riya Editor

Stella Rica Khongsni from Meghalaya, Leimapokpam Ghanapyari Devi from Manipur, and Tenzing Choden Sherpa from Sikkim were crowned the winners of the 22nd Sunsilk Mega Miss Northeast 2026 at a Grand Finale in Guwahati. The pageant promotes a progressive format where the winner's share equal honors and responsibilities. This edition involved an extensive audition process across eight states, leading to a rigorous selection and intensive grooming program for the finalists. The event, conceptualized by fashion entrepreneur Abhijeet Singha, aims to empower women from the Northeast and elevate their representation on global platforms. Singha highlighted the resilience and ambition of the…

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya participated in Holi celebrations with the 38th Battalion of the Assam Rifles at Srikona, Silchar, expressing pride and appreciation for the soldiers' service. He emphasized the festival's symbolism of joy and unity, describing it as a personal honor to be among the jawans. The Governor commended their discipline, resilience, and dedication, which serve as inspirations for all citizens. He highlighted the Assam Rifles' crucial role in maintaining peace and building trust within local communities in Northeast India, beyond their duties of national defense. The Governor also reflected on the deeper meanings of Holi, linking it…

Two candidates nominated by the BJP, Jogen Mohan and Terash Gowalla, along with UPPL chief Pramod Boro, submitted their nominations for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16. With no Opposition or Independent candidates contesting for the three available seats, all three are expected to be elected unopposed after the verification of their nomination papers. These elections are intended to fill the seats of outgoing Rajya Sabha members from Assam: Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Sarbananda Sonowal. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated Mohan and Gowalla, noting their grassroots leadership and public service records, and expressed confidence…

In a significant development for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Assam Legislative Assembly elections, three sitting Congress MLAs—Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Sashikanta Das, and Basanta Das—were officially inducted into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a ceremony in Guwahati. The induction occurred in the presence of state BJP president Dilip Saikia and senior party leaders. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated that the induction was strategically timed with regard to the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and other political considerations. Purkayastha expressed his commitment to the BJP, stating he would work “as a soldier” for the party's…

Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) recently welcomed a high-level delegation from Japan, led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Horii Iwao and Ambassador to India Ono Keiichi. This visit signifies a considerable advancement in strengthening industrial and academic collaborations between IIT-G and Japan. Prof. Devendra Jalihal, the director of IIT-G, expressed his enthusiasm for the existing strong ties, noting that the institution currently hosts more than ten honorary professors from Japan. He also highlighted a remarkable increase in the participation of Japanese students, with over seventy engaging in exchange or joint degree programs over the past two years. Mr. Iwao…

In a significant political shift ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, key figures from the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) have resigned, indicating a realignment in Bodoland politics as they prepare to join the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF). Notably, Kampa Borgoyary, a Member of the Legislative Council in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and former Leader of the Opposition in the BTC Legislative Council from the UPPL, has stepped down. His departure is seen as a crucial blow to the UPPL due to his influence in the Bodoland Territorial Region. In his resignation letter addressed to UPPL president Pramod Boro,…

The Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Coventry University Group (CUG), UK, to enhance global research and innovation specifically in artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare. This strategic partnership aims to formalize avenues for collaborative research, academic mobility, and joint degree programs. The MoU was signed during a visit from CUG's senior research leadership, including Prof. Richard Dashwood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), who also proposed a joint research colloquium in a hybrid format, engaging experts from both institutions. The collaboration primarily focuses on integrating AI and data science within healthcare contexts. Prof. Devendra Jalihal,…

As the conflict intensifies in the Middle East, the Assam government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ascertain the whereabouts of its residents who may be affected. A senior state official highlighted the absence of data on the number of Assamese individuals in the region, whether residing or stranded. The official indicated that many from Assam are employed in various sectors in West Asia, including aviation and business, and a significant number of tourists from the state frequent destinations such as Dubai. Due to the war, disruptions in flight services have likely left many tourists stuck…