North East - The Purbottar

22 Jan

NFR–SBI Tie-Up Aims to Strengthen Cash Handling Safety and Transparency

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India (SBI) to enhance financial efficiency, safety, and transparency by introducing cash pick-up facilities at 400 stations within its network. The MoU was executed at the NFR Headquarters in Maligaon, Guwahati, in the presence of key officials, including General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava. This initiative marks a significant advancement in cash management practices for the railway system. Under the agreement, SBI will be responsible for creating a secure and systematic cash pick-up process from designated stations, ensuring the timely deposit of station earnings into…

12 Jan

Homes filled with festive preparations ahead of Magh Bihu

Banasree SarkarAssam, North East

Assamese homes are once again enveloped in the coziness of holiday preparations as Magh Bihu draws near. Families are busy preparing traditional dishes like laru and pitha in the kitchens starting early in the morning. These traditional recipes, which are made with rice flour, coconut, jaggery, and sesame, showcase Assam's rich cultural legacy and close ties to the harvest season. While exchanging experiences of previous Bihu festivities, elders mentor younger family members and impart traditional techniques. Homes are filled with the aroma of freshly made Bihu sweets, which evokes happiness and memories. In addition to food, Magh Bihu, also called…

10 Jan

In Sikkim, the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps begins a pilot program to deliver medications to veterans’ homes

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

As part of a pilot initiative to enhance veteran welfare, the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps has launched home delivery of essential medicines for entitled veterans through the ECHS Polyclinic in Gangtok. This project, in collaboration with the Department of Posts and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, aims to provide safe, timely, and hassle-free medication delivery, particularly for veterans in remote areas. The polyclinic has identified around 58 long-distance beneficiaries in South, North, and West Sikkim who struggle to collect their medicines due to challenging terrain and mobility issues, especially among the elderly and vulnerable. Following the pilot's success, the service…

10 Jan

786 students from NE visit ISRO centres under NE-SPARKS

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

A total of 786 students from the Northeast ISRO centers under the Northeast Students Programmed for Awareness, Reach, and Knowledge on Space (NE-SPARKS) in 2025. According to an official statement, NE-SPARKS was executed in eight batches between April 2025 and December 2025, with a minimum interval of one month between consecutive batches. Each batch comprises 90-100 students representing the eight Northeastern states, accompanied by 10 coordinators who facilitated and guided the educational journey. An initiative of the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region, Government of India, the Northeast Students Programmed for Awareness, Reach, and Knowledge on Space (NE-SPARKS) is a flagship initiative designed…

10 Jan

Historic milestone: Assam Don Bosco University set to launch Northeast’s first satellite

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

Northeast India’s first satellite, LACHIT-1, was launched aboard ISRO’s PSLV-C62 on January 12, marking a significant advancement in space technology for the region. Developed by Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space through its Polar Access-1 program, LACHIT-1 was created with the involvement of over 50 students and faculty from northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur. The satellite is named after Lachit Borphukan, an esteemed Ahom general, reflecting a deep historical connection. The satellite's creation involved students from ADBU (Assam Don Bosco University) working closely with Dhruva Space on various stages such as integration workflows, functional testing, and launch readiness.…

09 Jan

First highway-based emergency landing strip in Northeast coming up in Dibrugarh–Moran

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

Assam is poised to inaugurate its first highway-based emergency landing strip along the Dibrugarh–Moran stretch of the National Highway, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing the facility's launch in February. The project may receive a notable inauguration by the Prime Minister or the Defence Minister. Spanning 4.2 kilometers, the strip is capable of accommodating civilian aircraft as well as Indian Air Force fighter jets like the Sukhoi and Rafale. Sarma highlighted that this alternative landing option is crucial if Dibrugarh airport is inaccessible. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) is executing the project, which is unique…

09 Jan

Textiles Committee and NEHHDC sign MoU on IIPR protection

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

The Textiles Committee and the North Eastern Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (NEHHDC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the North Eastern Region Conclave in Guwahati. This MoU aims to protect unique products from the North Eastern states through Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), specifically Geographical Indications (GI) registration, and to foster post-GI initiatives. Key aspects of the MoU include collaborative development to strengthen the textiles, handloom, handicrafts, and khadi sectors, as well as initiatives to enhance the global visibility of Northeastern products. This effort is expected to empower artisans and weavers by safeguarding their traditional knowledge and craftsmanship, while…

08 Jan

Research reveals migration of one-horned rhinos to Northeast India from western and northern areas

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

The study on the Indian one-horned rhinoceros reveals that this species migrated to Northeast India from western and northern regions during the late Holocene period, driven by climate change and human activities. It traces the palaeoecological history of Kaziranga National Park, indicating that environmental degradation in the west forced herbivores eastward toward stable climatic conditions and abundant resources in Northeast India. The Holocene epoch, spanning the last 4,000–5,000 years, shows that one-horned rhinos were once prevalent across northern India, particularly along the Himalayan foothills, with a range extending into present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. Approximately 3,200–3,300 years ago, the Kaziranga area…

08 Jan

NSS volunteers pay educational visit to HQ IGAR (East) at Silchar

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

On January 4, 2026, Assam Rifles hosted a visit for 350 students and their teachers from the National Service Scheme (NSS) representing seven North Eastern states at HQ IGAR (East) in Silchar, Assam. The event featured a captivating Khukri dance that showcased the warrior spirit of the troops. Attendees were exposed to a weapon display, enhancing their understanding of various weapons used by the Assam Rifles. Additionally, a drone display educated the students about types of drones, their applications, and their advantages in operational tasks. The visit included tours of living, training, and administrative areas, providing firsthand insights into the…

07 Jan

Himanta Flags Potential Fallout in Assam Amid Bangladesh Violence

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concerns on Wednesday regarding the political instability in Bangladesh and its potential negative impact on Assam. He highlighted the ongoing presence of jihadi elements in the state, suggesting that some may operate as sleeper cells. Sarma emphasized that recent unrest and targeted violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh is alarming, citing that Hindus are facing increasing harassment and attacks. Given the situation, he urged caution and a proactive monitoring of events across the border. According to the 2022 census, the Hindu population in Bangladesh is approximately 13.13 million, representing about 7.95% of…