Assam - The Purbottar

23 Apr

Experts Convene at Cotton University to Save Critically Endangered White-Bellied Heron

Paromita EditorAssam

Conservation experts, scientists, and forest officials gathered at Cotton University on Monday and Tuesday to chart a roadmap for protecting the critically endangered White-bellied heron, whose global population is estimated to be fewer than 50 individuals. The two-day workshop was organised by the Nature Conservation Foundation and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, forest department officials, and community representatives. The White-bellied heron—scientifically known as Ardea insignis—is found across parts of India, China, Myanmar, and Bhutan. In India, its presence is limited to Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Kamlang Tiger Reserve, and parts of Anjaw district.…

22 Apr

Indian Army Organises ‘Green Canvas Challenge’ At Rupai On Earth Day

Paromita EditorAssam

On the occasion of Earth Day, the Indian Army’s Red Shield Gunners, under the aegis of Spear Corps, organised the Green Canvas Challenge—a painting competition at Reflection Senior Secondary School, Rupai, to promote environmental awareness among students. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across various classes, who expressed their ideas on themes such as environmental conservation, climate change and preservation of natural resources. The artworks reflected creativity, awareness and a strong sense of responsibility towards protecting the environment. The initiative aimed to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly practices and contribute towards a sustainable future. Army representatives encouraged students…

22 Apr

Assam Mourns Loss of Literary Stalwarts Sukumar Bagchi and Nitya Bora

Paromita EditorAssam

Assam’s literary and journalistic community is in mourning following the demise of two eminent figures—Sukumar Bagchi and Nitya Bora—whose contributions left a lasting impact on the state’s cultural and intellectual landscape.Sukumar Bagchi, who passed away last night, was a distinguished elocutionist, writer, and language activist. He played a pivotal role in promoting Bengali language and culture in the Barak Valley. Known for his unwavering commitment to correct spelling, pronunciation, and recitation, Bagchi mentored generations of writers and cultivated a culture of linguistic discipline.Through his association with the magazine Samay Prabah, he inspired many young writers to enter the world of…

22 Apr

GM of NFR Conducts Comprehensive Safety Inspection of Bairabi-Badarpur-Patharkhola Sections under Lumding Division Ahead of Monsoon

Paromita EditorAssam

The General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Shri Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Bairabi-Badarpur and Badarpur-Patharkhola sections under Lumding Division on 21st April 2026. The inspection was carried out as part of an on-going safety drive and review of infrastructural preparedness, particularly in view of the approaching monsoon season. During the inspection, a detailed window trailing inspection of the tracks was undertaken to assess track fitness and the structural integrity of the sections. This exercise is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring resilience of railway infrastructure against monsoon related challenges such as waterlogging, soil erosion…

22 Apr

Assam Filmmaker’s Movie Selected For Guadalajara International Film Festival In Mexico

Paromita EditorAssam

Assam-born filmmaker, writer and actor Rajdeep Choudhury’s film, A Teacher’s Gift, has been selected for the 41st Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico, where it will be screened on April 24 as part of the Premio Maguey section, one of the festival’s prominent competitive strands.Regarded as one of the leading film festivals in Latin America, the Guadalajara International Film Festival has, over the years, showcased a diverse range of global cinema and emerging voices, making it a significant platform for international filmmakers.Each year, it draws a wide international audience and showcases films across multiple competitive and non-competitive sections.Directed by Artur…

22 Apr

“We Want Justice,” Says Anita Deka Mahanta While Backing Zubeen Garg During Bail Proceedings

Paromita EditorAssam

Amid ongoing legal proceedings related to the death of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, Anita Deka Mahanta on April 22 strongly defended her husband, Shyamkanu Mahanta, asserting that he has no involvement in the case and that the family is also seeking justice. Speaking to the media, Anita said Mahanta’s bail plea was being heard in a fast-track sessions court in Guwahati and expressed hope that he would receive relief. She alleged that her husband has been “wrongly incarcerated” for the past seven months. “Innocent people have been put behind bars. He has been in jail for no fault of…

22 Apr

Himanta Biswa Sarma Condoles Death of Assam BSF Jawan in Ladakh

riya EditorAssam

Assam bade a tearful adieu to a BSF jawan from the state who died in Ladakh while on duty. Ramen Baruah of Sivasagar district had a fatal fall during intense snowfall on April 18 and his body got buried deep under snow. It took two days to retrieve his mortal remains, which finally reached his home on Tuesday. "Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of BSF Jawan Shri Ramen Baruah of Chintamani Gaon, Sivasagar, who laid down his life while serving the nation in Ladakh," Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on his X handle today. "The nation salutes his…

22 Apr

Four Dead in Guwahati Flood Chaos; Magisterial Probe Ordered into Maligaon Incident

riya EditorAssam

At least four deaths have been reported in Guwahati following heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging, prompting authorities to launch multiple investigations, including a magisterial inquiry. Three bodies were recovered from different parts of the city on Tuesday. While officials have not conclusively linked the deaths to flooding, preliminary findings suggest they may be connected to recent artificial flood conditions. According to police, all three individuals had been missing since Sunday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Balin Deuri said the bodies were recovered from the Basistha River, Mora Bharalu River, and a pond near Lachitgarh. Two of the deceased have been…

22 Apr

Supreme Court Upholds Acquittal in 2017 Hojai Rape-Murder Case Over Probe Lapses

riya EditorAssam

The Supreme Court of India has acquitted Moinul Haque, the prime accused in the 2017 rape and murder of a primary school headmistress in Hojai district, citing major lapses in the police investigation and prosecution. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta upheld the 2022 verdict of the Gauhati High Court, which had acquitted Haque of charges of rape and murder. The apex court dismissed the appeal filed by the Assam government challenging the acquittal. In its judgment, the court observed that the arrest of the accused was “shrouded in a cloud of doubt” and pointed out serious…

21 Apr

Indian Army And NDRF Conduct Joint Flood Relief Training ‘Exercise Jal Raksha-II’ At Sivasagar

Paromita EditorAssam

The Indian Army’s Red Shield Gunners, under the aegis of Spear Corps, conducted Exercise Jal Raksha-II, a joint flood relief training exercise with the NDRF on 20–21 April 2026. The exercise aimed at enhancing operational preparedness and strengthening inter-agency coordination for effective response to flood-related emergencies. The training commenced with briefings on the composition and operational capabilities of Flood Relief Columns, followed by inputs from NDRF on disaster response procedures. Practical demonstrations of rescue equipment and techniques enabled participants to familiarise themselves with standard flood relief protocols. On the second day, activities included ground and drone-based reconnaissance, establishment of a…