Guwahati - The Purbottar

05 Feb

Assam to Take Up Full Electoral Roll Revision Post Elections

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 4 said that a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state will be carried out in a very detailed and proper manner after the Assembly elections are completed. He said the proposed exercise will be much more extensive than the revision process that is currently going on in the state.The Chief Minister made the statement while speaking to reporters after attending an official programme at Sonari. He said that at present, Assam is undergoing a Special Revision of the electoral rolls, but this should not be confused with…

03 Feb

Machine Learning Drives New IIT Guwahati–UK Framework for CRM-Free Metal Alloys

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, collaborating with various universities, have developed a machine learning-based approach for creating advanced metal alloys that exclude Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). This method is aimed at identifying sustainable, high-performance alloys less reliant on fragile supply chains. High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs), which balance multiple metals in their composition, have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional alloys, often used in critical industries like aerospace and nuclear power. However, many HEAs utilize CRMs, which present challenges due to their limited availability and environmental impact. To tackle this issue, the team formulated a machine learning-assisted framework that…

02 Feb

Robbery Accused Injured in Police Firing in Guwahati

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

One of the accused arrested in connection with a robbery, was shot and injured by police when he allegedly tried to escape from custody. The injured accused, identified as Madhab Das, and two others -- Subhash Das and Kartik Sharma Lakhon -- were arrested by police for their alleged role in a robbery incident at Nirupama Enclave at Bertola area of Guwahati on the night of January 30. Police said they recovered cash amounting to Rs 15.56 lakh from the accused. Preliminary investigation indicated that Madhab Das was the alleged mastermind behind the robbery, police said. During a follow-up operation…

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…