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Relation of Israel and Palestine in this changing geopolitical phase of Muslim World

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The Story of Israel and Palestine

There is a famous quote by Herodotus “In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, father buries their sons.” The situations vary for every person in society, but even today the importance of this quote is as same as it was before. The history of conflict in the global scenario is very old where human beings have been choosing the path of struggle for their strategic and geo-political powers since the very ancient period. These strategic systems kept changing their form and dimensions throughout time. There was a struggle for strategic advancement and sometimes religion. 

Humans, influenced by the sensitivity of such catastrophic forces as racial hysteria, continued the path of struggle. In this backdrop of historicity, there remain instances limiting the progress of humanity, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, despite the presence of established regulation and institutions for the elimination of human conflicts. 

The matter is not too old when people were talking about whether Israel is right or the stance of Palestine was correct. Everyone saw what happened recently in Israel and Palestine. The bitter difference between Hamas and the Jews leads to major destruction in Israel and Palestine. Here, I will not talk about the history between both these countries, but how these conflicts can be solved permanently is a point of discussion. In 1948, when 48% part of Palestine became Israel, it was thought by the major countries of the world that both countries will live peacefully. But OIC had something different in their mind, they wanted something else from the UN, or in simple words they did not want Israel to exist in the middle-east. The reason for this is very simple. The OIC was founded in 1969 and consists of 57 nations having a common goal to prove their religious supremacy over the other nations in the entire world and save their religious brotherhood in Palestine. The members of OIC countries say that they want to save Palestine but actually behind the curtain, they are playing their religious propaganda, and the major reason why 2 state solution between Israel and Palestine is not taking place is because of OIC. Also, a rift can be clearly seen in OIC countries as they do not have a common goal. Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait has a separate ambition while countries like Turkey, Pakistan, Iran want something else from OIC. Also, up to now, Saudi Arabia has been a unanimous ruler of the Muslim world, but now Erdogan lead Turkey wants to replace Saudi Arabia as the new Muslim world leader.

Once a philosopher said that religion is like opium for the people and the addiction of opium destroys anyone. Something similar is happening in the entire world right now. Whether we look at the situation of Hindus in Pakistan or Bangladesh or the situation of Jews in the recent time in the middle east (Arab region), the suppression is based on the same principle of religion, which seems to be addictive to some. Jews in Germany in the reign of Hitler were also suppressed in a large number. The war between Israel and Palestine is mainly based on religion. Western countries that backed Israel have strongly raised their leg in the middle east despite the fact that Israel was established as a nation in 1948, but it was never recognized as a country by the Islamic countries of the Middle East. On 6th March 1948, the 1st conflict between the Arab world and Israel took place. The British left Palestine in 1948 after failing to resolve the dispute. Jewish leaders announce the establishment of Israel. This was opposed by many Palestinians and a war started between Israel and OIC-backed Palestine. Many Palestinians had to flee their homes during the war. After the war ended, Israel occupied most of Palestine. Talking about Jerusalem, its western part was occupied by Israel while the eastern part was occupied by Jordan. In another war in 1967, Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank. In addition, Israel also occupied the Golan Heights, Gaza, and the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. Currently, West Bank and Gaza are in control of Palestine but Israel has the capability to capture both of them, whenever they wish. In the current situation, the bigger issue is more about the holy city of Jerusalem and less about the existence of Palestine. Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem, while Palestine regards East Jerusalem as the capital of the future country. The US is also one of the few countries to recognize Israel’s claim over the whole of Jerusalem. In the regime of Donald Trump, America has shifted its capital to Jerusalem, which gave moral support to Israel to prove its claim on Jerusalem.

Indirectly, the recent conflict is also related to the holy city of Jerusalem. The main conflict started when Hamas fired almost 4,00 rockets on Israel. Surprisingly it took very little time by the Muslim world to prove the terrorist organization Hamas innocent. The way Qatar-based Al-Jazeera and many OIC-backed news channels have shown Hamas as the peacemaker of the region and the army of Israel as a Demon is shameful. Recently, a statement has been released by the Israeli Army that the building of Al-Jazeera which they destroyed was used by Hamas to intercept their Iron-Dome missile system. Isn’t it a point of shame that a news media which called itself an unbiased media is supporting a terrorist organization, because of whom so many innocent people have lost their life? 

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict of 70 years has engulfed the landscape of the Middle East and challenged the peace-building efforts of the international community. The prospects for a negotiated settlement have plummeted due to the failure of the most recent negotiations, additional violence, and increased radicalization in public behavior. In the face of these challenges and their impact on broader US national security interests, the current administration has identified the conflict as a diplomatic priority. 

Both sides will have to arrive at a possible solution that is in mutual interest but this can only happen through dialogue and not through bloodshed.

In view of all these scenarios, we will have to see how the new President of Israel Naftali Bennette will approach Hamas and Palestine. One important point to remember is that Naftali Bennette has only 2 years in office, and in these 2 year, he will have to prove that he puts the national interest first.

Image Sources – Google

Also Read – Photo Journalism and Beyond: The Storytellers 

Photo Journalism and Beyond: The Storytellers

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Photo Journalism and the 21st Century

The origin of Photo-Journalism

Photojournalism can be dated back to the 1920s. The work of a photographer is to explore and unleash the increasingly complex relationship between people and everything that goes around the globe in regards to wars, environment, economy, and in current terms the pandemic-like situation. 

Photos tell a story beyond just words expressing stories that stay longer in the minds of people so as to reflect on the issues that keep on emerging and how one can be prepared to face the same. 

Journalism through photography has its way to show different sides of a story. It shows not only two sides of the coin( positive & negative) but it shows the side of a story where relief and a way forward can be found to a particular circumstance that arose.

Role of Photojournalism 

Photojournalism plays an important and impeccable role when it comes to evaluating the content. Weeks to years are devoted to gathering visual information that contributes as a deriving vehicle towards photo-reportage.

It provides a platform to the artist (photographer) itself showcasing the interwoven layers of life and free emotions of those being captured. 

This encourages people to make use of their personal experiences while a picture stimulates all possible senses in a human being. The boundaries are crossed and comprehending a piece of information reaches new heights.

Photojournalism has its limitations if we have to compare it with photo documentaries which can not be questioned. One can not manipulate the documentary in any way. 

Today’s photo journal’s that we see frozen in the newspaper can also be misinterpreted and manipulated while everyone carries their own political views being defensive towards the right and immoral acts. 

Addressing emerging issues 

Talking of photojournalism we can also 

Point out if it’s possible to reach gender parity in photojournalism? 

Usually, organisations avoid sending women of today out into the field. 

Gandhi Ji always states that until the women of the country are not free and empowered the country can never be free – women’s role can make the helpless more powerful. Women tend to carry different views which builds up new insights into a story/photo essay unfolding new arenas to a situation. 

Potential of Photojournalism in today’s world? 

Let’s take into account the issue of crisis reporting. Camera phones have essentially turned into a casual observer and social media is a widely used resource to spread awareness. But verification of the same is equally important since everything on social media is a speedy spread.

Storytelling with verified content is important by photojournalists today, the potential has to be of an artistic vision transcending superficial coverage. 

The real test for photojournalists is to restore friendly relationships with the technical realities of the new media landscape and to make sure ethical requirements of journalism are met.

Photojournalism has to be a workplace where photojournalist work as storytellers

And not mere people who are able to break news. 

The part journalists need to play today is important in a democracy to maintain decorum and a balance between reality and what is being interpreted.

As the technology is kept alive and updated we need to be more clear about what is being showcased and is not being misunderstood. Photojournalists today are a part of the country working as facilitators and are more profound about creating connections and filling up the gaps that are created by mere “Word of mouth”.

Photojournalism works are a psychological stimulus for people around the world to discuss and act collectively. 

Let’s take an example of Photojournalism 

Now the picture says that everyone is together in this world from living in their homes to travelling somewhere but everyone is busy on their own. No one has a single minute to communicate with each other, some of them are busy on their phones or someone is reading a book but no one has time to communicate with each other and ask them about their life problems, etc. Everyone is busy in their own world. The percentage of suicides has been increasing day by day because people do not communicate with each other. So the photographer wants to depict that even people are surrounded with each other even after that they don’t talk and everyone is busy in their own lives.

Also Read – Sikkim Police Seizes 7700 SP and 2600 Nitroson in Gangtok

Sikkim Police Seizes 7700 SP and 2600 Nitroson in Gangtok

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Huge Quantity of drugs Seized at Gangtok

Sikkim Police has been continuing its war on drugs. In another successful operation, Gangtok Police on Saturday confiscated a huge consignment of Spasmodon tablets ( 7000 pcs) from two suspects in Arithang, Gangtok. 

Talking to Sikkim Today, Gangtok Police said 

DOES IT AGAIN! Today our Squad was able to confiscate a huge consignment of Spasmodon Capsule and Nitroson tablet valued at around Lakh from a Hotel In Gangtok. Two suspected were arrested and taken into police custody” 

It’s said that a guy with unconscious behavior was roaming around the Arithang, but the police have received source information about this and massive haunt down started it’s said that one person name Yesar Arfat who is suspect to have contraband substance and roaming around Arithang area.

And Police recovered contraband substances around 230 capsules of Spasmodon and 20 tablets of Nitrosun 10 from him. 

While questioning, he told Sikkim Police that he has bought this from a guy named name Durga Gupta aka Golu who used to stays at hotel Sidharth at MG marg, further than Sikkim Police started haunt there and found the contraband substances in which total of 7700 spasmodon capsules and 2600 Nitroson tablets was found and seized in presence of Independence witness.

Also read – Student’s Problem in Rural Sikkim, Who cares?

Student’s Problem in Rural Sikkim, Who cares?

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When will Good Internet Reach to Rural Sikkim?

Poor internet connectivity shadows online classes, many students can’t access classes in Sikkim’s Rural. 

Many rural students had to jump from one area to another to get a proper signal so that they could attend classes or submit their assignments online, It’s happening in West and South Sikkim.

Amid the Covid Rising day by day, the government trying all options for education online. But the rural Sikkim has a different story- online education has not got the desired response due to poor internet connectivity in the remote areas of the hilly districts in the state.

In the west district, students have to shift from their homes to another spot to get mobile connectivity to join the online classes. Earlier this month, the locals’ student from the region wrote to the Editor The Sikkim Today asking to bring the issue of proper network connectivity in the age of the Digital Era.

Fourteen-year-old class 10 student from East Sikkim’s rural phoned The Sikkim Today talking about his regular problems with the Editor where he said that due to the lack of mobile network in the village, he has to walk into the roadside where he can get a signal for online classes.

However, the online class is also having problems in urban areas like Tadong where there is no electricity since yesterday. While many are facing the same problem be it power cut in urban and zero networks in Rural, local power, and telecom authorities are finding it tough to integrate high-speed internet facilities. Moreover, people in rural areas have to also deal with the intermittent power supply which is often a hindrance to seamless access.

One of the Students from South Sikkim Shared “Our village is one of the places where basic communication facilities are missing and we have to walk towards the spot to spot at the time where they get signal on their phones. Sometimes it rains when we are outside and we are not able to study. We students are the ones who are suffering the most and our study moods also look like it all vanished”

The situation is similar in the various areas where online classes failed to pick up as most areas do not have network connectivity somehow the guardians are able to purchase smarts phones for their kids but lack of network is made like this only. Unlike the counterparts in an urban place like Gangtok Namchi and Majhitar, most kids use their own smartphone to learn but rural has a different story they depend on their family members’ mobile phones for learning and attending classes, making it an arduous exercise.

Since the starting of the Second wave lockdown, with the aim that each and every child in the Sikkim state is connected to education and regular classes Online, the Sikkim education department started classes through Whatsapp and Google Meets.

Earlier, the State government had ordered the closure of all schools, universities, and educational institutions till June 25. And later the date has been extended till July 30. Students were asked to do online regular classes.

In the era of digitalization, Local IT stakeholders and state governments must work together with the IT and edtech sectors to speed up the process of bringing innovation to rural Sikkim.

Also, read- Delta Variant Reached West Bengal, Are We Prepared For the Another Wave?

COVID – 130 new cases, 02 Deaths in Sikkim

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No more lock down in Sikkim due to covid

Sikkim registered 130 new Covid cases on Saturday. The recovered number stand is 17218 and the Positivity Rate 9.2 %, Recovery Rate 86.3% as per the health department.

The district-wise figure is 62 cases recorded in the east district, 30 cases recorded in the west district, 22 in the south district, and 16 cases in the north district. The total Covid active case in the state is 2170, as per the health department, Government of Sikkim.

Today, Department said that 02 Covid deaths were reported. The deaths toll since last year is 301.

Also Read – Major landslides in Mamley, 6 missing

Delta Variant Reached West Bengal, Are We Prepared For the Another Wave?

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Healthcare testing patient in Sikkim

Yesterday NCDC Director Dr. SK Singh has said over 50% of Delta Variant of covid has been detached in 8 states including Sikkim’s Border West Bengal.

Other states including Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana, and West Bengal have 50 percent of Delta variant cases according to NDCC Director.

In a nation where the pandemic has hit worst in the second wave, almost Ninety percent of Corona cases in India as of now are being driven by the Delta variant or B.1.617.2 variant.

According to data from NDCC, in the case of the delta variant, it was detached in 174 districts in 35 states and union territories 9(UT). Out of these 3,969 cases of Alpha were reported, 149 cases of Beta, One case Gamma, and 16,238 cases of B.1.617 (Delta and Kappa) were reported.

What is the delta strain of Covid?

Various Covid variants as renamed by WHO

The Delta variant is a highly contagious variant of COVID-19. Health authorities are particularly concerned by it because it appears to be: More infectious than other variants. More resistant to health controls and preventions such as isolation

According to the WHO official website, Data suggests the Delta variant, first identified in India and also known as B.1.617.2, carries a greater risk of hospitalization, is around 60% more transmissible than the Alpha (U.K.) strain, and is more resistant to vaccines, particularly when only one dose has been given.

The NCDC has also asserted that both the COVID-19 vaccines work against SARS-CoV-2 variants like the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta.

eltaThe NCDC has also asserted that both the COVID-19 vaccines work against SARS-CoV-2 variants like the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta.

But in the case of Sikkim, the state has been locked since the second wave started. Recently CM PS Golay has addressed to officials and healthcare during the meeting that the experience we have gained from the first and second waves of the corona will definitely help us to face the challenges of the possible third wave. he also lauded Healthcare worker and ASHA worker who put all effort to fight against the second wave in Sikkim.

Also ReadSikkim recorded 130 new covid cases and 01 New Death

SDGP, Akshey Sachdeva IPS, paid a visit to Temi Police Station

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Akshey Sachdeva, IPS Sikkim

SDGP L&O Shri Akshay Sachdeva IPS, accompanied by SSP South Shri Thakur Thapa IPS, made an official visit to Temi Police Station, where he interacted with Police personnel of the PS and briefed the staff on the importance of following proper covid protocols and making the public aware of the same.


He also stressed the measures to be taken by police to curb the increasing menace of drugs in our society. Further, he also advised police personnel of increasing cases of cyber crimes in the State and asked police personnel to remain alert and train themselves to counter these types of crimes. He also stressed that police should create awareness amongst the public so that they do not fall prey to such criminals. He then discussed ways and means to make police patrolling more effective and efficient and to always stay true to the motto of Sikkim Police i.e “To Protect And Serve”

Further, he also advised the police personnel to always be polite and well behaved when dealing with the general public and to be strict when dealing with anti-social elements.

Later, he also visited Temi Bazar, where he was warmly greeted and welcomed by the general public and interacted with them. All their grievances and suggestions were duly noted. The general public also appreciated the duties performed by police personnel during these hard times.

Also readIllegal Construction must be demolished to solve Gangtok’s long-term Problem: Mayor in Action.

Bitcoin tanks below $30,000, erase this year’s gain

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After the bull run in the cryptocurrency market started by Elon Musk last year in 2020, this year rather shows the charts in complete red. Bitcoin has fallen from its all-time high of around $65,000 to erase all its gains this year within 2 months by the blows, first from Elon lead Tesla Inc. which announced non-acceptance of Bitcoins for payments of Tesla products and later his tweet calling money only a form of accounting nothing else and further fuel to the falling prices was given when the Chinese Government decided a crackdown on cryptocurrency miners across China.

Musk’s tweet

This caused a panic selling in the market and the price of a Bitcoin fell briefly below $30,000 during the intra-day trade. Other virtual currencies followed the same route of red charts. The virtual currencies which were a few months back are called the currency of the future are now facing huge fluctuations in their value, even a few tweets are enough to cause mass panic in its investors. So, what actually cryptocurrencies are? Here’s all you need to know about cryptocurrencies.

According to Investopedia, “A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency which is secured by a process called as cryptography which makes it difficult to double spend”. It’s a sort of digital asset or rather a token made to act as a medium of exchange aiming to replace the current existing money system which is controlled by the Banks and Governments. The biggest advantage of crypto is that it works on a technology named blockchain which decentralizes the process of mining the currency and keeping the records of the transactions. This decentralization helps them bypass the government controls on money-related transactions. Many people believe that blockchain is a revolutionary technology and can disrupt a lot of sectors.

History of Bitcoin


The first digital currency was created in 2009, named Bitcoin by Satoshi Nakamoto. This is the oldest cryptocurrency in the market, many more came into the market after that. These currencies are criticized for excessive use of non-renewable electricity sources like Coal. One of the reasons stated by Elon Musk for not using bitcoin was the excessive use of electricity leading to an increase in the greenhouse effect. Due to these currencies being out-of-control of any specific organization, they have extremely high volatility and often see a big dip and dramatic rise in their value. In Feb 2021, Bitcoin crossed $1 trillion in the market valuation and had also the first time breached the $50,000 mark. Bitcoin has crashed several times during its journey like in 2011 it crashed from $35 to around $3.

These coins are extensively criticized for being vulnerable to cyber-attacks. There are speculations that they’re also used for transactions in illegal activities such as Drug deals, Terror funding, Tax Evasion, etc. Recently, Operation Trojan Shield jointly conducted by the FBI and 16 other nations against the international organized crime syndicate revealed that the criminals were using cryptocurrencies to store their money. Also, few crypto-wallets that store crypto-currencies are not a reliable source of storing currencies as cases of fraud have been reported in past.
The most popular cryptocurrency is Bitcoin followed by Etherum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, etc. These currencies are helpful in keeping the owner’s privacy risk-free. They(crypto) have managed to beat inflation by a huge margin making it a good choice for investors. This has also helped in funding several investigative journalisms in several parts of the world, but the creation of a parallel economy just like Hawala creates a problem for governments to accurately study and decide policies for the country’s economy.


El Salvador, a Central American country is all set to become the first country to accept Bitcoin as a legal tender from September 7. Every adult in the country will be provided BTC worth $30 for free once they join the government’s crypto-wallet. This announcement raised Bitcoin’s price by 5%.


The Government of India (GoI) on the other hand had banned all forms of crypto-currencies but the Supreme Court withheld the order last year in 2020. Again, this year GoI intends to bring regulations to monitor and bring all transactions under the scrutiny of the RBI and Ministry of Finance. Other countries are expected to follow the same route as India. Do tell us if you own any crypto-currencies?

Photo credits: Elon musk tweet Screenshot’s from twitter.com

Other two images : Google search.

Also Read – Illegal Construction must be demolished to solve Gangtok’s long-term Problem: Mayor in Action

Department Of Tourism,IPR & Film Board Officials Visit Yangyang Cultural Park

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"Department of Tourism"

Officials from the Department of Tourism, Information and Public Relations (IPR) and Film Board, Government of Sikkim conducted a joint inspection of Yangang Cultural Park today. Without making any major announcement about the nature of the visit, it is being reported that a major plan is under works which will benefit the people and the Government of Sikkim.

The visit was led by Miss Pooja Sharma, Hon´ble Chairperson Sikkim Film Board and was accompanied by Area Incharge, 15 Rangang Yangang, Shri. Raj Kumar Basnet, Area MLA ,Smt. Raj Kumari Thapa, Shri. Prakash Chettri, PCE, Tourism Department, Secretary, IPR, Smt. Siphora Targain, Engineers and Officials from various Departments, SKM Party functionaries from various frontal wings and local gentries.

Yangang Cultural Park was sanctioned in 2006 and the construction was completed in 2015. However due to the negligence of the previous SDF Government, the infrastructure is in a dilapidated condition. Today’s visit brings new hopes and aspirations.

Sikkim recorded 130 new covid cases and 01 New Death

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"Covid cases in Sikkim"

Sikkim registered 130 new Covid cases on Sunday. The recovered number stand is 17005 and the Positivity Rate 18.9%, Recovery Rate 85.8% as per the health department.

The district-wise figure is 71 cases recorded in the east district, 20 cases recorded in the west district, 35 in the south district, and 01 cases in the north district. The total Covid active case in the state is 2390, as per the health department, Government of Sikkim.

Today, Department said that 01 Covid death were reported. The Covid deaths toll since last year is 299.