Sonakshi Sarkar

Neelakshi Saikia has created history by becoming the first woman from Nagaon district to qualify as a national boxing referee, marking a significant achievement for the district's sporting community and women's participation in sports officiating. Saikia earned the distinction after successfully clearing the National Referee Examination conducted during the recently concluded Kaziranga Rhino Cup Professional Boxing League held at Golaghat Stadium. The achievement has been widely welcomed by athletes, coaches and sports enthusiasts across Nagaon, who described it as a proud moment for the district and an important milestone in the growth of boxing in Assam. The Kaziranga Rhino Cup…

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George has said that Assam is emerging as an important destination for global investment and holds a unique position in India's engagement with East and Southeast Asian countries under the Act East Policy. Speaking during the visit of a high-level European Union delegation to Guwahati on June 9, George said Assam has become one of the key pillars of India's efforts to strengthen international partnerships and economic cooperation with countries in the eastern region. Referring to India's foreign policy approach, George said the country's engagement with the East has expanded significantly over the…

A Special Fast-Track Court in Assam is scheduled to pronounce its order on Monday on the bail applications of four accused in the alleged murder case of late Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg, marking an important stage in the ongoing trial. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on the bail pleas filed by Sandipan Garg, Amritprabha Mahanta, Nandeshwar Bora and Paresh Baishya. The hearing on their bail petitions has already been completed, and the court had reserved its order after hearing arguments from both sides. The case, which has attracted significant public attention across Assam, is currently being…

The Assam Cabinet has approved a significant increase in the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) fund, enhancing the financial resources available to legislators for development works in their constituencies. The decision was taken during the first Cabinet meeting held after the recent expansion of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led state ministry.Under the revised arrangement, every Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) will receive an annual allocation of Rs 1.5 crore under the MLALAD scheme during the financial year 2026-27. The allocation will be further increased to Rs 2 crore per year from the financial year 2027-28 onwards.The state government said the…

The Assam Cabinet has approved the creation of a State Capital Region in Dibrugarh and decided to set up a dedicated development authority to oversee its future growth and infrastructure planning. The decision was taken during the first Cabinet meeting held after the recent expansion of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led ministry. The move is aimed at supporting Dibrugarh's growing role as Assam's second capital and ensuring planned urban development in and around the city. The government believes that a structured development framework will be necessary as administrative activities and public infrastructure continue to expand in the region. According to the…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the Northeast is undergoing a significant transformation and is increasingly being viewed as a gateway to Southeast Asia, driven by improved connectivity, economic growth and expanding development opportunities. Addressing the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Sarma said the region is no longer defined by its geographical distance from the rest of India. Instead, he noted, its strategic location close to Southeast Asian countries is opening new avenues for trade, investment and regional cooperation. "The Northeast is no longer defined by its distance from Delhi but by…