Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Meets Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Discuss State Development
New Delhi, May 23: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday in New Delhi to discuss the roadmap for the states future development and progress. During the meeting at her official residence, CM Sarma expressed gratitude to the central government for its continuous support over the past ... Read more Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Meets Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Discuss State Development
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomes Muslim organisations' call on no cow slaughter on Eid
Assam's Chief Minister has welcomed appeals from Muslim groups to avoid cow slaughter during Bakrid. Several Eidgah committees have made this voluntary appeal, citing legal and religious reasons.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma meets Nirmala Sitharaman, discusses states growth roadmap
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi and discussed a roadmap for Assam's future growth and development. The Chief Minister thanked the Union government for its support. Discussions covered economic growth, infrastructure and investment potential.
NCC cadets evcuated by Air Force to Assam from Manipur amid protests, blockade
This emergency operation is due to ongoing bandhs and blockades in Manipur stemming from a hostage crisis. The cadets are being moved to Guwahati and Jorhat. This action is aimed at ensuring their safety and allows them to attend upcoming examinations.
Indian Air Force Airlifts 132 NCC Cadets from Manipur to Assam
Imphal, May 23: In response to the current situation in Manipur, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully airlifted 132 NCC cadets to Guwahati and Jorhat on Saturday. A senior official reported that these young cadets had participated in the NCC North Eastern Region (NER) flying camp held in Imphal from May 11 to May 20, ... Read more Indian Air Force Airlifts 132 NCC Cadets from Manipur to Assam
Rupamoni Gorh becomes first woman from Assam to scale Mount Everest
Assams daughter has reached the top of the world. Heartiest congratulations to Rupamoni Gorh for becoming the first woman from Assam to scale Mount Everest as part of the ITBP all-women expedition team, he said in a social media post
Assam Police Arrest Four Suspects in Cattle Smuggling Case
Guwahati, May 23: Assam police have arrested four individuals involved in cattle smuggling in Dhubri. The suspects have been identified as Moktar Ali, Kabul Ali, Tayab Ali, and Abruj Ali. They have been taken into custody as investigations continue. Authorities have stated that no one involved in cattle smuggling will be spared. Strict action will ... Read more Assam Police Arrest Four Suspects in Cattle Smuggling Case
Assam CM welcomes Muslims appeal against cow sacrifice on Bakrid
Eidgah and graveyard committees in at least four districts have urged minorities to respect the religious sentiments of non-Muslims by refraining from cow slaughter during the upcoming festival
From weed to wealth: Assam women turn water hyacinth into livelihoods near rhino habitat
Providing people in fringe areas with an alternative source of livelihood facilitates the conservation of Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary
U.P. STF busts SSC exam-rigging racket in Greater Noida; seven held
The accused were allegedly manipulating SSC examinations for recruitment of constables in the CAPF, and SSF, and riflemen in the Assam Rifles, at an online examination centre operating under the name Balaji Digital Zone in the Knowledge Park area
Assam State Assembly session: Governor outlines new Assam govts vision for next 5 years
GUWAHATI, May 22: Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Friday outlined the new governments vision for the state for the next five years in his first address in the 16th state Assembly amidst an opposition walkout, alleging failure of the dispensation to address core issues of the people. Barely five minutes into the governors speech on []
Assam to become power surplus state soon: CM
Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, May 22: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the state is steadily progressing towards becoming a power surplus state through large-scale investments in energy infrastructure and electricity generation capacity. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said Assam has prepared an energy infrastructure vision worth 14,202 crore by 2035 []
Rahul Gandhi was repeatedly rejected by people of this country: Bhupen Borah
Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, May 22: BJP leader, former Assam Congress president and newly elected Bihpuria MLA Bhupen Kumar Borah on Friday launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the Congress leader has failed to earn the trust []
Assams Chief Minister Honors Shyama Prasad Mukherjee as a True Well-Wisher of the State
Guwahati, May 23: Assams Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Friday that Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, was a true well-wisher of Assam. He emphasized that during the challenging times before Indias independence, Mukherjee bolstered the morale of the people of Assam and strongly opposed the controversial grouping plan ... Read more Assams Chief Minister Honors Shyama Prasad Mukherjee as a True Well-Wisher of the State
Assam Rifles Launches Community Initiative to Inspire Youth in Manipur
Imphal, May 23: In a bid to promote peace, harmony, and a brighter future for the youth, the Assam Rifles has intensified its community outreach efforts across various regions of Manipur. Officials reported that on Thursday and Friday, the Assam Rifles organized several awareness and motivational programs aimed at encouraging youth towards education, discipline, sports, ... Read more Assam Rifles Launches Community Initiative to Inspire Youth in Manipur
Assam BJP Leader Bhupen Bora Criticizes Rahul Gandhis Leadership Failures
Guwahati, May 22: Bhupen Kumar Bora, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and newly elected MLA, launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a press conference on Friday. Bora criticized Gandhi for his recent comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the Congress leader has failed to gain the ... Read more Assam BJP Leader Bhupen Bora Criticizes Rahul Gandhis Leadership Failures
Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurates Rs 376 cr flyover in Guwahati
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Flyover in Guwahati, a Rs. 376 crore project completed in 26 months. This 2.8-km flyover aims to enhance traffic management and connectivity in the city's south-western region, benefiting thousands of daily commuters.
Shortage of Bodo-medium textbooks: ABSU seeks CMs intervention
Guwahati, May 22: The All-Bodo Students Union (ABSU) has sought a permanent solution regarding the shortage of Bodo medium textbooks in schools across 12 districts of the state. In a memorandum submitted to the Kokrajhar district commissioner, the students union sought immediate intervention of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in addressing the issue of []
CM inaugurates Cycle Factory-Lal Ganesh flyover in Guwahati
Guwahati, May 22: A flyover named after Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, connecting Cycle Factory junction to Lal Ganesh Bazar here, was inaugurated by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday evening. This flyover will reduce the travel time from Pragjyotishpur Medical College to NH 27 drastically and decongest one of []
New Delhi, May 22: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the government will launch a tech-enabled smart border project by the next year to make the 6,000-km fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh impenetrable and ensure that the conspiracy to change the demography of the country is defeated. Delivering the annual Rustamji Memorial lecture hosted by the Border Security Force (BSF) here, the minister also reiterated that the government will find each and every infiltrator and send them out of India. K F Rustamji was the founding father and the first director general of the BSF, the world's largest border guarding force with about 2.70 lakh personnel tasked to guard Indian borders with Pakistan on the west and Bangladesh on the east. It was raised in 1965. The government of India has decided that not only will we stop infiltration but we will find each and every infiltrator and send them out of the country, Shah said. He added his government will not allow artificial change in our demography being attempted from the other side. I want to assure BSF troops that we will launch the smart border project within the 60th year of its raising and we will make the Bangladesh and Pakistan borders impenetrable through major technical assistance, Shah said. The smart border will use technology, drones, radars and smart cameras to help create an impenetrable border, he told the gathering. Calling these two borders vulnerable and a cause of concern for the country from the security point of view, Shah said these fronts (about 1,289 km with Pakistan and 4,096 km with Bangladesh) cannot be guarded with raditional methods. The concept of border security should not be seen in isolation but as a erritorial responsibility involving all agencies and state governments, he said. He said these borders currently face threats like illegal infiltration, smuggling of drugs, weapons and arms through drones apart from cattle, fake Indian currency notes and organised crime. It is most important to identify future dangers, and it is our responsibility to stop the artificial demographic change being attempted from the other side (of the border) through infiltration, and, for this, we have to remain alert and vigilant, he told the officers and jawans in attendance. Shah said the Modi government brought a adical change to the security policy and border protection perspective since it took charge in 2014. We have defeated all three attacks carried out by Pakistan whether it was in Uri (2016), Pulwama (2019), or Pahalgam (2026)...we have given them a befitting response by striking deep inside Pakistan, he said. Shah asserted that gone were the days when talks used to happen after a terrorist attack and when Naxalites used to undertake massacres without any fear. We have aligned our security perspective with the spirit of the Constitution to strengthen it... all this, in a way, is a declaration of a new defence doctrine, he said. He said his government took a firm decision to free India from Naxalism and this target was achieved recently. The minister said it was his belief that security agencies and forces should work to uproot the cause of the problem and just not control it. He asked the BSF troops in border areas to establish communication with the local administration so that they can identify any infiltrator living in the area and effectively plug border gaps aiding smuggling and other illegal activities. It is time that the infiltration taking place unhindered for years is stopped. You have done this earlier, for example, by creating a Naxal-free India, he said. Shah said the current state governments in Tripura, West Bengal and Assam -- all led by the BJP -- believe in the policy that there should be no infiltration from across Indian borders. His ministry, Shah added, will soon hold a meeting with the chief ministers of these states on the subject of border security. The minister added that a high-powered demography mission declared earlier by PM Modi will be announced soon by the Union government. Shah declared that the Union government was planning to launch a ig programme within the next one year for the welfare of CAPF jawans, adding that they will also initiate a ig operation against narcotics trafficking in the country. During the event, the minister honoured BSF jawans and officers with gallantry medals including to those who were part of the 'Operation Sindoor'.
Indian Products Gain Global Recognition Through GI Tags
New Delhi, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visits to Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries were not just about diplomacy and economic agreements. These trips showcased Indias rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and unique agricultural products on a global stage. He presented foreign leaders with special gifts, including Assams Muga Silk ... Read more Indian Products Gain Global Recognition Through GI Tags
Assam Governors Address Flags UCC, Anti-radicalisation Measures As Govt Priorities
Appealing to people to avoid unnecessary expenditure in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis appeal for austerity, Mr Acharya welcomed the governments decision to introduce the proposed law on the UCC during the current session, saying it would strengthen social harmony, justice, gender equality, and a modern and progressive society
Assam Heritage Shines Globally As PM Modi Gifts States Crafts To World Leaders
Apart from the Joha rice presentation, Modi also gifted an Eri silk stole to the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which is also referred to as the peace silk, because of its unique extraction process from open-ended cocoons without harming the moths.
DRI seizes 60,000 kg smuggled foreign-origin areca nuts
NEW DELHI, May 22: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 60,000 kg of smuggled foreign-origin areca nuts in the north-east region and arrested five persons, the finance ministry said on Friday. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI conducted operations in Mizoram and Assam, which led to these seizures. Initial investigations revealed that foreign-origin dried areca nuts were smuggled into India from Myanmar through the Myanmar-Mizoram border. In one of the operations, DRI was assisted by 38Bn of Assam Rifles. [] The post DRI seizes 60,000 kg smuggled foreign-origin areca nuts appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Opposition MLAs Walk Out Over Governor's Address in Assam Assembly
The Opposition alleged that several important public issues, including rising prices, were not adequately addressed in the speech
Assam on Track to Become Power Surplus State, Says Chief Minister Sarma
Guwahati, May 22: Assams Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that the state is steadily progressing towards becoming a power surplus region. This transformation is supported by significant investments aimed at strengthening energy infrastructure and ensuring a reliable power supply. In a post on the social media platform X, CM Sarma revealed that ... Read more Assam on Track to Become Power Surplus State, Says Chief Minister Sarma
Governor outlines new Assam Governments vision amidst Opposition walkout in Assembly
The Congress legislators also displayed placards and raised slogans before staging a walkout
A Wild Success? Tracking a Decade of Rhino Reintroduction in Manas
Ten years of tracking reintroduced rhinos inManas National Parkof Assamhas revealed a promising story of resilience and adaptation. While the study shows encouraging signs of reproduction, it also highlights fascinating variations in breeding and movement patterns among different rhino groups. However, researchers warn that the job isnt over. To protect this growing population from the long-term risks of inbreeding,continued introductionsandsteadfast protectionremain the keys to a thriving, wild future in Assam. Mongabay India correspondentSneha Mahalereports The greater one-horned rhinoceros was [] The post A Wild Success? Tracking a Decade of Rhino Reintroduction in Manas appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
'Had a fruitful meeting with council of ministers,' says PM Modi
New Delhi, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he had a fruitful meeting with his council of ministers where they exchanged perspectives and best practices to boost 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business'. Modi said the meeting on Thursday evening also discussed how to further reforms to realise the shared dream of a developed India. Had a fruitful meeting of the Council of Ministers yesterday. We exchanged perspectives and best practices relating to boosting 'Ease of Living, 'Ease of Doing Business' and how to further reforms in order to realise our shared dream of a Viksit Bharat, Modi said in a post on X. The meeting, which lasted for over four hours, was attended by all cabinet ministers, ministers of state (independent charge), and ministers of state. This was the first meeting of the council this year. The prime minister had earlier asserted that his government's Reform Express has delivered systemic transformation and benefited the citizens in a significant way. Sources said the prime minister told his council of ministers to set 2047 as the target year to make India a fully developed nation. He told the ministers that their aim and objective should always be to bring comfort to people's lives and ease of living. Modi said that there should not be any interference in the people's lives in any way, the sources said. The prime minister told the ministers to take all possible steps so that people get maximum benefits from the government welfare programmes, they said. He said this is the time to look forward, not dwell on what was done in the past. Modi noted that while the government has been in power since 2014, the focus in 2026 must be on future goals and achievements. He advised ministers to remain focused on governance and delivery, the sources said. The prime minister stressed that there should be no pendency in government work. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave a presentation on the latest visit of Modi to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. A total of nine secretaries gave presentations on the initiatives and performance of their ministries and departments. Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan gave a presentation on overall government reform initiatives and other people-centric measures. Niti Aayog member Rajiv Gauba also gave a presentation. The council of ministers meeting comes after the BJP's massive success in the recently held assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, returning to power in Puducherry again.
Zubeen death case: Gauhati HC to hear Shyamkanu Mahantas Bail plea
Shyamkanu Mahanta's bail plea in Assamese singer Zubeen Garg's death case will be heard by the Gauhati High Court on Friday. This follows a previous hearing where additional affidavits were submitted. Mahanta has been in custody for months, implicated in a case the Assam CM termed a plain and simple murder, despite Singapore police finding no foul play.
Assam Government Commits to Protect Biodiversity and End Poaching
Guwahati, May 22: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed the state governments commitment to biodiversity conservation, forest protection, and the eradication of illegal hunting on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day. He stated that efforts are ongoing to free the forests from encroachment and to create an Assam where poaching is completely eliminated. In ... Read more Assam Government Commits to Protect Biodiversity and End Poaching
Assam, Odisha, UP and Bihar lead solar wave as rooftop boom outpaces Indias grid readiness
PM Surya Ghar installations cross 31 lakh, but ageing grids, DISCOM delays and transformer stress threaten Indias next rooftop solar growth phase
Take steps for comfort of people's lives, next-gen reforms: PM Modi tells CoM
New Delhi, May 21:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told his council of ministers to set their goal on 2047 so that by then with various reform initiatives people's lives become more comfortable. At the meeting of the council of ministers, the prime minister said that maximum stress should be given on the next generation reforms so that all round development could be achieved by the country by 2047 when the India will celebrate the 100 years of Independence. During the meeting, sources said Modi gave broad outline of the reform initiatives through which the country becomes developed by 2047. He repeatedly told the ministers that their aim and objective should always be in bringing comfort to the people's lives and there should be ease of living for people. Modi also said that there should not be any interference in the people's lives in any way, the sources said. The prime minister told the ministers to take all possible steps so that people get maximum benefits from the government welfare programmes. He said this is the time to look forward, not dwell on what has been done in the past. Modi noted that while the government has been in power since 2014, the focus in 2026 must be on future goals and achievements. He advised ministers to remain focused on governance and delivery, the sources said. The prime minister stressed that there should be no pendency in government work. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave a presentation on the just concluded foreign visit of Modi during which the prime minister visited five countries -- the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. A total of nine secretaries gave presentations on the initiatives and performance of their respective ministries and departments. A few of them gave presentation on the worked done in the last two years of the Modi government's third term. Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan also gave a presentation on overall government reform initiatives and other people centric measures. Niti Aayog member Rajiv Gauba also gave a presentation. The meeting was attended by all cabinet ministers, ministers of state (independent charge), and ministers of state. This was the first meeting of the council of ministers held this year. The prime minister had earlier outlined his government's reform priorities for the next decade, asserting that his government's Reform Express has delivered systemic transformation and benefitted common citizens in a significant way. The council of ministers meeting comes after the BJP's massive success in the recently held assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, besides forming an NDA government in Puducherry again. The prime minister has been holding meetings of the entire council of ministers from time to time to discuss key policy and governance issues.
Ranjeet Dass begins 2ndinnings as Speaker
GUWAHATI, May 21: Four-time BJP MLA Ranjeet Kumar Dass was on Thursday unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly, becoming the only legislator in the state to assume the chair for the second time. Pro tem Speaker Chandra Mohan Patowary announced that there were three nominations in favour of Dass, and []
Himanta Biswa Sarma, new MLAs take oath for 16thAssembly
GUWAHATI, May 21: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday took oath as an MLA on the first day of the new assembly. Pro-tem Speaker Chandra Mohan Patowary administered the oath to Sarma for the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly. Sarma took his oath in the Assamese language. Patowary said, All the members can take an []
Ranjit Kumar Das Takes Office as Assam Assembly Speaker, Promises to Uphold Trust of All Legislators
Guwahati, May 22: Ranjit Kumar Das was sworn in as the Speaker of the Assam Assembly for the second time on Thursday. He stated that he aims to conduct the proceedings of the house with the trust of both the ruling and opposition parties. Das emphasized the importance of addressing the hopes and issues of ... Read more Ranjit Kumar Das Takes Office as Assam Assembly Speaker, Promises to Uphold Trust of All Legislators
Assam Cracks Down on Cattle Theft and Smuggling with 425 Cases Registered
Guwahati, May 22: Assams Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a firm stance against cattle smuggling and theft in the state. He emphasized that the Assam government is implementing a zero tolerance policy, with law enforcement agencies on high alert in anticipation of upcoming festivals. Since January 2026, a total of 856 individuals have ... Read more Assam Cracks Down on Cattle Theft and Smuggling with 425 Cases Registered
South India, now, needs to be on an extra-active radar of RSS & BJP!
This scenario needs a major strategic planning within the BJP-RSS for the future course of time, so that things move positively in favour of the BJP and the RSS ideology ASHWANI KUMAR CHRUNGOO FRAGRANCE OF IDEAS Consequent upon the declaration of the results of the five state elections in eastern and southern parts of India recently, it has becomecustomary to analyse the overall political scenario of the southern region, especially the two states, namelyTamil Nadu and Kerala. This is particularly so because these two states have given contrasting results as compared to the results of the two eastern states, i.e. Assam and West Bengal. While Assam and West Bengal gave sweeping results in favour of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), the two states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have a story altogether different from the other two states. The results of the Union Territory of Puducherry have maintained the status quo and need no special mention here in this write-up. The southern states, excepting Karnataka and to some extent Telangana, have a lukewarm history of the BJPs presence. There is no doubt that the RSS started its activity in the southern region well before the partition of the country, but it gained momentum only in the 1960s and 1970s. Yadav Rao Joshi was a prominent senior RSS activist-pracharak who infused new blood in the organisational structure of RSS in the southern states. His headquarters was in Bangalore from the very inception, so Karnataka got an edge so far as the organisational expansion was concerned. On the basis of the strength of the RSS organisation in Karnataka, Joshi planned the expansion of the organisation in other southern states as well. In the 1960s and 1970s, most of the southern states were deeply influenced by the South film industry mania, Dravidian politics, left-oriented ideological leanings and also by the language and regional priorities. Congress had started losing ground in the entire southern region slowly and steadily, and the regional forces and the left parties filled up the vacuum created by the Congresss absenteeism. This kind of situation had deeply impacted the socio-political scenario of the entire southern region. It was in this kind of an adverse atmosphere that RSS, under the stewardship of Joshi, made attempts to extend its arms in the southern states. There is no doubt in the fact that Karnataka proved to be a better fertile ground as compared to the other states in the southern region. Joshi was joined by another senior RSS pracharak, H.V.Sheshadri (who later became the Secretary General of RSS), and they, along with the other scores of pracharaks and dedicated activists, created a great edifice for RSS to grow at a rapid speed in the Karnataka state. The strength gained by RSS helped the Bhartiya Jan Sangh (BJS) initially and later the BJP to take their roots deep down the earth. This created the BJP as a force to be reckoned with in the state of Karnataka in the 1980s and 1990s, and it made the BJP the main political pillar of the state politics eventually. Technically speaking, it was Jagan Nath Rao Joshi, a senior BJS-BJP leader, who planned the BJPs expansion in the southern states with great success. However, this sort of privilege, as in Karnataka, couldnt be achieved or enjoyed by the RSS and BJP in the other states. Due to the immense work done by the thousands of activists of the two organisations in these states and also the sacrifices made by the hundreds of activists, especially in the state of Kerala, the RSS and BJP made moderate inroads in the society therein. Slowly and steadily, both these organisations started to make major inroads in the 1990s, but these inroads couldnt make the BJP the main political force in any state other than Karnataka. Over the years from the 1990s to 2010s, the BJP was able to emerge as a big political force in the states of Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Pudduchery and Tamil Nadu. In Telangana, the BJP took the position of a major political quarter in the state, and has been able to catch votes to the tune of around 35% in the state. In Kerala also, the party has achieved 10% plus votes consistently for the last twenty years now. Even in the state of Tamil Nadu, the BJP was able to get 11% votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In Andhra Pradesh, it is in a formidable coalition with the TDP and the Janasena Party of Pawan Kalyan and is in a comfortable political position in the given situation. The way the election results came forth in Kerala and Tamil Nadu this time, it should bring all key figures in the BJP and RSS in the southern region to the main round-table to chalk out a plan to make sure that the BJP emerges as a bigger political force in the next round of elections. RSSs role is the master key in this whole arrangement. It can make the socio-cultural ground in these states more fertile by its groundwork so that the ideology and appeal of the BJP is welcome, particularly in two social groups, i.e. youth & women. These should be hence the target areas for both the RSS and the BJP. There is a visible impact of the BJPs immense victory and performances post 2024 Lok Sabha elections on the minds and intellect of the people of the country, in general and the youth in particular. For some years now, the participation of women in the political and electoral processes has increased in a profound manner, thanks to various welfare schemes of the government of India, especially designed for women and the youth. People in general, in the current socio-political scenario, recognise the fact with a welcome note that the BJP is now having power in most of the states of India, besides having it also at the centre. More than 70% of the population and area of the nation comes under
Ranjeet Kumar Dass elected Assam Assembly Speaker unanimously
Ranjeet Kumar Dass has been unanimously elected Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly for a second consecutive term. This marks a historic achievement in the state. Meanwhile, the assembly witnessed an unexpected moment when a Trinamool Congress MLA raised a slogan for Mamata Banerjee. The slogan was later expunged from the proceedings.
Ranjeet Dass Elected Assam Assembly Speaker For Rare Second Term
In 2021, Ranjeet Kumar Dass won from the Patacharkuchi constituency and joined the cabinet of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, handling key departments
In a first, Ranjeet K. Dass elected Assam Assembly Speaker for second term
The 126-member House also set a precedent by allowing the MLAs to take the oath in their mother tongues
Assam Assembly Session Begins with Focus on UCC and Inflation
Guwahati, May 21: The Assam Assembly session commenced on Thursday following the formation of the new government. On the first day, elected legislators took their oaths. The temporary speaker of the Assam Assembly, Chandramohan Patwari, administered the oath to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as a member of the 16th Assembly. During this session, BJP ... Read more Assam Assembly Session Begins with Focus on UCC and Inflation
Ranjit Kumar Das Elected Speaker: A Proud Moment for BJP Workers, Says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, May 21: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Thursday that the election of senior BJP leader Ranjit Kumar Das as the Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly is a moment of pride for millions of grassroots BJP workers. Speaking in the assembly after Das assumed the Speakers role, CM Sarma reflected on ... Read more Ranjit Kumar Das Elected Speaker: A Proud Moment for BJP Workers, Says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
How BJP secured a sweeping third straight term in Assam
PM Modi gifts Assams Muga silk and Manipur-inspired stole to Giorgia Meloni
Among the gifts presented to Meloni were a traditional Muga silk stole from Assam and a Shirui Lily-inspired silk stole linked to Manipurs cultural identity
Prime Minister Modi's recent five-nation tour saw him present world leaders with culturally rich Indian gifts. From Assam's golden Muga silk to Manipur's Shirui Lily stoles and Agra's marble inlay boxes, these presents showcased India's diverse traditional crafts, agricultural bounty, and musical heritage, fostering cultural exchange.
Rang Ghar: Built in 1746 in the heart of Sivasagar, Rang Ghar is widely recognised as Asias oldest amphitheatre and one of the most fascinating reminders of the Ahom dynastys grandeur. Once used by kings and nobles to watch wrestling matches, bullfights, cultural performances, and traditional games, the 277-year-old structure still stands tall with its distinctive Ahom-style architecture and unusual construction techniques using rice paste, eggs, and Borali fish instead of cement.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as MLA in new Assembly
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as an MLA on the first day of the new assembly. He swore allegiance in the Assamese language. Other MLAs also took their oaths in various recognized languages. The NDA coalition secured a significant victory in the recent assembly polls. The BJP-led alliance won a substantial majority in the 126-member house.
Aromica Tea brews innovation with Assams finest flavours
Assam-based startup Aromica Tea chose innovation over convention. The post Aromica Tea brews innovation with Assams finest flavours appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
ITA flags financial stress in Indias tea sector despite record 280 million kg exports
The sector has also been hit by climate disruptions, including severe rainfall deficits in Assam, alongside declining production and rising imports, particularly from Nepal
Gadkari reviews quality and maintenance work of 4,178 km national highway projects in Assam
NEW DELHI, May 20: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday reviewed the quality and progress of maintenance work of 4,178 kms of National Highway projects in Assam during a high-level meeting, according to an official statement. The review followed inputs received through the media and social media. The statement said Gadkari emphasised the need to accelerate on-ground execution, strengthen quality monitoring mechanisms, and adopt modern construction practices to enhance asset durability and riding quality. He also [] The post Gadkari reviews quality and maintenance work of 4,178 km national highway projects in Assam appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Nagaland University study documents Sonowal Kachari herbal knowledge
HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, May 20: A Nagaland University study has documented the rich yet rapidly declining ethno-medicinal knowledge of Sonowal Kachari tribe of Assam, highlighting its potential to transform affordable healthcare and future drug discovery. Focusing on 39 medicinal plant species and their applications, the study systematically recorded traditional herbal practices that have long been []
AASU to protest against price rise of essential items
GUWAHATI, May 20: All Assam Students Union (AASU) president Utpal Sarma on Wednesday said it will launch a state-wide protest against price rise from May 22 onwards. In a Facebook post, Sarma said the price rise of essential commodities has affected people hard across the state. The market is on fire, and the people are []
Amrit Bharat Express Trains Achieve Remarkable Success in Northeast India
Guwahati, May 21: The ambitious Amrit Bharat Express trains by Indian Railways are emerging as a significant success story in Northeast India. Launched under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), these trains have garnered tremendous support from passengers across various stations in Assam and West Bengal. According to railway officials, the popularity of these trains is ... Read more Amrit Bharat Express Trains Achieve Remarkable Success in Northeast India
World Diversity Day: Many Voices, One Humanity
Cultural diversity is not a destination humanity has reached. It is a work perpetually in progress and perpetually at risk MIR ALTAF A World of Staggering Plurality On World Cultural Diversity Day, the most important cultural monument should neither be a building nor a manuscript. It should be an old woman in a remote village who knows something no one else does: a song, a dyeing technique, a way of reading the monsoon sky, a word for a feeling that no other language has ever named. Because when she is gone, that knowledge does not retire into an archive. It disappears from the world entirely, as completely as though it had never existed. This is what is truly at stake on May 21, when the world observes the Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, proclaimed by the United Nations in 2002 following the adoption of UNESCOs Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. It is not merely a commemorative occasion. It is a standing invitation to humanity to recognise that our differences are not fault lines to be feared, but fertile ground from which understanding, creativity, and enduring peace can grow. In 2026, the invitation carries a new weight. The world is changing fast and not always in ways that are kind to difference. The real question for our time is not whether cultures will meet. They will, every day, everywhere. The question is whether those meetings will leave both sides richer or diminished. 7,000+ Languages spoken worldwide 370M+ Indigenous peoples globally ~50% Of world languages at risk $2.25T Cultural industries globally Across six continents, cultural diversity manifests in astonishing forms, like in the oral traditions of West African griots, the architectural philosophy of Japanese ma (negative space), the communal cosmology of Andean Pachamama worship, and the stoic civic ethos of Scandinavian societies. Each represents not simply a different way of doing things, but a fundamentally different way of understanding what it means to be human. UNESCOs 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions remains the foundational legal instrument in this field, recognising cultural goods and services as bearers of identity and values rather than mere commercial commodities. Yet the gap between legal recognition and lived reality yawns wide. Languages disappear at the rate of roughly one every two weeks. A child growing up today in rural Bolivia or the forests of Odisha is simultaneously more connected to global culture than any previous generation, and more at risk of losing their own. Cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, 2001 The Republic That Is a Civilisation To speak of cultural diversity in an Indian context is to speak in superlatives that nonetheless fall short of the reality. India is not merely a diverse country; it is a civilisation that has functioned, across millennia, as a living laboratory of cultural coexistence. With 22 officially recognised languages and over 1,600 mother tongues documented in the census, eight major religions, dozens of distinct classical art forms, and a culinary geography that transforms every hundred kilometres, Indias diversity is not incidental to its identity. It is its identity. 1,600+ Mother tongues documented 705 Scheduled tribal communities 16 UNESCO ICH elements inscribed 43 World Heritage Sites The philosophical underpinning of Indias approach to diversity is perhaps best captured in the ancient concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the world is one family. This is not a passive tolerance of difference but an active embrace of it, rooted in the understanding that plurality is not a problem to be managed but a wisdom to be drawn upon. The Vedic tradition of debating opposing philosophical systems side by side, the Sufi dargahs that welcomed devotees of all faiths, the syncretic folk music that blended Hindu and Islamic devotional vocabularies, these were not accidents of geography but the fruits of a deliberate cultural philosophy. Modern India carries this inheritance forward imperfectly but persistently. The constitutional protections for linguistic and cultural minorities under Articles 29 and 30 are among the most robust frameworks for minority cultural rights in the world. The Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, and Lalit Kala Akademi have, for seven decades, worked to document, sustain, and celebrate art forms from every corner of the subcontinent. On this World Diversity Day, Indias challenge and its opportunity is to translate constitutional aspiration into living practice. That means not merely preserving heritage in museums and festivals, but ensuring that the communities who are the living custodians of that heritage have the economic security and institutional support to continue creating, not just surviving. Indias Northeast offers perhaps the most concentrated illustration of this challenge and potential. The eight sister states together are home to over 200 distinct ethnic groups and also over 200 languages and dialects. Manipuri dance and Mizo choral traditions, the textile arts of the Nagas and the boat festivals of Assam, this region is not a peripheral curiosity but a cultural heartland. The recent granting of Classical Language status to additional Indian languages is a step in the right direction; what is needed now is the sustained, granular work of documentation, transmission, and economic empowerment of cultural practitioners. The Valley Where Cultures Embraced: Kashmir Focus Kashmir occupies a singular place in the cartography of world culture. Positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Silk Road, the valley absorbed and synthesised influences from Persian, Mughal, Buddhist, Shaivite, and Central Asian traditions across fifteen centuries of cultural exchange. The result is a remarkably original culture with its own aesthetic language, philosophical tradition, and social fabric. The tradition of Kashmiriyat, the composite cultural identity of the valley, transcending religious lines, represents one of the most instructive examples of cultural coexistence in South Asian history. Shared shrines, syncretic devotional poetry in the tradition of Lal Ded and Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani, these were the lived texture of Kashmiri pluralism. The Kashmiri handicraft sector, comprising Pashmina weaving, Kani shawls, papier-mch, walnut
Assam Chief Minister Criticizes Political Exploitation of Zubeen Gargs Legacy
Guwahati, May 20: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concern on Wednesday over the political exploitation of renowned singer Zubeen Gargs legacy, stating that it has hurt the sentiments of the public. He emphasized that the people wish for the celebrated artist to remain above political affiliations. Speaking to reporters at the memorial site ... Read more Assam Chief Minister Criticizes Political Exploitation of Zubeen Gargs Legacy
Assams NDA Government Receives Strong Mandate, Minister Atul Bora Says
Guwahati, May 20: Assam Minister and Assam Gana Parishad (AGP) President Atul Bora stated on Wednesday that the substantial mandate received by the NDA alliance in the recent assembly elections reflects the publics trust in the development initiatives launched by the BJP-led coalition government in the state. Speaking to reporters before the inaugural session of ... Read more Assams NDA Government Receives Strong Mandate, Minister Atul Bora Says
Using Zubeen Garg's death during polls backfired on Cong-led oppn: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted that opposition parties' attempts to politicize the death of singer Zubeen Garg proved unsuccessful in the recent assembly elections. He noted that the public disapproved of using Garg's name for political gain. Sarma visited the Zubeen Khetra memorial site to review development work. The BJP-led NDA secured a significant victory in the polls.
Assam Congress MLA Nurul Huda Opposes Interference in Religious Practices by Proposed UCC
Guwahati, May 20: Assam Congress MLA Nurul Huda criticized the BJP government on Wednesday regarding the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He stated that the party will oppose any law that interferes with the traditions, customs, and beliefs of any religion. In a conversation with reporters, Huda mentioned that the Congress legislative party will soon ... Read more Assam Congress MLA Nurul Huda Opposes Interference in Religious Practices by Proposed UCC
The 52-year-old singer had gone to the Southeast Asian nation to perform in the 4th edition of the festival
Assam BJP MLA Calls for Reduction in VIP Convoys and Security Expenses
Guwahati, May 20: BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia from the Khumtai constituency in Assam has called for a significant reduction in the culture of VIP convoys and excessive security arrangements for ministers. He stated that such practices inconvenience the public and lead to unnecessary expenses. Speaking to reporters about the need for budget cuts, Saikia emphasized ... Read more Assam BJP MLA Calls for Reduction in VIP Convoys and Security Expenses
Assam Government Secures Land for Future Projects: CM Sarma
Guwahati, May 20: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the state government is conducting a comprehensive survey of available government land in and around Guwahati to secure it for future development projects, educational institutions, and industrial infrastructure. During a visit to the Jagiroad assembly constituency, the Chief Minister informed reporters that ... Read more Assam Government Secures Land for Future Projects: CM Sarma
Assam Prepares to Introduce UCC Bill in Upcoming Assembly Session
Guwahati, May 20: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the state government is preparing to present the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the upcoming assembly session. He also indicated that a cabinet expansion is likely to occur in the first week of June. During a media interaction, Chief Minister Sarma ... Read more Assam Prepares to Introduce UCC Bill in Upcoming Assembly Session
Assam govt aims 20% cut in fuel cost, 10% down in revenue expense as part of austerity measures
Assam government has announced austerity measures to boost fiscal prudence. Fuel expenditure will be cut by 20 per cent. Minister and official convoy sizes will be reduced. Foreign travel for ministers and officials is deferred for six months. Vehicle purchases are banned for six months. Government offices will conduct energy audits.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Zubeen Garg's cremation site, asserting the Congress-led opposition paid for politicizing the musician's death during polls. He emphasized Garg as an emotion, not a political tool, and reviewed development work at 'Zubeen Khetra' as a tribute to the beloved artist. The opposition had criticized the government over alleged delays in justice for Garg.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurates state-of-the-art Assam Cricket Museum at ACA Stadium
Assam Police summons Congress leader Randeep Surjewala over cases filed by CM Himanta Sarma's wife
Assam Police have summoned senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala for questioning on May 23 in connection with cases filed by Assam CM's wife. The summons follows allegations made by Congress leader Pawan Khera regarding multiple passports and undisclosed properties. Khera, who has been granted anticipatory bail by the Supreme Court, has been cooperating with the investigation.
Assams Majbat Railway Station Transformed into a Modern Hub
Udalguri, May 20: The Majbat Railway Station in Assams Udalguri district has undergone a significant transformation under the Amrit Bharat Railway Station Scheme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate this station, which boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, improved passenger amenities, digital services, and an attractive design. Passengers are already enjoying enhanced facilities, creating a joyful ... Read more Assams Majbat Railway Station Transformed into a Modern Hub
Survey for Morigaon satellite township project cancelled
MORIGAON, May 19: Following protests by tribals, the Assam government has shelved an ongoing survey work to develop a satellite township near the Tata semiconductor project in Morigaon district of the state, said an official order. The Tiwa and Bodo community people have been protesting for the last three days against the proposed township comprising []
Tuliram Ronghang slams Opp for spreading misinformation on UCC
HT Bureau DIPHU, May 19: Tuliram Ronghang on Tuesday said the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam would not affect the Sixth Schedule districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. Ronghang made the remarks while addressing the BJPs Vijay Utsav programme at Taralangso for the Diphu Legislative Assembly Constituency, where BJP candidate Niso []
Assam Transport Minister urges people to reduce private vehicle use amid rising fuel prices
Staff Reporter Guwahati, May 19: Assam Transport Minister Charam Boro on Tuesday appealed to people to reduce the use of private vehicles and rely more on public transport in view of the rising prices of petrol and diesel. Speaking to reporters shortly after assuming charge of the department, Charan Boro said the government is reviewing []
Assam Government to Penalize Officials for Pension Delays
Guwahati, May 20: The Assam government has announced a strict new policy regarding the timely distribution of pensions to retired employees. Under this new system, officials responsible for delays or negligence in pension disbursement will face penalties. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared this information on social media platform X on Tuesday. He emphasized that ... Read more Assam Government to Penalize Officials for Pension Delays
Mlaya govt pins Lapangap unease on frequent Assam U-turns
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, May 19: The Meghalaya government on Tuesday acknowledged growing difficulties in negotiations over the sensitive Lapangap border dispute, alleging that the authorities in Assams West Karbi Anglong district have repeatedly backtracked on verbal understandings reached during the talks, complicating efforts to maintain peace and resolve the issue. Cabinet Minister and MDA-II []
ED Files Complaint in Assam Rural Development Bank Scam Under PMLA
Guwahati, May 20: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against two individuals, including a former branch head of the Assam Rural Development Bank, in connection with an alleged bank scam involving 7.28 crore. Officials reported that the complaint was submitted to a special PMLA ... Read more ED Files Complaint in Assam Rural Development Bank Scam Under PMLA
Over 2,000 trucks are stranded in Manipur as an economic blockade enters its fifth day. The blockade stems from a hostage crisis following an ambush. Truckers face shortages. Assam Rifles, unions, and locals are providing aid. Church leaders met with community groups to discuss de-escalating tensions and appealed for the hostages' release.
Assam Government Imposes Penalties for Delayed Pension Payments to Retired Employees
Guwahati, May 19: The Assam government has taken a significant step to ensure timely pension payments for retired employees. Officials responsible for delays or negligence in pension disbursement will now face penalties. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this new policy on Tuesday. In a post on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister ... Read more Assam Government Imposes Penalties for Delayed Pension Payments to Retired Employees
Assam Achieves 65% Urban Waste Disposal Milestone
Guwahati, May 19: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that effective urban waste management is one of the significant yet less discussed achievements of his government. He claimed that under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the state has completed 65% of waste disposal work in urban areas. In a post on the social ... Read more Assam Achieves 65% Urban Waste Disposal Milestone
Assam Achieves 65% Urban Waste Disposal, Claims Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, May 19: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that effective urban waste management is one of the significant yet under-discussed achievements of his government. He stated that under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the state has completed 65% of waste disposal in urban areas. In a post on the social media platform ... Read more Assam Achieves 65% Urban Waste Disposal, Claims Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Atul Bora Assigned Additional Charge of Parliamentary Affairs in Assam
Guwahati, May 19: In a significant move ahead of the newly formed Assam Assemblys first session, Minister Atul Bora has been given the additional responsibility of the Parliamentary Affairs Department. An official confirmed that this decision was made on the advice of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, with the approval of Assam Governor Laxman Prasad ... Read more Atul Bora Assigned Additional Charge of Parliamentary Affairs in Assam
PepsiCo to invest Rs 5,700 crore in India by 2030
PepsiCo plans a significant Rs 5,700 crore investment in India by 2030. This expansion will boost manufacturing capacity through new and existing projects. The focus will be on the snacks business, with new facilities in Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. This investment highlights India's strong growth potential for packaged foods and beverages.
Atul Bora gets additional charge of Parliamentary Affairs in Assam
Guwahati, May 19: Assam Minister Atul Bora has been given charge of the Parliamentary Affairs Department as an interim arrangement ahead of the first session of the newly constituted Assam Legislative Assembly, officials said on Tuesday. The official stated that Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, on the advice of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, had []
Union Minister Patil Reviews Irrigation Projects in Assam
New Delhi, May 19: Union Minister for Water Resources C.R. Patil reviewed the expanded role of externally funded projects on Tuesday. The projects assessed included sustainable irrigation development in Assam, the economic impacts of the Brahmaputra Rivers waterway changes, and studies on water management practices in Northeast India. Speaking at the sixth meeting of the ... Read more Union Minister Patil Reviews Irrigation Projects in Assam
Assam Crime Branch Summons Randeep Surjewala In CM Wife's Passport Row
He was interrogated for nearly eight hours by the crime branch in Guwahati, after which Mr Surjewalas name reportedly emerged during the course of the inquiry, prompting investigators to issue fresh summons
Tensions engulf disputed Lapangap area along Meghalaya-Assam border
Tension is high in the Lapangap area along the Meghalaya-Assam border. A recent peace meeting between representatives from both sides concluded without a resolution. The dispute over land ownership and cultivation has led to fresh friction and confrontations. Both states are working towards a permanent solution at the highest political level. This border area has a history of disputes.
Assam austerity drive: Inter-district movement of CAPF/Assam Police to be restricted
Assam government is implementing austerity measures to combat the global energy crisis. New vehicle purchases have been banned for six months. Official travel, both domestic and foreign, will be deferred. Convoy sizes will be reduced.
Does This Video Show a Bangladeshi Thief Stuck in a Window in Assam? No!
The incident, which took place on 10 May, is from Bangladesh's Cumilla and not Assam.
PepsiCo India to invest Rs 5,700 crore by 2030 on capacity expansion
PepsiCo plans a significant investment of up to Rs 5,700 crore in India by 2030. This funding will primarily enhance the manufacturing capabilities of its food business. New facilities are planned in Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. The company sees strong growth potential in India due to rising incomes and a stable economic environment.
Old Video From Assam Shared as One of Muslims Joining BJP in West Bengal
The video dates back to March 2026 and originates from Assam.
India Faces Least Burden Amid Global Crisis, Shah Nawaz Hussain Highlights Government Achievements
New Delhi, May 19: BJP spokesperson Shah Nawaz Hussain addressed several pressing issues, including rising fuel prices, claims of a Naxal-free India, and the summons issued to Congress leader Randeep Surjewala by Assam police. He defended the governments stance on these matters. Regarding the increase in fuel prices, Hussain emphasized that the world is currently ... Read more India Faces Least Burden Amid Global Crisis, Shah Nawaz Hussain Highlights Government Achievements
Survey for township near Tata semiconductor plant shelved in Assam
The Morigaon district administration issued an order cancelling the project following protests from the Tiwa and Bodo communities
