Guwahati - The Purbottar

31 Jan

Local Participation Helps Mitigate Human–Wildlife Conflict in Pobitora Landscape

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

A series of community-based initiatives around Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary have proven effective in decreasing human–animal conflict (HAC) and enhancing local support for the conservation of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Spanning 38.81 square kilometers, Pobitora is home to 107 rhinos, the highest density globally. Challenges for conservation arise from surrounding agrarian villages experiencing crop damage and safety threats from wild animals, particularly buffaloes and rhinos. Conservation organization Aaranyak, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and supported by IUCN (CAG), has initiated various strategies to mitigate these issues and promote coexistence. Key interventions include the installation of solar streetlights in…

30 Jan

Workshop to Strengthen SOPs on Floods, Extreme Heat Underway in Guwahati

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

A two-day State-Level Consultative Workshop for developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Flood and Extreme Heat is being organized by the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD), Government of Assam, in collaboration with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and UNICEF from Thursday. The workshop, being held in Guwahati, marks a critical step towards institutionalizing child and gender-responsive disaster preparedness in Assam, in alignment with the Assam DRR Roadmap 2030. Senior government officials, domain experts, academicians, development partners and field practitioners are attending the workshop to review and strengthen existing SOPs on floods and to draft a dedicated…

28 Jan

RGU Assam Gears Up to Host BCI National Moot Court Competition

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) is set to host the 38th Bar Council of India (BCI) National All India Inter-University Moot Court Competition from January 29 to 31, 2026, marking the first time this prestigious event is held in Northeast India. Organized by the Bar Council of India and the Bar Council of India Trust-Pearl First, the competition will attract law students from across the country, providing a significant platform for aspiring lawyers to develop their skills in legal research, drafting, oral advocacy, and courtroom decorum. The announcement was made during a press conference at RGU, where several prominent…

28 Jan

Eviction Remarks Spark Row: Bhumi Adhikar Party Targets CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

The Bhumi Adhikar Party (BAP) has condemned remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding eviction drives in the hills of Guwahati. The Chief Minister's statement asserted that eviction notices would be served exclusively to “Miyas” rather than indigenous Assamese hill residents. BAP leaders, including party president Prabin Jyoti Kalita, accused Sarma of engaging in “divisive politics” to polarize voters and curry favor with indigenous hill communities ahead of upcoming elections. During a press conference in Sorusajai, Kalita raised concerns over the denial of land patta applications under the Basundhara 2.0 and 3.0 schemes, questioning the government’s intentions…

28 Jan

Akhil Gogoi Slams ‘Luxury CM House’ Project in Amingaon

Sonakshi SarkarAssam, Guwahati

Akhil Gogoi, the president of the Raijor Dal and Sivasagar MLA, has publicly condemned the proposal to build a luxury official residence for the Chief Minister in Amingaon, likening it to a five-star hotel. Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, Gogoi articulated concerns that this initiative is part of a wider strategy to relocate several significant government institutions to the Jalukbari constituency. The planned construction in Amingaon is set to occupy approximately 25,100 square feet with three stories: 9,800 square feet on the ground floor, 8,500 square feet on the first floor, and 6,800 square feet on the second.…

22 Jan

Spa Centers Under Scanner as Guwahati Police Launch Major Crackdown

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

The Guwahati police executed coordinated raids on illegally operating spa centres allegedly involved in prostitution. These operations targeted specific areas under the jurisdiction of Paltanbazar, Panbazar, Chandmari, and Geetanagar Police Stations, following credible reports of illegal activities masquerading as legitimate spa and beauty services and involving the exploitation of women. Multiple police teams carried out the raids simultaneously, seizing objectionable materials while documenting the operation through videography and photography in the presence of independent witnesses. As a result, 10 individuals were arrested and 13 victims were rescued. Consequently, five cases have been filed, with ongoing investigations continuing into the matter.

21 Jan

Uzbek Movie to Kick Off Guwahati Asian Film Festival on January 22

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

The second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) will take place from January 22 at Jyoti Chitraban, showcasing 26 films from 10 Asian countries over four days. The opening film is the Uzbek feature 'Sunday', directed by Shokir Kholikov, complemented by the Indian premiere of the Japanese film 'S', directed by Masahiro Ota, and 'An Evening Ballad' by Bishal Swargiary in the Indian Showcase. Organized by Trending Now Media with support from NFDC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, GAFF 2026 aims to provide a rich exploration of Asian and Indian cinema, selecting films from over 200…

20 Jan

Northeast Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet Held in Guwahati by APEDA

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

The Northeast Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet, organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Assam Agriculture Department, took place in Guwahati. Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora inaugurated the event, emphasizing its significance for positioning Assam and the Northeast as global exporters of Agri-horticultural products. He highlighted the region’s export potential, showcasing products such as Joha rice, Komal Cahul, Black Rice, litchi, orange, ginger, and pineapple, all supported by organic farming practices. Bora noted that unlocking this potential necessitates strong infrastructure, market access, and collaboration, particularly through APEDA. He pointed out that Assam's…

19 Jan

IndiaSkills Regional Meet Opens in Guwahati, Inaugurated by Jayant Chaudhary

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary inaugurated the IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025-26 at Gauhati University, highlighting participation from youth across eight Northeastern states in 26 skills. This marks the first time the competition is held in the Northeast, offering local talent a chance to engage in a national-level contest. The event was attended by key officials, including Dr. Nani Gopal Mahanta and Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, emphasizing the region's growing skilling ecosystem under the Skill India Mission. Chaudhary asserted that the competition reflects the Prime Minister's focus on the Northeast, fostering regional confidence and showcasing youth potential. He noted the integration of skill…

19 Jan

Northeast to Host First-Ever India Skills Competition Starting Jan 19

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is conducting the Northeast Regional Competition of IndiaSkills 2025-26 at Gauhati University, starting Monday, which marks a pivotal development in India's skilling ecosystem. Inaugurated by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, this four-day event emphasizes the government's dedication to skill development and competitive excellence in emerging regions. It is notable as the inaugural IndiaSkills Regional Competition exclusively for the Northeastern states, with participants from all eight states competing across 26 skill categories. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, highlighted this initiative's aim to showcase regional talent and foster inclusion. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) collaborates as…