Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

10 Feb

Adventure Swimmer Elvis Ali Hazarika Scripts History with 350-km Open Sea Relay Swim

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Adventure swimmer Elvis Ali Hazarika has created history by becoming the first person from Assam to complete a 350-kilometre open sea relay swim, a challenging feat that lasted nearly four days. The relay swim concluded on the afternoon of February 9, marking an important achievement not only for the swimmer but also for adventure sports in the state. The swim began in the early hours of February 6 in the waters off Goa. According to Hazarika, the start of the journey was filled with nervousness and excitement as the team entered the open sea before sunrise. Over the next several…

10 Feb

Two-Day EC Exercise Focuses on Security, Coordination, and Enforcement

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Election Commission of India (EC) has carried out a detailed review of Assam’s preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections, expected to be held in March–April this year. The review was conducted over two days and focused on checking the readiness of districts, security planning, and coordination among administrative as well as enforcement agencies to ensure that the election process takes place smoothly and peacefully. According to an official statement, the two-day exercise was attended by senior officials of the Election Commission along with key officers from the state administration and police. The discussions were aimed at taking stock of…

09 Feb

On His Birthday, Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde Seeks Blessings at Kamakhya TempleA

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde celebrated his 62nd birthday on February 9, 2023, by offering prayers at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. Born in Dare village, Satara district, Shinde has deep respect for the temple, having visited it with 39 rebel MLAs over three years ago to seek blessings during a revolt against the previous Shiv Sena leadership. While in Guwahati, Shinde met with Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss enhancing economic and cultural ties between Assam and Maharashtra, during which Sarma conveyed warm birthday wishes to Shinde.

09 Feb

Bajali Scientist Appointed to Key Post in American Physical Society

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Jugal Talukdar, hailing from Bajali district in Lower Assam, has achieved a notable milestone by being appointed Chairman of the Forum on Graduate Student Affairs (FGS) of the American Physical Society (APS), marking him as the first Assamese to achieve this prestigious role. A graduate of Bajali College and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, he earned a bachelor's degree in physics in 2017 and subsequently pursued a PhD at the University of Oklahoma. Talukdar's postdoctoral work in Quantum Information Science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) involved collaboration with Nobel laureate Professor H.…

09 Feb

Drones Emerge as New Tool in Northeast Insurgent Groups’ Arsenal

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

Insurgent groups in Northeast India are increasingly employing advanced technologies such as drones for surveillance and logistics, causing rising concerns among security agencies and prompting a reassessment of defense capabilities. A Naga insurgent group is reportedly using several surveillance drones, including quadcopters and hexacopters, believed to be sourced through networks in Myanmar’s Kachin region with alleged connections to Chinese suppliers. While these drones are mainly for reconnaissance, officials worry they could be repurposed for offensive actions. Kuki militant groups have also been noted for similar technological advancements, with prior reports indicating experimentation with weaponized drones. A recent incident involved the…

09 Feb

Opposition Leader Approaches Women’s Commission Over Alleged Acts at Assam Rally

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia has formally requested the Assam State Commission for Women to investigate alleged offenses against women leaders of the Congress party that occurred during a "Parivartan Yatra" in the lead-up to Assembly elections. In his letter, Saikia accused individuals affiliated with the ruling BJP of targeting women leaders with obscene and derogatory remarks, thereby compromising their dignity and modesty, specifically during a convoy traveling from Tezpur to Dhekiajuli. The convoy encountered obstruction and violent attacks at Bihaguri, resulting in injuries to several women, including Rupa Kalita Das and Trishna Bora Kakati. Saikia characterized the incidents…

09 Feb

Tea Garden Students Set to Shine at Talent Hunt Grand Finale in Guwahati

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Grand Finale of the Sur Sangam – Tea Garden Student Talent Hunt, a state-wide initiative aimed at fostering music talent among students from tea garden communities, is set to take place at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati on February 10. This project, which is a collaboration between The Hans Foundation and the Department of Secondary Education, Government of Assam, seeks to enhance holistic education and empower young people creatively within these communities. The event will be attended by notable figures, including Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu as the chief guest, and celebrated playback singer Suresh Wadkar, who will also…

07 Feb

‘Obscene Gesture’ Row: Sarma Seeks Women’s Commission Probe Against Congress Leaders

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused senior Congress leaders, including Bhupen Borah and Debabrata Saikia, of making an "obscene and unacceptable gesture" during a public event, which he claims has offended women and girls in Assam. Sarma stated that he would provide more information after a Cabinet briefing, indicating that the incident was captured on video and raised serious concerns about the mindset of the Congress leadership. He emphasized that such conduct should not be tolerated in public life and warned the Congress party to take disciplinary action or face rejection from Assamese society. Sarma suggested the gesture…

07 Feb

₹70 Cr Central Allocation Planned for Dima Hasao, Says NCHAC Chief

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Central Government has proposed an allocation of Rs 70 crore for the development of Dima Hasao district in the Union Budget for the financial year 2026–27, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), Debolal Gorlosa, announced during a press conference held at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhavan in Haflong. Addressing the media, Gorlosa said the new allocation is part of continued efforts to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and basic services in the hill district, which has historically faced development challenges due to its difficult terrain and scattered population. He stated that the funds are expected to…

07 Feb

Gorkha Body Slams Derogatory ‘Nepali’ Comment, Warns of Protest

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam State Committee of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) has strongly condemned what it described as a derogatory and racially offensive remark made during a televised political debate, calling the incident an insult to the dignity and identity of the Gorkha community. The controversy arose after an Assam Congress spokesperson, Shahijuddin Ahmed, allegedly used the term “Nepali” in a demeaning manner while referring to BJP spokesperson Ranjib Kumar Sarmah during a live debate aired on ND24 television on Friday. The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh stated that the repeated use of the term as an insult was deeply hurtful and unacceptable,…