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Earthquake Jolted in Arunachal Pradesh

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"Earthquake Jolted in Arunachal Pradesh"

Tremors were also felt in central-north Assam and the eastern part of Bhutan.

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the tremors were felt at 12:12 PM.

The quake was recorded at a depth of 10 km, on latitude 27.46 and longitude 92.20 with its epicentre at West Kameng.

“Earthquake of Magnitude:3.8, Occurred on 19-02-2023, 12:12:18 IST, Lat: 27.46 & Long: 92.20, Depth: 10 Km ,Location: 34km ESE of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India,” NCS tweeted.

There was no immediate report of any loss of life or damage to property due to the earthquake.

The northeastern region falls in a high seismic zone, making earthquakes a frequent phenomenon there.

This was the fifth earthquake recorded in the Northeast region in last eight days.

Earlier on February 12 evening, Assam recorded an earthquake of magnitude 4.0 with its epicentre in Assam’s Nagaon, followed by a 4.3 magnitude earthquake in Sikkim’s Yuksom on February 13 early morning, 3.2 magnitude earthquake in Assam’s Hojai on February 13 noon and 3.9 magnitude earthquake in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills on February 16 morning.

Directorate of Research, SMU holds Workshop on Application of Artificial Intelligence in Health Research

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"Artificial Intelligence Health Research workshop"

GANGTOK, 18 Feb 2023: The Directorate of Research,Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) organised a three-day long Workshop on Application of Artificial Intelligence in Health Research from 16th to 18th Feb 2023 here at SMU campus.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained significant attention due to its widespread applications in various domains of healthcare including healthcare research. AI is changing the way healthcare operates and healthcare is evolving with it. AI has improved various areas of healthcare like maintaining medical records and data, radiological reporting, clinical decision support, digital consultation, health monitoring,wearable technology, robotic surgery, precision medicine, accelerated drug development, prediction of natural disasteretc. and it is essential for those involved in patient care to be trained in it.

The workshop had lectures with hands on training by eminent resource faculty namely, Prof Swarup Roy from Sikkim Central University, Dr Mukesh Kumar for NIT Patna, Dr Ranjit Panigrahi from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT) and Dr Rakesh Kumar Saroj from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS). The workshop was attended by delegates from Mumbai, Patna, Indore, Varanasi, Bhubaneshwar, Nagpur, Sevagram, Moradabad and Sikkim. The delegates benefitted immensely by the workshop in learning how application of AI can enhance health care andresearch. The workshop was funded by Dr Ramdas Pai and Mrs Vasanthi Pai Endowment fund and is part of G20 event aligned to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good health and well-being). It was also awarded 9 and 6 credit points to Resource faculty and delegates respectively by Sikkim Medical Council.

Minister Piyush Goyal visit Atal Incubation Centre

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"Minister Piyush Goyal visit to Atal Incubation Centre"

Mr Piyush Goyal, the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India, visited the Atal Incubation Centre, SMU Technology Business Incubation Foundation (AIC-SMUTBI) at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT), Majhitar today.

The Hon’ble Minister was accompanied by the Minister of Power and Transport Department- Mr M N Sherpa, MLA Soreng- Mr Aditya Golay and Mr Karma R. Bonpo (IAS) -Secretary,Commerce and Industries Department.

The programme commenced with the visit of Hon’ble Minister to the Incubator Facility with product showcases by the Startups led by Dr Tez Chingtham- CEO,AIC-SMUTBI, highlighting the innovative and unique products being developed by the local entrepreneurs.

Subsequently, Dr (Lt.Gen) Rajan Singh Grewal- Vice Chancellor, SMU in his welcome address applauded the Hon’ble Minister in his previous role as the Minister of Railways (2017-21) which was a historic milestone of zero passenger deaths in the past fiscal year. He also mentioned his efforts towards promoting startups in the country and creating job opportunities for the youth.

Mr Karma R. Bonpo (IAS)- Secretary, Commerce and Industry expressed his gratitude for the Hon’ble Minister’s visit to the state of Sikkim. He highlighted that the startup ecosystem in Sikkim is a keen interest of the minister and thanked him for supporting the entire northeast incubator. He added that they will work hand in hand in the growth of the institution.

The Hon’ble Minister participated in an interaction session with the Startup Founders from the North East Region coming from different sectors and as well as students of the incubation centre. The session was focused on addressing the queries and concerns of the participants and providing them with guidance and support to help them grow their businesses.

Speaking on the occasion,the Hon’ble Minister stressed on the importance of promoting local industries and products to make India self-reliant and achieve the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also emphasized on maintaining high quality production in India, as business and economy gets impacted, quality will play a key role and help companies deliver products and services that exceed expectations and help the company expand its market.

He as well emphasized the importance of innovators, startup founders, and students in shaping the future of India. He encouraged them to continue to innovate and contribute to the development of the nation.Furthermore, he urged the participants to focus on their unique selling points (USPs) and strive to be self-sufficient. He added that being self-sufficient is crucial for the development of the nation and can only be achieved by promoting local entrepreneurship and manufacturing.

The Hon’ble Minister shared the success story of the LED program, where six lakh bulbs were sold in India every day. This program has not only helped in reducing energy consumption but also created job opportunities for the people. He also called attention to the importance of mentorship programs which aim to provide mentorship to startups and entrepreneurs across the NorthEast State.

Eventually, the Hon’ble Minister appreciated the efforts of the AIC-SMUTBI in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among young students and startups. He emphasized the need for more such incubation centers to be set up across the North East State to foster innovation and create job opportunities.

Dr Tez Chingtham- CEO,AIC-SMUTBI in his concluding speech explained that The Atal Incubation Centre, SMU Technology Business Incubation Foundation (AIC-SMUTBI) is first of its kind in the state which was established in 2019 under the aegis of the Atal Innovation Mission, a flagship initiative of the Government of India. He added that the incubation centre has been set up to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the North-Eastern region of the country and provides incubation support to startups working in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, energy and education, among others. He also thanked the concerned department for the cooperation.

The program was also attended by Mr Karma Sonam Bhutia- Director, Commerce & Industries Department , ADC Pakyong- Ms Anupa Tamling, SDM Rangpo- Ms Sujata Subba along with Officials from Government Department, dignitaries and Faculties along with students from SMU and SMIT.

Mahashivratri 2023 Celebrate in Sikkim

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"Mahashivratri 2023"

Mahashivratri – is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated annually. It falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February-March).

According to Hindu mythology, Mahashivratri marks the day when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, a cosmic dance that symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were united in the divine marriage ceremony.

The story behind the lighting of Mahadeep on top of the Lingaraj Temple on Maha Shivaratri is as follows:

Once upon a time, a poor tribal man named Bilvamangala was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He wanted to offer something to Lord Shiva, but he had nothing to offer except a small bilva leaf. He went to the Lingaraj Temple to offer the leaf to the Lord.

On his way, he was stopped by a group of dacoits who tried to rob him. Bilvamangala prayed to Lord Shiva for help, and the Lord appeared in front of him and defeated the dacoits. Bilvamangala was overwhelmed by this miraculous incident and wanted to offer something more to Lord Shiva.
He decided to offer a Mahadeep (a big lamp) to the Lingaraj Temple. However, he was poor and could not afford to buy a Mahadeep.

On the day of Maha Shivaratri, Bilvamangala collected oil from all the households in the city and lit the Mahadeep on top of the Lingaraj Temple. It is said that the Mahadeep burned for days, and the light could be seen from a distance of several kilometers.
Since then, it has become a tradition to light the Mahadeep on top of the Lingaraj Temple on Maha Shivaratri. It is believed that lighting the Mahadeep brings prosperity and happiness to the people.

The Lingaraj Temple attracts a large number of devotees on Maha Shivaratri, who come to witness this spectacular event and offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.

Piyush Goyal chaired a review meeting with Sikkim Government Officials

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"Piyush Goyals meeting with Sikkim Government"

Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public distribution and Textiles, Government of India, Shri Piyush Goyal, chaired a review meeting with Government Officials here at the Conference hall of Tashiling Secretariat in Gangtok today.

Hon’ble Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal was warmly received by Chief Secretary Government of Sikkim, Shri Vijay Bhushan Pathak and DC Gangtok, Shri Tushar Nikhare.

Shir Piyush Goyal started his tour today with an interactive meeting with the HoDs and Officers from various line departments on issues such as implementation of programmes and policies of Central Ministries such as Progress of PM Gatishakti, National Oil Palm Mission, Expenditure of MoCI, CAFPD and Textiles under GBD. The programme also included review of Rubber plantation and production for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and mechanisms for Organic State such as Testing Facility, Blockchain and Exporting facility.

The Minister who is on a three day tour from February 17, 2023 to February 19, 2023 will be meeting Governement Officials and stakeholders related to Commerce and Industries.

During the review meeting with Government Officials at the Conference hall of Tashiling Secretariat,
Power Point presentation were delivered by the respective HoDs of different departments to explain and discuss about different programmes implemented in the State.

Secretary, Commerce and Industries gave a brief presentation of activities and objectives of Gatishakti in the State. Key issues discussed were about logistical bottlenecks in railway development, extension and operation of Pakyong Airport and creation of alternate highways from Melli to Singtam under Roads and Bridges Department.

NHIDCL representative spoke about achievements and work undertaken by NHIDCL under the direction of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies Department, gave a brief about National Food Security Act 2013, statistics about Fair Price Shops, number of godowns under Godowns and Storage Scheme,and Consumer Protection Cell.

It is to be noted that the Hon’ble Minister took note of the request for early release of Central Assistance Allocation as apprised to him by the Secretary.

Secretary Education Department spoke about the establishment of Khangchendzonga State University in the state, major achievements under Samagra Shiksha such as self defense for girls, menstrual health and hygiene programme and installation of smart classes. Key issues discussed were vocational education and skill development education to students, evaluation of PM POSHAN Abhiyaan and district wise admission rate.

Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department gave a brief assessment of six major central schemes in the State implemented by RDD which are MNREGA, PMGSY, Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission (SLRM), Jal Jeewan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).

Secretary Power Department, gave a brief outline about two centrally sponsored schemes implemented in Sikkim which are, Comprehensive Scheme for Strenghthening of Transmission Distribution System in Sikkim and Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

Secretary Tourism Department, Shri Prakash Chettri, apprised the Hon’ble Minister about creation of Eco friendly tourist centre in Thangu near Chopta valley, construction of four statues dedicated to patron saints of Sikkim at Yuksom in West Sikkim, Tourist infrastructure for Kailash Manosarvar Yatra at 18th mile, remodelling of Burtuk helipad in Gangtok district, support facility for passenger ropeway at Upper Dhapper Yangang in South Sikkim, Passenger and ropeway from Pelling to Sangacholing in West Sikkim.

Secretary Forest apprised the Hon’ble Minister about steps taken by the State to sensitize public about environmental issues. He also mentioned about specific days solely dedicated to Environment conservation, which are being observed throughout the state.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Piyush Goyal took note of the assessment report and grievances given by HoDs of the line departments. He requested the officials to strive towards providing 100% effort to overturn the existing p $1 million revenue of organic produce in the State to $1 billion in the near future. He said that Sikkim has potential to become a sustainable State and an Organic State. He apprised that such achivements will give more value and leverage to boost tourism in the State. He stressed on local youth to work on design and packaging facility as well.
Further, he said that large cardamom, spices, homestay and organic farming should be focused which will help the youth to become self-employed.

The Hon’ble Minister also suggested for organic,sustainable and clean renewable energy. He suggested lab for organic testing in the State- farm to lab – traceability check.He also insisted to use existing infrastructure for upscaling economic activities.

The programme had the presence of Minister for Energy & Power and Labour, GoS, Shri M.N. Sherpa, Area MLA Upper Burtuk, Shri D.R. Thapa, Area MLA Maneybong Dentam, Shri N.K. Subba, Chief Secretary, GoS, Shri Vijay Bhushan Pathak IAS, HoDs of line departments, representatives from NHIDCL, regional heads of Bank and concerned Government Officials.

Brahma Kumaris Gangtok Sikkim celebrated  87th Shiva Jayanti 

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"Brahma Kumaris 87th Shiva jayanti celebration"

On the auspicious occasion of the 87th Shiva Jayanti, Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Gangtok Sikkim celebrated the festival with great enthusiasm by organizing special programs on the spiritual significance of Mahashivratri along with flag hoisting at its various local branches.

The program was started on 12 Feb 2023 from Brahma Kumaris Seva Kendra, Rhenock in which Mr. Vishnu Khatiwara, Rhenock MLA, was the chief guest and Mr. Santosh Kumar Pradhan, President, Sikkim consumer cooperative society Ltd., was the special guest and Rongli Panchayat President, Ms. Mani Mala was present as the chief guest at Rongli Program.

On 14th Feb 2023, at Ranipool Terrace Valley Resort,the program was organized, in which Ranipool Sr. Sec. School Principal, Smt. Sandhya Sharma as chief guest and Terrace Valley Owner, Smt. Durga Pradhan was present as the special guest.

Likewise, on 16 Feb 2023, this festival was celebrated by hoisting the flag at Brahma Kumaris Centre,Pentok,Mangan,North Sikkim  in which Manang District Mrs. Sarita Subba, District Panchayat, Tingchim Chande GPU,Mrs. Norkit Lepcha, President, Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Miss Chhiring Doma Bhutia, Councilor, Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Miss Pemkit Lepcha, Councilor, Mr. H. B. Gurung, Coordinator, Sai Samiti Mangan, Miss M. Vishanti Bhaiji, Manav Dharma Institute, Mr. Nekh Muhammad, president, Muslim community, local gentries, officials of various departments were present.

In the coming days, we will celebrate the festival on February 18  at Gangtok and Namchi and on February 19 at Singtam and Rangpo, finally we will celebrate at our remaining centers and conclude this month-long program on March 12, 2023.

Government School organised Bird watching trip in Sikkim 

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"Bird watching trip in Sikkim"

Government Sr. Sec. School organised Bird watching trip along the route of Aritar Khamdong forest where 10 students from Rhenock SSS and 5 students from Sudunglakha participated. A distance of 1.5 kms was covered identifying 17 bird species. The trip was conducted under the banner of Great Backyard Bird Count (Campus Bird Count) powered by  eBird India, Birdwatchers’ Society & Sikkim Birds.

The birding trip was conducted to count the local birds sighting and awareness purpose.

 Cordinator Sandeep Pradhan and Mingma Galchen Sherpa (teachers) extended a hearty thanks to Shri SK Pradhan (Principal Rhenock Sr. Sec.School) and Shri Suman Chettri (HM Sudunglakha Sec. School) for their encouragement and support.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal is on Sikkim visits

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"Union Minister Piyush Goyal is on Sikkim visits"

The Minister of Commerce and Industry,  Consumer Affairs, Food and Public distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal, landed at Bagdogra airport today.

He is on three days visit to Sikkim from 17th February to 19th February 2023.

Shri Piyush Goyal will be  attending a review meeting with officials from Government of Skkim. He also has an  interaction programme with representatives from  Sikkim Chamber of Commerce and Industry  and interaction with ICAI, Sikkim  Chapter.

On February,18th he will be proceeding to Soreng for his further engagements.

He is accompanied by his APS Shri Niranjan Sethi.

He was received by Minister Shri B.S Panth, Shri Jigme Wangchuk, Additional Secretary,  Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and officials  from Protocol Unit, Siliguri.

Sikkim Defeats Mizoram By 9 Wickets And Ends The Season With A Win

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"The Sikkim cricket team celebrating their victory over Mizoram"

The U25 Men’s team of Sikkim wins their match against Mizoram by 9 wickets today at Sikkim Cricket Ground, Rangpo.

Mizoram won the toss and choose to bat first and in the first innings Sikkim thrashed the opponent and restricted them to a total of 60 runs. MD Talim took 5 wickets conceding just 22 runs in 11 overs. Sikkim made 161 runs in the first innings where Saurav Kr Prasad made 33 runs, Anwesh Karan Sharma 31, Arun Chettri 21, Ingsho Limboo 19, and Pranesh Chettri 16.

In the second innings, Sikkim built the pressure on the opponent by taking early wickets and were all-out for 135 runs giving the target of just 35 runs to win. Tarun Sharma took 5 wickets in 15.2 overs conceding just 29 runs. Aadil Alam took 2 wickets, Rahul Kumar and Anwesh took 1 wicket each. Sikkim won the match in 35 overs where Arun scored 25 runs, Roshan Prasad 5 not out, and Tarun 1 not out.

SICA mentions that the State had a massive opportunity to play with the big teams from the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Tripura, and Punjab and it is a privilege for us and a significant learning opportunity for our team to play and learn the different aspects of the game from them.

MLA Report: Em Prasad Sharma, Namcheybong constituency

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" Em Prasad Sharma"

Born to Bhauwani Shanker Sharma and Late Hari Maya Sharma, in 1 April 1976 he has had a long history of political activism in the Himalayan state of Sikkim. His role as a politician came from the deep urge to serve the poor of Sikkimese society. Recalling his own struggle with poverty, he slowly yet steadily reached the apex body of state legislature.

He started his journey with late Nar Bahadur Bhandari when he was the State Congress President having contested 2009 elections. He lost but it left a deep impact in his life. He became more stronger and resolute to win people’s trust.

When identifying about the ills of modern Sikkimese society, he identifies corruption as one of the main social evils. He published a book Sikkim Mahaloot in 2010 where he was also summoned by the CBI to help in the enquiries.

Being a son of a farmer, he holds agriculture and self sustainability dearly, he has founded the Aho Yuwa Kalyan Sangh to help youth channelise their energy for the greater good of Sikkimese society.

Recalling his own hardship to access education in Sikkim of the past, he stresses on education as the key to empowerment of every individual. Free education courses to construction of added infrastructure in Kishan Secondary School at Aho – which can now have 400 more students – and construction of school building at Changey Senti Secondary school, which has helped his rural constituency gain easy access to education.

“What is Sikkim without its people?,” he asks. To maintain and preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Himalayan state, Sharma started Nepali Sanghrahalaya Museum at Aho to preserve and promote Himalayan ethnic cultures of various groups.

Sharma is known to be working for the people at the grassroot. He has provided financial assistance to many undergoing treatment including cancer patients of his constituency.

After winning on SDF ticket in 2019 assembly polls, he switched over to the ruling SKM. He says it was a decision solely based on the will of the people of his constituency and he being their servant had to follow the wishes of his people. He further said in order to boost regional sentiment and arrest the growth of BJP in the state he has to take this decision.

He was made Advisor of the Excise department by the SKM government, a role he takes seriously. He says such government positions are meant only to serve the people, a role he wishes to continue for the rest of his life.