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Community-Based Tourism Shines as Sakawrhmuituai Sunset Event Draws Large Crowd in Mizoram

Community-Based Tourism Shines as Sakawrhmuituai Sunset Event Draws Large Crowd in Mizoram

For the first time, the Tourism Department of Mizoram organised a special sunset viewing programme called “Sakawrhmuituai Sunset” at Sakawrhmuituai Hill. The event was held on the last evening of the year and attracted a large number of visitors, including local residents and tourists from outside the state. The programme was attended by Tourism Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar as the chief guest. Local MLA Pu Lalthansanga, who is also the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was also present at the event. Senior officers from the Tourism Department, including Director Pi R. Lalrodingi, were part of the official team.…
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Tata Motors posts strong Q3FY26 growth, sells 1,15,577 units globally

Tata Motors posts strong Q3FY26 growth, sells 1,15,577 units globally

Tata Motors reported strong sales performance in Q3FY26, recording total commercial vehicle sales of 1,15,577 units in domestic and international markets, up 21% from 95,770 units in Q3FY25. December 2025 sales stood at 42,508 units, marking a 25% rise over 33,875 units sold in December 2024. Category-wise, HCV truck sales grew 23% in Q3FY26 to 33,401 units, while ILMCV trucks rose 26% to 20,033 units. Passenger carriers registered a 7% increase to 10,691 units, and SCV cargo and pickups grew 15% to 43,793 units. Total domestic CV sales reached 1,07,918 units, up 18%. International business surged 70% to 7,659 units.…
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Abhishek Banerjee Alleges “Voter List Theft”

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges “Voter List Theft”

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has sparked a major political controversy by alleging that "voter theft" is being carried out via manipulated voter lists rather than EVMs. During a press conference, Banerjee claimed that thousands of legitimate voters are being surreptitiously removed from rolls to influence the upcoming 2026 state elections. He has demanded a high-level audit of the Election Commission’s digital databases, a move that the EC has currently dismissed as "unfounded."
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Higher excise duty on tobacco, new pan masala cess from February 1 to take effect

Higher excise duty on tobacco, new pan masala cess from February 1 to take effect

On February 1, 2026, India will start imposing higher taxes on pan masala and tobacco products after the Union government officially announced a new excise duty and cess regime to replace the current GST compensation cess. With this action, the tax system for so-called sin products has been completely redesigned. In addition to the relevant Goods and Services Tax rates, the new charges will be applied. Pan masala, cigarettes, tobacco, and related products will be subject to a 40% GST rate starting on February 1, whereas biris would still be subject to an 18% GST rate. According to the Finance…
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Ikkis Review: Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra Anchor a Quietly Powerful War Story

Ikkis Review: Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra Anchor a Quietly Powerful War Story

Ikkis is a movie that depicts the story of Second Lt Arun Khetarpal, a young soldier who, when asked his age while covered in birthday cake, responds that he is 21, marking his coming of age. Tragically, Khetarpal did not reach the age of 22, as he fought valiantly during the decisive December day of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, ultimately becoming the youngest Army officer to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery. Ikkis is not merely a war film highlighting a young man's bravery; it delves into the traumatic consequences of conflict, distinguishing Sriram Raghavan's work from…
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Tripura Govt Seeks Centre’s Nod to Expand EMRS Network Across State, Focus on Tribal Students

Tripura Govt Seeks Centre’s Nod to Expand EMRS Network Across State, Focus on Tribal Students

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that the state government is planning to set up Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in all 58 blocks of the state so that more tribal students, especially those living in far-flung and rural areas, can get access to quality education. Speaking at a programme on January 1, Saha said the government is placing special focus on improving education facilities for students belonging to Scheduled Tribes. He said the aim is to ensure that good schooling is not limited to urban centres but reaches students living in interior areas as well. The EMRS scheme…
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First-Ever Sunset Viewing Programme Held at Sakawrhmuitual Hill in Mizoram

First-Ever Sunset Viewing Programme Held at Sakawrhmuitual Hill in Mizoram

The State Tourism Department organized its inaugural “Sakawrhmuituai Sunset” viewing event at Sakawrhmuituai Hill in Mizoram on New Year's Eve. Attended by Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar and local MLA Lalthansanga, the event celebrated community collaboration. Hmar praised village leaders for their efforts to promote community-based tourism and highlighted the hill's scenic potential to attract visitors. Both leaders envisioned larger future events to benefit the Sihphir community economically. The event featured performances by Mizo singers, food stalls, and was supported by security and medical arrangements, creating a festive atmosphere for both local residents and tourists.
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No question of Bangladesh’s consent in pushbacks: Himanta calls for unity among indigenous people

No question of Bangladesh’s consent in pushbacks: Himanta calls for unity among indigenous people

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday reiterated the state government’s tough stance on the “foreigner” issue, stating that there is no question of seeking Bangladesh’s consent while pushing back illegal immigrants. He revealed that around 2,000 foreigners have been pushed back over the past few months.According to the Chief Minister, once a person is declared a “foreigner,” the government is ensuring that the pushback is completed within a week, leaving no scope for the individual to approach the High Court or the Supreme Court. Citing Supreme Court orders, Sarma said that district commissioners (DCs) are empowered to deport…
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Sunrise Festival at Dong to Put Arunachal on Northeast Tourism Map: Khandu

Sunrise Festival at Dong to Put Arunachal on Northeast Tourism Map: Khandu

As Arunachal Pradesh prepares to welcome the New Year with the first sunrise at Dong village in Anjaw district, Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the potential of the ongoing Sunrise Festival to become a significant tourism attraction in the Northeast over the next decade. Inaugurating the five-day festival on Monday, Khandu presented a long-term vision focusing on creating meaningful opportunities for local entrepreneurs, promoting sustainable tourism, and supporting small business growth in the region. During his address, Khandu underscored the festival's forward-looking approach, intending for it to grow steadily while adhering to the principles of “leave no trash, leave no…
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Traditional Fervour Marks Donyi Polo Day Celebrations in Arunachal Pradesh

Traditional Fervour Marks Donyi Polo Day Celebrations in Arunachal Pradesh

Donyi Polo Day is celebrated by indigenous faith believers in Arunachal Pradesh, India, by offering prayers to nature gods and goddesses in traditional prayer halls or temples. Hundreds of believers of Donyi-Poloism gathered across the state to offer prayers on Wednesday. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized that Donyi Polo is not a borrowed belief but a foundation of ethics, relationship with nature, and understanding of truth. Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik greeted the people of the state, especially Donyi Polo followers, and called for renewed efforts to preserve and promote the state's cultural traditions. He emphasized that…
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