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Sikkim Gets ₹820 Crore First as Centre Announces ₹25,000 Crore ‘Pride of Hills’ Package

By
Jeewan Dahal
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Sikkim is set to receive ₹820 crore under the Centre’s newly launched “Pride of Hills” initiative for 2026–27, aimed at accelerating development in India’s mountainous regions. Despite being one of the smaller allocations in absolute terms, officials say the funding is significant for Sikkim given its size, population, and unique geographical challenges.

The state faces constraints such as difficult terrain, limited connectivity, and restricted revenue-generating capacity, which often slow infrastructure growth. The new allocation is expected to support capital expenditure projects, including road expansion, rural connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure. It will also help the state manage committed liabilities while maintaining fiscal stability.

Experts believe Sikkim can leverage this funding to strengthen sectors like eco-tourism, organic agriculture, and hydropower—areas where the state already has a comparative advantage. With a strong focus on sustainability, the initiative aligns with Sikkim’s environmentally conscious development model. If utilized efficiently, the funds could enhance economic resilience, improve public services, and generate employment opportunities across remote regions of the state.

Beyond Sikkim, the Centre has earmarked a total outlay of ₹25,000 crore for nine hill states under the Special Development Assistance framework. Arunachal Pradesh received the highest allocation of ₹4,900 crore, followed by Himachal Pradesh with ₹3,920 crore and Nagaland with ₹3,880 crore. Other beneficiaries include Uttarakhand (₹3,460 crore), Tripura (₹3,450 crore), Manipur (₹2,400 crore), Meghalaya (₹2,070 crore), and Mizoram (₹100 crore).

The initiative is designed to address structural issues such as low population density, high logistics costs, and weaker fiscal indicators common across hill states. By boosting investment in infrastructure and providing financial support, the government aims to reduce regional disparities and unlock growth potential. Analysts say the success of the scheme will depend on efficient implementation and state-specific planning tailored to local needs.

Inauguration of 155 Base Hospital by Lt Gen Gambhir Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, GOC Gajraj Corps

By
Roshni Sharma
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0

₹112.82 crore Phase III project enhances military healthcare infrastructure in Northeast India; Gajraj Corps dedicates hospital in Tezpur

Reinforcing the Indian Army’s continued thrust on infrastructure development in the Eastern Theatre, Phase–III of the 155 Base Hospital at Tezpur Military Station, executed by the Military Engineer Services (MES), was dedicated to all ranks and their families of Tezpur and satellite military stations in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on 28 March 2026 by Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh,UYSM, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps.

Sanctioned by the Ministry of Defence in March 2021 at a capital outlay of ₹112.82 crore, the project was executed under the aegis of Chief Engineer Siliguri Zone and CWE Tezpur. Construction commenced in November 2021 and was completed within a compressed timeframe, reflecting efficient planning and execution.

The project was conceptualised and developed in close coordination with the Army Medical Services (AMS), whose domain expertise was integral in the planning, design finalisation, and validation of functional medical requirements. Their continuous involvement ensured that the facility is optimally configured to meet operational healthcare demands, incorporating modern treatment protocols and patient-centric infrastructure.

Despite significant challenges, including disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the complex logistical and climatic conditions of the North Eastern Region, the project has been delivered within the stipulated Project Delivery Completion (PDC) timeline, without any cost overruns—underscoring robust project management and financial discipline.

The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and incorporates environmentally sustainable features aligned with modern green building practices. As one of the largest military hospitals in the North Eastern Region, it marks a substantial enhancement of healthcare infrastructure, significantly strengthening medical support to operational formations in the Eastern Theatre.

In recognition of its strategic importance, superior construction quality, and sustainable design elements, the project has been nominated for the prestigious CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2026, positioning it among the Indian Army’s flagship infrastructure achievements.

Former Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli Arrested in Gen Z Protest Case

By
Jeewan Dahal
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Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been arrested by Nepal Police in connection with the 2025 “Gen Z” protest case, marking a major political development in Nepal. The arrest came shortly after former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was taken into custody from Bhaktapur early Saturday morning.

Both leaders were named in the investigation report of the Karki Commission, headed by Gauri Bahadur Karki, which probed the deadly protests of September 8 and 9. The commission had recommended criminal investigations against them, along with other members of the Central Security Committee, citing accountability lapses during the violent crackdown.

The government moved swiftly following a Cabinet meeting led by Balen Shah, deciding to implement the commission’s recommendations. Soon after, Home Minister Sudan Gurung held high-level discussions with security officials, paving the way for immediate enforcement action.

In his statement, Gurung said, “Promise is a promise. No one is above the law. This is not revenge, but the beginning of justice,” expressing confidence that the country is entering a new phase of accountability and reform.

Oli, who was serving as Prime Minister during the protests, faces allegations of failing to prevent the escalation of violence that led to multiple fatalities after police opened fire on demonstrators in New Baneshwor.

Authorities indicate that further arrests of former officials may follow as the investigation continues to unfold.

Why Sikkim’s Opposition Is Missing the Municipal Battle

By
Jeewan Dahal
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0

Yesterday, the Citizen Action Party announced that it will not contest the municipal elections, leaving everything to independent candidates. However, in a democracy, parties must understand that there is no such thing as being truly “independent,” and elections without contest do not look meaningful or interesting.

If CAP wants to earn the tag of a strong opposition, it must come to the ground, fight, and even win a small number of seats in Local Bodies. The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has already announced candidates in all urban bodies and completed nominations and started campaigning too. Even a former Gangtok mayor Neel Chettri yesterday said he does not support uncontested elections and wants competition to make them meaningful urges people to come in ground.

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which ruled Sikkim for over 25 years, has not fielded candidates yet, nor has the Indian National Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party appears somewhat serious to contest in all Local Bodies but has yet to complete nominations.

Win or lose, contesting elections increases the value of opposition in a democracy. Combined with low voter turnout, this situation paints a grim picture for the future of local democracy.

Perhaps the importance of municipal politics is being overlooked instead of calling party based or unconstitutional. Local governments directly impact daily life—roads, recreation, water supply, and emergency services. Even small elections matter. While independents give space to common citizens, political parties should promote young leaders and encourage them to contest.

Municipal elections can be seen as a semifinal for the 2029 state elections. Sikkim, as a democracy, functions through two tiers— state, and local self-government. If opposition parties aspire to govern the state, they must also participate in grassroots democracy if not they should forget about 2029 General Elections. Even in West Bengal with strong ruling, opposition party also stand and contest municipality elections.

Today in press conference SDF said that they has even boycotted the elections, calling them unconstitutional after 25 year of Ruling. However, local governance has constitutional status under the 74th Amendment Act of 1992.

Perhaps opposition lack candidates, or perhaps they lack confidence. Either way, avoiding elections weakens democracy. Elections come once every five years, and true citizenship is exercised only when people participate and contest.

CM Prem Singh Tamang Joins Ram Navami Kalash Yatra at Thakurbari Mandir

By
the sikkim today
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0

A grand Kalash Yatra and evening aarti were organised at Thakurbari Mandir on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, drawing a large number of devotees and reflecting deep religious fervour across the capital.

The event, hosted by the Ram Navami Maha Puran Celebration Committee, witnessed vibrant participation as devotees gathered in large numbers to take part in the sacred procession and rituals.

The occasion was graced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who actively participated in the Kalash Yatra and offered prayers at the temple. His presence added significance to the celebration, inspiring devotees and highlighting the importance of preserving cultural and religious traditions.

The Kalash Yatra, accompanied by devotional songs and traditional chants, moved through key areas of Gangtok, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Devotees carrying sacred pots (kalash) marched in unison, symbolising purity and devotion.

The Chief Minister also joined Om Prakash Mathur during the Shobha Yatra at MG Marg, further enhancing the significance of the celebration.

Later in the evening, a grand aarti was performed at Thakurbari Mandir, where devotees and dignitaries came together in prayer, marking a serene and spiritually enriching conclusion to the day’s festivities.

Over 500 Glaciers Lost in Bhutan in 50 Years, Warning Signs for Sikkim and Arunachal

By
Roshni Sharma
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0

A new scientific study has revealed that Bhutan loss 500 glaciers over the last five decades, highlighting the accelerating impact of climate change on the eastern Himalayas. The findings have also triggered serious concerns for neighbouring Indian regions such as Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, which share similar Himalayan geography and climatic conditions.

The study, published in the journal Remote Sensing, analysed glacier changes in the Bhutanese Himalaya between 1976 and 2024 using satellite imagery and historical glacier inventories. Researchers found that 524 glaciers completely disappeared during this period. Alarmingly, glacier loss intensified after 1998, with over 83 per cent of the extinctions occurring between 1998 and 2024. During this later phase, nearly 16 glaciers vanished every year, compared to about four annually in the earlier decades.

Scientists noted that smaller glaciers, especially those under five square kilometres, were the most vulnerable to rising temperatures and changing snowfall patterns. Glacier loss was also uneven, with southern Bhutan—bordering India—recording higher extinction rates than the northern region.

Experts warned that similar glacier retreat may already be underway in India’s eastern Himalayan states. A separate 2025 study had earlier reported the disappearance of 110 glaciers in Arunachal Pradesh over 32 years, reinforcing fears of widespread ice loss across the region.

Rapid glacier retreat poses serious risks to water security, river flow stability, and natural hazards this is happening slowing after bhutan loss 500 glaciers .

Himalayan glaciers play a vital role in sustaining rivers during dry seasons. The study also pointed to the growing influence of glacial lakes, which accelerate ice melting and increase the risk of floods, further threatening downstream communities in Bhutan and India.

Experts further stress the urgent need for coordinated climate monitoring, early warning systems, and sustainable environmental policies across Himalayan regions to mitigate long-term impacts and safeguard fragile mountain ecosystems and livelihoods in Mountain.

CAP Rejects Party-Based Municipal Polls, Chooses to Back Independents

By
Jeewan Dahal
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0

The opposition Citizen Action Party (CAP) has announced that it will stay away from contesting the elections under a party banner.

Speaking to the media, party spokesperson Albert Gurung said the decision comes in strong opposition to the party-based election system introduced by the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM).

Instead of nominating its own candidates, CAP will lend support to independent contenders across municipal wards, aiming to promote grassroots leadership beyond political affiliations.

Gurung asserted that local body elections should remain free from party influence, arguing that politicizing municipal governance could dilute the essence of community representation.

The announcement marks of the Municipality Election 2026, as CAP positions itself in support of independent voices while opposing the ruling party’s electoral approach.

Rachna Books’ In Search of Mount Kailash Wins Prestigious Kekoo Naoroji Book Award

By
Jeewan Dahal
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0

A major literary achievement has brought pride to the Himalayan publishing community as In Search of Mount Kailash: Travels in the Sacred Himalaya by Alex McKay has won the prestigious Kekoo Naoroji Book Award for Mountain Literature.

The award was presented during the Himalayan Adventure Festival held in Mumbai on March 21–22, recognizing excellence in contemporary Himalayan writing. Instituted by the Himalayan Club in association with the Naoroji family and the Godrej Group, the award honours outstanding literary contributions centered on the Himalayas.

Named after Kekoo Naoroji, a distinguished figure who served the Himalayan Club as both President and Secretary, the award is adjudicated by an expert jury. Previous recipients include noted authors such as Stephen Alter, Deborah Baker, Bernadette McDonald, Nandini Purandare, and Deepa Balsavar.

Published in the Indian subcontinent by Rachna Books and Publications in collaboration with Sun Rider Press, the award-winning book is a deeply personal travelogue that traces McKay’s lifelong engagement with the Himalayas. It captures his early journeys along the famed “Hippie Trail,” explorations of Mount Kailash, and experiences across the Himalayan region, including Sikkim.

Blending travel writing, historical insight, and rich cultural encounters, the book has been praised by the jury as “a timeless exploration of faith, landscape, and the human spirit,” highlighting its cultural sensitivity and depth of engagement with the region.

Alex McKay is widely regarded as one of the foremost scholars of Tibetan and Himalayan history. His earlier work, The Mandala Kingdom: A Political History of Sikkim (2021), remains a significant contribution to the academic understanding of Sikkim’s past.

This recognition further strengthens the reputation of Rachna Books and Publications as a leading independent publisher promoting Himalayan narratives and voices on the global stage.

The book is now available through Rachna Books’ official website and select independent bookstores across India, while international readers can access it via Sun Rider Press.

North Tech Symposium 2026 Announced, Curtain Raiser Held in New Delhi

By
Jeewan Dahal
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0

The Curtain Raiser for the North Tech Symposium 2026 was held on March 25 at the Manekshaw Centre, formally announcing the upcoming symposium scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from May 4 to 6, 2026.

The event was organised in coordination with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers and brought together key stakeholders from the Indian Army, industry, start-ups, academia, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), paramilitary forces, and the Ministry of Defence.

The Curtain Raiser was attended by senior officials including Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command; Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C Northern Command; and Neeraj Gupta, along with other distinguished participants.

The North Tech Symposium 2026 is being jointly organised by the Northern and Central Commands of the Indian Army. The initiative aims to integrate operational perspectives from both commands, ensuring that technological development aligns closely with field requirements.

Centred around the theme “Raksha Triveni Sangam – Where Technology, Industry and Soldiering Converge,” the symposium seeks to create a collaborative platform for the Armed Forces, industry leaders, innovators, and academia to address operational challenges through technology-driven solutions.

As part of the symposium, industry partners will showcase advanced technologies based on the Compendium of Problem Definition Statements released during the Curtain Raiser, along with earlier Indian Army publications highlighting key technological challenges.

Two major thematic seminars—SANGAM (Strategic Autonomy in Next Generation Advancement and Manufacturing) and DHRUVA (Defence Industry Harnessing through Resilient UPEIDA Verticals and Alliances)—will be held on May 5 and 6. These sessions will bring together experts from defence, industry, and academia to discuss capability development, emerging technologies, and future research trends.

The symposium is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the operational requirements of the Armed Forces and indigenous technological capabilities, contributing significantly to India’s goal of achieving defence self-reliance.

The strong participation at the Curtain Raiser reflects growing interest and commitment from industry players, start-ups, and academic institutions towards strengthening India’s defence ecosystem.

Deekila Sherpa to Represent Sikkim at Femina Miss India 2026

By
Jeewan Dahal
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0

Sikkim’s Passang Deeki Sherpa, popularly known as Deekila Sherpa, has been selected to represent the state at the prestigious Femina Miss India 2026.

The national-level pageant is scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar on April 18, 2026, where contestants from across the country will compete for the coveted title. The event will bring together participants representing different states and union territories, showcasing talent, confidence, and cultural diversity.

Deekila Sherpa Femina Miss India 2026 journey reflects confidence, talent, and strong cultural identity as she prepares to compete at the national level.

Deekila Sherpa’s selection marks a significant achievement for Sikkim, reflecting the growing presence of the state on national platforms of fashion and beauty. Known for her confidence, elegance, and strong cultural identity, she is set to represent the spirit and heritage of Sikkim on a wider stage.

The Femina Miss India pageant is regarded as one of the most prestigious beauty competitions in India, offering young women an opportunity to showcase not only their appearance but also their intelligence, personality, and social awareness. Over the years, it has played a key role in shaping successful careers in the fashion and entertainment industry.

Deekila’s journey is expected to inspire many young aspirants, especially from the Northeast, to pursue opportunities in modeling and pageantry. Her participation highlights the aspirations and potential of youth from the region, encouraging greater representation at national levels.

As Sikkim prepares to cheer for its representative, expectations are high that Deekila Sherpa will make a strong impression at the competition. Her selection is not only a personal milestone but also a moment of pride for the entire state.

As Deekila Sherpa Femina Miss India 2026 contestant, she carries the hopes of Sikkim and aims to make a strong impact on the national stage and making state proud again.

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