Blog

02 Dec

Sikkim tightens eco-tourism policy with ₹50 per guest sustainability Ffee

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has mandated contributions to the Tourism Sustainable Development (TSD) Fund from all tourist accommodation facilities, including hotels, resorts, homestays, service apartments and bed-and-breakfast establishments. Under the new directive, each tourist checking in must be charged ₹50, which the establishment must remit to the government. The compliance will be monitored through the Atithi Guest Information System. The TSD Fund, introduced in March 2025, supports eco-friendly tourism, infrastructure improvements, and responsible travel initiatives across Sikkim. Officials warned that non-compliant establishments will face fines of ₹5,000 for the first month and ₹10,000 for the second month, with the possibility of…

02 Dec

Concerns about the “risky” railway alignment and Gorkhali OBC relocation are growing in Mizoram

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

The Centre for Environment and Social Justice (CESJ) has raised alarm over renewed efforts to grant OBC status to the Gorkhali community in Mizoram and over the environmental risks linked to the proposed Sairang–Hmawngbuchhuah railway alignment. CESJ recalled that in December 2024, the Mizoram government had clarified that Gorkhas in the state do not face caste-based backwardness as defined by the Mandal Commission, and thus do not qualify for state-level OBC status. The organisation warned that granting OBC recognition within the state could significantly affect employment opportunities for Mizo youth and disrupt social balance. CESJ also warned that the proposed…

02 Dec

Rupee hits new record low of 89.92 against US Dollar

Purbalee Duttabreaking news

The rupee slipped to 89.92 against the US dollar, breaching its previous record low of 89.7575 from December 1, and ending the day 0.3% weaker. Its decline accelerated on December 1 after the currency fell below 89.5 — a level the RBI had earlier defended — triggering stop-loss orders and prompting importers to rush into dollar purchases. The fall was particularly striking because it came despite India’s strong GDP numbers and in the absence of negative cues from Asian markets. Equity indices were down around 0.5%. VK Vijayakumar of Geojit Investments noted that persistent rupee weakness is discouraging foreign inflows…

02 Dec

Pancreatic cancer becomes a growing concern in India; doctors call for urgent awareness and early detection

Business BureauBusiness

Pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest and fastest-spreading cancers, has a five-year survival rate of just 3 per cent in India, making it the lowest among all cancers, doctors have warned. Dr PN Mohapatra, Director of Medical Oncology at Apollo Hospitals, said the disease is often detected too late, with nearly 43 per cent of patients diagnosed at Stage 4, when treatment options are limited and survival chances drop dramatically. Unlike breast or lung cancer, pancreatic cancer has seen minimal improvement in treatment over the years. Surgery and chemotherapy offer limited benefits, and recurrence rates remain high, with survival rates…

02 Dec

Swiggy launches the 2025 edition of its annual report titled “How India Eats,” in partnership with Kearney

Business BureauBusiness

India’s food services market is set to touch US$125 billion by 2030, driven by a rapidly expanding organized segment growing twice as fast as the unorganized sector, according to Swiggy’s How India Eats 2025 report released in partnership with Kearney. The report highlights that the organized segment will contribute over 60% of total industry growth and is expected to overtake the unorganized segment within the decade. The study notes a significant shift in consumer behaviour, marked by a 20% rise in unique cuisines ordered per customer and a 30% increase in the number of restaurants ordered from. Interestingly, indulgence and…

02 Dec

Images Trigger Anxiety Among Muslims in Arunachal; Govt Urges Calm, Congress Blames BJP for Rising Tensions

Sonakshi SarkarArunachal Pradesh

A series of anti-Muslim videos and visits by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) to mosques are causing unrest among Muslims in Arunachal Pradesh, who feel unfairly targeted under a supposed campaign against illegal Bangladeshi migrants. APIYO's visits aim to verify the legality of mosques, yet the Muslim community expresses fear, claiming it wrongly associates all Muslims—especially those in traditional attire—with illegal immigration. Community representatives acknowledge their support for lawful actions against illegal migrants but emphasize that mosques serve as prayer spaces for migrant workers, not as hubs for illegal activities. In response, State Home Minister Mama Natung has…

02 Dec

Tripura BJP Leader: Pradyot is “using” the regional front to regain political relevance

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

Former MP Rebati Tripura accused Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, founder of the Tipra Motha party, of seeking political relevance through the new “One North East” initiative, which he claims misleads voters during a time of stability in Tripura. He criticized the initiative as a sign of an "existential crisis" in Debbarma's strategy, highlighting contradictory statements made at its launch. Rebati labelled the campaign as a distraction from past demands for Tipraland and Greater Tipraland, suggesting that Debbarma's political positions have changed frequently. Additionally, he raised concerns over financial mismanagement in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council and deemed proposals…

02 Dec

The goal is to complete the border fencing project by 2026

Sonakshi SarkarMeghalaya

After nearly twenty years of intermittent interruptions, fencing along the Indo–Bangladesh border in Meghalaya has gathered pace once again. The BSF now expects the entire 443-km stretch to be fenced by the end of 2026, marking a major milestone in strengthening border security. IG Upadhyay revealed that around 20 km of fencing was completed and made operational last year. The progress, however, has not come without obstacles—legal disputes, objections raised by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and resistance from local communities have all contributed to delays. Nevertheless, land acquisition for another 21 km of fencing has been completed, and work…

02 Dec

Farmers’ Uplift Integral Part Of Our Govt’s Policies: Meghalaya CM

Sonakshi SarkarMeghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the state government's commitment to supporting and uplifting farmers during the concluding programme of the 4th Organic Youth Summit in Shillong. He highlighted that farmers are central to the government's policies and mission-oriented programmes in agriculture and related sectors designed to provide essential support. The summit coincided with the 1st Northeast India Organic Week cum Buyer Seller Meet, and Sangma noted that the initiative, focused on learning and sharing, will extend beyond its initial three days. Sangma asserted that organic farming is not merely a trend but is rooted in the traditional knowledge…

01 Dec

I Never Thought Someone So Tiny Could Boss Me Around’ — Sidharth on Baby Saraayah’s Power

editorEntertainment

Nearly five months after the birth of their first child, actor Sidharth Malhotra shared insights on how fatherhood has transformed him. He and his wife, Kiara Advani, welcomed a baby girl in July of this year. Malhotra described this new phase as “life-altering,” highlighting a deepened respect for women and their strength. At the We The Women Asia event in Mumbai, actor Sidharth discussed the profound impact of fatherhood on his life perspective. He highlighted his daughter, Sarayaah, referring to her as a "princess of God," a name of Hebrew origin. Sidharth humorously remarked on his experiences of losing many…