Monday, August 24, 2026
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Narendra Modi Overtakes Pawan Kumar Chamling in Historic Tenure Record

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi created history on March 22 by becoming India’s longest-serving head of government, surpassing former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.

Chamling previously held the record with 8,930 days in office, while Modi has now completed 8,931 days, counting his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister. The milestone highlights decades of continuous leadership at both state and national levels.

Modi began his political journey in Gujarat, serving as Chief Minister from 2001 before becoming Prime Minister in 2014. Since then, he has led his party to three consecutive Lok Sabha victories in 2014, 2019, and 2024.

Earlier, in July 2025, Modi surpassed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to become the second-longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms, behind Jawaharlal Nehru. This achievement reinforces his position as one of India’s most enduring political leaders.

Heavy Snowfall in East BRO Keeps Key Tourist Routes Operational

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Snow clearance operations are in full swing by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across key tourist destinations in East Sikkim, including Nathu La Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, and Zuluk, following continuous heavy snowfall.

Despite harsh weather conditions, coordinated efforts by the Sikkim Tourism Department and Project Swastik have ensured that roads remain accessible and safe for visitors.

These proactive measures are expected to minimize disruptions and support ongoing tourism activities in the region.

Sikkim to Host 49th Junior National Badminton Championship 2026 for First Time

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Sikkim is set to script history as it has been officially selected to host the 49th Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship (Individual & Team – U-19) 2026. The prestigious tournament has been allotted by the Badminton Association of India, marking the first time the state will organize a national-level badminton championship of this scale.

The event will bring together some of the finest junior badminton talents from across the country, offering a major platform for young athletes to compete at the highest level. It is expected to significantly boost the sporting profile of Sikkim while encouraging the growth of badminton among local youth.

Expressing his gratitude, Jacob Khaling, President of the Badminton Association of Sikkim, thanked Himanta Biswa Sharma, who is also the President of BAI, along with Sanjay Mishra, Honorary General Secretary, and the BAI Executive Committee for placing their trust in Sikkim.

The championship will be organized under the chief patronship of Prem Singh Tamang, with the state government and sports authorities extending full support to ensure the successful conduct of the tournament. Organizers have assured that all necessary arrangements will be made to meet national standards and deliver a memorable experience for players and officials.

This landmark event is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes in Sikkim by giving them exposure to top-level competition. It will also provide a valuable opportunity for local players to showcase their talent on a national stage.

With preparations set to begin soon, the badminton fraternity and sports enthusiasts across the state have been urged to come forward and contribute towards making the championship a grand success.

Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake Near Mangan, Tremors Felt Across Sikkim

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An earthquake of estimated magnitude 4.1 struck near Mangan at approximately 8:46 PM, sending tremors across Sikkimand nearby areas. According to preliminary information, the epicentre was located just 1 km from Mangan in North Sikkim.

The tremor was felt in several parts of the state, including Gangtok and surrounding districts, prompting residents to step out of their homes in concern. Mild shaking was also reported from neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and regions close to the border in China.

Officials stated that there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. However, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and assessing any potential impact in remote and high-altitude areas.

Experts note that Sikkim falls under a seismically active zone, making such tremors relatively common. Residents have been advised to remain calm, avoid panic, and follow updates from official sources as further details emerge.

DGRE Issues Avalanche Alert for High-Altitude Areas in Gangtok and Pakyong

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The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh, has sounded an avalanche alert for higher reaches of Gangtok and Pakyong district, warning of potential risk over the next 24 hours.

As per the advisory, a medium-level avalanche threat exists in regions above 3,500 metres, where snow conditions are currently unstable. Authorities have cautioned that steep and snow-covered slopes remain particularly vulnerable.

Residents, tourists, and trekkers have been strongly advised to avoid high-altitude travel unless absolutely necessary and to remain vigilant while moving through such areas.

The alert follows prevailing weather patterns that may weaken snow layers, increasing the chances of avalanches. Officials are keeping a close watch on the situation and have urged the public to stay updated through official channels and comply with all safety advisories.

Nepal Ranked No. 1 Happiest in South Asia in 2026

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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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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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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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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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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.