Assam - The Purbottar

02 Oct

Local Guides Made Mandatory at Manas National Park to Boost Community Employment

Preeti SinghAssam

In a major step towards sustainable eco-tourism, Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve has introduced a new conservation-first tourism model, aimed at balancing wildlife protection with community development. The initiative is expected to transform the tourism experience in the UNESCO World Heritage Site while ensuring that local communities become direct stakeholders in conservation efforts. Under the new model, trained local youth will now serve as mandatory guides for all visitor groups. The move is designed to create employment opportunities for forest-fringe communities while enabling tourists to gain deeper insights into the region’s biodiversity, culture and traditions. Authorities have also introduced…

02 Oct

Violence breaks out inside Assam’s Barpeta jail, guards fire in the air to control the situation

Preeti SinghAssam

A violent clash broke out between inmates and jail authorities inside Assam's Barpeta Jail, prompting guard to fire three rounds in the air to bring the situation under control.According to preliminary reports, the unrest began after inmates protested against alleged high-handedness by Assistant Jailor Kishor Haloi.The protest reportedly turned violent, with some inmates allegedly physically attacking Haloi and attempting to break through the second gate inside the jail premises.As the situation escalated, prison guards reportedly fired three rounds in the air to prevent the inmates from breaching the internal gate and to bring the situation under control.Barpeta Deputy Commissioner Navdeep…

02 Oct

Assam state zoo being redeveloped into world-class wildlife destination: minister

Paromita EditorAssam

Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Friday inspected the ongoing construction and development work at the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati and inaugurated the Wildlife Week 2026, highlighting the state government's efforts to transform the zoo into a leading wildlife destination with modern infrastructure and improved visitor facilities. During the visit, the Minister reviewed the progress of various construction works being undertaken at the zoo under the guidance of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He said several new facilities were being developed to enhance the zoo's infrastructure while preserving and utilising its natural environment. The Minister expressed…

01 Oct

Assam CM apologised to patient after his convoy halted ambulance in Silchar

Paromita EditorAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma apologised to a patient and his family after an ambulance was halted to make way for his convoy. He also asked the concerned officials to take firm action against those responsible and to constitute an inquiry.Taking action quickly, the government has suspended four police personnel who were on duty in that area. They had stopped the ambulance to make way for the Chief Minister.In a post on X on Wednesday, Sarma said, "Today in Silchar, an ambulance was halted to make way for my convoy. This is unacceptable, and I apologise to the patient and…

01 Oct

Assam MBBS Fee Hike Sparks Concern Among Students and Parents

Paromita EditorAssam

The Assam government's decision to sharply increase MBBS admission and tuition fees in state-run medical colleges has triggered widespread concern among students and parents, particularly those from middle-class and economically weaker families. Until last year, students pursuing MBBS in government medical colleges paid a government fee of around ₹2,400 annually, while the total amount payable, including institutional charges levied by individual colleges, was approximately ₹24,000 per year. However, under the revised fee structure, the government has introduced income-based categories and substantially increased admission and tuition fees. Under the new system, students from families with an annual income above ₹9 lakh…

01 Oct

‘Colours for vultures’ — a confluence of art and conservation in Jorhat

Paromita EditorAssam

A vibrant convergence of art and conservation titled ‘Colours of vultures’ for raising awareness for vulture conservation was organised by Aaranyak in collaboration with Universal Creative Point, Jorhat, at Gallery Vision Art, Asom in Jorhat. The exhibition that attracted around 30 artists and more than 50 artworks, used art as a powerful medium to raise awareness about vultures and their vital role in maintaining ecological balance. The initiative drew artists, conservationists, educators, students, nature enthusiasts and members of the public, creating an engaging platform for dialogue around wildlife conservation. The exhibition was coordinated by Wasima Begum of Aaranyak, and Nayanika…

01 Oct

Rangamati-Silchar Bus Veers Off NH-8 and Falls into Gorge in Sribhumi

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A bus travelling from Rangamati towards Silchar met with an accident at Berajal in Nilambazar area of Assam’s Sribhumi district after reportedly hitting a pothole on National Highway 8, which connects Assam with Tripura. According to the information available, the bus suddenly veered off the highway and plunged into a roadside gorge while travelling along the route. The accident occurred during the journey from Rangamati to Silchar. Initial reports indicate that the vehicle encountered a pothole on the highway before losing control and leaving the road. The bus then fell into the gorge beside the highway. The accident has once…

30 Sep

Global Design Leaders Gather at IIT Guwahati to Explore Sustainable and Inclusive Solutions

Preeti SinghAssam

The Department of Design at IIT Guwahati, in collaboration with the MIT Institute of Design, Pune, successfully hosted the inaugural edition of the International Conference on Design and Innovation Studies (INDIS 2026) from September 28 to 30 at the institute’s campus. The conference brought together researchers, industry experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs and design leaders from India and abroad to explore how design, technology and innovation can contribute to addressing complex social challenges through inclusive and sustainable solutions. The event was organised alongside Asia Design Week, marking the first time the international platform was held in India. The combined programme created a…

30 Sep

Lovlina Borgohain Storms Into Asian Games Final, Assures India of Silver

Paromita EditorAssam

Assam's star boxer Lovlina Borgohain booked her place in the women's 75kg gold-medal bout at the 2026 Asian Games after edging past Kazakhstan's Natalya Bogdanova 3-2 in a closely contested semifinal. The Olympic bronze medallist produced a determined performance to secure her second consecutive Asian Games final, guaranteeing India at least a silver medal in the category. With the achievement, Lovlina also became the first Indian woman boxer to reach back-to-back Asian Games finals. The 27-year-old had won the women's 75kg gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and will now have the opportunity to defend her title…

30 Sep

Assam cricket association holds agm; apl governing council constituted for 2026–27

Paromita EditorAssam

Assam Cricket Association (ACA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Guwahati on Tuesday, led by president Taranga Gogoi. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia graced the occasion as the special invitee. The meeting was attended by ACA secretary Sanatan Das, vice president Romen Dutta, joint secretary Rajendra Singh, treasurer Anupam Deka, members of the Apex Council, Mukutananda Bhattacharjya, and representatives from all affiliated district units. During the AGM, members approved the Secretary’s Report for 2025–26, adopted the Treasurer’s Report and audited accounts for the same period, and passed the annual budget for 2026–27. The appointment of the auditor for the new…