Agatha out of NPPs star campaigners list
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, March 25: Following a controversy over the inclusion of Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) Chairperson Agatha K. Sangmas name in the list of star campaigners for the National Peoples Party (NPP) for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections and a by-election in Nagaland, the party has now written []
Nagaland Chief Minister Emphasizes Naga Unity Beyond Borders, Calls for Lasting Solutions
Kohima, March 26: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated on Wednesday that while the physical integration of Naga-populated areas may not be feasible at the moment, maintaining unity at political, cultural, and social levels is crucial for a lasting solution to the Naga issue. Speaking at the Tenyiimi Youth Cultural Festival held at the Naga ... Read more Nagaland Chief Minister Emphasizes Naga Unity Beyond Borders, Calls for Lasting Solutions
Nagaland Woman Found Dead In Karnataka Home, Sister Says She Was Harassed
The woman, identified as Linsula, was originally from Nagaland's Kiphire district and worked at a spa in Chikkamagaluru.
28th Sub Junior National Championships 2026 Manipur boys and girls secure gold medals in team events
Manipur delivered an outstanding performance at the 28th Sub Junior National Championship 2026 being held in Ranchi from March 23, clinching gold medals in both the boys' and girls' team events In the boys' team event, Manipur showcased complete dominance throughout the tournament The team defeated Assam 3 0 , Kerala 3 0 , and Uttar Pradesh 3 0 in the league stages br br table align center cellpadding 5 width 610 tbody tr td table class capbox width 100 tbody tr td img width 600 src https www e pao org galleries images News Related 2026 03 Sepak 20260325 jpg border 1 alt 28th Sub Junior National Championships 202 td tr tr td align center 28th Sub Junior National Championships 202 td tr tbody table td tr tbody table br br In the semi final, Manipur overcame Nagaland 2 0 to secure a place in the final In the final played today, Manipur defeated Bihar 2 0 In the first regu, Manipur won convincingly with scores of 15 11 and 15 9 The second regu also saw a strong performance, with Manipur sealing the match 15 12 and 15 13, thereby securing the gold medal In the girls' team event, Manipur continued its winning momentum The team defeated Jharkhand 3 0 , registered a walkover against Nagaland, and edged past Maharashtra 2 1 in earlier rounds In the semi final, Manipur beat Assam 2 0 to enter the final In the final staged today, Manipur defeated Maharashtra 2 0 to claim the gold In the first regu, Manipur fought back after losing the opening set 15 17 to win the next two sets 15 10, 15 10 The second regu was dominated by Manipur, winning 15 10 and 15 5 On behalf of the All Manipur Sepak Takraw Association AMSTA , general secretary Ch Gestkant conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the boys and the girls He described the double gold victory as a proud moment for the State and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the young athletes He further added that the association is fully prepared to accord a warm welcome to the victorious teams upon their return, recognizing their remarkable achievement and inspiring future generations The twin victories have brought great pride to Manipur, reaffirming its position as a powerhouse in the discipline at the National level Source The Sangai Express
Agathas name in NPP star campaigners list stirs controversy
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, March 24: A controversy has erupted over the inclusion of Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) Chairperson Agatha K. Sangmas name in the list of star campaigners for the National Peoples Party (NPP) ahead of the Assam Legislative Assembly elections and a by-election in Nagaland. According to the []
Nagaland Launches District School Leaders Community to Enhance Education Reform
Kohima, March 24: The Nagaland government has launched the District School and System Leaders Professional Learning Community (DSSL PLC) on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards strengthening the states education system. Kehriehlau Yom, advisor for school education and SCERT, emphasized that a robust education system relies on three pillars: school leadership, curriculum, and administration. He ... Read more Nagaland Launches District School Leaders Community to Enhance Education Reform
Congress fields T. Chalukumba Ao for Koridang bypoll in Nagaland
State Congress president S. Supongmeren Jamir formally handed over the symbol to Mr. Ao at the party's State headquarters in the presence of working presidents Khriedi Theunuo and C. Apok Jamir
Nagaland Hosts Statewide Mega Job Fair to Connect Youth with Global Opportunities
Kohima, March 22: A statewide Mega Job Fair for 2026 was held on Saturday at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Center in Dimapur, Nagaland. This event provided extensive employment opportunities across various sectors. Organized by the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), the fair was supported by the Nagaland Investment and Development Authority ... Read more Nagaland Hosts Statewide Mega Job Fair to Connect Youth with Global Opportunities
Nagaland By-Election: Multi-Cornered Contest Set for April 9 in Koridang
Kohima, March 21: The Koridang assembly constituency in Mokokchung district of Nagaland is gearing up for a multi-cornered by-election on April 9. Major political parties have announced their candidates for this crucial contest. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, the National Peoples Party (NPP), have already declared their candidates. Following suit, the opposition ... Read more Nagaland By-Election: Multi-Cornered Contest Set for April 9 in Koridang
First randomisation of EVM-VVPATs completed in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry
The Election Commission has finished the initial random distribution of electronic voting machines and paper trail devices. This process ensures fairness for the upcoming elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Randomisation has also been completed for bypolls in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura. Political parties were present during this transparent allocation of voting machines.
Bengaluru is buzzing with weekend events, offering a diverse range of entertainment. From Jaspreet Singh's stand-up comedy and a Nagaland culinary pop-up to a high-energy live gig by Raga Riot Ft. Param, there's something for everyone. Enjoy an open-air screening of 'Meri Pyaari Bindu' or a soulful 'Shaam-e-Ghazal' for a perfect weekend.
Nagaland NCC Cadets Successfully Summit Mount Saramati, Showcasing Patience and Teamwork
Kohima, March 20: The National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from Nagaland achieved a remarkable feat by successfully summiting Mount Saramati, the highest peak in the state at 3,840 meters. The expedition commenced at 6:30 AM on Thursday, with the team demonstrating exceptional patience, discipline, and teamwork throughout the climb. This thrilling adventure involved a total ... Read more Nagaland NCC Cadets Successfully Summit Mount Saramati, Showcasing Patience and Teamwork
Northeast Youth Festival 2026 Kicks Off in Nagaland, Celebrating Unity and Youth Power
Kohima, March 19: The 9th Northeast Youth Festival 2026 has commenced at the Chumoukedima Football Stadium in Nagaland. This event is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the states Youth Resources and Sports Department. During the inauguration, Nagaland Governor Nand Kishor Yadav expressed gratitude to the ministry for entrusting ... Read more Northeast Youth Festival 2026 Kicks Off in Nagaland, Celebrating Unity and Youth Power
Family first in BJP list of bypoll candidates in Nagaland, Tripura
The partys candidate for the Koridang seat in Nagaland is the son of the deceased MLA, while his counterpart in Tripuras Dharmanagar is the son-in-law of a former contestant
BJP announces candidates for bypolls in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, Tripura
Veerabhadrayya Charantimath will contest from the Bagalkot seat, and Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa will join the fray from Davanagere South seat
VHP hits back at NBCC, says RSS link to Nagaland church row misplaced
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has criticized the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) for linking the RSS and VHP to a recent Assam Rifles operation at a church. VHP president Alok Kumar stated these accusations are misplaced and aim to sow societal division, asserting neither organization was involved.
Nagaland students oppose Vande Mataram directive
Students and people rallied in Guwahati opposing a central government order. The Naga Students' Federation organized the protest. They demanded the withdrawal of the directive mandating Vande Mataram in official functions and schools. The federation stated the order conflicts with Naga religious and cultural beliefs. They called for dialogue before implementing such policies.
EC announces bypoll dates for 8 assembly constituencies across six states; check schedule
By-elections for eight assembly seats across six states, including Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura, have been announced by the Election Commission. Polling dates are set for April 9 and April 23, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. These elections will fill vacant legislative seats, ensuring full representation in state assemblies.
When the North-East tells its own story
By- Temjin Imma Along I grew up in Nagaland where stories are not written first. They are sung, remembered, argued over and passed down around fires and dinner tables. Our landscapes speak before we do. Our cultures travel by word of mouth long before they arrive on screens or brochures. For a long time, the []
PM Modi inaugurates Phase 1 of North East Gas Grid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Phase I of the North East Gas Grid in Guwahati. This project spans 553 km across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. Natural gas connectivity now reaches the north bank of the Brahmaputra.
Centre approves Rs 330.34 cr for J&K as additional financial assistance
Relief over and above funds released under SDRF Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 13: The Central Government today approved Rs 1,912.99 crore as additional financial assistance to five states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir affected by flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides and cyclone Montha in 2025. Jammu and Kashmir has been given Rs 330.34 crore, much more than Chhatisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Jammu and Kashmir mainly the Jammu region was rocked [] The post Centre approves Rs 330.34 cr for J&K as additional financial assistance appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Amazon India adds route connecting Guwahati, Kolkata to air cargo service to serve NE areas
NEW DELHI, Mar 13: In a move to bolster its services in the Northeast, Amazon India has added a new route connecting Guwahati and Kolkata to its dedicated air cargo fleet, Amazon Air. Launched in 2023, the freighter service initially served Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The expansion, expected to speed up shipments by 5x, will support deliveries across all seven sister states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura the company said in a statement. [] The post Amazon India adds route connecting Guwahati, Kolkata to air cargo service to serve NE areas appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Centre approves Rs 1,912.99 crore additional disaster aid for 5 states, J-K
The central government has taken swift action by approving over Rs 1,900 crore in emergency funds for regions grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters in 2025. Benefiting states include Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Jammu and Kashmir. The decision, endorsed by a high-level committee, enhances the ongoing disaster recovery initiatives already in place.
Centre Approves Rs 1,912.99 Crore Additional Disaster Aid For 5 States, J&K
New Delhi, Mar 13: The Centre has approved Rs 1,912.99 crore in additional financial assistance to five states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir affected by floods, flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides and cyclone Montha in 2025, an official statement said on Friday. The decision was taken by a high-level committee (HLC) chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, it said. According to the statement, the five states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. Of the [] The post Centre Approves Rs 1,912.99 Crore Additional Disaster Aid For 5 States, J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rani Gaidinliu: The Rani Laxmibai of Nagaland
By Er. Rajesh Pathak on International Women Day Famous as the Rani Laxmibai of Nagaland, the brave Rani Gaidinliuwaged an armed revolution against the British when she was as young as 16 years of age. She protected Naga culture, aroused the local people against the missionaries conversion tactics, and also organized them to fight when [] The post Rani Gaidinliu: The Rani Laxmibai of Nagaland appeared first on Northlines .
Nand Kishore Yadav: the new Governor of Nagaland
Nand Kishore Yadav is a seventime member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly (MLA).
Rajya Sabha election: Congress fields new face Christopher in Tamil Nadu
The 53-year-old is one of the secretaries of the All India Congress Committee, and had been in charge of northeastern States such as Manipur and Nagaland
Lottery Sambad Results: The Nagaland State Lottery announced results for its March 4, 2026, Wednesday draws, including the Dear Indus Sambad Morning and Dear Spark Wednesday 1 PM lotteries. Participants vied for a 1 crore first prize, with secondary prizes also available. The state-run lottery operates daily with multiple draws and a structured prize system. Officials also remind participants to rely only on official or trusted platforms to check results
Nagaland MLA questions MHA directive on singing of Vande Mataram
Tseilhoutuo Rhtso questioned the enforceability of the Ministry of Home Affairs directive in a predominantly Christian State protected under special constitutional provisions
Study finds climate-resilient traits in wild Sikkim banana
Nagaland University researchers highlight the importance of Musa sikkimensis for food security and sustainable agricultural development
When home becomes hostile: women of the Northeast write their stories
Manipur. Nagaland. Assam many States in the region have never really known peace. In the ebbs and flows of violence, thanks to insurgencies, encounters with security forces and ethnic strife, its the women who have borne the brunt, living in the shadow of conflict
Nagaland Doctor At AIIMS Gorakhpur Racially Harassed, Molested By Three Men Near Campus
A resident doctor from Nagaland at AIIMS Gorakhpur was allegedly stalked, racially harassed and molested by three men while returning to campus, prompting police action.
The Naga student body then said the specific instruction that the days work in all schools may begin with the community singing of Vande Mataram, coupled with directions to popularize the national song and anthem, is deeply concerning.
The Indian Air Force is actively fighting wildfires in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Heavy-lift helicopters are deployed in challenging conditions. Meanwhile, Air Vice Marshal Ajay Kunnath highlighted the Air Force's shift towards AI-based models for air operations. The focus is on enhancing trust and achieving failsafe operations in a zero-error environment. This transition aims for greater autonomy in critical missions.
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.
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday described the proposed twin-tube underwater road-rail tunnel between Gohpur and Numaligarh as a game-changing project that will transform connectivity in the Northeast while strengthening national security. The ambitious project, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, will be Indias first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra and only the second such dual-use tunnel in the world after the GermanyDenmark link. A landmark boost to connectivity in the Northeast! The Cabinet has approved a 4-lane access-controlled Greenfield corridor between Gohpur and Numaligarh, including Indias first underwater Road-cum-Rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra. This transformative project will enhance Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2026 Addressing a press conference at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Sarma said the tunnel will shrink the present 240-km road distance between Gohpur and Numaligarh to just 34 km. Travel time, which currently takes nearly six hours, will be reduced to about 20 minutes. This will not only save time but change the way people and goods move across central and eastern Assam, he said. The project, estimated at Rs 18,662 crore, is expected to generate around 80 lakh human-days of employment during construction. Built nearly 57 metres below the Brahmaputra riverbed, the tunnel will have separate tubes for road and rail traffic, along with a dedicated escape passage. Cross-passages will be constructed every 500 metres to ensure safety in case of emergencies. Watch this video to get a visual idea on how the upcoming Twin tube Tunnel connecting Numaligarh and Gohpur will look like. This project is being made for the first time in India and we are eternally thankful to Adarniya @narendramodi ji for his support in turning this vision pic.twitter.com/gFVWmkkYtT Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 15, 2026 Sarma said the tunnel will improve links between Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, cutting travel distances and strengthening logistics. Flyovers and approach roads will be developed at both ends. While a flyover will connect the Gohpur side, multiple bridges are planned at Numaligarh, keeping in mind the sandy riverbed. He said the project has four key stakeholders the Indian Army, the Assam government, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through NHIDCL, and Indian Railways. The Ministry of Defence will bear around 20 per cent of the cost, given its strategic importance. Mahashivratri 2026: PM Narendra Modi, Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis & Other Leaders Extend Greetings To Devotees Also Watch: Calling it more than a development project, Sarma said the tunnel will serve as a strategic lifeline. In situations where bridges or highways are disrupted, especially given the regions narrow link to mainland India, the tunnel will ensure uninterrupted connectivity. He added that the concept was shaped with inputs from former Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Land acquisition will begin shortly, and the state aims to complete the project within five years. Once operational, the tunnel will become the fourth major Brahmaputra crossing with both road and rail facilities, marking a new chapter in the Northeasts infrastructure story.
The Nagaland State Lottery results for the Dear Yamuna Sunday Morning Lottery at 1 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 Yamuna 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 14, 2026, 8 PM Live - Watch Streaming Of Winners List Of Dear Lucky Sambad Night Saturday 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.
18,662 Crore Mega Corridor Cleared, India To Build 1st Underwater Road-Rail Tunnel
New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a massive Rs 18,662 crore infrastructure project in Assam. The project includes a four-lane, access-controlled greenfield corridor between Gohpur and Numaligarh. The biggest highlight is Indias first-ever underwater road-and-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River. This will also be only the second such tunnel in the world. The project will be built under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Cabinet Clears Mega Projects Worth 1.47 Lakh Crore, Rail, Metro, Startup & Urban Push Get Big Boost Travel Time to Reduce Sharply Currently, the distance between Numaligarh (NH-715) and Gohpur (NH-15) is around 240 km. The journey takes nearly six hours via Kaliabhambhora near Silghat on NH-52. The route passes through busy and sensitive areas such as Kaziranga National Park and Biswanath town. The new tunnel and corridor will significantly reduce distance and travel time, making movement faster and smoother. 'Landmark Boost To Connectivity In Northeast': PM Modi After Cabinet Approves Indias First Underwater Road-Cum-Rail Tunnel Project In Assam At 18,662 Crore Boost for Trade and Economy The project will improve freight movement and lower logistics costs. It will connect: - 11 economic nodes - 3 social nodes - 2 tourist hubs - 8 logistics nodes It will also link four major railway stations, two airports, and two inland waterways. This will help Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and other Northeast states grow faster. Strategic and Defence Importance The corridor is also important from a strategic point of view. It will improve connectivity in border areas and strengthen defence movement. Recently, Narendra Modi landed at the Northeasts first emergency landing field in Moran after taking off from Chabua. The landing field can handle fighter jets and transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force during emergencies. With better roads and infrastructure, the region will see stronger economic growth, better security and new trade opportunities.
Cabinet Clears Mega Projects Worth 1.47 Lakh Crore, Rail, Metro, Startup & Urban Push Get Big Boost
New Delhi: A Cabinet meeting chaired by Narendra Modi approved several major infrastructure and development projects. The government cleared projects related to railways, metro expansion, startups and urban development involving investments worth over Rs 1.47 lakh crore. Rs 18,509 Crore Railway Multi-Tracking Projects Approved The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved three railway multi-tracking projects worth about Rs 18,509 crore. These projects include: KasaraManmad third and fourth line DelhiAmbala third and fourth line BallariHosapete third and fourth line According to the government, these projects will increase line capacity, improve train movement, and enhance service reliability. The projects are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Rs 10,000 Crore Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 The Cabinet also approved the second phase of the Startup India Fund of Funds scheme with a total corpus of Rs 10,000 crore. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the fund will focus on deep-tech startups, early-stage startups and technology-based manufacturing ventures. The aim is to promote long-term investments and strengthen Indias startup ecosystem. Noida Metro Expansion Worth Rs 2,254 Crore To improve urban connectivity in the National Capital Region, the Aqua Line of the Noida Metro Rail Corporation Limited will be extended from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden. Length: 11.6 km 8 new elevated stations Cost: Rs 2,254 crore Completion target: 4 years This project will improve metro connectivity between Noida and Delhi. Rs 1 Lakh Crore Urban Challenge Fund The Cabinet approved Rs 1 lakh crore central assistance under the Urban Challenge Fund. The government expects this initiative to attract around Rs 4 lakh crore investment in urban areas over the next five years. The fund aims to improve infrastructure and development in cities. Rs 18,662 Crore Brahmaputra Road-Rail Tunnel The Cabinet also cleared a major infrastructure project in Assam - a road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River. Total cost: Rs 18,662 crore 4-lane greenfield connectivity project Indias first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel This project will benefit Assam and other northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland by improving connectivity.
How 'Project Empathy' Helps Preserve Nagaland's Oral History Collections
A project themed on empathy is bringing a positive change, without any fanfare, in Nagaland after it guided college students to return to their communities and engage in intimate conversations with elders.
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.
Nagaland Deputy CM appeals for peace amid violence on the outskirts of Dimapur
Police sources told The Hindu that the incident has nothing to do with Manipur issue, appears to be a local issue
Naga community bans Pangolin hunting in Nagaland
The Sangtam Naga tribal body has passed a resolution to protect pangolins. This is a significant step for conservation in Northeast India. The resolution reinforces the prohibition of pangolin hunting and trade. It strengthens community accountability mechanisms. This initiative is part of a project countering pangolin trafficking. It highlights the growing strength of community-led conservation efforts.
Centre likely to appoint a Minister of State for Home Affairs to fast-track Naga peace talks
Naga peace talks: During the meeting with the Union Home Minister, Nagaland MPs Supongmeren Jamir (Lok Sabha) and Phangnon Konyak (Rajya Sabha) also participated as members of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) Sub-Committee.
Centre, Nagaland, ENPO agree on Frontier Nagaland body: What changes with the FNTA pact
Historic Frontier Nagaland agreement reflects peace, inclusive growth: PM Modi
A historic tripartite agreement has been signed for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority. This accord aims to enhance development in Eastern Nagaland. The agreement reflects a commitment to peace and inclusive growth in the Northeast. It will pave the way for the creation of the authority for six districts.
Agrement To Create Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Historic: PM Modi
New Delhi, Feb 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the tripartite agreement for creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority was historic and reflective of the governments unwavering commitment to peace and inclusive growth in the northeastern region. This is a historic agreement indeed, which will enhance the development trajectory of Eastern Nagaland in particular, Modi said in a post on X. The Centre signed a tripartite agreement with the Nagaland government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation [] The post Agrement To Create Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Historic: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Centre, Nagaland govt sign pact with ENPO; Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority to be formed
A significant agreement has been signed between the Government of India, Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation. This pact establishes the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority for six eastern districts. The arrangement aims to boost development through financial autonomy and enhanced decision-making. This move is expected to accelerate infrastructure growth and economic empowerment in the region.
Autonomy pact inked for 6 Nagaland districts
As part of the arrangement, there will be devolution of powers relating to 46 subjects to FNTA, which will cover the districts of Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator. The autonomy and greater say will address the long-standing grievances of ENPO over lack of equitable development in eastern Nagaland districts.
Tripartite agreement signed for creation of Frontier Nagaland TA
Shah launches Bharat Taxi platform NEW DELHI, Feb 5: The Centre Thursday signed a tripartite agreement with the Nagaland Government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation for the formation of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, a long standing demand for a new administrative body within the state aimed at addressing the demands of eastern Nagaland. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The agreement was signed in the presence of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, [] The post Tripartite agreement signed for creation of Frontier Nagaland TA appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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).
Centre, Nagaland govt and ENPO sign agreement to create Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority
Centre, Nagaland Govt, Naga Tribes Body Sign Pact To Create Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority
Central Government, Nagaland and ENPO signed a pact in New Delhi to create the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, empowering 6 eastern districts for accelerated development.
Centre signs tripartite MoU with Nagaland govt, ENPO for creation of FNTA
Centre-Nagaland pact: The agreement was signed in presence of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who said the Centre will extend all help and fulfil all its responsibilities for the development of eastern Nagaland.
Agreement signed on creation of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority
The tripartite agreement was signed in the presence of Nagaland CM Nephiu Rio, by MHA, the Nagaland Government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO)
Sunmeister Energy: Engineering Reliable Power and Energy Solutions for Indian Realities
, where temperatures plunge to -50°C and conditions become barely livable for humans, a Sunmeister solar hybrid generator operates in silence powering communications and essential equipment through conditions that would defeat most machines. Sunmeister Energy- Engineering Reliable Power and Energy Solutions for Indian Realities From coastal farmland to Himalayan peaks, this is what Sunmeister Energy has spent a decade building: solar hybrid power that people never have to think about. Starting with the right question Founded in Chennai in 2014, Sunmeister began not with solar panels but with a deeper question: How do you make power and energy truly dependable , across India's diverse terrains and regardless of grid conditions? The answer led to a storage-first philosophy that would define everything the company built. Rather than treating solar as a standalone solution, Sunmeister engineered holistic solar hybrid power and energy systems intelligently combining solar generation, battery storage, grid power, and generators into ecosystems that think for themselves. These systems switch seamlessly between power sources, protect sensitive equipment, and keep critical loads running regardless of external conditions. The panels matter, certainly. But they're one instrument in an orchestra, not a solo act. Holistic, not standalone A solar panel on a roof is just the beginning. True energy independence requires a complete ecosystem - generation, storage, backup, monitoring, and intelligent management working together. Sunmeister designs holistic power and energy solutions where every component serves the whole. Batteries store excess solar generation for use after dark. Inverters manage the flow between solar, grid, and backup sources. Smart monitoring tracks performance and anticipates maintenance needs. The result isn't a collection of parts, it's an integrated system engineered for reliability across every condition. This holistic approach means clients don't worry about individual components. They simply have power when they need it. A problem-solving approach Every Sunmeister project starts with listening. What are the critical loads? What are the site conditions? What does reliability actually mean for this client? The team works backwards - designing systems that meet specific requirements rather than offering off-the-shelf configurations. A healthcare centre in Nagaland has different needs than a factory in Chennai or a farmhouse in Odisha. When hybrid generators were needed for forward posts at high altitudes , or marine applications. Sunmeister's team spent weeks understanding extreme cold conditions refining designs for reliability at -50°C. When farmers needed cold storage that could survive monsoons, Sunmeister developed India's first fully electric, hybrid solar cold rooms - zero-diesel and now deployed across Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. India's leading Victron Energy partner Sunmeister is India's foremost distributor and solution provider for Victron Energy - a Dutch power electronics company with nearly five decades of experience in marine, off-grid, and mission-critical applications. It's technology trusted on ocean-crossing yachts and Antarctic research stations. As authorised distributors, Sunmeister provides access to the full Victron product range. As design and solution providers, the team engineers complete systems tailored to Indian conditions. As service partners, they deliver installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. Remote monitoring through Victron's VRM platform provides real-time visibility into system performance. Issues are identified and addressed before they become problems. Designed for India Global technology alone wasn't enough. Every component and installation practice had to be adapted for Indian conditions: summers, coastal humidity, fine dust, monsoon rains, voltage fluctuations. Over a decade of on-ground experience shaped an approach where nothing is assumed and everything is engineered for resilience. Today, with over 600 installations operational and failure rate under 0.1%, Sunmeister has earned a reputation for solar hybrid systems that simply work—day after day, year after year. Trusted across sectors The company's journey has taken it from Chennai rooftops to healthcare centres in Nagaland, from the National Blind School to the French Consulate in Puducherry. The client portfolio spans homes, commercial establishments, factories, farms, hospitals, educational institutions, government bodies, development organisations including UNDP and UNICEF, and defence installations. What unites them: power they can count on, every single time. Engineering for the long term Sunmeister doesn't compete on being the cheapest. The focus is on lowest total cost of ownership, holistic solar hybrid systems engineered for 15–25 years of service life, backed by warranties that match. At its core, Sunmeister Energy is built on a simple belief: power and energy should be something people never have to worry about. Not during monsoons. Not at -50°C. Not when everything depends on it. About Sunmeister Energy Pvt. Ltd. Sunmeister Energy is a Chennai-based solar hybrid power and energy solutions company founded in 2014. As India's leading Victron Energy distributor and solution provider, the company designs, installs, and maintains holistic solar, storage, and hybrid power and energy systems across India and international markets. www.sunmeister.in | hello@sunmeister.in | WhatsApp: +91 9600763493 | 044 4011 4424
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.
Nagaland: Wildfire erupts in southern Dzukou Valley, over 30 trekkers evacuated
All trekking activities in the Dzukou Valley, from both the Jakhama and Viswema entry points, have been temporarily suspended
Rare New Flowering Plant Discovered In Nagaland's Community Protected Forest
In a striking reminder that India's biodiversity continues to reveal new surprises even in the 21st century, a community-protected forest in Nagaland has yielded a previously unknown species of flowering plant
Birth certificate now sole proof for admissions, jobs in Nagaland
Nagaland now requires birth certificates for school admissions and government jobs. This new rule applies to all official services. The Nagaland Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2024, are now in effect. Birth certificates will serve as the only proof of identity for various purposes. Citizens must ensure timely registration of births.
Apple leaf waste yields green anti-corrosion solution for metals
The eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor was the outcome of a collaborative study by scientists from Nagaland University and the University of Science and Technology Beijing
'People From Northeast Are Not Momo': Nagaland Minister Condemns Tripura Student's Killing
Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna condemned the killing of a Tripura student in Dehradun, stressing Northeast states are an inseparable part of India.
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.
We Are Not Momo: Nagaland Minister On Tripura Student's Killing
Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna Along on Monday strongly reacted to the alleged racial attack on a Tripura student in Dehradun, asserting that the North Eastern states are an inseparable and integral part of India.
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.
New Year's Eve: How Much Alcohol Can You Keep At Home? | State-Wise List
Alcohol storage limits and legal drinking ages in India vary by state, with prohibition in Bihar, Gujarat, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Lakshadweep, and strict excise laws elsewhere
Discover India's own cherry blossom season in Nagaland and Meghalaya. Unlike Japan's spring blooms, these Himalayan cherries flower in winter, from late October to early December. Kohima in Nagaland transforms into a pink and white spectacle. Meghalaya offers subtle trails for observant travellers. Plan your trip for a unique, uncrowded natural wonder.
Over 2,000 Anganwadi-cum-Creches in India: Minister in Rajya Sabha
NEW DELHI: To help working mothers provide due care and protection to their children, the Centre is operating over 2,000 Anganwadi-cum-Creches (AWCCs) in the country. In a written reply, Minister of State of Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur said there are 39,011 children beneficiaries across 2,820 AWCCs. Of the 2,820 AWCCs, Delhi has the most at 502, benefitting 2,590 children. Haryana has 290 AWCCs, benefitting 6426 children. It is followed by Nagaland, where 270 AWCCs are functional while 3122 are beneficiaries. Karnataka has 248 AWCCs, with 5837 beneficiaries, while Nagaland has 200 AWCCs with 4243 beneficiaries. The minister said, the WCD ministry has introduced the Palna Scheme under the Samarthya Vertical of Umbrella Mission Shakti for all States and UTs from April 1, 2022, to provide day-care facilities and protection to children. Governments sustained initiatives on education, skilling and employment of women have resulted in increased opportunities for their employment, and more and more women are now in gainful employment, working within or outside their homes. Lack of proper day-care services is often a deterrent for women to go out and work. Hence, there is an urgent need for improved quality and reach of day care services/crches for working women amongst all socio-economic groups both in the organised and unorganised sectors, she said. To address these difficulties faced by the working mothers in giving due child care and protection to their children, day-care crche facilities are being provided through the Palna Scheme, she added.
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.
Queer children face maximum discrimination, bullying at homes, schools: Survey
A recent survey of over 900 LGBTQ+ individuals by a Kolkata-based organisation, 'Bridge', which works for the rights of the community across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, reported that most bullying happens between the ages of 12 and 15 years
Queer children face maximum discrimination, bullying at homes, schools and neighbourhoods: Survey
GUWAHATI: A recent survey found that LGBTQIA+ children and adolescents face the highest levels of discrimination and bullying in their own homes, schools and neighbourhoods, with activists and stakeholders urging for concerted efforts to address these issues to help them get equal opportunities. A recent survey of over 900 LGBTQ+ individuals by a Kolkata-based organisation, 'Bridge', which works for the rights of the community across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, reported that most bullying happens between the ages of 12 and 15 years. Many young people are forced to drop out of school, losing out on education, future employment, and income security, Bridge's founder director Prithviraj Nath told PTI . Even after the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 2018, the NALSA judgment in 2014, and Transgender Protection Act of 2019, LGBTQ+ people continue to face systematic exclusion in education, health care, workplaces, and public life, he said. Basic human rights still remain out of reach for many and it is extremely important that we bring to light the lived realities and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, and have dialogues with the larger society towards equal rights and inclusion of the community, Nath added. Rudrani Rajkumari, founder of 'Xomonnoy', an LGBTQIA+ rights organisation and support group, pointed out that the government and all stakeholders must make collective efforts to create a roadmap to reduce discrimination and promote equal rights. We cannot talk about human rights in India and leave out LGBTQIA+ citizens. Every child deserves safety in their home, respect in their school, and dignity in their workplace. Equality is not a favour, it is a constitutional promise, Rajkumari said. Former vice principal of Guwahati's Dispur College, Sunita Agarwalla, claimed that it is one of the pioneer institutions in Assam, having done commendable work for the education of the children from the community. Besides having a gender-neutral toilet, it has reserved seats for such students in both its higher secondary and degree courses, with education being free if such a student needs it and sensitisation programmes are also for all its students regarding the issues of the community, she said. I, as an educator, feel that it is very important to understand that people from the LGBTQIA+ community are also human beings and citizens of our country, so they have to be treated equally by everyone in every aspect, Agarwalla said. Lalit Chandra Bharali College's professor Kunjalata Brahma Bhatiri said that more and more people are voicing their support for equal treatment of people from the community and judgement-free spaces, but a collective and concerted effort from all stratas of society is needed. Sensitisation and orientation to drive in the very understanding of the basic right to live freely and with dignity is required at all levels, she said. More people should talk, discuss, opine and work in attaining dignified living spaces for the queer community, she said. Tezpur University's faculty from the Department of Social Work, Sammy said, Incredible work is being done by multiple stakeholders in the field of queer-inclusive education at secondary, college and university levels in the northeastern region but with every new initiative, we face a wall of structural resistance which is coated in layers of binary understanding of society. Social systems like family, schools, neighbourhoods, state authorities, community institutions, health care services, workplaces and every sector that completes a human being needs gender inclusive approaches and practices as well, she said. We cannot lose our queer students, children, adults and elders to public scorn, confined spaces, hopelessness and suicides, Sammy said. Every department in higher education institutions needs to create safe spaces, accessibility to queer-affirmative support initiatives such as gender-neutral toilets, transport facilities, hostels and common rooms, livelihood opportunities, and speedy redressal mechanism for complaints and quality healthcare services, she said. Former Cotton University professor and Assamese writer Najma Mukherjee said, As an educator and litterateur, I believe in the power of art -- be it literature or the visual arts. Books and movies have definitely contributed to the shaping of public consciousness in understanding queer experiences all around the world. Nath pointed out that stakeholders, during discussions on the issue, have pointed out that there is a need for capacity building for school teachers and B.Ed trainees to equip them with skills to support LGBTQIA+ students. There is also a need to engage more with parents to build understanding and provide supportive environments at home and introduce comics, storybooks, and visual learning tools on gender and sexuality in school libraries, especially in Assamese and other languages, he said. Rajkumari pointed out that stakeholders have urged the government to include mandatory training for teachers and staffers in all educational institutions, in line with the Supreme Court's guidelines on student mental health, and biannual sensitisation for officials in judicial, police, and administrative departments on laws and rights related to LGBTQIA+ people.
Wildfire Erupts in Nagaland's Dzukou Valley
The team has been directed to immediately reach the fire site, assess the situation, and mobilise all available resources to contain any further spread of the fire.
Major wildfire breaks out in Nagalands Western Dzukou Valley
The fire was first spotted by a tourist guide, who immediately alerted the Khonoma village authorities and the district administration
Meghalaya seal 109-run victory over Nagaland
Cooch Behar Trophy By Our Reporter Shillong, Dec 11: Meghalaya required around 90 minutes to remove the remaining four Nagaland batters and win their U-19 mens Cooch Behar Trophy 2025-26 plate group match by a convincing 109 runs on the morning of the fourth and final day at the MCA Ground here. Resuming on 208/6 []
Protests in Nagaland over Citizenship Amendment Act
NESO secretary general Mutsikhoyo Yhobu said the students' bodies had opposed the law since its inception
Four injured in blast during Hornbill festival in Nagaland
The incident occurred on the premises of a morung, belonging to the Sangtam tribe, on December 9, when the gunpowder caught fire and burst, an official said
Meghalaya hold advantage but Nagaland still in contention
Cooch Behar Trophy By Our Reporter Shillong, Dec 9: Meghalaya are in control of their U-19 mens Cooch Behar Trophy 2025-26 plate group match as they lead Nagaland by 284 at stumps on the second day at the MCA Ground here on Tuesday. Sameer Choudhury was responsible for much of Meghalayas success as he claimed []
Chef Joel Basumatari Delivers Authentic Naga Flavours to Sheraton Hyderabad
Chef Joel Basumatari leads Naga Culinary Trails at Feast from 11 to 14 December, bringing modernised interpretations of Nagaland's food heritage to Hyderabad.
A School Culture Rooted in Nature and the Seasons
By Glenn C. Kharkongor Frontline magazine carried a pictorial article on a tribal school in Nagaland in the Oct 25, 2025 issue. Titled Badze Leshuki, Nagalands Rooted Classroom, it described a school for Angami children in the forest near Kohima. Badze means spaces where people sit to chat, rest, and recuperate and leshuki means school. []
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.
Scindia unveils Rs 645-crore development package for Nagaland at Hornbill Festival
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia attended the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. He participated in a traditional stone-pulling ceremony. The Minister unveiled a significant development package for the state. Projects worth over Rs 202 crore were inaugurated. Foundation stones were laid for new initiatives valued at Rs 443 crore. This marks a total investment exceeding Rs 645 crore.
Jana Gana Mana echoes in Nagaland's 26th Hornbill Festival
Nagaland's 26th Hornbill Festival has begun. The event marks the state's 63rd Statehood Day. It features 18 tribes showcasing traditions. Six countries and Arunachal Pradesh are partners. The festival includes cultural shows and a photo fest. A World War II Peace Rally also took place. The Hornbill Festival runs until December 10.
Punjab records highest groundwater extraction in India, says CGWB report
CHANDIGARH: Groundwater extraction in the country is the highest in Punjab, followed by Rajasthan and Haryana, according to the latest National Compilation of Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2025 report of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The findings show that 25 per cent of the 6,762 total blocks in India have been categorised as over-exploited, critical or semi-critical, a situation concentrated in nine states, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Puducherry. As per the report, groundwater extraction in Punjab stands at 156.36 per cent, the highest in the country, followed by Rajasthan at 147.11 per cent and Haryana at 136.75 per cent, all significantly above the national average of 60.63 per cent. At the national level, annual groundwater extraction has seen a marginal decline, from 27.66 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2023 to 26.27 BCM last year. The total annual ground water recharge of Punjab has been assessed as 18.6 bcm and annual extractable ground water resource as 16.8 bcm. Out of total 153 assessment units including three urban areas taken for study, 111 assessment units (72.55 per cent) have been categorized as Over-exploited, 10 blocks (6.54 per cent) as Critical, 15 blocks (9.80 per cent) as Semi Critical and 17 blocks (11.11 per cent) as Safe, the report said. Similarly, out of 50175.27 square kilometers recharge worthy area of the state, 34294.3 sq km (68.35 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 4353.15 sq. km (8.68 per cent) under Critical, 4478.11 sq km (8.92 per cent) under Semi-critical and 7049.71sq km (14.05 per cent) under Safe category, reads the report. For Rajasthan, the report states,Out of the 302 assessment units (blocks and urban areas), 213 units (70.53 per cent) have been categorized as Over Exploited, 23 units (7.62 per cent) as Critical, 27 units (8.94 per cent) as Semi-Critical, 36 units (11.92 per cent) blocks as Safe and 3 units (0.99 per cent) as Saline. Similarly, out of 317010.74 sq km recharge worthy area of the state, 222266.46 sq km (70.11 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 19404.23 sq. km (6.12 per cent) under Critical, 22535.05 sq km (7.11 per cent) under Semi-critical, 43869.11 sq km (13.84 per cent) under Safe and 8935.89 sq km (2.82 per cent) area under Saline categories of assessment units. In Haryana, the situation is similar. While in Haryana, out of total 143 assessment units (blocks/Urban), 91 units (63.64 per cent) have been categorized as Overexploited, 6 units (4.20 per cent) as Critical, 15 units (10.49 per cent) as Semi Critical and 31 units (21.68 per cent) as Safe categories of assessment units. Similarly, out of 43,205.81 sq. km recharge worthy area of the State, 26,828.05 sq. km (62.09 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 1,170.46 sq. km (2.71 per cent) under Critical, 4,253.89 sq. km (9.85 per cent) under Semicritical, 10,953.42 sq. km (25.35 per cent) under Safe categories of assessment units, it added. The report assesses the total annual groundwater extraction of the entire country for 2025 at 247.22 bcm. Agriculture remains the largest consumer, accounting for 87 per cent, or 215.10 bcm, followed by 11 per cent for domestic use (27.89 bcm) and 2 per cent for industrial use (4.23 bcm). In the present assessment, total annual groundwater recharge has been pegged at 448.52 bcm, while the annual extractable groundwater resource stands at 407.75 bcm. The average stage of groundwater extraction at the national level is 60.63 per cent. Out of 6,762 blocks in the country, 730 units (10.80 per cent) are categorised as over-exploited, and 201 blocks (2.97 per cent) are classified as critical where extraction ranges from 90 to 100 per cent. Another 758 blocks (11.21 per cent) fall under the semi-critical category, while 4,946 units (73.14 per cent) are considered safe, with extraction below 70 per cent. Additionally, 127 blocks (1.88 per cent) have been listed as saline due to brackish or saline groundwater in phreatic aquifers. The report highlights that the percentage of over-exploited, critical and semi-critical blocks exceeding 25 per cent of total units is found only in nine states, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Puducherry. It attributes the situation to region-specific factors, Over-exploitation of ground water resources could be due to various region-specific reasons. The assessment units located in the north-western part of the country (particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh) have plenty of replenishable ground water resources but because of the over extraction beyond the annual ground water recharge, many of these units have become Over-exploited. Overexploited units are also common in the western part of the country, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat where the prevailing arid climate results in low recharge of ground water and hence stress on these sources, the report stated. It further adds, In peninsular India, over-exploited units are wide spread in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana which could be attributed mainly to the low storage and transmission capacities of aquifers of the hard rock terrains, which results in reduced availability of the resource. The report also notes that in Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep, domestic groundwater extraction exceeds 40 per cent. Groundwater extraction stands between 90 and 100 per cent in Delhi, and between 70 and 90 per cent in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In most other states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep, extraction levels are around 70 per cent. The report concludes that compared to the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment of 2024, the total annual groundwater recharge has marginally increased from 446.9 bcm to 448.52 bcm.
Cultural performance attract thousands of tourists at Hornbill Festival in Nagaland
Co-organiser M. Ababe Ezung announced that the 2025 edition features 97 photographers from across Nagaland
Raj Bhavan celebrates Statehood Day of Assam, Nagaland
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 2: The Statehood Day of Assam and Nagaland was celebrated at Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday, with Governor CH Vijayashankar underscoring the economic and cultural importance of the two states in the Northeastern region. Speaking at the Durbar Hall, the Governor said Assams expanding economic base and its role as []
Meghalaya Congress claims 'ONE' as BJP-RSS design
GUWAHATI: The Congress in Meghalaya claimed that One North East (ONE) is a BJP-RSS design. The Northeast regional front was launched in the first week of November in New Delhi. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Tripuras Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder leader Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma were at the forefront of its launch. Meghalaya Congress president Vincent H Pala claimed that the BJP had designed ONE following its realisation that the tribals in the Northeast disliked the saffron party. They have created an extra basket to ensure that people, who are anti-BJP, end up in ONE and do not go to the Congress, Pala, the former Shillong MP, said. Claiming that he overheard a conversation between BJP and RSS leaders at an airport, he said all those in ONE are the 'friends' of the BJP. Sangmas National Peoples Party (NPP) and Debbarmas TMP are BJP allies, and they have not shown any signs of severing ties. The BJP is a constituent of the NPP-headed Meghalaya government. Similarly, the TMP is a part of the BJP-led Tripura government. Former BJP national spokesperson Mmhonlumo Kikon, who is also a former Nagaland minister, and Peoples Party of Assam chief Daniel Langthasa, are two other leaders of ONE. Pala advised the people of the Northeast to be wary of ONE, reiterating that it is just another front of the BJP. 'Our strength lies in unity': Meghalaya CM Sangma, other Northeast leaders form united political entity ONE was constituted with an aim to highlight the issues of the Northeasts indigenous people and represent their voices in national politics. For too long, we, the younger generation leaders of the Northeast, have spoken about the same issues and concerns of our people, but from different platforms and political spaces, we have realised that our strength lies in unity, and that, it is time to give our people one collective voice, the quartet had stated in a joint statement after the Delhi announcement. They said they had resolved to carry forward their ideals by coming together under a shared vision for the future of the Northeast, taking inspiration from the vision and legacy of great leaders who fought selflessly for the identity and development of our land.
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?
