Category Archives: Sikkim

Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Tourist from Kolkata among 2 killed as taxi falls into river in Sikkim

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PRAKASH ADHIKARI, EOI, GANGTOK, MAY 18, 2024 :  Two persons were killed, among them a tourist from Kolkata, as a taxi with tourists plunged into river Rani Khola at Sang Khola, near Singtam, in Sikkim on Saturday morning, the police said. The taxi driver was also killed in the accident. Four other tourists sustained injuries and were removed to hospital.

The accident occurred at about 5.30 a.m. when the vehicle taking a family of five from Kolkata was travelling from Siliguri to Gangtok. 
It veered off the road and fell into the river. While the driver is yet to be identified, the other deceased is 72-year-old Rabindra Nath Paul. 
The injured persons were first taken to the nearby district hospital in Singtam, which sent them to the Central Referral Hospital in Gangtok. They were identified as Tapas Paul (33), Krishna Paul (36), Mira Paul(60) and a four-year-old girl. The bodies of the deceased were kept at the mortuary of the district hospital in Singtam.Police said the cause of the accident was being investigated. Efforts are also underway to bring out the vehicle from the river, they said
Crime, National, Northeast, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Can’t prosecute person under SC/ST Act unless casteist remarks made in ‘public view’: Supreme Court

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The bench passed the verdict while setting aside a Delhi HC judgment that had taken a contrary view and directed the registration of an FIR against Priti Agarwalla and five others besides the station house officer of Fatehpur Beri police station

R. Balaji, TT, New Delhi, 18.05.24 : The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that a person cannot be prosecuted for alleged offences under the SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act unless casteist remarks were made in “public view” with an intention to humiliate.

The bench of Justices M.M Sundresh and S.V.N. Bhatti passed the verdict while setting aside a Delhi High Court judgment that had taken a contrary view and directed the registration of an FIR against Priti Agarwalla and five others besides the station house officer of Fatehpur Beri police station.
The appellants were represented by senior advocate Sidharth Luthra while complainant Praveen Kumar aka Prashant was represented by Kapil Nath Modi. Besides being an advocate, Modi is the administrator of the Olympic Riding and Equestrian Academy, Eastern Jaunapur, New Delhi (OREA).

Praveen and most of the appellants used to train at the OREA where skirmishes reportedly broke out, resulting in the filing of complaints and counter-complaints.

Modi submitted that the appellants often hurled casteist slurs at Praveen, saying equestrian sports were meant for the rich and not a “Chamar” like him.

However, Luthra said the allegations were fabricated. He maintained that the offence alleged against the appellants was stated under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. To constitute an offence under Section 3(1)(r), the complaint must aver that the commission or omission had been made in public view, he said.

He added that the complaint did not satisfy the required ingredients of an offence under the Act.

Agreeing with the arguments, Justice Bhatti said Section 3(1)(r) of the SC, ST Act identifies as an offence an intentional insult or intimidation intended to humiliate a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe in public view.

“The cumulative effect of the structured application to a given situation is that the intentional insult or abuse coupled with the humiliation is made in any place within public view. The expression ‘in any place within public view’ has an important role to play in deciding whether the allegation attracts the ingredients of an offence or not,” Justice Bhatti observed.

“The accusation of intentionally abusing and humiliating Respondent No. 2 (Praveen) spans over a period of two years between 2016 and 2018. The allegation prima facie appears to be an omnibus and ambiguous allegation.”

The bench said the specific allegation in the complaint on Appellant No. 2 is that Appellant No. 2 had called Respondent No. 2 “Chuda” and “Chamar”, among other things.

“The allegation does not refer to the place nor the public view before whom it was made. An important test for ‘in any place within public view’ is within the view of persons other than the complainant,” the apex court noted.

“In this case, we are not examining whether OREA is a private or public place, but to appreciate the alleged offence. We juxtapose the allegation(s) with the requirement of insulting or intimidating in any place within public view is satisfied or not.”
Crime, National, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

ED can’t arrest after special court takes cognisance of PMLA complaint: Supreme Court

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 While passing the judgment, the apex court also frowned on the alleged practice among some special courts, formed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), of taking accused into custody when they appear in answer to summons

R. Balaji, TT, New Delhi, 17.05.24  : The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that once a special PMLA court takes cognisance of a complaint, the Enforcement Directorate is “powerless” to arrest an accused without the court’s permission.

“Cognisance” refers to a judicial court applying its mind to a complaint filed before it, either by the investigating agency or a private complainant, to examine whether summons or warrants should be issued against an accused.

While passing the judgment, the apex court also frowned on the alleged practice among some special courts, formed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), of taking accused into custody when they appear in answer to summons.

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for a batch of accused persons, and other lawyers had complained that this practice among some special courts was compelling their clients to apply for bail or anticipatory bail under the PMLA’s stringent provisions.

“…Such a practice, if followed by some special courts, is completely illegal. Such a practice may offend the right to liberty guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” the bench of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said.

The apex court rejected the argument of the ED, represented by additional solicitor-general S.V. Raju, that once an accused appears before the special court, they are deemed to be in custody.

“Once cognisance is taken of the offence punishable under Section 4 of the PMLA, the special court is seized of the matter,” Justice Oka, who authored the judgment, said.

“After the cognisance is taken, the ED… (is) powerless to arrest an accused named in the complaint.”

But, while pursuing its investigation into the same case, the ED is free to arrest a person (presumably a new suspect) who has not been shown as an accused in the complaint before the special court, the judgment said.

On the allegation against some of the special courts themselves, the apex court said: “We cannot countenance a situation where… after the filing of the complaint, after he (accused) appears in compliance with the summons, he is taken into custody and forced to apply for bail.”

If the ED wants custody of an accused who has appeared in the special court after being served with summons, it must apply to the special court, the bench said.

After hearing the accused, the special court must pass an order on the application by recording brief reasons.

While hearing such an application, the court may permit custody only if it is satisfied that custodial interrogation at that stage is required, the bench said.
Games & Sports, National, Regional, Sikkim

Sheer hard work, passion and professionalism set Chhetri apart from other players: Bhutia

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PTI, New Delhi, May 16, 2023 : Retiring India football captain Sunil Chhetri’s sheer hard work, passion and professionalism made him different from other players of his generation as he went on to become an iconic player, feels his former skipper Bhaichung Bhutia.


The 39-year-old Chhetri on Thursday announced his decision to retire after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6 in Kolkata, bringing the curtains down on a glorious career that is unparalleled in Indian football for its longevity and consistency.

“The sheer hard work, passion, dedication and true professionalism, his focus and desire to get better everyday is something which makes him different. As a young boy, he was always willing to learn and do everything possible (to excel),” Bhutia told PTI on Thursday, paying glowing tribute to Chhetri.

“Sunil has done a huge service for Indian football and his contribution is immense. It is a big loss for Indian football. He will go down as one of the greatest players India has ever produced.” Bhutia was already Indian football’s poster-boy and captain by the time Chhetri made his debut in 2005. They formed a great strike partner in the six years they played together in the Indian team, mostly under Englishman Bob Houghton. Chhetri later took over the mantle from Bhutia, who retired in 2011. In fact, Chhetri surpassed almost all the records set by Bhutia.

“We had a great understanding as a strike partner and we enjoyed it. I am honoured to have played along with him,” said the 47-year-old legendary player.

“When I came in, (IM) Vijayan was senior to me and when I was about to retire, Sunil came in. I have been fortunate to have been in between two of them.” Chhetri had in the past admitted Bhutia’s influence in his career, especially during his younger days.

Bhutia said Chhetri was different from others and he knew it from the time the youngster first joined the iconic club Mohun Bagan in 2002.

“From the day one he came to Kolkata as a professional, I was there in Mohun Bagan. As we are from the hills, we have always developed a relationship on and off the field,” said the ‘Sikkimese Sniper’.

“He (Sunil) did not lose track and focus. There were a lot of players who were with him and who came to Mohun Bagan at that time but many of them lost way. But Sunil was different.” 
Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

New traffic management plan to be implemented across Siliguri after Lok Sabaha polls

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 The traffic department of the police has already submitted a PowerPoint presentation to the civic body on how traffic management can be improved, along with recommendations

TT, Siliguri, 16.05.24 : The Siliguri Metropolitan Police and the Trinamul-run Siliguri Municipal Corporation will jointly enforce a new traffic management plan across Siliguri from next month after Lok Sabha polls to decongest city roads.

The traffic department of the police has already submitted a PowerPoint presentation to the civic body on how traffic management can be improved, along with recommendations.

Among these include regulating the movement of e-rickshaws on all prominent thoroughfares, relocating unauthorised parking of private buses of long-distance routes from Hill Cart Road and adjacent areas of Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminus, recolating the local bus stand from Siliguri Town station area to Tinbatti More and building an alternative bus terminus on a vacant plot near Darjeeling More.

“A major challenge for the civic body is to streamline traffic across the city. Every day, especially during rush hours, all prominent roads of Siliguri are chock-a-block with vehicles. Once the general election is over, we intend to implement the recommendations to decongest roads,” said a civic body source.

In Siliguri, indiscriminate movement of e-rickshaws and unauthorised parking of private buses bound for Calcutta and some other parts of south Bengal, as well as Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam are some of the reasons for traffic congestion.

Earlier, an initiative was taken to relocate the local bus stand from its existing place to Tinbatti More. A terminus has been readied at the location on a plot provided by the state transport department.

“However, owners who run buses on local routes across the Siliguri subdivision have moved court. Hence the project is held up,” said a source.

Mayor Gautam Deb has also planned to meet the principal secretaries of the state transport department and state urban development and municipal affairs department in Calcutta this week to seek their intervention.

“I will hold a meeting with officials so that they, too, can come up with recommendations on Siliguri’s traffic management. We have requested the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority to allocate funds for a bus terminus at Paribahan Nagar in Matigara so that we can shift buses plying from here to other states and Calcutta there,” said the mayor.
Health, National, Northeast, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Neonatal mortality rates worsen in multiple states in India, account for nearly 50 per cent of deaths in children

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Findings published in medical journal JAMA Network Open, underline an ‘immediate need’ for health authorities to focus on strategies to improve quality aspects of institutional deliveries
The neonatal intensive care unit of Rural Development Trust Hospital in Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh: File picture

G.S. Mudur, TT, New Delhi, 16.05.24 : Neonatal mortality rates have stagnated or worsened in multiple states in India in recent years and account for nearly 50 per cent of deaths in children under five years of age, researchers have said in a study.

Their study has found that nearly 50 per cent of deaths in children under five in India occurred within seven days after the child’s birth, both in 2016 and in 2021, alongside improvements in overall child mortality rates.
The findings, published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, underline an “immediate need” for health authorities to focus on strategies to improve quality aspects of institutional deliveries, the researchers have said.

India’s proportion of institutional deliveries — births in healthcare facilities — has more than doubled from around 40 per cent in 2005-06 to 83 per cent in 2019-21.

The new study led by S.V. Subramanian, professor of population health at Harvard University, has suggested that reductions in neonatal mortality have not kept pace with the rise in institutional deliveries.

Subramanian and his colleagues used three decades of datasets from the Union health ministry’s National Family Health Surveys — the latest in 2019-21 — to analyse child mortality patterns after seven days, 30 days, a year, and five years of birth.

They classified deaths within seven days as early neonatal mortality, deaths between 8 and 28 days as late neonatal mortality, and deaths between a month and a year as post-neonatal mortality.

India’s overall under-five child mortality has decreased to 42 per 1,000 live births in 2019-21 from 50 per 1,000 in 2015-16 and 75 per 1,000 in 2005-06. And most states have seen decreases in mortality rates across all the child age groups.

But between 2016 and 2021, early neonatal mortality increased in nine states or Union territories, late neonatal mortality either remained stagnant or increased in 13 states, and post neonatal mortality increased in 12 states, their study found.

Early neonatal mortality rose in Haryana, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar and Daman and Diu, late neonatal mortality rose or didn’t improve in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Telangana and Andaman and Nicobar. Post-neonatal mortality rose in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Telangana, Tripura, Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar and Chandigarh.

“While India has made substantial progress over the years in reducing the risk of mortality among young children, age-specific interventions may be needed to address mortality in different age groups,” Subramanian told The Telegraph. Early neonatal mortality may require improvements in quality of care in healthcare institutions while post-neonatal mortality would need a focus on ensuring vaccination and food.

The researchers’ call for urgent measures to address neonatal mortality comes against a backdrop of long-standing concerns among paediatricians and public health experts about neonatal deaths hampering progress towards infant mortality targets.

India’s National Neonatology Forum had in 2003 highlighted the need for intensified efforts to protect babies during the first four weeks of life as part of efforts to reduce infant mortality rates.

The health ministry has helped establish a network of newborn care facilities, including newborn intensive care units, sick newborn care units, and newborn stabilisation units in public health facilities across the country.
Economy, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

After a lull in April, tourists start returning to Darjeeling, Sikkim

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Sanchita Aich Bag, MP, 15 May 2024, Siliguri: After a slump in tourism during the month of April, it is back on track again with a large number of tourists visiting Darjeeling and the neighbouring state of Sikkim. 

However, fewer tourists are visiting the Dooars area compared to the hills. Currently, hotels and homestays have 90 per cent occupancy in Darjeeling. 
The tourist footfall in Sikkim is also huge following the Teesta disaster caused by flash floods in River Teesta on October 4, 2023. 
The flash floods had wreaked havoc taking a toll mainly on road connectivity. “Very few tourists visited Sikkim in April this year as compared to last year. 
However, a large number of tourists are visiting Darjeeling this month. 90 per cent of occupancy is booked. We hope we will witness a tourist rush in the month of June also,” said Samrat Sanyal, the Secretary of Himalaya Hospitality and Tourism Development Network (HHTDN). 
Every year, from April to June, a large number of tourists visit Darjeeling, Sikkim. However in April this year, hotels and homestays experienced around 50 to 60% occupancy. 
In some places, the percentage dipped to 45 per cent also.” Tourism stakeholders blamed it on the Lok Sabha election. 
They also blamed excessive price hikes on flight fares. “Fewer flights are operating from Bagdogra Airport. The fare has increased. Many tourists are avoiding visiting this region owing to this also,” Sanyal added. 
North Sikkim has been heavily affected by the October flash flood. Owing to disruption in road connectivity and the closure of National Highway 10 frequently for repairs have further contributed to the dip in tourists. 
Vehicles to Sikkim and Kalimpong to and fro Siliguri had been diverted through Lava and Gorubathan which is a longer route. 
Therefore, the vehicle fares also shot up. All these reasons added up to fewer tourists visiting Sikkim in April. 
However, this month onwards, with road connectivity restored and heat waves sweeping the plains, people have started visiting Sikkim. Almost 70 per cent occupancy has been recorded in different places in Sikkim, including Gangtok.

Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/after-a-lull-in-april-tourists-start-returning-to-darjeeling-sikkim-563948
National, Sikkim, Techno/ Science

AI to keep track of vehicles and traffic in Sikkim: New system installed at 16 points in first phase

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 The state transport department made the announcement on Tuesday after running trials of the new system at various places for about a week

Vivek Chhetri, TT, Darjeeling, 15.05.24 : 
A road in Gangtok. Sikkim will introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven traffic management system throughout the state from May 25.

The state transport department made the announcement on Tuesday after running trials of the new system at various places for about a week.

“In this first phase, the system has been installed in 16 points across Sikkim. Depending on the feedback from police, we will install the system at additional places in the second phase,” Raj Yadav, the secretary of the transport department, told The Telegraph.

The system has been set up at four places in Gangtok.

The new system powered by advanced AI algorithms automatically detects the validity of documents like insurance, and fitness pollution and immediately generates e-challans.

“Since the data of all vehicles in the country have been uploaded on NIC (National Informatics Centre), the system on reading the registration number can scan the document details of the vehicle,” said Yadav.

Apart from hauling up document defaulters, the system that encompasses cameras can detect and fine traffic violations such as speeding, jumping signals and improper lane usage among others.

This is the first time that an AI-driven traffic management system has been introduced in the region. Since the start of the trial period, people in Sikkim have been rushing to get their documents, especially pollution certificates, updated.

“There is a huge rush. In fact, we kept our pollution centre in Gangtok open even on Sunday to tackle the rush,” said an employee of the centre.

The new system is also expected to ensure better traffic control in Gangtok, where traffic congestion is the norm, especially during peak tourism seasons.

“For example, if there is no congestion on a particular stretch, the traffic signal would coninue to remain green thus ensuring smooth traffic flow,” said Yadav.

Many traffic signals work on timers which does not necessarily reflect the needs of the road. Traffic signals manned by humans do not have a live update on the overall traffic situation in the area either.

The police said the system would ensure that time was not wasted unlike when physical checking of vehicle documents was done.

“Transparency will also be strengthened,” quipped a driver.

Courtesy & source: The Telegraph
Crime, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Illegal liquor, contraband seized; three held

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EOI, Siliguri: The Excise Department seized a significant quantity of illegal liquor from a pickup van loaded with vegetables, leading to the arrest of one individual, identified as Dharmendra Kumar, a resident of Bihar. 

On Monday night, acting on a tip-off, officials of the Excise Department raided the Champasari area in Siliguri and recovered 138 cartons of foreign liquor hidden under sacks of vegetables. 
The estimated value of the liquor was Rs 31,05,000. The liquor was brought from Sikkim to be smuggled to Bihar. Meanwhile, Kharibari Police apprehended two individuals with 52 grams of brown sugar and 19 bottles of illegal cough syrup from the Panitanki overbridge in Kharibari on Monday night. 
The accused have been identified as Lalita Barman, a resident of Goursing Jote, and Bal Bahadur Tamang, a resident of Sikkim. Police sources revealed that the accused had traveled from Sikkim to Panitanki. All the suspects were produced at Siliguri Court on Tuesday

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/illegal-liquor-contraband-seized-three-held-563821
National, Regional, Sikkim

Another milestone in Sivok -Rangpo new rail link project

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EOI, GUWAHATI, MAY 9, 2024 :  In a major
milestone in the form of tunnel No. T-04/P2
(3948 meters long) to the Adit of the Sivok
– Rangpo Rail Project (SRRP), located in
Darjeeling district of West Bengal,
achieved a breakthrough on Wednesday. 


With the tunnel breakthrough, mining
activities have been successfully
accomplished in all the Adit tunnels of this
project. 

The length of the Main Tunnel of T-04
is 3948 meters, along with an Evacuation
Tunnel of length 599 meters situated near
the Hanuman Jhora in Darjeeling district,
according to an N R Railway communique. 

The Main Tunnel traverses through
vulnerable and challenging geological and
seismic conditions of the Younger
Himalayas. 

Like all other tunnels in the
SRRP, to counter vulnerability of the
ground mass, latest and most sophisticated
tunneling technology, i.e., New Austrian
Tunneling Method (NATM) has been used
here.


The Sivok – Rangpo new rail link project
connecting Sivok (West Bengal) and Rangpo
(Sikkim) is about 45 kms long and is
characterized by 14 tunnels, 13 major
bridges, nine minor bridges
and five stations.


The length of the longest
tunnel (T-10) is 5.3 km and
length of longest bridge (Br-
17) is 425 meters. About 38.65
kms of the entire project
alignment is passing through
tunnels. Ninety-three per
cent of the tunneling work
has already been completed.


At present final lining
has been completed in tunnel
T-14 & T-09 and is under
progress in tunnel T-02, T-03,
T-05, T-06, T-07, T-10, T-11 and T-12. Total
13.13 km lining has been completed till date.
Work in all sections is being carried out
round the clock 24×7. This is one of the most
prestigious ongoing national projects in
India and on completion of this project, first
time the state of Sikkim will be connected
via railways.

This rail network on its
completion is aimed to provide alternate and
stable connectivity to the state of Sikkim. At
present all the activities related to
construction of tunnels, bridges and station
yards are going on a war footing for early
completion of the project.

Economy, Misc, Sikkim

President of India confers Padma Shri on renowned bamboo craftsman Jorden Lepcha

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PIB, GANGTOK, MAY 9, 2024 : President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Shri on Jorden Lepcha from Sikkim in the field of Art at a Civil Investiture Ceremony in New Delhi today. Born on July 28,1971, in the serene village of Rubeyam Ram, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Dzongu, Mangan District, Sikkim, Lepcha’s early years were shaped by the teachings of his parents who introduced him to the art of bamboo crafting.

 
Driven by a deep passion to revive ancient traditions, Lepcha immersed himself in mastering the intricate techniques of crafting Lepchahats, known as Thyaktuks. The pivotal moment came in 1997 when he participated in a six- month training programme for traditional hat weaving organized by the Government of Sikkim’s Industry department. Despite facing challenges in selling his creations initially, he persevered, taking on additional jobs to support his family while honing his craft.
In 2005, Lepcha began sharing his knowledge by conducting training sessions for aspiring artisans in Gangtok, summoned by the Directorate of Handicrafts &Handlooms (Govt. of Sikkim). 
 
His commitment extended to offering free training sessions at his own residence, empowering individuals to embrace and propagate the ancient craft of Lepcha hat weaving. Lepcha’s legacy goes beyond individual accomplishments; it’s about the impact one person can have in preserving and perpetuating cultural traditions. 
 
Through his efforts, he has not only safeguarded a cherished cultural heritage but also empowered countless individuals to embrace their heritage and sustain themselves through craftsmanship.
 
Through dedication and hard work, Lepcha’s expertise gained recognition, earning him accolades such as a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Textile(Government of India) and the esteemed title of Master Craftsman for the State of Sikkim. But beyond personal achievements, his journey has always been about giving back to his community and preserving their cultural legacy.
 
Brief citation about the life and work of the awardee Jorden Lepcha is given below-
 
1. Shri Jorden Lepcha is a famous bamboo craftsman from Sikkim.
 
2. Born on July 28, 1971, in the serene village of Rubeyam Ram, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Dzongu, Mangan District, Sikkim, Shri Lepcha’s early years were shaped by the teachings of his parents who introduced him to the art of bamboo crafting.
 
3. Driven by a deep passion to revive ancient traditions, Shri Lepcha immersed himself in mastering the intricate techniques of crafting Lepcha hats, known as Thyaktuks. The pivotal moment came in 1997 when he participated in a six- month training program for traditional hat weaving organized by the Government of Sikkim’s Industry department. Despite facing challenges in selling his creations initially, he persevered, taking on additional jobs to support his family while honing his craft.
 
4. In 2005, Shri Lepcha began sharing his knowledge and skills by conducting training sessions for aspiring artisans in Gangtok, summoned by the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms (Govt. of Sikkim). His commitment extended to offering free training sessions at his own residence, empowering individuals to embrace and propagate the ancient craft of Lepcha hat weaving.
 
5. Shri Lepcha’s legacy goes beyond individual accomplishments; it’s about the impact one person can have in preserving and perpetuating cultural traditions. Through his efforts, he has not only safeguarded a cherished cultural heritage but also empowered countless individuals to embrace their heritage and sustain themselves through craftsmanship.
 
6. Through dedication and hard work, Shri Lepcha’s expertise gained recognition, earning him accolades such as a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Textile (Government of India) and the esteemed title of Master Craftsman for the State of Sikkim. But beyond personal achievements, his journey has always been about giving back to his community and preserving their cultural legacy.
National, Northeast, Regional, Sikkim, Techno/ Science, West Bengal

Delhi High Court asks Google, Microsoft to seek Delhi High Court asks Google, Microsoft to seek review of ruling on removal of non-consensual intimate images

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They said the search engines do not ‘host’ any content, and once an objectionable content has been removed from the site hosting it, it will not appear in search results as well

PTI, New Delhi, 09.05.24 : The Delhi High Court on Monday asked Microsoft, which owns ‘Bing’, and Google to seek a review of an order by a single judge directing them to identify and de-index non-consensual intimate images without requesting for their specific URLs, after the search engine giants filed an appeal against the ruling.

The senior counsel for the appellants said unlike in cases of child sexual abuse material, non-consensual intimate images cannot be detected by their current technology and therefore it was not possible for them to comply with the order passed by the single judge in April 2023.
Their senior lawyers assured the court a new technology is being developed but it has not yet reached a stage where it can detect such non-consensual content on its own.

They said the search engines do not “host” any content, and once an objectionable content has been removed from the site hosting it, it will not appear in search results as well.

Stating that “no one can ask you to do the impossible”, a bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan asked them to approach the single judge to reconsider his directions.

“Keeping view of the aforesaid, it would be appropriate if the appellants file a review and bring the aforesaid facts to the notice of the single judge. In the event the appellants are aggrieved by order of the single judge in the review petition, the appellants shall be at liberty to revive the present appeals,” the bench, also comprising Justice Manmeet PS Arora, said.

As the senior counsel for Google sought sought an assurance that no coercive action would be taken against them for non-compliance with the single judge’s directions, the court observed no such action has been taken till now.

In an order passed on April 26, 2023, the single judge had said it was the responsibility of the search engines to immediately cease access to any offending content and the victim cannot be made to face humiliation or harassment by having to approach the authorities again seeking the same relief.

The ruling came on a petition by a woman who sought blocking of certain sites exhibiting her intimate images.

The single judge had stated “Non-Consensual Intimate Images (NCII) abuse” , which includes “revenge porn”, violates the right to privacy and causes psychological damage to the victim.

The single judge had asserted that search engines were obligated to observe due diligence while discharging their duties under Rule 3 of the IT Rules, including making reasonable efforts to prevent hosting, displaying, uploading or sharing of any information that is invasive of another person’s privacy and violates any law for the time being in force, or they will lose the protection from liability accorded to them under Section 79 of the IT Act.

“If information is relating to content which is prima facie in the nature of any (NCII) material.., the search engine is required to take all reasonable and practicable measures to remove or disable access to such content which is hosted, stored, published or transmitted by it,” the single judge had said.

“The time-frame as stipulated under Rule 3 of the IT Rules must be strictly followed without any exceptions, and if there is even minor deviation from the said time-frame, then the protection from liability accorded to a search engine under Section 79 of the IT Rules cannot be invoked by the search engine,” the single judge bench had stated.
National, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

NH 10 opens today after 3 days closure and carpeting

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, 9 May 2024 : After 3 days of closure NH 10 from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile opened today from 6 am. Normal traffic is plying in this highway. The road was closed for some repairing work and bituminous work. 

Earlier Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate of Kalimpong had notified that the said highway from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile shall be closed from 6th May for 72 hours for carrying out bituminous work. 

His earlier order stated that a prayer has been received from the Executive Engineer II, National Highway, Division IX, P.W (Roads) requesting restriction and diversion of movement of all type of vehicles to carry out bituminous work at the stretch between Rabi bora to Gail Khola along NH 10. Therefore the administration finds it necessary to impose temporary restriction for movement of all type of vehicles to carry out the said bituminous work at the stretch between Rabi bora to Gail Khola along NH 10 to be carried on by PWD, National Highway, Division IX, P.W (Roads). 

There was protest from the drivers for closure of the highway as normal traffic on NH 10 was closed for several times and they had to follow the restriction of movement for all types of vehicles in the NH 10 specially from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile.  

The alternative route allowed to were diversion routes for small vehicles to move from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong – 17’1′ Mile – Algarah – Lava -Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 

For small vehicles was from Chitrey – Kalimpong town Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 

For goods Vehicle was from Chitrey – Kalimpong town Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa from 21.00 hrs to 06.00 hrs. 
And for goods vehicle and small vehicles from Reshi – Pedong – Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 
Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Kalimpong drivers threaten agitation over repeated closure of NH 10

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YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, MAY 5/–/ Drivers and common people of Kalimpong alike are faced with a number of problems due to the announced closure of National Highway 10 from Ravi Jhoda to 29th Mile from May 6 to May 9. Due to the closure of the road during the height of the tourist season, tourists, too, are facing problems.

The Kalimpong District Drivers’ Federation has objected to the repeated closure of National Highway 10.The highway was closed also in March and April intermittently. Association President Mahendra Gurung has alleged that the authorities are taking the problems of the lifeline of Sikkim and Kalimpong casually. If such repeated closures of National Highway 10 continue, drivers will come out on the road in protest at any time.
He has demanded that the administration as well as political leaders take drivers as well as common people seriously. Sick people who need to travel to Siliguri for treatment and traders are also affected by the frequent closure of NH 10. Even after paying road tax to the government in lakhs of rupees and ensuring the safety of passengers, the drivers are suffering because of the repeated closure of the National Highway, he has said.
Health, Misc, National, Northeast, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Heat intensity reduces in east, southern peninsular India

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IMD, KalimNews,

 5 May 2024 : Indian Meteorological Department has forecast that heat wave conditions with reduced intensity are likely to continue in isolated pockets over East India till Sunday and some places over south Peninsular India till 6th May. Heat wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on Saturday and Sunday. Interior Karnataka will face heat wave conditions till the 7th of May whereas Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are likely to face heat wave till the 8th of May.

Yesterday, highest maximum temperature of 46.3 degree Celsius was reported at Nandyal in Rayalaseema. Heat wave conditions have been prevailing over Odisha since 15th April, Gangetic West Bengal since 17th April and Rayalaseema since 24th April. Rise in maximum temperatures by two to four degrees is very likely over many parts of Northwest India, except Uttar Pradesh, during next five days.

Meanwhile, Met department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall spell accompanied with thunderstorms and gusty winds over Northeast India in the next two days. Wet spell accompanied with thunderstorms and gusty winds is very likely over East India during 5th to 9th of this month with maximum intensity on 6th and 7th May.

PTI, New Delhi, May 4, 2024 : The intensity of the heat wave prevailing in east and parts of southern peninsular India came down slightly on Saturday, with the weather office predicting relief from the scorching conditions in these regions after two days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions prevailed in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Telangana, with maximum temperatures settling 3-5 degrees Celsius above normal in these regions.

The mercury settled above 44 degrees Celsius in at least 10 places in these states.

According to IMD data, 13 places on Friday and 17 on Thursday recorded maximum temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius. Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh sizzled at 46 degrees Celsius and was the hottest place in the country for the third consecutive day on Saturday.

Maximum temperatures were recorded at 45.9 degrees Celsius in Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), 45 degrees in Mahbubnagar (Telangana), 44 degrees in Odisha’s Boudh, 43.5 degrees in Karur Paramathi (Tamil Nadu), 44.6 degrees in Nizamabad (Telangana), 45.4 in Andhra Pradesh’s Cuddapah, and 43.5 degrees in West Bengal’s Kalaikunda.

The IMD said the ongoing heatwave spell in east and south peninsular India will continue until May 5-6 and abate thereafter.

Light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are predicted in Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand from May 5 to 9.

Scattered light to moderate rainfall is expected in east Uttar Pradesh, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh during this period.

Scattered light to moderate rainfall is also very likely in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Karnataka from May 6 to May 9.

The Met office on Wednesday said above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in May and a significantly high number of heatwave days expected over the northern plains, central region and adjoining areas of peninsular India.

April witnessed record-smashing maximum temperatures in east, northeast and south peninsular India, prompting health warnings from government agencies and some states to suspend in-person classes in schools.

A number of stations also recorded their highest-ever April day temperatures. Five active western disturbances led to rainfall, thunderstorms and hail storms over north and central India at regular intervals in April, preventing heat waves.

The IMD data shows that heat waves this April were far worse than in 2023, the warmest year on record so far.

This trend is likely to continue in May, with around eight to 11 heatwave days predicted over the south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada and the Gujarat regions.

The remaining parts of Rajasthan, east Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Chhattisgarh, interior Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, north interior Karnataka and Telangana may record five to seven heatwave days during the month.

Normally, the northern plains, central India and adjoin
National, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

NH 10 closes down for repairs from 6 May for 3 days

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Amitava Banerjee, MP, 4 May 2024, Darjeeling: The District Magistrate, Kalimpong has issued an order restricting the movement of all types of vehicles from Rabi Jhora to Gail Khola, 29th Mile on the National Highway (NH) 10 from 6 am on May 6 to 6 am on May 9. 

Alternative routes and diversions have been specified in the order. This restriction has been clamped to allow repair work on the NH 10. 
Incidentally, the NH10 connects the state of Sikkim with the plains of Bengal and is a lifeline for the Himalayan state of Sikkim. The road was badly damaged owing to a flash flood on the Teesta on October 4, 2023. 
Since then the condition of NH 10 has been unstable with the need to close down stretches for vehicular traffic, for repairs. 
“We had received a request from the executive engineer, NH, Division 9, PW Roads on April 30, to restrict vehicular movement of all types of vehicles to carry out bituminous work on the 2.40 km stretch between Rabi Jhora to Gail Khola along NH 10,” stated Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate, Kalimpong. 
The notice states that only small vehicles will move from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong-17th Mile-Algarah- Lava-Gorubathan and then onto Siliguri and vice versa, round-the-clock. Small vehicles will move from Chitrey-Kalimpong town-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan and Siliguri and vice-versa round-the-clock. Goods vehicles will move from Chitrey-Kalimpong town-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice-versa from 9 pm to 6 am. 
Goods vehicle and small vehicles will move from Reshi-Pedong-Algarah-Lava- Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice-versa round-the-clock. “Necessary restrictions at Rangpo checkpost, Chitrey and at the district border on the NH 10 stretch shall be imposed by the police for facilitating the route diversions,” added the DM. 
With temperatures soaring in the plains, there is a huge rush of tourists to Sikkim and Kalimpong, accessed through the NH 10. The diversions will result in longer travel time and will be heavy on the purse. 
“The NH 10 is highly fragile but tourism to Kalimpong and Sikkim is heavily dependent on it. We are digging up the area for a new train line, despite the fragile ecosystem. This will further affect the NH 10 and also the villages like Rambi along the road. 
The only consolation now is that nearly 70 per cent of construction work of the alternate highway 177A to Sikkim is complete. We hope that this highway is completed at the earliest,” stated Raj Basu, Convenor, Association for Conservation of Tourism (ACT). 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/nh-10-closes-down-for-repairs-562424?infinitescroll=1
Misc, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

NH 10 closes from 6 May to 8 May for carpeting work from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, 3 May 2024 : NNH 10 from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile will remain closed for three complete days of 72 hrs starting from 6am of 6 April to 6am of 9 April. Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate of Kalimpong has notified that the said highway from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile for carrying out bituminous work. 

His order states that a prayer has been received from the Executive Engineer II, National Highway, Division IX, P.W (Roads) requesting restriction and diversion of movement of all type of vehicles to carry out bituminous work at the stretch between Rabi bora to Gail Khola along NH 10. Therefore the administration finds it necessary to impose temporary restriction for movement of all type of vehicles to carry out the said bituminous work at the stretch between Rabi bora to Gail Khola along NH 10 to be carried on by PWD, National Highway, Division IX, P.W (Roads). 
The restriction of movement of all types of vehicles in the NH 10 stretch from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile starting from 6 am of 6 May till 6 am of 9 May will be in effect. 
Alternative route as traffic diversion will be allowed as follows:  
1) Only small vehicles will move from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong – 17’1′ Mile – Algarah – Lava -Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock 
2) Small vehicles will move from Chitrey – Kalimpong town Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 
3) Goods Vehicle will move from Chitrey – Kalimpong town Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa from 21.00 hrs to 06.00 hrs. 
4) Goods vehicle and small vehicles will move from Reshi – Pedong – Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 
Necessary restrictions at Rangpoo Check post, Chitrey and at District border – NH – 10 stretch shall be imposed by police (Traffic) for facilitating the route diversion, the notice adds.