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

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March 19, 2026

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

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March 18, 2026

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

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March 18, 2026

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

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March 18, 2026

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.

NSE Moves Closer to IPO, Approves Coal Exchange Plan

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February 7, 2026

The NSE Board has taken key decisions related to its future plans.

As part of preparations for its proposed IPO, NSE has strengthened its governance framework by reconstituting a dedicated IPO (Initial Public Offering) Committee.

The composition of the re-constituted IPO Committee is as follows:

-Shri. Tablesh Pandey – Chairperson (Non-Independent Director)

-Shri. Srinivas Injeti – Member (Public Interest Director)

-Prof (Dr.) Mamata Biswal – Member (Public Interest Director)

-Justice (Retd.) Smt. Abhilasha Kumari – Member (Public Interest Director)

-Prof. G. Sivakumar – Member (Public Interest Director)

-Shri. Ashishkumar Chauhan – Member (Managing Director & CEO)

The NSE Board has approved the incorporation of a wholly owned subsidiary to set up a coal exchange, subject to regulatory approvals.

The proposed subsidiary may be named National Coal Exchange, Bharat Coal Exchange, or India Coal Exchange, as approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

The coal exchange will be incorporated in line with the Coal Regulations, 2025, notified by the Ministry of Coal. NSE has approved capital infusion of up to ₹100 crore in the proposed coal exchange subsidiary.

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) is India’s leading stock market platform and one of the world’s largest derivatives exchanges.

NSE MD & CEO Welcomes Union Budget 2026–27 for Balancing Growth, Fiscal Discipline and Future-Ready Reforms

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February 2, 2026

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, today shared his views on the Union Budget 2026–27, highlighting its strong emphasis on fiscal consolidation, infrastructure-led growth, deepening of financial markets, and strategic investments in future-oriented sectors.

Commenting on the Union Budget, the MD & CEO said:
“The Union Budget 2026–27—the first from the Kartavya Bhavan and the ninth consecutive budget by the Hon’ble Finance Minister—Nirmala Sitharaman reinforces the message that strong growth and fiscal discipline can advance together.

It stays firmly on the consolidation path, with the fiscal deficit easing from 4.4% to 4.3% of GDP and debt-to-GDP declining from 56.1% to 55.6%, keeping India on track toward the 50% ±1% target by FY31. This signals macro stability and policy credibility to investors and markets.

Infrastructure remains the central growth lever, with public capex rising about 12% to ₹12.2 lakh crore, aimed at crowding in private investment, boosting productivity, and reducing logistics costs. The budget also deepens financial markets through calibrated measures—higher STT on derivatives to curb excess speculation, PSU asset monetisation via REITs, introduction of bond index derivatives, and a stronger market-making framework for corporate bonds. Enhanced income exemption limit for Gift City (10 to 20 years) would make it more attractive for FPIs.

Urban finance receives a boost through renewed emphasis on municipal bonds, while regulatory reforms in foreign exchange and capital markets improve ease of doing business and global integration.

Allowing NRIs direct portfolio access to Indian equities taps long-term diaspora capital.

Crucially, the budget looks ahead, prioritising strategic and future sectors—semiconductors, AI, advanced manufacturing, bio-pharma, rare earths, tourism, and textiles—to drive innovation, exports, and high-quality jobs.

Overall, Budget 2026–27 combines fiscal prudence, infrastructure-led growth, market deepening, and future-ready reforms—laying a strong foundation for India’s trajectory towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) is India’s leading stock exchange, operating a modern, fully automated trading platform with nationwide reach and playing a pivotal role in the development of India’s capital markets.

Air Marshal Devendra P Hirani Takes Over as Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command

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February 1, 2026

Air Marshal Devendra P Hirani assumed charge as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at Headquarters Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force on February 1, 2026. His appointment marks the induction of a highly experienced officer into a key operational and administrative role at the Command.

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on December 15, 1990, Air Marshal Hirani is a Qualified Flying Instructor with nearly 5,000 hours of flying experience on a wide range of helicopters and trainer aircraft. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and has undergone advanced professional military education at the Defence Services Staff College, the College of Defence Management, and the National Defence College in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

During his distinguished career, Air Marshal Hirani has commanded a training unit as well as important frontline air bases in the Northern Sector. He has also held several critical staff appointments at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Air Headquarters, various Command Headquarters, and Headquarters Army Officer Commanding (Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh). He has served as an inspector with the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection.

The Air Marshal has also represented India on the global stage, having been deputed to the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. Prior to assuming his current responsibility, he served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel, Airmen and Civilians).

In recognition of his meritorious and distinguished service, Air Marshal Devendra P Hirani was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2015 and the Yudh Seva Medal in 2022.

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia Takes Over as AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command

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February 1, 2026

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command (EAC), Indian Air Force, on February 1, 2026. His appointment comes under the spirit of ‘Har Kaam Desh Ke Naam’, reflecting continued commitment to service and operational excellence.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Walia was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 11, 1988. He is a highly experienced fighter pilot, qualified on multiple aircraft platforms including the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Su-30 MKI, with over 3,200 hours of accident- and incident-free flying to his credit.

Over a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, he has held several key command and staff appointments. He has commanded a MiG-27 Squadron, led the prestigious Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and served as Air Officer Commanding of a frontline air base. A Fighter Strike Leader and Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner, he has also undergone the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and the National Defence College in Bangladesh.

Air Marshal Walia has served as Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassies in Japan and South Korea and held important appointments including Air Commodore at the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters, and Air Defence Commander at Headquarters Western Air Command. Prior to his current role, he was the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Eastern Air Command.

In recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Sena Medal in 2018. He succeeds Air Marshal Surat Singh, who superannuated on January 31, 2026, after rendering 39 years of dedicated service to the nation.

Authorities Flag Ecological Risk as Illegal Magur Fish Movement Detected in East Sikkim

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February 1, 2026