Assams CM Himanta Biswa Sarma believes the Nagaon by-election could signal a major shift for BJP, aiming for all 126 assembly seats. Assams Nagaon By-Election Could Pave the Way for BJPs Ambitious 126-Seat Goal, Says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal To Contest Lok Sabha Bypoll From Assam's Nagaon
The AIUDF had earlier indicated that Rezaul Karim Sarkar could be its nominee, but eventually opted to put its supremo directly into the electoral contest.
Dibrugarh gives cattle owners 24hrs to get animals off roads, markets
Assam plans district-level land banks to support industrial investment: CM
Mistaken for another species for years, Mizoram frog gets its identity
Union sports minister visits Mizoram, reviews sports needs
BVFCL marks Engineers Day, unveils Visvesvaraya bust
Healthcare on wheels reaches Meghalayas 93 last-mile villages
1 held with pistol in Tinsukia, Ulfa-I link under lens
Ulfa-I cadre who spent 15 yrs in Myanmar surrenders in Tinsukia
Tension flares on Mizorams river border after trade dispute with Myanmar group turns violent
Tripura to implement UCC if Centre directs: CM Saha
Brahmaputra erosion reaches doorstep, closes in on Dhubri drinking water project
Tripura cops probe assault on madrassa student
Cabs to offer reduced fares for travel to Zubeen Kshetra on death anniv
Majuli masks inspire Dutch dancers artistic journey
5-yr-old girl dies after snakebite in Cachar
Stranded Manipur-bound trucks choke NH in Cachar, locals struggle to get through
11 suspected Bdeshis held at Silchar station for illegal stay
542 found ineligible in Meghalaya draft electoral roll scrutiny
Assam plans Rs 50,000 cr investment to achieve Viksit Assam 2047
Assam's Chief Minister concluded a conference focused on administrative reforms and development. Discussions covered student dropout rates and healthcare infrastructure upgrades across districts. Plans were made for industrial land banks and embankment reconstruction after recent floods. A 'Seva Sankalpa Abhiyan' will commemorate Prime Minister Modi's 25 years in governance. Flood damage assessment and timely assistance distribution were also prioritized.
Assam's Saraighat Bridge undergoes Rs 7-crore rehabilitation to strengthen safety
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 15 (IANS) The historic Saraighat Bridge over the Brahmaputra in Guwahati has undergone a comprehensive rehabilitation at a cost of around Rs 7 crore, with the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) completing the major repair and strengthening works on Tuesday, an official said. NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said the rehabilitation work, aimed at strengthening critical structural components and improving the bridge's long-term reliability, commenced on July 13 and was completed on Tuesday. The Saraighat Bridge is an iconic landmark of Indian Railways and holds immense historical and strategic significance for Assam and the entire Northeast. The comprehensive rehabilitation has been undertaken to ensure its continued safety, structural integrity and reliability, he said. Commissioned in 1962, the Saraighat Bridge has served the nation for more than six decades and plays a crucial role in connecting the Northeast with the rest of the country. Sharma said the bridge had undergone considerable wear and tear over the years, with deterioration of the upper deck slab affecting some of its main structural parts. Routine maintenance and minor repairs were no longer adequate. A comprehensive rehabilitation was therefore taken up to restore the bridge and enhance its long-term structural reliability, he said. During detailed inspection and assessment, several areas requiring urgent attention were identified, including a distressed expansion joint at the Amingaon end, damaged supporting steel members, structural cracks and cavity formation in spalled concrete. Water ingress caused by the deterioration of the concrete had also damaged eight of the 11 expansion joints provided in the bridge, while multiple potholes and distressed portions were found on the road deck. Sharma said pothole repairs had been carried out on several occasions between January and May this year. However, the limited curing time available while keeping traffic movement operational resulted in the repaired concrete surface being damaged again, particularly under the impact of heavily loaded vehicles. This necessitated a more comprehensive and durable rehabilitation approach so that the repaired portions could achieve the required strength and durability, the CPRO said. As part of the rehabilitation, eight damaged expansion joints were dismantled and repaired, while distressed portions of the concrete road deck were removed and recast. Detailed repair and strengthening of the underlying steel structural members were also carried out, while damaged portions of the deck at multiple locations were systematically restored through concreting, followed by adequate curing. According to Sharma, the rehabilitation was undertaken with the objective of restoring the bridge's condition, strengthening critical structural components and ensuring that its structural integrity continues to meet modern load-bearing requirements and safety benchmarks. The work represents a significant intervention towards safeguarding a critical piece of national infrastructure and ensuring its continued reliability for the people of Assam and the Northeast, he said, adding that the successful completion of the major rehabilitation work reflected the sustained efforts and technical expertise of the engineering team of Indian Railways, with the entire exercise focused on safety, structural integrity and long-term durability. The Saraighat Bridge is one of Assam's most important transport links across the Brahmaputra and facilitates the movement of people and goods between the northern and southern banks of the river. Sharma said the comprehensive rehabilitation would help preserve the historic engineering landmark and ensure that it continues to serve Assam and the wider Northeast region safely and reliably for years to come.
Congress gets ground on lease for
Indore, Sep 15 (PTI) The Congress on Tuesday claimed nearly 2 lakh students have registered for its September 19 Chhatron Ki Goonj event in Indore, to be addressed by Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi, and the party has been allotted a plot of land in front of a park for Rs 10 lakh fee for the programme. Amidst a political war of words, a Madhya Pradesh government body on Tuesday allocated 12,000 square meters of land on a temporary lease for the Opposition partys student outreach programme, whose fifth edition is being held in the states commercial capital, an official
Assam plans Rs 50,000 crore investment push to achieve Viksit Assam 2047
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Federal Reserve is expected to raise its benchmark rate, defying Trump
WASHINGTON, September 15, 2026 (AP) The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lift its short-term interest rate Wednesday for the first time in three years to fight stubbornly high inflation, a move that would put the central bank at odds with President Donald Trumps support for a cut. A quarter-point increase in the Feds rate, currently about 3.6%, isnt guaranteed because Fed Chair Kevin Warsh doesnt provide the signals about next moves that his predecessors did. Still, most analysts and economists expect a hike after a speech two weeks ago at the Feds annual conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming,
Assam Elephant Durga Arrives at Madurai Temple
A five-year-old female elephant named Durga arrived at the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundaraswarar Temple from Assam through Seva Trust, Chennai. She joins Parvathi, the temples existing female elephant.
Gaurav Gogoi urges Assam to bring five-year-old elephant Durga back
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Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 15 (IANS) Assam Congress President and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha bye-election, while alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been making a secret pact with Badruddin Ajmal-led all India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) out of panic of a probable win of the Congress in the vacant Lok Sabha seat. Speaking to reporters here, Gogoi said the Congress was preparing for an aggressive campaign and remained confident of defeating its rivals in the October 6 bypoll. We are very confident of putting up a solid campaign, and we are confident of a victory in the forthcoming Nagaon bye-election, he added. Gogoi's remarks came amid indications that the AIUDF may field its President Badruddin Ajmal from Nagaon, potentially adding another significant player to what is already shaping up to be a closely fought political contest. The Congress leader claimed that the AIUDF had reconsidered its earlier candidate strategy after the Congress announced its nominee. According to Gogoi, the development reflected the strength of the Congress' position in the Lok Sabha constituency. Earlier, the AIUDF was thinking about another candidate, but after the Congress party announced its official candidate, the AIUDF have done a rethink, he said. Gogoi also targeted the BJP, alleging that the ruling party in Assam had become concerned after the Congress fielded a strong candidate. He claimed that a possible Badruddin Ajmal's candidature would ultimately work in favour of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The BJP has panicked and understood that the Congress has put forward a strong candidate, Gogoi said, alleging that the BJP had turned to its rusted political ally AIUDF to strengthen its position. The bypoll has consequently emerged as an important political test for both major parties ahead of the 2029 general election. The BJP has fielded former IAS officer and former Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Devasish Sharma, while the Congress has nominated former Batadroba MLA Sibamoni Bora. The political contest assumes additional significance because the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat was won by Congress in the 2019 and 2024 general elections. The seat fell vacant after Pradyut Bordoloi resigned as MP and subsequently joined the BJP ending his long association with the Congress just before this year's Assembly polls in the state. Bordoloi also contested successfully on a BJP ticket from Dispur Assembly constituency and he became an MLA. For the BJP, winning Nagaon would represent more than a Parliamentary bypoll victory. It could strengthen the party's claim that its organisational and electoral influence is expanding into areas traditionally dominated by the Congress. For the Congress, retaining the seat would provide a crucial counter-narrative and demonstrate that its traditional support base in central Assam remains intact. With both parties treating Nagaon as a political bellwether, the October 6 verdict is likely to be closely watched as an early indicator of Assam's electoral mood.
Do direct democracies really exist?
THE ESSENTIALS September 15th is International Democracy Day. There are forms of direct democracy in the world: in Switzerland, in Uruguay, in a dozen American states or even in the state of Bavaria in Germany, for example. Citizens do not make all political decisions, but no institution can wield power beyond their control. Petitions and referendums are the tools that allow for the direct expression of the people in modern democracies . At a time when direct democracy is generating increasing interest , the term produces as much hope as confusion. For some , direct democracy refers to a regime
Gold plunges Rs 1,000 to hit 5-week low of Rs 1.54 lakh/10g in Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 15 (PTI) Gold prices fell by Rs 1,000 to more than a months low of Rs 1,54,400 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday amid weak global trends and a strong US dollar. The precious metal previously traded around these levels on August 7, when it stood at Rs 1.54 lakh per 10 grams in the local market. Silver pries, however, remained unchanged for the second consecutive day at Rs 2,34,600 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes), according to local traders. Gold edged lower on Tuesday amid weak global cues, with spot gold slipping below
Assam Has 3,260 One-Horned Rhinos, 80% Of Global Count: CM Himanta
Guwahati, Sep 15: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state is home to 3,260 one-horned rhinoceroses, representing nearly 80 percent of the global population of the species. Sarma Emphasized that the latest survey recorded this impressive figure, crediting the achievement to Assams strong conservation measures and the absence of poaching incidents in... The post Assam Has 3,260 One-Horned Rhinos, 80% Of Global Count: CM Himanta first appeared on Northeast Today .
Covids true toll, cervical cancer kit, MODY discovery & more |HealthWrapby The Hindu | Ep 01
This week on Health Wrap by The Hindu, we explore how new data and emerging technologies are reshaping public health in India and beyond. The latest maternal mortality figures from the Registrar General show a steady national decline, yet states such as Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Uttar Pradesh continue to report alarmingly high numbers, highlighting the urgent need for equitable access to maternal healthcare. Meanwhile, Indias COVID-19 death toll is under renewed scrutiny, as Civil Registration System data reveals 15.5 lakh excess deaths in 202021figures that contrast sharply with earlier international estimates. In a breakthrough for womens health, the US FDA has approved an at-home HPV screening kit, reflecting a shift towards decentralised diagnostics that could hold relevance for India. Scientists in Chennai, in collaboration with researchers in the US, have identified a new subtype of MODY, a rare genetic form of diabetes, reinforcing the call for wider genetic screening. A migraine drug is also showing promising results in reducing depressive symptoms, offering new hope in the overlap between neurological and mental health. As we approach World Hypertension Day, new data from the ICMR shows nearly one in three Indian adults suffers from high blood pressureyet more than half are unaware of their condition. These developments underscore the importance of accessible data, inclusive care, and innovation-led health systems that leave no one behind.
Covids true toll, cervical cancer kit, MODY discovery & more |HealthWrapby The Hindu | Ep 01
This week on Health Wrap by The Hindu, we explore how new data and emerging technologies are reshaping public health in India and beyond. The latest maternal mortality figures from the Registrar General show a steady national decline, yet states such as Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Uttar Pradesh continue to report alarmingly high numbers, highlighting the urgent need for equitable access to maternal healthcare. Meanwhile, Indias COVID-19 death toll is under renewed scrutiny, as Civil Registration System data reveals 15.5 lakh excess deaths in 202021figures that contrast sharply with earlier international estimates. In a breakthrough for womens health, the US FDA has approved an at-home HPV screening kit, reflecting a shift towards decentralised diagnostics that could hold relevance for India. Scientists in Chennai, in collaboration with researchers in the US, have identified a new subtype of MODY, a rare genetic form of diabetes, reinforcing the call for wider genetic screening. A migraine drug is also showing promising results in reducing depressive symptoms, offering new hope in the overlap between neurological and mental health. As we approach World Hypertension Day, new data from the ICMR shows nearly one in three Indian adults suffers from high blood pressureyet more than half are unaware of their condition. These developments underscore the importance of accessible data, inclusive care, and innovation-led health systems that leave no one behind.
Death For Child Rape-Murder In Assam
A POCSO court in Assam's Dhubri district has sentenced Utpal Ray to death for the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in 2023, terming the crime arest of rare. The convict also received life imprisonment for rape and other sentences for related offences.
Sensex tanks 778 points, Nifty closes at 5-month low amid surging oil prices, rate hike fears
Mumbai, Sep 15 (PTI) Benchmark Sensex tanked 778 points while the broader stock index Nifty closed at a five-month low on Tuesday amid surging oil prices, geopolitical tensions and weak trends in global markets. The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 777.94 points, or 1.04 per cent, to settle at a three-month low of 74,003.82, dragged by losses in blue-chip banking, auto and oil & gas shares. The index opened higher but lost steam in late-morning deals as selling gathered pace. The barometer later tanked 787.73 points, or 1.05 per cent, to a days low of 73,994.03. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped
CRPF appoints IPS officer Sanjukta Parasor as the first female Inspector General of CoBRA unit
Sanjukta Parasor becomes the first woman to lead CRPF's elite CoBRA commando unit. She is a 2006-batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. The CoBRA unit was established to combat Left Wing Extremism and insurgency. Commandos have been credited with successful jungle warfare operations against Naxals. V K Birdi also takes charge as IG of CRPF VIP security wing.
Rupee slumps 38 paise to close at 95.92 against US dollar
Mumbai, Sep 15 (PTI) The rupee depreciated 38 paise to close at 95.92 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday, weighed down by escalating Middle East conflict and soaring Brent crude oil prices, which hit USD 108 per barrel. Forex traders said surging dollar demand from oil importers has sparked fresh concerns over inflation and Indias external trade balance. Moreover, weak domestic markets, a strong US dollar and worries over rising global treasury yields further dented investor sentiment. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.84 against the US dollar, then lost ground and closed at 95.92
Buy now, pay later doesnt feel like debt. For young people, that can be a big problem
September 15, 2026 (Conversation) The way a product is labelled can change how consumers think about it. No added sugar or 99% fat free can make food sound healthier than it really is. The same might apply to buy now, pay later schemes. Marketed as a convenient way to pay for purchases over time, they are fundamentally still a form of debt. Products such as Afterpay, Klarna and Zip (which recently exited the New Zealand market) offer consumers access to items they may not be able to immediately afford. Speedy approval and an easy checkout add to the appeal, but
Assam Introduces GPS and SOS Buttons in State Buses for Enhanced Safety
Assam enhances public transport safety with GPS and SOS buttons in state buses, ensuring a secure travel experience for passengers. Assam Introduces GPS and SOS Buttons in State Buses for Enhanced Safety
Dhubri Court Awards Death Penalty In Child Rape-Murder
A POCSO court in Assam's Dhubri district has sentenced Utpal Roy to death for the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in 2023. The judge cited the 'rarest of rare' category for the capital punishment.
ASTC buses go smart: Real-time tracking, SOS systems to boost passenger safety
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 15 (IANS) Assam is set to give a major technology push to its public transport system, with Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) buses being equipped with an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) aimed at improving passenger safety, operational efficiency and travel experience. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the states buses are being made not just smarter, but incredibly safer through the adoption of the new system. Under ITMS, ASTC buses will have real-time GPS tracking, allowing their movement to be monitored and providing passengers and transport authorities with greater visibility over bus operations. The system is also designed to support smarter scheduling, potentially helping reduce passenger waiting times and improving fleet management. A key component of the initiative is the introduction of emergency panic/SOS buttons inside buses. According to the information shared by the Chief Minister, these emergency systems will be directly linked to control centres, with the objective of strengthening emergency response and enhancing safety, particularly for women passengers. The upgraded system will also support automated ticketing and e-payments, reducing dependence on conventional ticketing processes and bringing digital payment facilities into everyday public transport. The government says the technology-driven overhaul is intended to make ASTC operations more responsive and efficient while improving the overall safety environment for passengers. The introduction of ITMS comes as Assam continues to expand the use of technology in public services and transport infrastructure. Real-time monitoring can also help authorities track fleet movement, identify operational delays and respond more effectively to incidents on the road. The initiative could prove particularly significant in a state where public buses remain an important mode of transportation connecting urban centres with smaller towns and rural areas. With GPS-enabled tracking, digital ticketing, emergency response mechanisms and smart scheduling being integrated into the fleet, the Assam government is positioning ITMS as a new phase in the modernisation of ASTC. The move is expected to make public transport more technology-driven while placing greater emphasis on passenger security, accountability and convenience.
Congress Fields Former MLA Shivmoni Bora for Nagaon Lok Sabha By-Election in Assam
Assam bypoll: BJPs Devasish Sharma vs Cong Sibamoni Bora sets up tussle between ex-bureaucrats
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 15 (IANS) The Congress has fielded former Batadroba MLA Sibamoni Bora for the October 6 Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, setting up a high-stakes contest against BJP nominee Devasish Sharma, a former IAS officer and former Nagaon Deputy Commissioner. The contest is shaping up as a direct political battle between two candidates with administrative backgrounds but sharply different electoral journeys. Bora, a former Block Development Officer, entered electoral politics in the 2021 Assam Assembly elections and emerged as one of Congress' prominent winners. Contesting from Batadroba, she defeated sitting BJP MLA and actor-turned-politician Angoorlata Deka by 32,820 votes, polling 84,278 votes and securing nearly 60 per cent of the votes. Her victory gave Congress a significant foothold in a constituency that had earlier been represented by the BJP. Bora also carries a considerable political legacy. She is the daughter of former Batadroba MLA Kiran Bora and a daughter-in-law of Golap Borbora, Assam's first non-Congress Chief Minister. While her family background provides an established political network, her 2021 victory demonstrated her ability to convert that legacy into an electoral mandate. The constituency, however, has undergone major political and geographical transformations since then. The 2023 delimitation exercise abolished the Batadroba Assembly seat and incorporated the area into the Nagaon-Batadraba constituency. Bora's return to electoral politics, therefore, comes in a substantially altered political landscape. The BJP, meanwhile, has placed its bet on Devasish Sharma, a former IAS officer who served as Nagaon's Deputy Commissioner before taking voluntary retirement to enter politics. His administrative tenure could give him familiarity among voters, local officials and political networks, while his candidature represents the BJP's continuing effort to leverage governance credentials in electoral contests. The bypoll became necessary after Congress' Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat and joined the BJP ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. Bordoloi, who had also won Nagaon in 2019, subsequently contested and won the Dispur Assembly seat. The result will therefore carry significance beyond the individual candidates. For Congress, retaining a seat it won in 2019 and 2024 would provide a crucial political boost. For the BJP, capturing Nagaon would underline the party's expanding electoral strength in Assam and convert Bordoloi's defection into a decisive parliamentary gain. Voting will take place on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9.
No charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000; govt yet to decide on MDR for higher-value payments
New Delhi, Sep 15 (PTI) The government has directed banks and payment system providers not to levy charges on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions of up to Rs 2,000 or on payments made through RuPay debit cards. However, the government has not specified whether charges would be applicable to transactions above Rs 2,000, to be paid by merchants. So far, there has been no charge on UPI transactions, irrespective of the amount. As per a gazette notification dated September 14, no bank or system provider would impose, whether directly or indirectly, any charge on a person making or receiving a
US judge blocks Trump limits on how long foreign students, journalists can stay
BOSTON, Sept 15 (Reuters) A federal judge on Monday blocked U.S. President Donald Trumps administration from implementing a new rule that would limit how long foreign students and journalists can remain in the U.S. without applying for extensions. U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor in Boston in favor of a coalition of unions and higher education advocacy groups a day before the Department of Homeland Securitys rule was set to take effect. Saylor said DHS adopted the policy based on exceptionally weak rationales. The agency had cited national security and the need to prevent fraud in the visa program,
Rupee falls 30 paise to 95.84 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai, Sep 15 (PTI) The rupee depreciated 30 paise to 95.84 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday on elevated Brent crude oil prices and heightened Middle East tensions. With Brent crude touching USD 106 per barrel, increased dollar demand from oil importers raised concerns over Indias external balance and inflation, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.84 against the US dollar, registering a loss of 30 paise from its previous close. On Friday, the rupee had settled at 95.54 against the American currency. Forex and equity markets were closed on
Weeks after the Nepal flood disaster, families of the missing hold out hope
NEW DELHI/BEIJING, Sept 15 (Reuters) Every day since a torrent of mud and rocks destroyed a Nepal-China border crossing high up in the Himalayas last month, Arushi Guptas parents have called and messaged their missing daughter hoping she somehow survived. The last photo she sent on the day of the flood was the facade of the Gyirong Port immigration post. But the calls and messages from her parents, who are among many families in Nepal and abroad awaiting news of loved ones, have gone unanswered. 15 minutes walk to the border, the 33-year-old wrote on WhatsApp to her father
Assams Aqua Tech Park: A New Era in Sustainable Fish Farming
Assams Aqua Tech Park is revolutionizing fish farming through innovative techniques, empowering farmers and promoting sustainable practices. Assams Aqua Tech Park: A New Era in Sustainable Fish Farming
Drugs worth Rs 14cr, 2 tonnes poppy husk seized in Cachar; 5 held
Anti-rabies drive vaccinates 1,485 stray dogs in Dibrugarh since Aug last year
Nimatighat ferry terminal likely to be ready by Nov, 1 month ahead of deadline
Growing smartphone use exposes senior citizens to cyber frauds
BJP did not create crisis, only party working for reconciliation in Manipur: CM
MZP sets Sept 17 deadline to identify alleged non-Mizo-run petrol pumps
Morning walker dies after falling into open drain along NH in Guwahatis Lalmati
Riyas shraddha halted after Ramanujs death news reaches Gauripur
Rs 93L in cash, gold seized in cyberfraud case raid, 1 detained
From floods to caterpillars: Fresh crop crisis hits Charaideo, Sivasagar
10 dead in 23 years: Lalmati death renews focus on citys open drains & manholes
Congress names Sibamoni Bora as candidate for Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge approved Sibamoni Bora as the party candidate. She will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election from Assam's Nagaon constituency. The Nagaon seat became vacant after Pradyut Bordoloi moved to the Assam Assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party named Debashis Sarma as its candidate for this by-election. The All India Trinamool Congress announced Abdul Salam as their chosen candidate.
Books find unlikely homes in Guwahati cafes & police station for young minds
Cong picks Bora for Nagaon bypoll, 3-way contest takes shape
Assam Police Rescue 82 Cattle from Smuggling Operation, Seize Two Vehicles
Assam Police rescued 82 cattle from illegal smuggling in Bongaigaon, seizing two vehicles in a significant operation. Assam Police Rescue 82 Cattle from Smuggling Operation, Seize Two Vehicles
Congress Names Sibamoni Bora as Candidate for Assams Nagaon By-Election
Congress has officially nominated Sibamoni Bora for the Nagaon by-election, set for October 6, following the resignation of Pradyut Bordoloi. Congress Names Sibamoni Bora as Candidate for Assams Nagaon By-Election
Youth Cong attacks Khandu over PLA activity
From Varanasi to Vadnagar, BJYM plans 21-Day youth 'seva yatra' across 10 states
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 14 (IANS) More than 1,000 young volunteers from across the country will take part in a 21-day Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Seva Yatra connecting Prime Minister Narendra Modis childhood home town of Vadnagar in Gujarat with his parliamentary constituency Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, organisers said on Monday. The Varanasi to Vadnagar Seva Yatra will begin on September 17 and continue until October 7, with participants travelling simultaneously in two directions from Vadnagar to Varanasi and from Varanasi to Vadnagar. The campaign is being organised to mark and draw inspiration from 25 years of PM Modis public life and his emphasis on public service and nation-building. BJYM national president and Vadodara Lok Sabha MP Hemang Joshi said the programme would not be limited to a motorcycle journey, but would seek to involve young people in community service activities along the routes. Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years of public life represent an inspiring journey of service, dedication and putting the nation first for the youth of India. This Seva Yatra from Varanasi to Vadnagar is an effort to transform that philosophy of life into a resolve of the nations youth, Joshi said. Our objective is to ensure that the youth of India are not merely spectators of change, but active participants in nation-building, he added. The participants, or Seva Yatris, will come from several parts of the country, including Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Bihar and the Northeast. The organisers said the participation of young people from different regions, languages and cultures was intended to reinforce the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. The Yatra will cover 20 routes named after sacred Indian rivers and pass through 10 states, 193 districts, 773 tehsils and 1,159 villages. At each halt, the participants will undertake service-oriented activities. Nearly 25 types of initiatives have been planned, including tree plantation and the creation of Seva Vatikas, cleanliness drives, Nasha Mukt Bharat and TB Mukt Bharat campaigns, water conservation and awareness programmes for a plastic-free India. The programme will also include the honouring of saints and seers and felicitations for sanitation workers. Joshi said the organisers would avoid traditional receptions for the participants and instead focus on cleanliness and community service. Under the Swachhta Se Swagat initiative, local BJYM workers will conduct cleanliness drives at each destination two days before the Seva Yatris arrive, he added. The Yatra will also establish a symbolic connection between Vadnagar and Varanasi through river water. Participants travelling from Vadnagar to Varanasi will carry sacred water from rivers in Gujarat for Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Those travelling in the opposite direction will carry sacred water from rivers in Uttar Pradesh for Jalabhishek at Shri Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vadnagar. Joshi said rivers were central to Indias civilisation, culture and faith and that using river water as a symbol of the Yatra was intended to represent cultural unity and a shared commitment to service. Nation-building is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is the responsibility of every citizen, and particularly of the youth. Inspired by PM Modi, we want every young Indian to make seva a part of their life in their respective communities and contribute to the building of a Viksit Bharat, he asserted. The Yatra will therefore seek to link Vadnagar, associated with PM Modis childhood and formative years, with Varanasi, where he has represented the constituency in the Lok Sabha and continued his public life.
Assam: BJP-Congress contest in Nagaon bypoll will test politics of fear, says Gaurav Gogoi
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 14 (IANS) Assam Congress president and Jorhat Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Monday said that the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election would essentially be a direct political contest between the BJP and the Congress and described the poll as a test of whether the ruling partys alleged politics of fear would prevail or voters would demonstrate the courage to oppose it. Speaking to IANS, Gogoi said, The main political contest will be between the BJP and the Congress. This election will be an examination of whether the BJP's politics of fear wins, or whether the courage among people against the BJP ultimately translates into a victory for the people. He said the Congress was confident that voters in Nagaon would reject what he described as an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Our full belief is that the people of Nagaon will uproot the atmosphere of fear that the BJP is creating. Today, people are demanding their rights from the government as citizens. They are demanding respect as citizens. People will reject this politics of fear and intimidation, Gogoi said. The bypoll has assumed significance for both the BJP and the Congress after the constituency was vacated by former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi. A two-time Congress MP from Nagaon, Bordoloi resigned from the party and the Lok Sabha earlier this year before joining the BJP ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. He subsequently contested from Dispur on a BJP ticket and won, leaving the Nagaon parliamentary seat vacant. The BJP has now fielded former Nagaon Deputy Commissioner and IAS officer Devasish Sharma for the bypoll. Sharma took voluntary retirement from government service on September 3, joined the BJP on September 8 and was named the partys candidate on September 11, within days of leaving the bureaucracy. His candidature has become another major flashpoint in the campaign. The Congress has questioned the timing of his retirement and political entry, pointing out that Sharma had served as Nagaons District Commissioner as well as District Election Officer before entering electoral politics. Congress MP Rakibul Hussain has approached election authorities seeking scrutiny of decisions taken during Sharmas tenure. The BJP, however, has defended Sharmas candidature, maintaining that there was nothing improper about a government officer entering politics after his voluntary retirement was accepted. The Nagaon contest is particularly important for the Congress as the party seeks to retain a constituency it held in the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections under Bordoloi. In the 2024 election, Bordoloi defeated BJP candidate Suresh Bora, while the AIUDF also polled a significant number of votes. The by-election will be held on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9. With the BJP seeking to convert Bordolois switch and Sharmas local administrative profile into electoral advantage, the Congress is attempting to turn the contest into a referendum on the BJP governments style of politics. For Gogoi, therefore, the Nagaon bypoll is more than a fight for a vacant Lok Sabha seat. He has framed it as a choice between what he calls the BJPs fear and intimidation and the courage of voters to demand rights, dignity and accountability from those in power.
UCC debate intensifies after HM Amit Shahs 2029 implementation push (Lead)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) intensified on Monday, a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that it would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029, with BJP leaders and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) backing the move while some NDA partners and Muslim organisations called for wider consultations. BJP leaders strongly endorsed Shah's announcement, arguing that a common set of laws was necessary for national unity and social reform. BJP MP Naresh Bansal said Uttarakhand, his home state and the first in the country to enact a UCC law, had shown the way for other states. He described the legislation as necessary for the country and said it would help safeguard demographic balance. BJP West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya said the party had consistently supported a UCC and asserted that there should be one law in one country. State Minister Dilip Ghosh also backed implementation, saying the process should begin in Bengal and subsequently extend to other states. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Shah's announcement was in line with Article 44 of the Constitution, which directs the state to endeavour towards securing a Uniform Civil Code for citizens. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also welcomed the move, saying the UCC should be implemented in BJP-ruled states before 2029. The VHP welcomed Shah's announcement, with spokesperson Vinod Bansal saying implementation would be a milestone for women's and children's rights by addressing gender inequality and discrimination. He also appealed to non-BJP-ruled states to initiate the process. However, the announcement has also exposed differing views within the NDA. Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas leader Chirag Paswan called for the proposed UCC draft to first be made public and sought extensive consultations, pointing to India's diverse customs, traditions and constitutional protections for tribal communities and special-category regions. Meanwhile, opposition-ruled Jharkhand Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav too adopted a cautious approach, saying the state government would examine all aspects and there was no need to rush to conclusions. Opposition to the UCC also emerged from Muslim organisations. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board opposed the proposed legislation, with Bhopal Shahar Qazi Mushtaq Ali Nadvi questioning its necessity in view of constitutional guarantees on religious freedom and minority rights. He appealed to people to participate in a September 17 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari criticised the BJP, alleging that the UCC was being used to divert attention from economic and social issues. The UCC seeks to establish a common framework governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption irrespective of religious affiliation. Bills have been passed in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh, though the law is currently in force only in Uttarakhand.
Remove NHIDCL from NH-29 project: NSF to govt
BRICS nod to Guwahati Declaration puts Assam's anti-drug fight on global stage: CM Sarma
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 14 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday welcomed the inclusion of the Guwahati Declaration in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, describing it as a significant boost to international cooperation against narcotics trafficking. The Guwahati Declaration, adopted by the Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies of BRICS member countries, has now received formal recognition through its reference in the declaration adopted at the BRICS summit. Chief Minister Sarma said the development would give greater international visibility to Assam's efforts in combating the narcotics trade and highlighted the strategic importance of the state in the fight against drug trafficking. From our position in Northeast India, we are strengthening our role in building a safer and more secure region, the Chief Minister added. He said that Assam's geographical location places it along a critical trafficking corridor in the Northeast, making the state an important frontline in efforts to disrupt networks involved in the movement of narcotics. According to CM Sarma, Assam's role extends beyond enforcement within its own territory, with the state having an important part to play in intelligence-sharing, coordinated operations and strengthening mechanisms to counter organised drug trafficking networks. The Chief Minister also welcomed the increased emphasis within BRICS on operational and technical cooperation among member countries. He said that stronger coordination between agencies would help countries develop more effective ways to identify and dismantle narcotics networks. Chief Minister Sarma stressed that international cooperation was particularly important in addressing the growing threat posed by drug trafficking and in protecting young people from the consequences of narcotics abuse. The recognition of the Guwahati Declaration, the Chief Minister said, also demonstrated Assam's ability to contribute to international discussions on issues that extend well beyond the state's geographical boundaries. For Guwahati and Assam, the development represents an acknowledgement of the role played by the region in the wider fight against narcotics, CM Sarma added. Calling the recognition a proud moment for the state, the Chief Minister said that Assam's local efforts against the drug trade were now receiving attention on a global platform. He added that the development would further strengthen the state government's resolve to build a safer and more secure Assam while contributing to regional and international efforts against narcotics trafficking. The Guwahati Declaration was adopted at the meeting of the Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies of BRICS member countries earlier held in Guwahati. It focuses on strengthening international cooperation to combat illicit drug trafficking, dismantle transnational narcotics networks and improve coordination among enforcement agencies. The declaration also emphasises intelligence-sharing, operational and technical cooperation, and coordinated action against emerging threats linked to the global drug trade. Its subsequent recognition in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration has given the Guwahati initiative wider international significance.
September 14, 2026 (Conversation) September is traditionally the time of year when many young people go to university or college, often leaving parents and carers facing an empty nest. But an empty nest doesnt just mean a quiet home. Sometimes for the older generation there are also difficult questions about the next phase of their life. The term empty nest was popularised by US author and activist Dorothy Canfield Fisher in her 1914 book Mothers and Children. It described the emotional challenges mothers experienced when their children left home. By the 1970s, the concept of empty nest syndrome, had developed.
Fresh UCC debate in MP as Muslim leaders oppose Bill, appeal for Delhi protest on Sep 17
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Sep 14 (IANS) A fresh debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has begun in Madhya Pradesh, with Muslim leaders opposing the proposed common personal law framework and appealing to the community to participate in a September 17 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. It has been nearly two months after the Madhya Pradesh Assembly passed the UCC Bill on July 21. The legislation has been sent to the President for assent and is yet to come into force in the state. Members of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) held a meeting at its Khanugaon campus in Bhopal on Monday to discuss the UCC. After the meeting, Bhopal City Qazi Mushtaq Ali Nadvi and Congress leader Arif Masood, an executive committee member of the AIMPLB, addressed a press conference and opposed the proposed law. Nadvi said the Muslim community did not accept the UCC and questioned its necessity in view of constitutional guarantees on religious freedom and minority rights. The Constitution guarantees religious freedom and the rights of minorities, so the necessity and impact of the UCC need to be seriously considered, the Bhopal City Qazi said. He also referred to a 1972 speech by former RSS Chief late M S Golwalkar, claiming that Golwalkar had said a civil code was not essential for national unity. Nadvi said matters related to Muslim personal law should be addressed by members of the community and those having knowledge of it. He also rejected arguments that Muslim personal law was inadequate on women's rights, saying Islam had granted women rights as mothers, daughters and wives, including rights in property. He appealed to the Muslims and secular citizens to join the September 17 programme at Jantar Mantar, saying the community would follow further directions issued by the AIMPLB. Masood said the Board had taken its position after consultations with people and organisations across the country. Five members associated with the Board in Madhya Pradesh deliberated on the issue and, with the Board's approval, we are appealing to people of the state to join the movement at Jantar Mantar on September 17, the Congress leader told IANS. The issue has acquired greater political significance after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that the UCC would be introduced in all 21 states and Union Territories governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The UCC Bills have already been passed in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh, though the law is currently in force only in Uttarakhand. Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh are awaiting the President's assent and subsequent notification. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari also criticised the BJP over the UCC, alleging that the issue was being used to divert public attention from pressing economic and social concerns. UCC is a tool in the hands of the BJP to mislead the country and spread hatred, Patwari told IANS.
Chhatron Ki Goonj Opportunity for Those Tormented by Education System To Usher Change: Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi, Sep 14 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said his Chhatron Ki Goonj initiative is an opportunity for those students who are tormented by the education system to bring about a change in it. Im coming to Indore on 19 September to meet students, to hear you, to talk to you. If you or your loved ones are tormented by the education system and want these conditions to change, you know Chhatron Ki Goonj is your collective voice, an opportunity to start the change, Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X. 19
Mega dam, warming Himalayas: Chinas Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower project faces renewed scrutiny
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Chinas mega hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet has brought renewed scrutiny to the sustainability of large-scale infrastructure in the ecologically fragile and seismically active Himalayan region, a report has stated. Farther east, Beijing began construction in July 2025 on the lower Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower cascade near Medog, dubbed the project of the century. With an estimated cost of around 1.2 trillion yuan, the project is expected to generate roughly three times the power produced by the Three Gorges Dam. The river plunges nearly 2,000 metres through a short, seismically active gorge before flowing into India as the Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and eventually the Brahmaputra in Assam, according to a report in 'One World Outlook'. Whatever ones view of the geopolitics, the sustainability question is narrower and harder: What does it mean to pin the energy future of a continent to tunnels and powerhouses in one of the least stable mountain syntaxis on Earth, upstream of tens of millions of people, at the same moment that permafrost, glaciers and monsoon extremes are all moving in the wrong direction? the report stated. A 2022 paper in Nature Geoscience put the problem in the language engineers prefer. Warming is destabilizing rock and ice across High Mountain Asia. Sediment loads are rising. Reservoirs silt. Dams designed for a 20th-century rain flood can be overtopped by a 21st-century ice-and-rock cascade. Two-thirds of Himalayan hydropower projects, the authors noted, sit on potential outburst-flood pathways. That was four years and several wrecked plants ago, it added. Nepals disaster authority has so far recorded nearly 1400 deaths with over 5,000 people still missing in the aftermath of the devastating floods along the Nepal-China border on August 26. Hundreds of foreign pilgrims, trekkers and over 600 children are among those unaccounted for in two districts of the Himalayan nation. Chinese authorities have also confirmed several deaths and reported hundreds missing in Gyirong County, where rescue teams were still searching underground powerhouses. This is not a natural disaster in the old sense. It is a compound event: a warming cryosphere, a young mountain chain, and a development model that treats the worlds highest range as a construction site on the plains, One World Outlook mentioned. The report noted that the Himalayas perform a vital function no dam can replicate, storing winter water as ice and releasing it in spring. It helps sustain the monsoon and prevents vast quantities of soil from being washed into the Bay of Bengal within a single season, with nearly two billion people living with the consequences. If the range is developed as a corridor of concrete and blasting powder, the bill will not be itemized as climate. It will arrive as it did on August 26: suddenly, from upstream, and faster than anyone can run. The question the latest flood asks is not whether the mountains are fragile. They have always been fragile. The question is why we keep staking lives and capital on the pretense that they are not, the report added.
Who should own the knowledge that underpins AI technology?
September 14, 2026 (Conversation) Russian mathematician Yurii Nesterov was recently awarded the Gauss Prize for outstanding mathematical contributions for his groundbreaking work on optimisation. The award cited his work on gradient descent methods and in particular, the efficiency gains [they] provide to AI technologies. Everyone using large language model (LLM) chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini for any purpose depends on Nesterovs methods. They may speak like humans and be personified with names, but under the bonnet, LLMs are computer programs that work via optimisation of billions of parameters known as neural networks for their similarity
82 Cattle Rescued, Two Vehicles Seized In Assam
GUWAHATI, Sep 14: Assam Police rescued 82 cows and seized two vehicles during an anti-smuggling operation in Bongaigaon district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Monday. Sarma stated that the operation was carried out in Abhayapuri following secret intelligence inputs. While most of the cattle were safely recovered, two were found dead. He did... The post 82 Cattle Rescued, Two Vehicles Seized In Assams Bongaigaon first appeared on Northeast Today .
Over 70 passports under scanner, MP STF widens fake passport probe
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Sep 14 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has widened its probe into a suspected fake passport racket, with more than 70 passports under scrutiny and four persons arrested so far. The investigation has spread to Bhopal, Gwalior, Betul, Chhindwara and Pandhurna, where investigators are examining passport applications, addresses and documents allegedly used to obtain the travel documents. STF Deputy Inspector General Rahul Lodha on Monday told IANS that the agency was also examining a passport of an accused arrested in Nagpur, which was found to have been issued in Gujarat. So far, a total of 70 passports are under investigation in connection with the fake passport case. We have also included another passport of an accused arrested from Nagpur, which was found to have been issued in Gujarat. The investigation is still underway, Lodha said. The four arrested accused are from the Northeast, including Assam, and their identities and other details are being verified, he said. The investigation has revealed that several passport applications were allegedly made using the same or suspicious addresses, raising the possibility of an organised network. In Madhya Pradesh, fake passports have been issued from four to five districts. In Gwalior, 17 passports were fraudulently applied for from the same location in Semariya Tal area of Dabra. In Bhopal, 40 passports were issued using an address in Anna Nagar, Lodha said. The STF is examining the Bhopal cases in which 40 passports were allegedly issued using the address of a math in Anna Nagar under the Govindpura police station area. Investigators are verifying the documents and addresses submitted with the applications to establish how the passports were obtained and whether local facilitators or agents were involved. The STF is also examining the suspected inter-state links of the network and checking whether the passports under scrutiny are connected. The officer also shared that further action, including arrests, would follow if the ongoing investigation establishes the involvement of more persons or uncovers additional fraudulent passport applications. The probe is being extended to other locations to determine the full extent of the suspected racket, he added.
PM Modi speaking Hindi globally fills us with pride: CM Fadnavis
Digital Desk | Navi Mumbai, Sep 14 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modis commitment to Indian languages, stating that hearing the Prime Minister speak Hindi on global platforms fills the nation with pride. He was speaking at the Hindi Diwas celebration and the 6th All India Official Language Conference organised in Navi Mumbai, an event attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Addressing the gathering, CM Fadnavis apologised for his late arrival before highlighting the significance of hosting the national convention in Maharashtra. He noted that while such conferences were once mere formalities, Home Minister Amit Shah spearheaded the effort to rotate them across different states. Reflecting on language policy history, Fadnavis pointed out that Hindi was widely used for official work during the British era before both Hindi and English were designated as official languages in 1963. He stated that since PM Modi assumed office, mother tongues and official regional languages have received unprecedented respect across the country. You must learn your mother tongue, and the New Education Policy (NEP) ensures this by promoting education in local languages alongside additional Indian languages, CM Fadnavis said. Recalling history, he noted that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then an opposition leader, was among the first to address the United Nations in Hindi. He added that writer Munshi Premchand played a pivotal role in making conversational Hindi acceptable for official work. Addressing the conference, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the importance of regional languages, asserting that Marathi deserves deep respect. He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration granted classical language status to Marathi. HM Shah praised Maharashtra's diversity, describing it as the most multilingual state in India. Quoting freedom fighter and social reformer Vinoba Bhave, he noted, If I had not used Hindi, I could not have reached every village in Kashmir, Assam, and Kerala with the revolutionary message of Bhoodan and Gramdan. It was the official language that enabled me to communicate with people across the nation. Reiterating the central government's focus on language preservation through the New Education Policy, the Home Minister emphasised that foundational learning in one's mother tongue is essential for a child's holistic growth. Describing Maharashtra as the land of Veer Savarkar, he emphasised that Savarkar was not only a freedom fighter and social reformer but also one of the most learned linguists of his time. He built upon Lokmanya Tilaks call for the purification of the Marathi language and coined numerous words that were previously absent in Indian languageswords that found natural acceptance in Marathi and other national languages. HM Shah added that the Ministry of Home Affairs honoured Savarkar's linguistic legacy in Hindi through the 'Shabd Sindhu' initiative.
Tobacco-free village councils more than double in Meghalaya
CEC Gyanesh Kumar begins Bhutan visit to promote democracy, poll management
Digital Desk | Thimphu, Sep 14 (IANS) Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday kicked off a three-day visit to Bhutan during which he will meet the King and also join celebrations of the hill nations National Voters Day, an official said. The visit will further strengthen the close institutional cooperation between the Election Commission of India and the Election Commission of Bhutan, building on their continued engagement, said an official statement. During the visit, CEC Gyanesh Kumar will meet the King of Bhutan in Thimphu, the statement said. A key engagement during the visit will be the celebration of Bhutans National Voters Day at the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law, Paro, on Tuesday, where the CEC would be the Chief Guest, it said. On Wednesday, Gyanesh Kumar will call on Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, in Thimphu. He will also hold an interaction with senior civil servants of Bhutan, the statement said. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has regularly engaged with other nations to promote democratic practices and election management. Earlier, delegates of the International Election Visitors' Programme 2026 (IEVP 2026) were given a live demonstration of EVMs and a mock poll in New Delhi, gaining hands-on understanding of Indias robust, tech-driven, and transparent electoral process, an official said. A live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) for international delegates to IEVP 2026, the statement said. Addressing the delegates, IIIDEM Director General Rakesh Kumar Verma highlighted Indias enduring commitment to electoral integrity, inclusivity and institutional excellence. The live demonstration also offered delegates an insightful engagement, showcasing Indias secure, transparent, and technology-driven electoral framework, the statement said. Under the IEVP, 43 delegates from 23 countries, including representatives from five Foreign Missions in Delhi, earlier participated in the first phase of the programme and visited Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 8-9 to witness polling, the statement said.
Big AI wants to slow down AI research. Is it a safety pause or a strategic retreat?
September 14, 2026 (Conversation) Over the weekend, Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei called for artificial intelligence (AI) companies, including his own, to slow down their work. Sam Altman and Elon Musk, heads of rivals OpenAI and xAI respectively, agreed. The move reflects concern across the AI industry and more broadly about the dangers of new, rapidly improving systems. Recent high-profile incidents such as OpenAI AI agents hacking another company and hijacking a public website have shown current systems can break out of safety confines and even more capable systems are in development. Further complicating AI safety is the tension
Tripura CM seeks unified mechanism for border info-sharing
Assam: Four-month-old elephant calf found dead in Kamrup
Guwahati: The carcass of a four-month-old wild elephant calf was recovered from Roumari under the Singra Forest Range in Assams Kamrup district on Sunday, with forest officials using a drone to locate the carcass before carrying out the recovery operation amid the presence of the calfs reportedly aggressive mother. A herd of wild elephants has [] The post Assam: Four-month-old elephant calf found dead in Kamrups Singra forest range appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Retail inflation rises to 4.82 pc in August
New Delhi, Sep 14 (PTI) Retail inflation increased to 4.82 per cent in August, largely driven by higher food prices, according to government data released on Monday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation was 4.45 per cent in July. Food inflation in August increased to 5.95 per cent compared to 5.52 in the preceding month, according to CPI data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). Reserve Bank has projected the CPI inflation for 2026-27 at 5 per cent, with Q2 at 4.7 per cent, Q3 at 5.9 per cent, and Q4 at 5.5 per cent. The Reserve Bank
Assam Government to Enhance Vehicle Scrapping Ecosystem with New Industrial Framework
Assams Chief Minister announces plans to integrate registered vehicle scrapping facilities into the states industrial framework for better vehicle disposal. Assam Government to Enhance Vehicle Scrapping Ecosystem with New Industrial Framework
Old age and hearing loss: lack of screening ends up being costly
THE ESSENTIALS Hearing loss, which occurs with age, remains insufficiently detected and treated. However, the data clearly shows that wearing hearing aids prevents falls as well as cognitive decline. Failing to adequately address the issue of hearing in policies for the elderly has a health cost, but also an economic one. Long relegated to the status of a minor ailment of aging, hearing loss is still too often perceived as an unavoidable inconvenience. Yet, in older people, its effects go far beyond mere difficulty hearing: it can compromise independence, undermine daily safety, and impair the quality of care. And, as
Tyre Puncture, Attack On Cop: How Assam Man's Escape Bid Ended In Death
At around 2 am, Guwahati police were taking Goswami to a hospital for a medical examination when he jumped out of a moving vehicle.
NRC will be 100 times worse, has caused immense trouble to minorities, migrants: AIMIM chief Owaisi
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi stated a nationwide NRC would be 100 times worse. He cited the Assam NRC's immense trouble for minorities and vulnerable groups. Owaisi questioned the practicality of forcing citizens to prove their nationality. He also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah's role in the 2019 anti-CAA/NRC movement. The Union Minister mentioned implementing NRC in Manipur before elections.
