North East - The Purbottar

31 Dec

Nalanda Literature Festival 2025 Concludes, Reaffirming Nalanda’s Legacy as a Global Centre of Learning

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

Rajgir, Bihar: The Nalanda Literature Festival (NLF) 2025 concluded on December 25 at the Rajgir Convention Centre, marking five days of rich literary dialogue, cultural performances, and intellectual engagement inspired by the legacy of the ancient Nalanda University. The festival brought together writers, scholars, artists, and thinkers from across India, with a special focus on voices from Bihar and the North East. The festival was inaugurated in the presence of Bihar Governor Shri Arif Mohammad Khan and noted author Dr. Shashi Tharoor, who emphasized the enduring relevance of literature, language, and critical thought in shaping society. Speakers highlighted Nalanda’s historic…

23 Dec

Tata Motors’ integrated village development programme empowers Chandrakant to become a Lakhpati kisan

Business BureauNorth East

For decades, farmers across rural and tribal belts in India have struggled with water scarcity, unpredictable monsoon patterns and limited livelihood opportunities. Chandrakant Sonya Andher, a farmer from a tribal hamlet in Jawhar block of Palghar district, lived through the same reality. With only matriculation education and two acres of rainfed land, he faced uncertain crop yields and limited income. The remaining land on his property stayed uncultivable due to lack of irrigation, forcing him to migrate seasonally to nearby cities for construction and other manual labour jobs. The turning point arrived when Tata Motors introduced its Integrated Village Development…

23 Dec

KHRC Flags Rights Violations Against Bawm-Kuki Tribe in Bangladesh, Appeals for Global Intervention

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

The Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC), which advocates for indigenous rights, has made grave accusations against the Bangladesh Army, claiming severe human rights violations against the Bawm-Kuki tribe in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). In a statement released on December 22, the KHRC detailed a series of abuses allegedly perpetrated by Bangladeshi security forces, including unlawful arrests, custodial torture, and killings conducted under the guise of security operations in the region. These actions have instigated a palpable climate of fear amongst Bawm-Kuki villagers and suggest a systemic pattern of persecution targeting indigenous communities. The council highlighted a notable incident involving…

20 Dec

Prof Saroj Kanta Barik Appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor of NEHU

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

In response to significant concerns regarding the administration at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Prof. Saroj Kanta Barik, the senior-most professor from the Department of Botany, has been appointed as the Acting Vice-Chancellor. This action was precipitated by a formal request from various statutory bodies and unions within NEHU, including the NEHU Teachers’ Association and the NEHU Students’ Union, amid ongoing issues at the institution. The appointment aligns with Statute 2(A)5(i) of the NEHU Act, which empowers the senior-most professor to fulfill the Vice-Chancellor's duties until the official commencement of the incumbent. The urgency of this decision is underscored by the…

19 Dec

Airbnb has announced exclusive behind-the-scenes Experiences for Lollapalooza India 2026

Business BureauNorth East

As part of its first-ever global live music partnership, Airbnb is introducing one-of-a-kind Experiences at Lollapalooza India 2026, set to take place in Mumbai on January 24 and 25 at Mahalaxmi Racecourse, to bring guests closer to the music they love. This marks an exciting new chapter for Airbnb in India, reinforcing its commitment to connecting people through travel, culture, and creativity. From backstage tours and artist-led creative sessions to behind-the-scenes access guided by a Lollapalooza India Insider, each Experience offers an unforgettable glimpse into the world behind one of India’s most anticipated music festivals. “Live music and travel have…

17 Dec

AIIMS Guwahati Becomes Northeast India’s First ATLS Provider Centre, Boosting Trauma Care Training

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Guwahati has reached an important milestone in healthcare education by becoming the first institution in Northeast India to be accredited as an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Provider Centre. The recognition is expected to play a key role in improving trauma care and emergency medical response across the region. The accreditation has been achieved under the leadership of Prof. (Col.) Ashok Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati. With this approval, the institute has formally joined the national and international network of centres authorised to conduct structured ATLS training for doctors involved in…

15 Dec

Kolkata sees employers brace for higher health costs as India’s 2026 medical trend hits 11.5%

editorNorth East

Employers across Kolkata are preparing for another year of rising employee healthcare expenses, as India’s medical trend rate is expected to reach 11.5% in 2026, according to Aon’s latest Global Medical Trend Rates Report. The projection marks a slight moderation from 13% in 2025 but still remains above the global average of 9.8%. Local HR managers and insurance brokers say this rise is already influencing budgeting discussions in major Kolkata business districts such as Sector V and Dalhousie. Companies are reassessing benefit plans as cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal issues and cancer continue to be the biggest cost drivers. Hypertension and poor…

05 Dec

Early Detection: Why 2025 Still Sees Late Cancer Diagnoses — And How Families Can Avoid These Delays

editorNorth East

By Dr. Shibangi Das, BAMS, MD, PFCP (MUHS), DEMS, Ayurvedacharya, D.S. Research Centre, Kolkata Cancer outcomes improve dramatically when detected early — yet in 2025, hospitals across India, including D.S. Research Centre , continue to receive a high percentage of patients in advanced stages. Most delays are not due to lack of facilities, but due to lack of awareness about early symptoms. Why Patients Still Arrive Late Ignoring subtle symptoms Fatigue, unexplained pain, weight loss, indigestion, or bleeding are often dismissed as “normal weakness” or “age-related issues.” Fear of diagnosis Many families avoid screening because they fear the possibility of cancer. Social…

03 Dec

NCB Seizes ₹12.5 Crore Heroin in Assam; Two Arrested in Riverine Trafficking Bust

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

In a major crackdown on an international drug cartel, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized heroin worth ₹12.5 crore in Assam that was being smuggled into India through riverine routes from Myanmar. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the operation, a senior NCB official said on Tuesday. The NCB’s Guwahati Zonal Unit, acting on specific intelligence and conducting prolonged surveillance, launched a joint operation with the CRPF and Assam Police. The agencies traced an illicit consignment that was being transported through dense forest routes in Manipur and ferried along the Barak river by small motorboats to evade…

02 Dec

At WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025, India finishes strong, secures 8th rank in its first-ever participation

Purbalee DuttaNorth East

India achieved a major milestone on the global skills map by securing the 8th position in its first-ever appearance at the WorldSkills Asia Competition (WSAC) 2025 held in Chinese Taipei. Competing against 28 other nations, the Indian contingent demonstrated strong discipline and innovation across 21 skill categories. Led by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the team included 23 competitors and 21 experts, backed by NSDC and technical partners. India bagged one Silver, two Bronze medals and three Medallions for Excellence. Muskan won Silver in Painting & Decorating, while Komal Panda earned Bronze in Industrial Design Technology. In…