Sonakshi Sarkar

Assam's tea industry, one of the largest in the world, is at a critical juncture, requiring innovation and structural reform as emphasized during the 88th Annual General Meeting of the Assam Tea Planters’ Association (ATPA). The region, which produces approximately 1.25 to 1.3 billion kilograms of tea annually—half of India's total—is facing an economic challenge where despite global tea production increasing from 1.5 billion kilograms in 1950 to nearly 6 billion in 2023, prices have fallen, squeezing profit margins for producers. Industry leaders have highlighted the need to transition from merely increasing production to enhancing value through quality, branding, and…

Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization, in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), hosted a comprehensive awareness and sensitization program on vulture conservation at Sibsagar Commerce College. The event sought to educate students and faculty about the crucial ecological roles vultures play and emphasize the urgent need for their protection, as articulated in an Aaranyak communiqué. Wasima Begum, a conservation official from Aaranyak, highlighted the dangers posed by harmful bacteria found in animal carcasses and discussed how vultures act as nature’s "sanitation workers," preventing disease spread by effectively disposing of dead animals. She underlined the ecological services vultures…

In an effort to strengthen its grassroots election network, the Indian National Congress organised a training camp for Booth Level Agents (BLAs) covering all 222 booth committees under the 83rd Margherita Legislative Assembly Constituency in Assam. The training programme was held on February 5 at the Margherita Congress Bhawan and was attended by a large number of party workers, booth representatives, and local leaders. The programme was organised by the Margherita Block Congress Committee with the aim of preparing party workers for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. Booth Level Agents play a key role during elections, as they work at…

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has served a show-cause notice to Pankaj Saikia, the Joint Secretary of APCC, following allegations of inappropriate comments he made regarding Bhupen Kumar Borah, the former state Congress president. The notice, issued by Bipul Gogoi, the General Secretary (Organisation) of APCC, highlights that the APCC President, Gaurav Gogoi, has brought these comments to attention. Saikia is required to respond within 24 hours to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him for violating party discipline.

The Anti-Smuggling Unit of the Customs Division in Guwahati successfully intercepted a wildlife trafficking attempt by seizing four elephant tusks weighing a total of 9.60 kg. This operation took place in Hazarikapara, located in the Sipajhar area of Assam's Darrang district, following the acquisition of specific intelligence by customs officers. The intelligence indicated that an individual was in possession of the tusks and actively seeking potential buyers. Consequently, a team of customs officers conducted a search at the individual's residence, resulting in the recovery of the contraband items. The elephant tusks have been confiscated under the Wild Life (Protection) Act…

Gauhati University has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the family of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala to preserve his artistic legacy. Agarwala, a significant figure in Assamese art and culture, created around 300 songs and various films, influencing generations and shaping Assamese identity before his passing in 1951. The MoU marks the start of a collaboration to preserve, document, and digitize Agarwala's original manuscripts, film scripts, letters, and architectural sketches held by his family. These materials will be archived at the Krishna Kanta Handiqui Library for academic research and public knowledge, adhering to established archival practices. The Vice Chancellor…

A group of prominent citizens has urged the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to take suo moto cognizance against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his repeated communal remarks. In a letter, notable Assamese intellectual Hiren Gohain and former DGP Harekrishna Deka, alongside other civil society members, expressed deep concern over a series of statements made by Sarma. They argue that these remarks can be interpreted as hate speech, executive intimidation, and vilification of the 'Miyan' community, which consists of Muslims of Bengal origin.

Sun Pharmaceutical will invest Rs 500 crore to establish a manufacturing plant in Assam, creating over 500 direct jobs, as announced by Chief Secretary Ravi Kota. Senior officials from Sun Pharma, including vice presidents Rahul Awasthi and Ranjit Mohapatra, discussed the project with Kota, focusing on key aspects like land, water, power, and skilled manpower. The drug formulation units aim to supply the Indian market and will be developed in two phases. The company emphasized sustainable manufacturing practices, including efficient water usage, renewable energy adoption, and responsible waste management. This initiative is part of the Assam government's efforts to attract…

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has organized briefing meetings for the General, Police, and Expenditure Observers designated as Central Observers for the upcoming General Elections in several states: Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. A total of 1,444 officers has been summoned, comprising 477 General Observers, 451 Police Observers, and 516 Expenditure Observers, with the meetings scheduled over February 5 and 6, 2026, at the Indian Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, led the briefing sessions.…