Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

13 Mar

Sanklang Bridge to resume operations by June 30

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The reconstruction of the Sanklang Bridge in Dzongu, which was damaged by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), is set for completion by June 30, Mangan Deputy Commissioner Anant Jain has confirmed. The bridge serves as a crucial link between Mangan and Dzongu, and its restoration aims to improve connectivity and ease travel for residents and tourists. Authorities have also implemented contingency measures, including footbridges and transhipment operations, to ensure movement during the reconstruction period. Despite ongoing repairs, officials have reassured visitors that North Sikkim remains accessible via the Fidang-Dzongu route, with efforts underway to minimize disruptions to tourism.

12 Mar

Sikkim becomes the top destination for foreign tourists in Northeast India

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has emerged as the leading Northeastern state in attracting foreign tourists, with a total of 1.62 lakh international visitors recorded in 2022 and 2023, according to the Union Tourism Ministry. The state welcomed 68,645 foreign tourists in 2022, and the number surged to 93,908 in 2023, marking a strong post-pandemic recovery in the tourism sector. These figures were revealed in a written response by the Union Tourism Minister to a parliamentary question by Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba. Indra Hang Subba credited the swift recovery to the proactive efforts of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, stating: “The…

12 Mar

Assam invests ₹100 crore to preserve Assamese culture

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a significant push for cultural preservation and academic excellence, the Assam government has allocated ₹100 crore to Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra under the Assam Budget 2025. This one-time grant aims to enhance advanced research, modern preservation techniques, and documentation of Assam’s rich cultural heritage. The move aligns with the government's commitment to fully implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, ensuring the protection and promotion of Assamese identity. In a parallel effort to boost media education, the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute will be upgraded to a degree-level institution from its current diploma-level status. This transformation,…

11 Mar

Yaba tablets worth Rs 30 cr seized, 1 arrested: Assam CM

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Yaba tablets worth Rs 30 crore have been seized and a person has been arrested in this connection in Assam's Cachar district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. A total of 98,000 tablets, along with Rs 3.5 lakh in cash, were seized during the operation in Lakhipur police station area on Monday night, he said. "Massive drug bust in Assam: 98,000 Yaba tablets seized worth Rs 30 crore! Thanks to credible intelligence, @cacharpolice launched an anti-narcotics operation in Chandrapur Part II, Kakmara, under Lakhipur police station, resulting in the arrest of a suspect with 98,000 Yaba tablets valued at Rs…

11 Mar

Woman critically injured after being assaulted on witchcraft suspicion

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A 62-year-old Adivasi woman was critically injured after she was assaulted by a group of people on suspicion of practising witchcraft in Assam's Dibrugarh district, police said on Tuesday. The woman, a resident of Romai tea estate in Lahowal police station area, was rescued from near a river where she was dumped by the mob after the assault. She has been admitted to Assam Medical College Hospital (AMCH) here and her condition is stated to be critical, a police officer said.

11 Mar

Sikkim’s Amit Patro honored at 19th Media Excellence Awards in New Delhi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Amit Patro from Sikkim has been honored with the 'Best Journalist of Sikkim' award at the 19th Media Excellence Awards, held in New Delhi on March 8. The event, organized by the Media Federation of India, recognized outstanding contributions in journalism, with Union Minister of State for Corporation, Highway, and Transport, Harsh Malhotra, attending as the chief guest. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chairman of AAFT University, was present as a special guest. Several journalists, media educators, and public sector officials were felicitated for their efforts in raising societal awareness and promoting journalism excellence. In his address, Arun Sharma, Founder and President…

11 Mar

Himanta Biswa Sarma lifts ban on inter-religious land transfers in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a significant policy shift, permitting inter-religious land transfers under state supervision. The decision marks a departure from last year's ban, which was imposed due to concerns over communal sensitivities. Addressing the media, CM Sarma said, "Assam is a sensitive state, and our priority is to maintain communal harmony. While we had earlier restricted land transfers between religious communities, we have now allowed such transactions, provided they receive prior approval from the state government. This will ensure a thorough review of each case to prevent potential disputes and misuse." Beyond land reforms, the…

10 Mar

Illegal entry by Chinese-origin US Nationals raises alarm over Sikkim’s border security

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Two Chinese-origin US nationals were deported twice from Sikkim for illegally entering the state without obtaining mandatory clearances, raising concerns over border security lapses. The two women, including 31-year-old Tenzin Choeney, attempted to enter Sikkim via the Karma Dolma Rangpo Checkpost on February 14 but were turned away for failing to produce the required Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clearance. As per Indian regulations, foreign nationals of Chinese origin fall under the Prior Reference Category and must secure MHA approval before applying for a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Despite the rejection, the duo illegally re-entered Sikkim on February 20, bypassing…

10 Mar

Finance Minister Ajanta Neog presents Rs 2.63 lakh budget for financial year 2025-26

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam government on Monday presented a Rs 2.63 lakh crore budget for the 2025-26 fiscal, with a deficit of Rs 620.27 crore, proposing to exempt professional tax on a monthly income of up to Rs 15,000 for all salaried individuals in the state, where assembly polls are due early next year. Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, presenting her last full budget for the fiscal, also announced to extend the tax holiday for green tea leaves for two more years to alleviate the challenges faced by the tea industry. Neog said to support the hardworking middle-class families, the budget proposes exemption…

10 Mar

Rupna Chakma’s Stellar Performance Shines in SAFF Women’s Championship

Sonakshi SarkarBangladesh

The 2024 SAFF Women's Championship concluded on October 30, 2024, in Kathmandu, Nepal, with Bangladesh clinching the title after a thrilling 2–1 victory over the host nation. This win marks Bangladesh's second SAFF Women's Championship title, solidifying their position as a formidable force in South Asian women's football. The tournament featured seven teams, with matches held at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium. Bangladesh's journey to the final showcased their tactical prowess and resilience, culminating in a hard-fought win against Nepal.