Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the North East Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 (NESFIC)-Ashtalakshmi for Viksit Bharat, aimed at connecting young innovators with real-world challenges faced by government departments, industries and citizens. The initiative will feature 50 challenges, with 150 startups to be shortlisted and supported through mentoring, testing opportunities and grants of up to Rs. 40 lakh for deep-tech solutions.
Assam Looking For Tech-Driven Solutions For Flood Preparedness: CM Himanta
Guwahati, September 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the state was looking for technology-driven solutions to strengthen flood preparedness, particularly in the wake of the recent deluge that caused significant loss of lives and property. Speaking at the launch of the North East Seva Innovation Challenge (NESFIC) in Guwahati, Sarma said... The post Assam Looking For Tech-Driven Solutions For Flood Preparedness: CM Himanta first appeared on Northeast Today .
'Gyanesh Kumar should be arrested': Congress stages nationwide protests against CEC
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) The Congress on Friday staged nationwide protests to demand the resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over 'vote chori' allegations, asserting that the party would not bow down until action is taken against him. The allegations have gained momentum after a media report claimed differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Several Congress leaders and workers were detained during the agitation, including the party's Assam and Punjab chiefs Gaurav Gogoi and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, respectively. Water cannons were also used to disperse the protesters across states. In the national capital, the Youth Congress held a march demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav said: The demand is clear that Gyanesh Kumar must be arrested because he has murdered democracy. The essence of a democracy is lost when votes are stolen. We clearly demand that Gyanesh Kumar resign and that the elections conducted over the past year undergo a review, he added. Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba recalled that the party, especially Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, has been speaking about the heft of votes for months now. On December 14, the Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodo rally was held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. The entire Delhi was echoing with the slogan...Today, our only demand is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should seek Gyanesh Kumars resignation. He should be arrested and sent to jail. The illegal decisions taken by him must be stopped and reversed, Lambae told IANS. Congress leaders and workers attempted to 'gherao' the Election Commission office in Chandigarh. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who was being detained, told reporters: We have all gathered here demanding the removal of Gyanesh Kumar and his arrest and imprisonment. Our protest is against the SIR. Votes are being stolen across the country, and 20 lakh votes have been deleted in Punjab...Our demand is that SIR should be cancelled and voting should take place without it. Congress Chandigarh President H.S. Lucky asserted that the party would continue the agitation despite the attempts being made by the police to stop them. The police are doing their duty and putting up barricades. Deploy the police, the Army, Income Tax, ED, or any other agency, but the way the people of the country have been wronged, they will not tolerate it. Gen-Z recently held a major protest at Jantar Mantar. Another major movement will emerge in the country. This protest will continue until Gyanesh Kumar resigns, just as (then-Union Education Minister) Dharmendra Pradhan did, Lucky told IANS. Security personnel also used water cannons to disperse agitators in Chandigarh. Leading a protest march in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das said: This movement is against the stealing of votes, and Gyanesh Kumar will have to resign. Rahul Gandhi has been raising the issue of vote theft from the beginning, but no one was listening. Today, it has been proved how vote theft is taking place. Led by Bihar President Rajesh Ram, Congress workers in Patna marched towards the Election Commission office. However, police put up barricades near the Secretariat to stop them. A heated scuffle broke out between the police and the workers as the latter attempted to break through the barricades and move forward. The police had to use water cannons to bring the situation under control. Speaking to reporters during the agitation, Rajesh Ram said: We are not afraid. We will continue to protest against Gyanesh Kumar, who is a criminal. Another protester alleged that police resorted to 'lathi charge'. Purnia MP Pappu Yadav also took part in the Congress protest in Patna. Criticising the Election Commission, he said: They have committed an injustice against 13 crore people in Bengal, Bihar and Assam. How can they be allowed to go? Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat took part in the Congress protest in Dehradun. Congress state in-charge Kumari Selja said: We are holding protests across the country. People have seen the revelations that have come out regarding the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission is not functioning in the manner it should. There is no unanimity there, and it is not impartial. Similarly, Congress leaders and workers protested outside the Election Commission office in Shimla. Congress Himachal Pradesh in-charge Rajni Patil also recalled Rahul Gandhi's vote theft allegations, saying: Now we are firmly convinced that there are irregularities in the elections...If things go on like this then the Constitution will be totally destroyed. Similar protests also took place in Assam's Guwahati, where state chief and MP Gaurav Gogoi, along with other party members, was detained while trying to break through police barricades
Centre extends AFSPA in 'disturbed areas' of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh by six months
Digital Desk | New Delhi/Imphal, Sep 25 (IANS) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for another six months in most parts of Manipur, several districts of Nagaland, and certain districts of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Friday. According to three separate notifications issued by the MHA, the further extension of the special law would be effective from October 1. The AFSPA, which gives armed forces operating in the notified disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest, and open fire if they deem it necessary for the maintenance of public order, was extended on Thursday for six more months in the entire state of Manipur, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 13 police stations of five districts Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. Of the total 16 districts in Manipur, these five districts are located in the Imphal Valley region. Manipur has been devastated by the ethnic violence between the majority Meitei and the minority Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribals since May 3, 2023. After the prolonged ethnic violence, which claimed over 260 lives since May 2023, Manipur came under Presidents rule on February 13, 2025, four days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who was heading the second BJP-led government, resigned on February 9. The Presidents Rule was withdrawn after Yumnam Khemchand Singh took over as the Chief Minister on February 4 this year. Officials in Imphal said that the MHA notification was issued after the review of the law and order situation in the state,in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958. Another MHA notification said that the AFSPA has been extended in nine districts of Nagaland -- Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phekm, Peren and Meluri and 21 police stations in five other districts Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha and Zunheboto - with these areas declared 'disturbed areas for a period of six months. Another MHA notification said that the AFSPA has also been extended in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of the state, bordering Assam, and declared these areas as a disturbed area for a period of six months with effect from October 1. The law and order situations of the areas of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, where the AFSPA has been extended, were also reviewed by the government. Many organisations in Manipur, including the Manipuri Students Federation (MSF), the Nupi Khunai-Yairipok, and the Meira Paibis, and other Northeastern states have been off and on agitating, demanding withdrawal of the AFSPA from their states. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier said that the MHA has lifted the AFSPA from many parts of his state. The AFSPA was originally imposed across Assam in 1990, during a peak in insurgent activities led by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). Since then, it has been renewed every six months, with periodic reviews leading to the gradual exclusion of certain areas based on the prevailing security situation. With significant improvement in the security situation, the AFSPA was lifted from Tripura in 2015, Meghalaya in 2018, and Mizoram in the 1980s.
Assam CM seeks tech-driven flood solutions, eyes AI ecosystem
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 25 (IANS) Assam is seeking technology-driven solutions to strengthen flood preparedness, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma calling on the states youth to develop innovative ideas to tackle recurring flood-related challenges. Sarma said on Friday that the recent floods in Sivasagar and Charaideo had underlined the need for new approaches and technology-based solutions to improve the states preparedness. Assam is looking for new tech-driven solutions for flood preparedness, especially after the recent floods in Sivasagar and Charaideo, and I believe our youth will be able to come up with such solutions, the Chief Minister said. He emphasised the potential of Assams young population to drive technological innovation and develop solutions tailored to the states specific needs. Sarma also outlined a broader vision for Assams technological future, saying the state should build an ecosystem around advanced and deep technologies, including artificial intelligence and semiconductors. The Assam of the future will have an ecosystem in advanced and deep tech like AI, semiconductors, among others, he said. The Chief Minister stressed the need for Assam to move beyond dependence on imported advanced machinery and develop manufacturing capabilities within the state. We should aim to make advanced machinery right here in Assam rather than importing it, Sarma said. His remarks come as Assam continues to face recurring floods and the need for stronger preparedness, early response and resilient infrastructure. The focus on technology-driven solutions also points towards greater use of innovation and local expertise in addressing challenges associated with natural disasters. The Chief Ministers emphasis on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced machinery reflects the states wider push to build capabilities in emerging technology sectors. Developing such an ecosystem could also create opportunities for young people in research, technology, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Sarmas call for youth-led innovation places particular emphasis on developing solutions within Assam rather than relying entirely on technologies and equipment sourced from outside the state. He said Assams future development should link advanced technology with local manufacturing, while encouraging the states youth to play a central role in creating solutions to challenges the state faces. The remarks underline a dual focus, using technology to address immediate challenges such as flood preparedness while building a long-term ecosystem for advanced technology and manufacturing in Assam.
Vande Bharat operating staff to train at IIT Kharagpur
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) Operational staff of the Vande Bharat trains will soon begin advanced training at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. The institute has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE), Jamalpur, to strengthen technical capacity in advanced rolling stock technologies. The tie-up, coordinated by IIT Kharagpurs Centre for Railway Research (CRR), will deliver specialised residential training for Indian Railways (IR) officials on semi-high-speed trains. Training modules will cover advanced traction and propulsion systems, electrical safety, Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS), rolling stock diagnostics, condition monitoring, reliability engineering, and regenerative braking. The MoU was signed by Prof Swagata Dasgupta, Dean of Outreach, IIT Kharagpur, and Prem Prakash, Dean, IRIMEE, with Prof Vikranth Racherla, IIT Kharagpur, and Siddharth Shankar, IRIMEE, serving as nodal officers, the institute said. It added that the initiative would combine classroom learning, laboratory experiments, hands-on exposure, and field visits to contribute to safer, smarter, more reliable, and increasingly indigenous railway technologies. IR currently operates 79 Vande Bharat trains across various routes, with plans to introduce more in the near future. The railways also run a Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Kamakhya (Assam). As more sleeper trains are built, additional staff will be needed to operate and maintain them. Officials said on-board staff would need the expertise to identify problems in advanced systems and the capability to rectify them, particularly for sleeper trains running longer routes. IR has plans to acquire 260 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, 60 of which are under construction. In addition, a prototype of a Vande Bharat freight train is undergoing trials. Unlike normal rakes that require locomotives, Vande Bharat trainsets comprise several carriages fitted with electric traction motors. Each carriage can power itself and two others without motors, resulting in a complex setup. The trains also use high-end control technology, making advanced training essential for operators.
Congress Launches Nationwide Protests Against ECI, Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar
The Congress on Friday launched nationwide protests against the Election Commission of India (ECI), with party workers demonstrating in several states and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protests were reported in Delhi, Bihar, Assam, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In Delhi, Congress workers gathered at Jantar Mantar and [] The post Congress Launches Nationwide Protests Against ECI, Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumars Resignation appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Two alleged Bangladeshi nationals held in Assam, fake Aadhaar cards recovered
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 25 (IANS) The Assam Police have apprehended two people suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals during an operation aboard the Saraihat Express, officials said on Friday. The train was travelling from Silchar to Howrah when the two suspects were intercepted by the police. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Border), Kulandra Nath Deka, said two Aadhaar cards suspected to be fake, along with Bangladeshi currency notes, were recovered from their possession during interrogation. The police have initiated the process to deport the two suspected Bangladeshi nationals from India under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, Deka said. The apprehension followed specific inputs received by the Assam Police regarding the movement of suspected illegal foreign nationals. Deka said the authorities are verifying the identities and nationality of the two persons before completing the necessary legal and deportation procedures. The Border Police wing has been conducting checks to identify foreign nationals allegedly staying in India without valid documents and those suspected of using forged Indian identity papers. The latest operation is part of the ongoing efforts by Assam Police to detect suspected illegal immigration and prevent the use of fraudulent documents to establish Indian identity. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances under which the two individuals allegedly entered India and obtained the suspected fake Aadhaar cards. Recently, Assam Police have apprehended 28 suspected illegal Bangladeshi nationals, in separate operations across the state earlier this week. On September 23, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that six suspected illegal foreigners were detained from a residence in Mankachar following specific intelligence inputs, while another 22 people were apprehended during statewide operations on September 22. Police have initiated legal proceedings against those detained and are also investigating individuals suspected of providing shelter to them. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarma has reiterated the state government's commitment to preventing illegal entry from Bangladesh and identifying foreign nationals residing unlawfully in Assam. On September 19, the Chief Minister said that Assam Police had foiled an attempted infiltration involving 10 people along the international border. In another development, two convicted individuals were handed over by Assam Police to the Border Security Force, which subsequently transferred them to Border Guards Bangladesh following the prescribed procedures. Chief Minister Sarma said the state was maintaining a robust mechanism to prevent unlawful entry and stay in India and would remain vigilant along the international border.
Assam: New species from Dibru-Saikhowa marks first Indian record of rare genus
Doomdooma: Scientists have identified a new species of tiny parasitic wasp in Assams Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. The discovery is also the first recorded occurrence of its genus in India. The new species, named Oxyserphus narendrani, was described by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) researchers Rupam Debnath and K. Rajmohana. Their study, published in September 2026, [] The post Assam: New species from Dibru-Saikhowa marks first Indian record of rare genus appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Assam Universities Asked To Prepare Roadmap To Strengthen Higher Education: Chief Secretary
Guwahati, Sep 25: Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has called on universities across the state to prepare institution-specific roadmaps with defined priorities and timelines to strengthen higher education. Chairing a meeting with university authorities and senior officials of the Higher Education Department, Kota emphasized the need to advance reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP)... The post Assam Universities Asked To Prepare Roadmap To Strengthen Higher Education: Chief Secretary first appeared on Northeast Today .
Assam Launches North East Service Fast Innovation Challenge to Tackle Key Issues
Assams Chief Minister announces an innovation challenge for youth to find solutions to 50 pressing local issues across various sectors. Assam Launches North East Service Fast Innovation Challenge to Tackle Key Issues
Tripura: Three Rounds Fired During Forest Operation, Nakul Para Villagers Block NH for Four Hours
Agartala, September 25, 2026: Tension prevailed in Tripuras Nakul Para area of Longtharai Hill under Dhalai district on Friday following an alleged firing incident during a Forest Department operation to prevent tree felling, with agitated villagers blocking the Assam-Agartala National Highway for nearly four hours. According to local sources, the incident took place at around... The post Tripura: Three Rounds Fired During Forest Operation, Nakul Para Villagers Block NH for Four Hours first appeared on Northeast Today .
Nagaon bypoll: Nationalist Muslims voted for BJP in past elections, says Assam CM
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 25 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has received votes from members of the Muslim community in the past and asserted that such support is not a new phenomenon in the state. Speaking to reporters here ahead of the October 6 Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, CM Sarma said the BJP had received substantial votes in minority-dominated Assembly seats during earlier elections. He referred to the party's performance in Rupohihat and Laharighat Assembly seats, saying BJP candidates had received around 35,000 and 38,000 votes respectively in the two constituencies during this year's Assembly elections. Many Muslims have been voting for the BJP from earlier. There are also nationalist Muslims, CM Sarma said. He also rejected the suggestion that the BJP was opposed to any particular religion, saying the party's political focus was on issues concerning society. We (BJP) are not against religion. We talk about issues. We do not do Hindu-Muslim politics, he said. Chief Minister Sarma added that issues such as equal rights for women and social development were among the subjects on which his government and the BJP had been speaking. He said the BJP had received support from sections of the Muslim community in previous elections and claimed that the party was also receiving support during the current political campaign. The Chief Minister added that people attending BJP meetings in the constituency included members from different communities. The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat is scheduled to go for a bypoll on October 6 following the resignation of former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi. The political contest includes BJP candidate Debashish Sharma, Congress nominee Sibamoni Bora and AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal. CM Sarma acknowledged that Nagaon had not traditionally been a BJP-held seat, but said the party was seeking to expand its support base there. He had earlier said that the BJP's four Assembly seats within the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency performed strongly in the recent Assembly election, while the Opposition had won the remaining four. The Chief Minister added that the bypoll would therefore be closely watched for the political message it sends ahead of future elections in Assam.
Assam Chief Minister Ridicules CJPs 48-Hour Resignation Ultimatum to Election Commissioner
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma mocks CJPs demand for Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars resignation within 48 hours. Assam Chief Minister Ridicules CJPs 48-Hour Resignation Ultimatum to Election Commissioner
Bihar Congress, RJD protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over SIR issues; police use water canons
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 25 (IANS) The Bihar Congress staged a protest march in Patna on Friday against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and over issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The RJD also staged a demonstration in Patna over the issue. Police used water cannons to stop the protesters as they attempted to proceed towards the State Election Commission office. The protest march was organised from R-Block to the State Election Commission office. A large number of Congress leaders and workers participated in the demonstration, raising slogans against the Election Commission and demanding the resignation of the CEC. Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Rajesh Ram said the protest was linked to the questions being raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the electoral process and voter lists. The protest against the Election Commission stems from the fact that Rahul Gandhi was consistently exposing them... today it has been proven that governments in Bihar, Haryana, and Maharashtra were formed through vote theft. The Election Commission has not yet responded to Rahul Gandhi, Ram said. These allegations reflect the Congress party's political position and have not been established as facts by the Election Commission or a court. Tension was reported during the demonstration as Congress workers and police personnel came face-to-face. Some protesters climbed the barricades while carrying an effigy of the CEC, leading to a commotion at the site. Police subsequently used water cannons to disperse the protesters. Congress workers and leaders also demanded the removal and arrest of CEC Gyanesh Kumar during the demonstration. Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav also criticised the Election Commission amid the nationwide Congress protests. They have committed an injustice against 13 crore people in Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. How can they simply be allowed to get away with it? Yadav said. The RJD, a key constituent of the Mahagathbandhan, also staged a demonstration in Patna over the issue. RJD leaders and workers took to the streets and raised questions over the functioning of the Election Commission, particularly in connection with the revision of electoral rolls and the electoral process. The protests in Bihar are part of a broader political campaign by Opposition parties questioning the Election Commission's handling of voter lists and the Special Intensive Revision. The protests come amid a recent report by a national English daily newspaper alleging that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over a period of 10 months regarding decisions and procedures of the poll panel. The reported objections covered issues including voter registration and deletion, restoration of names, changes to Form 6, new voters and the management of electoral-roll data. The report said some of the objections concerned decisions that the two commissioners stated had been taken without their knowledge or approval. The objections reportedly included concerns about the centralisation of electoral-roll database controls and aspects of the SIR process. The Election Commission has rejected the suggestion that the reported objections demonstrate a lack of consensus within the three-member poll panel. According to the Commission, all decisions taken by it, including those related to the SIR, had the approval of all three Election Commissioners and were reached unanimously. The Commission said that highlighting individual internal notes without considering the broader body of decisions and approvals presents only one part of its decision-making process. The controversy over the functioning of the Election Commission and the revision of electoral rolls continues, with Opposition parties demanding greater accountability while the poll panel maintains that its decisions have been taken in accordance with its established procedures.
Assam CM mocks CJP's 48-hour ultimatum for CEC's resignation
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 25 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday took a swipe at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) regarding the body's 48-hour resignation ultimatum to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Chief Minister Sarma told reporters here, There is no point in demanding a resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar within 48 hours by the CJP. This is a laughable remark. The CJP can demand resignation of any individual like tomorrow they may ask about my resignation too. But of course, I will not respond. The Chief Minister however said that the CJP can raise objections on any matter but seeking resignations of persons from a Constitutional post does not hold any water. Chief Minister Sarma earlier also added that the Election Commission of India (ECI) functions collectively and that decisions cannot be taken simply by one individual Commissioner acting alone. His remarks came a day after the CJP demanded CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation within 48 hours and threatened to launch a nationwide agitation, including what it described as Jantar Mantar 2.0, if the demand was not met. The CJP has raised allegations concerning the functioning of the Election Commission and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The organisation has also demanded that upcoming elections be frozen and that the SIR process be rolled back to its earlier status. Chief Minister Sarma said the CEC cannot independently take decisions by disregarding the other Election Commissioners, stressing that decisions are taken collectively through the Commission. The issue follows reports of differences within the Election Commission over certain decisions linked to the SIR exercise. The Election Commission has said that decisions relating to the revision process were taken unanimously, while media reports have cited objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi on several occasions. The CJP, meanwhile, has said it would begin protests across the country if CEC Gyanesh Kumar does not resign within the stipulated 48 hours. Chief Minister Sarma's comments come amid an intensifying political debate over electoral rolls, the functioning of the Election Commission and the SIR exercise. The Chief Minister said the Election Commission's decisions should be viewed in the context of its collective institutional functioning rather than being attributed solely to the CEC.
Assam govt to hold Sonowal Kachari Council polls in Nov
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 25 (IANS) Elections to the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council (SKAC) will be held in November, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday, indicating that the polls would be conducted on a party-less basis. Speaking to reporters, Sarma said candidates backed by political parties could contest, but the Election Commission would allot symbols and the polls would formally be conducted without party symbols. He added that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would allow its candidates to contest the Sonowal Kachari and Mising Autonomous Council elections without formally using party symbols. The Chief Minister said the BJP had followed a similar approach during panchayat elections, which were conducted on a party-less basis. According to him, the objective is to prevent voters and communities at the grassroots level from becoming divided along party lines. Sarma clarified that senior BJP leaders, including MLAs, ministers and other elected representatives, would stay away from campaigning. At the same time, ordinary party workers would be free to participate under election rules. The Assam Cabinet on Thursday decided to hold elections to both the Mising Autonomous Council and the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council in November 2026. The Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council is one of Assams statutory autonomous councils established for the social, economic, educational and cultural development of the concerned Scheduled Tribe community. Political parties have already begun preparations. The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee has constituted a 50-member coordination committee for the Sonowal Kachari council election, covering districts including Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Jorhat, Golaghat, Sivasagar and Lakhimpur. The Asom Gana Parishad has also stepped up preparations and said it intends to contest independently. Sarma said the party-less format would keep elections focused on local candidates and community-level issues rather than turning into a direct contest between political parties.
Gaurav Gogoi detained during Assam Congress protest against Gyanesh Kumar
AISA President Neha Bora, Gaurav Gogoi Detained During Nationwide Protests Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
AISA president Neha Bora and Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi were detained during protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars removal amid allegations over electoral roll revisions.
Assam Royal Global University Signs MoU With Assam Rifles To Offer Scholarships To Personnel
Guwahati, Sept 25: Assam Royal Global University (RGU) has entered into an agreement with the Assam Rifles to extend scholarships to the dependents and wards of personnel of the paramilitary force. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at the Directorate General of Assam Rifles headquarters in Shillong. Under the MoU, RGU will introduce two... The post Assam Royal Global University Signs MoU With Assam Rifles To Offer Scholarships To Personnels Wards first appeared on Northeast Today .
Haryana Congress holds protest, demands arrest of CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Chandigarh, Sep 25 (PTI) Haryana Congress on Friday protested here demanding the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a review of his decisions, with police using water cannons against the protesters to prevent the gherao of office of the chief electoral officer. The protest was organised under the leadership of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress chief Rao Narender Singh and partys state affairs in-charge Sanjay Dutt. The party leaders raised Vote Chori slogans during the protest in Sector 17 here. Party MPs from Haryana Deepender Singh Hooda, Jai Prakash, Satpal Brahamchari and Varun Chaudhary, Karamvir
Rights body seeks closure of illegal coal mining in Assams Tinsukia district
The Tinsukia District Committee of the International Human Rights Council (IHRC) says all documents related to alleged illegal coal mining in Assams Ledo area must be examined, and illegal transportation routes closed within 72 hours
Gaurav Gogoi and senior Congress leaders detained during protest demanding CEC
Guwahati, Sep 25 (PTI) Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and several senior party leaders were detained on Friday while trying to break through police barricades during a protest demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, police said. The Congress, led by Gogoi, had taken out a march from its state headquarters, Rajiv Bhawan, and planned to proceed towards the Chief Electoral Officers office to burn an effigy of the CEC. Police had put up barricades near Rajiv Bhawan, which the protesting leaders, including Gogoi, attempted to cross, following which they were detained. Congress spokesperson Bedabrata Bora alleged that
DLSA Kamrup Para Legal Volunteers Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 29 Posts
District Legal Services Authority Kamrup has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 29 Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) posts. The online application process details have not been specified in the given information. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website. The honorarium will be as fixed by the Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA).
Congress youth wing protesters don Gyanesh Kumar masks, demand CEC
New Delhi, Sep 25 (PTI) Wearing masks bearing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars face and with their hands bound in chains, Indian Youth Congress workers on Friday protested against the Election Commission, demanding Kumars resignation over alleged differences among the poll panels top officers on key electoral decisions. The protesters raised slogans and displayed posters and banners demanding accountability from Kumar as they marched from the IYC office on Raisina Road towards the Election Commission headquarters. IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib led the demonstration, with the youth wing announcing that it would gherao the Election Commission office as part of
Gaurav Gogoi Detained During Assam Protest Seeking Gyaneshs Resignation
Congress Leader Alleges Electoral Roll Irregularities Amid Row Over SIR Exercise
Gyanesh Kumar Should Resign Today: Assam Congress Chief Gaurav Gogoi Detained During Protest
Guwahati, Sep 25: Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi was detained by police on Friday while leading a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration came amid mounting controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has triggered sharp political exchanges across the country. Speaking during the... The post Gyanesh Kumar Should Resign Today: Assam Congress Chief Gaurav Gogoi Detained During Protest first appeared on Northeast Today .
EC-SIR row: Jantar Mantar entrance barricaded ahead of protests - video
Across India, demonstrations erupted as citizens rallied for the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In Assam, Congress leaders confronted police barricades and were detained while protesting, even trying to set fire to an effigy of Kumar in criticism of his oversight of electoral rolls. Security in Delhi was bolstered in expectation of similar unrest, reflecting growing political tensions regarding the commission's recent actions.
Gaurav Gogoi detained during Assam Congress protest demanding CECs removal
Assam Congress had taken out a march from its state headquarters, Rajiv Bhawan, and planned to proceed towards the Chief Electoral Officers office to burn an effigy of the CEC
Gyanesh Kumar should resign today: says Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi during protest against CEC
Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi was detained during a protest over alleged irregularities in electoral roll management. Gogoi called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and for legal action against him. The protests were triggered by a report revealing objections from Election Commissioners regarding the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists.
Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi detained during protest demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar
The News Mill
BJP attack on Cong over EC row is
Wayanad (Keralam), Sep 25 (PTI) Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday termed the BJPs attack on her party over the Election Commission row a stale and weak story, alleging that there were facts and evidence to support the Congress claims. Responding to reporters queries here, she said that the entire country had seen what had happened, referring to facts put forward by her brother, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, at various press conferences over SIR of electoral rolls. Im sorry, thats a very stale and weak story. There are facts, there is evidence. It is there for the whole country
Video: Tiger Cub Trapped In Fishing Net Around Assam Kitchen Garden Rescued
According to residents, the tiger cub is suspected to have moved out from the sixth addition of Kaziranga National Park and entered the nearby human habitation.
A high-level media delegation from Odisha, currently on an exposure visit to Assam organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, visited the ICMR-National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in Dibrugarh today. During the visit, the journalists interacted with Dr Suman Kanungo, Director of ICMR-NIHR, [] The post Odisha Media Delegation Visits ICMR-NIHR Dibrugarh, Interacts with Scientists on Landmark Public Health Innovations appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prevent dementia?
Loughborough (UK), Sep 25 (Conversation) A study has raised a question that many women would understandably want answered: could hormone replacement therapy (HRT) protect against dementia? The research found that women who had used HRT were less likely to receive a dementia diagnosis during follow-up, particularly if they had undergone surgery involving their reproductive organs. But the results do not establish that HRT caused the difference. The researchers analysed data from 183,450 postmenopausal women in the UK Biobank, followed for an average of 13.3 years. During that period, 3,948 received a dementia diagnosis, including 1,993 diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Women
Assam Women to Receive Financial Boost Ahead of Durga Puja
Assams government announces increased financial aid for women ahead of Durga Puja, enhancing support through the Orunodoi scheme. Assam Women to Receive Financial Boost Ahead of Durga Puja
Guwahati, Sep 25: The Assam Cancer Care Foundation has emerged as a cornerstone in the states healthcare system, delivering nearly 15 lakh patient services in just four years. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who chaired the foundations board and annual general meeting on Thursday night, Emphasized the organisations achievements across its network of 12 specialised... The post Assam Cancer Care Foundation Delivers Nearly 15 Lakh Patient Services In Four Years: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma first appeared on Northeast Today .
BJP's 529 Crore Poll Spending Revealed; Bengal Alone Accounted For 287 Crore, EC Data Shows
BJP spent 529 crore across five Assembly elections held in April 2026, with West Bengal accounting for 287 crore, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission. The party also reported spending 83 crore in Kerala, 96 crore in Assam, 52 crore in Tamil Nadu and 12 crore in Puducherry. Congress reported 249 crore in total spending, while CPM reported 39 crore. BJP's central headquarters received 1,473 crore during the election period, while its balance rose to 7,627 crore. Congress' combined balance across five state units fell to 103 crore.
Assam ASHAs co-design AI platform to enhance cervical cancer screening in rural areas
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Stock markets turn volatile as oil prices, rising bond yields weigh on sentiments
Mumbai, Sep 25 (PTI) Market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty faced volatile trends after rebounding in early trade on Friday as elevated crude oil prices, high US bond yields and selling in IT stocks weighed on investors sentiment. After sharp losses in the previous session, the 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 86 points to 73,672.98 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty was up 18.80 points to 23,080.45. However, the BSE benchmark later quoted 12.95 points down at 73,568.22, and the Nifty dipped 16.75 points to trade at 23,049.40. Among the 30 Sensex firms, Larsen & Toubro, Axis Bank, Mahindra &
Rupee rises 14 paise to 95.85 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai, Sep 25 (PTI) The rupee gained 14 paise 95.85 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday amid a positive trend in domestic equities and remained above the key psychological barrier of 96 per dollar. Forex traders said persistent dollar demand from domestic importers in particular the oil companies, elevated crude oil prices, and broad-based strength in the US dollar index following hawkish Federal Reserve rate signals weighing on the local unit. However, the Reserve Bank of India is likely to intervene to smooth out volatility in the currency market, they said. At the interbank foreign exchange market,
Polypharmacy can take a toll on older peoples
London, Sep 25 (Conversation) Around 8 million people in the UK take five or more medications each day (known as polypharmacy), with a further 2 million people taking ten or more prescription drugs daily. The majority of people who take multiple medications each day are aged over 65. Taking multiple prescription drugs is not necessarily a problem. But it can become problematic when a medicine is overprescribed. This means someone is taking a drug thats no longer appropriate for a their circumstances, does not deliver the intended benefit, conflicts with their wishes or when a better non-medicine option is available.
Assam CM Himanta backs CEC, calls charges against Gyanesh Kumar 'political campaign'
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has dismissed allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as political campaigns. He emphasized that the Election Commission operates based on consensus or majority opinion among its members. Recent reports indicated internal disagreements among election commissioners regarding certain decisions. The Election Commission defended itself by stating that differing views are standard in institutional deliberations.
Devastating Fire in Bokakhat, Assam Destroys Five Businesses
A severe fire in Bokakhat, Assam, has destroyed five businesses, resulting in significant losses estimated at over 70 lakh. Devastating Fire in Bokakhat, Assam Destroys Five Businesses
Maikhuli dispute different, not similar to Langpih: Saleng
Shillong, Sep 24: Tura MP Saleng Sangma of the Congress Party has disputed Chief Minister Conrad K Sangmas description of the recent trouble at Maikhuli as part of a 50-year-old Assam-Meghalaya border conflict, saying the area had remained peaceful for decades. Reacting to the Chief Ministers recent remarks that the interstate border dispute was more [] The post Maikhuli dispute different, not similar to Langpih: Saleng first appeared on Highland Post .
Inputs from ASHAs to shape AI-enabled training platform for cervical cancer screening in Assam
About 110 Accredited Social Health Activists in Barak Valley collaborated with doctors, programmers, and researchers to help design the digital tools
MPSC held in 3rd DGAR Hockey Cup
Continuing the high spirited momentum of the ongoing tournament, day six of the 3rd Director General Assam Rifles Hockey Cup 2026 witnessed four high octane encounters at Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium The men
Assam Celebrates Zero Rhino Poaching Incidents Over Three Years
Assams Chief Minister claims zero incidents of rhino poaching in three years, highlighting significant conservation achievements in the state. Assam Celebrates Zero Rhino Poaching Incidents Over Three Years
Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple receives eight-year-old elephant Hiralal from Assam
Four Tangkhul civilians killed in Kamjong attack; Naga body calls 24-hour shutdown
New Tupi stands guard over its wild with camera-trap survey
NEIGRIHMS provides hands-on emergency response training
Cachar restricts night movement along B'desh border amid smuggling concerns
Silchar residents block Central Road, seek repair
SIR draft roll flags 24,178 uncollectable electors in Kohima dist
Assam Cabinet clears rules for compulsory registration of Muslim marriages
Nagaland child rights panel flags inadequate infra for child care
Dibrugarh takes maternal healthcare to the last mile, records zero home births for 2nd straight year
Car crashes into streetlight pole & catches fire in Nagaon; 3 dead, 2 injured
Over 1.14L Ayushman cards in Nagaland yet to be linked with Aadhaar
Ashas help shape multilingual chatbot & AI tool for better cervical cancer screening
Assams startup ecosystem gains momentum; 52.6% founded by women: IIMCIP Report
Mizoram civil society organisation lifts border trade embargo with Rakhine & Chin states
NHRC special rapporteur calls for stronger mental health support
TET-qualified candidates protest in Agartala, demand immediate jobs
ANSUs 12-hour shutdown brings Itanagar to a standstill
ZPM veteran Bualhranga quits from partys Val Upa Council
Caught in kitchen garden net, rescued tiger cub returned to the wild in Assam
The three-month-old cub could have wandered into the Assam village after getting separated from its mother because of strong river currents, officials said
Newborn Girl Allegedly Killed, Buried By Mother In Assam
Guwahati, September 24: A newborn girl was allegedly killed and buried by her mother in Assams Dhemaji district, police said on Thursday, with both parents arrested in connection with the case. According to a senior police officer, the infant was allegedly killed three days ago, shortly after her birth, and buried in a pit dug... The post Newborn Girl Allegedly Killed, Buried By Mother In Assams Dhemaji; Parents Arrested first appeared on Northeast Today .
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 cabinet approves Rs 1,500 Orunodoi payment and 20% tea garden bonus for Durga Puja
The News Mill
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.
Gold slides Rs 1,600 to Rs 1.52 lakh per 10 gm as oil surge, firm dollar deepen bullion selloff
New Delhi, Sep 24 (PTI) Gold prices declined Rs 1,600 to Rs 1.52 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday, extending the losing streak for the fourth consecutive session, as the rising US dollar and higher crude oil prices weighed on the precious metal. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity depreciated by Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,52,400 per 10 grams, inclusive of all taxes, from Wednesdays closing level of Rs 1.54 lakh per 10 grams, according to local traders. Silver, meanwhile, saw a downward momentum after remaining unchanged for the past two sessions, tumbling Rs
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
The News Mill
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.
Sensex tanks 1,248 points, Nifty settles below 23,100 on spike in crude oil
Mumbai, Sep 24 (PTI) Benchmark indices fell sharply on Thursday, with the Sensex tumbling 1,247.71 points and the Nifty declining to 23,063, following a spike in crude oil prices and selling in blue-chip Reliance Industries and bank stocks. Weak global trends also dampened investor sentiment. The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 1,247.71 points, or 1.67 per cent, to settle at 73,580.54. During the day, it plummeted 1,264.33 points, or 1.68 per cent, to 73,563.92. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 383.70 points, or 1.64 per cent, to end at 23,063.10. Among the 30 Sensex firms, 29 ended lower. Bajaj Finance dropped 5.47
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
