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Shillong; Mar 2024: Something extraordinary is about to unfold in the Northeast. Seeti, India’s boldest new culinary collective, is set to host its much-anticipated second chapter in Meghalaya, bringing together some of the country’s most exciting chefs, storytellers, creators, and cultural voices for an immersive experience.

From March 26 to March 31, Meghalaya will transform into a living, breathing celebration of food, culture, and community, where local traditions meet national talent, and stories long overlooked finally take centre stage.

Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, says,

 “Meghalaya stands defined by its vibrant culture, rich landscapes, and, most importantly, the energy and creativity of its youth. Rooted in our communities, our traditions, indigenous produce, music, and culinary heritage reflect a living legacy. SEETI 2.0 celebrates this spirit—providing a platform for our youth to lead, innovate, and share Meghalaya’s story with the world. It is a reflection of who we are and a step towards a future shaped by our young people.”

Seeti is not just another food festival.

It is a movement, one that challenges the status quo of India’s culinary narrative by shifting the spotlight away from familiar metros and into regions rich with heritage, identity, and untapped stories.

• ·Set against Meghalaya’s breathtaking landscapes, this chapter will feature:
• ·Curated dining experiences rooted in ingredients
• ·Collaborations between regional and culinary talent
• ·Cultural immersions with indigenous communities
• ·Storytelling sessions that go beyond the plate

Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Chairman & Managing Director, Meghalayan Age Ltd. says,

“At Meghalayan Age, our focus has been on enabling tourism models that are sustainable, community-linked and rooted in the state’s identity. SEETI reflects this approach by creating a platform that engages with local ecosystems, food practices and cultural narratives in a structured and meaningful way.”

“The Northeast has a depth of food, people, and culture that hasn’t fully entered the national conversation. Through Meghalaya, SEETI creates that entry point, bringing a curated group to experience it directly. The Meghalaya Government’s support has made it possible to do this the right way. SEETI creates space for people to slow down, connect, and experience a place more thoughtfully. The northeast naturally offers this spirit, and Seeti Meghalaya Kahani 2 builds on it. We don’t interpret the place; we create moments through food, conversation, and shared experiences, where our guests become storytellers themselves”, added the Seeti Founders.

WHY MEGHALAYA, WHY NOW?

The Northeast has long remained underrepresented in mainstream food conversations, despite its extraordinary diversity, deep-rooted traditions, and distinct culinary identity.

Meghalaya, with its rich indigenous food systems, hyperlocal ingredients, and strong community-led culture, offers a powerful starting point to reframe how India experiences and understands its own culinary landscape.

Seeti’s Meghalaya chapter is a conscious step toward rewriting that narrative, not by interpreting the region from the outside, but by creating a platform where local voices are foregrounded, amplified, and meaningfully collaborated with

by bringing together chefs, farmers, artisans, and storytellers from within the region alongside voices from across the country, Seeti aims to:

• – Build long-term bridges between communities
• – ⁠Encourage knowledge exchange rooted in respect and authenticity

• – ⁠Create visibility for ingredients, practices, and people often overlooked
•  ⁠Position the Northeast as a vital part of India’s evolving food identity

This is not about showcasing Meghalaya as a destination. It is about recognizing it as a source.

Indian Railways has revised its ticket cancellation and refund guidelines to improve transparency, reduce misuse, and make seat allocation more efficient for passengers.

Under the updated system, refund eligibility will now depend on how early a passenger cancels their ticket before the train’s departure.

Revised Refund Structure

As per the new rules:

• Tickets cancelled 72 hours or more before departure will be eligible for up to 75% refund, after deduction of applicable charges.
• Cancellations made between 72 and 24 hours before departure will allow around 25% refund.
• If a ticket is cancelled between 24 and 8 hours, passengers may receive approximately 50% refund.
• No refund will be granted if cancellation is done within 8 hours of departure.

Officials say the revised structure is designed to discourage last-minute cancellations that often lead to seat blocking and reduce availability for other passengers.

Greater Flexibility for Boarding Point Changes

Along with refund reforms, Indian Railways has also introduced a passenger-friendly update allowing changes to the boarding station.

Passengers can now modify their boarding point up to 30 minutes before departure, offering greater flexibility, especially for those travelling from cities with multiple railway stations.

Earlier, such changes were permitted only until chart preparation. The new rule extends convenience closer to departure time.

Aim: Prevent Misuse and Improve Efficiency

Railway officials have stated that the updated policy also aims to curb irregular practices by ticket agents and bulk booking operators who sometimes reserve and cancel tickets repeatedly for unfair advantage.

By tightening cancellation rules, Indian Railways hopes to ensure fair access to confirmed seats and improve overall booking system efficiency.

Significance of the New Policy

The revised rules are important because they:

• Promote fair ticket availability for genuine passengers
• Reduce last-minute cancellations and seat wastage
• Improve transparency in refund calculations
• Strengthen system efficiency and booking discipline
• Offer better flexibility for boarding adjustments

Conclusion

The new cancellation and refund framework marks a step toward a more structured and efficient railway booking system. While stricter in approach, the policy is designed to enhance fairness, reduce misuse, and improve travel convenience for millions of passengers across India.

The state government of Odisha has stepped up efforts to address the issue of labour migration by promoting the DALKHAI initiative, a programme aimed at creating more employment opportunities within local communities and improving rural livelihoods.

The initiative focuses on ensuring that people, especially in rural and tribal regions, can find work closer to home instead of being forced to migrate to other states in search of daily wages. Officials said the programme is being implemented through coordinated efforts of multiple departments to support income generation and skill-based employment.

The main objective is to build stronger village-level economies by promoting self-reliance and creating sustainable livelihood options. The government believes that when employment is available locally, families can remain together and maintain better social and economic stability.

Under the initiative, emphasis is being placed on encouraging small-scale enterprises, supporting agricultural and allied activities, and expanding rural infrastructure-related work. Skill development and capacity-building programmes are also being integrated to help youth and workers access better job opportunities within their own regions.

Officials highlighted that migration is often driven by lack of stable income opportunities in local areas. By addressing this gap, the DALKHAI initiative aims to reduce economic pressure on families and improve overall living conditions in rural communities.

The government has described the programme as part of its broader commitment to inclusive development, where growth is not limited to urban centres but extends equally to villages and remote areas.

Experts note that such initiatives can help strengthen rural economies, increase local spending power, and reduce dependency on external labour markets. Over time, this is expected to contribute to more balanced regional development and improved quality of life.

In essence, the DALKHAI initiative is being positioned as a step towards ensuring that people can earn a dignified livelihood in their own villages, reducing the need for migration and supporting long-term rural development.

India’s iconic heritage monuments are emerging as popular destinations for film shootings and international tourism, reflecting a growing blend of culture, cinema, and sustainable travel promotion across the country.

Among the most prominent examples is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Qutub Minar, which has recently witnessed a rise in film shoots, documentary productions, and visual storytelling projects. The monument’s architectural grandeur and historical significance continue to attract filmmakers seeking authentic backdrops for cinema and digital content.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Tourism officials report that increased media exposure and cinematic visibility of heritage sites have contributed to a steady rise in foreign tourist arrivals. International visitors are showing greater interest in India’s cultural landmarks, history, and architectural heritage, with sites like Qutub Minar becoming key attractions in travel itineraries.

Experts say this growing trend is not only boosting tourism but also strengthening India’s cultural and eco-tourism ecosystem. By promoting responsible tourism practices, authorities aim to ensure that heritage conservation goes hand in hand with visitor engagement and economic development.

The government and tourism bodies have been encouraging controlled film shootings at protected monuments under strict guidelines to ensure that heritage structures are not damaged. These initiatives are designed to balance creative use of historical sites with long-term preservation.

Tourism stakeholders believe that film shoots play a major role in global destination branding. When Indian monuments appear in films, documentaries, or digital media, they generate international curiosity and encourage more foreign travelers to explore these destinations in person.

Alongside cultural tourism, eco-tourism efforts are also being strengthened. Sustainable travel practices such as regulated visitor flow, improved cleanliness standards, and awareness campaigns are being implemented at major heritage sites to reduce environmental impact.

Officials note that this integrated approach—combining heritage conservation, film tourism, and eco-friendly travel—supports local employment, boosts small businesses, and enhances India’s global tourism profile.

With rising international interest and increasing creative use of historical sites, India’s heritage monuments are evolving into dynamic cultural spaces that connect history, cinema, and sustainable tourism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India is witnessing rapid and broad-based growth, driven by major improvements in infrastructure, economic performance, and global influence.

Speaking at an event, he pointed to the sharp expansion of infrastructure as a key sign of progress. India now has over 160 airports, alongside growing road networks, railway modernization, and digital connectivity—developments that are improving mobility and boosting economic activity across regions.

The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s growth is no longer limited to policy announcements but is visible on the ground. He said faster execution of projects and time-bound delivery have helped shift the country from gradual progress to accelerated development.

On the economic front, he noted that India has remained resilient despite global challenges, including geopolitical tensions in regions such as West Asia. Stable growth, rising investments, and continued focus on manufacturing and exports have supported this momentum.

He also highlighted India’s increasing global standing, stating that the country is being seen as a reliable economic partner. According to him, consistent policy decisions and reforms have strengthened confidence among international investors and institutions.

Referring to governance, the Prime Minister said several key decisions taken in recent weeks reflect the government’s intent to maintain growth despite external pressures. He added that India’s ability to move forward even during global uncertainty demonstrates its economic strength.

Earlier in the day, while addressing the Lok Sabha, he also assured that India is prepared to handle global disruptions, including energy challenges, through strategic planning.

Overall, the Prime Minister presented India’s growth as a combination of faster infrastructure development, economic resilience, and rising global credibility, signaling a shift toward sustained, high-speed progress.

Mumbai, Mar 24: Restaurants across India are re-evaluating kitchen operations and cost structures as LPG supply fluctuations begin to impact consistency in fuel availability, a critical input for daily operations.For an industry that remains heavily dependent on LPG, the situation is bringing sharper attention to fuel dependency, cost control, and the need for viable energy alternatives.According to Chef Payal Thakkar, founder of Munchbox Thali, the immediate impact is being felt at the execution level within kitchens.“The LPG situation has made kitchen operations far more planning intensive. Processes that were earlier seamless now require tighter coordination due to limited and inconsistent availability,” she said.While menu rationalisation has not yet been implemented, restaurants are already adjusting workflows and output to maintain consistency.“At this stage, we are maintaining our menu. However, kitchen productivity is being closely managed to ensure consistency despite constraints on fuel availability,” Thakkar noted.

 From a business standpoint, the issue extends beyond individual outlets to the broader food ecosystem. Vendors, central kitchens, and bakery partners are also navigating similar challenges, creating a cascading effect across supply chains.“The situation is not limited to restaurant kitchens. Our vendors and partners are also adapting, which makes coordination across the ecosystem far more critical,” she added.The current environment is also exposing a structural gap in the industry’s energy dependence. While alternatives such as induction based cooking and piped natural gas exist, their adoption remains uneven due to infrastructure access and scalability limitations.“We have started integrating induction cooking in certain sections as an immediate step, and we are in the process of securing a PNG connection for a more stable long term solution,” Thakkar said.

However, industry players note that such transitions are not frictionless. Induction based systems may not fully replace LPG for high volume or certain cooking formats, while PNG access remains inconsistent across locations, especially for standalone and smaller operators.At the same time, fluctuations in LPG availability are also translating into higher procurement costs, adding pressure to already tight operating margins, a key concern for an industry where profitability is closely linked to input cost stability.“The availability is not only inconsistent but also comes at a higher cost, which makes efficient resource management even more important,” Thakkar observed.The situation is prompting restaurant businesses to think beyond short term adjustments and relook at long term operating models. Energy diversification, tighter process control, and infrastructure led solutions are moving from optional to essential for long term viability.

In that sense, the current phase is accelerating a shift the industry has long delayed, moving from single fuel dependence towards more resilient and diversified kitchen energy models.

Odisha’s debt burden is steadily increasing, with the state’s total outstanding liabilities reaching ₹1,25,951 crore by the end of February 2026. The rising debt translates to an average burden of about ₹26,783 per person.

The situation is expected to intensify in the coming financial year, as the state government plans to raise an additional ₹47,800 crore in 2026–27. This could take the total debt stock to nearly ₹1,73,751 crore.

At the same time, the government has outlined repayment commitments. Around ₹22,000 crore will go toward clearing existing loans, while ₹8,200 crore is expected to be spent on interest payments. After accounting for repayments, the net debt is projected to stand at approximately ₹1,51,751 crore.

The data, presented in the State Assembly by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, highlights the growing reliance on borrowings to support the state’s financial requirements.

In recent years, Odisha has sourced funds from a mix of channels, including central government loans, open market borrowings, and institutions such as NABARD. A similar strategy is planned for 2026–27, with a major share expected from market borrowings, supplemented by institutional and government funding.

The continued rise in debt indicates mounting fiscal pressure, which may further increase the per capita burden in the future, even as the state attempts to balance borrowing with repayments.

Bhubaneswar: With temperatures expected to rise sharply in April, increasing the risk of heatstroke, the state Labor and Employees’ State Insurance Department has issued new safety guidelines to protect workers from extreme heat conditions.

According to the directive, outdoor labor activities should be suspended daily between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM from April 1 to June 15. Instructions have been sent to all Revenue Commissioners, District Collectors, and the State Labor Commissioner to ensure strict implementation.

The advisory applies to all government departments, central government offices operating within the state, private employers, industrial units, commercial establishments, shops, and contractors. Employers have been urged to reschedule working hours to avoid exposing workers to peak daytime heat.

In cases where work is unavoidable—particularly for essential services—employers must take adequate precautionary measures to safeguard workers. These include:

• Providing sufficient drinking water
• Arranging shaded rest areas
• Ensuring access to medical facilities
• Supplying ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) packets to workers

Additionally, healthcare institutions such as district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, primary health centers, and community health centers have been directed to remain prepared to handle heat-related illnesses.

The move aims to minimize the risk of heatstroke and ensure worker safety during the intense summer months.

Mumbai, Mar 24:  Isotope – Regional Alliance JSC and the Research Institute of Nuclear Reactors, State Scientific Center (both part of Rosatom’s scientific division) participated in the 9th International Conference on Isotope and Radiation Applications in Industry (NICSTAR-2026), which was held in Mumbai, India. Organized by the National Association for the Application of Radioisotopes and Radiation (NAARRI), India, the event brought together more than 50 organizations – manufacturers and suppliers of radioisotope products and equipment from around the world.

The conference focused on the use of radiation technologies to address global challenges: hunger reduction, improving healthcare, environmental protection, and increasing the efficiency of industrial processes. The business program was focused on the possibilities of using radioisotopes and radiation technologies for industrial, medical, and agricultural products, new developments in gamma irradiators, nuclear technologies for the space industry, radiological safety in the application of radiation technologies, and more.

“Participation in NICSTAR-2026 confirmed Rosatom’s high level of expertise in isotope technology on the international stage. We were able to not only reaffirm long-term agreements with our customers but also reach new ones that will allow us to increase our isotope product supplies globally,” noted Rustam Rakhmatulin, Advisor to Rosatom CEO for Strategic Development of Isotope – Regional Alliance JSC.

Conference participants at the Rosatom stand were also able to learn about the State Corporation’s experience in isotope production: today, Rosatom is one of the world’s top five suppliers and produces the widest range of radionuclides.

Moscow, 23rd March 2026, A search and rescue air ambulance helicopter evacuated a seriously ill sailor from the Arktika-2 motor vessel aboard the universal nuclear icebreaker Ural in the Kara Sea. On March 16, near Mys Zhelaniya, the vessel received a signal that there was a seriously ill sailor on board. Together with the Dikson Marine Rescue Coordination Center, a decision was made to transport the patient aboard the nuclear-powered vessel to the nearest helicopter landing point. The sailor is currently receiving qualified medical care in the hospital

“ The patient was placed in the medical unit on board the universal nuclear icebreaker Ural. The ship’s doctor and paramedic provided the necessary assistance to the sailor before evacuation. Captain Viktor Suryadov’s crew quickly transported the patient to the helicopter’s landing point. The nuclear-powered icebreaker covered the 215-mile journey in 15 hours at an average speed of 13.9 knots. Because all universal nuclear icebreakers of Project 22220 are equipped with a certified landing pad, the helicopter was able to quickly evacuate the patient,” said, Yakov Antonov, General Director of FSUE AtomFlot.