10-Year Sentence for Former Policeman in Major Narcotics Case in Sikkim.

The Special Judge of SADA Court Pakyong today sentenced former police personnel Pem Tshering Bhutia to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a ₹1 lakh fine.

The conviction stems from a 2021 case involving possession of drugs in commercial quantity under the SADA Act.

Following the landmark ruling, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Pakyong District, addressed the media, calling it a major legal breakthrough and a clear warning to those involved in the drug trade.

On June 30, 2025, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition seeking the transfer of management of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, to Buddhist authorities. The court ruled that the matter could not be entertained under Article 32 of the Constitution and directed the petitioner to approach the Patna High Court instead.

The petition was filed by social activist and politician Sulekha Kumbhare, who argued that the current Hindu-majority management structure violates the religious rights of Buddhists. She emphasized that the Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism, marking the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

The apex court, however, maintained that constitutional remedies under Article 32 were not applicable in this case and suggested that the dispute be addressed in a competent lower court.

With the petition dismissed, the management of the Mahabodhi Temple will continue to remain with the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee as per the current legal framework. 

Sikkim Milk Union Hikes Prices of Milk Varieties from July 1; ₹3 Increase on High Cream Milk per Litre

The Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. has announced a revision in the retail prices of selected milk products, effective from July 1, 2025.

According to the updated rate chart, the price of 1000 ml High Cream Milk will increase from ₹65 to ₹68 per packet. The 500 ml High Cream Milk will now be priced at ₹35, up from ₹33. Similarly, 500 ml Toned Milk will cost ₹33, reflecting a ₹2 hike from its current ₹31 price tag.

Despite the price adjustment, the commission structure for selling agents across Gangtok and Jorethang will remain unchanged, the Union informe

Sikkim’s protected heritage sites have been left in a state of neglect due to a complete lack of financial support from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for two consecutive years—2022 and 2023. A recent Right to Information (RTI) revelation, confirms that not a single rupee was sanctioned for the maintenance or restoration of ASI-listed monuments in the state during this period.

This lack of funding has sparked growing concern among conservationists, cultural historians, and local residents. Sikkim, known for its ancient monasteries, sacred ruins, and heritage structures, stands at risk of losing vital pieces of its cultural identity due to bureaucratic indifference.

Experts warn that without immediate restoration efforts, many sites could face irreversible deterioration. The issue also threatens the tourism sector, which relies heavily on the state’s historical and spiritual landmarks.

Local voices are urging both the state and central governments to prioritize heritage conservation in Sikkim. Activists are calling for transparent budgeting, stronger state-ASI coordination, and dedicated heritage protection policies that ensure these monuments receive the attention they deserve.

As of now, the ASI has not issued any clarification regarding the prolonged delay in funding for Sikkim’s monuments.

More than 4,000 people gathered in central London to oppose the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) proposed mega-embassy at Royal Mint Court, near the iconic Tower of London. Protesters described the project as a major threat to British democracy and security, calling for its rejection.

The demonstration, among the largest to date against the plan, drew together diverse groups: Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, Taiwanese activists, pro-democracy Chinese, and concerned British citizens. The coordinated protest featured two rallies — “No to CCP Mega-Embassy” and “China: Stop Transnational Repression”.

Tsering Passang, chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, condemned the proposal as a “monstrous plan” designed for surveillance and intimidation, rather than diplomacy. He warned that if approved, the site would become the CCP’s largest diplomatic post in Europe.

The UK proposal has sparked wide concern, echoing international unease about Chinese overseas influence. European countries like the Netherlands and Switzerland, and the United States, have cited similar fears over China’s alleged covert police stations operating abroad. In April 2023, the UK government confirmed reports of suspected Chinese police service stations in Britain and launched investigations (The Guardian, BBC News).

Critics argue that granting the embassy site could aid Beijing’s efforts to monitor, intimidate, and silence dissidents in the UK, undermining civil liberties and democratic principles. Activists and community leaders urge the British government to block the proposal and prioritize national security over diplomatic expansion.

The City of London Corporation, which owns the Royal Mint Court site, has stated that planning approval is still pending, and the matter is under review.

Road accident on the Bermiok-Thangsing route near Izamkholsa Pairo, close to Ziro Fatak, claimed the lives of three young men after their Bolero Camper vehicle plunged nearly 200 feet down a steep cliff on Wednesday.

The deceased have been identified as Abhishek Chettri, aged 27, from Dalep; Bishnu Chettri, aged 22, also from Dalep; and Sarukh Gurung, aged 20, a resident of Darjeeling. All three were travelling in the vehicle when the mishap occurred.

Local Police personnel reached the scene soon after being informed by passersby. The bodies were recovered with the help of villagers and rescue teams. The victims were rushed to the District Hospital in Singtam, where doctors declared them brought dead. Post-mortem examinations were carried out before the bodies were handed over to their respective families.

Initial reports indicate that one of the deceased was behind the wheel at the time of the accident. However, the exact cause remains under investigation. Mechanical failure, human error, or poor road conditions have not been ruled out as contributing factors.

Namchi Police have registered a case and begun a formal inquiry.