Assam - The Purbottar

16 Jan

Magh Bihu Celebrations in Morigaon See Buffalo Fights in Defiance of SC Order

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

As part of the Magh Bihu celebrations, traditional buffalo fights, known locally as "Moh juj," were staged in some parts of the Morigaon district in central Assam, despite a Supreme Court ban on animal duels.According to reports in the local media, locals took part in the celebrations, which were held at Baidyabori and Ahatguri. District officials declined to comment, stating that the case is pending.Owners of around forty pairs of buffaloes took them to Baidyabori, where some fights reportedly lasted more than twenty minutes. At Ahatguri, thirty-three buffalo couples fought in fight, attracting large crowds of spectators to see the…

15 Jan

ASSAM GOVERNOR BATS FOR PROMOTION OF NATION’S GI HERITAGE

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the GI Mahotsav, titled, “Promoting India’s Heritage through GI Products”, at the Arya Vidyapeeth College Ground in Guwahati on Thursday.The GI Mahotsav is an initiative of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) with the support of the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME).Speaking on the occasion, Governor Acharya expressed happiness for being able to be a part in the GI Festival, which celebrates India’s rich heritage through its distinctive Geographical Indication (GI) products.He said the Mahotsav is a tribute to 'Vocal for local'…

15 Jan

70 MW solar power project inaugurated in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today inaugurated a 70-MW solar power project at Khudigaon, Bilasipara in Dhubri district of Assam, marking a major renewable energy milestone for the state.Built by SJVN Green Energy at a cost over Rs 350 crore, the project is expected to significantly boost Assam's solar capacity towards its 2030 targets. "Assam has set a solar energy target of 3,500 MW by 2030. Today, our solar capacity has reached 680 MW and by April we will touch 750 MW, steadily advancing towards a sustainable, clean energy future," CM Sarma said after inaugurating the project.The project is expected to…

15 Jan

Assam: Gateway to the North-East Gets a Modern Makeover

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Over the past decade, Assam’s railway network has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a key driver of infrastructure-led growth in eastern and North-Eastern India. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways has shifted from ageing and uneven connectivity to a future-ready, integrated system. At the heart of this change is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the world’s largest railway station redevelopment programme. More than 1,300 stations across India are being modernised under the scheme, with redevelopments going beyond cosmetic upgrades to include modern passenger amenities, Divyangjan-friendly facilities, digital information systems, and architecture inspired by local heritage.…

15 Jan

Assam Govt to Act Against Middlemen as CM Fixes Paddy Procurement Price, Proposes Local Rice Mills

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday issued a strong warning to traders and buyers against exploiting farmers during the ongoing paddy procurement season, saying the state government will not tolerate the purchase of paddy below the fixed government rate. Speaking to the media in Diphu on January 14, the Chief Minister said the Assam government has fixed the procurement price of paddy at ₹2,670 per quintal and made it clear that this price is final and non-negotiable. He said any trader, miller or private buyer found purchasing paddy at a lower rate would face strict legal action. Dr.…

15 Jan

In Assam, World Bank approves loans worth USD 680 million for three key development projects

Banasree SarkarAssam

Three major development projects in Assam have received loans totaling USD 680 million from the World Bank. These initiatives are intended to improve governance and service delivery, increase education and workforce preparedness throughout the state, and build climate resilience. The Washington-based multilateral lender said in a statement on January 15 that its Board of Executive Directors approved the projects on Tuesday to assist Assam in responding to extreme weather events, enhance public administration, and give over four million students the skills they need to be successful in the workforce. The biggest element is the USD 350 million Assam Disaster Resilient…

14 Jan

ARMED FORCES VETERANS DAY CELEBRATED IN GUWAHATI

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day was celebrated at the Air Force Station in Guwahati on Wednesday by paying tributes to the valiant veterans of the Indian Armed Forces.The event was graced by Air Marshal Surat Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief (AOC-in-C), Eastern Air Command as the chief guest, who lauded the enduring legacy of selfless service and sacrifices made by ex-servicemen in safeguarding the nation, a statement issued by the PRO Defence on Wednesday said.The ceremony commenced with a wreath-laying at the War Memorial by the AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command.Addressing over 1500 veterans, serving personnel, veer naris and families,…

14 Jan

BJP slams Assam Cong over now-deleted Bhogali Bihu post

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The BJP today launched a scathing attack on the Assam Congress for posting an AI-generated image on X showing the Assam BJP headquartersi in flames.However, the post was later deleted.The BJP’s Assam unit shared a screenshot of the deleted post on X and said removing it did not change the message the Congress was trying to convey.“Deleting the post doesn't nullify what you are trying to imply @INCAssam. You're EXPOSED,” the party said.The BJP accused the Congress of using a cultural greeting to push a provocative political narrative.As per the screenshot, the post featured the burning image of BJP sate office in…

14 Jan

Bengal and Assam will shortly see the introduction of nine Amrit Bharat Express trains

Banasree SarkarAssam

With a renewed effort to enhance the rail travel experience for both regular and long-distance customers, Indian Railways is poised to reach a major milestone in the next year. Indian Railways plans to launch nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains from Assam and West Bengal, combining comfort and affordability to expand the network of contemporary, non-AC long-distance services targeted directly at the average traveler. By traveling through heavily populous states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and reaching distant locations in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, these new services would improve connectivity from the eastern and northeastern areas to important parts…

14 Jan

Bulbuli Bird Fights Cancelled in Kamrup Ahead of Magh Bihu Following Gauhati High Court Ruling

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Kamrup district administration has once again prohibited the holding of bulbuli bird fights anywhere in the district during the upcoming Magh Bihu celebrations. The ban has been imposed to ensure strict compliance with existing court orders and wildlife protection laws. The order was issued by Kamrup District Magistrate Dev Kumar Mishra by exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. It applies to all parts of the district, with special attention on Hajo, where the traditional bird fight has been associated with Magh Bihu festivities for decades. According to the administration, the decision follows a clear…