North East - The Purbottar

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…

02 Jan

Centre Claims 70% Drop in Violence Across Northeast During Modi Regime

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

There has been a significant reduction in violence in the North East region of India, with a 70% decrease in violent incidents and an impressive 85% reduction in civilian casualties since the Modi government took office. The Central government has emphasized the establishment of peace in the area, alongside cultural development through the promotion of various events and activities. Regarding the situation in Manipur, the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is fully committed to achieving lasting peace and is dedicated to providing necessary assistance to this end.

02 Jan

Supreme Court Moved with PIL Over Racial Attacks on People from Northeast

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court to seek judicial intervention for addressing racial discrimination and violence against citizens from northeastern states and other frontier regions of India. This legal action follows the tragic killing of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, who died on December 26 from injuries sustained in a racially motivated attack in Dehradun. Anjel, originally from the Unakoti district, was stabbed in front of his younger brother, Michael, after moving to Dehradun for his studies. His family demands capital punishment or life imprisonment for the accused. The PIL is filed…

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…