Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

13 Mar

UK Considers Retaliatory Tariffs in Response to US Metal Levies

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

The United Kingdom is contemplating imposing retaliatory tariffs on the United States following President Trump's recent decision to enforce a 25% levy on steel and aluminum imports. Exchequer Secretary James Murray emphasized a measured approach, stating that while the UK government is disappointed by the US's move, all options, including retaliation, remain under consideration. The European Union has already announced €26 billion in counter-tariffs on US goods, signaling an escalation in global trade tensions. Despite these developments, the UK aims to engage in constructive negotiations with the US to eliminate these additional tariffs, striving for a pragmatic resolution that aligns…

13 Mar

Hostage Situation in Pakistan Train Hijacking Intensifies Amidst Suicide Bomber Threats

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

A train hijacking in Pakistan has escalated as rescue operations face complications due to the presence of suicide bombers among the hijackers. The incident, attributed to separatist militants, has resulted in numerous passengers being held hostage, with security forces working meticulously to defuse the volatile situation. The threat of suicide bombers has necessitated cautious and strategic responses from law enforcement to ensure the safety of the hostages. This event highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and the complexities involved in counterterrorism efforts.

13 Mar

Ajanta Neog sets ambitious budget utilization goal for Assam in 2025-26

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog has set an ambitious target of utilizing 90% of the state's budget estimates for the financial year 2025-26, emphasizing the government's commitment to balanced fiscal management and holistic development. During a discussion in the Assam Assembly on Wednesday, Neog assured that the state is adhering to all Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations, including the prescribed debt-to-GDP ratio, to maintain financial stability. "We are targeting 90% budget utilization in the next fiscal year. Our aim is to ensure that every section of society benefits from this allocation," she said. According to the budget presented on…

13 Mar

Amit Shah to visit Assam, Mizoram on March 14-16

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will embark on a three-day visit to Assam and Mizoram beginning March 14 during which he will address the annual conference of the All Bodo Students' Union in Kokrajhar and grace a function for shifting of Assam Rifles establishments from Aizawl to Zokhawsang. Shah will also review the implementation of the three new criminal laws in the Northeastern states in Guwahati on March 16 before returning to Delhi, officials said. The home minister will arrive at Dergaon in Assam's Golaghat district on the night of March 14 and stay at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy.

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…