Sonakshi Sarkar

329 Posts
EIECOS+1 collective to submit comprehensive report on ST status by March

EIECOS+1 collective to submit comprehensive report on ST status by March

The EIECOS+1 collective, representing 12 left-out communities in Sikkim seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, announced plans to submit a comprehensive report on their demand by March 31, 2025. During a press conference, EIECOS+1 Chairman Dr. S.K. Rai emphasized the momentum gained after a high-level meeting in Delhi. Delegations from all 12 communities—Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Kirat Khambu Rai, Kirat Dewan (Yakha), Khas (Chettri-Bahun), Mangar, Newar, Sanyashi, Sunuwar (Mukhia), Thami, and Majhi—presented detailed cases for inclusion in the ST category. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang congratulated the delegations and expressed strong support for their cause. Dr. Rai confirmed that Tamang recommended involving…
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New IIT Guwahati set to revolutionize C-Phycocyanin productio

New IIT Guwahati set to revolutionize C-Phycocyanin productio

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has partnered with K.N. Bioscience (India) Pvt. Ltd. for the large-scale commercialisation of C-Phycocyanin production, a natural blue pigment derived from Spirulina. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on February 18, with Prof. Rohit Sinha, Dean of Research & Development at IIT Guwahati, and Sudha Reddy, Founder and Managing Director of K.N. Bioscience, formalizing the agreement. Prof. Debasish Das, the lead scientist behind the technology and a professor in IIT Guwahati's Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, explained that the innovation ensures affordable, high-purity C-Phycocyanin production. "Our technology eliminates the economic and technical…
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Demographic disparity raises alarm over Sikkim-Darjeeling merger proposal

Demographic disparity raises alarm over Sikkim-Darjeeling merger proposal

The proposal for a merger between Sikkim and Darjeeling has triggered widespread concerns, particularly regarding the potential loss of Sikkim’s special protections under Article 371F. Critics fear that such a merger could undermine the region’s cultural identity, economic stability, and political power.One of the major concerns stems from the significant demographic disparity between the two regions. As per the 2011 Census, Sikkim's population stands at 6,10,577, while Darjeeling has a much larger population of 18,46,823. This stark difference has raised worries that Sikkim’s unique identity could be overshadowed by Darjeeling's larger population, particularly as both regions share cultural and social…
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BJP calls for central investigation into USTM fake degree allegations

BJP calls for central investigation into USTM fake degree allegations

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Meghalaya has called for a central investigation into allegations of issuing fake degrees leveled against the University of Science and Technology of Meghalaya (USTM) by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The BJP, an ally of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, stressed the need for a neutral and thorough probe to safeguard students' futures. Assam CM Sarma accused USTM, which operates a hospital and medical college near the Assam-Meghalaya border, of issuing fake certificates to students. BJP general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna issued a statement on February 17, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations. "The…
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Sikkim’s fertility rate nears South Korea’s levels, raising alarm

Sikkim’s fertility rate nears South Korea’s levels, raising alarm

Sikkim’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.1 births per woman, one of the lowest rates globally, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21. This figure is significantly below India’s national average of 2.0 births per woman. The state’s fertility rate has steadily declined over the past two decades, falling from 2.0 in 2005-06 to 1.2 in 2015-16 before reaching its current low. Sikkim now mirrors nations like South Korea (0.78), Hong Kong (0.70), and Macao (0.66), which are grappling with demographic challenges due to low birth rates. Experts warn that prolonged fertility decline could result in…
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Late-night shooting in Assam sends shockwaves through Nityabazar

Late-night shooting in Assam sends shockwaves through Nityabazar

Tension and fear spread across Nityabazar in Assam’s Bongaigaon district after a late-night firing incident near Boitamari Police Outpost on February 16. The sound of gunfire broke the night’s silence, sending shockwaves through the local community. According to eyewitnesses, an unidentified assailant on a speeding motorcycle opened fire on Abdus Salam, a shopkeeper and resident of Kayethpara First Part. The attack appeared to be deliberate, but fate intervened as Salam narrowly escaped the gunfire without sustaining any injuries. Locals described the scene as chaotic, with nearby residents rushing indoors and shops closing early as news of the incident spread. “It…
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Assam CM calls on Gaurav Gogoi to clarify Pakistan visit

Assam CM calls on Gaurav Gogoi to clarify Pakistan visit

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sought clarification from Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi over a series of allegations and suspicions raised by the BJP. Sarma's comments come after Gogoi threatened legal action against the BJP for spreading what he termed as false allegations involving his wife. In a press statement on February 15, Sarma emphasized that the government is not making accusations but merely seeking answers to specific questions. “It’s irrelevant whether he files a case or not. We are not blaming anyone. We just want to know the facts,” Sarma asserted. The chief minister listed a series of…
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INDIAWOOD 2025 to showcase 25 years of innovation in woodworking and furniture manufacturing

INDIAWOOD 2025 to showcase 25 years of innovation in woodworking and furniture manufacturing

INDIAWOOD 2025, one of the world’s largest woodworking and furniture manufacturing exhibitions, will be held from March 6-9, 2025, at the India Expo Mart & Centre, Greater Noida. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the event will highlight India’s rapid growth as a global leader in woodworking innovation and furniture exports. INDIAWOOD has played a crucial role in India’s ascent as one of the top five global furniture producers, with exports projected to grow by 20% annually. Frederik Meyer, President of Eumabois, praised India’s craftsmanship and expressed enthusiasm for the event, noting that European companies are keen to share innovations in sustainability…
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Bollywood’s Rajpal Yadav celebrates Sikkim’s culture at Blue Duke Festival

Bollywood’s Rajpal Yadav celebrates Sikkim’s culture at Blue Duke Festival

Bollywood actor and comedian Rajpal Yadav expressed admiration for Sikkim’s natural beauty and hospitality while attending the Sikkim Blue Duke Festival 2025. Held at Saramsa Park near Ranipool, the festival celebrates Sikkim’s rich culture and heritage through performances, exhibitions, and nature-based activities. During a press conference, Yadav praised the efforts of the Sikkim government, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, in organizing the vibrant event. He also congratulated Lok Sabha MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba and the organizing committee for promoting tourism and youth engagement. “I feel truly honored to be part of this wonderful celebration. Sikkim’s beauty is…
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Assam’s Kokrajhar assembly session marks a historic moment for Bodoland region

Assam’s Kokrajhar assembly session marks a historic moment for Bodoland region

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called the upcoming assembly session in Kokrajhar on February 17 a "high point" of his tenure. The session marks a historic milestone for the region, once at the heart of the Bodoland movement, and aims to promote inclusivity and decentralization. In a social media announcement, Sarma attributed the achievement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “unwavering love for Assam” and the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah. The assembly session will primarily focus on enhancing the administration of 6th Schedule areas, with the Governor’s address as the highlight. Deputy Speaker Numal Momin emphasized the…
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