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Tour De Sikkim Soon: Supercar Rally Set to Bring Lamborghinis and Porsches to the Sikkim

By
Jeewan Dahal
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A high-profile coordination meeting for the upcoming Super Car Rally was held last day at the mini hall of the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Gangtok. The event is being supported by the Black Cat Division under the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Government of Sikkim.

The meeting was co-chaired by District Collector Gangtok, Mr. Tushar G. Nikhare, Additional Political Secretary Gangtok, Mr. Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, and representatives of the Indian Army. The rally will be led by the Mumbai-based Super Car Route group and will feature some of the world’s most iconic high-performance vehicles, including Lamborghinis, Porsches, and other supercars. Conceptualised as a self-funded, self-driven initiative, the event aims to position Sikkim as one of India’s most breathtaking and premier driving destinations.

The Trishakti Corps is supporting the rally to promote Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, a Ministry of Defence initiative developed with the Ministry of Tourism. One of the key highlights is Cho La Pass (5,420 metres), a strategic site from the 1967 Indo-China skirmishes, now emerging as a major destination for battlefield tourism enthusiasts.

Scheduled from 11 to 15 December, the rally will flag off from Sukna, West Bengal, and proceed through Siliguri–Gangtok–Cho La–Natu La–Gnathang–Zuluk, showcasing Sikkim’s dramatic border terrain and pristine mountain roads.

Organisers requested administrative and logistical support, which the District Collector assured would be provided. The Additional Political Secretary suggested integrating state government schemes into the rally’s digital outreach.

In his vote of thanks, OSD to HCM Mr. Rewaj Chettri expressed confidence that the rally would significantly boost Sikkim’s visibility and promote its world-class road network.

“It’s India, Not Japan!” Discover Why Anand Mahindra Hails Sikkim as the Country’s Civic Role Model

By
Jeewan Dahal
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Sikkim, one of India’s most scenic northeastern states, is once again making headlines—this time for its remarkable civic discipline and urban cleanliness. The conversation began when travel vlogger shared a viral video showing Sikkim’s spotless streets, calm neighbourhoods, and surprisingly disciplined traffic. The visuals quickly caught the attention of business leader Anand Mahindra, who praised Sikkim as a true example of what urban spaces in India can achieve.

Responding to the video, Mahindra remarked that Sikkim does not need to be compared to Japan or any foreign country. Instead, it deserves to be recognised as India’s own civic role model—a state that proves cleanliness, orderliness, and good public behaviour are entirely achievable within the country.

What sets Sikkim apart is not just its natural beauty, but the way its urban spaces are planned and maintained. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, the state borders Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet and is known for its rolling hills, deep valleys, and towering snow-capped mountains.

Cities like Gangtok and Pelling offer a unique blend of modern urban planning and traditional aesthetics. Clean footpaths, organised traffic, and well-maintained public areas are complemented by colourful murals, local temples, and a strong sense of community responsibility.

This combination creates a visually appealing environment that feels both peaceful and inspiring for travellers. It also positions Sikkim as a benchmark for other Indian states hoping to enhance their civic infrastructure and public discipline.

When it comes to travel, Sikkim is at its best between March–June and September–November, with pleasant weather, clear skies, and vibrant landscapes. Spring showcases lush green hills and blooming flowers, while autumn offers crisp mountain air and majestic views of the Himalayan peaks. Travellers are generally advised to avoid the monsoon months due to heavy rainfall and challenging road conditions.

Investors accounts cross the milestone of 24 crore (240 million) on NSE

By
Roshni Sharma
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The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) reached another milestone in November 2025, with total unique trading accounts surpassing 24 crore (240 million). This comes just over a year after crossing the 20-crore mark in October last year. Unique registered investors stand at 12.2 crore (as of October 31st, 2025), after crossing 12 crore on September 22nd, 2025.

Investors may hold accounts across brokers, resulting in multiple client codes. Maharashtra leads with over 4 crore investor accounts (17%), followed by Uttar Pradesh (2.7 crore), Gujarat (2.1 crore), West Bengal (1.4 crore) and Rajasthan (1.4 crore). The top five states hold ~49% of all investor accounts, and the top 10 together exceed 73%.

Assam has close to 50 lakh registered users (3% share). The North East stands out for gender-inclusive investing. Mizoram ranks second nationally with ~32% women investors, Goa leads at 33%. Sikkim follows with 31%, and Assam ranks sixth with ~30%, reflecting rising financial awareness among women.

Investor education has become vital amid the rise in post-pandemic participation. As of September 30th, 2025, individual investors hold 18.75% of NSE-listed companies—a 22-year high. Over five years, the Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 have delivered strong annualised returns of 15% and 18%.

Several investor protection measures, increasing digitalisation, innovation, a growing middle class and progressive policy measures under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman have strengthened market confidence. NSE, SEBI, and the Government remain committed to investor awareness and financial inclusion.

NSE has significantly expanded its Investor Education efforts. In the first half of FY26 alone, NSE conducted 11,875 Investor Awareness Programs (IAPs) reaching nearly 6.2 lakh participants, compared to 14,679 in all of FY25. The Investor Protection Fund (IPF) grew 19% YoY to Rs 2,719 crore as of October 31st, 2025.

Shri Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer, NSE said:
“Retail investors continue to be optimistic about Indian capital markets, given the robust measures that have been implemented in the past few years including the standardization of mobile-based trading solutions, the implementation of a more streamlined Know Your Customer (KYC) process and strengthened investor awareness initiatives. These measures have helped sustain steady investor participation amid shifting global trade patterns and rapidly evolving geopolitical conditions, while also improving market accessibility, especially for investors residing in tier 2, 3, and 4 cities. Investors now have access to a broad spectrum of instruments—equities, debt securities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs), government bonds, and corporate bonds—reflecting the evolution of a technology-driven and inclusive financial ecosystem.”

As one of the world’s largest stock exchanges, the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd continues to play a pivotal role in deepening India’s capital markets and fuelling the country’s economic growth.

Bangladesh Imam’s Kidnapping Exposed as Hoax to Incite Communal Violence

By
Roshni Sharma
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Authorities in Bangladesh have uncovered that the alleged abduction of Imam Md. Muhibullah Miyaji was a fabricated drama designed to provoke communal hatred against Hindus and ISKCON. Miyaji’s disappearance triggered nationwide Islamist protests, where radical groups blamed “Hindu extremists” and escalated anti-India sentiment.

Police investigations, supported by CCTV footage, ticket records and witness accounts, revealed that the imam voluntarily travelled nearly 400 km to Panchagarh. Footage showed no ambulance, no abductors, and no forced movement. After being confronted with evidence, Miyaji confessed to staging the incident, including chaining himself to a tree to fake torture marks.

According to law-enforcement officials, the motive was to spark sectarian violence at a time when extremist networks are actively pushing disinformation. The episode coincides with intelligence warnings on increased radical activity linked to visits by controversial preachers, including figures associated with Zakir Naik and Hafiz Saeed’s network, raising fresh concerns over rising radicalization and regional instability.

Rights groups say the hoax not only endangered religious minorities but also exposed how quickly false communal narratives can mobilize mobs. Authorities have announced further investigations to identify whether Miyaji acted alone or at the behest of larger extremist groups.

Gyalshing Police Nab Notorious Criminal ‘Spider-Man’ in ₹16.9 Lakh Theft Case

By
Jeewan Dahal
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Gyalshing District Police have arrested a notorious thief, Rakesh Rai alias “Spider-Man”, in connection with the theft of gold ornaments and cash worth nearly ₹16.98 lakh.

The case was filed on October 29, 2025, after a complaint by Ram Hang Limboo, RTO of the Motor Vehicle Division, Gyalshing. Following swift investigation, police first arrested Zigmee Sonam Bhutia of Pelling on November 1, recovering a large portion of the stolen property.

Acting on leads from Bhutia’s disclosure and using technical surveillance, a special team led by PI Roshan Gurung, SHO of Gyalshing Police Station, travelled to Siliguri, where — with help from Pradhan Nagar Police — they apprehended the main accused, Rakesh Rai, from Methibari.

Rakesh Rai, infamously known as “Spider-Man” for his burglary methods, is a habitual offender active since the 1990s, previously convicted in multiple theft and robbery cases by courts in Sikkim and Siliguri.

The successful arrest marks a major victory for the Gyalshing District Police and reflects their commitment to cracking down on repeat offenders and protecting citizens’ property.

A press note regarding the arrest was officially released by SP (in-charge) Nikhul Pradhan, Gyalshing Police.

Sikkim to Offer Free Cervical Cancer Vaccines to Girls Below 14 from April 2026

By
Jeewan Dahal
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Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced that the Government of Sikkim will provide free cervical cancer vaccinations to all girls below the age of 14, starting April 2026.

Speaking at the platinum jubilee celebration of Buriakhop School in Soreng district, the Chief Minister said the initiative aims to protect young girls from one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases affecting women worldwide.

He further announced that women aged 30 to 65 years will also receive free cervical cancer test kits from the same month to enable early detection and timely treatment.

“When the world already has preventive measures for such diseases, we must move ahead with these programmes for the benefit of those who can be saved from this dreaded ailment,” said the Chief Minister.

Explaining the focus on younger girls, he added, “Children below 14 have been chosen because the vaccine is most effective in this age group. By 2026, we will make these vaccinations available in all state hospitals. This is a much-needed step, and we want everyone to participate in this mission.”

With this announcement, Sikkim becomes one of the first Northeastern states to roll out a state-wide HPV vaccination programme, underscoring its continued commitment to women’s health and preventive care.

Government Halts Mint-Flavoured Water Production After Coliform Bacteria Found

By
Jeewan Dahal
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0

Mint-Flavoured Water Found Unsafe for Drinking; Coliform Bacteria Detected, Department Orders Immediate Halt

The Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, has issued a prohibition order against M/s Basic Royal Norla Water Manufacturing Plant, Boomtar, Namchi District, after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Coliform bacteria in its flavored water samples.

The order, issued by the Food Safety and Standards Cell, Namchi, under Section 36 of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, follows a public complaint and subsequent inspection by the Food Safety Officer, Namchi District, on September 15, 2025. Samples were analyzed by the State Food Testing Laboratory (SFTL) and NABL-accredited laboratories in Sikkim, both of which declared the products “Unsafe Food.”

In response, authorities have directed the firm to recall all flavored water products from the market immediately in the interest of public health. The company has also been asked to submit recall data to the department at the earliest.

The prohibition order strictly bans the manufacturing and sale of all flavored and packaged drinking water from the plant until further notice.

The Food Safety and Standards Cell has circulated the order to the Food Safety Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, the Director of FDA, and other concerned district officials for compliance and monitoring.

( Note : Coliform bacteria in drinking water indicate contamination from fecal matter, making the water unsafe. Consumption can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. In severe cases, especially among children, the elderly, or those with weak immunity, it can lead to serious infections and dehydration. Its presence signals possible harmful pathogens and unsafe hygiene conditions.)

Nation Remembers Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Ekta Divas 2025, Celebrating the Spirit of Unity and Integrity

By
Jeewan Dahal
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0

India marked Ekta Divas 2025 on October 31 with nationwide celebrations honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. The day carried renewed significance, highlighting Patel’s monumental role in uniting the country’s princely states after independence.

Through determination, diplomacy, and moral authority, Patel ensured the political and territorial integration of a diverse India, preventing fragmentation during its formative years. As the nation’s first Home Minister, his vision laid the groundwork for India’s internal security and administrative cohesion.

Commemorative events were held across India, particularly at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, celebrating his lifelong commitment to national unity.

Ekta Divas 2025 served as more than a tribute—it reminded citizens that unity is a continuous responsibility. In reflecting on Patel’s legacy, the nation reaffirmed its collective resolve to uphold harmony, integrity, and shared purpose across all communities.

Faith Meets Finance : NSE conducts Diwali Muhurat Trading Session

By
Jeewan Dahal
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0

To mark the auspicious occasion of Diwali, the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) conducted a special Muhurat Trading session on the afternoon of October 21, 2025. This symbolic session also heralded the beginning of the new Hindu financial year, Vikram Samvat 2082.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, said, “Muhurat Trading is a time to reflect on the values that shape our financial journey, including trust, knowledge, and discipline. Investing is not only about creating wealth but about participating in India’s remarkable economic growth story. As more people enter the capital markets, investor awareness and informed decision-making become essential for building confidence and sustaining long-term prosperity.

At the National Stock Exchange, we remain committed to fostering a transparent and inclusive environment where every investor can grow with trust and responsibility. As we celebrate the spirit of new beginnings, may knowledge guide our choices and wisdom shape our success.”

The Significance of Muhurat Trading

Each year on Diwali, the Indian stock markets come alive with a tradition that seamlessly blends culture, faith, and finance. Muhurat Trading marks an auspicious time in the Hindu calendar, symbolising prosperity, success, and positive beginnings. On this day, the NSE opens its doors for a one-hour special trading session, allowing investors to make token trades that signify optimism and renewal.

For generations, business families have welcomed Goddess Lakshmi by opening new account books and making small investments as a gesture of good fortune. Today, this symbolic tradition continues, reflecting confidence in India’s growth story and the optimism that drives the nation’s markets forward.

As one of the world’s largest stock exchanges, the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd continues to play a pivotal role in deepening India’s capital markets and fuelling the country’s economic growth.

CM Golay to Launch ‘Pink City Runner’ — Making Public Transport Safer and More Comfortable for Women

By
Roshni Sharma
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0

Gangtok, long known for its simplicity and safety, has always stood apart from other Indian cities. “People here mind their own business — women step into taxis and go about their day without fear,” says a local resident. Yet, the Sikkim government believes that ensuring women’s safety and comfort must remain a top priority.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (PS Golay) has announced the launch of the ‘Pink City Runner’, a women-only public transport service featuring female drivers and conductors. The initiative, offering 50% discounted fares, aims to make public transport safer, more inclusive, and affordable for women commuters in and around Gangtok.

The concept builds on the success of the existing City Runner service that connects Gangtok to Ranipool and other routes. Many women commuters have already praised its comfort and reliability. A government employee shared, “My husband used to drop me to the office daily, but now I take the City Runner every morning and evening. Sometimes it’s packed, but it’s affordable and safe. I hope the government adds more buses.”

A student from Sikkim Govt College Shared, the service has been transformative. “I travel from Ranipool to Tadong College daily and love the experience. A recharge card system would make it even easier for student like us. The announcement of Pink City Runner by Chief Minister is a great initiative — it shows how much the government values women’s safety,” she said.

Unsurprisingly, the scheme has significantly improved women’s access to safe transport compared to taxis, allowing many to travel comfortably even during heavy traffic hours — something that was once challenging due to Gangtok’s frequent jams. The City Runner has not only made travel easier but also boosted confidence among women to commute independently.

A 2024 survey had revealed that Sikkim was the only state without a women-only bus service, a gap that the Pink City Runner now proudly fills. The government’s decision marks a historic step toward recognizing that women’s travel patterns differ from men’s — and that their safety and comfort deserve dedicated attention.

In Sikkim, public transport should be seen as more than just a means of getting from one place to another; it is a gateway for citizens, enabling social inclusion, economic participation, and community well-being.

As Gangtok continues to modernize its transport infrastructure, this initiative stands as a model of gender-sensitive mobility in the Himalayas — proving that progress begins when every woman can travel freely, safely, and proudly.

(Article by Roshni Sharma Bhattarai, Editorial The Sikkim Today)

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