Assam Insight

14/07/2023

Several districts in lower Assam are on high alert following an announcement by the Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC) of Bhutan regarding the Reservoir scouring of the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant. The DGPC has planned to release water stored in the reservoir in a controlled manner on July 14, starting from 12 AM and expected to be completed by 9 AM.

In response to this development, the Chief Minister of Assam took to Twitter to inform that the Royal Government of Bhutan has provided information about the excess release of water from the Kurichu Dam. The district administrations in Assam have been alerted to remain vigilant and extend necessary assistance to the people in case of any potential breaches in the Beki and Manas rivers.

These precautionary measures aim to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents in the affected areas and minimize any potential risks associated with the controlled release of water from the Kurichhu reservoir.

11/07/2023

The Assam state government has made a significant announcement by officially declaring the transformation of seven colleges from different districts into state universities. This move aims to provide students with improved and advanced higher education infrastructure facilities.

The following are the seven colleges that will be upgraded to state universities:

1. Sibsagar College (Autonomous), Sivsagar.
2. Gurucharan College, Silchar.
3. Jagannath Barooah College (Autonomous), Jorhat.
4. Kokrajhar Govt College, Kokrajhar.
5. North Lakhimpur College (Autonomous), Lakhimpur.
6. Nowgong College (Autonomous), Nagaon.
7. Bongaigaon College, Bongaigaon.

The announcement also highlights several significant benefits that will be provided to the students:

1. Implementation of the latest teaching methods as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
2. Development of infrastructure and an increase in the number of seats for students.
3. Promotion of multidisciplinary education.
4. Encouragement of research and academic collaborations.
5. Expansion of postgraduate (PG) seats and enhancement of cooperation between undergraduate (UG) and PG courses.
6. Effective utilization of faculty members for teaching UG and PG courses.

This transformation is expected to elevate the quality of higher education in Assam and provide students with enhanced opportunities for learning and research.

11/07/2023

According to a recent report by Goldman Sachs, India is expected to become the world's second-largest economy by 2075, surpassing Japan, Germany, and even the United States. The analysis suggests that India's GDP will experience significant growth as its population, currently at 1.4 billion people, becomes the largest in the world. While India currently ranks as the fifth-largest economy globally, the report highlights the need to harness the country's growing population and maximize its potential.

11/07/2023

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the construction of the world's tallest statue of Bir Lachit Barphukan is on track to be completed by January 2024. The statue, located in Hollongapar, Jorhat district, will stand at a height of 125 feet and will be accompanied by a museum dedicated to the history of the Ahom dynasty

11/07/2023

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has announced that the flyovers at Boragaon and Lalmati in Guwahati will be open to the public before August 15, ahead of the initial deadline. The project, part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative, involves the transformation of the four-lane Guwahati Bypass into a six-lane road.

The project includes the construction of four 6-lane flyovers at Boragaon, Gorchuk, Lokhra, and Basistha, along with six lanes of approaches from Jalukbari Point to Basistha Chariali. The entire project, covering a length of 16.448 kilometers, will be executed on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) basis.

The Guwahati Bypass will see a significant increase in its width, expanding from four lanes to six lanes, with three lanes on each side. Service lanes and roadside drains will also be introduced to enhance functionality and safety.

The NHAI has allocated estimated budgets for each flyover: Rs. 25.32 crore for Boragaon, Rs. 25.64 crore for Gorchuk, Rs. 31.83 crore for Lokhra, and Rs. 28.89 crore for Basistha.

The project's consultant is M/S TPF Engineering Pvt. Ltd. in association with M/S MAV Associates LLP, while the construction contractor is M/S Dhariwal Buildtech Ltd.

The completion of these flyovers will significantly improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion in Guwahati, benefiting both commuters and the overall transportation system.

11/07/2023

An Axis Bank branch located at Teddim Road in Lamka Town, Churachandpur district of Manipur, was found looted on Monday. The bank had been closed for over two months due to the violence that occurred in the state on May 3.

According to reports, the bank staff discovered the looting when they reopened the branch. An estimated amount of Rs 1.25 crore in cash, along with gold ornaments valued at over Rs 1 crore and a computer, were reported to be stolen.

A hole was found drilled in the rear side of the bank, believed to be the entry point used by the unidentified looters. The bank authorities have lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the police regarding the incident.

Investigations are underway to identify the culprits and bring them to justice.

11/07/2023

In a distressing incident at the state headquarters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Guwahati, a leader associated with the party's SC Morcha has been accused of harassing a female member. The incident raises concerns about the BJP's commitment to their slogan of "Save Daughter, Educate Daughter."

The victim, a woman party worker holding a secretary-level position within the BJP, has alleged harassment by Jyotish Baniya, a secretary of the BJP's SC Morcha. Baniya was appointed to the party secretary role approximately two to three months ago.

The woman filed a written complaint with the party leadership, describing instances of verbal and physical abuse by Baniya. She also claims that he made indecent gestures towards her, which she rejected. Additionally, Baniya allegedly subjected her to verbal abuse in front of other party members, even for minor issues. The woman further alleges that he made inappropriate advances when they were alone.

While the complaint was filed in May, it gained significant attention after becoming viral. In response, the BJP leadership in Assam held a meeting and decided to relieve Jyotish Baniya of all party responsibilities. Bhupen Borah, the President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), commented on the incident, stating that no woman feels safe under the "BJP-RSS" regime.

The incident highlights the importance of addressing and preventing harassment within political parties, and it raises questions about the party's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its members, especially women.

09/07/2023

পুৱাৰ ভাগত ৰঙিয়াত দুখন ট্ৰাকৰ মাজত সংঘৰ্ষ, সংঘৰ্ষত এখন ট্ৰাক ৰাষ্ট্ৰীয় ঘাইপথৰ পৰা বাগৰি ৰঙিয়া ৰাজু মাৰ্কেটৰ ঠিক সন্মুখত পৰে দুৰ্ঘটনাৰ সঠিক সবিশেষ আৰু কাৰণ বৰ্তমান তদন্ত অব্যাহত আছে

01/07/2023

অসমৰ বিদ্যুতৰ সমস্যা সন্দৰ্ভত শেহতীয়াকৈ দিয়া বক্তব্যৰে বিতৰ্কৰ সৃষ্টি কৰিছে সুপৰিচিত ৰাজনীতিবিদ তথা ৰাজ্যিক বিজেপিৰ সভাপতি ভবেশ কলিতাই। অসমৰ অধ্যক্ষ বিশ্বজিৎ দৈমাৰীয়ে উচ্চ বিদ্যুতৰ বিল সন্দৰ্ভত উত্থাপন কৰা উদ্বেগৰ প্ৰতি সঁহাৰি জনাই কলিতাই বিদ্যুতৰ উঠা-নমা সন্দৰ্ভত এক সাহসী মন্তব্য কৰে।

তেওঁ কয়, "বিদ্যুতৰ উঠা-নমাৰ সমস্যা থাকিব পাৰে, কিন্তু আমি ইয়াৰ মাজতে থাকিব লাগিব।" এই বক্তব্যই দৃষ্টি আকৰ্ষণ কৰিছে কাৰণ অসমৰ জনসাধাৰণে আকাশলংঘী বিদ্যুতৰ বিলৰ সৈতে সংগ্ৰাম কৰি আছে, যাৰ ফলত সাধাৰণ নাগৰিকৰ বাবে অসুবিধাৰ সৃষ্টি হৈছে।

কলিতাই স্বীকাৰ কৰে যে তেওঁও এই সমস্যাৰ দ্বাৰা প্ৰভাৱিত আৰু বিনামূলীয়া বিদ্যুৎ লাভ নকৰে। কিন্তু তেওঁ অধিক অসাৱধান মনোভাৱ গ্ৰহণ কৰা যেন দেখা গ’ল, যাৰ পৰা অনুমান কৰিব পাৰি যে বিদ্যুতৰ দাম উঠা-নমা হ’ব পাৰে আৰু ভৱিষ্যতে সম্ভাৱনাময়ভাৱে হ্ৰাস পাব পাৰে।

ভবেশ কলিতাই প্ৰথমবাৰৰ বাবে বিতৰ্কিত বক্তব্য প্ৰকাশ কৰা নাই। ইয়াৰ পূৰ্বে তেওঁ ২০১৪ চনৰ পৰা ভাৰতত জনসংখ্যাৰ উল্লেখযোগ্য বৃদ্ধিৰ ওপৰত গুৰুত্ব আৰোপ কৰি যোগান আৰু চাহিদাৰ মাজৰ সম্পৰ্কৰ ওপৰত মন্তব্য কৰিছিল।

01/07/2023

In a significant development, the historic "Digholi Pukhuri" has been handed over to a Gujarat-based company. The iconic water body, known for its historical and cultural significance, has now entered a new phase under the ownership of the company

25/06/2023

On June 24, a portion of an under-construction bridge in Gori Village, located in Bihar's Kishanganj district, collapsed. The bridge, which was being constructed over the Mechi River, suffered a collapse in one of its pillars. Once completed, the bridge was intended to connect Katihar and Kishanganj via NH-327E.

According to an official from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the preliminary assessment suggests that the collapse may have been caused by human error during the piling process. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.

In response to the collapse, a five-member team of experts has been formed to investigate the cause of the mishap. It is worth noting that this incident comes just three weeks after another bridge, under construction over the Ganga River in Bihar's Khagaria district, collapsed on June 4.

25/06/2023

Joha rice, a type of aromatic rice cultivated in the Northeastern region of India, particularly in Assam, has been found to have potential nutraceutical properties that could contribute to diabetes management. Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, conducted research to explore the health benefits of Joha rice.

The researchers, Rajlakshmi Devi and Paramita Choudhury, conducted laboratory analysis and discovered two essential unsaturated fatty acids in Joha rice: linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3). These fatty acids, which the human body cannot produce on its own, play a role in maintaining various physiological conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, have been associated with preventing metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The researchers also found that Joha rice demonstrated effectiveness in reducing blood glucose levels and preventing the onset of diabetes in diabetic rats.

Furthermore, the study revealed that scented Joha rice has a more balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids compared to the commonly consumed non-scented variety. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids for a healthy diet is approximately one. The researchers utilized Joha rice to produce rice bran oil, a patented product claimed to be effective in diabetes management.

In addition to the essential fatty acids, Joha rice is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolics. Some of the identified bioactive compounds found in Joha rice include oryzanol, ferulic acid, tocotrienol, caffeic acid, catechuic acid, gallic acid, and tricin. These compounds have been associated with antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and cardio-protective effects.

It is worth noting that while the research conducted by the scientists at IASST provides valuable insights into the nutraceutical properties of Joha rice, further scientific validation and clinical studies would be necessary to establish its efficacy in diabetes management and the prevention of associated diseases.

25/06/2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with CEOs from Google, Amazon, and Boeing in Washington DC. During his meeting with Google CEO Sundar Pichai, PM Modi invited him to explore collaborations in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, and mobile device manufacturing in India. They also discussed promoting research and skill development in partnership with Indian academic institutions. Pichai announced that Google is investing $10 billion in India's digitization fund and opening a global fintech operation center in Gujarat's GIFT City.

During the meeting with Amazon CEO Andrew Jassy, PM Modi and Jassy discussed e-commerce and potential collaborations in the logistics sector in India. The Prime Minister appreciated Amazon's efforts in promoting the digitization of MSMEs in India. Jassy stated that Amazon has already invested $11 billion in India and plans to invest an additional $15 billion, totaling $26 billion.

In the meeting with Boeing CEO David Calhoun, PM Modi discussed expanding Boeing's presence in India's aviation sector, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) of aircraft. The Prime Minister also invited Boeing to invest in the space manufacturing sector in India.

Overall, these meetings showcased PM Modi's vision for Digital India and his passion for India's development. The CEOs expressed their admiration for India's digital initiatives and their commitment to investing significant amounts in the country.

25/06/2023

During the Ambubachi Mela celebrations, a group of women thieves from outside states attempted to sn**ch Rs. 50,000 from individuals attending the event. However, their plans were thwarted by alert members of the public who promptly informed the authorities. The women thieves were subsequently apprehended. Despite this incident, the Ambubachi Mela continues to draw thousands of devotees from far and wide. The Kamakhya temple, situated atop the Nilachal hill, remains a captivating sight with its grandeur and divine ambiance. On June 26, the highly anticipated Nivritti ceremony will take place, followed by various rituals and pujas, enriching the spiritual experience for devotees. The Kamakhya Temple is one of India's revered and ancient Hindu temples, dedicated to Devi Kamakhya, the powerful form of Goddess Shakti. It attracts millions of devotees and tourists annually, particularly during the Ambubachi Mela.

25/06/2023

In a late-night incident at the Six Mile flyover in Guwahati, a young man riding a scooter while under the influence of alcohol sustained serious head injuries when he crashed into a barricade set up for construction work. The incident occurred on Friday as the rider, coming from the Khanapara side, collided with the barricade at a high speed. Witnesses reported erratic behavior by the rider, who was not wearing a helmet. The injured individual was quickly transported to the nearby Down Town hospital for immediate treatment. Local police arrived at the scene and recovered the scooter, registered under the number 'AS 02 EG 0967'. Further details are awaited.

24/06/2023

A video from Guwahati’s Maharishi Vidya Mandir-1 is going viral on the Internet wherein two students were seen ‘making out’ inside the school building.

The video was allegedly shot by someone outside the school campus as they were visible from far sight.

This school is situated in Guwahati’s Silphukuri.

The date this incident happened is still unclear. This video is going viral on the Internet since yesterday

24/06/2023