Friday, October 16, 2026
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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.

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

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The Government of Sikkim has announced an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for its employees and pensioners, according to a circular issued by the Finance Department on March 18, 2026.

As per the notification, DA for state government employees under the revised pay structure has been enhanced from 55% to 58%, effective from July 1, 2025. Similarly, pensioners will also receive Dearness Relief at the revised rate.

For employees and officers drawing pay under the pre-revised structure as per the 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC), DA has been increased from 252% to 257%.
The revised rates will also be applicable to All India Service officers serving in the state. Additionally, employees appointed on a contract basis and those under work-charged establishments will be eligible for the enhanced DA, subject to existing norms.

The Finance Department further stated that DA payments involving fractions will be rounded off to the nearest rupee, with amounts of 50 paise and above rounded up.

Sikkim’s Shape of Momo Wins Two Awards at Russian Film Festival

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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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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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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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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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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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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.