Tourist inflow in Sikkim rises by over ten per cent annually till last year

According to a PTI report, the economic slowdown across the world may hit the tourism industry in other parts of the country, but the tourism sector in the Himalayan state of Sikkim has risen by over ten per cent till last year, according to figure compiled by the tourism department. As per the release by state tourism department, the state received 3.87 lakh tourists in 2008 in comparison to 3.49 lakh tourists in the year before.

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http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/tourist-inflow-in-sikkim-rises-by-over-ten-per-cent-annually-till-last-year-5108

Come home to Asia's cleanest village in Meghalaya

Resident across the country can take inspiration from the picture perfect village of Mawlynnong, which has recently earned a unique distinction of being the cleanest village in Asia. Nestled in the pristine hills of Meghalaya, the hamlet has over 80 houses and the villagers, despite their daily schedule of farming and cultivating broomsticks, have worked hard to earn this distinction. Residents of this village keep their surroundings clean by voluntarily performing all the civic duties such as sweeping the roads and lanes, watering the plants in public area and cleaning the drains.

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Chakma fencing victims not displaced: Mizoram govt

In Mizoram, over 35,000 Chakma tribals are going to be displaced due to the ongoing India-Bangladesh border fencing which is being constructed to prevent anti-national activities and illegal infiltration from across the border. Raising many eyebrows, the government of Mizoram has said it did not consider Chakmas who have lost their homes and land to the ongoing India-Bangladesh border fencing as “displaced”. The government of Mizoram stated this in a reply to the complaint filed by a tribal rights, NGO, Asian Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Network (AITPN) to the National Human Rights Commission alleging denial of timely compensation to the victims.
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http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=15710225

SMS causing rise to domestic problems, divorce in Mizoram

For today's lovers, sending romantic text messages may be chic, but for married couples they may bring in unwanted problems as the Mizo society is witnessing. Replacing the not-so-much secret love letters, the text messages are a new tool in the hands of young lovers to express their feelings these days. But social workers point out that when the messages are exchanged in an extra-marital affair, problems sometimes arise.

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http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/18091020.htm

Organic tea from Assam set to enter Hong Kong

Organic tea produced by traditional communities in Assam is fast gaining market, globally. After making its presence felt in Canada, the tea is now ready to enter Hong Kong. The Singpho community, credited for being pioneers in the discovery of tea, has developed a tea coin. The product is sold under the brand name Phalap (tea is called phalap in Singpho language). Two grams of tea are packed in coin shape and can be consumed by dissolving it in hot water. They produce a blend of oolong and green tea.

Read full article on http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Markets/Commodities/Organic_tea_from_Assam_set_to_enter_Hong_Kong/articleshow/4127132.cms

India delegation promotes investment opportunities to Vietnam

The ASEAN North East India Investment & Trade Opportunities Summit continued to present new investment opportunities in the northeast India February 13, at the White Palace Hotel. This is one of three activities over February 12-14. The program is co-organized by the Ministry of Development of North East Region and the Indian Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by the Consulate General of India, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam.

Read full news on http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Hochiminhcity/2009/2/68478/