Assam Cabinet approves Rules for compulsory Muslim marriage registration
Rules operationalise registration framework stipulated under 2024 law that replaced colonial-era legislation; new law sets age requirements for marriage, replaces licensed qazis with government registrars
Assam's Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah emphasized the role of human resources in driving the state's industrialization efforts. The government is aiming to create quality employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth in Assam. Major investments are being made in sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, and food processing to foster economic growth. Assam's industrial strategy includes enhancing infrastructure and facilitating investment processes to boost development.
Assam Cabinet approves compulsory registration rules for Muslim marriages
The Assam Cabinet has approved the compulsory registration of Muslim marriages and divorces to uphold individual rights. This legislation aims to prevent child marriages by enforcing minimum age requirements for marriage. Furthermore, it addresses issues like polygamy and ensures consent in marriage agreements. The government has also extended Aadhaar enrollment for women SHG members until March 2027 for certain communities.
Cholesterol control gets personalized
Washington, September 24, 2026 (Conversation) At least a quarter of Americans suffer from high levels of cholesterol or fatty acids in their bloodstream, a condition called dyslipidemia. Uncontrolled cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD: a group of diseases that result from the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, preventing blood from traveling smoothly to vital organs. This condition can lead to heart attack and stroke. As a cardiologist with expertise in sports and exercise science, I routinely take care of patients who are interested in making healthy lifestyle choices to control their cholesterol levels,
Google plans first test of AI chips in space under Project Suncatcher
Sept 24 (Reuters) Alphabets Google said on Thursday it will launch a prototype satellite next week in its first in-orbit test of Project Suncatcher, a research effort to explore whether space could potentially host large-scale AI computing infrastructure. Companies including SpaceX and Starcloud are pursuing plans to deploy data centers in low Earth orbit, aiming to harness near-continuous sunlight to power energy-intensive AI computing and sidestep terrestrial constraints on electricity supplies. The Misinformation Monitor newsletter rounds up international misinformation narratives, with a Real or Fake? quiz in every edition. Sign up here. The new mission, scheduled to fly on
Assam raises Orunodoi payout to Rs 1,500 for October as Durga Puja gift
Assam Cabinet has announced a special Durga Puja holiday on October 17, 2026, in addition to existing holidays. The government will provide Rs 1500 to Orunodoi beneficiaries this October as a festival gift. A total investment of Rs 11,000 crore by JK Lakshmi Cement Limited is approved to establish manufacturing units. Elections for Mising Autonomous Council and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council are scheduled for November 2026.
Assam Cabinet approves Rs 11,000 crore investment in JK Lakshmi Cement
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Assam Cabinet Approves Rules For Compulsory Registration Of Muslim Marriages
Guwahati, Sep 24: The Assam Cabinet has approved rules making the registration of Muslim marriages compulsory across the state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday. Speaking to reporters after chairing the Cabinet meeting, Sarma said the new framework, titled Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026, will establish a uniform procedure to ensure... The post Assam Cabinet Approves Rules For Compulsory Registration Of Muslim Marriages first appeared on Northeast Today .
Assam Records Zero Rhino Poaching Cases For Three Years: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, Sep 24: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state has achieved a remarkable milestone by recording zero rhinoceros poaching cases over the past three years. He described this as a unique achievement and credited the success to the collective efforts of all stakeholders engaged in conservation Sarma contrasted the current situation... The post Assam Records Zero Rhino Poaching Cases For Three Years: Himanta Biswa Sarma first appeared on Northeast Today .
Assam approves rules for compulsory registration of Muslim marriages
The Assam Cabinet on Thursday approved rules for compulsory registration of Muslim marriages in the state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The Cabinet also decided to provide a one-time exemption to women self-help group (SHG) members to complete their Aadhaar enrolment till March 31, 2027. Addressing a press conference after chairing the Cabinet meeting, Sarma said, The 'Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026' to establish a uniform procedural framework for mandatory registration across the state has been approved. The rules have been framed under Section 25 of the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorces Act, 2024. He said an earlier government decision had barred 'kazis' from registering Muslim marriages, but the alternative forum for registration was not mentioned. From now on, Muslim marriages will be registered by registrars. If the number of applications is more, then some panchayat-level officials could be authorised to
Assam Finance Minister highlights human resource as key for industrial growth
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Compulsory registration of Muslim marriages, says Assam CM
Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet on Thursday, September 24, approved rules for compulsory registration of Muslim marriages in the state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Addressing a press conference after chairing the Cabinet meeting, Sarma said, The Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026 to establish a uniform procedural framework for mandatory registration across the 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 .
Judge orders White House to restore access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico
NEW YORK, September 24, 2026 (AP) A federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trumps ban of three news outlets from the White House grounds, ordering early Thursday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico must have their access restored. The ruling hands the outlets at least a temporary reprieve in what has been an extraordinary showdown between Trump and media outlets whose coverage he dislikes. Trump first announced he was banning the outlets Friday, assailing what he called fake news, and only later arguing that their reporting was a risk to national security. The outlets argued in a joint lawsuit
CEC Can't Take Decisions Unilaterally, Opposition, 'Dimagi Naxals' Targeting Him: Himanta Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday asserted that the chief election commissioner can't take decisions without consulting election commissioners, alleging that the CEC was being targeted as part of a political campaign, which shows the frustration of the Opposition and 'dimagi' (intellectual) Naxals.
BJP spent more in Bengal poll than Cong did in 5 state polls
The BJP spent Rs 286.99 crore on the West Bengal elections, surpassing the Congress's total expenditure of Rs 248.55 crore across five states and a Union territory. The report details spending by major parties in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, highlighting significant financial disparities and campaign outlays.
Assam CM Announces Festive Bonanza For 40 lakh Orunodoi Beneficiaries
The CM also announced bonus for tea garden workers, holiday for govt employees
Assam's startup ecosystem sees wider participation: Survey
The startup ecosystem of Assam saw around 50% of the ventures led by women founders
Rupee plunges 23 paise to 95.96 against US dollar amid spike in crude oil
Mumbai, Sep 24 (PTI) The rupee weakened by 23 paise to settle at 95.96 (provisional) against the US dollar on Thursday, dragged by a surge in crude oil prices and a strong greenback amid geopolitical uncertainties. According to forex traders, the domestic currency was also weighed down by heavy selling in domestic equity markets as investors moved toward risk aversion, adding strength to the dollar, even as rising inflation concerns pushed US bond yields higher. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.84 and touched the intraday low of 95.98 against the American currency. The unit finally
Assam Govt Declares 20% Puja Bonus For ATCL Tea Garden Workers
Guwahati, Sep 24: The Assam government on Thursday announced a 20 percent Durga Puja bonus for workers employed in tea gardens under the state-owned Assam Tea Corporation Limited (ATCL). The decision brings the bonus in line with the amount already declared by more than 500 private garden managements across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa... The post Assam Govt Declares 20% Puja Bonus For ATCL Tea Garden Workers first appeared on Northeast Today .
Assam Police Arrest Youth Allegedly Heading to Join ULFA-I
A young man was arrested in Assam for allegedly attempting to join the banned ULFA-I group. Authorities are investigating his connections. Assam Police Arrest Youth Allegedly Heading to Join ULFA-I
Targeting CEC Shows Opposition
Guwahati, Sep 24: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday defended Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar amid the ongoing debate over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saying criticism directed at the CEC reflected the frustration of the Opposition and branding its critics as Dimagi Naxals. Speaking at a press conference,... The post Targeting CEC Shows Oppositions Frustration, Says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma first appeared on Northeast Today .
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas Explained: Who Can Apply And How To Get Admission
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya: There are 13 JNVs in Uttarakhand, 30 in Assam, 15 in Telangana, 11 in Nagaland, and four in Sikkim.
Assam Rifles Seized Cigarettes, Heroin Worth
Aizawl, Sep 24: The Assam Rifles, in two separate joint operations in Mizorams Champhai district, seized smuggled cigarettes and heroin worth a combined 1.82 crore and apprehended two individuals. In the first operation, conducted with the Legal Metrology Department at Hmunhmeltha on September 22, the Assam Rifles recovered 35 cases of illegal foreign-origin cigarettes valued... The post Assam Rifles Seized Cigarettes, Heroin Worth 1.82 Crore In Mizoram first appeared on Northeast Today .
'GMC vision enjoys support of PM Modi & Assam'; Bhutan PM pitches Gelephu Mindfulness City at UNGA
Assam tiger cub rescued from fishing net, forest teams try to reunite it with mother
BJP spent more in Bengal than Congress did across five state polls: EC filings
Bengal accounted for more than half of the BJP's 529.38-crore expenditure on the five elections, the other four being in Assam, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry; the party spent 217.16 crore on general campaigning in Bengal and 69.83 crore on candidates.
BJP spent more in Bengal than Congress did across five state polls: Election Commision filings
According to the Election Commission's expenditure statements, BJP spent 286.99 crore on the West Bengal elections alone, which is than the Congress' expenditure across four states and a Union territory that went to polls earlier this year. Bengal accounted for more than half of the BJP's Rs 529.38-crore expenditure on the five elections with the other four being in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The party also reported spending Rs 54.93 crore on general campaigning in Kerala and Rs 27.74 crore on candidates as well as spending Rs 96.27 crore in Assam, Rs 51.56 crore in Tamil Nadu and Rs 11.90 crore in Puducherry. BJP's central headquarters received Rs 1,472.8 crore during the election period.
Assam forms two-member ministerial panel to advance Dimasa language protection
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 24 (IANS) The Assam government has constituted a two-member Group of Ministers to examine recommendations concerning the protection, promotion and development of the Dimasa language, officials said on Thursday. The move is part of the implementation of commitments made under the 2023 Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between the Assam government, the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) and the Dimasa Peoples Supreme Council (DPSC). According to an official order, the Group of Ministers will examine the report submitted by a committee constituted to look into issues related to the Dimasa language, as provided under Clause 5.1 of the 2023 settlement agreement. The two-member panel comprises Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and Hill Areas Minister Krishnendu Paul. The ministers have been tasked with studying the recommendations contained in the committee report and examining various aspects related to the preservation, promotion and development of the Dimasa language. After examining the report, the Group of Ministers will submit its recommendations to the state government for further necessary action. The official order said the panel had been constituted specifically to examine the Report of the Committee constituted in connection with matters relating to Protection, Promotion and Development of the Dimasa Language, in accordance with the provisions of Clause 5.1 of the 2023 MoS. The Hill Areas Department has been directed to provide the required secretarial support to the ministerial group during its deliberations and examination of the committee's recommendations. The development comes as part of the implementation of the settlement reached in 2023 with the DNLA and DPSC, aimed at addressing various issues concerning the Dimasa community. The Dimasa language is spoken primarily by the Dimasa community in Assam's hill districts and adjoining areas. Issues concerning the preservation and development of indigenous languages have remained an important component of efforts to strengthen cultural and linguistic identity in the region. The ministerial panel is expected to examine the recommendations in detail before placing its views before the state government, which will take further decisions on the matter.
Wayanad (Keralam) [India], September 24 (ANI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday said that if any illegal acts were committed in the electoral roll revision process, those responsible, including the CEC Gyanesh Kumar, should face criminal prosecution, as she stepped up her attack over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Speaking to reporters in Kalpetta, Priyanka Gandhi said any attempt to interfere with the democratic process of elections was a serious offence against the Constitution and the country. My response is very, very clear. Anybody who plays around with the democratic process of our elections is committing
Three burnt alive, two critical as vehicle hits pole in Assam's Nagaon
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 24 (IANS) Three people were burnt to death, and two others suffered critical injuries after the vehicle they were travelling in caught fire following a collision with a streetlight pole in Assams Nagaon district, police said on Thursday. The accident occurred at Kenapatty near Puranigudam locality when the vehicle bearing registration number AR 01 W 5107 was travelling towards Guwahati from Arunachal Pradesh. According to preliminary information, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a streetlight pole installed in the middle of the road. The impact was followed by a fire that quickly engulfed the vehicle. Three occupants were trapped inside and could not escape the burning vehicle. They died at the spot after sustaining severe burn injuries. Two others, identified as Vikas Kumar and Sonu Kumar, were seriously injured in the accident. They were initially rushed for medical treatment before being shifted to Guwahati, where their condition was reported to be critical. Officials said the occupants were reportedly from Bihar and were travelling towards Guwahati when the accident took place. Preliminary information suggested that the three deceased persons had boarded the vehicle midway through the journey. Officials were working to establish their identities and ascertain the exact circumstances in which they had joined the journey. Police said the vehicle was owned by Vikas Kumar, while Sonu Kumar was reportedly driving at the time of the accident. The crash triggered panic in the area, with local residents and emergency personnel rushing to the spot after the vehicle caught fire. Police and other authorities have begun an investigation to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the accident. Investigators are also examining whether speeding, loss of control, road conditions or any other factor contributed to the crash. The bodies of the deceased were recovered from the vehicle, and further legal procedures are being carried out. Officials said more details, including the identities of the three deceased persons and the exact cause of the fire, would be known as the investigation progresses.
Rupee falls 11 paise to 95.84 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai, Sep 24 (PTI) The rupee stayed weak, sliding 11 paise to 95.84 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday, as geopolitical uncertainties led to a sharp surge in crude oil prices and pushed US bond yields as well as the greenback higher. Forex traders said the inflow of foreign capital failed to support the local currency due to the selling pressure in the domestic equity market and a strengthening American currency. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.84 against the American currency and stayed under pressure, registering a loss of 11 paise from
New Begonia neelamorum species discovered in Arunachal, Assam botanist leads research
Guwahati: A botanist from Assam is part of a research team that has discovered and formally described a new species of Begonia from a remote river valley in Arunachal Pradesh, adding to the Northeasts growing record of plant diversity. The newly identified species, Begonia neelamorum, was discovered in Keyi Panyor district and described in the [] The post New Begonia neelamorum species discovered in Arunachal, Assam botanist leads research appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Tech leaders to UN: For the sake of humanity, please control the AI technology we created
UNITED NATIONS, September 24, 2026 (AP) The heads of major artificial intelligence firms pleaded with the United Nations on Wednesday to save the world or at least its people by somehow regulating the fast-expanding technology that they have been designing. If managed poorly, I even believe AI could be a risk to humanity as a whole, said Dario Amodei, chief executive officer of Anthropic. And from his competitor Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, came this assessment: We could lose control of the future to AI. Both said the countries of the world, through the U.N. Security Council, where
An OpenAI agent hacked Medicare. Will anyone be held responsible?
Melbourne, Sep 24 (Conversation) Australias Medicare system manages health and medical data for over 27 million people. So it makes sense there has been widespread shock at the news it was hacked by an OpenAI agent in June. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed the hack overnight while in New York to advocate for tighter international regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems at the United Nations. The government is still working out exactly what happened, with a newly announced taskforce set to investigate further. Early reports indicate OpenAIs agent had been tasked with researching public medical data when it broke into
Assam Police refute claims of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria running crime syndicate from Silchar Jail
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Assam Aims to Increase MBBS Seats to 4,000 by 2031, Says Chief Minister Sarma
Assam plans to expand medical education by increasing MBBS seats to 4,000 by 2031, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Assam Aims to Increase MBBS Seats to 4,000 by 2031, Says Chief Minister Sarma
Arunachal cabinet approves panel to oversee Siang project survey
From strawberry fields to global honour: Mizoram grower named among FAOs 100 women heroes
Power lineman killed as Kuki, Naga villages come under attack in Manipur
Creation of Arunachal staff selection board historic: CM Khandu
Tinsukia bans transport of workers in goods vehicles
HC clears path for diesel bus exit from two major Guwahati routes
APCC moves ECI to remove Nagaon DEO after attack on Cong convoy
For a generation feeling alone, AI is the new confidant
6 arrested over violence at Cong rally in Samaguri ahead of Nagaon bypoll
Cough syrup worth Rs 1.02cr seized, 1 held in 2 Sribhumi ops
Venomous white snake bite baffles docs; woman survives
Mobile theatre under threat, says PIL; HC asks govt to reply
TU students block campus buses over decade-old fitness lapses
BJP appoints new state in-charges; Nitin Nabin congratulates appointees
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Tuesday announced a fresh set of appointments of state in-charges and co-in-charges for various states and J&K. The appointments, detailed in an official press release from the partys central office, take effect immediately and cover organisational responsibilities across nearly all states and J&K. In a post on X, Nabin congratulated the newly appointed State Prabharis and Sah Prabharis. He said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, their efforts would strengthen the organisation and help realise the collective dream of Viksit Bharat 2047. Notable appointments include Smriti Irani as in-charge for both Chandigarh and Haryana, with Siddharth Shambhu as co-in-charge for Chandigarh and Bhola Singh for Haryana. Baijayant Jay Panda has been named state in-charge for Maharashtra, assisted by co-in-charges Amit Malviya, Sadanand Shet Tanavade and Kamaljeet Sahrawat. In Uttar Pradesh, Vinod Tawde will serve as state in-charge, with Jagadish Patel, Medha Kulkarni, Pradeep Verma and Anant Ojha as co-in-charges. Sunil Bansal has been assigned to both Telangana and West Bengal. For Telangana, Abhay Patil and Rekha Sharma are co-in-charges, while West Bengals co-in-charges are Lal Singh Arya, Rajendra Singh and Pinki Kushwaha. Other key assignments include Biplab Kumar Deb as in-charge for Madhya Pradesh, with Rekha Verma as co-in-charge; Ram Madhav for Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand; Harish Dwivedi for Bihar and Karnataka; and Satish Poonia for J&K and Punjab. Mangal Pandey has been named for Assam, while Arvind Bhadauria will head Andhra Pradesh with Vanathi Srinivasan as co-in-charge. Nabin has also appointed Ashish Usha Agrawal as convenor of the media department and Anil Baluni as co-ordinator of the communication department. The list further covers smaller states and J&K, including assignments for Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Sikkim and Tripura. Several leaders hold dual or multiple responsibilities. The circular, issued by national office in-charge Tarun Chugh to all state presidents and organisational general secretaries, aims to strengthen the partys organisational network ahead of future electoral and organisational programmes.
Second Saraighat rail-cum-road bridge to boost multimodal connectivity in Northeast
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 23 (IANS) The second Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge, along with the doubling of the Agthori-Kamakhya railway section, is set to significantly augment rail and road connectivity across the Brahmaputra and strengthen the transportation network of Assam and the Northeast, officials said on Wednesday. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is undertaking the project, which includes doubling of the 7.2-km railway track between Agthori and Kamakhya stations and construction of a 1.3-km-long double-decker rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra. NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said the project would strengthen rail and road connectivity across the Brahmaputra, augment transportation capacity in Guwahati and support the wider connectivity requirements of the Northeastern region. The existing Saraighat Bridge was completed in September 1962, with the first engine crossing the bridge on September 23, 1962. For more than six decades, it has served as a vital link between the northern and southern banks of the Brahmaputra and an important gateway to the Northeast. With passenger and freight traffic in the region continuing to grow, augmentation of capacity along the critical corridor has assumed increasing importance, CPRO Sharma said. According to the CPRO, the 7.2-km railway-doubling project between Agthori and Kamakhya was sanctioned by the Ministry of Railways in 2024, following which detailed planning and tendering were taken up. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been entrusted with execution of the project. Given the location of the new bridge in a highly developed urban environment, the project has involved considerable challenges related to land acquisition, removal of encroachments and shifting of existing utilities. CPRO Sharma said that with the proactive support of the state government and local administration, a substantial part of these challenges had already been addressed. NFR continues to coordinate with the concerned state agencies to resolve the remaining issues and facilitate progressive availability of work fronts, he added. Meanwhile, the project has advanced substantially on the engineering front, with geotechnical investigations completed and major engineering, design and construction-drawing activities under way, the official said. A major component of the project is the 1.3-km-long double-decker rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra. The lower deck will carry two railway lines, while the upper deck will accommodate a three-lane road carriageway along with a footpath. In comparison, the existing Saraighat Bridge carries a single railway line and a two-lane road. The main bridge will be constructed on well foundations with a welded Open Web Girder (OWG) superstructure having a span length of 125 metres, CPRO Sharma said. The main bridge will be connected through approach viaducts on either side, with around 600 metres on the Agthori side and 200 metres on the Kamakhya side. The project will also interface with the road approaches being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), providing connectivity towards Jalukbari on one side and the Agthori-side road network on the other. Advanced digital monitoring and bridge instrumentation systems will be incorporated to facilitate effective monitoring of the structure and its performance. The construction methodology is being tailored to the challenging conditions of the Brahmaputra, with particular focus on foundation construction, structural erection, quality assurance, construction safety and long-term durability. The Second Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge is significant not only for doubling the Agthori-Kamakhya railway section but also as an integrated rail and road infrastructure project supporting the wider transportation network of Guwahati and the Northeast. The additional railway capacity is expected to facilitate smoother movement of passenger and freight traffic, while the three-lane road component will strengthen connectivity between the northern and southern banks of the city and support its future transportation requirements. By bringing together rail, road and associated approach infrastructure as a single integrated corridor, the project will enhance multimodal connectivity across the Brahmaputra. The project is being closely supported and monitored by the concerned authorities, including the Railway Board, reflecting its importance for connectivity and capacity enhancement in the Northeastern region. With preparatory works substantially progressed, the project is now entering the execution phase and preparatory activities, with piling works targeted to commence from October 2026. The project is scheduled for completion within the next few years, with the project team aiming to complete the works on time while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, engineering excellence, durability and technological advancement. Once completed, the Second Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge will augment rail and road capacity across the Brahmaputra, strengthen connectivity between the two banks of Guwahati and facilitate smoother movement of passengers and goods, further strengthening the transportation network of Assam and the Northeastern region.
Assam sets 4,000 MBBS seat target by 2031, says CM Sarma
Digital Desk | Guwahati/Ranchi, Sep 23 (IANS) Assam is targeting a major expansion of medical education, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing that the state plans to increase the number of MBBS seats to 4,000 by 2031. Chief Minister Sarma made the announcement while addressing the inauguration of the 750-bed Baba Baidyanath Medical Trust Hospital in Jharkhand's Deoghar on Wednesday. Highlighting the expansion of medical education in Assam, the Chief Minister said the state now has 16 medical colleges and produces around 2,200 doctors annually. He added that the state government has a vision of establishing 32 more medical colleges in Assam, in addition to the AIIMS and ESIC Medical College already functioning in the state. Of these, 16 have already been established, CM Sarma said, while outlining the state government's long-term plan to expand medical education and increase the availability of trained doctors. He said that Assam's medical education infrastructure had remained limited for decades. The state's first medical college was established in the 1950s, followed by the second in the 1960s and the third in the 1970s. Despite Assam's population of around 3.5 crore, the state had only three medical colleges and produced around 300 doctors annually, resulting in a shortage of doctors in relation to healthcare requirements, CM Sarma added. The Chief Minister said the expansion in recent years has significantly increased the number of doctors being trained in the state. Assam now produces around 2,200 doctors every year, compared with around 350 earlier. He said that increasing the number of MBBS seats would be accompanied by measures to provide employment opportunities to the growing pool of doctors. Chief Minister Sarma pointed to the latest State Budget, which has announced the deployment of two doctors at each of Assam's 5,000 sub-health centres. He said the expansion of medical colleges and MBBS seats would help create a stronger medical education ecosystem while improving the availability of healthcare professionals across the state.
Assam minister Biswajit Daimary reviews employment and skill progress
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Stones, Mounds, Memory: Odisha Scribes Stand Among Assam
For six centuries the Tai-Ahom kings ruled the Brahmaputra Valley. When they died, they did not vanish into ash and river. They were laid in vaulted crypts, covered with earthen barrows, and crowned with octagonal pavilions that still punctuate the foothills of the Patkai. On Wednesday, a senior media delegation from Odisha stood on that [] The post Stones, Mounds, Memory: Odisha Scribes Stand Among Assams UNESCO Mounds appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Mizoram: Six people arrested, two minors detained in connection with killing of Assam Regiment jawan
A police official said the victim, Zakaria Lalhriattluanga, who was serving in the Assam Regiment of the Army and was posted in Jammu and Kashmir, was returning to his native New Builum village on leave.
Assam CM inaugurates Baba Baidyanath Medical Trust Hospital in Deoghar, Jharkhand
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Baba Baidyanath Medical Trust Hospital in Deoghar today. The 750-bed hospital aims to provide advanced healthcare services, especially to the economically weaker sections. Sarma mentioned the establishment of a medical college at the site in the future. He expressed hope that the new hospital would complement existing institutions like AIIMS Deoghar.
Assam CM Sarma inaugurates hospital as Deoghar pursues medical tourism
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Mizoram, Meghalaya towns record Indias lowest PM2.5 levels: WHO data
BJP gains ground in Meghalaya as 8 UDP MLAs join party
CEC Gyanesh Kumar must go, SIR exercise must be halted, says Stalin
Chennai, Sep 23 (PTI) DMK president M K Stalin on Wednesday said CEC Gyanesh Kumar must resign from his post and claimed that he has no right to continue in office. Demanding that the SIR exercise be halted, the former Tamil Nadu chief minister sought a fair probe, into everything that transpired within the EC and those responsible should be held accountable. Stalin, in a statement, said that the explosive findings, published by Indian Express backed by evidence, had cast serious doubts over the results of every Assembly election held after the SIR exercise. He said his party had all
ECI must not only be independent but also be seen to act independently: Justice Dipankar Datta
New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) If free and fair elections are to be ensured, it is axiomatic that the Election Commission of India (ECI) must not only be an independent body but also be seen to act independently, Supreme Court judge Justice Dipankar Datta said on Wednesday. Justice Datta headed a bench also comprising Justice Satish Chandra Sharma which gave split opinions on whether a batch of pleas challenging the validity of a 2023 law that excludes the CJI from the panel for selecting the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs) should be referred to a larger Constitution
Fake Invoices To Hawala: How Multi-State Gold Smuggling Ring Unfolded In Assam
The attachment was made by the ED's Guwahati Zonal Office under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in a case against Akshay Parshuram Bansode and other unidentified persons.
Gold falls Rs 900 to Rs 1.54 lakh per 10 gm amid weak global cues
New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) Gold prices fell for the third straight session, declining Rs 900 to Rs 1.54 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday as a stronger US dollar and weak global trends weighed on investor sentiment. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,54,900 per 10 grams on Tuesday. Silver, however, remained unchanged for the second straight session at Rs 2.42 lakh per kilogram, inclusive of all taxes, according to local traders. Gold traded weak on Wednesday as traders booked profits at higher levels, said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research
Congress Hits Out at BJP Over Attack on Senior Leaders Convoy in Assam
The leaders present in the convoy included former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, party MP Rakibul Hussain and the partys candidate Sibamoni Bora.
Opposition Trying To Suppress EC
Deoghar, Sep 23: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday accused the Congress-led opposition of attempting to undermine the Election Commissions work, describing the poll body as a constitutional authority with a well-established structure. Sarma made the remarks while inaugurating a multi-speciality private hospital in Jharkhands Deoghar district. Responding to questions about reported differences... The post Opposition Trying To Suppress ECs Good Work, Says Assam CM first appeared on Northeast Today .
Cong forms fact-finding panel on Siang project
Zubeen Garg death probe: Another Singapore-based Assamese appears before fast track court
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 23 (IANS) The prosecution continued examining witnesses in the death case of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg on Wednesday, with Singapore-based Assamese Abhimanyu Talukdar appearing before the fast-track court in Assam in connection with the events surrounding the singer's final hours in Singapore. Talukdar is among several overseas-based Assamese witnesses whose statements are being recorded as the court examines circumstances surrounding the yacht party attended by Garg on September 19, 2025, the day he died in Singapore. The singer, 52, died after an incident during a yacht trip in waters off Lazarus Island in Singapore. He had been in the city for the North East India Festival and was scheduled to perform at the event the following day. The circumstances surrounding his death subsequently triggered investigations and legal proceedings in Assam. The fast-track court in Assam has since been hearing the case, with the prosecution bringing witnesses linked to the yacht party and events preceding Garg's death. Earlier this month, Singapore-based Assamese Parikshit Sharma appeared before the court and recorded his testimony. He was among those present aboard the yacht when the incident occurred on September 19, 2025. Other overseas witnesses examined by the court include Sushmita Goswami, Pratim Lahkar and Debajyoti Hazarika. Jio Langsat Narzary has also been listed among the expatriate witnesses appearing in the proceedings. The witness examination is focused on accounts relating to the yacht outing and the sequence of events surrounding Garg's death. Their statements are being placed before the court as part of the prosecution evidence. The proceedings in Assam are continuing even as Singapore authorities have separately concluded their investigation into Garg's death. Singapore's State Coroner Adam Nakhoda said in March 2026 that Garg's death was an accidental drowning, while the Singapore Police Force said its investigation found no evidence of foul play. While the Singapore Police concluded that there was no evidence of foul play in the singer's death, the Assam Criminal Investigation Department constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter following allegations raised by members of the singer's family and others. The SIT subsequently registered a criminal case and filed a chargesheet naming seven accused persons, including Garg's manager Siddhartha Sarma, the festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, the late singer's bandmates Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprabha Mahantawho were slapped with murder charges and alleging a criminal conspiracy linked to the incident. The Assam court proceedings are examining the case and evidence placed before it under the applicable Indian legal process. With Talukdar's appearance, the prosecution's examination of witnesses connected with the Singapore incident continues. More witness statements are expected as the fast-track court proceeds with the trial.
Assam government to go paperless from January 1 , 2027
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 23 (IANS) Assam government has set January 1, 2027 as the deadline for all state government offices to shift to paperless office system, marking a major expansion of its ongoing digital governance programme, officials said. The Chief Ministers Office made the announcement on Wednesday, describing it a new phase in Assams efforts to modernise administrative functioning and make public services more efficient and transparent. Save the Date: 1 January 2027. A new chapter in Assams digital governance, the CMO said in a post on X. It said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, all government offices would transition to the paperless e-Office system, with the objective of making public services more transparent, efficient and citizen-centric. Assam has already adopted the National Informatics Centre (NIC)-developed e-Office platform in the state Secretariat. According to NIC, all 58 departments in the Secretariat are currently using the system, while implementation is also being extended to selected directorates and Deputy Commissioners offices. The e-Office platform replaces conventional paper-based file processing with digital workflows. Government offices can receive and diarise documents electronically, create and move files digitally, prepare notes and drafts online, and digitally sign and archive official records. The system also enables officials to track the movement and status of files, creating an electronic trail of administrative processes and decisions. According to NIC, the platform is intended to make government functioning more responsive, effective, accountable and transparent while reducing dependence on physical files. Assam has been working towards expanding e-Office adoption for several years. The state-initiated implementation at the district level and established a dedicated state-level steering mechanism in 2021. In 2026, the government launched e-Office District to further extend digital file management and paperless administrative processes across district-level government machinery. The January 1, 2027 deadline will therefore mark the expansion of an existing digital framework to government offices across the state rather than the introduction of e-Office in Assam. The statewide rollout will require government departments and field offices to adopt the system uniformly. Its effectiveness will depend on infrastructure, digital capacity and the extent to which electronic file movement helps reduce delays, improve monitoring and streamline delivery of public services.
Smriti Irani appointed BJP in-charge for Haryana and Chhattisgarh, Vinod Tawde to look after UP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party National President Nitin Nabin on Tuesday announced a fresh set of appointments of state in-charges and co-in-charges for various states and union territories. The appointments, detailed in an official press release issued from the partys central office, take effect immediately. According to the circular, the party has assigned organisational responsibilities covering nearly all states and UTs. Notable appointments include Smriti Irani as in-charge for both Chhattisgarh and Haryana, with Siddharth Shambhu as co-in-charge for Chhattisgarh and Dr Bhola Singh as co-in-charge for Haryana. Baijayant Jay Panda has been named state in-charge for Maharashtra, assisted by co-in-charges Amit Malviya, Sadanand Shet Tanavade and Kamaljeet Sahrawat. In Uttar Pradesh, Vinod Tawde has been appointed state in-charge, with Jagadish Patel, Medha Kulkarni, Dr Pradeep Verma and Anant Ojha as co-in-charges. Sunil Bansal will serve as state in-charge for both Telangana and West Bengal. For Telangana, Abhay Patil and Rekha Sharma are co-in-charges, while West Bengals co-in-charges include Lal Singh Arya, Rajendra Singh and Pinki Kushwaha. Other key assignments feature Biplab Kumar Deb as in-charge for Madhya Pradesh with Rekha Verma as co-in-charge, Ram Madhav as state in-charge for Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand, Harish Dwivedi as state in-charge for Bihar and Karnataka, and Dr Satish Poonia as state in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Mangal Pandey has been named state in-charge for Assam, while Dr Arvind Bhadauria will head Andhra Pradesh with Vanathi Srinivasan as co-in-charge. Meanwhile, BJP national president Nitin Nabin has appointed Ashish Usha Agrawal as convenor of the media department and Anil Baluni as co-ordinator of the communication department. The list also covers smaller states and UTs: Jay Prakash (Andaman and Nicobar), Dr Devesh Kumar (Arunachal Pradesh), Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe (Delhi), Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar (Goa), Tarun Chugh (Gujarat), Shrikant Sharma (Himachal Pradesh), Gajendra Patel (Jharkhand), Prof M Nagaraja (Kerala), Rajkumar Bhatia (Ladakh), George Kurian (Lakshadweep), Dr Rajdeep Roy (Manipur), Kanad Purkayastha (Meghalaya), Dr Bhagwat Karad (Mizoram), Anil Antony (Nagaland and Goa Sah Prabhari), D Purandeswari (Odisha), K Surendran (Puducherry), Raju Bista (Sikkim) and Mriganka Deb Barman (Tripura). Several leaders hold dual or multiple responsibilities under the partys organisational restructuring. The circular has been issued by national office in-charge Tarun Chugh to all state presidents and organisational general secretaries for information and necessary action. The appointments aim to strengthen the partys organisational network ahead of future electoral and organisational programmes.
New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) Flagging the inordinate delay in resolution of references made to larger benches, the Supreme Court on Wednesday requested the Chief Justice of India to explore the possibility of constituting a permanent five-judge bench to deal with cases involving constitutional issues. A bench of justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma termed the delay as an area of grave concern and said self-introspection was required as pendency of reference for far too long does not reflect well on the institution. The observations were made after both the judges gave split opinions on whether a batch of
Gyanesh Kumar should be jailed; hold repolls in Maharashtra, WB and TN with ballot papers: Uddhav
Mumbai, Sep 23 (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday demanded that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar be jailed, citing reports of differences emerging within the Election Commission. Addressing a news conference, Thackeray also demanded that the last elections in Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu be nullified and repolls be held in these states using ballot papers. Gyanesh Kumar should be immediately sacked and jailed, the former Maharashtra chief minister said. I thank Election Commissioners (ECs) Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi for exposing Gyanesh Kumar, Thackeray said. He also said that the court should take cognisance
Three people killed in as many conflicts with elephants in Assam
The two incidents in Sonitpur district were reported from the Dhekiajuli area, about 130 km northeast of Guwahati; the Karbi Anglong incident occurred in a village about 230 km east of Guwahati
Assam eyes heritage, tourism push at ancient Hailakandi hill site
Stock markets rebound amid easing crude oil prices; Sensex up 299 points
Mumbai, Sep 23 (PTI) Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded on Wednesday amid easing crude oil prices, which remained below USD 100 per barrel, and hopes of a possible de-escalation in the West Asia conflict. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 299.17 points, or 0.40 per cent, to settle at 74,828.25. During the day, it jumped 444.66 points, or 0.59 per cent, to 74,973.74. The 50-share NSE Nifty was up 117.80 points, or 0.50 per cent, to end at 23,446.80. Among the 30 Sensex firms, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, ITC, UltraTech Cement, Power Grid and Larsen & Toubro were the major
Rupee falls 12 paise to close at 95.74 against US dollar
Mumbai, Sep 23 (PTI) The rupee fell 12 paise to close at 95.74 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday, weighed down by the broad strength of the American currency and a slight recovery in crude oil prices from lower levels. Forex traders said the dollar strengthened on hawkish comments from US Federal Reserve officials, raising expectations of a rate hike by the US Fed in 2026. However, positive domestic markets supported the rupee at lower levels. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.58 against the US dollar, then gained ground and touched an intraday high
All orders, decisions taken by EC carry full legal sanctions; differing views normal: EC statement
New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) The Election Commission on Wednesday asserted that all its official orders, decisions and administrative directions carry full legal sanctions and that differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution. In a statement following The Indian Express report that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had red flagged multiple issues, including deletion of names, in various states during the pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters list, the EC also said that suggestions given by the Commissioners were for further improving the electoral processes. What do the Election Commissions
Assam Police Arrest Four More in Cyber Crime Investigation, Total Arrests Reach 14
Assam police have arrested four additional suspects in a cyber crime investigation, bringing the total number of arrests to 14. Assam Police Arrest Four More in Cyber Crime Investigation, Total Arrests Reach 14
Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya Recruitment 2026 for 1 post of Project Associate-I. Candidates with M.Sc can attend Walkin. The Walk-in on 30-09-2026. For detailed information please visit Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya official website rtuassam.ac.in.
Assam: Former Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi To Attend
Guwahati, Sept 23: Former Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.), will make his first public appearance in the Northeast as Chief Guest at the Namami Bharatam celebrations in Guwahati on September 25. The event, organized by Vidya Bharati and Shiksha Samiti Assam, will be held at the Shrimanta Sankardev International Auditorium,... The post Assam: Former Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi To Attend Namami Bharatam In Guwahati first appeared on Northeast Today .
Manipur: Arms, Ammunition And Grenades Recovered In Thoubal District
Security forces recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives during a joint search operation in Thoubal district of Manipur on Wednesday, police said. A joint team of the Thoubal Commando Unit and 31 Assam Rifles conducted the operation at Haokhong, near Phouoibi village, under Nongpok Sekmai Police Station and recovered one AK-56 rifle with... The post Manipur: Arms, Ammunition And Grenades Recovered In Thoubal District first appeared on Northeast Today .
Election Commissioners flagged issues but poll body unanimous on SIR decisions: Officials
New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) lection Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had flagged multiple issues, including deletion of names, in various states during the voter roll cleanup but the poll body was unanimous in its decisions related to the pan-India Special Intensive Revision of voters list, officials said on Wednesday. The officials made the remarks in the wake of a media report that the two Election Commissioners had objected to the Election Commissions steps 14 times in 10 months amid the SIR. Responding to queries, the officials said the two commissioners had flagged decisions related to deletion of
Assam Filmmaker Rima Das Joins Busan Film Festival Jury
Filmmaker Rima Das has been appointed as one of the three jurors for the prestigious New Currents Award at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), joining Korean actor Shim Eun-kyung and Chinese producer Shan Zuolong on the panel. The award, regarded as one of the festivals most significant competitive honours, celebrates emerging Asian filmmakers... The post Assam Filmmaker Rima Das Joins Busan Film Festival Jury first appeared on Northeast Today .
Fire damages two warehouses in North Lakhimpur, Assam
The News Mill
Congress firmly supports meaningful constitutional safeguards in Ladakh: Kharge
New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said the party stood firmly with the demand of the people of Ladakh for meaningful constitutional safeguards, including the Sixth Schedule, to protect Ladakhs land, employment, fragile environment, culture and identity. He also demanded that the judicial probe into the deaths of four people during statehood protests must ensure accountability and bring out the truth. On September 24, 2025, police in Leh shot and killed four people during violent protests demanding statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh. In a post on X, Kharge said that a year ago, four
Stock markets rebound in early trade amid easing crude oil prices
Mumbai, Sep 23 (PTI) Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on Wednesday amid easing crude oil prices although foreign investor selling remained a key headwind for domestic equities. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 283.66 points to 74,812.74 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty was up 85.55 points to 23,414.55. Among the 30 Sensex firms, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Tata Steel, UltraTech Cement, Larsen & Toubro and Asian Paints were among the winners. Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, HDFC Bank and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the laggards. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded 0.97 per cent
Mizoram: New Builum residents protest outside Kolasib jail over Army man
Aizawl: Residents of New Builum village on Tuesday staged a demonstration outside Kolasib District Jail in Saidan, demanding swift action against those arrested in connection with the killing of Assam Regiment soldier Zakaria Lalhriattluanga. The protest followed Zakarias death on September 21 in an alleged road-rage assault near Bualpui village in Kolasib district. The protesters [] The post Mizoram: New Builum residents protest outside Kolasib jail over Army mans killing appeared first on NorthEast Now .
UCC bulldozer is to permanently polarise society: Congress
New Delhi, Sep 23: The Congress on Wednesday alleged that for the Modi government, the UCC is not an instrument of considered legal reform but an instrument of division, disruption and diversion, as well as a tool for stoking prejudices and keeping society in a state of permanent polarisation. The opposition party's assertion comes after former Bombay High Court judge Justice R C Chavan resigned from the Maharashtra government's panel to prepare a draft for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), citing serious reservations over its decision to restrict public feedback on crucial social issues to a Yes/No format. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the resignation of a former high court judge from the Maharashtra government's committee to draft a UCC for the state raises larger questions, apart from his several concerns on the functioning of this committee. Posting his statement on X, Ramesh said, A retired High Court judge has shown courage to resign from a committee set up by the Maharashtra government to prepare a uniform civil code for the state. Here is our statement on the non-uniform 'Uniform' Civil Codes (UCC) the HM is trying to bulldoze through in every state. Did the Constituent Assembly ever imagine a situation in which every state would enact its own separate version of a UCC? The answer is a resounding no, Ramesh said. Did the architects of our Constitution led by Dr B.R. Ambedkar ever conceive states competing with one another to have different UCCs according to the political machinations and calculations of one political party, he asked. Again, the answer is a resounding no, Ramesh added. He pointed out that on June 17, 2016, the Modi government referred the question of the UCC to the 21st Law Commission of India for detailed examination. After extensive research, the Commission published its Consultation Paper on Reform of Family Law on August 31, 2018. Its conclusion appearing in paragraph 1.15 on page 7 of the Consultation Paper was clear: 'The formulation of a Uniform Civil Code is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage'. Instead it recommended addressing nor discrimination within individual family laws while preserving India's legal and cultural diversity, Ramesh said. The Modi government has chosen to disregard the findings of the very Commission it tasked with examining the issue because the facts, as usual, did not align with its political agenda, the Congress leader said. Over the last three years, one BJP-ruled State after another bulldozed through its own version of a UCC, Ramesh said. The UCC came into effect in Uttarakhand from January 27, 2025. Subsequently the Gujarat Assembly passed the UCC Bill on March 24, 2026, the Assam Assembly on May 27, 2026 and the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on July 21, 2026, he pointed out. Ramesh said these State-level UCCs, never envisaged in the Constitution, are not uniform. They contain different provisions, different penalties, different procedures and significant exemptions. Contrary to claims, the Uttarakhand UCC, the only one in force, continues with a number of patriarchal traditions and is creating many problems for perfectly law-abiding residents of the state, Ramesh argued. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made a typically bombastic announcement that a UCC will be implemented in all NDA-ruled States before the 2029 Lok Sabha election, he said. Evidently other NDA parties have lost their voices and are being silenced by the BJP, the Congress general secretary said. For the Modi Government, the UCC is not an instrument of considered legal reform to be implemented after the widest possible consultations and public debate and with the broadest possible consensus. It is, in reality, an instrument of division, disruption and diversion, a tool for harassment and intimidation, stoking prejudices and keeping society in a state of permanent polarisation, Ramesh said. Later, asked about the statement, he said, The UCC bulldozer is to permanently polarise society. In a letter to the panel chairperson Justice Ranjana Desai (retd), former Bombay High Court judge Chavan criticised the committee's approach, stating that reducing complex societal questions, such as delayed marriages, perversions, infertility, and rising matrimonial disputes, to binary options undermined the primary purpose of consensus-building. The former judge said he had misunderstood that the committee aimed to gather views of the people of Maharashtra and to generate a consensus to remedy the issues of late marriages, infertility, unstable marriages, time-consuming dispute resolution mechanism and so on. Now that the misunderstanding is removed, I realise that the aim is to just provide an opportunity to people who may care, to share their responses, in a 'yes or no' format to the questions posed so that analysis of data becomes easy, the letter said. In July, the state government set up a seven-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai to draft a framework for implementing the UCC, which seeks to establish equal laws across religions on issues about marriage, divorce, and property. Justice Chavan, a former high court judge, resigned from the panel on September 19. The Congress' statement also comes days after Shah said the BJP-led NDA governments in 21 states will introduce UCC before 2029. The next Lok Sabha polls are scheduled for 2029.
Rupee rises 5 paise to 95.57 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai, Sep 23 (PTI) The rupee gained 5 paise to 95.57 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, supported by falling crude oil prices and a broader recovery in Asian currencies. Forex traders said going ahead currency market direction will majorly be driven by unfolding geopolitical developments. Softer crude oil prices remain the major support for the rupee, while a firm American currency after the US Feds rate hike and foreign portfolio outflows remain the main concerns. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.58 then touched 95.57 against the American currency, registering a gain
Stronger police presence needed on M
Shillong, Sep 22: Cabinet minister and Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun has called for stronger police presence and better-equipped police outposts along the Meghalaya-Assam border to ensure residents are not subjected to threats and intimidation. As an MLA from the border I also have a message to convey to the government, especially to the police, that [] The post Stronger police presence needed on Mlaya-Assam border: Jirang MLA first appeared on Highland Post .
