Assam - The Purbottar

23 Feb

In Haflong, frequent power cuts and billing issues spark public anger

Banasree SarkarAssam

The district's everyday life is being negatively impacted by frequent power outages and protracted scheduled shutdowns, which are making residents more and more irate. For students getting ready for exams, the situation has grown very difficult. It was announced that there would be a four-hour shutdown starting at 6 am. But according to reports, the power supply didn't start up again until 11:20 am, which caused the outage to last longer than anticipated in a few places. Such prolonged disruptions, frequently without clear information, have become routine, according to several residents. The most severely impacted are students taking current and…

23 Feb

Adani Group to set up aircraft MRO facility in Guwahati

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Adani Group is establishing a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and an aviation training centre in Guwahati, promising substantial investments in Assam that total approximately Rs. 1 lakh crore, as announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This initiative aims to create an aero hub similar to Delhi’s Aerocity near Guwahati airport. The MRO facility will cater to both narrow-body and wide-body commercial aircraft, enhancing regional connectivity, generating skilled jobs, and fortifying Assam’s aviation ecosystem. Sarma highlighted the urgent need for industrialisation to generate employment opportunities and attract Assam's youth back from other states. Furthermore, with the recent inauguration…

23 Feb

Encouraging findings: endangered fishing cats found thriving in Kaziranga

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) has unveiled the first scientific assessment of the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), confirming the globally vulnerable species, protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, thriving across its wetlands. KNPTR officials said that a study conducted by the Tiger Cell of Kaziranga in collaboration with Tiasa Adhya, scientist associated with the Fishing Cat Project, assessed the camera-trap images available from past All India Tiger Estimation data with two main objectives – determining if Fishing Cats are rare or common in Kaziranga, and estimating minimum individuals present. Altogether 57 unique individuals across…

22 Feb

Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop to Be Inaugurated by Union Minister Jitendra Singh in Guwahati on Feb 23

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In alignment with the Prime Minister's vision to improve the “Ease of Living” for pensioners and family pensioners, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) of the Government of India has launched several innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing pension policies and digitizing pension-related transactions. A significant aspect of this initiative will be the inauguration of the 58th Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop (PRC) by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, scheduled for February 23 at the Administrative Staff College in Guwahati. The PRC workshops serve as a valuable resource for retiring government employees, contributing directly…

22 Feb

CM Responds to Congress Criticism on Zubeen Garg Issue

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Chief Minister has vehemently responded to criticisms from the Congress party regarding the Zubeen Garg case, emphasizing the inappropriateness of politicizing such matters during elections. He highlighted the lack of genuine concern from Congress, questioning why Priyanka Gandhi did not donate blood on Zubeen's birthday or visit the families of 860 martyrs, stating that Congress has exploited the situation for political gain. He declared that leaders from his party would only visit Zubeen's site after the elections to avoid any perceptions of politicization. The Chief Minister asserted his intention not to visit Zubeen's location while elections are ongoing, indicating…

22 Feb

Former Assam Congress Leader Bhupen Borah Formally Joins Bharatiya Janata Party

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Former Congress leader Bhupen Kumar Borah formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at its Guwahati headquarters. After 32 years with Congress, Borah cited a divergence from the party's ideals as his reason for leaving. The event was attended by state BJP president Dilip Saikia and national vice president Baijayant Panda, who welcomed him. Borah predicted that many other Congress members would follow suit and join the BJP, suggesting that it would benefit them as they face decisions during the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. His departure marks a notable shift in the political landscape, as Borah aims to serve the…

22 Feb

Training on Wildlife Genetics, DNA Forensics to Be Held at Aaranyak Lab

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL) of Aaranyak is hosting an eight-day training program titled “Hands-on Training on Applications of DNA Technology in Wildlife Genetics and Forensics” from April 22 to 29, 2026, at its facility in Guwahati, Assam. The training will encompass a wide range of topics, including genetic sampling techniques, DNA extraction, selection of DNA markers, PCR, electrophoresis, and forensic species identification. WGL, recognized for its work in wildlife genetics and forensics under the BNSS, 2023, boasts eighteen years of experience with numerous research projects across Eastern India and has effectively contributed to wildlife crime resolution, having solved over 180…

22 Feb

Assam’s Credit Potential Estimated at ₹92,207.72 Cr for 2026–27: NABARD

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Assam Regional Office, held the State Credit Seminar 2026‑27 in Guwahati, focusing on the theme of “e-KCC driven Agriculture Credit Growth.” The seminar featured the launch of the State Focus Paper (SFP) 2026‑27 by Aruna Rajoria, Commissioner and Secretary of the Agriculture Department, which identifies a credit potential of Rs 92,207.72 crore for the financial year, allocating Rs 32,603.91 crore for Agriculture and Allied Activities, Rs 52,450.29 crore for the MSME sector, and Rs 7,153.51 crore for other priority sectors. Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD Assam RO, emphasized NABARD’s contributions…

22 Feb

NFR General Manager Reviews Safety Measures on Kamakhya–New Bongaigaon–Dangtal Rail Section

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Northeast Frontier Railway's General Manager, Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, conducted a safety inspection of the Kamakhya – New Bongaigaon – Dangtal section, spanning 154 km, to enhance operational safety and infrastructure reliability. Accompanied by senior officials, he evaluated track conditions, bridges, signalling and telecommunication systems, traction installations, level crossings, and station facilities. Key safety assets, including curves and points, were scrutinized to ensure compliance with safety standards. The General Manager engaged with railway officials and staff to gauge operational preparedness and safety awareness, while also assessing essential safety equipment at multiple sites. Inspections included a focus on stations at Nalbari, Barpeta…

21 Feb

Priyanka Gandhi Holds Strategy Meet with Assam Congress Leaders at 10 Janpath

Paromita EditorAssam

Senior Congress leader Ripun Bora on Friday said that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Chairperson of the Screening Committee for Assam, held extensive discussions with party leaders from the state ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking after a party meeting, Bora said Priyanka Gandhi recently visited Assam and interacted with leaders at every level, from block presidents to district presidents and PCC office-bearers. He said the chairpersons of four key committees constituted in view of the state elections were called to New Delhi for one-on-one discussions with her to deliberate on the overall political situation and election strategy. Suggestions were sought…