Assam CM confirms Zubeen Garg’s new post-mortem at GMCH tomorrow.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the post-mortem of legendary singer Zubeen Garg will be conducted at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, followed by the cremation ceremony for fans and well-wishers to pay their respects. To ensure smooth arrangements, vehicular movement will remain suspended until 4 PM on Tuesday, with citizens allowed to stand along main roads to offer tributes. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several dignitaries and cultural representatives, will attend the ceremony. The Chief Minister warned against spreading unverified claims or causing disruptions, assuring strict action against offenders, while emphasizing a respectful and peaceful farewell to Assam’s beloved music icon.

Truth-Keepers in a Digital Democracy.

“In the age of digital revolution, India faces a complex transformation in information dissemination, with social media and digital platforms overtaking traditional newspapers amid high production costs and declining readership. Anchored in the constitutional right to information under Article 19, the government has introduced landmark policies like the 2023 Digital Advertisement Policy and the IT Rules 2021 to integrate digital media while ensuring accountability and transparency. However, the rise of AI-generated misinformation and fake news presents a grave challenge to democratic trust and information integrity. Global frameworks from Germany, the EU, and Singapore offer varied models of regulation, highlighting the need for India to carefully balance freedom of expression with curbing falsehoods. States such as Karnataka and Kerala have pioneered digital advertising guidelines and self-regulatory grievance mechanisms as valuable models. The path forward requires establishing an independent Digital Media Regulatory Authority, tiered platform responsibilities, expanded fact-checking in regional languages, enhanced digital literacy, AI-supported content moderation, and robust financial support for credible digital outlets. Crucially, these mechanisms must embed due process and safeguards against political misuse to preserve democratic freedoms while combating misinformation effectively. India’s proactive response will be vital to safeguard the right to accurate information and uphold democracy in the digital era.”

Concerns are raised by the Tripura Sundari Temple security breach during the PM’s visit.

“A significant security lapse occurred at the Tripura Sundari Temple complex (Matabari) on the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped premises, involving sitting MLA Abhishek Debroy. Despite strict adherence to SPG Blue Book guidelines, which mandate multiple security layers and perimeter checks for Prime Ministerial visits, officials struggled to contain the MLA’s breach. Due to the Prime Minister’s presence, conventional crowd-control measures could not be employed, as any escalation risked disrupting the event. Observers noted that even symbolic protests could have prompted severe SPG action, potentially cutting short the inauguration and causing national embarrassment. Questions are now being raised about accountability, with political analysts criticizing Debroy for compromising security and undermining the event. The incident is expected to attract national-level scrutiny, given the SPG’s zero-tolerance policy toward threats during Prime Ministerial visits. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether legal or police action will be initiated.”

In Manipur, RIMS suspends OPD and emergency services when a doctor is beaten following a patient’s death.

“Medical services at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Manipur were suspended indefinitely on Sunday after a senior consultant doctor was assaulted and hospital property vandalised following the death of a 35-year-old woman patient who had undergone surgical delivery and died due to complications. Her family and neighbours protested inside the hospital, alleging medical negligence and causing damage. The Teachers and Medical Officers Association (TAMOA) condemned the violence and announced suspension of all services, including OPD, emergency care, and routine operations, until the assailants are arrested, while assuring continued treatment for admitted patients. RIMS authorities expressed condolences and assured a thorough case review. The hospital warned that violence and vandalism disrupt critical healthcare services and are punishable by law. TAMOA also demanded a safe working environment for medical staff and action against those responsible, while rejecting allegations of negligence.” Here is an excerpt summarizing the situation at RIMS, Manipur:

“Medical services at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Manipur, were suspended indefinitely on Sunday after a senior consultant was assaulted and hospital property vandalised following the death of a 35-year-old woman patient who died due to complications after surgical delivery. The patient’s relatives, joined by neighbours, protested inside the hospital alleging medical negligence. The Teachers and Medical Officers Association (TAMOA) condemned the violence and announced the suspension of outpatient, emergency, and routine services until those responsible are arrested, while assuring continued care for admitted patients. RIMS authorities expressed condolences, assured a thorough review, and warned that such violent acts disrupt essential healthcare and may lead to legal consequences. TAMOA called for a safe working environment and action against the culprits, denying negligence claims.”

Meghalayan adhoc teachers protest wages and working conditions for an undetermined period of time.

“On Monday, adhoc school teachers under the Federation of All School Teachers of Meghalaya (FASTOM) commenced a protest march followed by an indefinite sit-in, demanding the state government upgrade their status from adhoc to deficit system. Speaking to reporters, FASTOM vice president S. Jungai highlighted years of unmet promises and urged the government to formulate a clear policy to abolish the adhoc system while ensuring equal salaries and benefits for these teachers. Currently, adhoc teachers receive significantly lower pay despite having qualifications equal to their deficit system counterparts, with monthly salaries ranging from Rs 18,000 for lower primary to Rs 33,000 for higher secondary teachers. The federation also demands a 5% annual increment and an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 65. Despite submitting demands earlier and repeated calls for pay revision, the state education commission has yet to recommend changes. Citing financial constraints, the government has delayed reforms, but the teachers pledged to continue their agitation until their demands are met, warning of a possible intensification of the movement if no response is forthcoming.”

PM Modi opens Tripura’s renovated Tripureswari temple.

“On Monday, September 22, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Tripureswari temple in Tripura’s Gomati district and offered prayers at the shrine. The over 500-year-old temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, has been transformed into a world-class facility under the Centre’s PRASAD scheme at a cost of Rs 52 crore. Built by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501, the temple blends spirituality with modern amenities. Governor N Indrasena Reddy, Chief Minister Manik Saha, and senior officials attended the event. PM Modi also offered puja at the Kali temple. This visit marked his 11th to the state and his second to the Tripura Sundari temple since becoming Prime Minister. Chief Minister Manik Saha described the occasion as a ‘divine moment’ for the welfare and progress of the country.” Here is an official-style excerpt for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the redeveloped Tripureswari temple in Tripura:

“On Monday, September 22, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Tripureswari temple in Tripura’s Gomati district and offered prayers at the shrine. The over 500-year-old temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, has been transformed into a world-class facility under the Centre’s PRASAD scheme at a cost of Rs 52 crore. Built by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501, the temple blends spirituality with modern amenities. Governor N Indrasena Reddy, Chief Minister Manik Saha, and senior officials attended the event. PM Modi also offered puja at the Kali temple. This visit marked his 11th to the state and his second to the Tripura Sundari temple since becoming Prime Minister. Chief Minister Manik Saha described the occasion as a ‘divine moment’ for the welfare and progress of the country.”

In Arunachal Pradesh, PM Modi unveils infrastructure projects valued at Rs 5,100 crore.

“On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various infrastructure projects worth Rs 5,125.37 crore in Arunachal Pradesh during an event at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar. The prime minister virtually launched the Tato-I (186 MW, Rs 1,750 crore) and Heo (240 MW, Rs 1,939 crore) hydropower projects in Shi Yomi district, both undertaken jointly by the Arunachal Pradesh government and NEEPCO. The projects are expected to collectively generate about 1,800 million units of electricity annually and significantly bolster the state’s power generation capacity. In addition, Modi unveiled projects exceeding Rs 1,290 crore in sectors like road connectivity, healthcare, and fire safety, and laid the foundation stone for a convention centre in Tawang. Speaking at the event, he emphasized that these hydropower projects would provide employment to thousands of local youths and ensure affordable electricity for ongoing developmental activities. The initiatives form part of a broader strategy to enhance Arunachal Pradesh’s hydroelectric output and strengthen regional energy security.”

Zubeen Garg will be honoured by the BCCI at the opening ceremony of the Women’s World Cup in Guwahati.

As Guwahati readies to host four ICC Women’s World Cup matches, including the September 30 opener between India and Sri Lanka, the Assam Cricket Association and BCCI have planned a 40-minute tribute program for late Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the ceremony, featuring a special performance by Shreya Ghoshal, will honor Garg’s three-decade-long musical legacy and cultural contributions. The opening event has been dedicated to the singer, who was also an avid cricket enthusiast, as Assam continues to mourn his passing.

Zubeen Garg starts his last trip home as a sea of people swarm the streets of Guwahati.

The mortal remains of Assam’s musical icon Zubeen Garg arrived in Guwahati on Sunday morning from New Delhi, where his wife Garima Saikia Garg offered floral tributes at the airport with an Assamese gamosa. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma and Union Minister Pabitra Margherita, along with top officials, received the body before it was taken in a flower-decked ambulance on a 25-km procession to his Kahilipara home. Thousands lined the streets, chanting “Jai Zubeen da” and showering flowers, while his favourite open jeep led the convoy. After a private farewell at home for family members, his body was placed at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex for public homage, drawing lakhs of fans. Garg, 52, passed away in Singapore on Friday after a drowning incident, leaving behind a legacy of over 38,000 songs across 40 languages.

Following the GST reduction, Purabi Dairy lowers the pricing of important products in Assam.

“Effective September 22, 2025, Purabi Dairy announced a price reduction on several key products, including paneer, ghee, flavoured milk, ice-cream, and UHT milk, following the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reductions approved by the 56th GST Council. Paneer and UHT milk have been exempted from GST, ice-cream GST was reduced from 18% to 5%, and ghee moved from 12% to 5%. This has resulted in paneer (200g) prices dropping from Rs. 95 to Rs. 92, ghee (500ml) from Rs. 450 to Rs. 420, flavoured milk from Rs. 30 to Rs. 25, and UHT smart milk 1-litre pack now costing Rs. 74. Purabi ice-cream prices have also decreased across all variants. WAMUL Managing Director S.K. Parida said these reforms will make dairy products more accessible and drive demand, benefiting thousands of farmers. NEDFL Managing Director S.B. Bose added that the company is passing on the GST benefits directly to consumers to boost demand and strengthen the dairy sector.”