Jail Road ROB expected to become functional by mid March: Jorhat DC Jay Shivani

HT Correspondent JORHAT, Feb 21: Jorhat deputy commissioner Jay Shivani on Friday said that the Railway over bridge (ROB) in front of the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) is expected to be open for vehicles by March 15. During an interaction with newspersons at the conference hall of the Jorhat district commissioners office complex []

Assam Career : Air Force School Jorhat Recruitment 2025

Applications are invited for recruitment of various teaching positions or career in Air Force School Jorhat Assam. Air Force School Jorhat Assam is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the posts or career of Primary Teachers (PRT). Air Force School Jorhat is a co-educational school, located in the verdant location of Air Force [] The post Assam Career : Air Force School Jorhat Recruitment 2025 appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Assam launches state-wide forest soil health cards

Guwahati: The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)-Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), Jorhat, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department, launched the states first Forest Soil Health Cards (FSHC) on Tuesday. The cards, covering all 33 territorial forest divisions, were officially released by Assams PCCF & HoFF Sandeep Kumar in the presence of [] The post Assam launches state-wide forest soil health cards appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Assam Career : JB College Jorhat Recruitment 2025

Applications are invited for recruitment of various teaching positions or career in JB College Jorhat Assam. Jagannath Barooah (JB) College Jorhat Assam is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the post or career of Assistant Professor (purely contractual) in Geography. Jagannath Barooah College is a premier institution of higher education located in Jorhat, [] The post Assam Career : JB College Jorhat Recruitment 2025 appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Assam Congress plans legal action as BJP alleges Gaurav Gogoi wife's ISI links

APCC plans to take legal action against allegations linking Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi and his wife to Pakistan's ISI. Assam Police have filed an FIR against Pakistani national Ali Tauqueer Sheikh following directives from the state Cabinet led by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Traffic hit in Jorhat after ground collapse at flyover work site

Gaurav Gogoi raised questions in Lok Sabha on defence after marrying British citizen, says Himanta

Gaurav Gogoi claimed that the BJP had carried out a similar smear campaign against him and his family ahead of last year's Lok Sabha polls and the people, in reply, elected him from the Jorhat parliamentary constituency

MP raised questions in LS on defence after marrying British lady: Himanta in veiled attack on Gogoi

NEW DELHI: In an apparent attack on Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday alleged that the MP raised questions in Parliament on sensitive defence matters after his marriage to a British citizen, a charge termed by the opposition leader as a false accusation. Sarma's comment comes a day after the BJP had accused Gogoi's wife of having links with Pakistan and the ISI. The deputy opposition leader in the Lok Sabha rejected the allegation as laughable and entertaining. In 2015, the Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Mr Abdul Basit, invited a first-term Member of Parliament (MP) and his startup, Policy for Youth, to discuss India-Pakistan relations at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, Sarma claimed in a post on X without naming Gogoi. The chief minister also said, Notably, this MP was not a member of the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs at the time, raising questions about the intent behind his engagement. Sarma claimed that the visit occurred despite India's official protest against the Pakistani High Commission's interference in internal matters, particularly its involvement with the Hurriyat Conference. He also accused the MP of ignoring these concerns and taking 50 to 60 young Indians to meet Pakistani officials. A closer examination of his parliamentary questions revealed a growing focus on sensitive defence matters, including inquiries about Coast Guard radar installations, India's arms factories, aeronautical defence, transit routes for trade with Iran, Kashmiri students, and alleged attacks on churchesmarking a noticeable shift in his areas of interest. Interestingly, these developments occurred immediately after his marriage to a British citizen with a professional background that raises further questions, Sarma alleged. The chief minister also claimed that before their marriage, she had worked for an American senator known for close ties with the Pakistani establishment. ...and later (she) spent time in Pakistan, employed by an organisation widely believed to be a front for the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The timing of these events adds another layer of intrigue to the MP's evolving political stance and actions, Sarma alleged. Rejecting these allegations, Gogoi told PTI Video, The BJP has no issues to raise and is dependent on false accusations. The people of India are very active politically and are aware of the lies and confusion that the BJP is spreading. He also said, Let them spread lies and we will continue to do our work. Assembly elections are due in Assam next year and we will raise issues of the state like unemployment and inflation while in Manipur, peace is yet to be restored. In a democracy the people are God and I have full faith in them. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia had on Wednesday alleged that some serious concerning facts related to national security had come to light. Links of Elizabeth Colburn, the wife of deputy leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, with Pakistan Planning Commission Advisor Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and the ISI, have come to light, he claimed. This is extremely concerning as it relates to national security, he said and demanded the Congress leadership and Gogoi issue a clarification. The question becomes even more serious as Gogoi's wife is a foreign citizen and the organisation for which she works is funded by George Soros, Bhatia alleged. Gogoi hit back saying that the BJP resorted to such aseless allegations as it has no issue to raise. The accusations are laughable and entertaining. If my wife is an ISI agent, then I am a RAW agent, he quipped. He claimed that the BJP had carried out a similar smear campaign against him and his family ahead of last year's Lok Sabha polls and the people, in reply, elected him from the Jorhat parliamentary constituency. Gogoi alleged that various land scams by the chief minister's family had been reported to BJP leaders in Delhi. Fearing that he might lose his chair, he is trying to divert attention by launching a smear campaign against me and my family, he said. The assembly election is still a year away but it seems that the BJP is on shaky ground with people losing faith in the party due to which it has launched this attack on me...The people of Assam know the truth and they will give a befitting reply when the time comes, Gogoi added.

Restrictions in view of exams in Jorhat

HT Correspondent JORHAT, Feb 12: The Jorhat district commissioner Jay Shivani in the capacity of district magistrate has imposed several restrictions in view ofHSLC examination and HSSLC, 2025 which would commence from February 15. By an order passed on Tuesday underSection 163 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), the district magistrate has prohibited entry []

BJP claims Gaurav Gogoi's wife has links with ISI, he laughs off allegations

GUWAHATI: The BJP on Wednesday accused Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi's wife of having links with Pakistan and the ISI, a charge rejected by the deputy opposition leader in the Lok Sabha as laughable and entertaining. The BJP resorted to such aseless allegations as it has no issue to raise, Gogoi hit back. He alleged that the BJP had carried out a similar smear campaign against him and his family ahead of last year's Lok Sabha polls and the people, in reply, elected him from Jorhat parliamentary constituency. Gogoi's reaction came after BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged, Some serious concerning facts related to national security have come to light. Links of Elizabeth Colburn, the wife of deputy leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, with Pakistan Planning Commission Advisor Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and the ISI, have come to light. VIDEO | BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia ( @gauravbhatiabjp ) says, Some concerning facts related to national security have come to light. Elizabeth Colburn, the wife of Deputy Leader of Opposition Gaurav Gogoi... her links with Pakistan Planning Commission Advisor Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and pic.twitter.com/eYRyjObwwC Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 12, 2025 This is extremely concerning as it relates to national security, he said and demanded the Congress leadership and Gogoi issue a clarification. The question becomes even more serious as Gogoi's wife is a foreign citizen and the organisation for which she works is funded by George Soros, Bhatia alleged. It is expected that Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge ji and Gaurav Gogoi will render a clarification about their relations with Pakistan and the ISI, he told PTI. The BJP leader also wondered if Gogoi should continue as the deputy leader of opposition after this due to his access to sensitive information relating to security issues while holding such a post. Bhatia also targeted Gandhi, the opposition leader in the Sabha, and asked if Gogoi and his wife were carrying forward his plan to weaken India. A few days ago, when Rahul Gandhi said that his fight was against the Indian state, the question is whether Gaurav Gogoi and Elizabeth are working with Pakistan and the ISI to carry forward Rahul Gandhi's plan to weaken India, he said. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a post on X, Serious questions need to be answered regarding allegations of ISI links, leading young individuals to the Pakistan embassy for brainwashing and radicalisation, and the refusal to take Indian citizenship for the past 12 years. Serious questions need to be answered regarding allegations of ISI links, leading young individuals to the Pakistan Embassy for brainwashing and radicalization, and the refusal to take Indian citizenship for the past 12 years. Additionally, participation in a conversion cartel Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 12, 2025 Additionally, participation in a conversion cartel and receiving funds from external sources, including George Soros, to destabilise national security are grave concerns that cannot be ignored, he added. At some point, accountability will be necessary. Simply deflecting responsibility or attempting to shift the focus onto others will not serve as an easy escape route. The nation deserves transparency and truth, Sarma added. In another post in the microblogging site, the Chief Minister said, 'sooner or later, it will be known how foreign powers, led by George Soros' ecosystem, influenced a major decision of Assam Congress in 2014. Hopefully, the truth will emerge in due course'. Hitting back, Gogoi termed Bhatia's charge as laughable and entertaining, and said the BJP was resorting to levelling such baseless allegations against him and his family because it had no issues to raise. The BJP has no issue and resorts to these baseless allegations. It conducted the same smear campaign against me and my family before the Lok Sabha polls last year and the people of Jorhat parliamentary constituency replied (to it) by electing me, the Congress leader said. Referring to Sarma's post, Gogoi alleged that various land scams by the chief minister's family had been reported to BJP leaders in Delhi. Fearing that he might lose his chair, he is trying to divert attention by launching a smear campaign against me and my family, the Congress leader said. The assembly election is still a year away but it seems that the BJP is on a shaky ground with people losing faith in the party due to which it has launched this attack on me, Gogoi added. The people of Assam knows the 'truth and they will be give a befitting reply when the time comes', he added.

Protest staged against transfer of district admin employee

HT Correspondent NAGAON, Feb 10: The Nagaon district unit of the All Assam District Administration Employees Association staged a protest boycotting their respective duties here on Monday. The protest was called against the transfer of Gautam Bhuyan, a senior administrative assistant from Majuli district. The association alleged that Bhuyans transfer to Jorhat district was made []

Srimanta Sankardev Sanghas 94th annual conference concludes in Jorhat

HT Correspondent JORHAT, Feb 9: The 94th annual conference of Srimanta Sankardev Sangha, held at Eraltoli Pathar in Jorhat, concluded with the ceremonial lowering of the Dharma dhwaja (religious flag). Devotees and visitors thronged the 1,200-bigha area, named Sonaram Chutia Samannay Kshetra, on the final day of the four-day socio-religious and cultural event. The Dharma []

Christian evangelist on tourist visa deported for religious conversion in Assam

A Canadian citizen named Brandon Joel Devealt faced deportation from India on February 6 after overstaying his visa while conducting evangelical activities without proper authorization. Devealth was residing in Assam on a tourist visa, which had reportedly expired on January 17. Jorhat police department detained him on February 5. The immigration authorities conducted an extensive Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Second Day of Srimanta Sankardev Sanghas 94th conference draws large crowd

HT Correspondent JORHAT, Feb 7: The number of devotees and visitors attending the four-day 94th conference of the Srimanta Sankardev Sangha, being held at Eraltoli Pathar, Mohbandha on the western outskirts of the city, increased manifold on the second day on Friday. Volunteers from the Seva Bahini (volunteers) of the Sangha, dressed in traditional attire []

Canadian National Deported Over Expired Visa, Religious Conversion Bid In Assam

Canadian national Brandon Joel Dewalt, who came to India on a tourist visa - which expired last month - and found involved in activities related to religious propagation in Assam's Jorhat, has been deported, the Assam Police said.

Human chain protest over stalled Majuli-Jorhat bridge construction

Assistant engineer arrested in Jorhat for demanding bribe

HT Correspondent JORHAT, Feb 6: A team of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption wing of Assam Police on Wednesday arrested Siba Prasad Saikia, an assistant engineer at the Central Jorhat Development Block at Sipahikhula, near Teok here when he reportedly accepted a bribe from a complainant for clearing MGNREGA bills. According to an official source, Saikia had []

Open-air drama festival held at Naga Hills

HT Correspondent JORHAT,Feb 6: An open-air drama festival was held at the foot of the Naga Hills at Mariani in Titabar co-district district of Jorhat district recently to foster harmony and camaraderie between people of two states Assam and Nagaland. The festival titled 3rd Foothills National Drama Festival 2025 was organised from January 27 []

Work for conference of Srimanta Sankardev Sangha at full swing

HT Correspondent JORHAT,Feb 3: Work is in full swing to host the 94th conference of Srimanta Sankardev Sangha to be held at Eraltoli Pathar, Mohbandha here from February 6 to 9. On Monday afternoon, the minister for agriculture and several other departments Atul Bora visited the venue to take stock of the preparations for the []

Asaam-Nagaland Student Exchange programme held

DIMAPUR, Feb 2: The three-day Assam-Nagaland Student Exchange Programme held under the themeDiscovering Neighbours, was successfully concluded recently at Government High School, Tzrangkong in Nagaland. Organized by the Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland) in collaboration with the Friendship Forum (Tembayim Committee, TATT, Tzrangkong) and the district administrations of Jorhat (Assam) and Mokokchung (Nagaland), the program []

Assam CM Himanta Sarma Vows To Protect Nude Jain Monks' Procession Amid Protest

Himanta Biswa Sarma's comments came on the backdrop of protests by a group of people in Jorhat town following the religious procession by the Jain community on Wednesday.

Kamarbandha tea estate workers protest continues

HT CorrespondentJORHAT,Jan 29: Protests by workers of Kamarbandha tea estate in Titabar co-district of Jorhat district continued for the second day on Wednesday with workers sticking to their demands for removal of the Manager B Pathak. The workers through the garden unit of Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha submittedmemorandum to the minister of labour welfare, tea []

Launched In J&K, Aroma Mission Picking Up In Northeast: Dr Jitendra

JORHAT, Jan 27 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that both the Northeast region as well as Jammu & Kashmir have been on the priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Aroma Mission launched by the government headed by him in J&K is now picking up in the Northeast. Both [] The post Launched In J&K, Aroma Mission Picking Up In Northeast: Dr Jitendra appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Drama fest to foster close ties between Assam, Nagaland

HT CorrespondentJORHAT, Jan 24: in a move to foster close ties, people of neighbouring states, a three-day open air drama festival from January 27 to 29 will be held at a ground on the foothills along the Assam-Nagaland border, off Mariani, in Titabar co-district of Jorhat district. The festival titled 3rd Foothills National Drama Festival []

Guwahati Diary| Assam 4th in NY Times must-visit places

Assam 4th in NY Times must visit places The state has been ranked 4th on The New York Times list of 52 Places to Visit in 2025. The New York Times report cited Assams attractions Charaideo Moidams, Kaziranga National Park, Rang Ghar, tea gardens etc. The one-horned rhino fame Kaziranga National Park and Charaideo Moidams have already made it to UNESCO World Heritage list. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X, Visiting #AwesomeAssam wont just bring you closer to nature, it will bring you closer to your inner self. Still undecided on your visit to Assam? Check @nytimes list of 52 Places to Go and pack your bags ASAP!. Kaziranga marks Poris bday with celebration The first birthday of Pori, the youngest member of Kazirangas family of elephants, was celebrated in a grand manner recently. The day began with a general health checkup of the elephants by a team of vets, followed by a special treat of seasonal fruits banana, sugarcane, oranges and apples. Kaziranga has 65 departmental elephants and 39 private elephants. The private elephants are engaged in tourism at the national park. Pori was a bit shy and largely stood close to her watchful mother Bhadoi. Her playmate Gadapani, a 2-year-old male elephant calf, was all playful and curious about the fruit treats. The visitors enjoyed the celebration, an official statement said. Public help sought to mitigate pothole menace The Assam government wants to deal with the problem of potholes with cooperation from public. CM Sarma said the problem could be mitigated through an app with public support. He wants officials to develop an app so people can draw the governments attention to potholes for quick solution. If you come across a pothole, you can take a photo and upload it on the app. The public works department will attend to it, Sarma said. He said he asked his officers to develop the app, adding initially, it will be for Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Silchar. Prasanta mazumdar Our correspondent in Guwahati prasantamazumdar@newindianexpress.com

Book gives first-hand account of 1977 plane crash with former PM Morarji Desai on board

NEW DELHI, Jan 12 : Nearly five decades after former prime minister Morarji Desai narrowly escaped an air crash in Tekelagaon village in the upper Assams Jorhat district, a new book offers readers a vivid account of what transpired in the ill-fated flight of November 1977. The Odyssey of an Indian Journalist, written by the late veteran journalist NVR Swami, who was the PTI special correspondent accompanying Desai on his northeast tour, unveils the harrowing details of the tragedy he [] The post Book gives first-hand account of 1977 plane crash with former PM Morarji Desai on board appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Centre approves drilling to find oil in Assams eco-sensitive sanctuary

New Delhi: The Centres wildlife panel has approved a proposal to carry out oil and gas exploration in the eco-sensitive zone of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assams Jorhat district. The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, approved the proposal by Vedanta Groups Cairn Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Centre approves Vedanta's oil and gas drilling proposal in Assam's eco-sensitive Gibbon sanctuary

NEW DELHI: The Centre's wildlife panel has approved a proposal to carry out oil and gas exploration in the eco-sensitive zone of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Jorhat district. The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, approved the proposal by Vedanta Group's Cairn Oil & Gas during its meeting on December 21, according to the minutes of the meeting. Assam's principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden had recommended clearance for the project in August last year, citing ational interest. The Forest Advisory Committee of the Union Environment Ministry had also granted in-principle approval during its meeting on August 27 last year. According to the minutes of the NBWL meeting, a team comprising officials from the Union Environment Ministry, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and the Assam Forest Department inspected the project site, located about 13 km from the sanctuary, on November 15. The inspection committee found that exploratory drilling would cause minimal damage, but said commercial drilling would not be allowed. Vedanta Group has given a written assurance that no commercial drilling will be conducted at the site. A senior official in the ministry pointed out that exploratory drilling is a key step in hydrocarbon extraction, which could lead to commercial drilling. Another official said the inspection committee's report recommended no oil or gas extraction from within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ), even if reserves are discovered. The officials said Vedanta Group has committed that exploration at the site will only be for identifying hydrocarbon reserves. Any extraction, if reserves are discovered, will be carried out from outside the ESZ. The company also assured that no hazardous substances would be used during the exploration process, the officials said. They said that the project site lies in a disputed area on the Assam-Nagaland border. The inspection team had to cross a Nagaland check post and was received by the Border Magistrate of Nagaland and local Naga residents. Local communities informed the team that no drilling operations would be allowed without permission from the Village Council and the Nagaland government, the officials said. The Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary spans 20.98 sq km, while its ESZ covers 264.92 sq km. The large ESZ ensures connectivity between the sanctuary, the Dissoi Valley Reserve Forest, and forested areas in Nagaland. This connectivity is crucial for the seven species of primates found in the area. The officials highlighted that the sanctuary is already under stress due to human activities. A railway line passing through the sanctuary is also set to be electrified, a proposal recommended by the Standing Committee.

Border raid: Nagaland villagers detain Assam cops over 'confusion'

GUWAHATI: The members of the Assam police were allegedly detained for several hours by the locals of Yajang village in the Mokokchung district. The team had inadvertently crossed the inter-state border during an operation carried out on Tuesday night. The cops were on duty to catch a car lifter. Jorhat Superintendent of Police Shwetank Mishra termed the incident as a 'confusion'. There was a confusion. When their (police) identities were established, the villagers were pacified, the SP said. He also added that a cop was injured during the commotion. His Mokokchung counterpart Vesupra Kezo told TNIE that the villagers were scared on seeing the armed and unknown people in civils at an odd hour. It caused a lot of alarm and commotion, he also said. When the Assam police personnel entered Nagaland, they were supposed to inform us and the border magistrate beforehand. However, no information was provided to us. The Yajang village authorities had contacted us to seek information about the persons. We said that we were not aware as Nagaland police were not informed at all, Kezo said. They were called to the residence of the village council chairman and questioned. They were released when it was established that they are Assam police personnel, the SP added. He said he had learnt about the identities of the persons only after talking to the Jorhat SP. I immediately intervened. A police force deployed nearby was sent to the village to contain the situation. The villagers suspected the Assam cops to be members of an extremist group and were scared. Everything was sorted out last night itself, Kezo said. He added that a few Assam police personnel were released on Tuesday night and the others were released on Wednesday morning. Parts of the Jorhat-Mokokchung interstate district border are disputed and hence, considered sensitive. Several incidents of border skirmishes were reported in the past.

Constitution stood test of time: PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the Constitution of India, describing it as a guiding light that has stood the test of time in every sense of the term. He made these remarks during his monthly radio broadcast programme, Maan Ki Baat, which focused on the Constitution as the nation prepares to celebrate its 75th year on January 26, recognised as Republic Day. On the Janaury 26, 2025, our Constitution is completing 75 years. It is a matter of great honour for all of us. The Constitution, handed over to us by our Constitution-makers, has stood the test of time in every sense of the term, The Prime Minister remarked. Terming the Constitution the guiding light to the country, he said, The Constitution is our guiding light, our guide. It is on account of the Constitution that I am here today, being able to talk to you. Modi informed the audience about a special website named constitution75.com created to connect the people with the legacy of Constitution on its 75 years of existence. He also encouraged the people that the website created on the Constitution of India will help them to read the Preamble of Constitution in myriad languages. The Prime Minister also dwelt upon the grandeur of Maha Kumbh, which is getting underway from January 13 for next 45 days in Prayagraj. Urging people to annihilate the feeling of division and hatred in society, he said, The specialty of Maha Kumbh is not only in its vastness. It also lies in its diversity. Crores of people congregate for this event. He said the Maha Kumbh should send out a message that the entire country must be united. For the first time an AI chatbot will assist attendees, providing navigation to ghats, temples, and akharas in 11 Indian languages. He said that the entire areas of Kumbh have been covered with AI-powered cameras. It will help locate their missing kin. Citing a WHO report, Modi highlighted the 80% reduction in malaria cases and deaths in India from 2015 to 2023. He praised efforts in Assams Jorhat, where community-driven initiatives have significantly curbed malaria. Referring to a Lancet study, the PM said the Aayushman Bharat Yojana has enabled 90% of cancer patients to receive timely treatment. Because of this scheme, poor patients who earlier avoided testing and treatment due to costs are now receiving support, he said. The PM also highlighted progress of Indias creative industries like films and others. Speaking about WAVES, he said, India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a significant step in making the country a global hub for content creation, he said, adding Indias the creator economy is bringing new energy to achieve $5 trillion economy. The PM also spoke about the Bastar Olympics, held for showcasing Indias traditions and culture. Maha Kumbh of unity Reflecting on how the Kumbh reflects unity in diversity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there is no place for any form of discrimination during the festival. No one is big or small. Such a scene of unity in diversity will not be seen anywhere else in the world. Therefore, the Kumbh is also the Mahakumbh of unity, Modi commented. The Prime Minister also dwelt upon the grandeur of the festival, which is getting underway from January 13 for next 45 days at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

Maha Kumbh's message is unity, banishment of hate from society: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the upcoming 'Maha Kumbh' as the Maha Kumbh of unity as he asked people to return from the grand religious congregation with a resolve to banish hate and division from the society. Speaking in his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, Modi said, Maha Kumbh ka sandesh ek ho pura desh (Message from the Maha Kumbh should be that the entire country must be united). He added, Ganga ki aviral dhara, na bante samaj hamara (Like the uninterrupted flow of Ganga, let our society remain one). Noting the diversity of people visiting the mammoth congregation, which will be held in Prayagraj from January 13, he said there is no other example of such a sight of unity in diversity. Maha Kumbh's speciality lies not just in its vastness but also in its diversity, he said. The mega-religious event is held every 12 years. Tens of millions of people congregate at the event, he said adding that saints, thousands of traditions, hundreds of sects and many akharas become its part. There is no discrimination anywhere. No one is big or small. Such a scene of unity in diversity will not be seen anywhere else in the world, he said. It is also the Maha Kumbh of unity. This time's Maha Kumbh will strengthen the mantra of Maha Kumbh of unity. When we participate in the Kumbh, let us bring along this resolve of unity with us. Let us also make a resolve to annihilate the feeling of division and hatred in the society, he added. The prime minister said an AI chatbot will be deployed at the event for the first time, and the facility of digital navigation will help people reach different ghats, temples, and akharas of sadhus. Information related to the Maha Kumbh will be available in 11 Indian languages through the AI chatbot, he said. Modi cited a WHO report to highlight an 80 per cent reduction in the number of malaria cases and deaths in the country between 2015 and 2023. This is no mean achievement. In the tea gardens of Jorhat in Assam, malaria used to be a major cause of concern until four years ago but people's participation in a movement against the mosquito-borne disease has curbed it, he added. Citing another success on the health front, the prime minister referred to a study in the medical journal Lancet that said the chances of starting cancer treatment on time in India have increased. He said the 'Ayushman Bharat Yojana' has played a big role in getting cancer patients timely treatment. Because of this scheme, 90 per cent of cancer patients have been able to start their treatment on time. Due to lack of money, poor patients would earlier shy away from getting tested for cancer and its treatment. Now, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana has become a big support for them, he said. There is only one mantra to fight cancer - Awareness, Action and Assurance. Awareness means awareness of cancer and its symptoms, Action means timely diagnosis and treatment, Assurance means the belief that every help is available for patients, he added. Turning to India's animation films, TV serials and movies, he said their popularity underscores the potential of the country's creative industry. Noting that the year 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of many great film personalities, including Raj Kapoor and Mohammad Rafi, he said a great opportunity is on the way to showcase India's creative talent to the world. Next year, for the first time, the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit i.e. WAVES summit is going to be organised in our country, he added. This summit is an important step towards making India a hub of global content creation, he said the creators' economy is bringing in new energy in the country's target of emerging as a USD 5 trillion economy. During the broadcast, Modi highlighted the increasing appeal of Indian traditions and culture, noting that a Tamil teaching programme in Fiji is drawing a lot of interest. He said a unique Olympics has started in Bastar, long associated with violent Maoist activities. A new revolution is coming to Bastar through the first Bastar Olympics. This is taking place in the region which was once a witness to Maoist violence. The mascot of the Bastar Olympics are - 'Wild Water Buffalo' and 'Hill Myna.' It reflects the rich culture of Bastar, he said. In the very first instance, 1.65 lakh players from seven districts have participated in the Bastar Olympics in athletics, archery, badminton, football, hockey, kho-kho and volleyball among other sports. Modi asked people to encourage such sporting events in their regions, saying sports not only lead to physical development but are also a powerful medium to connect society with the sportsman spirit. He also spoke of the vegetable revolution in Odisha's Kalahandi, one known for its grim tales of poverty and people's migration, and lauded farmers.

Assam: 431 arrested in phase three of drive against child marriage

GUWAHATI: The Assam police arrested 431 people for their alleged involvement in cases of child marriage. The arrests were made during a statewide crackdown on the night of December 21-22. Altogether 345 cases were also registered. The highest number of people, 68, were arrested from lower Assams Dhubri district. Nobody was arrested from Dima Hasao, Tamulpur, Biswanath, Jorhat districts, Hamren (West Karbi Anglong) and Guwahati. Assam continues its fight against child marriageWe will continue to take bold steps to end this social evil, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X. The drive against child marriage was launched in February 2023 when 3,425 people were arrested and 4,387 cases registered. In the second phase in October of that year, 913 people were arrested and 682 cases were registered. #Assam continues its fight against child marriage. In Phase 3 operations launched on the night of Dec 21-22, 416 arrests were made and 335 cases registered. The arrested individuals will be produced in court today. We will continue to take bold steps to end this social evil! Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 22, 2024 A report, released by the India Child Protection on the World Day for International Justice in July, stated there had been a whopping 81% reduction in child marriage cases across 20 districts of Assam between 2021-22 and 2023-24. Sarma had then said, This exceptional report is a shining testament to our sustained efforts in empowering Nari Shakti. We will not rest till we eliminate this social evil. He stated the cases dropped significantly in 2024 in the villages surveyed. He said child marriage had been completely eradicated from 30 per cent of the surveyed villages while a staggering 98 per cent of the villages surveyed backed the crackdown. Out of the 20 districts surveyed, Nagaon and Jorhat have achieved a 100 per cent reduction in child marriage, while seven other districts have achieved over 80 per cent reduction. In minority-concentrated districts, there has been a stark decrease in instances of child marriage, Sarma had stated. He attributed the turnaround to strong community support for taking stringent action against perpetrators and sustained arrests followed by rigorous prosecution.

Village answers trunk calls, saves jumbos

In a heartwarming display of unity, villagers in Assam's Jorhat district rescued four wild elephants, including a struggling calf, trapped in a pond. Hearing the elephants' distressed cries, the villagers quickly mobilized, using tools to carve a makeshift escape route.

Jorhat-Jhanji National Highway Section To Be Completed By February 2025, Says Nitin Gadkari

Gogoi has been pressing for completion of the construction work of the national highway, which passes through his Lok Sabha constituency Jorhat, for a long time.

Malhotra inspires students at DPS Jorhat

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 6: Former Indian footballer and AIFF Technical Member Arun Malhotra was invited to DPS Jorhat to shed light on the vital role sports play in shaping young minds. The event, attended by Chairman V.K. Shunglu, Principal Monalisa B. Singh, HOD Dharampal, and school staff, focused on how sports foster discipline, resilience, and teamwork among students. Malhotra shared his personal experiences and success stories, encouraging students to explore their potential beyond academics. He emphasized the importance of [] The post Malhotra inspires students at DPS Jorhat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Tripura: Hotels and eateries shut doors on Bangla nationals

GUWAHATI: Hotels and restaurants in Tripura have shut their doors on Bangladeshi nationals in protest against the atrocities against Hindus in the neighbouring country. The All Tripura Hotels and Restaurants Owners Association said that it temporarily decided against providing any services to Bangladeshi nationals. Ours is a secular country and we respect all religions. But in the recent times in Bangladesh, some extremist elements dishonoured the Indian national flag and tortured minorities. These incidents happened also in the past but they were not like what is happening now, the association said in a statement. The prevailing situation in Bangladesh is concerning. We treat Bangladeshi citizens, who visit our state for various reasons, as guests. But the behaviour of some Bangladeshi nationals towards minorities in the neighbouring country is despicable, the statement said. Earlier, ILS Hospital, a multi-speciality private hospital in Agartala, had announced that it would not treat Bangladeshi patients in protest against atrocities against Hindus in the neighbouring country. We respect and support the sentiments of protesters. Taking into consideration the incidents in Bangladesh, we have decided to suspend our services for Bangladeshi patients, ILS Hospital had stated. Anti-Bangla sentiment in Assam Sentiment against Bangladesh is also brewing in Assam, with the Congress staging protest outside the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Guwahati. Protests have also been staged in Nalbari, Chirang, Hojai and Jorhat districts.

Tripura hotels, restaurants refuse to serve Bangladeshi guests

GUWAHATI: Hotels and restaurants in Tripura have barred entry of Bangladeshi nationals in protest against the atrocities against Hindus in the neighbouring country. The All Tripura Hotels and Restaurants Owners Association said it temporarily decided against providing any services to Bangladeshi nationals in Tripura, during a meeting on Monday. Ours is a secular country and we respect all religions. But in the recent times in Bangladesh, some extremist elements dishonoured the Indian national flag and tortured minorities. These incidents happened also in the past but they were not like what is happening now, the association said in a statement. The prevailing situation (in Bangladesh) is concerning. We treat Bangladeshi citizens, who visit our state for various reasons, as guests. But the behaviour of some Bangladeshi nationals towards minorities in Bangladesh is despicable, the statement added. Earlier, ILS Hospital, a multi-speciality private hospital in Agartala, had announced that it would not treat Bangladeshi patients. The decision followed protests against the atrocities against Hindus in the neighbouring country. We respect and support the sentiments of protesters. Taking into consideration the incidents in Bangladesh, we have decided to suspend our services for Bangladeshi patients, ILS Hospitals Chief Operating Officer had stated. Last week, a Kolkata hospital announced that it would discontinue medical treatment for Bangladeshi patients. An anti-Bangladesh sentiment is also brewing in Assam.The Congress on Tuesday staged a protest outside the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Guwahati against the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Protests were also staged by the members of Lok Jagran Manch in the states Nalbari, Chirang and Jorhat districts. Last Sunday, several thousand members of Sanatani Aikya Manch took out a Bangladesh Chalo march in Assams Sribhumi district. However, the protestors were stopped by the police before they could reach the India-Bangladesh border.

Environmentalist M Karunakar Reddy selected for first Jadav Payeng International Award

GUWAHATI: Environmentalist M Karunakar Reddy has been selected for the first ever Jadav Payeng International Award. The award, instituted by Assams Jyoti-Protap Education Trust in Jorhat district, carries an amount of Rs 2 lakh besides a citation. It will be conferred on Reddy, who is from Hyderabad, in January next year. Announcing Reddys name for the award in Guwahati on Thursday, the five-member selection committee said he was chosen for his outstanding environmental stewardship and climate action. Mr Karunakar Reddy has pioneered water conservation and management, land restoration and forestation, disaster relief, food security, climate change awareness and action, the Jyoti-Protap Education Trust said in a statement. Environmental activist Rituraj Phukan, a member of the selection committee, said Reddy, who is known as the Water Man and Green Man of South India, has been working for water conservation and management for over 15 years now. He is also known as the Crisis Man of India for his contributions to disaster relief and management in some of the disaster-prone areas affected by climate change. Thats why, the committee has decided to confer the award on him, Phukan said. He was confident that the award would create an impact, for through it, the immense contributions of Payeng, a Padma Shri awardee, was being recognised. His (Payengs) is the only forest in the world which now houses the Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned rhinos and Asiatic elephants. All of them came on their own. Nobody transported them, Phukan added. Known as the Forest Man of India, Payeng has planted and tended trees on a Brahmaputra sandbar, turning it into a forest reserve, straddling 550 hectares, in Jorhat district. He said he was feeling proud that the award had been instituted in his name during his lifetime. This will motivate me to work more for the society, he said. The Jyoti-Protap Education Trust runs the Jyoti-Pratap Gyanmarg Vidyalaya. Founded by businessman and philanthropist Protap Saikia, the school provides free education. Currently, it has 182 students and classes upto 6. Saikia also built a crematorium, an old age home and an orphanage. He said by instituting the award, the Jyoti-Protap Education Trust wanted to honour Payeng during his lifetime and motivate people for environmental conservation.