Sonakshi Sarkar

1182 Posts
CM Himanta Saya Assam journalist arrested by police not recognised by state govt

CM Himanta Saya Assam journalist arrested by police not recognised by state govt

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday claimed that police did not arrest any scribe and asserted that digital journalists are not recognised by the state government. The state government's Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) does not officially recognise journalists working for portals or YouTube channels as recognised or accredited mediapersons, the CM said when asked about the arrest of digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder at a press conference here. The state government does not provide them with registrations, advertisements or identity cards and "they do not qualify as journalists according to our norms," Sarma said.
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Single male govt employees in Assam to get child care leave

Single male govt employees in Assam to get child care leave

The Assam Cabinet approved an amendment to the Child Care Leave (CCL) rules, allowing single male state government employees who are widowers or divorcees with custody of up to two kids to take leave for up to two years, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday. The rules will be amended to improve child care, allowing both women and single male government employees with custody of up to two children (until the age of 18) or specially abled kids of any age to take leave for up to two years, the CM told reporters after the cabinet meeting. The…
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Canada Moves to Ban Single-Use Plastics by 2025

Canada Moves to Ban Single-Use Plastics by 2025

Canada has announced a nationwide ban on single-use plastics, including straws, cutlery, and plastic bags, effective by 2025. The government’s initiative aims to reduce plastic waste and mitigate pollution in oceans and waterways. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault stated that the ban aligns with Canada’s commitment to achieving zero plastic waste by 2030. Businesses are encouraged to switch to sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable packaging and reusable materials. Environmental groups have praised the decision, citing the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life. However, some industries have expressed concerns about the financial burden of transitioning to eco-friendly materials. The government…
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Psyche Mission Set to Unlock Secrets of Ancient Planetary Cores

Psyche Mission Set to Unlock Secrets of Ancient Planetary Cores

NASA is preparing for its ambitious Psyche mission, aiming to explore a rare metal-rich asteroid that could reveal insights into the early solar system. The asteroid, named Psyche, is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists believe it may be the exposed core of a protoplanet. The spacecraft will travel approximately 2.2 billion miles over six years, studying Psyche’s composition and magnetic field. Unlike other missions that explore rocky or icy bodies, this one targets a body primarily composed of iron and nickel, similar to Earth’s core. Experts hope the findings will offer clues about the violent…
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SDF demands probe into ₹1,900 crore fund discrepancy in Sikkim

SDF demands probe into ₹1,900 crore fund discrepancy in Sikkim

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government, accusing it of financial mismanagement, arbitrary governance, and increased taxation. At a press conference, SDF spokesperson M.N. Dahal highlighted a ₹1,900 crore discrepancy in the Consolidated Fund of Sikkim, citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report. He questioned the lack of action from the Governor and judiciary, demanding a transparent investigation. SDF leader Yojana Rai criticized SKM’s budget allocation, alleging a drastic reduction in rural development funds, impacting village infrastructure and essential services. She accused the government of prioritizing publicity over…
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Sikkim Assembly passes second supplementary demands for grant of Rs 200.1 cr

Sikkim Assembly passes second supplementary demands for grant of Rs 200.1 cr

The Sikkim Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed the second supplementary demands for the grant of Rs 200.1 crore. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the second supplementary demands and the Appropriation Bill for the same on the first day of the budget session. Tamang, who also heads the Home Department, informed the House regarding the withdrawal of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2022.
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No budget, no problem: Assam Zilla Parishads disburse funds without approval

No budget, no problem: Assam Zilla Parishads disburse funds without approval

A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed serious financial irregularities in Assam’s Zilla Parishads (ZPs), highlighting that funds were released and utilized without mandatory budget approvals from 2018 to 2023. The report, which was tabled in the Assam Assembly, stated that during this period, none of the ZPs had their annual budgets approved, despite receiving and spending government funds. The findings point to significant lapses in financial discipline and governance in the state’s Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).According to the report, only 7 to 50 percent of ZPs submitted their budgets to the Commissionerate of Panchayat and…
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France Bans Disposable E-Cigarettes to Reduce Youth Vaping

France Bans Disposable E-Cigarettes to Reduce Youth Vaping

France has announced a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as “puffs,” in a bid to curb youth vaping. Health officials raised concerns over the growing number of teenagers using these devices, which are often flavored and marketed in colorful packaging. The ban will take effect later this year, with strict fines for retailers found violating the regulation. Authorities are also planning educational campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks of vaping. While public health advocates have welcomed the move, the vaping industry argues that e-cigarettes offer a safer alternative to traditional smoking. Other European countries are considering similar…
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Regulators Investigate Fair Competition in Emerging AI Market

Regulators Investigate Fair Competition in Emerging AI Market

US regulators have launched an antitrust investigation into leading tech companies over concerns of monopolistic practices in the artificial intelligence sector. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are under scrutiny for acquiring AI startups and limiting competition. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice are leading the inquiry, assessing whether these corporations have unfairly dominated the market. The probe comes as AI technology increasingly shapes industries from healthcare to finance. Critics argue that tech giants’ control over advanced AI models could stifle innovation and raise ethical concerns. Meanwhile, the companies claim their investments drive technological advancements and…
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GMC sets March 26 deadline for physical verification of trade licences

GMC sets March 26 deadline for physical verification of trade licences

The Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) will conduct physical verification of trade licences from March 26 onwards to ensure that business establishments operate under legitimate licences and are not subletting them, officials confirmed on Monday. Key directives for traders: Shops and business owners must display their trade licences prominently at their place of business. Traders must produce a fresh No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the building owner. A verification slip will be issued to each trader, which must be uploaded at the time of trade licence renewal for FY 2025-26. Licences found sublet to outsiders could face cancellation, in line with…
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