a retired teacher, and his wife Sugunaveni, a serving teacher, hail from Amidalavalasa. Despite initially aspiring for their daughters to pursue careers in software engineering, they supported their ambitions to join the armed forces. Pratibha, a mechanical engineer, achieved her goal of joining the Indian Army after three attempts at the SSC exam. She has served in critical locations like Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, and South Sudan under a UN mission. I am incredibly proud of my sister Pradeepthis achievement, said Pratibha, acknowledging the challenges faced by middle-class girls who choose careers in security services. Appa Rao and Sugunaveni are overjoyed that both their daughters are serving the nation in uniform. Their story is an inspiration to many.

Centre releases Rs 799 crore as part of MHAs copter subsidy scheme for northeastern region

NEW DELHI: As part of the Centres helicopter subsidy scheme for the northeastern region, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has released Rs 798.95 crore to different states for the financial years between 2016 and 2024, officials said on Saturday. The scheme was launched to boost connectivity to remote areas of the northeastern states including Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur, to meet emergency evacuation needs. The scheme further aims to provide affordable passenger transport in the region, particularly for evacuation during natural calamities and urgent medical evacuation. The Centre bears 75 per cent of the total cost of operation after deducting passenger recovery or flat 20 per cent of actual operation cost, whichever is more, the officials said. They said that in order to restrict the subsidy, an annual ceiling of flying hours has been fixed for the helicopter services in these states. According to the officials, about Rs 76.45 crore was released for the financial year 2015-16, Rs 86 crore in 2016-17, Rs 86 crore in 2017-18, Rs 90 crore in 2018-19, Rs 100 crore in 2019-20, Rs 72.50 crore in 2020-21, Rs 100 crore in 2021-22, Rs 100 crore in 2022-23, and Rs 88 crore in 2023-24. 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: Tripura has 480 hours, Arunachal Pradesh 3,460 hours, Sikkim 1,200 hours, Meghalaya 720 hours, Nagaland 480 hours and Mizoram 960 hours.

Around 98 pc schools in India have separate toilet facilities for girl students: Centre to SC

New Delhi: The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that more than 97.5 per cent schools in the country, including government, government-aided and private ones, have provided separate toilets facilities for girl students. It has filed an affidavit in a pending PIL moved by Congress leader and social activist Jaya Thakur seeking directions to the Centre and states to provide free sanitary pads to girl students of Classes 6 to 12 and ensure separate female toilet facilities in all government, government-aided and residential schools. The Centre has told the top court that states and Union territories, such as Delhi, Goa and Puducherry, have achieved 100 per cent targets and complied with the earlier orders of the court. It has also informed the court that 16 lakh toilets for boys and 17.5 lakh toilets for girls have been constructed in more than 10 lakh government schools and 2.5 lakh toilets for boys and 2.9 lakh toilets for girls have been made available in government-aided schools. The Centre has pointed out that in West Bengal, separate toilet facilities have been provided for girl students in 99.9 per cent schools and in Uttar Pradesh, 98.8 per cent schools have separate facilities for girls. The figure is 99.7 per cent in Tamil Nadu, 99.6 per cent in Kerala, 99.5 per cent in Sikkim, Gujarat, Punjab, 99.6 per cent in Chhattisgarh, 98.7 per cent in Karnataka, 98.6 per cent in Madhya Pradesh, 97.8 per cent in Maharashtra, 98 per cent in Rajasthan, 98.5 per cent in Bihar and 96.1 per cent in Odisha, it has informed the court. The northeastern states lag behind the national average of 98 per cent, the Centre has said, adding that even Jammu and Kashmir has provided separate toilet facilities for girls in 89.2 per cent schools. On July 8, the Centre informed the top court that a national policy on the distribution of menstrual hygiene products to adolescent schoolgoing girls is at an advanced stage of formulation. The public interest litigation (PIL) plea moved by Thakur has highlighted the difficulties faced by adolescent girls from poor backgrounds in schools. The Centre had earlier said it was in the process of collating all necessary material to form a national policy on the distribution of menstrual hygiene products to schoolgoing girls in terms of the court's orders dated April 10, 2023 and November 6, 2023. The top court had directed the Centre to lay down a national model for building toilets commensurate with the number of girl students in all government-aided and residential schools across the country. While emphasising a uniform procedure, it had also asked the Centre about the policy it has formulated for the distribution of sanitary napkins to female school students nationally. On April 10, the court appointed the secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) as the nodal officer to coordinate with the states and Union territories, and collect relevant data for formulating a national policy. It noted that the MoHFW, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Jal Shakti have schemes on menstrual-hygiene management. The court also ordered all the states to submit their menstrual-hygiene management strategies and plans that are being executed with the help of funds provided by the Centre or through their own resources to the Mission Steering Group of the National Health Mission within four weeks. The court said the states shall also indicate to the Mission Steering Group of the National Health Mission the appropriate ratio of female toilets for residential and non-residential schools in their respective territories. It asked all the states and Union territories to also indicate the steps that have been taken to provide low-cost sanitary pads and vending machines in schools and their appropriate disposal. The plea has said girls aged between 11 and 18 years from poor backgrounds face serious difficulties in receiving education, a right guaranteed under Article 21A of the Constitution. These are adolescent females who are not equipped with and are also not educated by their parents about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. The deprived economic status and illiteracy lead to a prevalence of unhygienic and unhealthy practices, which have serious health consequences, increase obstinacy and lead to eventual dropping out from schools, the plea has said.

People across India revel in Diwali; Delhi defies firecracker ban

NEW DELHI: Colourful lights decked up buildings and diyas (earthen lamps) dotted houses as people across the country celebrated Diwali with great enthusiasm on Thursday. In the national capital, Delhiites defied the firecracker ban as the city's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category with an AQI of 327 at 9 pm. Keeping up his tradition of celebrating the festival with soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sir Creek near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district and offered sweets to jawans. Modi said India cannot compromise on even an inch of land on its borders, adding the people believe in the strength of its armed forces for defending the country. In the past, attempts were made to turn this region into a battlefield. The enemy has set its eyes on this region for a long time. But we are not worried as you are guarding the nation. Our enemy also knows it well, he asserted. People of India feel their country is safe because of you; when the world sees you, it sees India's strength, when enemies see you, they see the end of their sinister plans, the prime minister said, addressing personnel of the Border Security Force, Army, Navy and Air Force. Modi also called on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar separately and greeted them on Diwali. One of the most popular Hindu festivals, Diwali is associated with the day Lord Ram is believed to have returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after defeating demon king Ravana during his 14 years in exile. The festival is seen as a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Dressed in traditional attire, people greeted each other, exchanged sweets and gifts, and visited temples. Meanwhile, troops of India and China exchanged sweets at several border points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including at locations in eastern Ladakh, on the occasion of Diwali. The exchange took place at all the five Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points along the LAC -- Bum La and Wacha/Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, Chushul-Moldo and Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh and Nathu La in Sikkim -- among several other locations, sources said. 'Diyas' being lit during the Diwali festival celebration, at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, Thursday, Oct 31, 2024. The celebrations across the country were largely incident free. However, in Uttar Pradesh, six people, including four of a family, were killed when a tempo they were travelling in was hit by a tractor in the Mujaria area of Budaun, police said. The victims, who worked as vegetable vendors in Noida, were returning home to celebrate Diwali. In Andhra Pradesh, a man died after the firecrackers he was carrying on a two-wheeler exploded in Eluru town, police said. In UP, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated Diwali with the forest dwellers of Vantangiya village in Gorakhpur. He said people dividing society along caste, regional, and linguistic lines have the DNA of Ravan and Duryodhan, and warned that anyone who attempts to disrupt peace or get involved in crime against women would be dealt with strictly. During his visit to the area, the chief minister inaugurated 74 development projects valued at Rs 185 crore across various gram panchayats. In the national capital, the sky lit up as people celebrated Diwali defying a ban on firecrackers. Areas including Lajpat Nagar, Kalkaji, Chhatarpur, Jaunapur, East of Kailash, Saket, Rohini, Dwarka, Punjabi Bagh, Vikas Puri, Dilshad Garden, Burari and many other neighbourhoods of east and west Delhi saw firecrackers being burst. With the 24-hour AQI recorded at 328 at 4 pm, the city experienced its worst air quality on Diwali in the last three years. In West Bengal, Kali Puja and Diwali were celebrated with gaiety and fervour, with decorated pandals creating a festive spirit across the state. With only green fireworks allowed by the administration as per the earlier orders of a court, police and state pollution control board officials kept vigil to prevent flouting of the rule. Border Security Force (BSF) personnel light candles to celebrate the Diwali festival near the Indo-Bangladesh Border, at Atila, Tapan, in Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal, Thursday, Oct 31, 2024. Long queues were seen at the famed Tarapith, Dakshineswar, Kalighat, Thanthania, and other Kali temples across the state. In Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the Lansdowne cantonment to celebrate Diwali with army soldiers, saying he felt fortunate to be with them on the auspicious occasion. Paying tribute to the martyrs by offering a wreath at the war memorial there, Dhami said, We can light diyas at our homes on Diwali only because our brave soldiers live away from their families to protect the country's borders. Dhami also distributed sweets and gifts among the soldiers, widows of martyrs and their children. In Rajasthan, the festival of light was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Markets were vibrant and bustling until late Wednesday night with people flocking to buy new clothes, sweets, firecrackers and other festive items. CM Bhajanlal Sharma and other leaders extended Diwali greetings on X. Meanwhile, more than 20 lakh devotees gathered at Chitrakoot on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Diwali, an official said. According to mythology, Lord Ram spent the better part of his 14-year exile at Chitrakoot, located on the banks of the Mandakini river. Devotees took a dip in the river and performed a `deep-daan' ceremony. Fireworks light the sky at the illuminated Akshardham temple on the occasion of the Diwali Festival, in Jaipur, Thursday, Oct 31, 2024. In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wished people on the occasion of Diwali and emphasised his government's commitment to take the state to new heights. My heartiest congratulations to all the brothers and sisters of Odisha on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of light and joy, Majhi said in a video message on his X handle. In the coastal state of Goa, the celebrations took off after the burning of Narakasur demon effigies in the early hours. As per traditions, the effigies were taken around before they were burnt to mark the victory of good over evil.

Ruling SKM wins both Assembly seats uncontested in Sikkim bypolls

In a significant political development, Sikkim Democratic Front candidates withdrew from Soreng-Chakung and Namchi-Singhithang assembly constituencies, allowing Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) nominees to win unopposed. CAP's disqualified candidates spurred allegations against SKM for undemocratic practices and manipulation of the electoral process.

Northeast Assembly bypolls: Family politics to the fore

Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamangs son Aditya Golay wins unopposed from Soreng Chakung; NPP fields Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangmas wife Mehtab from Gambegre

2 Candidates Withdraw Nomination, Sikkim Assembly To Remain Opposition-Less

The Sikkim Assembly will continue to remain opposition-less with candidates from the Sikkim Democratic Front withdrawing their nominations for bypolls for two Assembly seats a day after the nominations of leaders from another party were rejected.

Sikkim by-polls: Ruling SKM wins both seats uncontested

GUWAHATI: The candidates of the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) won the by-elections to two seats uncontested on Tuesday after the candidates of the Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) opted out of the race. The winners were Aditya Golay Tamang, the son of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Satish Chandra Rai. Aditya was pitted against SDFs Prem Bahadur Bhandari in a straight contest in the Soreng-Chakung seat after the nomination of Citizen Action Party candidate Pobin Hang Subba was rejected by the Election Commission on Monday. Bhandari withdrew his nomination on Tuesday. Similarly, Satish was facing a contest from SDFs Daniel Rai in the Namchi-Singhithang seat. Rai withdrew from the contest on Tuesday. According to election officials, the SKM candidates will be declared winners at the end of the last date for withdrawal of nominations which is Wednesday. A jubilant Aditya, who is a former MLA, told the media it was Bhandaris individual decision. I think he wants to come and join our programmes for the development of the Soreng-Chakung constituency, Aditya said. On the rejection of Subbas nomination, he said, It happened on technical grounds. The RO (returning officer) is the right person to comment on this. The CM had won from Soreng-Chakung and Rhenock seats in this years Assembly elections which were held simultaneously with Lok Sabha polls. Later, he vacated the Soreng-Chakung seat, necessitating the by-poll. His wife, Krishna Kumari Rai, had also won the Assembly polls from the Namchi-Singhithang seat but she resigned later. This necessitated the by-poll to the seat. Aditya said the SKM workers were confident that they might not have to face the elections in Soreng-Chakung but I was more on the side of contesting the polls. In the general elections, we secured 10,480 votes for our party president Mr Prem Singh Golay sir in the Soreng-Chakung seat. We were quite confident of breaking that record. Unfortunately, we havent been able to do it, Aditya said. He added they would have to engage with the youth, try to understand their problems and work accordingly.

Deepotsav 2024: A Grand Celebration with Over 1,200 Artists in Ayodhya on October 28-30

The Yogi government is gearing up for a grandDeepotsav this year, marking the first celebration after the consecration of Lord Shri Ram's idol which was held on January 22, 2024. This will be the eighth consecutive Deepotsav since 2017, uniting the spirit of India in Ayodhya with captivating Ramlila performances and a vibrant display of art and culture from both national and state talents. From October 28 to 30, a grand procession featuring 250 artists will showcase Uttar Pradeshs rich heritage through folk dances. In total, around 240 artists from various states will join the festivities in Ayodhya, alongside 800 additional performers who will engage audiences with folk dances and songs at multiple venues. Over the three-day event, more than 1,200 artists from India and abroad will immerse attendees in a spirit of devotion. International troupes from Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Nepal will perform Ramlila, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of this historic Deepotsav. The vibrant procession will include traditional dance performances such as Faruaahi, Bahurupiya, Awadhi folk, Bamrasiya, Tharu, Deewari, Dhobiya, Rai, Dhedhiya, Mayur, and other tribal folk dances, highlighting Indias diverse folk culture. Artists representing 15 statesincluding Sikkim, Assam, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Rajasthanwill showcase their unique traditions and folk dances, including Kashmirs Rauf, Uttarakhands Chhapeli, Haryanas Ghoomar, Madhya Pradeshs Baredi, Punjabs Bhangra/Gatka, Maharashtras Dholtasha, Gujarats Dandiya-Garba, Himachal Pradeshs Shirmour Nati, and Chhattisgarhs Gandi dance. Under the guidance of the Yogi government, Ayodhya will host spiritual and cultural programs at various locations during the three-day celebration. Approximately 800 artists will perform folk dances and songs at venues such as Guptar Ghat, Badi Devkali, Ram Ghat, Birla Dharamshala, Bharatkund, Tulsi Udyan, Bhajan Sandhya Sthal, Naka, Hanumangarhi, Bus Adda Bypass, and Naya Ghat in Shri Ayodhya Dham. Highlights include Preeti Singh from Agra performing at Ram Katha Park, Maitrey Pahadi presenting a dance drama based on the Hanuman Chalisa, and Ranjana Nev from Saharanpur staging a dance performance inspired by the Ramayana. Ayodhya Set to Light Over 2.5 Million Lamps for Grand Deepotsav Celebration Air India Express Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Ayodhya Scaring Bomb Threat

How Bagdogra airport found a jugaad for 3-minute goodbyes long before New Zealand

The Bagdogra International Airport, located in West Bengal, has had an ingenious 3-minute limit on goodbye durations for passengers for years. This comes to light as the Dunedin Airport in New Zealand faces criticism recently for enforcing a similar 3-minute cap. Bagdogra Airport serves as the main gateway to North Bengal, Sikkim and parts of [] The post How Bagdogra airport found a jugaad for 3-minute goodbyes long before New Zealand appeared first on Northlines .

Over 77 per cent of Indias children lack WHO-suggested diversity in diet, study finds

NEW DELHI, Oct 23: About 77 per cent of children in India aged 6-23 months lack diversity in diet as suggested by the WHO, with the countrys central region showing the highest prevalence of minimum dietary failure, a study has found. The states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh reported the highest levels of inadequate diversity in childrens diets all above 80 per cent while Sikkim and Meghalaya were the only two to report [] The post Over 77 per cent of Indias children lack WHO-suggested diversity in diet, study finds appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Gadkari reviews progress of key national highway projects in Assam, Sikkim, Mizoram

NEW DELHI, Oct 22 : Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday held a comprehensive review meeting in Delhi to assess the progress of key National Highway projects in Assam, Sikkim, and Mizoram. According to an official statement, the meeting was attended by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, union ministers of state for Road Transport Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Sikkim R&B Minister Nar Bahadur Dahal, Mizoram Chief [] The post Gadkari reviews progress of key national highway projects in Assam, Sikkim, Mizoram appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

New Himalayan snake species named after Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio,it will becalled...

The newly described snake species, 'Anguiculus dicaprioi' is distributed from central Nepal to Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, whereas 'Anguiculus rappii' is distributed in Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.

Doctors Leave Pair Of Scissors In Woman's Abdomen, It Is Found 12 Years Later

Having undergone surgery to remove her appendix, a woman from Sikkim continued to suffer for over a decade more and several doctors failed to diagnose why. When the diagnosis was finally revealed earlier this month, it shocked her and her family.

Modi to meet NDA CMs in Chandigarh

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi has called a conclave of all NDA chief ministers and their deputies after the swearing-in of Nayab Singh Saini-led government in Haryana on Thursday. The conclave will take place in Chandigarh. The BJP on Wednesday announced that all the 20 CMs and their deputies from NDA-ruled states would participate in the half-day conclave. Among the attendees will be 13 CMs and 16 Deputy CMs of BJP-ruled states and also CMs and deputy CMs of NDA-ruled states, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Meghalaya. BJP president J P Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Chandranabu Naidu will also be present. The agenda for the conclave is to address several crucial national issues, including the observance of Sanvidhan Ka Amrut Mahotsav. The meet will also formulate policy directions of the NDA.

PM Modi to lead historic conclave of NDA CMs, Dy CMs after swearing-in of Haryana CM

NEW DELHI: In a first for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) the swearing-in ceremony of Nayab Singh Saini as the Chief Minister of Haryana on Thursday would be followed by a conclave of NDAs all CMs and their deputies with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance marking a notable moment for the NDA. Following the ceremony, Chandigarh will host a historic conclave featuring Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday here announced that nearly all 20 Chief Ministers and their deputies from NDA states will participate in this half-day meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the entire event, lending his leadership to the proceedings. The conclave will kick off immediately after Saini's swearing-in ceremony. Among the attendees are 13 Chief Ministers and 16 Deputy Chief Ministers of BJP ruled states and other CMs and deputy CMs of NDA rules states including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, will attend this. Prominent figures in attendance will include BJP President J.P. Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Andhra CM Chandra Babu Naidu and Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, who will lead discussions. The agenda for the conclave is structured to address critical national development issues. Key topics will include the observance of Sanvidhan Ka Amrut Mahotsav, celebrating the Constitution's significance, and marking the 50th anniversary of attempts to undermine democracy in India. This meeting aims to reinforce the NDA's collaborative governance model and strategise on future policy directions. As the NDA looks to strengthen its unity and effectiveness across states, this conclave serves as a platform for dialogue and coordination, showcasing the coalition's commitment to addressing pressing national challenges while celebrating democratic values. The involvement of high-profile leaders underscores the importance of this event in shaping the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.

EC Announces Bypolls to Wayanad, Nanded LS Seats; 48 Assembly Constituencies

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Tuesday announced bypolls to the Wayanad and Nanded Lok Sabha seats as well as 48 assembly constituencies.Bypoll to the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal and the Milkipur assembly seat in Uttar Pradesh were not announced as election petitions are pending in the respective high courts against the candidates who had won the seats earlier. Bypoll to the Wayanad parliamentary seat and 47 assembly seats will be held on November 13 along with phase one elections for the Jharkhand Assembly. Bypoll to the Nanded Lok Sabha seat and the Kedarnath assembly constituency will be held on November 20 along with Maharashtra assembly polls and phase two of Jharkhand elections. The Wayanad Lok Sabha seat was vacated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as he opted to keep the Rae Bareli seat. The Nanded Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after MP Vasant Chavan died recently. Similarly, TMC MP from the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat Haji Sheikh Nurul Islam passed away a few days ago. Rahul's sibling Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest from Wayanad. The 48 assembly constituencies and two Lok Sabha seats where bypolls are being held are spread across 15 states - Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Punjab, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Sikkim.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 75 Border Infrastructure Projects Worth Rs 2,236 Crore

New Delhi: De fence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated 75 infrastructure projects constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Saturday, with a total cost of Rs 2,236 crore. These projects include 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two additional infrastructure developments across 11 states and union territories in India. According to the Ministry of Defence, the distribution of the projects is as follows: 19 projects in Jammu & Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, nine in Uttarakhand, six in Sikkim, five in Himachal Pradesh, two each in West Bengal and Rajasthan, and one project each in Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.The Defence Minister inaugurated the projects from the Trishakti Corps Headquarters in Sukna, West Bengal. Among the key highlights was the opening of the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim, which provides a vital connection between Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis. In his address, Rajnath Singh highlighted these projects as evidence of the governments commitment to strengthening border infrastructure and promoting socio-economic development in these regions. He emphasized that these projects are crucial for enhancing the country's defence readiness.The Defence Minister linked these developments to Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, stressing that such initiatives are instrumental in realizing this goal. With the completion of these 75 projects, the BRO has completed a total of 111 infrastructure projects in 2024, amounting to Rs 3,751 crore. This includes 36 major projects, like the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister earlier this year. In comparison, last year, 125 BRO projects were completed at a cost of Rs 3,611 crore. Rajnath Singh praised the BRO personnel for their dedication in completing the projects within set timelines, despite challenging terrains and harsh weather. He stated that in its third term, the government aims to further accelerate border infrastructure development.He also highlighted the increased allocation of Rs 6,500 crore for the BRO in the Union Budget 2024-25, expressing optimism that this funding will not only support strategic infrastructure but also facilitate socio-economic growth, particularly in the North-East region. Reflecting on past governments, Singh noted that before 2014, there was a belief that developing border areas could be exploited by adversaries. However, he affirmed that since the Modi government took office, developing border infrastructure has been a priority, as these regions, especially the North-East, are crucial both strategically and socio-economically. He concluded by expressing confidence that Indias expanding network of roads, from rural to urban areas, is driving unprecedented progress. Singh assured that further efforts will be made to develop border areas, promising that India will become one of the safest and strongest nations in the future. Railways Crash Near Chennai: NIA Investigates Potential Terrorist Involvement India vs Australia Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Showdown: A Crucial Battle for Semi-Final Spot US Sanctions Indian Firm for Alleged Role in Transporting Iranian Oil via 'Ghost Fleet'

Rajnath Singh inaugurates 75 Border Infra-Projects Worth Rs.2,236 Crore

In a major advancement for Indias border infrastructure, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 75 projects under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), amounting to Rs.2,236 crore. This initiative encompasses 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two additional works across 11 states and union territories, enhancing Indias defense capabilities and promoting socio-economic growth in border areas. The inauguration took place virtually from the Trishakti Corps Headquarters in Sukna, West Bengal, with a key focus on the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim. This new road connects Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis, significantly improving connectivity in the strategically important region. In his address, Rajnath Singh commended the BRO for its commitment to completing these projects in challenging terrains and difficult weather conditions. He reaffirmed the governments dedication to bolstering the nations defense and border infrastructure, emphasizing that these projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. With these 75 new projects, the BRO has reached a remarkable total of 111 infrastructure initiatives in 2024, at an overall cost of Rs.3,751 crore. This includes the cutting-edge Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister earlier this year. In the previous year, the BRO dedicated 125 projects worth Rs.3,611 crore. Singh highlighted the governments commitment to border development, noting a significant change in strategy since 2014. Previously cautious about developing border regions due to potential threats, the current approach prioritizes infrastructure enhancement, particularly in the North-East. He expressed optimism that the increased allocation of Rs.6,500 crore for the BRO in the Union Budget 2024-25 would further expedite strategic infrastructure development and stimulate socio-economic progress. He assured that India is on the path to becoming one of the safest and strongest nations globally, supported by these advancements in border infrastructure. The event was attended by important military and government officials, including Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, alongside Chief Ministers and Governors from various states, who participated both in person and virtually. India Achieves Milestone with Successful Test of Indigenous VSHORADS Missiles SPARSH Portal Linked to 30 Lakh Defence Pensioners: Rajnath Singh

Rajnath performs 'Shastra Puja' at Army's 33 Corps HQ on Dussehra

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday performed Shastra Puja (worship of weapons) on the occasion of Vijayadashami at the headquarters of an Army corps in West Bengal. Vijayadashami marks the end of Navratra and is celebrated as the festival of Dussehra. On the occasion of Vijayadashami in India, there has been a long-standing tradition of weapon worship. Today, I performed 'Shastra Puja' at the 33 Corps headquarters in Sukna, Darjeeling, Singh posted on X in Hindi. Singh also shared photographs. Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, senior officers and jawans were also present on the occasion. Singh was scheduled to address the Army Commanders Conference in Gangtok on Friday in person. But due to bad weather in the Sikkim capital, he addressed them through video conference from the Army location in Sukna.