Northeast now defined by opportunity, not distance from Delhi: Radhakrishnan
AIZAWL, Mar 7: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday asserted that the Northeast is no longer defined by its geographical distance from the national capital, but by its proximity to new economic opportunities. Addressing the 20th convocation of the Mizoram University (MZU) here, the Vice President noted the shift in the regions development narrative over the last decade and credited the Centres focus on the Act East policy. He said that infrastructure milestones, such as the recently inaugurated Bairabi-Sairang [] The post Northeast now defined by opportunity, not distance from Delhi: Radhakrishnan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bnei Menashe migration to Israel hits pause button amid West Asia war
The planned migration of the Bnei Menashe community from Mizoram and Manipur to Israel faces delays due to the current conflict in West Asia. Initially, around 300 individuals were set to embark on this journey in the first wave, but new updates are anticipated shortly. Israel aims to welcome nearly 6,000 Bnei Menashe members by the end of 2030.
Congress mulls fielding AICC secretary Mathew Antony from Kanjirappally
The move comes amid speculations that the BJP plans to field Union Minister George Kurian from the Assembly seat; Mr. Antony is the AICC secretary in charge of Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh
Mizoram Chief Minister presents state Budget
Mizoram's Chief Minister presented the 2026-27 budget. The state anticipates a higher share of central taxes. Interest-free loans will fund capital projects. Pending rural local body grants are being secured. The budget projects a surplus to reduce liabilities. This financial plan focuses on development and fiscal management.
Shobhaa De to headline second Mizoram Literature Festival
The two-day celebration of literature and ideas will bring together writers, poets, and artists from across India
Cobra that isnt a snake! Scientists discover a rare whip-tailed cobra lily plant in Mizoram
Mlaya-ko April jaoni SIR-ko kana tarichina EC geeta
NEW DELHI: Meghalaya adokko manchape asongni dam 22 adokrango, April jaonin Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-ko abachengna manna gita iano nangchakegipa pilak kamrangkon matchotatchina Election Commission, geetaniko onangaha. Iani bidingo Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, []
J&K Lok Bhavan Celebrated Statehood Day Of Arunachal Pradesh And Mizoram
Jammu, Feb 20: The Jammu Kashmir Lok Bhavan celebrated the Statehood Day of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartiest greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. He prayed for the health and prosperity of the people and rapid socio-economic development of the region. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised on upholding the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He said that Indias cultural and spiritual legacy sets it apart worldwide, while promoting ideals of [] The post J&K Lok Bhavan Celebrated Statehood Day Of Arunachal Pradesh And Mizoram appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Assam CM greets people of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram on statehood day
Assam shares a deep and enduring bond with both the States, HImanta Biswa Sarma said in a post on X
'Shining Example Of Harmony': PM Modi Greets Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram On Statehood Day
PM Modi extended Statehood Day greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, praising their cultural heritage, natural beauty and contribution to national progress.
Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced that, in line with Indian Railways resolve to undertake 52 reforms in 52 weeks during 2026, two new reforms are approved by the Indian Railways and their implementation will commence immediately. He said that reforms are not one-time events but a continuous process. Vaishnaw stated that the impact is visible today as Indian Railways has become the second largest cargo carrier in the world, with new generation trains and new ways of working emerging across the system. Reforms for better on-board services Explaining the first reform, the Union Minister said that, beginning 2026, Indian Railways will ensure proper end-to-end cleaning of trains, especially long-distance trains. He stated that under the existing mechanism, cleaning was largely limited to reserved coaches, and that for the first time in railway history, cleaning of general coaches has been fully integrated into the system. He explained that the earlier Clean Train Station concept, which provided thorough cleaning at limited stations, is now being replaced with a continuous cleaning model from the trains origin to its destination. Toilets, garbage bins, cabin interiors, water availability, and minor electrical or mechanical defects such as lights going out will be addressed continuously during the journey so that passengers experience a significantly improved travel environment. Vaishnaw stated that this reform has been created with the thought process of completely improving the travel environment for customers. In consultation with Zonal Railways, approximately four to five trains per zone, primarily long-distance and high-footfall trains, have been identified for rollout over the next six months. A total of 80 trains have already been identified across zones in the first phase, and over a period of three years the reform will be implemented across all trains of Indian Railways. The selection of trains has been carried out at the managerial level based on field inputs and operational criteria. The Minister elaborated that a fully technology-enabled professional team will be hired under clearly defined Service Level Agreements specifying cleaning frequency, with more frequent cleaning during peak hours and relatively lower frequency during non-peak hours. Continuous toilet cleaning, garbage removal, cabinetry cleaning, linen handling and related services will be ensured. He further stated that the linen distribution, linen collection, and cleaning functions, which were earlier distributed among separate agencies, will now be integrated and awarded to a single agency. At designated stations, staff deployed in reserved coaches will move into general coaches to ensure cleaning standards equivalent to reserved coaches. He described this as a very big change in the history of Railways and stated that for the first time such substantial attention is being paid to general coach cleanliness. The reform includes the creation of war room control centres where AI-generated images of cleaning activities will be monitored and analysed. AI-based assessment will verify whether cleaning has been properly done, and if not, strict action will follow. Route-specific teams will be formed after detailed study by Railway Board officials based on long operational experience. These teams will include multi-tasking personnel capable of addressing minor mechanical and electrical repairs in addition to cleaning, thereby providing integrated on-board service delivery. More Gati Shakti cargo terminals with better facilities to meet freight targets Turning to the second reform, the Union Minister said it builds upon the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) Policy introduced in 2022, which significantly simplified the cargo terminal approval process. Work that earlier took six years began getting completed in approximately three months, and approvals for engineering drawings, signalling plans and electrical plans were streamlined. As a result, 124 multi-modal cargo terminals were developed with an estimated traffic potential of around 200 million tonnes and revenue potential of approximately Rs 20,000 crore annually. Vaishnaw stated that after four months of stakeholder consultations based on three years of experience, a substantially enhanced reform has been approved. With this reform, the existing 124 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are expected to increase to more than 500 in the next five years. He described this as a fundamental reform of even greater magnitude than the 2022 reform. The most significant addition is the integration of processing within cargo terminals, transforming them into cargo plus processing hubs. He explained that cement clinker can be transported to the GCT and ground into cement within the terminal itself, followed by bagging or dispatch through Ready-Mix Concrete vehicles. Similarly, food grain processing, stuffing and destuffing, and other value addition activities can now occur within terminal premises. This eliminates the need to process material elsewhere before bringing it to the terminal, removes artificial barriers, and attracts additional cargo traffic to Railways. He stated that many underutilised goods sheds will be developed as GCTs and cargo facilities. Legacy sidings developed under earlier policies can migrate to the simplified GCT framework. For short connecting stretches between terminals and main lines, where private operators faced difficulty maintaining tracks and electrical systems due to high equipment costs, Railways will now optionally undertake maintenance on a payment basis, improving safety and clarifying maintenance responsibility. The reform permits expanded common user facilities including Y-connections and rail-over-rail structures. Multi-GCT connectivity has been formalised so that if a new terminal is developed along an existing stretch, connectivity cannot be denied, thereby preventing disputes that earlier led to litigation. A dispute prevention framework has been introduced whereby monthly or milestone-based joint meetings between terminal developers and railway officials will result in joint notes and no dispute certificates, reducing the need for arbitration or court cases. Standard layouts have been incorporated into policy, and applicants adopting standard designs will receive automatic approvals, similar to the telecom reform model where standardisation reduced approval timelines drastically. Contract tenure for GCTs and cargo-related facilities has been extended from 35 years to 50 years, enabling long-term investments and ecosystem development. The Minister estimated that the reform could generate approximately 30,000 crore in additional revenue over a three-year period through enhanced cargo movement. He cited the example of the cement transportation reform launched in NovemberDecember, where bulk cement tonnage more than doubled, with January figures reaching around 95,000 tonnes compared to around 40,000 tonnes last year. He noted that railway-based bulk cement transportation has reduced costs significantly, including reductions of up to 30% in Jammu & Kashmir and nearly half in Mizoram, while also reducing pollution through scientific transport methods. Also Watch: Central Railway Revises Timings And Terminals Of Key Mail, Express Trains From April 2026; Check Details More reforms to follow Vaishnaw added that seven more reforms are underway, with two to be unveiled this month and three more in early March, and work initiated on another 3040 reforms. With structural reforms in passenger services and freight logistics, Indian Railways marks the beginning of an ambitious year-long transformation agenda. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Excitement is building among lottery players as the Nagaland State Dear Dwarka Monday Morning Lottery results are set to be declared today, February 16, 2026, at 1 PM. The first prize winner will take home a grand prize of 1 crore, making it one of the most anticipated draws of the week. The official result list will be uploaded shortly after the announcement on the Nagaland State Lottery Departments official website. At The Free Press Journal (FPJ), were closely following the live updates to bring you the latest winning numbers. If youve purchased a ticket for the Dear Dwarka Monday Lottery, you can check the complete winner list here once its released. Official websites to check the lucky draw The users can also check the results on the official website of the Nagaland State Lottery on www.nagalandlotteries.com , www.lotterysambad.com and www.nagalandlotterysambad.com and follow the steps. Playing lottery is legal in only 13 states in India In India, lottery draws are legal and actively run in 13 states, offering millions of people a chance to try their luck every day. These include Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Nagaland and Mizoram. Each of these states operates its own official lottery under strict government regulation. Among them, the Nagaland State Lottery and West Bengal State Lottery are especially popular due to their high prize amounts, with the first prize often reaching 1 crore. These lotteries are known for their transparency and accessibility - even those with limited means can participate, as tickets for lotteries such as the Sikkim, Nagaland and West Bengal State Lotteries are priced as low as 6, while offering life-changing rewards. The prizes of the Nagaland State Lottery are as follows: 1st Prize: Rs 1 Crore 2nd Prize: Rs 9,000 3rd Prize: Rs 450 4th Prize: Rs 250 5th Prize: Rs 120 Cons Prize: Rs 1,000 Nagaland State Lottery Result: February 15, 2026, 8 PM Live - Watch Streaming Of Winners List Of Dear Magic Sambad Night Sunday Weekly Draw Disclaimer: FPJ does not support or encourage playing the lottery. It's important to be careful because playing lotteries too much can be addictive and this involves financial risk. The information provided here is just to share updates and should not be seen as advice or encouragement to play.
Nagaland State Lottery results for Dear Magic Sunday Night Lottery at 8 PM will be announced today, February 15, 2026. The top prize for the lottery is a whopping Rs 1 crore. We at FPJ are keeping track of the results. If you have bought a lottery ticket and want to know the winners, you can find the list here. You can view the results for the Dear Magic Sunday Weekly Lottery February 15, 2026, here: Official websites to check the lucky draw The users can also check the results on the official website of the Nagaland State Lottery on www.nagalandlotteries.com, www.lotterysambad.com and www.nagalandlotterysambad.com and follow the steps. Playing lottery is legal in only 13 states in India Lottery is legal in 13 states in the country. These states consist of Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Nagaland and Mizoram. Among these states, the lotteries of West Bengal State Lottery and Nagaland State Lottery are highly reputed as the prize money in these state lotteries are high. The first prize in the Nagaland State Lottery and West Bengal State Lottery amounts to Rs 1 crore. The poor can also afford to buy the tickets of Sikkim State Lottery, Nagaland State Lottery and West Bengal State Lottery as the prize of the ticket is as low as Rs 6 and the winning prize is huge. The prizes of the Nagaland State Lottery are as follows: 1st Prize: Rs 1 Crore 2nd Prize: Rs 9,000 3rd Prize: Rs 450 4th Prize: Rs 250 5th Prize: Rs 120 Cons Prize: Rs 1,000 Nagaland State Lottery Result: February 15, 2026, 1 PM Live - Watch Streaming Of Winners List Of Dear Yamuna Sambad Morning Sunday Weekly Draw Disclaimer: FPJ does not support or encourage playing the lottery. It's important to be careful because playing lotteries too much can be addictive and this involves financial risk. The information provided here is just to share updates and should not be seen as advice or encouragement to play.
The Sikkim State Lottery results for the Dear Vixen Sunday Weekly Lottery at 6 PM will be announced today, February 15, 2026. The top prize for this lottery is a massive Rs 1 crore. We are keeping track of the results. If you have purchased a ticket and want to check if you are a winner, you can find the list here. Where to Check the Results? You can view the results for the Dear Vixen Sunday Weekly Lottery February 15, 2026, here: Participants can also check the official results on the Sikkim State Lottery websites: http://www.sikkimlotteries.com/# www.lotterysambad.com www.sikkimlotterysambad.com Lottery is Legal in 13 States in India Lotteries are legal in 13 states across the country. These states include Sikkim, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram. Among these, West Bengal State Lottery, Sikkim State Lottery, and Nagaland State Lottery are highly reputed for their high prize amounts. The first prize in the Sikkim State Lottery, Nagaland State Lottery and West Bengal State Lottery is Rs 1 crore, while other weekly lotteries offer varying amounts. The ticket prices for these lotteries start as low as Rs 6, making them affordable for many. Sikkim State Lottery Prize Breakdown 1st Prize: Rs 1 crore 2nd Prize: Rs 9,000 3rd Prize: Rs 450 4th Prize: Rs 250 5th Prize: Rs 120 Cons Prize: Rs 1,000 Sikkim State Lottery Result: February 14, 2026, 6 PM Live - Watch Streaming Of Winners List Of Dear Elite Saturday Weekly Draw Disclaimer We do not encourage or promote lottery participation. Playing the lottery involves financial risks and can be addictive. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as advice to participate.
Bank Holidays In February 2026, Will Banks Remain Closed For 3 Consecutive Days?
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues a bank holiday list every year. These holidays include weekly offs, national holidays, and state-specific festivals. In February 2026, banks will remain closed for six days after February 15. However, online banking services will continue to work normally. Full List of Bank Holidays in February 2026 February 1 (Sunday) Weekly holiday February 8 (Sunday) Weekly holiday February 14 (Second Saturday) Bank closed February 15 (Sunday) Weekly holiday RBI Tightens Broker Funding Norms, 100% Collateral Mandatory From April 2026; No Bank Support For Proprietary Trading February 18 (Wednesday) Losar (State holiday in Sikkim) February 19 (Thursday) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti (State holiday in Maharashtra) February 20 (Friday) Statehood Day (Holiday in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh) February 22 (Sunday) Weekly holiday February 28 (Fourth Saturday) Bank closed Banks remain open on the first, third and fifth Saturdays. Will Banks Remain Closed for 3 Days in a Row? In some states, banks will remain closed for three consecutive days due to local festivals and special occasions: RBI Proposes Allowing Banks To Lend To Listed REITs With 49% Exposure Cap February 18 Sikkim (Losar) February 19 Maharashtra (Shivaji Jayanti) February 20 Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh (Statehood Day) This three-day closure will apply only in these states, not across the entire country. Types of RBI Holidays RBI divides bank holidays into three main categories: Under the Negotiable Instruments Act Cheque clearing and branch services are affected. RTGS Holiday RTGS transactions at branch level do not take place. Annual Closing of Accounts Usually on April 1 for financial year closing. Government Repurchases 75,500 Crore Maturing Bonds From RBI No Impact on Digital Banking Even when bank branches are closed, digital services like UPI, NEFT, IMPS, internet banking and ATM services will work 24/7. Customers can transfer money, pay bills and shop online without any problem. However, cheque clearing and branch-related services may face delays. What Should Customers Do? - Complete important banking work in advance. - Use digital banking options for cash and transfers. - Check state-specific holidays before visiting your bank branch.
Global touch to Aizawl Half Marathon
The event attracted some 3,000 runners, including 16 international athletes, to the Mizoram capital
Mizoram Govt To Introduce Experience-Based Curriculum In Schools To Replace Rote Learning
Aizawl: The Mizoram government will introduce experience-based curriculum in schools to replace rote learning, in a major transition in the state's pedagogical approach, an official said on Friday. The government is also planning to introduce standardised annual exams for classes 5 and 8 in which students from various schools will be required to answer uniform questions, the official said. The move is a departure from the traditional rote memorisation or learning by heart method and is designed to reform and modernise the state's education system in line with the National Curriculum Framework, 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, she said. State Council of Educational Research and Training Director Caroline Zoramthangi said new textbooks will be rolled out from the 2026-27 academic session for classes 1, 2, 3 and 6. US: 22-Year-Old Indian Student Saketh Sreenivasaiah Disappears In Berkeley; Search Intensifies In The East Bay Area The new textbooks have been finalised and are being printed by the state's Printing and Stationery Department to be implemented in the upcoming academic session, she said. She said that new textbooks for classes 4, 5, 7 and 8 will be rolled out from the 2027-28 academic year. Caroline said the new model will prioritise illustration, drama and field trips, among others, over rote memorisation to educate students on critical thinking as well as direct experiential learning rather than abstract theory. In line with NEP 2020 and NCF 2023, education must be holistic. Instead of merely measuring a child's knowledge level, the focus will shift to physical, emotional, moral and spiritual development. Learning will be child-centric and enjoyable for students, who will engage in project works, she told PTI. She said subjects like Mathematics and Science will be taught in a way that relates directly to their daily lives. Over 2,800 Vacancies In All India Services; IFoS Worst Hit, Govt Tells Parliament The shift also aims to make the classroom environment more interactive and less burdensome for young learners, she added. Apart from this curriculum shift, Caroline said the government will also implement competency-based uniform question papers for students of classes 5 and 8 across 770 state-run and aided schools for standardised assessment. Results from these exams will be centralised and analysed by the SCERT to monitor educational standards across the state, she said. The education minister aims to achieve quality education through assessment reform and has taken proactive steps in this direction. Questions will now be competency-based, developed entirely in accordance with the NCF 2023, she said. Punjab Govt To Introduce 'On-Screen' Marking System For 2026 Board Exam Evaluations She said the shift is expected to improve the state's performance in national-level competitive examinations. Last month, School Education Minister Vanlalthlana announced that the Mizoram Board of School Education (MBSE) will cease to follow the traditional way of declaring results of classes 10 and 12 with merit list (Top-10) or rank, distinction and division in the result books from the current year. The move was to prevent high-stakes competition among students through rote memorisation and to ensure quality and competency-based education, the minister had said. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
The Nagaland State Lottery Dear Narmada Saturday Morning Result will be announced today, February 14, 2026, at 1 PM. The first prize for this draw is an impressive 1 crore. FPJ is closely tracking the live updates of the Nagaland lottery results. If you have purchased a Nagaland State Lottery ticket, you can check the complete winner list and winning numbers here once the results are declared. You can view the results for the Dear Narmada Saturday Weekly Lottery, February 14, 2026, here: Official Websites to Check Nagaland State Lottery Results Players can check the Nagaland State Lottery lucky draw results on the official websites www.nagalandlotteries.com , www.lotterysambad.com and www.nagalandlotterysambad.com . These portals regularly update the winning numbers and provide the complete result list for each draw. Lottery is Legal in Only 13 States in India In India, playing the lottery is legal in 13 states. These include Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Mizoram. Among these, the Nagaland State Lottery and West Bengal State Lottery are considered the most popular and reputed because of their high prize money, with the first prize often reaching 1 crore. Lotteries in states like Sikkim, Nagaland, and West Bengal are also widely accessible since tickets can cost as little as 6, making them affordable for people from all walks of life while offering a chance to win big. The prizes of the Nagaland State Lottery are as follows: 1st Prize: Rs 1 Crore 2nd Prize: Rs 9,000 3rd Prize: Rs 450 4th Prize: Rs 250 5th Prize: Rs 120 Cons Prize: Rs 1,000 Nagaland State Lottery Result: February 13, 2026, 8 PM Live - Watch Streaming Of Winners List Of Dear Horizon Sambad Night Friday Weekly Draw Disclaimer: FPJ does not support or encourage playing the lottery. It's important to be careful because playing lotteries too much can be addictive and this involves financial risk. The information provided here is just to share updates and should not be seen as advice or encouragement to play.
Nagaland State Lottery results for Dear Horizon Night Lottery at 8 PM will be announced today, February 13, 2026. The top prize for the lottery is a whopping Rs 1 crore. We at FPJ are keeping track of the results. If you have bought a lottery ticket and want to know the winners, you can find the list here. Here is the winners list from the Nagaland State Dear Horizon Friday Night Weekly Lottery held on February 13, 2026: Official websites to check the lucky draw The users can also check the results on the official website of the Nagaland State Lottery on www.nagalandlotteries.com, www.lotterysambad.com and www.nagalandlotterysambad.com and follow the steps. Playing lottery is legal in only 13 states in India Lottery is legal in 13 states in the country. These states consist of Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Nagaland and Mizoram. Among these states, the lotteries of West Bengal State Lottery and Nagaland State Lottery are highly reputed as the prize money in these state lotteries are high. The first prize in the Nagaland State Lottery and West Bengal State Lottery amounts to Rs 1 crore. The poor can also afford to buy the tickets of Sikkim State Lottery, Nagaland State Lottery and West Bengal State Lottery as the prize of the ticket is as low as Rs 6 and the winning prize is huge. The prizes of the Nagaland State Lottery are as follows: 1st Prize: Rs 1 Crore 2nd Prize: Rs 9,000 3rd Prize: Rs 450 4th Prize: Rs 250 5th Prize: Rs 120 Cons Prize: Rs 1,000 Nagaland State Lottery Result: February 12, 2026, 8 PM Live - Watch Streaming Of Winners List Of Dear Fame Sambad Night Thursday Weekly Draw Disclaimer: FPJ does not support or encourage playing the lottery. It's important to be careful because playing lotteries too much can be addictive and this involves financial risk. The information provided here is just to share updates and should not be seen as advice or encouragement to play.
JRTC aro ATC nangrime seminar-ko ongata
SHILLONG: Bristibar salo, John Roberts Theological College (JRTC), Mizoram adokni Aizawl Theological College baksa Annual Joint Seminar-ko ongatangaha aro ia seminar-ko Christianity & Ethnic Identity ine pangchakaniko done ongatangaha. Ia Seminar-ko Presbyterian Church of India-ni Theological Education Committee-ni dakchake onanichi ongataha aro ia seminar-o Theological College-o poraienggipa manderang bak raenba, Kristianrangni beberaani aro jatni daka []
The awardees were Sarhad (Maharashtra), CORD (Himachal Pradesh), Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation (Karnataka), Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak (Mizoram), and NIRMAN (Odisha). Awardees selected from across India for excellence in Non-Violence & Vegetarianism, Education, Medicine, and Community & Social Service. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation announced the awardees for the 29th Mahaveer Awards, recognising outstanding individuals and institutions for their selfless service in the fields of Non-Violence & Vegetarianism, Education, Medicine, and Community & Social Service. L-R: NIRMAN Odisha; Sangkhumi Bualchhuak Mizoram; Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation - Karnataka; CORD - Himachal Pradesh; Sarhad - Maharashtra The awardees for the 29th Mahaveer Awards are: Sarhad, Maharashtra - Non-Violence & Vegetarianism; CORD, Himachal Pradesh - Education; Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Karnataka - Medicine; Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak, Mizoram - Community & Social Service; and NIRMAN, Odisha - Community & Social Service. Sarhad works to promote peace and non-violence in conflict-prone regions through cultural dialogue and youth engagement. CORD empowers marginalised communities, especially women and persons with disabilities, through education and rural development initiatives. Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation provides accessible cancer care through its hospitals and outreach programmes in Karnataka and Odisha. Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak of Mizoram has dedicated decades to advancing women’s rights and community welfare. NIRMAN works with tribal communities in Odisha to strengthen livelihoods, women-led institutions, and food security. Instituted to honour exemplary humanitarian efforts, the Mahaveer Awards are presented annually to individuals and organisations that have made sustained contributions towards the welfare of the underprivileged and the weaker sections of society. Each Mahaveer Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh, along with a commendatory citation and a memento. With the selection of the 2026 awardees, the total number of Mahaveer Award recipients has now reached 101, covering 26 States and 2 Union Territories. So far, 96 awardees have been honoured prior to this edition. Over the years, the Mahaveer Awards have been presented by eminent personalities including the President of India, Vice President of India, Governors, Chief Ministers, and Union Ministers at formal functions. For the 29th Mahaveer Awards, 267 nominations received from across the country were carefully evaluated by an eminent Selection Jury, headed by Justice Shri M. N. Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India. The members of the Selection Jury include Acharya Shri Chandanaji Maharaj, Eminent Sanyasini; Dr. Justice Shri D. Y. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India; Shri S.Gurumurthy-Part time Director RBI and Editor Thuglak, Prof B.M. Hegde Chairman Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Mangalore Kendra, Shri T. S. Krishnamurthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India; Shri D. R. Mehta, I.A.S. (Retd.), Former Chairman, SEBI; Shri Prabhat Kumar, I.A.S. (Retd.), Former Cabinet Secretary, Government of India; and Justice Shri G. S. Singhvi, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India. In his comments, Shri Sugalchand Jain , Founder, Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation, said, “ We believe that individuals and organisations dedicated to non-violence & vegetarianism, education, medicine, and community & social service play a vital role in the holistic development of our nation. For nearly three decades, through the Mahaveer Awards, we have been recognising the extraordinary contributions of such changemakers who work tirelessly for the welfare of society. We are honoured to recognise the awardees of the 29th edition whose inspiring efforts continue to uplift the underprivileged and promote compassion and social harmony. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to them and express our gratitude to the esteemed jury members for their thoughtful and meticulous selection process .” The Foundation has also invited nominations for the 30th Mahaveer Awards from individuals and institutions engaged in selfless service in the four award categories. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website: www.bmfawards.org .
Mizoram MP says not being allowed to raise alleged defence land scam in Rajya Sabha
K.Vanlalvenaclaims187.90-crore irregularities in IAF land acquisition nearLengpuiairport
Rs 3,200 crore stuck in Northeast projects; Assam tops unpaid list
State-wise figures show Assam topping the list with Rs 1,012.87 crore pending across 35 projects, followed by Manipur (Rs 441.38 crore), Nagaland (Rs 406.09 crore) and Arunachal Pradesh (Rs 395.37 crore). Other states with large unpaid amounts include Tripura (Rs 308.71 crore), Mizoram (Rs 275.81 crore), Meghalaya (Rs 258.05 crore) and Sikkim (Rs 107.90 crore).
Mizoram registers biometrics of 30,900 Myanmar refugees
Mizoram is nearing completion of biometric registration for nearly 90 percent of Myanmar nationals who sought shelter. Over 27,810 individuals have been enrolled. The state is also recording details of Bangladeshi refugees. This process follows guidance from the Union Home Ministry. Fresh refugees from Myanmar continue to arrive due to unrest in Chin state.
Scheme for Buddhist circuit in Northeast India announced in Budget
Union budget 2026-27- The Union Budget 2026-27 has proposed to launch a scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura
Mizoram delegation calls on Dr Jitendra, discusses State related issues
Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Jan 31: A delegation from Mizoram, led by BJP State President and MLA Dr. K. Beichhua, called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh and submitted a memorandum highlighting various State related issues and also sought consideration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) proposals aimed at social development in the State. State General [] The post Mizoram delegation calls on Dr Jitendra, discusses State related issues appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Dead Man, 62, Named Prime Accused In 26-Year-Old Mizoram Woman's Murder
A 62-year-old man, who died last month, has been named the prime accused in a murder case in Mizoram's Aizawl district.
India’s leading building materials exhibition, MATECIA Exhibition (Materials & Products for Construction, Interiors & Architecture) - a premier Indian trade exhibition for building materials, interior products, furniture, and design—along with SURFACES REPORTER, one of India’s most respected architecture and design media platforms, is set to host the largest-ever confluence of architecture, interiors, and building materials for East & Northeast India. The three-day event will be held from 30 January to 1 February 2026 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan (BBMP), opposite Science City in Kolkata, with National Award-winning actor, motivational speaker and founder of Ashish Vidyarthi & Associates, Mr. Ashish Vidyarthi, as the chief guest. MATECIA Exhibition and SURFACES REPORTER Architecture Event to Spotlight the Rise of East & Northeast India in Kolkata This event will bring together over 150+ top architecture and design firms, interior designers, developers, dealers, brands, and channel partners from 12+ states across East and Northeast India, from Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, positioning Kolkata as a vital cultural and regional bridge while reinforcing the scale, diversity and creative strength of the regional design ecosystem. Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Verticaa Dvivedi, Director, Surfaces Reporter Architecture Event , said, “For far too long, East and Northeast India have been perceived as slow or difficult markets—regions many hesitate to enter, assuming they are not easily reachable. What often gets overlooked is the exceptional depth of architectural thinking emerging from these regions. Designers here work with climate, context, and culture not as constraints, but as strengths. In many ways, the rest of India has a lot to learn from them. Through the Surfaces Reporter Architecture Event – East & Northeast India, we aim to highlight, promote, and amplify this outstanding body of work. This edition is not an arrival—it is the first page of a much larger national narrative.” Spread across over 1,50,000 sq. ft., the event will feature 100+ leading interior and surface brands and bring together 200+ architects and interior designers showcasing over 500 landmark projects, welcoming an estimated 14,000–16,000 visitors from 100+ towns and cities. The three-day event will commence with its inauguration on Thursday, 30 January 2026, from 10:30 AM onwards. A key highlight of the platform will be Surfaces Reporter Salutes – Architecture & Design Honours, scheduled for 31 January 2026 from 4:00 PM onwards. As the first collective regional recognition initiative dedicated exclusively to East and Northeast India, the honours will celebrate around 100 leading architects and interior designers, the creative forces behind more than 500 of the region’s most notable projects, recognising excellence across residential, commercial, hospitality, institutional and urban design. The lamp lighting ceremony and opening address will be led by Mr. Rajesh Mittal, President, FIPPI and CMD, Greenply Industries Ltd; Mr. Surinder Arora, President, ILMA and Managing Director, Virgo Industries Ltd; Mr. Ramesh Bagla, President, CTMA; and Ms. Meenakshi Ganeshan, Deputy Director General, BIS, East Zone. They will be joined by Mr. Manoj Lohia of Merino Industries Ltd, Mr. Joydeep Chitlangia of Duroply, Mr. Vishal Dokania of Durian, Mr. Rushil Thakkar of Rushil Décor, Mr. Gajanan Munka of Saburi Plywood, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, President, BTIA, Mr. Vikas Khemka, Vice President, BTMA, Mr. M.P. Singh, former Director, IWST and FIPPI, and Mr. J. Ahuja of ILMA. Emphasising the material and market perspective, Pragat Dvivedi, Director, MATECIA Exhibition , added, “2026 will mark the emergence of East and Northeast India as serious growth markets. These regions are witnessing rapid urban development, infrastructure expansion, and a new generation of design-conscious professionals. MATECIA Exhibition’s presence here reflects our belief that the future of India’s building materials market will also be equally driven by East and Northeast India.” The event will also be graced by esteemed dignitaries from the architectural fraternity, including Ar. Sunil Maniramka of Maniramka & Associates, Ar. Rupande Shah of Rupande Shah & Associates, Ar. Monica Khosla Bhargava of Kham Consultants, Ar. Amber Chandgothia of Amber Creations, Ar. J.P. Agrawal of Agrawal & Agrawal Architects, and Ar. Bipratip Dhar of Epsilon. Also present will be Ar. Atul Saraf of Atulya Architects, Ranchi, President, IIA Jharkhand, along with members of IIA Jharkhand; Ar. Bapilu Chai, Member, Arunachal Architects Association, along with members; Ar. Frederick Malsawmzuala, President, Mizoram Architects Forum, along with members; and Ar. Nokranglong Jamir, Vice President, Association of Nagaland Architects, along with members. The event will also feature India Interior Retailing (IIR), a knowledge platform that brings industry and interior retail leaders together, creating a high-energy space for learning, networking, and growth. In addition, the Surfaces Reporter SHOWCASE will provide a special presentation zone where brands present and architects review, offering an excellent opportunity for interaction and collaboration between designers and manufacturers. The MATECIA Exhibition & SURFACES REPORTER Architecture Event – East & Northeast India is set to redefine how the region is viewed by the industry and the nation, marking a decisive step in reshaping national perceptions and bringing the East and Northeast India’s design excellence firmly into the national spotlight. www.MATECIA Exhibition.com About MATECIA EXHIBITION MATECIA is a business exhibition in India that connects Exhibitors & Sponsors with Architects, Interior Retailers, Designers, Distributors, Agents, Builders, Government agencies, Project Consultants, Channel Partners and Dealers in the Building Material and Interior Products industry. It is a flagship initiative of Bigsea Marcom India Pvt. Ltd., a 25-year-old media and communications company, supported by Knowledge Partners SURFACES REPORTER®, PLY REPORTER® and FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY. About SURFACES REPORTER SURFACES REPORTER® is India’s leading media platform for interiors, architecture, building materials and the business of design, with over 11 years of industry presence. As India’s first content platform focused exclusively on products and materials for building and interiors, SURFACES REPORTER® is committed to informing, guiding and connecting architects, interior designers, developers and industry experts who are shaping the future of the built environment. SURFACES REPORTER® reaches a wide and growing audience through its bi-monthly print circulation of 28,000 copies, 150,000 e-zine subscriptions and a readership of over 450,000 across platforms.
Efforts on to include Mizo language in 8th Schedule: Officials
Efforts are underway to include the Mizo language in the Constitution's 8th Schedule. The Mizo Language Development Board is leading this initiative. A study group has neared completion of its report, indicating strong support for the proposal. Mizoram has previously submitted a similar request. The Chief Minister has reviewed progress and assured follow-up action.
Railways, events, sports fuel Mizoram tourism
State rolls out the Mizoram Tourism Events Calendar 2026 to convert visitors into long-stay travellers
Myanmar man arrested with foreign currency, tobacco in Mizoram
Aizawl: A Myanmar national was arrested with foreign currency notes, smuggled tobacco and foreign cigarettes in south Mizorams Siaha district on Tuesday, January 20, an official said. The accused, identified as U Phyu Maung of Rakhine, was nabbed by the Assam Rifles from Tuipang village, he said. Acting on a tip-off about currency and tobacco 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 .
The Bnei Menashe community, claiming descent from a lost biblical tribe, is undergoing interviews for emigration to Israel. This initiative offers hope to many facing hardship in Manipur and Mizoram. Israel plans to welcome thousands more by 2030. The process involves rabbinical judges and government officials, marking a significant step for these aspiring migrants.
Mizoram incurs Rs 114.64 crore loss due to African swine fever in 2025: Official
African Swine Fever has devastated Mizoram's pig population, causing over 9,700 deaths and a financial loss of Rs 114.64 crore in 2025 alone. Since its initial report in 2021, the disease has claimed over 72,000 pigs, impacting thousands of families and resulting in a staggering Rs 1,011.27 crore loss.
The Chief Minister said that the Chief Ministers Rubber Mission was launched with the objective of transforming Mizoram into a major rubber-producing region.
45 pc of Tripura-Mizoram gas pipeline project complete: officials
Aizawl: Installation of a natural gas pipeline between Tripura and Mizoram is in progress, with 45 per cent of the work being completed so far, officials said on Thursday. Officials of the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGCL), which is executing the project, said the 119.5-km project implemented under the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid 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 .
Governors Rule in Mizoram tribal council extended for 6 months
On January 7, the State Cabinet said there was no justification for extending Governors Rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council
From the Edge of the Map to the Centre of Decision: PRAGATI and Rail Infrastructure in Mizoram
By: Mr. Varun Adhikari When I joined the Bairabi-Sairang railway project in 2015, it felt like stepping into a part of the country that rarely entered national focus. The journey itself told the story. National Highway-154, now NH-06, the only access route, was badly damaged and unreliable. Heavy trucks were often stranded for days, and [] The post From the Edge of the Map to the Centre of Decision: PRAGATI and Rail Infrastructure in Mizoram appeared first on Northlines .
Mizoram CM Lalduhoma said he had written to the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nitiyanand Rai in May last year, urging him to waive the sum
At 145, Mizoram Recorded Six-Year High Tuberculosis Deaths In 2025
A total of 145 people have died of tuberculosis (TB) in Mizoram in 2025, the highest fatalities in six years, according to official data.
Mizoram improves ranking in HIV prevention but scores highest prevalence rate
Aizawl: Despite an improvement in ranking in terms of preventive measures, Mizoram has the highest adult HIV prevalence rate in the country at 2.75 per cent, exceeding the national average of 0.20 per cent, an official said. The state has been witnessing a declining trend in the number of new HIV infections since 2018, Mizoram 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 .
Over 22,500 Inner Line Permits issued at Mizorams Sairang station since rail link launch
More than 22,500 Inner Line Permits have been issued from the Mizoram governments Sairang railway station office since September last year, following the launch of the new BairabiSairang railway line. Officials said around 400 permits are issued daily as two passenger trains arrive at the station each day.
Mizoram cricket mourns as former Ranji player K. Lalremruata dies at 38
Mizoram cricketer K. Lalremruata has died at the age of 38. He collapsed during a local match and later passed away. Lalremruata represented Mizoram in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was a respected figure in the local cricket community. The BCCI and the Sports Minister have expressed their condolences.
Mizoram Cabinet is against extending Governors Rule in troubled tribal council
The council of ministers said there was no justification for extending Governors Rule for another six months
Former Mizoram Ranji Player Collapses And Dies During Cricket Match in Aizawl
Lalremruata was playing for VRCC in second division screening tournament of the Khaled Memorial at Suaka cricket ground near Sairang railway station when he suffered a stroke and died
Mizoram cricketer dies after collapsing during a match
The States cricket association said K. Lalremruata, who represented Mizoram in Ranji and Syed Mushtaq Ali trophies, suffered a stroke while playing
J&K Wins First BCCI Title, Its U-16 Team Lifts Vijay Merchant Trophy For Plate Group
Surat, Jan 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Under-16 team clinched the Vijay Merchant Trophy Plate Group title, the Union Territorys first-ever BCCI crown, after defeating Mizoram by an innings and 182 runs on the third day of the final here on Tuesday. J&K won the four-day match with one day to spare. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the J&K U-16 cricket team on winning the Vijay Merchant Trophy for the first time. A historic BCCI title and a dominant [] The post J&K Wins First BCCI Title, Its U-16 Team Lifts Vijay Merchant Trophy For Plate Group appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Meghalaya organisation seeks CM Himanta Biswas intervention for ILP across Northeast
GUWAHATI : Citing the prevailing unstable political situation in Bangladesh and the frequent arrests and detection of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in the Northeast, a Meghalaya-based organisation has urged Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take the lead in demanding the extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to the entire region. The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO), in a letter addressed to Sarma, appealed to him in his capacity as Chairman of the North East Democratic Alliance to spearhead the demand for extending the ILP regime beyond the states where it is currently in force. ILP is a travel document under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, which every Indian citizen is required to carry while visiting a protected state for a limited stay. At present, it has been implemented in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. In its letter, HITO stated that recent remarks by Bangladeshi leaders, including statements that Bangladesh is the only guardian of the ocean and references to the chickens neck (Siliguri corridor), have assumed significance and raised serious security, demographic and socio-political concerns for the Northeast. We urge you, in your capacity as the Chairman of the North East Democratic Alliance, to take the lead in demanding the extension of ILP to the entire Northeast region, the organisation said in the letter. The organisation categorically stated that the current situation demands the extension of the ILP regime to Meghalaya and Assam, along with the strengthening of its framework across the region, in order to protect indigenous communities, their land, identity and cultural heritage. According to HITO, while ILP is not a complete solution to infiltration and illegal immigration, it would act as an important regulatory mechanism to partially control, monitor and check the movement of illegal migrants. We sincerely hope that this collective call from the region will be taken forward by your government and your party at the Centre, in the larger interest of national security, demographic balance, and the constitutional rights of indigenous communities of the northeastern states, the letter further stated. Meghalaya has been demanding the implementation of ILP for a long time. A few years ago, the state Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution seeking the introduction of the ILP regime in the state.
Indian Railways pushes into toughest terrains in 2025, boosts safety and modernisation
Indian Railways made significant strides in 2025. New rail links reached difficult terrains like Mizoram and Kashmir. Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat train services expanded. Infrastructure projects, including station modernisation and freight corridors, progressed. Safety indicators improved with fewer accidents. Wagon production also increased to support freight earnings.
Mizoram Home Minister condemns attacks on Christians, urges peace
Aizawl: Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga and other leaders, including state Congress president Lal Thanzara, on Sunday condemned a series of attacks targeting members of Christian community and alleged attempts to disrupt Christmas celebrations in different parts of the country. Sapdanga expressed concern and anguish over the incident at St. Marys School in Assams Nalbari 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 .
Checkmating China-Pak nexus in Bangladesh
Rajan Kour Amid the changing geopolitical scenario and increasing anti India sentiment in Bangladesh, there are significant decisions India has to take to safeguard its interests. In this backdrop, the visit of the Eastern Commands General Officer Commanding Lt General RC Tiwaris visit to Thuampui near Aizwal in Mizoram on December 19 last week, assumes substantial significance. In view of the volatile situation since August 2024, after the forcible ouster of Sheikh Hasina government, India is cautiously charting the course [] The post Checkmating China-Pak nexus in Bangladesh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Malaria now limited to pockets in Mizoram, Tripura as India nears elimination
Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, a 9-year-old singing prodigy from Mizoram, gained national fame with her viral performance of 'Vande Mataram.' She was recently awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for her contribution to music and culture, marking her as a rising star and a symbol of pride.
GUWAHATI: People in Assam marked Christmas with what was described as an anguished celebration, a day after members of right wing extremist groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal vandalised and set fire to Christmas decorations at a diocesan school in Nalbari district. According to an official statement, Nalbari police on Thursday arrested four persons, based on a written complaint lodged by Fr Baiju Sebastian, principal of St Marys English School, Panigaon, in Nalbari district. A case has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 324(3) (mischief), 324(4) (mischief causing significant property damage), 326(f) (mischief by causing damage through fire, etc), 329(3) (criminal trespass), 351(2) (criminal intimidation) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy). According to the complaint lodged by the principal, some unknown miscreants unlawfully entered the school premises and vandalised the campus, causing damage to outer decorations, serial lights, plant pots and other articles. The complaint further stated that the damaged items were later set on fire. Videos circulating on social media showed the attackers chanting Jai Shree Ram slogans and warning the school against holding Christmas celebrations on its premises. Subsequently, shops selling Christmas items in Nalbari town were targeted, with a few items set on fire. Allen Brooks, spokesperson of the Assam Christian Forum, told this newspaper that people observed an anguished celebration on Thursday as insecurity among the community was overwhelming. Condemning the incidents, the forum said, Videos circulating on social media clearly identify the perpetrators This act wounds religious sentiments, spreads hatred, and violates constitutional rights to freedom of religion, threatening Assams peace and harmony. It added, This is not Assams culture, and not true to Assams ethos of unity inspired by Srimanta Shankar Dev. We urge the government and the society to uphold secularism. In the rest of the Northeast, Christmas was celebrated with pomp and gaiety. Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram are Christian-majority states, while Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur have sizeable Christian populations.
Journalist found dead in her house in Mizoram
Ezrela Dalidia Fanai, 41, was a freelance journalist who had worked with several national media houses over the years. She lived alone in the house after her mother passed away in July, police said
A Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) spokesperson reported that five coaches and the engine of the train, which travels between Mizoram's Sairang and Delhi's Anand Vihar Terminal, derailed. Fortunately, no passengers were hurt.
Five coaches, engine of Rajdhani Express derail, 8 elephants killed in Assam accident
NAGAON/ GUWAHATI: Eight elephants were killed and one injured after a herd was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam's Hojai district in the wee hours of Saturday, a forest official said. Five coaches and the train's engine were derailed in the incident, though no injuries to passengers were reported, a Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the New Delhi-bound train met with the accident around 2.17 am. Nagaon divisional forest officer Suhash Kadam told PTI that the incident occurred at Changjurai area of Hojai district. Kadam and other forest officials have reached the site. Trains scheduled to pass through the affected JamunamukhKampur section have been diverted through the UP line, and restoration work is underway, he added. The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express connects Mizoram's Sairang (near Aizawl) to Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi).
Amid Bangladesh Unrest, Eastern Army Boss Checks Border in Tripura, Mizoram
Lt Gen Tiwari meets BSF, Assam Rifles troops during visit
Security heightened at Bangladesh mission after protest erupts in Tripura over anti-India remarks
GUWAHATI: Protestors vented their ire near the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Tripura capital Agartala on Friday against recent anti-India remarks made by some politicians in the neighbouring country, prompting authorities to heighten security at the mission. The protestors, who are members of Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) which is the youth wing of BJP ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), shouted slogans against Bangladesh and Bangladeshi leaders, including Chief Adviser of the countrys interim government Muhammad Yunus and National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, for anti-India remarks and encouraging activities inimical to Indias interest. Accusing India of sheltering those who do not believe in Bangladeshs sovereignty, Abdullah had threatened that Bangladesh would shelter the separatists of India and isolate the Northeast. YTF president Suraj Debbarma said the gathering of hundreds of protestors was a reflection of peoples anger against the Bangladeshi leaders anti-India remarks and activities. The other day, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah clearly mentioned that they will close down the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. We want to remind them that Bangladesh was created with Indias help. India fought for 13 days to secure the liberation of Bangladesh and you say India is your enemy, Debbarma said. We dont have any beach in the Northeast. Dont force us to make Cox Bazar (in Bangladesh) our beach, he further stated. TMP chief Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma called upon political parties to wake up, stating that their fight should be against new mini-Pakistan, and not against one another. He further stated that TMP is the only political party in the Northeast to stage a protest outside the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission after statements were made against the region. In the wake of the protest, authorities deployed Tripura State Rifles and CRPF personnel to provide security to the Bangladesh Mission. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha told the media that India was closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh. Stating that his government is regularly briefing the Centre about the developments, he said the Indian armed forces are always prepared to handle any situation. He added that paramilitary forces had stepped up vigil along the Bangladesh border, particularly after Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government was ousted from power on August 5 last year. Meanwhile, as Bangladesh continued to remain on the boil, Armys Eastern Command Commander Lt Gen R C Tiwari, along with other senior Army officials, visited India-Bangladesh border areas in Tripura and Mizoram on Friday to review the prevailing security situation and preparedness along the frontier.
Amid the citys quiet charm, Taran and his family experience a blissful Christmas untouched by the holiday rush.
Bank Holiday on December 18: Are banks open or closed in your state? Check state-wise list here
December 2025 brings multiple bank holidays across India, especially in Meghalaya, Goa, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. Key closures include U Soso Tham's death anniversary in Meghalaya (December 18), Goa Liberation Day (December 19), Christmas celebrations (December 24-26), and more.
Mlaya set Mizoram 248 to win going into Day 3 of Cooch Behar Trophy
By Our Reporter Shillong, Dec 17: Meghalaya have set Mizoram 248 to win in their U-19 mens Cooch Behar Trophy 2025-26 plate group match at the end of the second day in Anand, Gujarat, on Wednesday. Resuming their first innings in the morning on 129/5, in response to Meghalayas 219 all out, Mizoram were dismissed []
26-Year-Old Pregnant Woman Murdered In Mizoram; NCW Takes Suo Motu Cognisance
The womans body was found on December 15, 2025, near the football field of Mizoram University in Aizawl.
Mizoram Guv: India Always Wants Peace in B'desh
He attended the 54th anniversary of Vijay Diwas celebration at the Eastern Command headquarters in Fort William, recently renamed as Vijay Durg
Ex-Bureaucrat Raj Kumar Goyal Sworn In As Chief Information Commissioner
New Delhi, Dec 15: Former IAS officer Raj Kumar Goyal was on Monday sworn in as Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) by President Droupadi Murmu. A three-member panel headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week recommended Goyals name as the CIC. Goyal is a 1990-batch (retired) Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre. He superannuated as Secretary, Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice, on August 31. He has also served as Secretary [] The post Ex-Bureaucrat Raj Kumar Goyal Sworn In As Chief Information Commissioner appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
EC appoints five nodal officers for EVM first-level checking ahead of 2026 Bengal assembly polls
KOLKATA: T he Election Commission said it has appointed five nodal officers for first-level checking (FLC) of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) ahead of next year's West Bengal assembly polls. All the officers hailed from other states, the poll panel said in a statement. The EC has introduced rules by which the image of each candidate would be displayed on the EVM. The five nodal officers were appointed as observers at different FLC venues for assembly polls, said the statement issued on Sunday. The five officers are Shania Kayem Mize (deputy CEO, Arunachal Pradesh), Yogesh Gosavi (deputy CEO, Maharashtra), P K Boro (additional CEO, Meghalaya), Ethel Rothangpuii (joint CEO, Mizoram) and Kanishka Kumar (under secretary of ECI). In the 2021 elections, West Bengal had over 80,000 booths. An EC official said that following the enumeration, the number of booths is likely to go up by over 10,000.
Mizorams one-voter village gets special postal ballot to protect secrecy
An unusual election took place in Mizoram's Hmawngbuchhuah village. Only one voter was eligible to cast a ballot. To ensure vote secrecy, a postal ballot was used instead of an electronic voting machine. This remote village near the Myanmar border has seen its population change due to refugees. The Election Commission adapted its process for this unique situation.
Jaya Bachchan demands dedicated emergency lanes for ambulances
NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan on Wednesday demanded dedicated emergency lanes on roads for ambulance movement, saying that in India, groceries reach doorsteps in under 15 minutes, pizzas in 30 minutes, but patients bleed to death due to the delay in reaching the hospital. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, Bachchan demanded that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health should also look into the issue of patient death due to the delay in reaching the hospital. In a country where groceries reach doorsteps in under 15 minutes, pizzas in 30 minutes via quick commerce platforms, patients bleed to death because ambulances get trapped in traffic, lacking dedicated emergency lanes, despite the Supreme Court's 2018 directive. No national data tracks these tragedies, Bachchan said. 60 per cent of ambulances arrive late, with urban delays averaging 15 to 30 minutes due to an absence of green corridors and police escorts, missing the golden hour for 55 per cent of accident victims. No dedicated lanes on highways, despite the National Ambulance Code 2016. These critical failures need to be taken notice of and dealt with immediately, she stated. She suggested an immediate nationwide mandate for dedicated emergency lanes, with AI traffic signals, prioritizing ambulances, 30-second green corridors, enforcing the Supreme Court's 2018 ambulance corridor directive via Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, penalties on violators, and a high-level probe into ambulance delay deaths. BJP MP Rekha Sharma demanded a gender-sensitive mental health facility for traumatised women in the country. She drew attention towards the severe shortage of accessible gender sensitive mental health support, particularly for survivors of violence, harassment and trauma. While the Modi government's initiatives, such as Tele Manas and district mental health programmes, are commendable, some gaps persist, especially in rural, marginalised, and low-income communities, she said, adding that lack of awareness and scarcity of trained professionals prevent countless women from receiving timely care. Survivors of domestic violence, cyber harassment, acid attacks, trafficking and workplace abuse frequently carry long-lasting psychological scars, she told the House. The mental health system that should support them remains fragmented and under-resourced, she pointed out. She urged the government to deploy dedicated women's mental health counsellors at centres, police stations, and hospitals, ensuring immediate and specialised assistance. Tele Manas outreach should be expanded and integrated with women's helpline, self-help groups, and Anganwari worker network, she said. Mizo National Front MP K Vanlalvena demanded the central government's intervention in the issue of income tax officials harassing tribals of Mizoram. He informed the House that tribals living in specified areas in Mizoram are exempt from Income Tax and should not be harassed by Income Tax officials. BJP MP Laxmikant Bajpayee demanded the setting up of more benches of the high court in Uttar Pradesh, referring to the high pendency of cases in the courts. Subhah Barala (BJP) demanded that the Central Pollution Control Board should carefully look into the issue of water pollution in the country from various sources, which is affecting the lives of people in the country. Sumer Singh Solanki (BJP) asked for government intervention to deal with the high rate of accidents on National Highway Number 3, Sendhwa in Barwani district. He pointed out incidents of road accidents in the Bijasan Ghat area, located on the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The MP demanded building a new road in the area to stop the high incidence of accidents in the area. Manoj Jha (RJD) demanded uniform minimum wages for skilled workers in the country, saying that these are less than what workers of Bihar get in Tamil Nadu or Kerala. AAP MP Swati Maliwal highlighted the issue of sand mining in Punjab and demanded an inquiry into the issue, saying this caused man-made devastating floods in the state this year. Amar Pal Maurya (BJP) demanded setting up an agricultural university in Pratapgarh district.
Rajnath Singh inaugurates record 125 BRO projects in Ladakh
NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday described Operation Sindoor as a historic success, crediting the missions scale and efficiency to Indias rapidly strengthened border connectivity. Singh, who was in Ladakh to inaugurate 125 strategically significant infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) the highest number ever launched simultaneously, said the forces exercised restraint despite having the capability to go further. Speaking about the counter-operation launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, Singh said, Our Armed Forces launched the operation in response to the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Everybody knows what befell those terrorists. We could have done much more, but our forces, demonstrating both courage and patience, did only what was necessary. The success of the operation was made possible by seamless logistics and uninterrupted connectivity to forward areas. The projects inaugurated on Sunday span two Union Territories Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir and seven states: Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram. They include 28 roads, 93 bridges and four miscellaneous facilities, collectively built at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore, marking the highest-value set of inaugurations in BROs history. As first reported by The New Indian Express , the assets represent a major boost to Indias border infrastructure push. These upgraded roads and bridges are expected to significantly enhance last-mile connectivity to remote villages and forward military posts, helping integrate these areas more closely into the national mainstream. The main event was held on the DarbukShyokDaulat Beg Oldie road at the newly completed Shyok Tunnel, one of the marquee projects unveiled by the minister. Calling the tunnel an engineering feat built in one of the worlds toughest terrains, Singh said the 920-metre cut-and-cover structure will ensure all-weather access to a strategically vital region frequently cut off by heavy snowfall, avalanches and extreme temperatures. The tunnel, he said, will boost mobility, security and rapid deployment capability, especially during harsh winters. Singh also virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial in Ladakh, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. Reaffirming the governments commitment to developing border regions, the Defence Minister said robust connectivity acts as a lifeline for security, economic growth and disaster management. There are numerous benefits of strong border infrastructure. It enables military mobility, smooth transport of logistics, increased tourism and employment opportunities, and most importantly greater public faith in development, democracy and the government, he said. He noted that the BRO spent a record Rs 16,690 crore in 202425 and has been set a target of Rs 18,700 crore for 202526. In the past two years alone, 356 BRO projects have been dedicated to the nation, underscoring the agencys capability to operate in high-altitude, snowbound, desert, flood-prone and forested terrain. The Union Budget 202526 has raised the BROs allocation from Rs 6,500 crore to Rs 7,146 crore, reflecting its expanding role in national security and development.
Severe cold grips north India; IMD warns of cold wave, fog across multiple states
NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed across north India on Sunday, with the Amarnath yatra base camp being the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reporting minimum temperatures between three and seven degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold wave conditions were very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha on Monday and Tuesday. In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at eight degrees, up from 6.8 degrees a day ago and yet 1.6 notches below normal. The maximum temperature was 24.7 degrees Celsius, 0.1 notch below normal, while the relative humidity was 92 per cent in the morning. For Monday, the weather department forecast a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, with mist expected. Pollution levels in Delhi remained in the very poor category on Sunday, prolonging the spell of toxic air that has hung over its residents for several weeks now. The city logged a 24-hour average AQI of 308. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe. Further in the north, the night temperatures in Kashmir rose by several degrees but stayed below the freezing point, officials said. The Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir as the minimum settled at a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- settled at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, a rise of 3.2 degrees compared to the previous night. The gateway town to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a low of minus one degree Celsius, while the minimum settled at minus 0.8 degree Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, and 1.1 degrees Celsius in south Kashmir's Kokernag, according to officials. The meteorological department said the weather would remain generally cloudy but dry on Sunday, and a brief spell of light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir is likely on December 8. In Himachal Pradesh, The IMD predicted dense fog in parts of the state until Wednesday. A yellow alert for dense fog was also issued in parts of the reservoir area of the Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district and over some parts of the Balh valley in Mandi district during early morning till Monday. In Punjab, Faridkot remained the coldest place, with the minimum temperature settling at 4.4 degrees Celsius, while in Haryana, Narnaul saw the lowest temperature at 4.6 degrees Celsius, according to the local meteorological department. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Bathinda and Gurdaspur recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Ferozepur recorded 6 degrees, Amritsar 6.1 degrees, Ludhiana 6.8 degrees, and Patiala 8.9 degrees. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a low of six degrees, Hisar 6.2 degrees, Sirsa 6.6 degrees, Karnal seven degrees, Rohtak 7.8 degrees, and Ambala 9.8 degrees. Rajasthan, similarly, reeled under intense cold, the Meteorological Centre here said. Fatehpur in the Sikar district continued to record the lowest minimum temperature, albeit at 3.5 degrees Celsius, slightly up from 2.3 degrees a day ago. According to the weather department, Lunkaransar (Bikaner) recorded a low of 5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dausa at 6 degrees, Churu at 6.3 degrees, Vanasthali (Tonk) at 6.4 degrees and Jhunjhunu at 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. The department said a fresh but weak western disturbance is likely to cause partly cloudy skies in some parts of the state over the next few days. Under its influence, the minimum temperature is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius, providing relief from the cold wave, it said. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, eight districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, noting a cold wave in parts of the state. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 3.5 degrees Celsius up from three degrees Celsius while Khunti logged five degrees Celsius, the IMD weather bulletin stated. The minimum temperature in Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi, was 7.5 degrees Celsius, while Daltonganj recorded 6.5 degrees and Jamshedpur recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius. Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, said, North-westerly winds prevailing in the lower tropospheric levels over Jharkhand have caused the drop in mercury. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail across the state over the next five days.The minimum temperature may rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the next 72 hours, he added. In West Bengal, the mercury dipped below the 10-degree mark for the first time this winter in the state's plains with Sriniketan in Birbhum districts recording a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the IMD said. Its forecast for West Bengal suggested dry weather across all districts of West Bengal for the next week, with shallow to moderate fog likely in the northern districts. Darjeeling was the coldest in the hills at 6.2 degrees Celsius, while the other Himalayan tourist town of Kalimpong was warmer at 10.5 degrees Celsius. The other places which recorded low night temperatures are Alipurduar (11 degrees), Kalyani (11.4 degrees), Purulia (11.4 degrees) and Panagarh (11.9 degrees). Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, forecasting mist in the morning on Monday. IMD further predicted dense fog conditions in isolated pockets of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura between December 8 and 12. It was also very likely in parts of west Madhya Pradesh on Monday and in Odisha until Tuesday. In west India, a gradual fall by two to three degrees over the next three-four days is expected, and no significant change is anticipated thereafter, the IMD said.
Defence Minister dedicates 125 BRO projects to nation
These projects built at a cost of 5,000 crore and spread across the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and seven States including Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram consisted of 28 roads, 93 bridges and four miscellaneous works
Mizoram party, NSCN leader mourn Swaraj Kaushals death
The former lawyer and politician was held in high regard by both Indians and the Nagas, Thuingaleng Muivah said
NSCN leader Muivah mourns Swaraj Kaushals demise, shares memories
GUWAHATI: National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) leader Thuingaleng Muivah mourned the death of Swaraj Kaushal, the first Indian interlocutor to engage in peace talks with the outfit in 1998 in Bangkok during the Prime Ministership of Atal Behari Vajpayee. I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of former Indian Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga peace talks, Mr Swaraj Kaushal. He was a renowned lawyer and politician who was held in high regard by both the Indians and the Nagas, said Muivah. Former Mizoram governor, Swaraj Kaushal, passes away at 73 He called Kaushal a 'great Indian statesman,' and a 'friend' of the NSCN in particular and the Nagas in general. He said Kaushal had taken an active part during the peace negotiations with the Mizo National Front, which led to the signing of the Mizoram Accord in 1986. Before he was appointed interlocutor, I, along with my NSCN teammates, had met Indian leaders including PV Narasimha Rao, Rajesh Pilot, HD Deve Gowda, Satish Chandra, and NN Vohra between 1995 and 1997, Muivah recalled. I last met Kaushal in October 2020 in New Delhi and had a candid conversation with him. He was a very rational man with a deep understanding of the Naga political issue, Muivah further stated. Kaushal, the husband of the late BJP veteran Sushma Swaraj, died on Thursday at the age of 73.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's name included in World Book of Records for taking oath for 10th time
PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to get global recognition as World Book of Records (WBR), London has listed his name for being the only individual to be sworn-in as chief minister of any state in independent India for 10th time. WBR congratulated Nitish for taking the oath of office as chief minister of Bihar for a record 10th time. In its congratulatory letter, WBR said that from 1947 to 2025, Nitish is the only individual to take the oath ten times. The milestone has set a benchmark in the countrys democratic system, reflecting rare continuity of leadership. It signifies his commitment, visionary leadership and unwavering trust of people of Bihar. Leading a state for ten times is not a remarkable personal achievement but also a moment of honour for entire country, WBR letter said. The letter pointed out that Nitishs consistent efforts in governance, development, social welfare and maintaining administrative stability has inspired millions of people across the country and will continue to motivate both present and future generations. As a mark of rare achievement, Nitishs name has been included in the list of WBR. The organisation will provide an official certificate acknowledging his record-setting milestone. On December 20, Nitish took the oath of office as CM along with 26 ministers. Reacting to WBRs initiative to list Nitishs name in its global list, Janata Dal (United) MLC and spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said that it was a moment of pride not only for Bihar but for the entire nation. This is recognition to Nitishs relentless efforts and vision for Bihars development. It will inspire workers of JD(U) who have been the backbone of the partys achievements, Neeraj said, adding that Nitish became the longest serving CM of Bihar as well. The list of other longest serving chief ministers includes Pawan Kumar Chamling (Sikkim), who served over 24 years, 5 months, and 14 days, followed by Naveen Patnaik (Odisha) with over 24 years and Gegong Apang (Arunachal Pradesh) for 22 years. Jyoti Basu (West Bengal) severed for 23 years. M Karunanidhi (Tamil Nadu) had the most terms and longest days across several stints. Lal Thanhawla (Mizoram) and Virbhandra Singh (Himachal Pradesh) served for nearly 22 and 21 years, respectively. WBR, London is a leading international institution dedicated to identifying, certifying and documenting extraordinary world records and outstanding achievements. The organisation honours eminent personalities, institutions, and historically significant sites worldwide for their contributions, impact and cultural heritage value.
Mizoram to sign pact with section of Hmar militants: CM
Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) had earlier demanded an autonomous district council under the sixth schedule of the constitution by carving out Hmar-dominated villages in the northeastern part of Mizoram, adjoining Manipur.
Former Mizoram governor Swaraj Kaushal passes away; daughter performs last rites
NEW DELHI: Former Mizoram governor and senior advocate Swaraj Kaushal, the husband of late BJP veteran Sushma Swaraj, passed away on Thursday afternoon. He was 73. He was taken to AIIMS by his daughter, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, and other family members, following a chest pain complaint. However, doctors at the hospital declared him dead, the Delhi BJP said in a statement. The mortal remains of Kaushal were cremated at Lodhi Road crematorium in the presence of Union minister Arjund Ram Meghwal, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the BJP's Delhi unit president Virendra Sachdeva, and several leaders of the party and the RSS. His daughter Bansuri Swaraj lit the pyre before sunset and completed the last rites, following Sanatan traditions, the statement said. A contingent of the Delhi Police accorded a final salute to the former governor at the crematorium. Bansuri Swaraj, in an emotional post on X, said her father's affection, discipline, simplicity, patriotism and immense patience were the light of her life, which would never diminish. Your departure has descended upon us as the deepest pain in the heart, yet the mind holds on to the belief that you are now reunited with your mother, in the presence of the almighty and eternal peace. Being your daughter is the greatest pride of my life, and your legacy, values and blessings will be the bases of my journeys ahead, said the New Delhi BJP MP. , , , , , , pic.twitter.com/imqpUb2DMS Bansuri Swaraj (@BansuriSwaraj) December 4, 2025 Delhi CM Gupta condoled the death of Kaushal, saying the news of his demise was heartbreaking. She recalled Kaushal's contributions to public life and the field of law and added that his service to the nation and society was unforgettable. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, several Union ministers, RSS and BJP leaders paid floral tributes at the mortal remains of Kaushal at his daughter's residence at 10 Talkatora Road. Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Kiren Rijiju, BJP national vice president Baijayant Jay Panda, party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, MPs Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Supriya Sule, Nishikant Dubey, Manoj Tiwari, Swati Maliwal, among others, also paid tributes to Kaushal. Delhi BJP president Sachdeva laid a wreath at the mortal remains of Kaushal on behalf of the party's city workers.
Former Mizoram Governor Swaraj Kaushal Passes Away, PM Modi Expresses Grief
Extending condolences to his family, the Prime Minister said his thoughts were with Kaushals daughter Bansuri and other family members in this difficult time.
Former Mizoram governor Swaraj Kaushal dies
Former Mizoram governor and senior advocate Swaraj Kaushal passed away at the age of 73 in Delhi. He was rushed to AIIMS after complaining of chest pain, where he was declared dead. Kaushal, husband of the late Sushma Swaraj and father of New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj, will be cremated at Lodhi Road.
Who was Swaraj Kaushal? Late Sushma Swaraj's husband, former governor of Mizoram passes away
Swaraj Kaushal, former governor of Mizoram and late Sushma Swaraj's husband, passed away on Thursday, December 4. He was 73 years old.
Mizoram Agriculture board thanks NITI Aayog for declaring state as 'Ginger Capital of India'
Mizoram has been declared the Ginger Capital of India by NITI Aayog, recognizing its high-quality production and growth. The state is actively promoting ginger cultivation and processing, with significant purchases and disbursements made. Upcoming events and new processing units aim to further boost the ginger industry.
Mizoram rolls out sports talent push
Aizawl, Dec 1: Mizoram on Monday launched an intitiative to establish sports coaching and talent development programmes across the northeastern state, officials said. State Home Minister K Sapdanga kicked off the Empowering Mizoram Sports (EMS) programme, under the Bana Kaih or handholding scheme, to promote sports and groom talented youths. As part of the initiative, []
New HIV cases highest in Mizoram; fresh infections drop nationally by 48% from 2010-2024: report
Annual AIDS-related mortality rate per 1,00,000 population estimated nationally at 2.32, with Manipur topping the list, says the India HIV estimate 2025 technical report
Over 25 lakh people living with HIV in India, second largest globally: Govt report
NEW DELHI : India has an estimated 25.61 lakh people living with HIV (PLHIV), the second largest number globally in 2024, although the annual HIV incidence rate remains very low in the country, according to a government report released on Monday to mark World AIDS Day. The India HIV Estimation 2025 technical report, released by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, states that in 202425, 73% of newly detected HIV-positive persons reported acquiring the infection through heterosexual transmission. This was followed by injecting drug use, which accounted for 11.5% of reported transmissions. Another 5.4% of cases were attributed to homosexual/bisexual transmission, while 3.5% were due to vertical transmission. The HIV epidemic in India continues to be low, with adult HIV prevalence at 0.20% in 2024. While overall prevalence is low, India has 25.61 lakh people living with HIV (PLHIV), the second largest PLHIV population globally. The annual HIV incidence rate also remains very low at 0.05 per 1,000 uninfected population, the report said. Of the total 25.61 lakh PLHIV, 13.97 lakh are males and 11.64 lakh are females. Maharashtra (3.99 lakh) has the highest PLHIV burden, followed by Andhra Pradesh (3.10 lakh) and Karnataka (2.91 lakh). Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat and Punjab also have estimated PLHIV figures ranging from one lakh to two lakh. Together, these nine states account for 74% of the total PLHIV burden in India, the annual report said. It added that the total PLHIV population in India in 2024 contributed 6.3% to the global HIV burden of 4.08 crore and 37.1% of the 69 lakh cases in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2024, Indias population living with HIV was second only to South Africas 78 lakh, owing to its population size, the report noted. HIV burden in South-East Asia remains substantial; 88,000 newly infected in 2024: WHO In 2024, around 64,470 new HIV infections and 32,160 AIDS-related deaths were estimated nationally, marking declines of 48.69% and 81.42%, respectively, compared to 2010. These reductions far exceeded the global averages of 40% and 54%, the report added. Highlighting Indias sustained progress under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP), Nadda reaffirmed the governments commitment to a rights-based, stigma-free, and inclusive HIV response. He emphasised that under NACP-V, access to prevention, testing, and treatment services has continued to expand, demonstrating strong and sustained momentum across key programme areas. Nadda said that between 2010 and 2024, new HIV infections declined by 48.7%, AIDS-related deaths by 81.4%, and mother-to-child transmission by 74.6%. Testing coverage increased from 4.13 crore in 202021 to 6.62 crore in 202425, while the number of people on treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh. Viral load testing also expanded significantlyfrom 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh tests. He noted that these achievements surpass global averages for the same period and reflect strong political commitment, sustained domestic investment, evidence-based programme strategies, and consistent community engagement. The report also found that AIDS-related mortality was highest in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. However, it noted that AIDS-related deaths have declined between 2010 and 2024 in nearly all states and UTs except Chandigarh, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura, where more PLHIV died of AIDS-related causes in 2024 compared to 2010. Globally, annual AIDS-related deaths declined by 54% between 2010 and 2024. The report stated that two statesMizoram and Nagalandhad an HIV prevalence of more than 1%. It also highlighted a noticeable increasing trend in the prevalence of new infections in the northeastern states of Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Assam, as well as in the northern state of Punjab, primarily driven by the rise in new infections. Nationally, annual new cases were estimated to decline by around 48.70% between 2010 and 2024, but increased by more than 400% in Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. Similarly, in Punjab and Meghalaya, the annual new infections estimated for 2024 have nearly doubled compared to 2010. In 2024, 30 districts were estimated to have an adult HIV prevalence of 1% or more, with 29 of these located in Nagaland (11 districts), Mizoram (10), Manipur (5), Meghalaya (2) and Arunachal Pradesh (1). The only other district in this category is in Karnataka. Are fund cuts reversing the global fight against HIV?
Myanmarese Nationals Misused Indians GST IDs to Buy Drug Chemicals: ED Probe
ED raids across Mizoram, Assam and Gujarat uncover cross-border narcotics network using Indian identities to source raw materials for meth production.
Myanmar nationals 'misused' GST credentials of Indians for cross-border drugs trafficking: ED
NEW DELHI: Investigation into a cross-border narcotics trafficking racket has found that Myanmarese nationals misused GST credentials of Indians to facilitate purchase of raw material required for manufacturing drugs, the ED said. The federal probe agency had conducted its first-ever searches along the India-Myanmar border on November 27 following registration of a money laundering case into a drugs trafficking case of Mizoram. Locations across Aizawl and Champhai (along India-Myanmar border) in Mizoram, Sribhumi (Karimganj) in Assam and Ahmedabad in Gujarat were raided under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). India shares a 1,643-km-long front with Myanmar on its eastern side. Evidence gathered during the searches indicated that Indians procured Pseudoephedrine tablets and Caffeine Anhydrous on behalf of Myanmar nationals, enabling trans-border drug production and trafficking apart from money laundering, the Enforcement Directorate said in a statement issued on Friday. Probe found, the ED said, the misuse of GST credentials belonging to Indian nationals by Myanmar nationals to facilitate the purchase of raw materials essential for the manufacture of Methamphetamine tablets. Additionally, evidence indicates that Indians procured Pseudoephedrine tablets and Caffeine Anhydrous on behalf of Myanmar nationals, enabling the cross-border drug production and trafficking network and laundered money in this process, it said. This scheme supported the supply chain of narcotics manufacturing, particularly affecting the porous Indo-Myanmar border regions like Mizoram, with financial and smuggling links spanning multiple Indian states and money laundering through these activities, according to the agency. Cash of Rs 46.7 lakh was seized from certain Hawala operatives and others and the agency froze 21 bank accounts during the raids. The ED case stems from a Mizoram Police FIR into the seizure of 4.72 kg of heroin worth Rs 1.41 crore from six people.
ED probes cross-border drug smuggling, money-laundering network linked to Myanmar
Chemical precursors allegedly sent from India to Myanmar and trafficked back as meth through Mizoram; GST credentials misused, multiple States searched
Blood on his hands: TMC flays CEC Gyanesh Kumar, cites 40 SIR-related deaths in West Bengal
Amid rising political tensions over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, a Trinamool Congress delegation on Friday met the full Election Commission bench and alleged that at least 40 deaths linked to the exercise had occurred in the state, accusing the poll panel chief of having blood on his hands. A 10-member delegation, led by TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien, met the EC officials amid the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union territories, including West Bengal. The delegation consisted of Lok Sabha MPs Mahua Moitra, Satabdi Roy, Kalyan Banerjee, Pratima Mondal, Sajda Ahmed, and Rajya Sabha MPs Dola Sen, Mamata Thakur, Saket Gokhale, and Prakash Chik Barik. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, O'Brien said the party raised five questions, but Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar did not give any answers. We started the meeting by stating that the CEC has blood on his hands. We raised five questions. After this, Kalyan Banerjee, Mahua Moitra, and Mamata Bala Thakur spoke and shared whatever they had to in about 40 minutes, O'Brien said. Then the CEC spoke uninterrupted for one hour. We were also not interrupted while we spoke, but we did not receive any answer to any of our five questions, he said. Fourth death of BLO reported in Bengal during SIR, incident triggers political row Moitra said the delegation shared with the CEC a list of 40 people whose deaths, they alleged, were linked to the SIR process. The commission, however, dismissed it as mere allegations, the Lok Sabha MP claimed. Meanwhile, O'Brien asserted that the TMC is not opposed to the concept of SIR, but is strongly opposed to the unplanned manner in which the CEC and EC are going about the job. Completely unplanned and heartless, he said about the SIR exercise. TMC RS MP Mamata Thakur also addressing the press conference, where she talked about the questions raised during meeting. If infiltrators are there, then why are Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal, Nagaland not included (in SIR process), and only West Bengal is included? They say they are not voters and torture Bengalis across states. People think they are not speaking Bangla, and brand them Bangladeshis, the TMC MP asked. Raising doubts over the legitimacy of previous elections, Thakur added, If this voter list is wrong, are all the other votes (in previous elections) not valid? If this is not voter list is not correct then that voter list is also not correct. While raising the issue of Booth Level Officer's (BLO) deaths in West Bengal, she said that the ECI is ot accepting that the deaths are due to the SIR. Notably, Multiple have died in West Bengal during the SIR process. Earlier, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also claimed that 26 BLOs have died in 210 days, calling it murder in broad daylight. Because of SIR, 26 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have died in 20 days. This is not some narrative but a harsh truth before the nation. Where is Gyanesh Kumar? The list for local body elections in Maharashtra has come out, showing the addresses of 200 people registered at two coaching institutes, where even a bird can't sit. Because of Rahul Gandhi, this country has received evidence and proof of vote theft, and neither Gyanesh Gupta nor the BJP has a single answer to those proofs, Shrinate said. She outlined the case of Gonda BLO Vipin Yadav, who died by suicide, further stating that his family said that he was under pressure to remove the names of backward class members from the voter list. (With inputs from ANI and PTI) 'Why is ECI hiding details?': TMC slams poll body over use of 'mysterious' AI app for SIR in Bengal
ED conducts first raids along India-Myanmar border in drug money laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate conducted its first-ever searches along the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram, alongside locations in Assam and Gujarat, in a money laundering case linked to drug trafficking. The agency seized Rs 35 lakh cash and digital devices, uncovering financial links between firms supplying precursor chemicals and those involved in drug smuggling and hawala transactions.
BJP trying to implement CAA through SIR in border areas, alleges West Bengal CM at Bongaon rally
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday assured citizens that the Trinamool Congress will not allow the BJP Commission to take away their right to vote, during a rally at Bonagon, a bellwether constituency along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Mamata alleged that the BJP is strategically using the SIR drive to create panic among the masses. But dont get trapped by BJP. Dont be panicked at all. We wont let you leave. No one can get you out with panic when we the Trinamool Congress are with you, she said. Mamata also criticised the ECI, claiming that voters in Matua-majority areas in the state would be immediately delisted if they declared themselves foreigners under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The CM was addressing a TMC rally at Bongaon in North 24 Parganas, one of the strong citadels of the Matua community in the state. However, due to infighting within the All India Matua Mahasangha, Mamata did not visit Thakurbari in Thakurnagar, the spiritual centre of the Matuas that traditionally decides electoral fate political parties in more than 30 assembly constituencies in North 24 Parganas, Nadia and Jalpaiguri districts. The rally virtually kickstarted campaigning for the Assembly elections slated for April-May of 2026 and intensified the ongoing anti-SIR agitations. BJP has been offering certificates to you taking Rs 100 from so that you can include your names to the voters list. Their strategy is to show you Bangladeshis by offering the eligibility certificates in 2025 but the mapping was done in 2002 electoral rolls revision exercise, she stated. Mamata slammed the BJP for using deceptive tactics and luring voters into applying for CAA cards. BJP, under the leadership of Rajya Sabha MP Santanu Thakur, had been distributing CAA cards from its makeshift camps to the Matuas at Tahakurnagar so that they could enroll their names in the electoral rolls. 'How many more need to die for SIR?': Mamata attacks EC after another BLO dies by suicide in Bengal BJP is cheating people and trying to implement the CAA through backdoor of SIR. Its playing cards of religion. Why were you sitting idle for so many years? Its not possible to complete the SIR process within three months. It requires three years, she said. The CM questioned the intent of SIR, noting that only a few states like Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, have been exempted from the exercise. She further stated that the time given for electoral roll revisions is not adequate. Mamata vowed to 'shake' the BJPs foundation across the country if she was challenged in West Bengal. She alleged that the ECI was o longer an impartial body, but has turned into a BJP Commission. The Matua community, a marginalised Hindu group, had been facing severe difficulties linking their records to the 2002 voters list during the SIR process. Members of the community had even staged a 13-day hunger strike against the SIR, under the leadership of TMC MP Mamatabala Thakur. The protesting group had expected direct interaction with Mamata. However, due to infighting within the All India Matua Mahasangha, plans were changed last minute. The pro-Trinamool faction of the Mahasangha has accused a section of the party of conspiring with BJP MP Santanu Thakur to dissuade the chief minister from visiting the shrine. Mamata participated in the march from Chandpara along Jessore Road in the area. Shamik Bhattacharya, Bengal BJP president said, The chief minister is trying to save Bangdeshi Muslims and Rohingyas by addressing in rallies and marches. Every Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas will have to leave India following the electoral rolls revisions.
Mizoram, Telangana Ink Pact to Boost Sports Ties
An MoU was signed at the 'Telangana-North East Connect: A Techno-Cultural Festival' held in Hyderabad
Assam-Mizoram Host First Border Fest
The day-long event will feature a series of friendly sporting contests, including football and volleyball matches between teams representing the two states
