Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

26 Dec

Guwahati Hosts Talk on Optical Tools for Biodiversity Conservation

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

An interactive session in Guwahati has highlighted the transformative role of modern optical technologies in biodiversity and wildlife conservation, stressing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and community participation to address pressing environmental challenges. The event, titled “Scope of Optical Engineering in Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation in North East India”, was organised by Aaranyak under its Environment Education and Capacity Building Division (EECBD) on December 22 at the organisation’s administrative office. Delivering the keynote, Dr Iftak Hussain, a scientist at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), explained how optical engineering, artificial intelligence, and smartphone-based technologies can support environmental monitoring,…

24 Dec

ZSI Scientists Identify Neelus sikkimensis in Eastern Himalayas

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Scientists have discovered a new species of springtail in the high-altitude regions of Sikkim, marking the first time this particular genus has been recorded in India. The discovery has added an important chapter to the country’s growing list of insect species and has once again drawn attention to the rich but fragile biodiversity of the Himalayan region. The species was identified by researchers from the Zoological Survey of India, one of the country’s leading scientific bodies involved in documenting animal life. The newly discovered springtail belongs to the genus Neelus and has been named Neelus sikkimensis, after the state where…

24 Dec

Normalcy Returns to Kheroni After Deadly Unrest as Heavy Security Restores Order

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The law and order situation in Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong has largely returned to normal following days of unrest that claimed two lives, officials said on Tuesday. Heavy security deployment by police and paramilitary forces has helped bring the situation under control, with authorities maintaining strict vigilance to prevent any fresh incidents. Officials said the situation stabilised on the third day after violence broke out in and around Kheroni, forcing the administration to rush in additional forces. Sensitive locations across the area are now under close watch, and security personnel have been conducting regular patrols to maintain peace.…

23 Dec

Assam Book Fair 2025 to Expand into Major Literary Festival with National Footprint

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam Book Fair in Guwahati will transform into a prominent literary festival this year, featuring significant participation from national publishers and enhanced programming, to honor young writers. Scheduled to run for 14 days starting December 24 at the Khanapara Veterinary College playground, this event is organized by the Publication Board Assam in conjunction with the All Assam Book Publishers and Sellers Association. Pramod Kalita, secretary of the Publication Board, noted that the fair's timing was adjusted to accommodate preparations for Republic Day, celebrated on January 26. This year's fair extends its duration from 12 days to 14, indicating growing…

23 Dec

Assam Minister Blames Misinformation for Karbi Anglong Violence; Hunger Strike Withdrawn

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika attributed the violence in Kheroni, Karbi Anglong on December 22 to misinformation and a misunderstanding among the populace, emphasizing the need for peace and unity. He assured that as clarity emerges, the situation will improve. Hazarika highlighted the importance of communal harmony and respect for the rights of both the Karbi people and other indigenous communities, advocating for collective peaceful progress. Meanwhile, the Karbi community, which had been on an indefinite hunger strike since December 6 over demands for indigenous land rights protection, ended their protest after the Assam government's assurances. Minister Ranoj Pegu acknowledged…

23 Dec

Northeast Zone Inter-University Football Meet to Be Hosted by Royal Global University

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the Assam Royal Global University (RGU) is set to host the Northeast Zone Inter University Football (Men) Tournament for the 2025-2026 season. Scheduled to occur at the RGU campus in Guwahati from January 5 to January 11, 2026, the tournament serves as a key initiative for RGU to promote values such as discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship while also strengthening inter-university unity across the region. The opening ceremony on January 5 will feature Kento Jini, the Minister of Law, Legislative and Justice, as well as Sports & Youth Affairs from the…

23 Dec

IIT Guwahati Hosts State-Level ‘Design for Bharat’ Exhibition Under VBYLD 2026

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Department of Design at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati hosted the State-Level Exhibition for Design for Bharat - Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026, aligning with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ initiative to nurture young leaders toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Launched as a national design challenge, Design for Bharat aims to spur youth-led innovation that addresses significant social, cultural, and economic issues using creative and design-driven approaches. The initiative focuses on promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation, facilitating mentorship from industry experts, and providing a platform for youth to showcase their…

23 Dec

Indra Kumar Limboo, Ashok Kumar Tshong Named for Chemjong Literary and Special Awards 2026

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The 2026 Chemjong Literary Award will be conferred on noted Limboo writer Indra Kumar Limboo (Pokhim) of Sakyong, near Geyzing, in recognition of his long and dedicated contribution to Limboo literature. The award is considered one of the most respected honours in the Limboo literary world. Indra Kumar Limboo is a well-known novelist, poet and lyricist who has been closely associated with the Limboo literary movement for several decades. Through his writings and creative work, he has played an important role in the development, growth and promotion of the Limboo language. His work has helped preserve linguistic identity while encouraging…

23 Dec

Alleging corruption in Jal Jeevan Mission, the Assam Congress steps up statewide protest

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has intensified its statewide protests alleging large-scale corruption and irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a flagship drinking water scheme. Leading the protest in Dhemaji town, APCC president Gaurav Gogoi demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to uncover what he described as serious financial misconduct and administrative failures under the scheme. The protest in Dhemaji was part of a broader campaign being carried out across Assam under the banner of the Congress party’s public outreach initiative, “Raijor Padulit–Raijor Congress.” Congress workers and leaders gathered at several locations in…

23 Dec

KHRC Flags Rights Violations Against Bawm-Kuki Tribe in Bangladesh, Appeals for Global Intervention

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

The Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC), which advocates for indigenous rights, has made grave accusations against the Bangladesh Army, claiming severe human rights violations against the Bawm-Kuki tribe in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). In a statement released on December 22, the KHRC detailed a series of abuses allegedly perpetrated by Bangladeshi security forces, including unlawful arrests, custodial torture, and killings conducted under the guise of security operations in the region. These actions have instigated a palpable climate of fear amongst Bawm-Kuki villagers and suggest a systemic pattern of persecution targeting indigenous communities. The council highlighted a notable incident involving…