Nepal Ranked No. 1 Happiest in South Asia in 2026

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March 21, 2026

Nepal has emerged as the No. 1 happiest country in South Asia, according to the World Happiness Report 2026, highlighting a significant milestone in the region’s well-being rankings.

In the global index, Nepal has been placed at the 99th position, reflecting its overall performance in factors such as social support, income, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

Despite leading South Asia, the latest ranking shows a slight decline in Nepal’s global standing compared to the previous year. In the World Happiness Report 2025, Nepal was ranked 92nd worldwide.

The report, released annually, evaluates happiness levels across countries based on survey data and key socio-economic indicators, offering insights into quality of life and public well-being.

India is placed below countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Suspicious Death of Ex-Panchayat Member Triggers Panic in Yangang

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Jeewan Dahal

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March 21, 2026

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A shocking incident has surfaced from Yangang, where former panchayat member Sabitri Sharma was found dead under suspicious circumstances inside her residence in Sripatam village.

According to local, Sabitri Sharma, who lived alone, was discovered inside her home, raising serious concerns among local residents. The incident has created fear in the area, as the exact cause of her death remains unknown.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the case is a murder or an unnatural death. Police have reached the spot and initiated a detailed investigation. The body is likely to be sent for post-mortem to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Forest Department Bans Personal Reels in Office During Working Hours

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Jeewan Dahal

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March 20, 2026

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The Forest and Environment Department has issued an office order with immediate effect prohibiting employees from recording reels or uploading personal content on social media within office premises during working hours.

According to the directive, staff members are not allowed to create or share personal social media content while on duty. The move aims to maintain professionalism and ensure that official time is used strictly for work-related responsibilities.

However, the department clarified that digital content, including reels related to forestry, environment, and wildlife awareness, will be permitted if created strictly for official purposes.

Earlier, a similar directive was issued by the Sikkim Police restricting making Reels in uniform. However, instances some continuing to record and upload Reels on platforms like Instagram and Facebook have still been observed.

Two Mild Earthquakes Hit Near Gangtok, No Damage Reported

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Jeewan Dahal

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March 20, 2026

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Two back-to-back mild earthquakes of magnitudes 3.6 and 2.7 struck near Gangtok in the early hours of Friday, officials said.

According to the National Centre for Seismology, the first tremor of magnitude 3.6 occurred at 4:26 am, approximately 10.7 km northwest of Gangtok, at a shallow depth of 5 km. The second quake, measuring 2.7, struck around 11.2 km west of the city at a depth of 10 km.

Despite the tremors being felt in and around the area, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage from any part of Sikkim, officials confirmed.

Bhumika Shrestha Becomes Nepal’s First Transgender Woman MP

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Jeewan Dahal

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March 19, 2026

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Bhumika Shrestha’s journey to becoming Nepal’s first transgender woman Member of Parliament is rooted in years of activism, resilience, and advocacy for equal rights.

Born in Kathmandu, Shrestha began her involvement in activism at a young age. As a teenager, she connected with the Blue Diamond Society, one of Nepal’s leading organisations working for sexual and gender minorities. This marked the beginning of her commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights.

Throughout the early 2000s and 2010s, she emerged as a strong and vocal advocate for dignity, legal recognition, and social acceptance of transgender individuals. She actively contributed to campaigns that pushed for the recognition of a “third gender” category in Nepal, a movement that led to a landmark 2007 Supreme Court decision acknowledging gender diversity.

Over the years, Shrestha continued her work through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and international representation. In 2015, she achieved a major personal milestone by officially changing her gender identity in government documents, reflecting both personal courage and progress in legal recognition.

Her efforts gained global recognition when she was honoured with the International Women of Courage Award in 2022, highlighting her leadership in promoting equality and inclusion.

Transitioning from activism to politics, Shrestha entered electoral politics in 2026. Representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party, she was elected under the proportional representation system, making history as Nepal’s first transgender lawmaker.

Sikkim Govt Increases Dearness Allowance to 58% for Employees and Pensioners

By

Jeewan Dahal

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March 19, 2026

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The Government of Sikkim has announced an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for its employees and pensioners, according to a circular issued by the Finance Department on March 18, 2026.

As per the notification, DA for state government employees under the revised pay structure has been enhanced from 55% to 58%, effective from July 1, 2025. Similarly, pensioners will also receive Dearness Relief at the revised rate.

For employees and officers drawing pay under the pre-revised structure as per the 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC), DA has been increased from 252% to 257%.
The revised rates will also be applicable to All India Service officers serving in the state. Additionally, employees appointed on a contract basis and those under work-charged establishments will be eligible for the enhanced DA, subject to existing norms.

The Finance Department further stated that DA payments involving fractions will be rounded off to the nearest rupee, with amounts of 50 paise and above rounded up.

Sikkim’s Shape of Momo Wins Two Awards at Russian Film Festival

By

Jeewan Dahal

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March 19, 2026

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Sikkimese film Shape of Momo has brought international recognition to the Himalayan state by winning two prestigious awards at the Spirit of Fire International Film Festival held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

Directed by Tribeny Rai, the Nepali-language film competed in the International Debut Competition and impressed global audiences with its culturally rooted storytelling from Sikkim.

The film was awarded the Silver Taiga Award for Best International Debut Film on March 16, 2026. It also received the “Soul of Russia – World Cinema Special Prize”, presented by the Roscongress Foundation, for its contribution to preserving traditional and cultural values.

While accepting the awards, Tribeny Rai dedicated the honour to Sikkim and highlighted that the state is set to host its own international film festival beginning March 19.

Accompanying her at the festival was her mother, Geeta Rai, who also produced the film. Reflecting on the moment, Rai said it was special to receive such recognition with her mother by her side.

She also shared that meeting renowned filmmaker Emir Kusturica, who served as the festival president, was a major highlight of her experience.

A resident of Nandok in East Sikkim, Tribeny Rai had earlier attended the VGIK International Summer School in 2016, where she created a short film as part of the program.

The film’s journey to Russia began after programmer Peter Shepotinnik discovered Shape of Momo during its European premiere at the San Sebastián International Film Festival.

Established in 2003, the Spirit of Fire International Film Festival is among Russia’s leading platforms dedicated to debut films by emerging global filmmakers.

Following its success, Shape of Momo is set to travel to the Cinema Asia Film Festival in Amsterdam, where it will have its Dutch premiere in April.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the film’s all-India release, including a grand premiere in Gangtok. The production team is currently in advanced discussions with major distributors.

Sikkim Premier League Season 4 Kicks Off April 5

By

Roshni Sharma

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March 18, 2026

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The fourth edition of the Sikkim Premier League Season 4 is all set to begin from April 5, 2026, marking the return of one of the state’s most anticipated football tournaments. Featuring eight teams, the league will span over 40 days, promising high-energy matches and competitive action.

Matches will be played at Paljor Stadium and Bhaichung Stadium, two of the state’s main football venues.
The league continues its mission to promote football in Sikkim by offering a strong platform for local talent.

Each team will mandatorily include Under-19 players from Sikkim, alongside national and international players, ensuring a dynamic blend of youth and experience on the field.

With growing popularity each season, the SPL is expected to draw strong fan engagement and further strengthen the football ecosystem in the state.

Dr. Pamu Chukey Rai Secures NEET-SS Rank 154, Earns DM Oncology Seat in Chennai

By

Roshni Sharma

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March 18, 2026

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Dr. Pamu Chukey Rai from Ranipool, East Sikkim, has brought pride to the state by securing an impressive All India Rank 154 in the NEET Super Speciality examination.

Following this achievement, she has secured admission to pursue DM in Medical Oncology at the prestigious Cancer Institute (WIA), one of India’s leading centres for cancer treatment, research, and advanced medical training.

Dr. Rai, wife of Karma Bhutia, has been serving in the government health sector for the past 16 years. She is currently working as a Consultant in the Radiation Oncology Department at Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital.

Her success in this highly competitive national-level examination highlights her dedication and perseverance in the field of oncology. It also marks a significant achievement for Sikkim, reflecting the growing presence of skilled medical professionals from the state on the national stage.

Dr. Rai’s accomplishment underscores her commitment to advancing cancer care and strengthening oncology services for the people of Sikkim.

Gangtok Schoolgirl ‘Kidnapping’ Case Turns Hoax; Missing Minor Traced in Siliguri

By

Jeewan Dahal

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March 18, 2026

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A suspected kidnapping case involving a 14-year-old schoolgirl took a dramatic turn after police confirmed that the incident was a self-staged hoax. The minor, who had been reported missing on March 13, was traced safely in Siliguri on Tuesday evening.

The case initially triggered panic after the girl failed to return home from school, prompting her family to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at Sadar Police Station. The situation escalated when the family reportedly received a ransom demand of ₹3 lakh from an unknown caller using the girl’s mobile phone, along with threats to her life.

Taking the matter seriously, Sadar Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Justice Code and launched an intensive search operation. A police team was immediately dispatched to Siliguri to conduct field verification and track leads.

Through sustained efforts and coordinated action, the missing girl was located in the SNT area of Siliguri, where she was found loitering. Police officials confirmed that she was safe and unharmed.

During preliminary inquiry, investigators uncovered that the girl had deliberately staged her own disappearance. She allegedly attempted to extort money from her parents by posing as a kidnapper. Using WhatsApp, she sent ransom messages demanding ₹3 lakh and even recorded voice notes mimicking distress to make the claim appear genuine.

Police sources stated that the girl has been secured and is being brought back to Gangtok for further legal procedures and detailed questioning. Authorities are now examining the circumstances that led to the incident and considering appropriate action.

The case highlights the seriousness of false alarm incidents, which can divert critical police resources and create unnecessary panic among the public.

Nepal Ranked No. 1 Happiest in South Asia in 2026

Suspicious Death of Ex-Panchayat Member Triggers Panic in Yangang

Forest Department Bans Personal Reels in Office During Working Hours

Two Mild Earthquakes Hit Near Gangtok, No Damage Reported

Bhumika Shrestha Becomes Nepal’s First Transgender Woman MP

Sikkim Govt Increases Dearness Allowance to 58% for Employees and Pensioners

Sikkim’s Shape of Momo Wins Two Awards at Russian Film Festival

Sikkim Premier League Season 4 Kicks Off April 5

Dr. Pamu Chukey Rai Secures NEET-SS Rank 154, Earns DM Oncology Seat in Chennai

Gangtok Schoolgirl ‘Kidnapping’ Case Turns Hoax; Missing Minor Traced in Siliguri

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