Girls' band from Jharkhand set for Republic Day parade debut

RANCHI: Students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, located in the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, are set to give a band performance during the Republic Day celebrations on 26 January. Among three schools chosen nationwide to perform on the rostrum at Kartavya Path, this Jharkhand school earned its place alongside schools from Tripura and Sikkim. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Education Minister Ramdas Soren, and other senior state officials have congratulated the team on this remarkable achievement. Notably, the Piper Band team from the school secured the first prize in the Zonal Level Band Competition held in Guwahati on 22 December 2024. According to the school warden, the students left for Delhi on Monday. It is really an honour that the Piper band of our school will be a part of the Republic Day at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. A band of 25 girls, mostly tribals, will be performing before the President on Republic Day, said Warden Rajni Murmu. According to the warden, it is due to the hard work and consistent practice that these girls were selected for Republic Day. It is really satisfying that bands from only three schools have been selected from across the country to perform on Kartavya Path, and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Patamda, is one among them, said the warden. According to the State Programme Officer, Dhirasen Soreng, the girl band team from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Patamda, was selected due to their precision and uniformity in playing tunes. The girl band, on the other hand, is quite excited that they will be performing before the President. We never thought that we would ever get selected for the Republic Day parade. It is really a great honour for all of us that we will be a part of the Republic Day parade, said one of the band members, Parvati Mahto, a class 11 student of the school. The band has been in Ranchi since 4 January and practising rigorously to compete with the other schools for the national-level competition, to be held in New Delhi itself before the Republic Day, she added. Mahto informed that the selection process for the pipe band competition began at the block level, followed by district and state levels. The team that was selected at the state level earned the opportunity to participate in the zonal-level competition, ultimately paving the way for their Republic Day debut. Now, they are preparing for the national-level competition, she said. The education department of Jharkhand has been making consistent efforts since 2015 to secure an opportunity to perform on the Republic Day Parade Rostrum.

Siemens gets Rs 210-cr rail line electrification order from IRCON

Siemens Ltd secures a Rs 210-crore order from IRCON International Ltd for the electrification of the Sivok-Rangpo rail line, which will connect Sikkim to the national rail grid. The project involves advanced technologies and predictive maintenance across tunnels, strengthening critical infrastructure in a strategically important region while overcoming complex geographic challenges.

Sikkims Awardee Teachers Set Off For Educational Exposure Tour To Tamil Nadu And Kerala - NorthEast Today

Sikkims Awardee Teachers Set Off For Educational Exposure Tour To Tamil Nadu And Kerala NorthEast Today

Republic Day 2025: Important Advisory for Flyers Check These Details Before Traveling!

NEW DELHI: Passengers planning to travel from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport between January 19 and 26, 2025, should prepare for significant flight restrictions. The measures have been implemented to ensure security during the Republic Day celebrations, and thousands of travelers may be impacted during this period. According to the airport operator, flight arrivals and departures will be completely halted during specific hours. In a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) stated, As per the NOTAM issued for Republic Day from 19th to 26th Jan, no flights would be arriving or departing from Delhi Airport between 10:20 am to 12:45 pm IST. For updated flight information, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines. The restrictions will remain in place until January 26, affecting Delhis IGI Airport, which is the busiest in India, handling approximately 1,300 flight movements daily. Travelers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and check with their airlines to avoid any inconvenience. Republic Day Parade Highlights This year, 35 individuals from the Northeast have been invited to witness the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The group includes women entrepreneurs, National Award winners, and beneficiaries of flagship government initiatives. Members of self-help groups actively working on environmental protection, nutrition, sanitation, and gender empowerment are also part of this delegation. Out of these 35 guests, eight are from Assam, 22 from Sikkim, and five from Meghalaya, theofficials said. The theme for the Republic Day Parade tableaux is ' Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas ', emphasizing Indias heritage and development. A total of 15 states and union territories will participate in the parade with their displays, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Dadar Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu. Meanwhile, to ensure a safe and secure Republic Day celebration on January 26, Delhi Police has tightened security in the capital from January 18 to February 1. As part of these precautions, authorities have banned the use of drones and other small flying devices in Delhi to minimize potential risks. Anyone found violating these rules will be taken to court.

16th Finance Commission team arrives in Sikkim

GANGTOK, Jan 19: The full team of the 16th Finance Commission, headed by its chairman Arvind Panagariya, arrived in Sikkim on a five-day visit on Sunday. Chief secretary R Telang, chief administrator VB Pathak and DGP Akshay Sachdeva welcomed them at the Burtuk helipad. The team will interact with various stakeholders during the visit. (PTI)

Discover the Natural Beauty of Yangang: Asias Eco-Tourism Haven

Nestled in the undulating hills of South Sikkim, the charming town of Yangang provides a The post Discover the Natural Beauty of Yangang: Asias Eco-Tourism Haven appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

'Pataal Lok - Season 2' movie review: Riveting mystery sans the bite

During the pandemic in May, 2020, season 1 of Paatal Lok hit us like a wrecking ball. While being confined into our homes, we went on a journey with the brooding Haryanvi cop Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat) into the dark heartland of the country. A world reeking of caste and class inequalities. Based on Tarun Tejpals book The Story of My Assassins, it delved into the origins of four killers and the systems of marginalisation that created them. In his crude, jaat logic, Hathi Ram explained to us simply: Sometimes these insects of paatal lok (underworld) bite the inhabitants of dharti lok (human civilisation). Then what occurs is kaand (ruckus). The messaging was clear, all crime is class war. It was a lukewarm surprise when the second season was announced. Personally, it felt like the makers had given in to popular consensus. Those when season 2?demands in the comments section or maybe, more plausibly, it was platform pressure. But in Sudip Sharma we trust. The writer, who is the first fully-fledged showrunner in India, hasnt had a miss till now. His last, Kohrra, a misty, murder investigation in Punjab, might be devoid of external politics but it was still a deep incision into the structures of patriarchy and interpersonal relationships. Sceptical, I was still hopeful. We return to Outer Jamnapaar thana. If it was possible, Hathi Ram Chaudhury seems even more cynical and defeated. His subordinate from the first season, Imran Ansari (Ishwak Singh), is now an IPS officer and has jumped the ranks to become an ACP. Hathi Rams wife, Renu, wants him to take up a better paying job and his brother-in-law keeps on harping about his new, AC car (It has sapno ka saudagar (dealer of dreams) written on the rear window. The guy deals with hawala traders). Meanwhile, in the realm of swarg lok (heavens), Naga leader Jonathan Thoms headless corpse has been found in a hotel room bathtub. The deceased was a part of the ongoing talks between Nagaland and the Government of India for a multi-crore investment in the Northeastern state. Imran has been given the case. Parallelly, Hathi Ram is trying to help a destitute woman, whose husband has gone missing. Turns out, he was last seen with the main suspect of the Jonathan murder case. After brief hierarchical hiccups, Imran and Hathi Ram team up once again. They land in Nagaland, which is in the midst of political turmoil following Jonathans killing. As the mystery unravels, everybodys deep, dark secrets start spilling. Jonathan ran a drug empire, his wife was paying off his mistress for years, his son Reuben had split from his home party and founded another, a deal for a chain of hotels in Kohima is being rushed and a mysterious sniper is bumping off key links to the case. Sudip, along with team of writers Rahul Kanojia, Abhishek Banerjee and Tamal Sen, weaves a competent if not compelling thriller. Paatal Lok 2 opens with intrigue and ably follows the beats of a polished noir story. But the interest soon wanes away and you are only concerned with finding and placing the last piece of the puzzle, unbothered by the picture it creates. Although novel, Nagaland as a setting lacks the grittiness of Delhi. And its not the viewers unfamiliarity with its cultural context that lets disinterest creep in, the makers too offer only a cursory glance into the states milieu. The place never rises to become more than a scenic backdrop. While the first season was filled with mythology metaphors and cultural critique that managed to offend across the political spectrum (it invited the ire of a Sikkim MP, a BJP legislator, a former Akali Dal MLA and Gorkha youth wing members), Paatal Lok 2 has been sucked dry of any direct political commentary. Politics of the makers still bleeds in the show, unable to burst. In a scene, a child reads aloud a tale of a young boy who brought a baby bear home, only to be chided by his mother. A story, similar to a certain leaders childhood adventures featuring a baby crocodile. A bumper quote on an autorickshaw reads: bas dosti bani rahe(Hope friendship stays) and while talking about a Naga party, a character surmises how their motto overnight changed to development. These indirect potshots lack punch and are only a testimony to these desperate times. Desperation also seeps in when the narrative starts slogging. The action briefly jumps back to Delhi when Nagaland runs out of ideas. We have a riot-rescue mission and also a sniper hunt episode, both reminded me of the mechanics of The Last of Us. Paatal Lok 2 s mystery, although well crafted, is without mayhem. Its satire lacks bite. There are frequent callbacks to the first season, as if the show is craving for simpler, more expressive times. There is also a lot of kicking and punching and often, a heavyset Hathi Ram, in trainers like a PT teacher, huffs and bleeds, frequently getting exhausted of beating up the bad guys. Rest a bit, old chap, it has been a while. Series: Pataal Lok - Season 2 Creator: Sudip Sharma Director: Avinash Arun Dhaware Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Tillotama Shome, Gul Panag, Nagesh Kukunoor and Jahnu Barua Streamer: Prime Video Rating : 3/5

Five Dead In West Sikkim Car Accident

On Saturday morning, a devastating road accident claimed the lives of five individuals traveling to The post Five Dead In West Sikkim Car Accident appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .

Five dead as car falls into gorge in Sikkim's Gyalshing

113 roads along China border okayed

113 road projects worth 2,420.97 crore were sanctioned in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand for 2023-24. This is under the Vibrant Village Programme along the India-China border. Additionally, the third phase of the India-China Border Roads project began in Ladakh. The Union government approved the VVP scheme for selected villages in various border districts.

Mamata meets Sikkim ex-CM Chamling

Sikkim CM launches free Wi-Fi plan for Dzongu constituency

Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced plans to transform the Dzongu constituency into a free Wi-Fi zone, enhancing digital connectivity in the region. Speaking at the Namprikdang Namsoong Festival in Upper Dzongu, the CM emphasized the initiatives role in improving internet access for both locals and visitors. Also Read: Sikkim: SKM launches [] The post Sikkim CM launches free Wi-Fi plan for Dzongu constituency appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Sikkim min inaugurates 5-day-long spiritual prog in Jajpur

How Bollywood's Kancha Cheena Danny Denzongpa became the 'king of good times', built India's 3rd largest beer brand

Danny Denzongpa, renowned for his versatile Bollywood roles, made a groundbreaking shift into business by founding Yuksom Breweries in 1987. The venture, headquartered in Sikkim, now ranks as India's third-largest beer company, producing 11 popular brands. Known for outmanoeuvring industry titan Vijay Mallya in the northeast market, Dannys breweries contribute 100 crore annually to the regions economy.

Add these 15 enchanting experiences to your bucket list in 2025, that are worth a lifetime!

Let the feeling of the New Year sink in, it is time to get on to some new experiences. Those that you shall add to your already pending bucket list, those that you will just feel like hopping on to right now. Here are some, right in India. You know the destinations, but the glory of the place is worth to be experienced at a certain point of time. Thus, we have got it prepared for you. The long weekends in 2025 shall be utilized well. Come, check it- Kumbh Mela The first event that you got to experience at the beginning of the year is to visit the Mahakumbh. After a gap of 12 years, in 2025 the Mahakumbh is going to take place at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This religious event is the largest human gathering on the planet. Take a dip on the day of the Shahi snan in the Ganges, visit the camps of various spiritual leaders and be a part of the once in 12- year experience at the Mahakumbh 2025. It will begin on Jan 13 th 2025 and will continue till Feb 26, 2025. Do not miss the event of the year! Rann Mahotsav The ongoing Rann Mahotsav will continue till March 15, 2025. Celebrate the natural bliss of the White desert with the vivid cultural heritage of Gujarat. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at the Tent city and enjoy various activities and adventures, the music and folk dance performances of the local artists, the traditional crafts of artisans, and relaxation with meditation at spa. During the Rann Mahotsav, the beauty of Kutch is a splendid experience. You should go for it now, before the festival ends! Attractive packages are available for an amazing visit. Experience Holi as a local India is on a festival spree every year. Apart from all the festivals, the Holi fervor is always on a high. Why not celebrate the best of Holi at the most known places of the country? Be one with the local community and enjoy the festival of colors like never before. You can head out for- the Bra ki Holi in Mathura, around the Banke Bihari and Gopinath temple in Vrindavan, the Barsane ki Holi near Mathura, the ultimate experience of Holi in the Pink city of Jaipur, the best eve of Holi, i.e. Holika dahan in Udaipur, on the shores of Lake Pichola in Pushkar, in the idyllic spot Varanasi and near the Golden temple of Goddess Durga in Amritsar. Plus, it is a long weekend at the time of Holi this year. So you just cannot miss at any cost. The Taj Mahal at sunrise or on full moon Its a spectacular experience to visit the Taj Mahal. But have you ever imagined the beauty of the monument at sunrise and on a full moon night? It would be one of a kind. For a breathtaking sight where the rays of the sun fall on the white marble structure, when there is no flock of visitors seen, get out early and gaze at the Taj Mahal. And if you want to see it in the moonlight, then also you have got a chance. For, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) keeps the Taj Mahal open for visitors five days a month after sunset. Go for it to witness the magical hues right in front of your eyes. Spot the Bengal tiger The big roaring cat is a sight to behold. And the Indian subcontinent has a significant number to its tiger population. Add the unique thrilling safari experience to your bucket list now. Well, the best place to spot the Bengal tiger would be the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Get on the boat safari to look out for the Bengal tiger that lives in the semi-aquatic lifestyle in the Sundarbans, the Worlds largest Mangroves. Yet you can look out for other wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves in India. These include the Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore, Tadoba, Pench and the Jim Corbett. At the Golden temple One of the most serene places you will ever be at, the Golden temple. Visit the Golden temple to attend the Palki ceremony and be a part of the Langar for lunch. The Palki ceremony is commenced at pre-dawn when the Sikh holy book is carried in a palanquin from the Alakh takht inner chamber (where it rests at night) to the main sanctum of the temple. The devotees sing bugles and devotional songs. The practice is reversed at night. It will be the best sacred visit of your life. Every day, a langar is organized for the worshippers and pilgrims at the Golden temple. Go out to help in the kitchen preparing the meals, and in the end seat in the lines to experience the most beautiful meal for the day. Serving at the Golden temple is the ultimate human experience one can ever have. Ganga Aarti at Haridwar On the banks of the river Ganges, the evening prayer is the most blissful religious ritual to be a part of. Thousands of pilgrims assemble to witness the Ganga Aarti at the Har-ki Pauri Ghat. It is organized every morning and evening by the Ganga Sabha. Offering of Panchamrut and flowers is made to Ganga while chanting the Ganga Lahari Mantra. Lastly, a special song for Ganga can be heard in the speakers when Aarti is offered by lighting the copper diya. It can be the most overwhelming experience of your lifetime. Night Kayaking in Andaman The Bioluminescence effect of the Andaman Islands is surreal. And it is only experienced at night by Kayaking in the calm waters with dense mangroves around. The best time to go for Kayaking is during no-moon or full moon phase. It also takes place on other days, only the bioluminescence effect is reduced by 20-30% in comparison to the dark days. The luminescent plankton glows blue in the depths of the waters of Andaman sea. You can even stargaze on the Kayak, at the best adventure of your life. The best places to opt for Night Kayaking include Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, Neil Island and the Ross Island. Get onto the Kayak to immerse yourself in the spell-bounding luminescent night! Stay in the traditional homestays Homestays are quite in trend these days, with visitors looking for that home feeling while travelling. There are many traditional homestays in various parts of India offering the most comfortable, cozy, homely experience. They serve you with the best local cuisine with a unique cultural experience. You can also look for some homestays that are reviving the rich heritage of India. The best traditional homestays of India date back to five decades and more. Ones you can experience include- Slow Garden (Ladakh), Krishnayan Heritage (Gwalior), Shahpura Bagh (Shahpura), Ranjit Svasa (Amritsar), Philipkuttys farm, Kumarakom (Kerala), Premkunj (Udaipur), Jungle Lodge (Shimla) and many more homestays that are being opened by people in their old homes for visitors. An Ayurvedic retreat The land of Rishi Patanjali, yoga and Ayurveda, India has a variety of hosts offering you the ultimate Ayurvedic wellness. There is a long list of Ayurvedic rejuvenation centers and resorts in the country. Why not try something new and go for an Ayurvedic holiday for a therapeutic experience. The experts and doctors treat you with therapies even for some acute medical conditions, with meditation and yoga and the best from Ayurveda. So, basically it will be a peaceful, healthy and healing trip. The best in India are- Ananda in Himalayas (Uttarakhand), Ashok Country Resort (New Delhi), The Leela (Udaipur), Devaaya, The Ayurvedic and Nature Cure Center (Goa), Somatheeram Ayurveda resort and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, both in Kerala. Explore famous food streets Well, who doesnt love the Indian street food. Say the name of the dish and everyone is up for it. You might always go down the street in your city, but have you ever experienced the delight of eating at some of the famous Indian streets? Its so deliciously amazingyou should try visiting these food streets for a real good culinary experience of your lifetime. Know the delicacies, culture and cuisine of India through its street food. Sarafa bazaar (Indore), Chowk and Aminabad (Lucknow), Old city and Majithia road (Amritsar), Paranthevali gali (Delhi), Gol Park (Kolkata), VV Puram, Mosque road, Avenue road and Church street (Bengaluru), Muhammad Ali road (Mumbai), Manek chowk (Ahmedabad) and Chartori gali (Bhopal) are some of the famous food streets of India that are a heaven for a food lover. Encounter the elusive Snow leopard In the high altitude mountains of the Himalayas, you can track down the striking beauty of the Snow leopard. It can camouflage easily in the snow, with patterned spots and thick fur, often called as mountain ghosts by the locals. An estimated 718 snow leopards are left in the Himalayan region. Watching the big cat is the most thrilling experience to have. Coming month of February is the best month to spot them, when they come out to lower regions in search of prey. Visit the Himalayan states of Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim to catch the sight of the elusive cat species. Explore the stars, sky and space Get a step ahead of star gazing, know more about the stars, the sky and the space. You will know space exploration, astronomy and associated technologies, and you will be surprised to know Indias advancement. Visit the biggest planetariums in the country, even the best in Asia for an educational and entertainment treat. Delve into one of a kind experience that you will have at- The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata (also known as Taramandal which is the largest in Asia and 2 nd largest in the world), Hyderabad and Chennai are the top most. Others include the Nehru Planetarium (Mumbai), Guwahati Planetarium (Assam) and the Ahmedabad Planetarium (Gujarat). Celebrate Cinema at the iconic Raj Mandir All things glamour and iconic at the Raj Mandir cinema of Jaipur. The Raj Mandir Cinema has become symbolic with time. It is often called as Cinema ka Mandir. The meringue shaped auditorium is in business since 1976. Movie premieres are a different feel at Raj Mandir, which is well equipped with the latest sound and technology. Designed in the art moderne style, it has art deco chandeliers and velvet drapes adding to the charm of the interiors here. Not to forget the jasmine scented air conditioning of the cinema theatre. Thus, experience the best of cinema at the Raj Mandir! Ride Kettuvallam in Kerala To those who dont know the Kettuvallam is a traditional houseboat in Kerala. It is made up of bamboo, coir and wood, that reflects Keralas authentic craftsmanship. Basically, it is now a cruise that sails in the backwaters of Kerala. With lagoons, lakes and canals forming the network of water channels in Kerala, the Kettuvallam is worth the ride. You can also watch out the sunset and enjoy a delicious supper that is rich in Kerala cuisine. Do not miss your leisurely Kettuvallam cruise in Kerala. Thus, with this you can experience the best of India in 2025, that you will remember for a lifetime. And when you are done, you can tick this off your bucket list. Happy travelling and Happy experiences!

Indias first organic aquaculture cluster launched in Sikkim

After achieving the tag of the countrys first organic farming state, now Sikkim is moving towards another feat the countrys first organic aquaculture cluster. The Union Minister Husbandary and Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched Indias first organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim and laid the foundation stone of projects worth Rs. 50 crores in Guwahati on Tuesday. The cluster will be antibiotic, chemical and pesticide-free which would help Sikkim to position itself as a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture. Organic fisheries cluster focuses on an ecologically healthy fish farming system avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, antibiotics and pesticides will tap into global Eco-conscious markets with support of financial and technical assistance from NABARD, said Singh in a statement. He further explains that the consumers get aware of the environmental impact of the products they regularly use, they will soon shun it. Hon'ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, in presence of Honble MoS, MoFAH&D, GoI, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and Honble MoS, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian and other dignitaries, pic.twitter.com/6yP1sOzXhu Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D (@FisheriesGoI) January 6, 2025 He further said that organic products typically attract a premium in both domestic and international markets. According to different estimates, the eco-conscious market size is valued at around USD 30 billion in 2024 to USD 105.26 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 22.4% during the forecast period. By establishing an organic aquaculture cluster, Sikkim could tap into this growing market and export of organic fish and fish products. The Government of Sikkim has already embraced organic farming, which has helped in building a strong reputation for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. Introducing organic fisheries and aquaculture will align with the states broader vision of promoting organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practices across all sectors. Organic clusters will ensure minimal environmental pollution and prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems, contributing to sustainable fish production practices. In addition to it, Singh has also inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 key projects worth Rs. 50 crores under Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY) covering all North East Region States except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. The fisheries and aquaculture sector plays a critical role in Indias economy, providing livelihoods to approximately 3 crore fishers and fish farmers. India is the worlds second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global output, ranks second in aquaculture production, leads in shrimp production and export, and is the third-largest producer in capture fisheries.

Centre launches countrys first organic fish cluster in Sikkim

It added that the organic fisheries cluster focuses on an ecologically healthy fish farming system avoiding chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides

Meghalaya railway projects in limbo

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Jan 6: There is no progress in any of the proposed railway projects in Meghalaya, unlike other landlocked tourist destinations such as Sikkim which are close to being put on the countrys railway map The Byrnihat project has been stalled for years while plans to connect Shillong with railways have gone [] The post Meghalaya railway projects in limbo appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Highest altitude firing range in Sikkim gets Green Ministry nod

India's forest advisory committee has approved the construction of a 2,000 m firing range in Sikkim and a 16 MW hydroelectric plant in Arunachal Pradesh. The firing range will be located near the India-China border and will impact 87 hectares of forest area. The hydroelectric plant in Arunachal Pradesh will utilize the Halai river to generate electricity.

Sikkim Governor visits Doklam, interacts with Army personnel

Interacting with the Army personnel, the Governor expressed gratitude towards the soldiers' relentless commitment to safeguard the nation

Union ministers to oversee BJP state chief polls

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Thursday appointed senior leaders, including key Union ministers, as election officers for the selection of state presidents and members of the national council. In a strategy to align state presidential polls with the national president election, the BJP assigned Union ministers to oversee elections in 29 states and UTs. Union minister Bhupendra Yadav has been appointed as the election officer for Gujarat, Shivraj Singh Chouhan for Karnataka, Piyush Goyal for Uttar Pradesh, Manohar Lal Khattar for Bihar and Dharmendra Pradhan for MP. Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat overseeing elections in Assam, Jitendra Singh in Himachal Pradesh, Prahlad Joshi, in Kerala, and George Kurian in Meghalaya. Other appointments include Kiren Rijiju for Sikkim, G Kishen Reddy for Tamil Nadu, Kumari Shobha Karandlaje for Telangana, Juel Oram for Tripura, and Sarbananda Sonowal for Arunachal Pradesh. According to the BJPs constitution, the election process for the national president will progress after at least 50% of state presidents and other office-bearers are elected.

Salute Our Soldiers In 2025

'The Indian Army, despite facing extreme weather conditions -- from searing heat in the summer in Rajasthan to bone-chilling cold in the winter in Ladakh, J and amp;K, Himachal, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim -- remains steadfast in its duty.'

IMD predicts intense snowfall with heavy rain showers in the western Himalayan regions, other parts to face...

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned about fresh snowfall with rain in Jammu Kashmir, Ladakh, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of North India on January 5. Scattered rain with snowfall is predicted in these regions from January 2 to January 4. This might continue till January 6. Also, there will be development of cold day conditions in Northwest plains and Central India with moderate isolated showers. Regions to face cold weather and dense fog IMD notified that dense fog will occur in areas of Haryana, Odisha, Punjab and Chandigarh till early morning today. It is anticipated in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim and Madhya Pradesh for the next 24 hours. While, in the northeastern regions of Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya till January 6. Northeast will also face ground frost weather till tomorrow. Similarly, isolated cold day conditions will be observed in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The northwest India will have a rise in the minimum temperatures by two to three degrees in the coming five days. The central and eastern India will face a temperature change probably after three days. Fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh According to the Met Department, the mid and high-hill areas of Himachal Pradesh are likely to receive fresh snowfall and downpour from today. The snowfall can intensify from January 4 to January 7. Heavy rain will follow between January 5 and January 6. The low hill areas and plains will continue with the dry weather. The weather was dry yesterday, however cold wave was observed in Sundernagar, dense fog in Kangra and Mandi and a moderate fog in Una. Temperature will fall by 4-5 degrees. Weather in Delhi/NCR There will be a partly cloudy weather in the national capital with moderate fog and smog. The regions in the outskirts will have dense fog in the morning. At the time of evening and night, smog along with shallow fog will be there. Delhi is already experiencing intense cold weather conditions since three days. Rain and thunderstorms might hit the NCR region. These significant changes in weather are caused due to western disturbances. According to the IMD, the western disturbance can be seen as a cyclonic circulation over East Afghanistan in lower tropospheric levels. Due to which, isolated to scattered rainfall/snowfall is expected in the Western Himalayan region. Thus, the weather is likely to intensify for a couple of days with snow and rainfall in the north and cold waves in other regions.

North East: Rural Sikkim And Urban Meghalaya Top Monthly Consumption Expenditure With Over 21 Per Cent Growth In A Year

Poll politics & protagonists

Billed as the super year of elections, 2024 saw 64 nations across the world going to polls. In India, there were the Lok Sabha election, eight assembly elections and several bypolls. The general elections held in April-May saw Narendra Modi-led BJP segueing into a third consecutive term, albeit with lesser numbers. For the first time, the saffron party, which wielded an undisputed majority in the last two terms, had to onboard two coalition partners Chandrababu-led TDP and Nitish Kumar-led JD(U). The mandate also proved to be a leveller in the countrys politics, maintaining the BJPs dominance while giving more teeth to the Opposition. The BJP secured 240 seats and the main Opposition Congress one seat short of 100. Among the assembly elections, the verdicts cemented the positions of incumbent governments in five states Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Curiously, the November verdict in Maharashtra saw Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis switch roles, but not without high drama. In Jharkhand, Hemant Soren consolidated his image as the states true tribal leader despite the rival camps outsider taunts during election campaigns. In October, Nayab Singh Saini too proved his mettle in Haryana. The same month saw Jammu and Kashmir where all elections were suspended since the scrapping of Article 370 in August 2019 going to polls once again after the hiatus, catapulting an initially hesitant Omar Abdullah to the chief ministers chair. In Odisha, the regional superpower BJD faced a crushing defeat under the BJP juggernaut. The five-time CM Naveen Patnaik was ousted after an uninterrupted 24-year rule. The Congress camp saw two firsts Rahul Gandhi, who won the Wayanad and Rae Bareli seats, assumed the role of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. The ensuing bypoll in Wayanad marked Priyanka Gandhi Vadras entry in electoral politics. Uttar Pradesh Ram temple consecration, mandir-masjid rows The year opened on a religious note with the consecration of Ram Lalla in the Ayodhya temple in January. Later, an ASI report established the presence of a pre-existing Hindu temple under the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, and the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute cropped up as well. Mid-February saw massive student protests over paper leak during the constable recruitment exam. In March, the death of jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari due to cardiac arrest grabbed the headlines. Two communal flare-ups, one at Bahraich in October and another at Sambhal in November shook the state. In the last leg, a sitting HC judge caused flutter with his political speech. Maharashtra A complete political turnaround The highlight of the year was the MahaYuti alliances landslide victory in the assembly elections, just six months after a drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls. The Opposition Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) had won 30 out of the 48 parliamentary seats during the general elections. But in a complete turnaround during the Assembly polls, the MahaYuti consisting of the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawars NCP faction secured 230 out of the 281 seats. In contrast, the MVA comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), could garner only 46 seats. Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as CM for a third. time. Jharkhand Champais fallout, Kalpanas rise Jharkhand plunged into a political crisis when CM Hemant Soren was jailed in a graft case. Two results ensued: Champai Soren, who held the fort, was disenchanted when Hemant wrested back power after his release, and joined BJP. Two, the state saw the rise of a new woman tribal leader in Hemants wife Kalpana Soren. The year also saw the launch of Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana, under which all women aged 21-50 years receive an aid of Rs 2,500 a month. West Bengal Where the mind is without fear At the stroke of the midnight hour on August 15, thousands of people thronged the streets of West Bengal, with songs of resistance and calls for justice for the trainee doctor of RG Kar Hospital, who was raped and murdered while on duty. The brutal murder at a government hospital finally restored the voice of a population that had for long remained complicit to enduring violence. An entire generation of disenfranchised people stormed into the streets yearning for a life without fear. What came about was a watershed, surrounding the question of women and workplace security, exposing the rot proliferating the system. As the year turns to a close, much of that zeal has dissipated into the monotony of injustice. The CBI, the flag-bearers of justice, is yet to chargesheet some of the key accused in the RG Kar rape-murder. Jammu and kashmir High poll percentage amid dip in militancy The first assembly election after the abrogation of Article 370 saw an unprecedented poll percentage of 63.9%, as people overwhelmingly came out to vote without fear. This was also the first election since 1990, that was bereft of boycott calls from militants or separatists. The Valley also saw further decline in militancy compared to the previous years, though two major militant attacks on civilians took place: In June, militants attacked a pilgrim bus in Reasi, killing nine persons. In October, terrorists stormed into a construction site of AFCO Infra in Ganderbal, killing seven people. The security forces killed one militant in an encounter. Stone peltings have dropped significantly. As 2024 draws to a close, the Valley is facing a severe power crisis in the bone-chilling cold of Chilai Kalan, the 40-day harsh winter period. Punjab Setbacks mark political landscape, SAD story Punjabs political landscape was marked by an upheaval, with the Aam Aadmi Party facing setbacks in Lok Sabha and civic polls despite key bypoll victories. Congress dominated, winning seven of 13 LS seats, while AAP secured three. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) faced internal rebellion, with leader Sukhbir Singh Badal undergoing religious penance mandated by the Akal Takht, and narrowly missing the bullet shot by a former militant. Farmers intensified protests demanding a legal guarantee for the minimum support price on crops, with marches blocked at state borders. Tardy paddy procurement further fuelled discontent among farmers. BJP remained ineffective, with state chief Sunil Jakhar stepping back post-poll losses. Uttarakhand Impending UCC, forest fires, drop in tiger deaths In 2024, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, with implementation expected in January 2025. Apart from this major development, the hill state also faced a staggering rise in forest fire incidents, reporting over 21,000 cases across its 13 districts a 293% increase compared to 2023. However, this surge in forest fires had no noticeable impact on the scenic states tourism sector, which attracted 6.5 crore visitors to its hill stations and religious sites. The Himalayan state is also known for its wildlife. Uttarakhand saw a significant decline in tiger mortality in 2024, with only eight deaths reported during the year, marking a remarkable 62% drop from the 21 deaths recorded in 2023. Northeast Ganges river dolphin, Bryan Adams concert The gun did not fall silent in Manipur in 2024, even 18 months after the ethnic violence broke out. In sharp contrast, there was absolute peace elsewhere in the Northeast. The first serious effort to restore peace was initiated in Jiribam on August 1, when Meitei and Hmar leaders met at a CRPF facility, though the agreement was short-lived. What followed was a series of civilian killings and arson attacks, and irate mob attacks on homes of Imphal Valley-based legislators. There are no signs of reconciliation yet and the wounds still remain deep. Other headlines from the Northeast included the first-geotagging of a Ganges river dolphin in Assam, a Bryan Adams concert in Meghalaya, and protests against a proposed hydro-power project in Arunachal Pradesh. Himachal Of cross-votes, jungli murga, samosas & toilet tax The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government survived a BJP bid to topple it by engineering cross-voting during the February Rajya Sabha polls. This led to the disqualification of six Congress MLAs, who later fought bypolls on BJP ticket. While Congress managed to win six of the nine seats in the bypolls, the simultaneous general elections saw BJP sweeping all four seats, and mark the political entry of Kangana Ranaut from Mandi seat. The state was hit by a financial crisis, delaying payments for 2.15 lakh employees and 90,000 pensioners in September. Some unsavoury controversies cropped up over claims of the CM prompting aides to eat the endangered jungli murga, a CID probe into the missing samosas at an official event and reports of a `25 toilet tax. Chhattisgarh A final solution to Maoist menace in Bastar Every now and then, a dozen odd bodies are recovered from the forest, riddled with bullets. The uniforms identify them as left wing extremists, unearthing their weapons, propaganda. Zero tolerance towards Maoists, the home minister declares, The country will be free from the Maoist problem by March 2026. In the remote tribal belt of Bastar, 219 Maoists were neutralised by security forces in separate encounters this year, a staggering spike from the mere 50 eliminated in 2022 and 2023 combined. Parallelly, the Nagarnar steel plant in Bastar produces over 2 MT of hot metal, in the name of sustainable industrial development. Rajasthan BJP comeback amid Gehlot-Pilot divide Rajasthan was turbulent with major political shifts. The BJP rode on its December 2023 state polls victory, but the euphoria faded by summer. Despite dominating the states 25 LS seats in the past two general elections, BJP lost 11 seats this time. Controversies plagued the government one after another. First, agriculture minister Kirori Lal Meena criticised own government, reportedly after denied a prominent cabinet position. Then, education minister Madan Dilawar drew ire for seeking DNA tests of tribals and demanding curriculum changes. In Congress camp, besides the Gehlot-Pilot divide, new factions sprang up. Haryana BJP beats anti-incumbency, creates history The BJP created history when it aced the Haryana assembly election this year and secured a third consecutive term, defeating the Congress and other regional parties. Months before, the party replaced Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini, a move that helped the BJP clinch 48 seats, while Congress won 37. The election was marred by internal strife within Congress, with several senior leaders defecting to the BJP, including Kiran Choudhry and her daughter Shruti. The election also saw the political entry of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Congress tickets. Bihar Nitish somersault, emergence of a new party Bihar witnessed several twists and turns in 2024. It began with Nitish Kumar taking oath as the Chief Minister for a ninth time on January 28. He snapped ties with Lalu Prasads RJD, and drifted away from the INDIA bloc, to form the government with new ally BJP. The somersault left the top Opposition leaders flummoxed ahead of Lok Sabha polls. However, NDAs tally from Bihar reduced from 39 to 30 in the LS. With the double-engine government back in power, Bihars expectations on development front ran high. The year also saw the formation of a new political entity, Jan Suraaj Party, led by former analyst Prashant Kishor. Gujarat Major tragedies, Congs Banaskantha moment Gujarat began 2024 with two tragic incidents. On January 18, a boat tragedy on Vadodaras Harni Lake claimed 14 lives including 12 schoolchildren and two teachers during a picnic. Four months later, a deadly fire at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot on May 25 killed 28 people, mostly youths. On the political front, the BJP saw its unmistakable dominance in Gujarats 26 Lok Sabha seats crumble, with the Congress wresting the Banaskantha seat. This marked the end of its clean sweep streak in the state since 2014. The loss came after a fiercely contested election, marked by internal turbulence and strategic defections. Madhya Pradesh Factory fire, jumbo deaths amid BJP comeback The first half of the year saw the BJP achieving its long-standing goal of winning all the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh. And understandably, the Congress faced its worst-ever defeat, failing to secure even a single seat. Additionally, a major accident at a firecracker factory in Harda resulted in 11 fatalities and injured 200 others. Other significant events during the course of the year included the deaths of 10 wild elephants in Bandhavgarh national park, possibly due to Kodo millet crop mycotoxin poisoning. The year also saw the dismantling of several major crime rings, an impact likely to be felt in 2025 as well. Longest Bridge Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, the longest bridge in India that connects Mumbai with Navi Mumbai, on January 12 . Missile test The Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted a successful flight-trial of Indias first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on November 16 Chalo india Chalo India, a global campaign that seeks to make Indian diaspora members ambassadors of Incredible India, was announced in September. Under this, 1 lakh foreign tourists will be exempted from visa fee in the coming times World heritage Moidams the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam in Charaideo district was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in July Classical Language In October, the Union government granted classical language status to five languages Bengali, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese taking the number of classical languages to 11 River-linking On December 25, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation for the ambitious Ken-Betwa river linking project, which plans to transfer excess water from the Ken river to the Betwa river to address concerns of irrigation in arid Bundelkhand of Madhya Pradesh Solar mission Indias solar mission, Aditya-L1, was inserted into its orbit on January 6. On July 2, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point. It takes 178 days to complete a revolution around the L1 point. Narendra Modi , Prime Minister The Lok Sabha election was projected as a referendum on Modis popularity. And he strode into a third term, becoming the third longest serving Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi , Leader of Opposition The yatras paid off. Congress improved its tally substantially in the general election, and Rahul Gandhi assumed the role of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha for the first time. Priyanka Gandhi , Congress MP When brother Rahul relinquished his Wayanad seat to retain his mothers bastion Rae Bareli, it paved the way for Priyanka Gandhi Vadras debut in electoral politics. Devendra Fadnavis , Maharashtra CM Rivals trolled him for his Mee Punha Yein refrain in 2019. In 2022 MahaYuti govt, he had to stoop to conquer. But he emerged brighter and stronger in the November polls. Hemant Soren , Jharkhand CM Incarcerated in a graft case, fallout with a close aide who had held the fort for him, and storming back to power the 2024 chapter of his career is straight out of a story book. Omar Abdullah , J&K CM After his Lok Sabha poll debacle, when the first election in the UT was held, Omar was quite resigned, until Congress came to prod. A huge victory seated him in the CMs chair. Nayab Singh Saini , Haryana CM Anti-incumbency, farmers ire, a resurgent Congress hurdles were aplenty before the CM. Despite all, he steered the BJP into a third consecutive term, proving himself to be a worthy substitute for the veteran ML Khattar. Mamata Banerjee , Chief Minister Facing a high-octane BJP campaign in the Lok Sabha elections, the fiesty and formidable Didi proved all pollsters wrong by bettering her partys performance. She managed to retain TMCs complete dominance in Bengal polity. Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief Out of power for two consecutive terms, Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party clinched 37 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, proving that it is still a formidable force in the crucial Hindi heartland state. Eknath shinde , Duputy Chief Minister As CM, he remained the most accessible leader to public. His Ladki Bahin scheme was widely credited for the MahaYutis landslide victory in assembly polls. The win also corroborated him as the true inheritor of Balasaheb Thackerays Shiv Sena.

Flash Back 2024: We, the people!

Our Constitution is 75 years old. We adopted it on the 26th day of November in 1949, with India solemnly pledging its allegiance to the document. Our Parliament thought of debating the seminal text during the winter session to mark the occasion. The idea elicited a rare unified response from the treasury and opposition benches. However, the book eventually took a backseat as politicians bent over history books, scouring for fallibility to score points over their rivals. Hardly any value emerged from the debates; there was little introspection on the constitutional provisions and the road ahead. Instead, the two sides engaged in a circuitous war of words merely to steer their respective agendas. The brilliance of Indian Constitution perhaps lies in its awareness of its limitations. The makers of this mammoth body of work recognised their inability to conceive the interminable possibilities that the future held. Thus, they empowered the text by making it mutable, one that could adapt according to the needs of the time, as long as its founding principles remained firm and unchanged. In its 75-year journey, the Constitution has seen 106 amendments, all intended to broaden its scope and applicability. While these amendments have been crucial in addressing the changing dimensions of Indian polity, they also fostered the agendas of the ruling party of the day. And yet, when our elected representatives waged the holier than thou war on the floor of Parliament, the ghost of Dr BR Ambedkar returned to haunt them. Neither the treasury nor the opposition benches could fully spit or swallow the tenets founded by Baba Saheb. Having served no purpose, the sound and fury of the fracas eventually fizzled out. The politicos still swore by the book and pledged greater faith to it than their rivals though they forewent discussing the Constitution. And Baba Saheb won. First Amendment Act, 1951 Empowered the state to create special provisions for the advancement of socially and economically backward classes Ensured the protection of laws related to the acquisition of estates and similar matters Introduced the Ninth Schedule to shield land reform laws and other included legislation from judicial review Added Articles 31A and 31B after Article 31 Imposed three additional grounds for restricting freedom of speech and expression: public order, friendly relations with foreign states, and incitement to an offence 2nd Amendment Act, 1952 The scale of representation in the Lok Sabha was readjusted stating that 1 member can represent even more than 7.5 lakh people 7th Amendment Act, 1956 The provision of having a common High Court for two or more states was introduced Abolition of Class A, B, C and D states 14 States & 6 Union Territories were formed Introduction of UTs 9th Amendment Act, 1960 Adjustments to Indian Territory as a result of an agreement with Pakistan (Indo-Pak Agreement 1958): Cession of Indian territory of Berubari Union (West Bengal) to Pakistan 10th Amendment Act, 1961 Dadra, Nagar, and Haveli incorporated in the Union of Indian as a Union Territory 12th Amendment Act, 1962 Goa, Daman and Diu incorporated in the Indian Union as a Union Territory 13th Amendment Act, 1962 Nagaland was formed with special status under Article 371A 14th Amendment Act, 1962 Pondicherry incorporated into the Indian Union Union Territories of Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Goa, Daman and Diu and Puducherry were provided the legislature and council of ministers 19th Amendment Act, 1966 System of Election Tribunals was abolished and High Courts were given the power to hear the election petitions 21st Amendment Act, 1967 Sindhi language was included into 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution 24th Amendment Act, 1971 The Presidents assent to Constitutional Amendment Bill was made compulsory 25th Amendment Act, 1971 Fundamental Right to Property was curtailed 31st Amendment Act, 1972 Lok Sabha seats were increased from 525 to 545 35th Amendment Act, 1974 The status of Sikkim as protectorate state was terminated and Sikkim was given the status of Associate State of India 36th Amendment Act, 1975 Sikkim was made a full-fledged state of India 40th Amendment Act, 1976 Parliament was empowered to specify from time to time the limits of the territorial waters, the continental shelf, the exclusive economic zone and maritime zones of India 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 It is one of the most important amendments to the Indian Constitution. It was enacted by the Indian National Congress headed by Indira Gandhi then. Due to the large number of amendments this act has brought to the Indian Constitution, it is also known as Mini-Constitution. The 42nd amendment attempted to alter the basic structure of the indian constitution. For preamble For the words Sovereign Democratic Republic, the words Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic was substituted For the words unity of the Nation, the words unity and integrity of the Nation was substituted 7th Schedule: Transferred 5 Topics From State To Concurrent List Education Forests Weights & Measures Protection of Wild Animals and Birds Administration of Justice Article 51a : 10 Fundamental Duties Added For The Citizens Parliament 1. Made President bound to the advice of the cabinet 2. Allowed Centre to deploy central forces in State to deal with the conflicting situations of law and order (Article 257A) 3. Gave special discretionary powers to the speaker of the Lok Sabha and Prime Minister (Article 329A) 4. Directive Principles were given precedence over Fundamental Rights and any law made to this effect by the Parliament was kept beyond the scope of judicial review by the Court 52nd Amendment Act, 1985 Anti-defection law The 10th Schedule popularly referred to as the Anti-Defection Law was inserted; Defection has been defined as, To abandon a position or association, often to join an opposing group 61st Amendment Act, 1989 Voting age was decreased from 21 to 18 for both Lok Sabha and Assemblies polls 65th Amendment Act, 1990 National Commission for SC/ST was formed and the office of a special officer for SCs/STs was removed 69th Amendment Act, 1991 Union Territory of Delhi was given the special status of National Capital Territory of Delhi; 70-member legislative assembly and a 7-member council of ministers were formed 71st Amendment Act, 1992 Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali languages included in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution. Total official languages: 18 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 Panchayati Raj institutions were given constitutional status 86th Amendment Act, 2002 Elementary education was made a fundamental right; Free and compulsory education to kids between 6 and 14 years 88th Amendment Act, 2003 Provision of Service Tax was made under Article 268-A; Service tax levied by Union and collected and appropriated by the Union and the states 92nd Amendment Act, 2003 Bodo, Dogri (Dongri), Maithili and Santhali added in 8th schedule 95th Amendment Act, 2009 Extended the reservation of seats for the SCs/STs and special representation for Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha and the legislative assemblies for a further period of 10 years i.e., up to 2020 (Article 334) 97th Amendment Act, 2011 Co-operative Societies were granted constitutional status 100th Amendment Act, 2015 To pursue land boundary agreement 1974 between India and Bangladesh, exchange of some enclave territories with Bangladesh mentioned Provisions relating to the territories of Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya in the first schedule amended 101st Amendment Act, 2016 Goods and Service Tax (GST) introduced 102nd Amendment Act, 2018 Constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes 103rd Amendment Act, 2019 A maximum of 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections of citizens of classes other than classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5) of Article 15, i.e. Classes other than socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or the SCs/STs 104th Amendment Act, 2020 Extended deadline for the cessation of seats for SCs/STs in the Lok Sabha and assemblies from 70 years to 80. Removed the reserved seats for the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha & assemblies 105th Amendment Act, 2021 Restored state governments power to prepare Socially & Educationally Backward Classes list 106th Amendment Act, 2023 This was the womens reservation bill which reserves one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi The changes Restored original tenure of Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies to five years Any changes in the basic structure of the Constitution can be made only if they are approved by the people by a majority of votes at a referendum in which at least 51% of the electorate participated. Article 368 was amended to ensure this Reversed the provision made by the 42nd amendment act that allowed the government to amend the Constitution on its wish by Article 368. 44th Amendment Act nullified this power to the government Right to Property was removed from fundamental rights (Article 31) and was made a legal right under Article 300A Replaced the term internal disturbance with armed rebellion in provisions concerning a national emergency Proclamation of Emergency can be issued only when the security or any part of its territory is threatened by war or external aggression or by armed rebellion An emergency can be proclaimed only on the basis of written advice tendered to the President or by the Cabinet Right of the media to report freely and without censorship the proceedings in Parliament and the State Legislatures Removed provisions that denied courts the authority to adjudicate election disputes involving the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of the Lok Sabha Colonial Vs Desi For things going wrong, dont blame British NEW DELHI: The Constitution borrows from the Government of India Act of 1935, but it differs from it substantially, too. If India inherited rule of law and due process doctrines from the British, remember that fundamental rights, accountable government, popular sovereignty and democracy are indigenous without colonial credentials. The biggest argument to counter the colonial continuity component is this: parties of all hues that fought for ridding India of the colonials briefly contested provincial polls and formed governments and passed laws while being part of the colonial state. Were the laws they passed colonial? These governments passed legislation when Indian citizens and their leaders were subject to the British colonial Constitution. They led a freedom movement against the colonials while working under the latters colonial framework. Yes, there is substantial colonial continuity. The civil service and police which were tools of colonial control did survive, and thrive, in post-colonial period. For, law and order, administration and governance, and their institutions are mandatory whether a colonial or a post-colonial is in power. Father of the Constitution BR Ambedkar had the word so many years ago: By independence, we have lost the excuse of blaming the British for anything going wrong. If hereafter things go wrong, we will have nobody to blame except ourselves. Time to remove colonial mindset in letter & spirit NEW DELHI: The second of the panch paraan Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked of on August 15, 2022 referred to discarding the colonial mindset in law and spirit. Conservatives have always argued the Constitution is a colonial document because it copied much from the Government of India Act, 1935. Some said a colonial mindset made the Constitution a prescriptive document, assuming, like the British, that Indians cannot govern themselves and need to be governed. In later years, when the BJP came to power, the Constitution underwent changes to meet its objectives by following the parliamentary process. The Constitution was amended to get rid of Article 370 in Kashmir. Havelock Island is now called Swaraj Dweep. Triple Talaq was declared unconstitutional. Simultaneously, the BJP undertook exercises to erase the colonial mindset. It Indianised names of institutions, roads, buildings, official procedures, even islands, to relieve them of colonial nomenclature. Raj Path became Kartavya Path. Subhas Chandra Bose replaced King George V at India Gate. The Navy got a new ensign. Three British-period criminal laws got Hindi names. Swarajya magazine has the last word: One problem with the Indian Constitution is that it was entirely conceived and written in a foreign language, English, which means its interpretation will also be alien to our culture even if our courts are Indian.

Six tourists stranded in Sikkim rescued

GANGTOK, Dec 30: Six tourists from Assam, travelling on motorcycles, were rescued after they got stranded in North Sikkim due to heavy snowfall, police said on Monday. The tourists were stranded at Yakshe, around 10 km from Lachung, in Mangan district on Sunday night. Police, along with locals, rescued the tourists. Black ice on the []

McDonald's Expands Into Sikkim With First Store In Gangtok

Connaught Plaza Restaurants operates 190 restaurants and 75 McCaf across North and East of India.

Sikkim's Nathula Closed For Tourists On Jan. 1 For India-China Border Personnel Meeting

Other tourist destinations like Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir will remain open to visitors.

Six tourists stranded in Sikkim due to heavy snowfall rescued

Officials recommended checking road conditions and taking necessary safety measures before setting out.

2024 in focus: How political landscape of India changed this year after assembly polls in eight states

In 2024, India witnessed significant shifts in its political landscape with key state elections. Notable outcomes included BJP's victories in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, while facing setbacks in Sikkim and Maharashtra. Historic elections in Jammu and Kashmir concluded peacefully with high voter turnout.

New criminal laws, migrant issues topped MHA's 2024 reform roster; census remained 'overlooked'

NEW DELHI: Replacing the century-old criminal laws with a new set of legislations for introducing a modern and technology-driven criminal justice system, rolling out the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act and fire-fighting to check unabated violence in Manipur kept the Union home ministry busy in 2024. Assisting the Election Commission in holding the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir without major incidents and bringing down the violence in Naxal-affected states and northeastern region are the other key highlights of the country's crucial ministry. While the population enumeration exercise Census continues to be on hold for past four years as no decision has been taken by the ministry as to when it will be carried out, the ministry created five districts in Ladakh and renamed Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Sri Vijaya Puram during the year. The three new criminal laws -- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam -- replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 respectively. The new laws came into effect from July 1. Home Minister Amit Shah, who piloted the legislations, said the new laws would give priority to providing justice, unlike the colonial-era laws that gave primacy to penal action. These laws are made by Indians, for Indians and by an Indian Parliament and marks the end of colonial criminal justice laws, he said. Shah said the laws were not just about changing the nomenclature but bringing about a complete overhaul. Soul, body and spirit of the new laws are Indian, he said. The new laws brought in a modern justice system, incorporating provisions such as Zero FIR, online registration of police complaints, summonses through electronic modes such as SMS and mandatory videography of crime scenes for all heinous crimes. According to home ministry officials, the new laws have tried to address some of the current social realities and crimes and are going to provide a mechanism to effectively deal with these, keeping in view the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. CAA not discriminatory, claims ministry The CAA, which was enacted in December 2019 for granting Indian nationality to persecuted Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who came to India on or before December 31, 2014, was rolled out in March and the first set of 14 people were granted Indian citizenship under the law in May. Shah termed the occasion of granting Indian citizenship under the CAA as a historic day, saying the decades-long wait of those who faced religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan is over. After the enactment in 2019, the CAA got the president's assent a few days later but the rules under which the Indian citizenship were supposed to be granted were issued only on March 11 after over a delay of four years. The passing of the CAA in 2019 sparked protests in different parts of the country with agitators terming it discriminatory. Over a hundred people had lost their lives during the anti-CAA protests or police action in various parts of the country. To allay the fears of a section of Muslims and students regarding the CAA, the home ministry, a day after the CAA rules were issued, asserted that the Indian Muslims need not worry as the new legislation would not impact their citizenship and has nothing to do with the community which enjoys equal rights as their Hindu brethren. The ministry made it clear that o Indian citizen would be asked to produce any document to prove his citizenship after this Act. Conflict in Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir Intermittent violence continues to rock Manipur , where the first bout of ethnic clash between majority Meiteis and tribal Kukis was witnessed in May 2023. Even after the death of about 260 people, injury to hundreds and displacement of thousands of people, peace continues to be elusive in the northeastern state. Though there have been efforts from the central government to bring the warring communities into negotiating table, sporadic violence continues there. Mobs set fire to the residences of several BJP legislators , one of whom is a senior minister, and a Congress MLA in various districts of Imphal Valley in November besides making a foiled attempt to storm the ancestral house of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Seeing the fragile situation, the Centre in November reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur's six police station areas , including the violence-hit Jiribam. On December 24, the Centre appointed former union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla as new Manipur governor , in an apparent bid to help itself find a lasting peace. However, it is to be seen how Bhalla will walk through the difficult terrain of the sensitive state. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a relatively peaceful assembly elections, which was held after a gap of 10 years . According to a presentation given by the home ministry to a parliamentary panel, there has been over 70 per cent decline in terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, when Article 370 was scrapped and the erstwhile state was bifurcated into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The ministry said in 2019, as many as 286 terror-related incidents were reported in Jammu Kashmir and the number came down to just 40 in 2024 (till first week of November). In 2019, as many as 50 civilians were killed in terror-related incidents and the casualty figure came down to 14 so far this year. On attacks on security forces, the home ministry said a total of 96 such incidents were reported in 2019 and it went up to 111 in 2020 but since then there has been a steady decline and the number of such attacks came down to 95 in 2021, 65 in 2022 and 15 in 2023 and five so far in 2024. About casualties of security forces, the ministry said altogether 77 security personnel were killed in various incidents in 2019. In 2020, 58 personnel were killed, 29 in 2021, 26 in 2022, 11 in 2023 and seven so far in 2024. 'Working towards a Naxal-free India' Violence perpetrated by Naxals also witnessed a decline. There has been 72 per cent less violence by Maoists while the country has seen an 86 per cent decline in deaths by Naxals in 2023 as compared to 2010. In a recent visit to Naxal-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, Shah appealed to the Naxals to give up the arms and join the mainstream and said otherwise they will have to face the strong action of security forces. He said the rehabilitation of the surrendered Naxals is the responsibility of the government. Shah said the government is committed to make India Naxal-free by March 31, 2026 as a comprehensive three-pronged strategy is being adopted to free all affected areas in the country from the menace. Census not yet scheduled The work for India's much-delayed decadal census and the exercise to update the National Population Register (NPR) has not started yet, thus changing the future census cycle completely. Since 1951, the country's census was conducted at a gap of every 10 years but the census work in 2021 could not be carried out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So far no formal announcement has been made on its next schedule. Tribal development schemes Last month, the Home Ministry made it clear that any NGO involved in anti-developmental activities, religious conversion, inciting protests with malicious intentions, linked with terrorist or radical organisations, will face cancellation of its Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) registration. According to the law, all NGOs receiving foreign contributions have to be registered under the FCRA or else is not allowed to accept foreign funding. The home minister last week started the process of rehabilitation of Bru tribal community members in Tripura following a quadripartite agreement signed on January 16, 2020. The pact was signed among the governments of India, Tripura, Mizoram and representatives of Bru organisations for the permanent rehabilitation of Bru migrants in Tripura. As many as 6,935 families with a population of 37,584 are being rehabilitated in 12 villages in Tripura. The Bru tribals were displaced from Mizoram following ethnic violence in lst 1990s and early 2000s. Continuing its thrust on comprehensive development of villages located in remote areas along the border with China, the government allocated Rs 1,050 crore for 2024-25 under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) that will benefit select villages in 19 districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. The central government has approved the VVP as a centrally sponsored scheme on February 15, 2023, with financial outlay of Rs 4,800 crore for the financial year 2022-23 to 2025-26 for comprehensive development of the select villages in 46 blocks in 19 districts abutting the northern border.

Manmohan Singh was a visionary leader: Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang

GANGTOK, Dec 27: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and described him as a visionary leader whose significant contributions to economic reforms and public service have left an indelible mark on the nation. Singh, 92, died in AIIMS Delhi on Thursday night. He was brought to []

Over 20 states' consumption spend higher than national avg: Report

Sikkim had the highest monthly per capita consumption expenditure among Indian states for 2023-24 in both rural and urban areas. Chhattisgarh had the lowest. Over 20 states and union territories recorded higher expenditure than the national average. Meghalaya had the largest urban-rural gap. Kerala had the smallest gap among states, while Lakshadweep had the smallest among union territories.

NHPC Revises Loss Incurred At Sikkim Power Station Due To Flash Flood To Rs 1,076 Crore

NHPC reported material damage of Rs 539 crore and business interruption losses of Rs 537 crore at its Teesta-V Power Station in Sikkim, with restoration contracts awarded and work progressing.

EC data on LS polls: Women outshine men again in exercising franchise

New Delhi: As many as 64.64 crore voters exercised their franchise in the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year with women voters outnumbering men, according to statistical data released by the Election Commission on Thursday. The female voter turnout stood at 65.78 per cent as compared to 65.55 per cent for male electors, the EC said. EC functionaries asserted that such granular data is not shared by any of the election management bodies in democracies across the world. The data on Lok Sabha polls, 2024 and four assembly elections -- Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh -- held alongside parliamentary polls comes against the backdrop of allegations of non-disclosure by the EC. This suo motu initiative is to enhance the public trust that constitutes the underpinning of India's electoral system, the EC said. Referring to women participation in the polls, EC said the number of female contesting candidates was 800, compared to 726 in 2019. Maharashtra had the highest number of women contesting candidates with 111 in the fray, followed by 80 in Uttar Pradesh and 77 in Tamil Nadu. But at the same time, out of the total 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, there were 152 where there were no women candidates. A total of over 97.97 crore citizens had registered themselves as electors as compared to over 91.19 crore in 2019 -- an increase of 7.43 per cent. Out of these registered electors, 64.64 crore had cast votes in 2024, compared to 61.4 crore in 2019, the EC said. According to the poll panel, any Indian citizen who registers in the electoral roll is defined as an elector. The elector who eventually votes is called voter. Total votes polled -- using EVM and postal ballot option -- stood at 64,64,20,869. Votes polled on EVMs alone stood at 64,21,39,275, with 32,93,61,948 male voters and 31,27,64,269 female voters. A little over 13,000 registered third gender voters exercised their franchise (27.09 per cent), according to the data. Nearly 43 lakh electors used the postal ballot option to vote. The Dhubri parliamentary constituency in Assam registered the highest turnout of 92.3 per cent while Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir registered the lowest turnout of 38.7 per cent, compared to 14.4 per cent in 2019. According to the dataset issued by the EC, as many as 11 parliamentary constituencies saw voting percentage of less than 50 per cent. Repolls, the EC pointed out, were held in 40 polling stations or 0.0038 per cent of the total 10.52 lakh polling stations as compared to 540 in 2019. Referring to overseas Indian electors, EC said over 1,19 lakh such people were registered in the category, including 1.06 lakh men, 12,950 women and 13 third gender, compared to 99,844 registered overseas electors in 2019. Overseas Indian electors are those who are Indian citizens residing abroad due to various reasons and eligible to vote here. They have come to India to vote showing their original passport as a proof of identity.

No Plans for Electricity Tariff Hike in Odisha, Confirms Deputy Chief Minister

Bhubaneswar: Electricity consumers in Odisha can heave a sigh of relief as Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo confirmed on Tuesday that there are no immediate plans to increase power tariffs in the state. This assurance comes amid speculation following a proposal by the Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) to the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). Addressing the media, Singh Deo dismissed rumors about a tariff hike. No discussion has been held on increasing the electricity tariff. At present, there is no plan to hike the energy tariff for any consumer group, he stated. Supporting this, energy department secretary Vishal Dev highlighted that electricity tariffs have remained unchanged in Odisha for the last two years. The OERC will make the final decision on the electricity tariff after considering inputs from all stakeholders. However, it's worth noting that there has been no tariff hike for the past two years, Dev added. GRIDCO, which handles power transmission and bulk supply in the state, has proposed a tariff adjustment of Rs 3.82 per unit in its Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) submission to the OERC. However, the company emphasized that this is part of a standard annual procedure and does not directly impact consumers. This is a routine annual process. Odisha continues to have one of the lowest power purchase costs in the country, second only to states like Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim, said GRIDCO chairman and managing director Trilochan Panda. The OERC is expected to conduct hearings and seek feedback from stakeholders before making a decision. For now, consumers can rest assured that no immediate changes in electricity tariffs are planned.

Union minister Prataprao Jadhav hands over appointment letters during Rozgar Mela in Sikkim

GANGTOK, Dec 23: Union minister Prataprao Jadhav on Monday handed over appointment letters to 80 people at the Rozgar Mela 2024 held here, officials said. The youths getting appointment letters today should take responsibility towards national development seriously, he said. The Union Minister of state for AYUSH and health & family welfare also urged the []

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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.

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.

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

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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.

Need collaborative steps to unlock northeast's potential: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang advocated for increased collaboration among Northeastern states at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in Delhi. They urged the Centre to make the event regular, highlighting its potential to boost sectors like tourism and IT.

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.

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.

Abhishek Sharma smashes record-equalling 28-ball century in SMAT

Abhishek Sharma smashed a 28-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He equaled the record for the fastest T20 century by an Indian. Baroda set a new T20 record with a massive 349 runs against Sikkim. Bhanu Pania hit an unbeaten 134 for Baroda. Baroda also hit a record 37 sixes in their innings. Punjab won their match.

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.

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

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.

Incubation centres for bamboo-based startups in Northeast soon

A Sikkim-based university focused on industry-immersive education has partneredwiththe North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council for the initiative

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

NDA makes a clean sweep of bypolls in the Northeast

The BJP wrests Samaguri, a Congress stronghold, and retains two more seats in Assam; AGP, UPPL retain a seat each; NPP flips a Congress seat in Meghalaya; Sikkim Krantikari Morcha won two seats uncontested

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

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.

Proud Moment for Family as Both Daughters Serve the Nation in Uniform

Anantapur: It was a proud moment for the parents of Major Pratibha and newly appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Pradeepthi, as both daughters have achieved prestigious positions in uniformed services. Major Pratibha, an Army officer currently posted in Kolkata, traveled to Anantapur to attend her elder sister Pradeepthis passing-out parade at the AP Police Academy. The family, especially their father Appa Rao and mother Sugunaveni, were overjoyed as Major Pratibha congratulated her sister on this significant accomplishment. Appa Rao, a retired teacher from Amadalavalasa, and his wife Sugunaveni, who is also a teacher, are the proud parents of Pradeepthi and Pratibha, both of whom are engineering graduates. Initially, Sugunaveni hoped her daughters would pursue careers as software engineers, but she eventually supported their goals to serve in uniform. After completing her degree in mechanical engineering in 2014, Pratibha set her sights on joining the Indian Army. She cleared the Short Service Commission on her third attempt. Her service includes postings in Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, and an assignment in South Sudan under a United Nations mission. She is currently serving as a Major in Kolkata. I am incredibly proud of my sister, Pradeepthi, for achieving her goal after years of dedication, said Pratibha. She also highlighted the challenges often faced by middle-class families when young women choose careers in security services, despite societal pressures. Appa Rao and Sugunaveni are delighted that both their daughters have established careers in service of the nation through the uniformed forces.

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.