Sikkim - The Purbottar

20 Jan

Young Boxers Shine at 20th Sub-Junior & 21st Youth State Championship in Rumbuk

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The four-day State Level 20th Sub-Junior Boys’ and Girls’ and 21st Youth Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championship 2026 concluded on a positive note today at Rumbuk, bringing together young boxing talent from all parts of Sikkim. A total of 111 boxers, representing every district of the state, took part in the championship. Over the four days, the young boxers competed in different weight categories and age groups. The bouts were closely fought, with participants showing good discipline, fitness, and determination inside the ring. Coaches and officials noted the steady improvement in skills among the young boxers, reflecting the growing interest…

15 Jan

Proud Moment for Sikkim: Rinzing Namgyal Bhutia Named Match Observer for Rajkot ODI

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Rinzing Namgyal Bhutia, Honorary Secretary of the Sikkim Cricket Association, has been appointed as Match Observer for the second One Day International (ODI) of the ongoing India–New Zealand series. The match was held in Rajkot on January 14 as part of the three-match ODI series sponsored by IDFC First Bank. The appointment was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), marking another important milestone for Bhutia and for cricket administration from Sikkim. This is the second time that Bhutia has been given the responsibility of Match Observer by the BCCI. Earlier, he served in the same…

14 Jan

Barshana Mukhia Becomes Sikkim’s First Woman Hybrid Athlete at National Fitness Event

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has added a new chapter to its sporting history with fitness coach Barshana Mukhia becoming the state’s first woman hybrid athlete. Her achievement marks an important moment for competitive fitness in the state and highlights the growing presence of women in demanding endurance sports. Barshana, who is a professional fitness coach, has made a successful shift from bodybuilding to hybrid endurance events that combine running with strength-based challenges. This transition reflects years of hard work, discipline, and steady preparation across different fitness formats. Her latest achievement came at the Main Yoddha Race, one of India’s toughest ultimate fitness challenges.…

13 Jan

Smooth and Successful: Governor Parnaik Departs Gangtok After Key Inter-State Meetings

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, left Sikkim on Tuesday after completing a three-day official visit to the state. The Governor departed from Burtuk Helipad in Gangtok, marking the end of his scheduled engagements in the Himalayan state. During his visit, the Governor took part in several official interactions and meetings, aimed at strengthening inter-state coordination and understanding. Though brief, the visit was described as smooth and successful by officials. A formal farewell was accorded to the Governor at the helipad. Several senior district and state officials were present on the occasion, including Superintendent of Police (Gangtok) Mahendra Subba,…

12 Jan

Indian Idol 3 Champion Prashant Tamang Dies at 43; Sikkim Chief Minister Expresses Deep Grief

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on January 11 expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned singer and actor Prashant Tamang, describing him as a rare example of talent, humility and hard work whose life journey will continue to inspire people across the country. Prashant Tamang, who shot to national fame after winning Indian Idol Season 3, passed away in New Delhi following a cardiac arrest. He was 43. His sudden death has sent a wave of grief across Sikkim and among his fans nationwide. Before stepping into the world of music and films, Tamang served as a constable…

09 Jan

Sikkim scraps offline permits for foreign tourists, online clearance now compulsory

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has officially ended the system of issuing physical permits to foreign nationals visiting protected and restricted areas of the state. From now on, all such visitors will have to obtain clearance only through an online process, making digital approval mandatory for entry into these areas. The decision was communicated through an official notification issued by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sikkim. According to the department, the move has been taken following clear and strict instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The central directive states that Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP)…

08 Jan

Sikkim Strengthens Export Ecosystem with IIFT Partnership and New Support Cell for Entrepreneurs

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has taken an important step to strengthen its small businesses and help local entrepreneurs reach wider markets by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata. Along with this, the state government has also launched a dedicated Export Facilitation Cell to support exports and promote the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The MoU was signed between the Commerce and Industries Department of Sikkim and IIFT Kolkata at a programme held at the department’s conference hall on Wednesday, January 7. The signing coincided with the formal inauguration of the Export Facilitation…

07 Jan

Heavy Vehicle Movement Restricted in Soreng District During Maghey Sankranti Mela from Jan 14–22

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The authorities in Soreng district of Sikkim have issued a public advisory ahead of the 71st Maghey Sankranti Mela, which will be held at Jorethang–Nayabazar from January 14 to January 22, 2026. The mela is expected to draw a large number of visitors from different parts of the state and nearby areas. Because of this, the district police have announced traffic regulations to ensure smooth vehicle movement and public safety during the event. According to the advisory issued by the Superintendent of Police, Soreng District, the mela will be celebrated in a grand and traditional way, highlighting the cultural heritage…

06 Jan

Government Reshuffle: Bhandari Heads SRLM, Rajani Sharma to Pakyong

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Government of Sikkim has appointed R.B. Bhandari, ADC (Development) of Pakyong District, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) under the Rural Development Department. The appointment was confirmed through an official order issued by the Department of Personnel. According to the notification, Mr. Bhandari had earlier been transferred and posted as Director of the Sikkim State Directorate of Lotteries under the Finance Department. However, the latest order has reassigned him to head the SRLM. The SRLM plays a key role in promoting rural livelihoods, supporting self-help groups, and improving income opportunities for…

05 Jan

Forest Fire Breaks Out in Namnang, Gangtok; Swift Action Brings Blaze Under Control

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A forest fire broke out in the Namnang area of Gangtok on Sunday afternoon, triggering concern among residents in the locality. The incident was reported at around 4:00 PM, following which the authorities moved in quickly to control the situation. According to officials, the Forest Department’s Quick Response Team (QRT), Gangtok, immediately reached the spot after receiving information about the fire. The QRT worked in close coordination with the Fire Department, Gangtok, to bring the fire under control. The teams carried out joint efforts to stop the flames from spreading further into the surrounding forest area. The officials said the…