News - The Purbottar

26 Feb

Protest Against Ferro-Silicon Plant Enters Third Day in East Siang, Two Fall Ill

riya EditorNews

The indefinite hunger strike launched by mothers of Ngorlung and Ralung villages against the ferro-silicon plant at the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) in East Siang district entered its fourth on Thursday, with two protesters falling ill during the agitation. The two women were admitted to the Community Health Centre (First Referral Unit) in Ruksin on Wednesday morning after their health condition deteriorated. Several elderly women are among those participating in the ongoing strike, which is being held at the Ralung village community hall. The protesters are demanding the relocation of the ferro-silicon factory from their area, alleging that the…

25 Feb

7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count logs over 1.05 lakh birds, Smew steals spotlight

riya EditorNews

Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a conservation legacy of over 119 years, is globally celebrated for its rich biodiversity. Beyond being home to the iconic Big Five mammals, the Tiger Reserve harbours more than 500 bird species, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers. The landscape comprises extensive terrestrial and aquatic habitats and includes two Important Bird Areas — Kaziranga National Park (IBA Code: IN-AS-03) and Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries (IBA Code: IN-AS-02) — both internationally recognized for their importance to migratory and resident waterbirds. The waterbird census, first initiated in 2018-19 by the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve…

25 Feb

Royal Bengal Tiger carcass discovered in Kaziranga

riya EditorNews

An adult male Royal Bengal Tiger was found dead in Kaziranga National Park, marking the fifth tiger death this year. Discovered by staff from the Lahorijan Anti-Poaching Camp during routine patrols, the carcass was in an advanced stage of decomposition. However, remains including bones, skin, nails, and teeth were intact, showing no immediate evidence of poaching. A post-mortem examination indicated that the death was likely due to natural causes, possibly from old age, according to Sonali Ghosh, the park's Director. Samples for forensic analysis were collected, and the carcass was disposed of by burning as per protocol. Kaziranga, home to…

12 Feb

Litan Burning Incident: NSCN (I-M) Accuses Forces of “Scorched-Earth Tactics”

Sonakshi SarkarNews

NSCN (I-M) has made allegations through its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) claiming that Kuki militants utilized “scorched-earth tactics” alongside Indian security forces during the recent Litan burning incident. The group condemned the narrative presented by Kuki organizations as misleading, asserting that security personnel were complicit in the arson. They contended that the incident was triggered by an attack on a Tangkhul individual by “Kuki drunkards,” which subsequently led to targeted assaults on Tangkhul homes. The NSCN (I-M) statement accused some security personnel of joining the Kuki attackers, with reports of individuals wearing masks to conceal their identities. The…

11 Feb

Authorities Hunt Second Tiger Following Deadly Man–Animal Conflict in Meha

Sonakshi SarkarNews

Efforts are underway to capture the remaining sub-adult tiger involved in a human–tiger conflict that resulted in a fatality on February 2. Following this incident, forest officials identified two sub-adult tigers as “problem animals.” One tiger was found deceased on February 4, leaving the second tiger still at large, as reported by Mito Rumi, the Divisional Forest Officer for the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary. In response, a joint team has been formed that includes members from the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibang Territorial Division, Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves, Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) in Pakke, Itanagar Biological Park, and…

10 Feb

Middle Subansiri Project Gets Green Signal as Lower Subansiri Units Begin Power Generation

Sonakshi SarkarNews

With two units of the Lower Subansiri Hydro Power Project already generating commercial electricity and a third unit set to come online shortly, NHPC has received all necessary clearances from the Central Government to begin construction of the Middle Subansiri Hydroelectric Project. At the same time, preliminary studies are underway for the proposed Upper Subansiri project. Official sources confirmed that the Government of India has granted investment clearance for the Middle Subansiri project, which is expected to generate more than 1,600 MW of power. Environmental clearance has also been secured, and the tendering process for construction has already begun. Regarding…

06 Feb

Indian Delegation to Attend World Defence Show 2026 Under RRM’s Leadership

Sonakshi SarkarNews

Shri Sanjay Seth, the Raksha Rajya Mantri (RRM) of India, is set to lead a prominent Indian delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the third World Defense Show (WDS) scheduled for February 8–9, 2026. This international show aims to host over 700 exhibitors and around 400 official delegations from various countries, marking a critical event in global defense. A highlight of India's participation will be the inauguration of the first-ever India Pavilion, covering an area of 400 square meters. This pavilion will display India's growing capabilities in defense manufacturing and technology, featuring key public sector enterprises such as…

05 Feb

Witnesses tell Singapore court Zubeen Garg did not appear drunk before fatal swim

Sonakshi SarkarNews

Seven witnesses testified at the Singapore Coroner’s Court regarding the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg during the second hearing. They asserted that Garg did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol when he arrived at Capo Bay Marina on September 19, 2025, the day of the drowning. Six witnesses who were aboard the yacht with Garg offered similar accounts about the events leading up to his entry into the water, although there were variations in the details of his alcohol consumption. One witness remarked that Garg "did not appear intoxicated" and was only taking small sips of…

04 Feb

NDC Officers Tour Serchhip, Thenzawl on Official Visit

Sonakshi SarkarNews

A team of 17 officers from the National Defence College (NDC) visited Serchhip and Thenzawl districts of Mizoram as part of their 'Understanding India Study Tour'. The delegation included officers from India, Germany, Maldives, Morocco, Russia, and Nepal. They held a meeting with Serchhip District Commissioner Paul L. Khuma and district officials and leaders of local civil society organizations. The delegation was briefed on the district's profile, government initiatives, tourism potential, agricultural and horticulture developments, rural development programs, education scenario, and law and order measures. An interactive session was also held to raise questions and seek clarifications. The delegation then…

02 Feb

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia Named New Chief of Eastern Air Command

Sonakshi SarkarNews

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has taken over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF). An alumnus of the National Defense Academy, he was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the IAF on June 11, 1988, and is highly skilled, being qualified on all variants of MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar, and Su-30 MKI aircraft. Over his distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, he has accumulated over 3200 hours of accident-free flying and has held various significant Command and Staff appointments. He has commanded a MiG-27 Squadron, led the Tactics…