Sikkim CM Reviews Preparations for Amit Shahs Visit
Gangtok, Oct 8 : The Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) held a key coordination The post Sikkim CM Reviews Preparations for Amit Shahs Visit appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Sikkim Government Hikes DA for Employees and Pensioners from January 2025
Gangtok, Oct 7: The Government of Sikkim has announced an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) The post Sikkim Government Hikes DA for Employees and Pensioners from January 2025 appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
'Man-made disaster': Environmentalists blame unplanned urbanisation for Darjeeling landslides
DARJEELING: Environmentalists described the landslides in Darjeeling as a man-made ecological disaster, the inevitable outcome of decades of deforestation, unplanned urbanisation and poor governance that have pushed the fragile Himalayan slopes to the brink. They said the way forward lies in decentralised disaster planning, strict enforcement of construction norms, and climate-sensitive development to prevent the 'Queen of the Hills' from turning into a recurring disaster zone. The picturesque Darjeeling hills, long a refuge for weary travellers, now bear the scars of nature's fury. Twelve hours of relentless rain triggered a chain of deadly landslides that killed over 20 people and left scores homeless. The serene slopes have turned into sites of wreckage and despair -- a grim reminder that nature's retribution often follows human neglect. Environmentalists and experts who have long warned of such a catastrophe said this was not an unpredictable calamity, but the result of years of ecological exploitation and administrative apathy. The hills are paying for decades of neglect -- deforestation, unplanned roads, and reckless construction have made the terrain unstable. The rain is only the trigger; the real cause is how we have treated the mountains, said environmentalist Sujit Raha, a member of the North Bengal Science Centre. There is no proper disaster management plan in place to tackle such crises. The administration and authorities must take this problem seriously and not treat it as an annual tragedy, he said. Unchecked urban growth, poor drainage systems and hill-cutting for construction altered Darjeeling's ecosystem beyond recognition, he added. Disaster management expert Shailendra Mani Pradhan, a professor at Sarojini Naidu College for Women in Kolkata, said the landslides were a direct fallout of unregulated development in one of the country's most ecologically sensitive zones. Darjeeling lies in a high seismic area and is naturally prone to landslides. Yet, infrastructure development for tourism and housing continues without any adherence to building bylaws or drainage norms. The terrain is being pushed to its limits, he said. He pointed out that the rampant construction of multi-storey buildings on unstable slopes, particularly in Mirik, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Darjeeling towns, has increased the risk manifold. He called for decentralisation of disaster management, saying that while national and state-level frameworks exist, district-level disaster management committees remain largely non-functional. People must be sensitised to the ecological risks of violating construction norms. Around 7080 per cent of land in Darjeeling Municipality has been allotted for residential purposes, which is unsustainable, he said. Environmental scholar Vimal Khawas said the tragedy fits a recurring pattern of extreme climatic events that have haunted the region for decades. What we are seeing now is not new, but the scale of devastation this time reflects both natural vulnerability and growing human pressure on a fragile Himalayan ecosystem, he said. Habitations have spread into marginal areas where construction should never have been allowed. Weak enforcement of land use regulations, especially after the Gorkhaland agitation, has led to rampant building and road expansion without adherence to safety norms, said Khawas, a professor at JNU's Special Centre for the Study of Northeast India. He said the pattern of disasters seen in Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh reflects a larger Himalayan crisis driven by global climate change, compounded by local governance failures. He said Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), which administers the Darjeeling hills, lacks both expertise and infrastructure for disaster management. The plans are mostly drawn up in Kolkata without factoring in the local topography. What Darjeeling needs is a locally driven disaster preparedness plan linked with climate action and inter-departmental coordination, especially in managing water resources, he said. Environmental activist Subhas Dutta said the recurring landslides underline the need for a long-term environmental management plan for the entire north Bengal-Sikkim belt. The continuous soil erosion in the hills is causing stones and sand to flow down into the plains, raising the riverbeds and disturbing their natural course. As a result, many riverbeds now lie higher than the surrounding inhabited areas, increasing the risk of floods, he explained. Environmental expert Satyadeep Chhetri warned that the eastern Himalayas have moved from climate change to the climate crisis phase, urging relocation of habitations from high-risk zones and rehabilitation of affected families. The refilled South Lhonak glacial lake poses a renewed threat, and the shift of extreme rainfall to September-October signals a dangerous new climatic pattern for the region, he said. Chetri claimed that large-scale hill-cutting for highways and the ongoing construction of the railway line to Rangpo have destabilised the terrain. The recent disaster bears grim echoes of the October 1968 deluge, when nearly 1,000 people perished as continuous downpours washed away entire settlements across the hills and plains.
Darjeeling Landslides: 23 Dead, Mirik Worst Hit as Heavy Rains Devastate North Bengal
Darjeeling, Oct 6: Continuous heavy rainfall since October 4 has triggered massive landslides across Darjeeling The post Darjeeling Landslides: 23 Dead, Mirik Worst Hit as Heavy Rains Devastate North Bengal appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Gangtok, Oct 6 : The yearlong waiting to know the winners or laureates of Nobel The post Nobel Prize 2025: Expectations for Groundbreaking Research, Medical Breakthroughs for Mankind, and World Peace & Conflict appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday expressed deep concern over the devastating floods and landslides that have killed at least 17 people in Darjeeling and cut off road connectivity to key routes, including access to Sikkim
Rain Havoc In North Bengal: Multiple Landslides In Darjeeling Leave 5 Dead; IMD Issue Warnings
North Bengal Weather Update: A landslide on National Highway 717E, the alternative route connecting Siliguri and Sikkim, has brought traffic to a standstill.
Only two HCs have full strength of judges amid pendency load
NEW DELHI: Indias High Courts are facing a serious manpower crisis, with 330 judges posts lying vacant across 25 states. The Allahabad High Court is the worst affected, with 76 vacancies out of its sanctioned strength of 160the highest among all High Courts. Only two high courts, Sikkim and Meghalaya, are currently functioning with a full bench, according to data accessed by this newspaper from the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) and the Department of Justice. The data is as of September 1 this year. Despite the Supreme Court operating at full strength with 34 judges, the same cannot be said of the high courts, where the shortfall is slowing down the delivery of justice and adding to already massive case backlogs. The sanctioned strength of judges across all high courts is 1,122. But only 792 judges are currently serving. The 330 vacant posts include 161 permanent and 169 additional judges, who are usually appointed for a term not exceeding two years. Legal experts and former judges warn that unless these vacancies are filled promptly, the justice delivery system will continue to suffer badly resulting case pendency going up. The pendency of appointments directly affects case disposal. Litigants suffer the most, said Justice Anjana Prakash, former judge of the Patna High Court. Unless the judiciary and the Central government at address this as a very urgent issue, delays will persist. That is not something very desirable. Justice S R Singh, a former judge of the Allahabad High Court, expressed similar concern. Existing judges are overburdened, which affects both quality and efficiency. Appointments should be made strategically, based on pending caseloads in each high court, he told this newspaper. According to the NJDG, over 67 lakh cases are pending in high courts across the country. The Supreme Court itself has more than 60,000 pending cases despite having no vacancies to fill. Several major high courts continue to grapple with significant judicial vacancies, impacting the pace of justice delivery. The Bombay High Court leads with 26 vacancies out of 94 sanctioned judges. The Punjab and Haryana High Court follows closely with 25 out of 85 positions vacant. Calcutta has 24 out of 72, while Madras faces 19 vacancies out of 75. Patna has 18 out of 53, Delhi 16 out of 60, and Rajasthan 7 out of 50. The persistent shortage of judges is raising concerns over mounting case backlogs and delays in adjudication across these key judicial institutions. Judicial appointments remain a pressing issue for Indias legal system. Smaller high courts also reflect the strain: Uttarakhand has two vacancies out of 11 judges, and Tripura has one vacancy out of five. The appointment process, governed by the Collegium system and requiring government nod, has long been pointed out as reasons for delays. Recommendations are often returned, kept pending, or ignored causing bottlenecks that stretch for months before appointments are made. As the backlog continues to mount, the judiciary is under growing pressure to act swiftly. Experts say that urgent reforms and smoother coordination between the judiciary and the executive are essential to restore the efficiency of the justice system and public faith in it.
Three children go missing every day in Uttarakhand, raising concerns over child safety
DEHRADUN: A deeply alarming trend of missing children continues to plague the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, casting a dark shadow over its image as a peaceful haven. Despite intensified police vigilance, awareness campaigns, and frequent checkpoints, official data reveals a staggering and deeply concerning rate of disappearances. According to the latest report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for the fiscal year 2023-24, an average of three children went missing in Uttarakhand every single day. The report highlights that a total of 1,209 children under the age of 18 were reported missing during this period. The most heartbreaking statistic, however, is the low recovery rate, only 276 of these children have been reunited with their families, leaving a staggering 933 children still unaccounted for. The report further breaks down the missing minors, 408 boys and 802 girls were reported missing, of whom 128 boys and 148 girls were subsequently found. Comparative glance: Himalayan states (2023-24 Data) State Missing Recovered Himachal Pradesh 504 81 Uttarakhand 1209 276 Sikkim 22 13 Arunachal Pradesh 40 21 Nagaland 47 0 Manipur 89 24 Mizoram 1 0 Tripura 268 37 Social activists have voiced strong concerns over the persistent crisis. Anoop Nautiyal, founder president of the Social Development for Communities Foundation, told this newspaper, This situation is deeply worrisome, especially when the state police run 'Operation Smile' every year specifically to trace missing children. The opposition has sharply criticised the ruling governments handling of law and order in light of these figures. Mohan Kala, spokesperson for the Congress party in the state, stated, The claims of the BJP government, which boasts of a safe and tranquil Uttarakhand, have been completely exposed by this data on law and order. Furthermore, the image of Uttarakhand, famous nationwide for tourism and religious pilgrimage, has been severely tarnished. Kala added, There is much fanfare and photo opportunities when claims are made about finding missing children and reuniting them with their families, but the NCRB report released just two days ago has laid bare the reality of police performance. The NCRB report, which compiles annual crime statistics across the country, also tracks general missing persons cases. In Uttarakhand, a total of 6,532 individuals were reported missing in 2023-24, comprising 3,277 men and 3,255 women. Out of these, the police managed to trace 2,701 missing persons, including 1,688 men and 1,013 women.
Bandmate Alleges Foul Play in Zubeen Gargs Death; Manager and Organiser Under Scrutiny
New Delhi, Oct 4: New revelations have emerged surrounding the death of popular Assamese singer The post Bandmate Alleges Foul Play in Zubeen Gargs Death; Manager and Organiser Under Scrutiny appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Tragic Alto Accident on NH10 Near Kirney Claims Four Lives
Rangpo, Sep 4 : A devastating accident occurred on Friday evening around 7:30 PM on The post Tragic Alto Accident on NH10 Near Kirney Claims Four Lives appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Across India, only two high courts fully staffed; Allahabad tops with 76 vacancies
NEW DELHI: High Courts across India are grappling with 330 vacant judge positions out of a total sanctioned strength of 1,122, causing mounting delays and affecting millions of litigants, according to the Department of Justice data as of September 1, 2025. The Allahabad High Court has the highest number of vacancies at 76, including 35 permanent and 41 additional judges. Other major High Courts with significant gaps include Bombay (26), Punjab and Haryana (25), Calcutta (24), Madras (19), Patna (18), Delhi (16), and Rajasthan (7). Uttarakhand has two vacancies, Tripura has one. Out of 25 states, only the High Courts of Sikkim and Meghalaya are functioning at their full sanctioned strength. Data from the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) shows over 67 lakh pending cases across High Courts and more than 60,000 in the Supreme Court. While the Supreme Court operates at full strength of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India, High Courts struggle with excessive workloads. Experts attribute the shortage to delays in the appointment process at both the Collegium and government levels, with repeated recommendations sometimes facing executive resistance or remaining unaddressed for months. Former High Court judges and legal experts say that the high vacancy rates in High Courts are a major obstacle to the justice system, causing delays and contributing to growing case backlogs. Retired Patna High Court Judge and legal expert, Justice Anajana Prakash, talking to the TNIE , said that the pendency of filling up judges' posts in HCs added to the woes of the disposal of cases, and as a result, ultimately, litigants suffer for this. The filling up of judges' posts in HCs should be addressed expeditiously. Until and unless the judiciary and the centre decide and deliberate upon this issue, the case disposal rate won't increase, which will ultimately affect the litigants at the state level, she said. Former Allahabad High Court Judge Justice S.R. Singh told the TNIE that judge vacancies in High Courts are a major concern, causing hardship for litigants. Vacancies of judges lead to an unnecessary workload for existing judges, which can compromise the quality of judgments and cause burnout. So a judicious choice must be there to appoint judges keeping in view the pendency across HCs, he said. The vacancies include 161 permanent posts and 169 additional (temporary) posts, the latter appointed by the President for a maximum of two years to address temporary workload spikes.
Dowry cases rise by 14 pc in 2023, shows NCRB report
Thirteen states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Sikkim, reported zero dowry cases during the year. A total of 6,156 people lost their lives in dowry death cases in 2023. Uttar Pradesh again topped the chart with 2,122 deaths
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Dowry cases rise by 14pc in 2023; over 6,100 women killed: NCRB report shows
NEW DELHI: Cases registered under dowry-related crimes saw a 14 per cent increase in 2023, with more than 15,000 cases recorded across the country and over 6,100 deaths reported through the year, according to the latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The NCRB's 'Crime in India 2023' report said 15,489 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act in 2023 -- up from 13,479 in 2022 and 13,568 in 2021. Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest number of cases under the Act at 7,151, followed by Bihar (3,665) and Karnataka (2,322). Thirteen states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Sikkim, reported zero dowry cases during the year. A total of 6,156 people lost their lives in dowry death cases in 2023. Uttar Pradesh again topped the chart with 2,122 deaths, followed by Bihar 1,143. Dowry was listed as the motive in 833 murder cases across the country in 2023. Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 83,327 cases were up for trial in 2023, with 69,434 carried forward from earlier years. The year also saw 27,154 arrests under the Act -- 22,316 men and 4,838 women.
6 adventure experiences in Sikkim for thrill seekers
Sikkim beckons adventure seekers with its diverse landscape, offering thrilling experiences amidst breathtaking natural beauty. From trekking through Himalayan trails with stunning Kanchenjunga views to mountain biking along rugged terrains and paragliding over Gangtok, Sikkim provides unforgettable adventures. Yak safaris, mountaineering, and white river rafting in Teesta and Rangit rivers add to the excitement, making Sikkim a haven for thrill-seekers.
Govt Report Estimates One-Third Of Indias Children Age 5-9 Have High Triglycerides
New Delhi, Sep 26: Over a third of Indias children aged 5-9 could be having high triglycerides, with Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal and northeastern states showing highest prevalence, according to a government report. Over 67 per cent of children in West Bengal, 64 per cent in Sikkim, 55 per cent in Nagaland, 57 per cent in Assam and 50 per cent in Jammu Kashmir were estimated to have high levels of triglycerides a type of blood fat that [] The post Govt Report Estimates One-Third Of Indias Children Age 5-9 Have High Triglycerides appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Prime accused in September 19 ambush on Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur held, arms recovered
IMPHAL: The prime accused in the September 19 ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur, which claimed the lives of two personnel, has been arrested, a top police officer said on Wednesday. A large number of arms and ammunition used in the ambush was also recovered based on the inputs provided by the accused, he said. On receipt of specific information about the presence of armed militants in the Kameng area, a team of district police Imphal West, Bishnupur, 33 AR and other security forces launched a special operation on September 24 at about 1 am. During the operation, one person, namely Khundongbam Ojit Singh (47) was apprehended... He admitted he is a bailed-out member of the PLA (banned People's Liberation Army)... He was directly involved in the ambush, Director General of Police, Manipur, Rajiv Singh, said in a statement. Two jawans of the Assam Rifles were killed and five others injured when a group of armed men ambushed a vehicle of the paramilitary force on September 19. Raids are underway to arrest the other culprits involved in the ambush, it added. He also revealed that he was arrested earlier on April 22, 2007... During further examination, it was revealed that he was directly involved in the ambush on September 19 at Sabal Leikai, Nambol (District Bishnupur) at about 5.30 pm against the 33 AR personnel. After firing at the AR personnel, he along with other persons fled towards the Loktak lake side and hid their arms and ammunition at a secret location, the statement said. The arms and ammunition recovered include INSAS and other rifles, besides magazines. On September 20, two persons were detained in connection with the ambush and a van, suspected to have been used in the attack, was recovered. The silver-blue coloured van was found at Mutum Yangbi in Imphal West district, around 10 km from the ambush site, police had said. Earlier, police and forensic personnel had recovered several fired cartridges from the ambush sspot, around 16 km from state capital Imphal. One of the injured personnel, N Nongthon, had told reporters: The assailants, numbering around four to five, suddenly opened fire at us. We did not immediately retaliate as it would have led to injuries to the public, since it was not an isolated area. The injured jawans hail from Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Uttarakhand, besides Manipur. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had condemned the attack on security forces. Manipur is under President's Rule since February, after the resignation of Chief Minister N Birendra Singh. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA is enforced in entire Manipur except in 13 police station areas of the five valley districts. Nambol, where the ambush occurred, falls in Bishnupur district and had no AFSPA coverage, officials had said. Ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur have left at least 260 people dead and thousands homeless since May 2023. People stage protests against ambush on Assam Rifles in Manipur, search underway for attackers
States salary bills balloon 2.5 times in 10 years : CAG
NEW DELHI: The salary bills of states have ballooned 2.5 times in the 10 years to 2022-23, reaching Rs 16.6 lakh crore, while subsidy bills have more than trebled to Rs 3.09 lakh crore, according to a report published by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The State Finances Publication 2025 further shows that public debt raised by states grew 3.4 times over the same period to Rs 59.6 lakh crore. In FY 2022-23, states committed expenditure on salaries, interest payments, and pensions constituted a significant portion of their finances, accounting for about 43.49% of total revenue expenditure. Salaries formed the largest component of this spending. Expenditure on salaries, pensions, and interest payments as a percentage of revenue expenditure varied widelyfrom as high as 74% in Nagaland to 32% in Maharashtra. In 2022-23, 15 states reported committed expenditure exceeding 50% of their revenue expenditure, seven states between 4050%, and six states below 40%. Among southern states, committed expenditure accounted for 63% of Keralas revenue expenditure, 51% in Tamil Nadu, 42% in Andhra Pradesh, 41% in Telangana, and 33% in Karnataka. Subsidy spending accounted for 8.61% of states revenue expendituredefined as spending on day-to-day government operations and services that do not create assets or increase existing assets. In 2022-23, four statesPunjab, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthanspent more than 10% of their total expenditure on subsidies, with Punjab the highest at 17%. By contrast, in 10 states (Sikkim, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Kerala, Assam, and Goa), subsidies were below 2% of total expenditure. Arunachal Pradesh reported no subsidy expenditure. The report also shows that committed expenditure and subsidies together exceeded states own tax revenueat 102% in 2013-14 and 134% in 2020-21. States major revenue sources include own tax and non-tax revenues, grants-in-aid, and their share of Union taxes. Between 2013-14 and 2022-23, states average share in Union taxes was about 27% of total revenue receipts. In FY 2022-23, this figure remained unchanged at 27%. In 2022-23, 10 states together received 72% of the states share in Union taxes and duties. Uttar Pradesh (17.89%), Bihar (10.07%), Madhya Pradesh (7.86%), West Bengal (7.53%), and Maharashtra (6.33%) together accounted for 50% of devolved taxes. Among southern states, Tamil Nadu received 4.08%, Andhra Pradesh 4.02%, Karnataka 3.65%, Telangana 2.07%, and Kerala 1.93%. As of March 31, 2023, the total public debt for all 28 states stood at Rs 59.6 lakh crore, about 23% of their combined GSDP.
Sikkim To Get Its First Railway Station By 2027: Heres How It Will Look | Exclusive
As per blueprint document accessed by CNN-News18, Sikkim station will cost Rs 240 crore and will be a world-class railway station developed using state-of-the-art technology
Two GST Tribunal benches to start functioning in Kolkata soon: Official
Kolkata will soon have a Goods and Services Tax Tribunal. It will have two benches at Alipore. One bench will serve West Bengal. The other will serve Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. An official said it will start next month. A revised GST structure may cause revenue loss for West Bengal.
Army troops undertake route march at 17,000 feet in Sikkim
Each soldier carried weapons, equipment, and survival gear, replicating battlefield conditions in high-altitude areas
Panchayat president killed in landslip in Sikkim's Gyalshing district
He was looking at the drainage system near his residence when the landslip occurred, the police said
Four family members killed in Sikkim landslide; child survives
GANGTOK: Four members of a family lost their lives and one child was critically injured after a landslide, triggered by relentless rainfall, struck their home in Sikkims Gyalshing district late Thursday night, police said. The tragedy occurred in the Upper Rimbi area around midnight while the family was asleep. A senior police official confirmed that the landslide completely destroyed the residence. Gyalshing Superintendent of Police Tshering Sherpa said that Sikkim Police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel and local residents responded swiftly to the scene and launched a rescue operation despite the continuous downpour. Three of the six family members died on the spot. Two injured women were rushed to the Gyalshing District Hospital, where one of them later succumbed to her injuries, Sherpa said. A seven-year-old boy was pulled out alive and has been admitted to the hospital for treatment. Despite difficult weather conditions, the rescue team acted promptly with the support of the local community. It has been a risky operation, but we have done our best to save lives. The operation is still underway, said SP Sherpa, who also expressed his gratitude to all those who assisted in the rescue efforts.
7-Year-Old Girl Rescued Alive From Sikkim Landslide Debris; Four Dead, Several Still Missing
Sikkim Landslide: Officials warned that persistent rain is complicating search efforts and raising the risk of further slides
Four dead, 3 missing after landslide in West Sikkim's Upper Rimbi
A landslide in Upper Rimbi, Sikkim, claimed four lives and three people are still missing. Rescue operations are underway. Earlier, the Indian Army and Navy's special forces concluded a joint diving exercise. The exercise took place at a high altitude. It involved combat night diving and cold-water dives. The training aimed to enhance operational readiness and jointmanship between the forces.
Sikkim landslide: Four killed, three go missing; rescue operation underway
The police team, in coordination with local villagers and SSB personnel, managed to evacuate two injured women from the affected area after constructing a temporary tree log bridge over the flooded Hume River.
4 Dead, 3 Missing After Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide In West Sikkim
The officials rescued two women from the affected area, out of which one succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
Sikkim landslide: Four dead, three missing in Yangthang; rescue operations under way
A devastating landslide in Upper Rimbi, West Sikkim, claimed the lives of at least four people and left three others missing. The tragedy struck early Friday in Yangthang constituency, prompting a swift response from police, SSB personnel, and local villagers. Rescue efforts are ongoing to find the missing individuals amidst challenging conditions.
Indian border security arrests 60 Nepal jailbreak inmates as protests leave thousands on the run
NEW DELHI: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) that guards the India-Nepal border has caught about 60 people including a Bangladeshi national from various locations along the international front, officials said. Most of them are Nepalese who are suspected of having escaped during jailbreaks during the unrest in their country. SSB troops caught them from border points in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal over the last two days, the officials told PTI. They have been handed over to the respective state police forces and are being questioned, they said. A Bangladeshi national has also been apprehended from the Musharwa border post in Bihar's West Champaran district. He had managed to slip during a mob attack on the prison premises in Kathmandu. Two or three of those nabbed claim to be of Indian origin and this fact is being ascertained, the officials said. The SSB, which functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), guards the 1,751-km-long unfenced India-Nepal front on India's eastern side. It has deployed about 50 battalions, translating to about 60,000 personnel, in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Sikkim that share the front with Nepal. The force has stepped up vigil in the frontier areas and enhanced surveillance along the border in the wake of the protests in Nepal. The SSB is in touch with its Nepalese counterpart APF. They have also undertaken joint patrols with them apart from independent flag marches in the border areas to send across a message that the Indian side is ready to meet any challenge emerging from the recent developments in Nepal, a senior official said. Nepal has been assured of all cooperation and genuine nationals of the two countries, carrying valid IDs, are being allowed to cross the border, he said. Three inmates were killed on Thursday during clashes with Nepalese security personnel at a jail, while more than 15,000 prisoners are stated to have escaped from more than two dozen jails since violent protests erupted in that country. With the latest deaths, the number of prisoners who died during clashes with security forces has increased to eight since the violence erupted on Tuesday. The violent agitation forced prime minister K P Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday, following which the Nepal Army imposed restrictions due to a serious law and order situation across provinces.
India Watching Nepal Unrest With Caution, Prioritising Border Security: Sources | Exclusive
Sources say almost 2 crore Indians, mainly in Bihar, UP, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand, are directly linked to Nepal through family ties, trade relations, and religious connections.
Border guarding force SSB on high alert with additional deployment following turmoil in Nepal
NEW DELHI: Amid political turmoil in Nepal, authorities have issued an alert along the India-Nepal border, with Indias border guarding force, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), having intensified vigilance. It is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any spillover of unrest into Indian territory, officials said on Tuesday. An alert has been issued on the India-Nepal border, considering the unrest in Nepal. Sashastra Seema Bal is keeping a close watch on the development, a senior MHA official said. The official also emphasised that the current heightened vigilance is preventive in nature and the situation remained under control. The officials also said that adequate deployment is in place at the border and strict checks have been implemented at several border outposts. Nepal's youth vs the 'nepo kids': A generation rises against a broken system Coordination with the local administration has also been intensified to ensure the smooth movement of people while ensuring security of the country, they added. It is to be noted here that the open India-Nepal border, stretching over 1,751 km across states including Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim, allows unrestricted movement of citizens of both countries. The movement of people across the borders has been allowed since Independence to foster close socio-economic and cultural ties. But, at times when political unrest or protests erupt in Nepal, special security measures are taken by Indian authorities. In the past, border alerts have been issued during periods of internal turmoil in Nepal, including the 2015 Madhesi protests, which had affected trade and cross-border movement. The SSB is one of Indias Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), which function under the MHA with a strength of over 90,000 personnel. The protests in Kathmandu erupted following the Nepalese government blocked access to several social media platforms, including Facebook, claiming social media users with fake IDs were spreading hate speech and fake news, and committing fraud and other crimes via some platforms. Border districts of Bihar on high alert after violence erupted in Nepal
IMD Warns Of Heavy Rain In East, Northeast India This Week
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, along with Odisha, may see heavy rain this week, with the IMD warning of very heavy rainfall over parts of West Bengal and Sikkim.
Taxi body told to drop inapt Sikkim model demand
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Sep 8: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Monday dismissed the demand of the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) to adopt the Sikkim model of restricting tourist taxis from outside the state, calling the comparison misleading. Sikkim is an endpoint state, while Meghalaya is a transit state. A large number []
Delhi experienced a weekend of humidity and light rain, while Punjab faces severe flooding with significant casualties and displacement. Gujarat's Vadodara is grappling with waterlogging after heavy rainfall. The IMD has issued alerts for heavy showers in East Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Brahmaputra Board Drafts Master Plans To Tackle Floods, Erosion In Northeast
In June this year, devastating floods and landslides battered northeast India, leaving lakhs affected across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura and Manipur.
AIZAWL : With the completion of the 51.38-km broad-gauge line from Bairabi to Sairang, Mizoram becomes the fourth Northeastern state to gain direct train connectivity to its capital. This marks a milestone in Indian Railways ambitious plan to link the capitals of all eight Northeastern states with the national rail network. The line, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, connects Bairabi on the AssamMizoram border to Sairang, located 20 km from Aizawl and 12 km from Lengpui Airport. The new Sairang railway station will serve as the key railhead for Aizawl. The project, for which approval was granted in 2008 and construction began in November 2014, has been built at a cost of 8,071 crore. Engineering feat The 51.38-km line, passing through the Kolasib and Aizawl districts, is an engineering feat, with over half its length running through tunnels and bridges. It includes 48 tunnels spanning 12.85 km, 55 major and 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges, and six road underbridges. The line has three intermediate stations at Hortoki, Kawnpui, and Mualkhang. Among the bridges, Bridge No. 144 over the Kurung River near Sairang has earned the distinction of being the worlds second-tallest pier bridge, rising 114 metres above the ground. The tallest is the Noney Bridge in neighbouring Manipur, standing 141 metres tall, which is being built as part of the under-construction 111-km JiribamImphal railway line. World's second tallest pier bridge over Kurung river at Sairang station Challenges faced The railways faced huge challenges in building the BairabiSairang line due to its rugged Indo-Burmese tectonic terrain, marked by steep slopes, deep valleys, and fragile, clay-like soil prone to erosion. Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction), the agency which executed the project, with design and safety aspects reviewed by IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee, had to build 223 km of approach roads as well. Reaching construction sites for hill excavation and pier construction was extremely difficult, as there was no road access. NFR (Construction) built 223 km of approach roads, which have since benefitted several villages in Kolasib and Aizawl districts, a railway official explained. In addition to the topographical challenges, the project encountered other obstacles as well, including opposition to workers brought in from other states and the non-availability of construction materials in Mizoram, which meant they had to be transported from Bihar and Jharkhand. To address local resistance, the Railways eventually engaged local people from Mizoram in the construction work. The project progressed at a slow pace due to the regions short working season of just 67 months a year. Despite higher wages, many labourers left the project because of the remote location and lack of internet connectivity at worksites, the official added. Tunnel in BairabiSairang line Expectations Locals in Dawrpui told TNIE that the railway line will help tackle the high cost of road travel from Silchar to Aizawl, which currently costs between Rs 1,200 and Rs 2,000 along the hilly two-lane highway. During the monsoon season, which lasts for more than five months, landslides frequently cut off road access. Flights, too, are unreliable as they often get cancelled due to bad weather, and there are no departures after 4 pm, said Anthony Zohmingliana, a resident. M. Sathish Kumar, a project associate at Mizoram Central University and a resident of Aizawl for 15 years, noted that over 8 lakh of Mizorams 14 lakh population live in and around Aizawl. This project will benefit a large section of the population, reducing dependence on flights and cabs, he said. Joel Lalengmawii of Lengpui said, My family often travels via Silchar to reach Manipur, Punjab, and Kerala. But the 154-km journey to Silchar takes 910 hours by road. We have been told train fares will be cheaper, but only when services begin will we know how much difference it really makes. S. S. Ajin, a PhD student at Mizoram University, said, We mostly rely on flights or road transport. There are times when vegetables and other essentials do not reach the city for a few days due to landslides on the national highways, and there are no other public transport options. Train connectivity will greatly benefit people from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other states traveling to Mizoram. Once the line becomes operational, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will be able to transport freight for the public distribution system by train, significantly reducing the cost of transporting goods, vegetables, and other items from other states. Initially, passenger services may run between Sairang and Silchar, the railway official added. Rail connectivity to northeast At present, the railway line through Assam's capital, Guwahati, serves as a gateway to the seven other Northeastern states. From Guwahati, branch lines extend to Bairabia station just 7 km inside Mizoram on the SilcharBairabi sectionwhere a passenger train currently runs daily between Bairabi and Silchar. This link to Silchar connects Mizoram with northern and southern states via Guwahati. Additionally, it provides connectivity to Manipur and Nagaland. Guwahati (Assam), Agartala (Tripura), and Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) are the other state capitals with rail connectivity. Work is under way to connect the capitals of Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, and Nagaland. NFR officials said they expect these works to be completed by December 2029. It may be noted that Sikkim remains the only Northeastern state without rail connectivity, mainly due to local opposition. Extending to Myanmar Highlighting plans to develop Sairang station with state-of-the-art facilities, the railway official said the government is also exploring the feasibility of extending the line from Sairang to Myanmar. The proposed route would cover 230 km within Mizoram and the remainder in Myanmar. If realized, this would reduce freight transport from South India to Mizoram via Visakhapatnam and Kolkata ports from 2,000 km to just 500 km, the official explained. Fact File: BairabiSairang Broad Gauge Line New Line: BairabiSairang (51.38 km) Key Locations: Bairabi: Border station on AssamMizoram border Sairang: 20 km from Aizawl, Mizoram Project Cost: Rs 8,071 crore Railway Connectivity in the Northeast Guwahati (Assam): Only railway gateway for all eight Northeastern states Line from Guwahati runs to Bairabi (7 km from Assam border via Silchar) BairabiSilchar (105 km): Daily passenger train operational New Line: SairangSilchar (155 km), passenger services to be introduced Road Access Two-lane National Highway is the only mode of access to Aizawl Travel Cost: Rs 1,000Rs 1,600 per person (Silchar Aizawl) Travel Time: 89 hours by road; train will reduce it to 3 hours States with railway connectivity to capitals Assam Guwahati Tripura Agartala Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Mizoram Sairang (to be inaugurated)
NEW DELHI: Inspiring narratives of teachers going beyond the call of duty to better the lives of their students and society at large emerged on Friday when 81 educators were conferred the National Teacher Awards 2025. There was stunned silence and awe among the audience when short video clips of each awardee were beamed on a giant screen to showcase their achievements. The TNIE caught up with a few of them who are playing a larger than life role in the lives of their students. Teachers from the primary, secondary, colleges and universities, apart from those in the skill development field were awarded on Friday. We are grateful to be recognised like this. The selection process by the government was transparent and the system of self-nomination for the award is a great move, many said. Nang Ekthani Mounglang, Headmaster at the Government Secondary School at Pachin in Arunachal Pradesh joined her school in November 2023. A fire accident had ravaged the school and destroyed all the infrastructure. I was literally told that I had to start from scratch, she recalled. The CBSE school had recorded a maximum pass percentage of 27% until then. In March 2025, the school recorded a 100% pass percentage with all its 92 students clearing the exam. The school was the only one in the Itanagar Circle to get cent percent. We repeatedly held mock exams for all the students. I used to hold training classes to train the teachers. I am an English teacher but whenever any other teacher was not able to make it to class, I would prepare the subject and teach the students, she recalls. Shaikh Mohammad Waquioddin, a teacher at Zilla Parishad High School at Ardhapur in Maharashtras Nanded district is a local celebrity. The Science teacher with 28 years of teaching experience assessed that girl students of the muslim community in his district did not attend school after completion of Class VII due to safety reasons. The high school was 3.5 km from their homes and in an isolated spot. We took a decision in 2015 to create temporary schools in the area by renting rooms so that their education continued without a break. A few of them have today pursued professional degrees and other courses, he says with pride. On hearing that 245 women in the area developed Uterine Cancer due to infection, Waquioddin and other teachers pooled in and decided to supply sanitary pads to the girl students in their school for their use and to be taken home so that other women in the family too use them. I also bought a sanitary pad machine to help the girls in my school from the Rs One lakh I got for my State Teacher award in 2017-2018. It is still functioning, he adds. Kishorkumar MS, a class IV teacher at the Government Corporation Higher Secondary School at Kallara in Trivandrum developed 40 teaching aids from 2019-2024 with the help of students to make them understand their subjects better apart from creating much e-content. I wanted students to develop their personality. During the one-hour lunch break, I would goad them to go on stage and take the mike and speak on some small topic. I wanted them to shed their inhibitions and become bold, he adds. Principal Karma Tempo Ethenpa of PM Shri Mangan Senior Secondary School in Mangan (earlier North Sikkim), a former athlete and footballer, taught students to embrace studies by using sports and music.My students began excelling in studies. Many of them have even gone on to play at the National level too, he said. It is very cold in our place. Instead of going home quickly, students started playing and exercising and becoming physically and mentally fit, he explained. Srivardhini K Jha, professor at the Entrepreneurship at IIM Bengaluru and Chairperson at IIM start-up Incubation Cell has played a pivotal role in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among MBA students. Unlike other subjects, entrepreneurship cannot be taught using books, she said, adding she designed teaching material on her own. The Incubation Cell welcomes people from all over who have an idea and want mentoring and support of a network. Women entrepreneurs are a key focus area, she said. Professor Vineeth N Balasubramanian, who teaches Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence at IIT, Hyderabad, is a Ph.D holder from Arizona State University. He has designed an online course in AI which over 40,000-plus people have taken up. He has played a crucial role in providing quality content for National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), a project of the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
MHA frames stricter rules under Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 to tighten entry, stay norms
NEW DELHI: With an aim to further tighten national security by better regulating immigration into the country, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday issued a set of new rules under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which stipulates stricter norms for entry, stay and deportation of foreigners. The order through a gazette notification said, foreigners may be denied entry or stay in India, if found to be convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism, espionage, rape, murder, human trafficking, cybercrime, drug smuggling, or membership of a banned organisation. More to these offences, people found to be involved in cases relating to fake travel documents, money laundering, hawala transactions, child abuse and racketeering will also be barred from entering India. Noting that India would continue to maintain a strict zero-tolerance toward individuals involved in anti-national or subversive activities, in order the MHA has advised the Bureau of Immigration to maintain and update a database of such individuals and prohibit their entry. According to officials, all states and Union Territories (UT) have been asked to set up dedicated detention or holding centres for illegal immigrants until they are deported. The centres will restrict the movement of foreign nationals found staying without valid documents. The Coast Guard and border security forces have also been instructed to capture biometric and demographic details of illegal entrants before their deportation, they said. As per the MHA order, it is mandatory for every foreigner applying for a visa or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration to provide biometric details before approval and these include fingerprints, facial scans and other data, which will be stored on a central government portal. Foreigners seeking employment in India cannot work in sensitive sectors such as power supply, petroleum or water distribution without explicit approval from civil authorities, it noted. The new rules also tighten regulations on media and mountaineering expeditions, as in the order, the MHA said, Foreigners wishing to shoot feature films, documentaries, web series or reality shows in India must obtain written permission from the central government. Foreigners must also secure special permits to enter protected or restricted regions, including Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Nationals of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan will not be allowed entry into these sensitive areas. Notifying the conditions under which foreigners may be refused permission to leave India, the MHA said, These include pending court cases, risks to public health, potential harm to diplomatic relations or orders from law enforcement agencies, and the Bureau of Immigration will maintain an updated list of individuals barred from departure. On the arrival of seamen and crew of aircraft, the MHA said a seaman or the crew of an aircraft, who is a foreigner, shall require a landing permit or a shore leave pass for entry into India, if not in possession of a valid Indian visa.
Incessant rain triggers landslides in northern West Bengal; National Highway 10 closed
The closure of NH10 has affected the main route connecting Sikkim and West Bengal; restoration work is underway
First-ever intra-party parliamentarian forum on womens health to push for cervical cancer vaccine
NEW DELHI: The first-ever intra-party parliamentarians forum on womens health in India will advocate for policies on womens health, including sexual and reproductive health, that are often overlooked and underfunded, and receive insufficient attention in political and policy discussions. The main aim of the forum, which has onboarded eight legislators from seven political parties, is to make womens health a policy priority, supported by research, advocacy and consensus. Among the main agenda items of the forum, which will kick-start its operations during the winter session of the parliament, is to push for the inclusion of the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer , the second most common cancer in India, in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Speaking with TNIE ,Dr. T. Sumathy, DMK MP from Chennai South, Tamil Nadu, said: Womens health never gets priority inside or outside parliament. It has been treated as a secondary concern in our policy priorities, even though it underpins not just individual well-being but the health of our families, communities, and economy. Welcoming the formation of a parliamentarian Forum, launched by the non-profit FRIDA Health, a womens health advocacy lab, she said their immediate goal for the winter session of parliament is to hold policy discussions on the nationwide inclusion of cervical cancer vaccine in the UIP; menstrual leaves for girls and women, and gender-based budgeting. We plan to take up in the winter session of the parliament, the national launch of cervical cancer vaccine, which has been rolled out in a few states, including Tamil Nadu. We want a discussion on adopting the successful models of these states in rolling out the HPV vaccine throughout the country. Cervical cancer awareness month: HPV vaccine should be made available through govt schemes The Union Budget 2024 prioritised the phased introduction of the cervical vaccine, with the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommending its inclusion in the UIP for girls aged 9-14 years. The other states where this vaccination has been launched are Sikkim and Bihar. India has reported over 80,000 cervical cancer cases in 2023-24. On the issue of menstrual leaves, one of the provisions under the draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy, which advocates for a three-day leave for menstruating individuals in workplaces, the parliamentarian said they want an open discussion where the pros and cons are discussed. The DMK MP is among the eight MPs who comprise the Forum. The others are Dr. Maddila Gurumoorthy (YSRCP, Andhra Pradesh),KR Suresh Reddy (BRS, Telangana),Vishal Patil (Independent, Maharashtra), Dr. Fauzia Khan (NCP, Maharashtra), Pradyut Bordoloi (Congress, Assam), Sulata Deo (BJD, Odisha), and Jothimani S. (Congress, Tamil Nadu). The parliament needs to discuss and come out with policies that focus on womens health, from their reproductive rights to their mental health. These issues often remain under-addressed in our policy conversations. I believe it is my duty to amplify these voices in parliament and to work collectively, beyond party lines, for a healthier and more equitable future for women across our country, said Dr Sumathy, who worked as an English lecturer before entering politics. The forum, she said, will raise in one, strong voice the pressing health issues of women. The forum will strengthen advocacy and policy action for womens health in India. According to Prakshi Saha, founder of non-profit FRIDA Health, they have launched the forum with eight MPs from seven political parties across six states. We are talking to several others. The membership will reach 15+ within the next month, she told TNIE. Talking about the forum, Dr Gurumoorthy said: Womens health is not just a medical issue - its a societal imperative. Forums like this create a space for dialogues, awareness, and action, especially in communities where health concerns are often underrepresented or misunderstood. I chose to be part of this initiative because I believe that empowering women with access to knowledge and care strengthens families, communities and the nation, he said. As a physiotherapist and public servant, I have seen first-hand how health - especially preventive and rehabilitative care - can transform lives. It is why I have consistently advocated for accessible wellness infrastructure, from physiotherapy outreach to CGHS centres. Health is dignity and every citizen deserves it, the Andhra MP added. Telangana Rajya Sabha MP Reddy said the gender health gap persists in India and is intensely magnified by socio-cultural factors. For the nations overall growth and progress, we have to ensure that maternal mortality, breast and cervical cancer, malnutrition and anaemia are addressed with utmost priority. The 24-year-old non-profit founder said apart from providing research support to the MPson critical womens health issues, including sexual and reproductive health, womens cancers, nutrition, anemia and access to essential healthcare services, theywill also facilitate dialogue and collaboration between parliamentarians, international organisations, civil society, and healthcare providers to develop and implement effective womens health policies and programs. Talking about her journey, Saha said that, having worked with women and girls in grassroots communities, as well as being a lawyer and policy researcher, she thought to generate political will and consensus to advocate for better womens health policies. She stated that the immediate goal of the forum is to increase parliamentary engagement, including questions, zero-hour mentions, special mentions, and even private members bills, on various issues related to womens health. We are also doing a mapping exercise of the past parliament sessions and measuring the total questions asked, the total zero hours allowed, and how many were about gender/health/womens health! We will continue to update this tracker as operations of our forum kick-start from the winter session. In the long run, she said, they aim to see several policies related to womens health implemented. I believe that data-driven policymaking will ultimately improve the quality of decisions made by policymakers and ensure that womens health challenges are properly understood.
Indian Army and Bisleri International Join Hands for Developing Eco Zone in Sikkim
www.bisleri.com .
ET Graphics | Earnings up, some states lead
Factory jobs are witnessing improved compensation, with average pay per person increasing by 28.9% from 2.8 lakh in 2018-19 to 3.7 lakh in 2023-24. Sikkim leads states and UTs with an average pay of 7.1 lakh, nearly double the national average. Over the past six years, employment in the manufacturing sector has grown by 20.
Senior IAS officer Anjaneya Kumar Singh will now work in the Uttar Pradesh cadre for one more year as the central government has extended his tenure. The tenure of the 2005 batch Sikkim cadre officer has been extended in UP for the seventh time.
How Ajit Doval Outwitted A 'Spy Queen' And Secured Sikkim For India
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's life has always read like a spy novel. One of his earliest and least-known missions played out not in Pakistan or China, but in the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim.
Monsoon shifts: Standing crops in danger as IMD predicts heavy rainfall
NEW DELHI : The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast extremely heavy rainfall nationwide for the next five days, following the monsoon troughs shift to its normal position. Northwest India is expected to experience a reduction in heavy rainfall after two days. The IMD indicated that extremely heavy rainfall is likely over isolated areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and West Rajasthan on August 25-26. East Rajasthan and Gujarat will experience rainfall over the next three days, while Uttarakhand is expected to see rain on August 29-30. Odisha is to receive rainfall on August 26-27, and coastal Andhra Pradesh on August 26. Heavy rainfall is expected over the Konkan and Goa, as well as Madhya Maharashtra, in the coming 7 days. In East and central India, there is a potential for heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Chhattisgarh and Odisha as well as in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh will also experience rainfall. The IMD has also warned Northeast India about continued heavy rainfall in Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh over the next 6-7 days. In Southern India, heavy rainfall is predicted for Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. The IMD advised fishermen along the Gujarat and Odisha coasts not to venture out to sea. There is a moderate flash flood risk likely over several areas south of J&K, as well as in northern and central Himachal Pradesh, eastern Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana in the next 24 hours.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathu La concludes with return of 48 pilgrims
GANGTOK, Aug 25: The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathu La Pass in Sikkim ended with the return of the 10th batch of 48 tourists from the pilgrimage site, officials said on Monday. On their return on Sunday, the 48 pilgrims were received by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) officials, and a valedictory function was held [] The post Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathu La concludes with return of 48 pilgrims appeared first on Northlines .
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 Via Sikkim Route Ends With Return Of 48 Pilgrims: Officials
GANGTOK, Aug 25: The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nathu La Pass in Sikkim ended with the return of the 10th batch of 48 tourists from the pilgrimage site, officials said on Monday. On their return on Sunday, the 48 pilgrims were received by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) officials, and a valedictory function was held to mark the successful conclusion of the Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage for 2025. STDC chairman Lukendra Rasaily said the smooth conduct of the tour by around [] The post Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 Via Sikkim Route Ends With Return Of 48 Pilgrims: Officials appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Not fair: Only 11 per cent women Vice-Chancellor's in Indian universities
NEW DELHI: The highest echelons still remain inaccessible to women in education, a field predominantly dominated by the female workforce, with only 11.18% occupying the Vice-Chancellor (VC) positions in universities across the country, data shows. Out of 1,073 universities under the ambit of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), just 120 have women VCs, Secretary General of AIU, Pankaj Mittal, told this newspaper. Of this figure, 16 hold the top job in universities where the post is exclusively reserved for female appointees, she said. India has a total of 1,200-odd universities with 90% of them affiliated to the association. Women are increasingly occupying mid-level leadership roles like the Heads of Departments or Controller of Examinations. However, gender parity at the top remains elusive. The positive aspect is that the present situation is much better compared to the trend in our country three years ago when only 7% of universities had women VCs, Mittal elaborated. JNU, Dr Ambedkar University Delhi, Kashmir University, Allahabad University and Chaudhary Charan Singh University (formerly Meerut University), Dr Hari Singh University (Sagar University) are among the prominent ones with women VCs presently. UP & TN have max women heads. With 19 women Vice Chancellors in its 84 universities, Uttar Pradesh ranks No. 1 in terms of having women in a top leadership role. Tamil Nadu with 11 VCs in its 56 universities and Maharashtra with 10 women out of 79 universities take the second and third positions. The North east states have shown the best and wost represntation simultaneously, with Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim having zero female VCs, while Meghalaya is closest to ensuring gender parity with women VCs in 4 of its 9 universities. Emphasising the need for more women at the apex role, the Secretary General said, Women VCs often lead with a strong sense of purpose, championing initiatives that support gender equity, student well-being, inclusive policies, and social responsibility. They are more likely to prioritise mental health, community outreach, and inclusive decision-making areas that are sometimes overlooked in traditional models of leadership. Their presence at the top sends a powerful message: that leadership can be both strong and compassionate, she added. For women in Higher Educational Institutions, whether students, faculty, or aspiring leaders, the path is still shaped by invisible barriers, unspoken biases, and structural limitations, she felt. To change this, institutions must go beyond symbolic gestures and commit to real, people centric reforms. Mittal highlighted many of these aspects in her concept paper Promoting women-led development for Viksit Bharat during the second conference of women VCs held at Jharkhand on Friday.
ED arrests Cong MLA in illegal betting case
BENGALURU/NEW DELHI, Aug 23: Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra Puppy was arrested on Saturday under the anti-money laundering law from Sikkim in an alleged illegal online and offline betting case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The federal probe agency also said it seized Rs 12 crore in cash (including about Rs crore in foreign currency), gold jewellery worth Rs 6 crore, silver about 10 kg along with four vehicles following raids launched [] The post ED arrests Cong MLA in illegal betting case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Cash Piles, Gold And Casino Cards: ED Arrests Karnataka Congress MLA In Illegal Betting Probe
Enforcement Directorate arrests Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra Puppy in Sikkim for illegal betting, seizes cash, gold, and links to Dubai casinos.
Rs 12 Crore Cash, VIP Number Plates: Congress MLA Arrested In Betting Racket
Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra 'Puppy' was arrested from Sikkim in an alleged illegal betting racket after the Enforcement Directorate carried out a two-day search operation across India on Saturday.
ED arrests Karnataka Congress MLA in illegal betting case
New Delhi: Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra Puppy was arrested on Saturday under the anti-money laundering law from Sikkim in an alleged illegal online and offline betting case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said. The federal probe agency also said it seized Rs 12 crore in cash (including about Rs crore in foreign currency), gold Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
ED arrests Karnataka Congress MLA in 'illegal' betting case
K C Veerendra, a Karnataka Congress MLA, faces arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. The arrest occurred in Sikkim related to an alleged illegal betting scheme. Authorities seized significant assets during raids across multiple states. The seized items included cash, gold, silver, and vehicles. Veerendra was in Gangtok for a casino leasing venture.
CBSE to establish six new regional, sub-regional offices to enhance governance
NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the establishment of six new Regional Offices, Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and Sub-Regional Offices to streamline its operations and improve governance of affiliated schools across the country. According to a notification issued by CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, the decision was taken following the approval of the Finance Committee in December 2024, which was later ratified by the Governing Body and cleared by the Ministry of Education. The new offices are being set up in Gurugram, Lucknow, Raipur, Ranchi, Agartala, Itanagar and Gangtok. These will become fully functional between August and September 2025. Gurugram (Haryana) will cover 12 southern districts of Haryana, including Faridabad, Gurugram, Palwal and Sonipat, and is expected to function from 1 September 2025. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) will oversee 30 districts, including Ayodhya, Etawah, Kanpur, Rae Bareli and Unnao, and will also become functional from 1 September 2025. Raipur (Chhattisgarh) will have jurisdiction across Chhattisgarh and became functional on 22 August 2025. Ranchi (Jharkhand) will cover Jharkhand and also became functional on 22 August 2025. Among the Sub-Regional Offices, Agartala (Tripura) will begin functioning from 15 September 2025. Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) became functional on 22 August 2025, along with Gangtok (Sikkim), which also started operations on the same date. The notification stated that all schools affiliated with CBSE will now fall under the jurisdictions of these newly established offices. This move will help strengthen administrative reach, ensure better coordination with schools, and enhance educational support services across these regions, the CBSE said.
Gross Misconduct: Sikkim University Cancels Student's Admission Over Remarks On Nepali Language
The Sikkim University (SU) cancelled the provisional admission of an M Com student over gross misconduct after he allegedly made derogatory remarks against the Nepali language, officials of the institution said on Friday.
Prayas was born from a simple idea: What if places of governance that generally record high footfall on work days can also serve as platforms for empowerment?
Sikkim University Student Sparks Row With 'Nepali' Remark, Taken Into Custody
A major controversy has erupted on the campus of Sikkim University in Gangtok over alleged derogatory remarks against the Nepali community and language by a student from Uttar Pradesh in a department WhatsApp group.
Sikkim University student arrested for insulting Nepali language
Gangtok: A Sikkim University student, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly making insulting remarks against the Nepali language which is widely spoken in the Himalayan state, officials said. Acting on a complaint lodged by some local students, a team from Rani Pool police station reached the university campus and took Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bairrabi Railway Station, which has the station code BHRB, has three platforms and serves the entire population of 1.25 million (12.25 lakhs) of the state.
Earthquake News Updates: Earthquake of magnitude 2.8 hits Sikkim's Soreng
According to IMD's National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin, at least 180 mm of rain is likely in certain areas in the next 24 hours
Syed Ata Hasnain | Climate & Geology Posing Fresh Himalayan Threats
In October 2023, the South Lhonark lake in Sikkim gave way, sending a wall of water downstream that obliterated the Chungthang dam. By August 2025, flash floods in Dharali near Harsil -- a key transit zone for both troops and civilians -- demonstrated just how quickly mountain waterways can turn violent
Nepalese PM Oli to visit India on Sept 16-17: Foreign Ministry sources
KATHMANDU: Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is likely to pay an official visit to India from September 16-17, Foreign Ministry sources said here on Monday. A wide range of issues, such as trade, tourism, information technology, connectivity, hydropower, and border, will be discussed during the visit, they added. The Foreign Ministry is currently working towards finalising the agenda and itinerary for the proposed high-level visit, said the Foreign Minister's Press Advisor Ek Raj Pathak. On Monday, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who would be part of Oli's delegation, said that direct flights between Nepalgunj and Delhi will be on op of her agenda during the upcoming visit to India. Direct air connectivity between Nepalgunj, a Western Nepal city, and New Delhi will be my top agenda, Deuba said at a meeting with political leaders, lawmakers and industrialists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If this happens, it will certainly change the face of Western Nepal, she said, adding that the government has already done the necessary groundwork to strengthen the necessary infrastructure in the area for the purpose. The people from around 25 districts of Western Nepal will benefit from the proposed direct flight between Nepalgunj and Delhi, Deuba said. Nepalgunj can be the gateway to Kailash-Mansarovar situated in Tibet if direct flights are started between Nepalgunj and Delhi, she added. The proposed flight between the two cities will benefit the people of both countries, she pointed out. Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Landlocked Nepal relies heavily on India for the transportation of goods and services. Nepal is also important for India in the context of its overall strategic interests in the region, and the leaders of the two countries have often noted the age-old Roti Beti relationship.
Sikkim's non-working mothers to get Rs 40,000 per year, CM disburses first instalment
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang initiated the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, distributing Rs 20,000 each to 32,000 non-working mothers as the first installment of an annual Rs 40,000 benefit. The event, marking Tamang's eighth anniversary of release from jail, also saw the announcement of 'Nari Adalats' to empower women in dispute resolution, aiming to provide accessible justice in rural areas.
NDA weighs options, may announce candidate for VP elections by August 13
NEW DELHI: The NDA, led by the BJP, is expected to announce its vice-presidential candidate between August 12 and 13, as final discussions at the Prime Ministers level have reportedly begun. All sources hinted on Saturday, while speaking to this newspaper, that a consensus candidate is likely to be decided, at least in principle, by Tuesday. Sources indicated that the BJPs nominee for the Vice-President role will be a surprise choice, with the party prioritising candidates who have remained non-controversial throughout their political careers and possess significant experience in parliamentary affairs. It is essential that the candidate nominated for the second-highest constitutional post has a profound understanding of parliamentary procedure and rules to efficiently manage the Upper House of Parliamentthe Rajya Sabha, said a BJP Rajya Sabha MP, suggesting that the nominee finalisation is underway. Among the various names being discussed are current governors of states such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, and former governors, including the former Governor of Goa. Several BJP leaders also hinted that PM may spring a surprise in the selection of candidate. A former woman BJP MP , who belongs to an OBC (Other Backward Classes) caste also, has also emerged as a potential candidate for the position. However, the likelihood remains higher for the position to go to a sitting or former governor, unless the party chooses a woman candidate to set an example of women empowerment, following Droupadi Murmus elevation to the office of President, remarked a senior BJP source.
Supreme Court orders states to admit orphans under EWS quota, calls for survey
NEW DELHI: In a significant directive aimed at ensuring educational rights for vulnerable children, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered all states to include orphans within the ambit of the 25% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The Court also directed states to conduct a survey of orphaned children denied school admission and provide reasons for the denial. A Bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and KV Viswanathan said, States must issue notifications within four weeks bringing orphaned children under Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, which mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years in private unaided schools. While states like Delhi, Gujarat, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh have already issued such notifications, the Bench said others must follow suit. Simultaneously, the Court directed states to identify both admitted and denied orphan children, and urged them to take immediate steps to ensure their admission. The Supreme Court has directed authorities to ensure orphaned children are admitted to schools while conducting surveys to identify them, simultaneously asking the Centre to consider adding a separate category for orphans in the 2027 Census. The directions came during a hearing on a petition filed by advocate Poulomi Pavini Shukla, who highlighted the absence of official data and policy support for India's orphan population. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta responded to the court's suggestion, stating, It should be. I would take it up because orphans are our responsibility. Shukla argued that despite existing support systems for marginalized children, orphans remain a neglected demographic, citing UNICEF estimates of nearly 30 million orphaned children in India. The bench emphasiced the need for immediate action on school admissions while awaiting comprehensive survey data. The case has been listed for further hearing on September 9, with states directed to file affidavits detailing their compliance with the court's directions regarding orphan welfare measures.
SC orders states to survey orphaned kids denied education
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed all states to survey orphaned children who were denied education under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and K V Viswanathan further asked the Centre to consider including data of such children in the upcoming census, scheduled to be carried out in 2027. The apex court was hearing a plea raising concerns for orphans in need of care and protection. The bench further directed the states to survey orphaned children who had been granted admission in schools under the provisions of the 2009 Act. The petitioner said schemes of the Centre and the state governments for protection and care of orphans were inadequate, requiring consideration. States to make a survey of the orphan children who have already been granted admission under the provisions of the Act as well as a survey of the children who have been denied such right to free and compulsory education under the Act and if so, for what reasons, the top court said. The states would have to return with their respective affidavits. With the survey and data collection going on, the bench asked for simultaneous efforts to ensure deserving children got admissions in neighbourhood schools. The bench granted four weeks to the authorities to comply with the directions. Rahul Gandhi to adopt 22 children orphaned in Pak shelling in J&Ks Poonch during Operation Sindoor It came on record that several states, including Gujarat, Delhi, Meghalaya and Sikkim, had already issued notifications to include orphaned children within the 25 per cent quota for those belonging to weaker sections and disadvantaged groups as prescribed in Section 12 (1) (c) of the law. Section 12 deals with extent of school's responsibility for free and compulsory education. The bench said other states might also consider issuing similar notification and file a related affidavit on record. It posted the matter for September 9. During the hearing, the petitioner sought directions to the Centre to consider having a data of orphans in the upcoming census. There must be a box with regard to orphans also, the bench told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing in some other matter. The bench said then the government would automatically get the data of orphan children. It should be. I would take it up because orphans are our responsibility, Mehta said. When the petitioner said the Centre should be asked to file a detailed affidavit on the aspects raised in the plea, the bench said it would consider all the issues. The bench observed there were Juvenile Justice Committee in all high courts and national consultations were also being held on these issues. TN Budget 2025: 25 elderly daycare centres to be set up, Rs 2000 aid for orphaned children So it is not as bad as it was, the bench said, positive things are also happening. The petitioner contended that India gives a lot of support and lot of opportunities to children of weaker sections such as scholarships, reservations, jobs, loans, etc., but there was nothing for orphans. She said UNICEF estimates 25 million orphans in India. We as a country don't even have an official number of orphans. We are right now doing a historic caste census and in that we are not counting orphans, the petitioner said. India's 16th Census with caste enumeration will be carried out in 2027 with the reference date of October 1, 2026 in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and of March 1, 2027 in the rest of the country. The apex court had on July 2018 agreed to examine the plea seeking reservation in educational institutions and government jobs for orphans, who have no linkage in society, on par with those belonging to the SC/ST and OBC category. City private schools asked to ensure education of Covid-19 orphan children
Poshan Tracker data shows persistent malnutrition among children; central, eastern states worst hit
MANGALURU: As of June 2025, 5.46% of children under five in India were found to be wasted (low weight for height), and 15.93% were underweight (low weight for age), according to the latest Poshan Tracker data. Among children aged 06 years, 16.50% were recorded as underweight, indicating that malnutrition continues to pose a significant public health challenge across the country. The figures expose stark disparities among states. Bihar reported 20.98% underweight and 9.31% wasting rates, among the highest in India, followed closely by Madhya Pradesh (24.82% underweight, 8.19% wasting) and Jharkhand (19.13% underweight, 6.68% wasting). Other high-burden states include Tripura, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, with underweight prevalence ranging from 17% to nearly 20%. In the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, wasting reached 11.62%the highest in the countrywhile 22.54% of children there were underweight. Despite a national push to improve nutrition through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, the data reveals uneven outcomes. Many states, particularly in central and eastern India, continue to grapple with persistently high malnutrition rates. However, there are clear examples of improvement and effective intervention. Some states have managed to keep both wasting and underweight figures impressively low. Goa reported only 0.78% wasting and 1.96% underweight children. Sikkim (1.95% wasting, 1.69% underweight), Manipur (0.67%, 2.69%), and Himachal Pradesh (2.41%, 6.88%) also performed strongly. Southern states showed moderate success, though with some variations. Tamil Nadu emerged as a top performer in the region, with 3.54% wasting and 6.29% underweight, well below national averages. Kerala reported similarly low wasting (3.20%) but had a higher proportion of underweight children (10.18%). Karnatakas data showed 3.18% wasting, but a relatively high 16.50% underweight. Andhra Pradesh reported 4.97% wasting and 7.68% underweight, while Telangana lagged slightly behind, with 5.93% wasting and 17.00% underweight. These figures suggest that while southern states have managed to contain acute malnutrition to an extent, chronic undernutrition remains a concern, particularly in Karnataka and Telangana. According to data presented in the Lok Sabha, the government's nutrition monitoring system has evolved significantly with the implementation of the Poshan Tracker, launched in March 2021. The tool captures real-time data on growth metrics, daily attendance at Anganwadi centres, and distribution of supplementary nutrition. The integration of facial recognition for Take-Home Ration (THR) distribution and the introduction of dashboard analytics have further improved targeting and transparency. Compared to NFHS-5 (201921), which reported 32.1% underweight and 19.3% wasting among children under five, the current data reflects progress. However, the gap between the projected population of children under six (16.1 crore) and those enrolled in Anganwadi services (8.61 crore) signals the need for expanded coverage and deeper outreach.
NDA faces challenge over picking consensus candidate for V-P polls
NEW DELHI: The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is apparently facing an uphill task in reaching consensus over a candidate for the upcoming vice-presidential election. With the Election Commission having initiated the poll process and the Opposition strategising to field a joint nominee, the election promises a high-stakes contest. According to sources within the BJP, the party is currently deliberating over potential names that meet a broad spectrum of criteria, especially those aligned with the suggestions reportedly made by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and also reflect the BJPs strategic priorities. While shortlisting of potential candidates is said to be discreetly underway within the BJP, formal consultations with NDA allies are expected to take place between August 8 and 10, during a scheduled meeting. However, insiders admit that the real challenge lies in identifying a candidate who balances ideological commitment to the party and the RSS, while also maintaining also a strong rapport with NDA partners, possesses deep knowledge of House procedures, and demonstrates political maturity. Among the names currently circulating in internal discussions are several Governorsincluding the Governors of Sikkim, Karnataka, and Biharas well as former Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai. With his Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad background and favourable impression among the RSS, Pillai is a former Kerala BJP chief and has penned over 150 books. There is also a possibility that incumbent deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, may be nominated as candidate in the vice-presidential polls owing to his experience of officiating the House and journalistic background. However, his political affiliation with NDA-ally JD(U) may become an impediment to his candidature as the BJP looks to field its own candidate. If the party springs a surprise by nominating a woman again for the second-highest constitutional post in the country, especially one from the OBC or SC community, it would certainly be an added advantage for the partys electoral politics, said a senior BJP insider.
Teesta, Jaldhaka rivers in spate as heavy rains lash north Bengal
KOLKATA / JALPAIGURI: Rivers in northern West Bengal, including the Teesta and Jaldhaka, are in a spate owing to incessant rain that inundated low-lying areas and affected road connectivity to Sikkim and Kalimpong, even as the Met forecast very heavy downpour in the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that very heavy rain with isolated extremely heavy downpour is likely to occur in the sub-Himalayan districts of the state till Tuesday morning. A landslide at Tarkhola owing to overnight heavy rain has severely affected vehicular movement on the arterial National Highway 10 connecting Sikkim with Siliguri, an official said. While smaller vehicles have been diverted via alternative roads, the movement of heavy vehicles has been temporarily suspended owing to the landslide, he said. A 'yellow warning' (be aware) has been declared at Domohani and Mekhliganj in the vicinity of River Teesta and near National Highway 31, where Jaldhaka flows along it, according to the flood control room at Jalpaiguri city, where incessant rainfall inundated several low-lying areas. Maintaining that heavy rain in Bhutan over the last few days has led to an increased water flow in Jaldhaka River that passes through the Himalayan kingdom and north Bengal, the official said that some areas in Dhupguri block of Jalpaiguri have been flooded. Jalpaiguri received the state's highest rainfall in 24 hours till 8.30 am on Sunday at 159 mm, followed by 152 mm in neighbouring Alipurduar, the IMD data said. Cooch Behar received 93 mm rainfall, while Bagdogra got 75 mm rain during the period, it said. The IMD said that light to moderate rain is likely to occur in all south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, till Tuesday morning.
Main road to Sikkim cut off due to highway collapse, landslides
KOLKATA: Heavy landslides have stopped all kinds of vehicular movement on the National Highway 10, the main road connecting Siliguri with Sikkim and Kalimpong on Saturday. Since Friday, incessant heavy rains have been lashing the hills and plains of north Bengal. On Saturday morning, a portion of the National Highway 10 near Tarkhola, adjacent to Teesta Bazar, collapsed and submerged in the Teesta River. Since National Highway 10 was blocked, Sikkim was relying on National Highway 717A for the movement of goods vehicles. But that alternative route was also closed in the afternoon. A landslide occurred on the National Highway 717A at Rishikhola in Kalimpong district in north Bengal on Saturday afternoon. Traffic movement was immediately stopped on the road which also connects Siliguri with Sikkim. However, several roads to Sikkim via Kalimpong are still open. Meanwhile, the closure of National Highway 10, which is also called the lifeline of Sikkim, has resulted in hardship for the people. This road is very important not only for the locals, but also for tourists and the army. It is apprehended that the national highway will remain closed for a few days.
After 7 years, red panda cubs born in Sikkim zoo
The captive red panda population at the Himalayan Zoological Park near Gangtok was nearly decimated by two outbreaks of canine distemper, a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease
BJP with allies working out on VP candidate; Kerala leader among contenders
NEW DELHI: The process to select a consensus candidate for the election of the Vice-President, already notified by the Election Commission of India, has gained momentum, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) likely to agree upon the BJPs nominee soon. As the candidate is expected to be chosen from the saffron side, sources indicate that NDA allies are anticipated to come together for discussions shortly. I think we will be able to decide the candidate soon. But a big surprise cannot be ruled out, remarked a senior BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity during an informal conversation with a select group of media personnel on Friday. The meeting of NDA leaders, following the BJPs shortlisting of names, is expected to take place between the first and second weeks of August, with the final name likely to be confirmed by 18 August. If everything goes as per plan, nobody can rule out the possibility of announcing the names of the candidates of the BJP national president as well as the Vice-President, a senior BJP source noted. Meanwhile, sources within the saffron camp indicated that the BJP, in consultation with its ideological mentor, the RSS, will shortlist candidates based on their parliamentary experience, alignment with the Sanghs ideology, and reputation as neutral and non-controversial figures. How India elects its Vice President As speculation grows within saffron political circles, P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, former Governor of Goa and previously of Mizoram, as well as former BJP state president in Kerala, has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the post of Vice-President. He holds profound experience in parliamentary affairs, is considered neutral, and is a renowned author also, remarked a BJP source. One of the most conducive factors in Pillais favour is his background with the ABVP and his leadership during the BJPs victory of two MP seats in Kerala in 2018. He has authored over 210 books and has been an active writer for several decades, while maintaining a long-standing role in politics. He is considered a neutral statesman with deep experience in parliamentary affairs. Another name being speculated upon after Pillai is that of Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, a former Rajya Sabha member with an RSS background. We can only speculate, but the fact is the name would be surprising. Maybe a woman candidate finally emerges as the face, setting an example of the Modi governments mantra on women empowermentright from the President of India to Vice-President, the senior BJP source added, without ruling out the possibility of incumbent Deputy Chairman Harivansh being elevated to the Vice-Presidents post, or the selection of any senior BJP leader above the age of 70. Previously, names such as former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Bihar Governor Md Arif Khan, and Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot have also been speculated.
Most states have recorded normal to above-normal rains so far except eastern UP, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal, Sikkim, Rayalaseema, and Lakshadweep, where deficiency persists
Is arrested model-actress Shanta a Bangladeshi spy? Police investigates
KOLKATA: Activities of Bangladeshi model and actress Shanta Pal, who has been arrested in Kolkata, are reminiscent of the activities of Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested on suspicion of being a Pakistani spy, police sources said. Shanta lived a luxurious life as Jyoti. She too travelled to many places in India, including the Nathula Pass, near the China border in Sikkim which raised suspicion about her, a Kolkata Police official said. Jyoti Malhotra is accused of spying for Pakistan. Is Shanta doing the same for Bangladesh? We have been trying to ascertain this in the investigation, the official added. According to police sources, Shanta Pal, a Bangladeshi citizen, came to India in 2023. Since then, she has been staying here. Both her visa and passport have expired. Bangladeshi model-actress held in Kolkata with Indian documents According to police sources, after questioning Shanta and searching her social media pages, it was found that she had become a consultant for others to obtain visas to India. After the upheaval in Bangladesh last year, when the situation between India and Bangladesh made it difficult for Bangladeshi citizens to get Indian tourist visas, Shanta had advised many of them to apply for medical visas. The investigators are checking how many people took her help to get Indian medical visas. Shanta, who has been residing in India, also used to live a colourful life. According to police sources, the Bangladeshi model-actress travelled from Digha in West Bengal to Gangtok in Sikkim and posted pictures and videos on social media. She even reached the Nathula Pass near the China border to create a travel vlog. According to police sources, Shanta was promoting her tourism business through a social media page called Asan Travels Kolkata and Bangladesh. Additionally, investigators are also investigating if she took a loan from an Indian state-owned bank to open a hotel, based on her Facebook post. On Wednesday, the Kolkata Police arrested Shanta in a fraud case from the Bikramgarh area in south Kolkata. She lived there in a rented flat with her parents and husband. The police recovered an Indian voter card, PAN card, and Aadhaar cards of two addresses, one in Kolkata and the other in Burdwan, issued in her name. The police have also recovered a Bangladeshi passport and Bangladesh Airways employee card from her possession. She used to work as a cabin crew for Bangladesh Airways. An admit card for Bangladesh's secondary examination has also been found.
Himachal Pradesh to reintroduce lotteries after two decade to boost revenue amid rising debt
CHANDIGARH: Facing a mounting debt burden that has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore, the Himachal Pradesh government is exploring new avenues for revenue generation. In a key move, the state cabinet has decided to lift the two-decade-old ban on lotteries, with an estimated annual revenue potential of Rs 50100 crore. The decision comes amid declining central allocations and the discontinuation of GST compensation, which have further strained the states finances. The government hopes that restarting lottery operations will help bridge the fiscal gap without putting an additional burden on taxpayers. In 1999, the then Himachal Pradesh CM Prem Kumar Dhumal had banned the sale of all types of lotteries in the state, under Sections 7, 8 and 9 of the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998 and made its violation punishable under Lotteries (Regulation) Act. In a bid to shore up revenue amid mounting debt, the Himachal Pradesh cabinet has approved the revival of state-run lotteries, a practice banned over two decades ago. The decision follows a recommendation by the Resource Mobilisation Committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. The finance department made a detailed presentation before the cabinet, highlighting the potential of lotteries as a significant revenue source. Citing examples from other states, officials noted that Kerala earns over Rs 13,582 crore annually through lotteries, Punjab around Rs 235 crore, and the hill state of Sikkim nearly Rs 30 crore. Industry Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said many statesincluding Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal, and several northeastern statescurrently operate lotteries successfully. There is no nationwide ban on lotteries. If regulated properly, Himachal too stands to benefit, he said. Sources said the state government is likely to introduce specific legislation in the upcoming monsoon session of the assembly, starting August 18, to operationalise the scheme. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur called the decision regressive and harmful. By legalising lotteries, the government is trying to bring back a dark era when many families were ruinedpeople committed suicides, and their homes were auctioned. The BJP strongly condemns this policy, he said.
Heavy rain lashes Delhi, IMD warns of intense showers across India till August 4
NEW DELHI: Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms affected several regions of Delhi, providing a respite from the prevailing humid weather conditions on Tuesday morning. IMD predicts heavy rainfall across India until August 4. Northwest India, including East Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on July 29, with heavy showers in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana. West India, including Konkan and Gujarat, will see isolated heavy rain on July 29 and light to moderate showers for 6-7 days. Northeast India, including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. East and Central India, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, will experience isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms. South Peninsular India, including Kerala and Coastal Karnataka, is expected to experience heavy rain on July 29-30, accompanied by strong winds (40-50 kmph). Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely across most regions for the next week. Meanwhile, Air India has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential disruptions to flight operations to and from Delhi on Tuesday morning due to gusty winds and rain. The airline urged travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for their journey. Gusty wind and rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi this morning. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey, Air India posted on X. According to IMD, it is forecasted that there will be fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Northwest, Northeast, and Eastern India during the next few days. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is also likely over Central and Peninsular India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over East Rajasthan on Wednesday (i.e July 30). Heavy rainfall is also very likely at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mahe, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and West Rajasthan on Wednesday. On July 30, Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are very likely at isolated places in Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad, as well as Jharkhand. Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning are expected at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Vidarbha. Strong surface winds are anticipated at isolated places in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep. Squally winds with speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along and off the coasts of Somalia, Yemen, south Oman, westcentral and eastcentral Arabian Sea, southwest Arabian Sea, and southern parts of the north Arabian Sea. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, is expected over parts of the east-central Arabian Sea, along and off the Konkan, Goa, and Karnataka coasts. Similar conditions with winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are forecast along and off Gujarat and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea.
Lottery Results Today, July 29, 2025: Punjab, Manipur, Goa, Sikkim, Arunachal Winners Announced
Live July 29, 2025 Lottery Results: Check full list of winning numbers for Punjab, Manipur, Sikkim, Goa, and Arunachal Pradesh state lotteries here.
Nagaland University-led research assesses stability of high altitude lakes in Sikkim & Arunachal
Nagaland University is leading a research project. It focuses on high-altitude lakes in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The project assesses lake stability. Researchers will quantify risks from lake outbursts. They will use surveys and flood modelling. The study identifies dangerous glacial lakes. It analyzes permafrost and slope instability. The project also examines ecological risks and freshwater resources.
Watch: Indian Army simulates future warfare using AI and drones near China border in Himalayas
The Indian Army tested AI tech in East Sikkim. Exercise DIVYA DRISHTI enhanced battlefield awareness. Systems improved threat detection and response. Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist locations in Pakistan and PoK. Loitering drones and missiles were deployed. India neutralised Pakistani drone attacks. These operations showcase India's focus on modern warfare and self-reliance.
Watch: Chaos in AC coach as unreserved passengers overrun Sikkim Mahananda Express at Katihar
A viral video exposes severe overcrowding on the Sikkim Mahananda Express, showing unreserved passengers allegedly flooding a reserved AC coach at Bihar's Katihar station. This incident has sparked outrage online, raising concerns about passenger safety and the value of reserved tickets.
Indian Army tests AI, surveillance tech in high-altitude Divya Drishti exercise in Sikkim
GUWAHATI: Charting the path for future warfare, the Indian Army conducted a high-altitude technology demonstration exercise named Divya Drishti in east Sikkim in July 2025, testing cutting-edge systems for battlefield awareness, surveillance, and rapid decision-making. On the modern battlefield, the ability to see more, understand quickly, and act fast decides success, said a statement from the Ministry of Defence, underlining the objectives of the exercise. Troops from the Trishakti Corps deployed a combination of ground-based platforms, UAVs, and drones in realistic operational scenarios to evaluate next-generation capabilities. A major highlight was the integration of Artificial Intelligence-enabled sensors with secure communication networks, ensuring real-time data sharing between frontline units and command centres. This enhanced sensor-to-shooter connectivity enabling faster and more effective responses. Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, reviewed the exercise and its outcomes on behalf of Army Headquarters. Exercise Divya Drishti has been a great success, said Lt Gen Zubin A Minwalla, General Officer Commanding, Trishakti Corps. We tested future-ready technologies under realistic conditions. The insights gained will shape the Indian Armys future doctrines and tactics, strengthening our ability to operate across all terrains and against any adversary. The exercise reflects the Armys commitment to technological transformation and self-reliance, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and the Armys Decade of Transformation roadmap, the statement added.
India planted 1.78 lakh hectares under CAMPA in 2019-2023; gaps in fund use: Report
NEW DELHI: India raised 1,78,261 hectares of compensatory afforestation against a target of 2,09,297 hectares between 2019-20 and 2023-24, achieving 85 per cent of the planned area, the Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee has said in a report. The report filed earlier this month revealed that utilisation of funds under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) varies sharply across states. According to the report, Gujarat, Chandigarh, Mizoram and Madhya Pradesh recorded full achievement of their targets. Madhya Pradesh planted 21,746.82 hectares, fully achieving its target of 21,107.68 hectares. Karnataka also met nearly its entire target, covering 2,761.26 hectares against 2,775.12 hectares. Arunachal Pradesh planted 20,719.46 hectares against 21,478.03 hectares, achieving 96.6 per cent. Uttar Pradesh reported 96.4 per cent achievement, planting 5,877.16 hectares against 6,096.7 hectares. Assam covered 1,149.64 hectares against 1,191.82 hectares, achieving 93.8 per cent. Sikkim planted 609.52 hectares, achieving 92.3 per cent, while Punjab achieved 4,019.72 hectares against 4,471.94 hectares, about 89.9 per cent. In contrast, Meghalaya had one of the lowest coverage, achieving only 114.56 hectares against a target of 514.76 hectares or 22.3 per cent. Manipur planted 666.94 hectares against 1,759.84 hectares, achieving 37.9 per cent. Kerala covered 171.80 hectares against 433.06 hectares, achieving 39.7 per cent. West Bengal achieved only 748.25 hectares against 1,911.74 hectares, about 39.2 per cent. Tamil Nadu planted 84.76 hectares against 262.39 hectares, achieving 32.3 per cent. Andhra Pradesh reported 3,471.88 hectares against 8,663.46 hectares, covering only 40.1 per cent. The report also reviewed the use of CAMPA funds during this period. National CAMPA approved Rs 38,516 crore for state annual plans between 2019-20 and 2023-24. States released Rs 29,311 crore to their forest departments, of which Rs 26,001 crore was utilised. This means only 67.5 per cent of the approved outlay was spent. Utilisation varied widely, with Manipur, Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh utilising 100 per cent, 100 per cent and 97.8 per cent of the funds released to them, respectively. Mizoram reported utilisation above 91 per cent, Sikkim 97.7 per cent, Karnataka 96.6 per cent and Odisha 87.9 per cent. Chhattisgarh recorded 95 per cent utilisation of the funds released, and Gujarat spent more than it released, utilising 116 per cent due to carryover balances. Several states lagged behind. Tamil Nadu used only 67.9 per cent of the funds released, while Jammu and Kashmir spent 62.5 per cent. Haryana also underperformed, using 57.4 per cent. West Bengal spent 81.1 per cent and Delhi just 26.9 per cent, the lowest among all states. Telangana reported 60.4 per cent utilisation, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands spent 53.1 per cent of the released funds. The CEC said that delays in submission of annual plans by states, late release of funds, and the lack of dedicated CAMPA offices affect seasonal forestry operations. Monitoring of survival rates remains weak, and multiple layers in the fund release process contribute to underutilisation, it said. Despite these shortcomings, it said progress under the statutory framework has been significant given initial difficulties, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With thousands of hectares of natural forests lost each year to development projects, the report warns that gaps in plantation survival and underutilisation of funds undermine the very purpose of the CAMPA mechanism. The compensatory afforestation regime originated from a series of orders in the landmark TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India case of 1995. In these orders, the Supreme Court mandated that when forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes, user agencies must provide funds to compensate for the loss through afforestation on non-forest land or degraded forest land. To formalise and regulate the management of these funds, Parliament enacted the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016. The Act established the National and State CAMPA to manage the money collected from user agencies. The CAF Rules, 2018, provided the framework for how these funds should be used. The Act and Rules specify that the money transferred to states and union territories can only be used for afforestation, regeneration of degraded forests, wildlife protection and other activities aimed at ecological restoration.
AC coach or general compartment? Overcrowded train in Katihar leaves passengers fuming - Watch
A viral video shows unreserved passengers flooding an AC coach on the Sikkim Mahananda Express at Katihar station, sparking outrage and questions about railway management. The incident, captured in a video, highlights concerns about overcrowding and passenger safety in reserved compartments. Indian Railways has responded by requesting details and escalating the issue to the Katihar division.
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Kolkata Diary | 8th anti-submarine ship rolls out of Garden Reach
Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has released the eighth and last ship in a series of anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASW SWCs) built for the Indian Navy. The ship, named Ajay, was inaugurated at an event in Kolkata on July 21. These ships are versatile platforms and can participate in a variety of operations. Designed with low draughts, the crafts are capable of coastal operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations, and mine-laying. These 77.6-metre-long and 10.5-metre-wide warships are also capable of full-scale sub-surface surveillance in coastal waters and pack a lethal anti-submarine armory comprising lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets and mines. Old city ghat set for renovation, deal inked In a significant step towards urban renewal and preservation of heritage spaces, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata and TNS Logi-Park Pvt Ltd have entered an agreement to breathe new life into historic Doi-Ghat at the heart of the old metropolis. Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, at the confluence of Adi Ganga stream and the main channel, Doi-Ghat derives its name from the Bengali word for curd (doi), reflecting its historical link to the local dairy trade. Once a bustling commercial hub, the ghat served as a market where curd and other goods arrived in earthen pots, especially from Howrah, renowned for its dairy produce. At the intersection of key waterways, Doi-ghat had emerged as a centre for trade and daily dialogue between rural Bengal and the emeging metropolis of Calcutta. 15 new hotels to come up in next 5 years Kolkata-based Ambuja Neotia Group announced an agreement for 15 new hotels with the Indian Hotels Company. This agreement is set to expand the partnership to over 40 hotels. The 15 new sites identified to be developed are a combination of greenfield, brownfield and conversion projects across West Bengal, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. These include Taj resorts in Sunderban, Darjeeling, Shimla and Rabong, SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri and Tree of Life in Dooars in North Bengal. The projects are expected to become operational in the next five years. Kaushik Pradhan Our correspondent in West Bengal kaushik@newindianexpress.com
