Assam - The Purbottar

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…

21 Feb

International Mother Language Day Observed at Bangladesh Assistant High Commissions in Guwahati and Agartala

Sonakshi SarkarAssam, Tripura

International Mother Language Day was observed today at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commissions in Guwahati and Agartala through various programmes marking the significance of February 21. In Guwahati, the observance began at 10 am with the laying of wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. Assistant High Commissioner Zikrul Hasan Fahad paid floral tributes to the martyrs. This was followed by the singing of Ekushey February songs in chorus. In the afternoon, a discussion on International Mother Language Day and an Iftar gathering will be organised. The programme will included the reading of messages from the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh,…

21 Feb

Bharatiya Janata Party Defends Eviction Drives, Accuses Indian National Congress of Misleading Voters Ahead of 2026 Polls

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday hit back strongly at the opposition after the Indian National Congress released its “Charge Sheet-2026” against the state government. The ruling party rejected the allegations and challenged senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to visit Assam and see what it called the “ground reality”.Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on February 20, BJP spokesperson Jayanta Kumar Goswami said the Congress document was politically motivated and far from the truth. He said the party was trying to mislead people ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Goswami invited Priyanka Gandhi to…

21 Feb

Naga Students’ Federation Objects to MHA Directive on ‘Vande Mataram’

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly opposed a recent directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mandating that the Indian National Song “Vande Mataram” be played or sung before the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana” at designated high-level official functions, including in schools. In a press release, NSF president Mteisuding Heraang and general secretary Kenilo Kent termed the MHA’s order an imposition that disregards the historical, political, and cultural realities of the Naga people. While acknowledging constitutional provisions such as Article 51A(a), the federation asserted that no authority could compel cultural or ideological conformity upon the Naga…

21 Feb

Victor Das Freed as Gauhati High Court Strikes Down NSA Detention

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Gauhati High Court has overturned the detention of Victor Das, who was apprehended by city police last September under the National Security Act (NSA). The court's division bench identified significant failures by the State Government in upholding constitutional rights as specified under Article 22(5) of the Constitution of India during the detention process. It highlighted an unreasonable and unexplained delay that hindered the petitioner's right to representation before the Detaining Authority, alongside the consideration and resolution of that representation by both State and Central Governments. The government's defense for the detention order cited credible evidence and confidential intelligence suggesting…

21 Feb

Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam reports a significant 84% drop in child marriages under 18

Banasree SarkarAssam

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that Assam has seen an 84% decrease in child weddings involving girls under the age of 18. He attributed the dramatic decline to persistent enforcement and targeted government engagement. According to the Chief Minister, who shared the X update, the administration's tough stance has started to have quantifiable outcomes. "We made the decision to take action, and the results are showing. We are safeguarding moms, preserving childhood, and guaranteeing accountability via consistent enforcement and unambiguous aim," he added. Sarma claims that the state has also seen a 91% decrease in child marriages between boys…

21 Feb

AKRSU Splits Again: New Central Committee Formed in Gossaigaon Amid Growing Dissent

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU), formed to demand the creation of a separate Kamatapur state, Scheduled Tribe status, and to address various pressing issues of the Koch Rajbongshi community, has once again witnessed a split despite earlier efforts at unification. After several attempts to bring together the divided factions, a new central committee was constituted on July 29, 2025, at Bongaigaon. The committee was formed with Kshitish Barman as Chief Adviser, Manoj Ray as President, and Balaram Barman as Secretary. However, within a year of its formation, the unified body has fragmented again, leading to the emergence of…