Assam CM calls on Union Minister to urge ONGC to take more aggressive action regarding the gas leak

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urgently appealed to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for immediate action as a gas leak at an ONGC rig in Bhatiyapara, Sivasagar district, enters its sixth day. Despite ongoing efforts by ONGC, including water blanketing and high-volume mud pumping, the well pressure remains dangerously high, prompting the evacuation of over 330 families. Sarma criticized ONGC’s response as slow and lacking urgency, calling for a more aggressive, mission-mode approach to prevent further public distress and restore normalcy. The state government continues to provide emergency relief, while urging ONGC to strengthen technical leadership and community engagement at the site.

 To prevent malpractice, JSU demands that the internet be turned down during job exam hours.

The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) Shillong Circle, together with the JSU Central Body, has requested the Meghalaya government to temporarily suspend internet services during government job exams to prevent cheating. The union highlighted the risk posed by mobile phones and AI tools, and proposed strict frisking, CCTV surveillance, and monitoring during interviews to ensure a fair and transparent recruitment system.

  In Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha vigilance raids the residences of suspended IAS officer Dhiman Chakma

Odisha Vigilance teams recently searched the residences of suspended IAS officer Dhiman Chakma in Tripura and his relatives in Himachal Pradesh, following Chakma’s arrest on June 9, 2025. Chakma, a Sub-Collector in Kalahandi district, was caught accepting a ₹10 lakh bribe from a businessman. During a raid at his official residence in Dharmagarh, ₹47 lakh in unaccounted cash was seized. The investigation, ongoing under the Prevention of Corruption Act, includes scrutiny of bank deposits, investments, and assets. This high-profile case underscores efforts to tackle corruption within administrative structures, with multiple teams deployed for further verification.

Assam: Civil groups call for action as an ONGC gas leak incites rage in Sivasagar

As the gas leak from ONGC’s Rig No. 147(a) at Bhotiyapara Badi Chowk continues, local activist groups—including Asomiya Yuba Manch and Sangrami Sena, with strong support from Bir Lachit Sena—launched a joint protest on June 17. Demonstrators rallied against what they described as gross negligence by ONGC and SK Petro, demanding immediate redressal for affected residents. Protesters highlighted the lack of timely action and called for prompt compensation, better relief facilities, and a transparent inquiry into the incident. They warned of further escalation if their demands remain unmet.

Repaired Assam bridge collapses month after reopening, injures two

A decades-old bridge on the Silchar-Kalain Road in Assam’s Cachar district collapsed early Wednesday, sending two overloaded trucks plunging into the Harang River and injuring both drivers. The bridge, a crucial link between Assam and Meghalaya, had just reopened last month after nearly two years of repair. Authorities have launched an inquiry, noting that four checkpoints were set up to prevent overloaded vehicles from crossing, but the trucks involved were reportedly carrying three times the bridge’s 40-ton weight limit. Locals allege substandard construction materials were used, while officials point to the excessive vehicle loads as the likely cause. The incident has severely disrupted daily life for residents, with boats now being used for river crossings.

Gauhati University releases a podcast honoring its academic and cultural heritage.

Gauhati University has introduced its official podcast, Chai, Chatters and Chapters, to bring the institution’s academic legacy, cultural richness, and research achievements to a global audience. The debut episode, featuring Vice Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta, is now available on the university’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The podcast will highlight groundbreaking research, student-led initiatives, and cultural activities, while also addressing themes such as sustainability and global challenges. By blending academic excellence with cultural storytelling, Gauhati University aims to foster meaningful conversations and reach listeners far beyond its campus.

In Barpeta, Assam, a cybersecurity program raises MSME awareness.

A Cybersecurity Capacity Building Programme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was recently conducted at the District Industries and Commerce Centre in Barpeta. The workshop, inaugurated by Additional District Commissioner Jayanta Bora, ACS, brought together local business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and women participants to enhance digital resilience through practical cybersecurity insights. Led by experts from CUTS International, the event was well received, with attendees eager to apply their new knowledge to protect and grow their businesses.

ICG recognizes that the government of Bangladesh is still interacting with the Arakan Army in Rakhine State, Myanmar.

The International Crisis Group has recommended that Bangladesh continue talks with the Arakan Army regarding informal cross-border assistance, calling it the most feasible option in the ongoing Rohingya crisis. The ICG’s latest report urges improved coordination between Bangladesh’s government and security forces to check the influence of armed Rohingya groups in refugee camps and prevent weapons inflow. It warns that further refugee flight could harm Dhaka’s relationship with the Arakan Army and fuel recruitment into armed factions. The report also stresses the need for sustained international humanitarian aid and cross-border trade to improve conditions in Rakhine, emphasizing that failure to act could worsen the crisis in the region.

Assam and Meghalaya are under a red alert due to the possibility of heavy rain.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared a red alert for Assam and Meghalaya, forecasting extreme heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning over the next two days. The alert, effective Wednesday and Thursday, requires immediate action to safeguard public safety, with an orange alert for Friday to maintain preparedness. Isolated areas may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, increasing risks of waterlogging, traffic disruption, and localized landslides. Residents in vulnerable zones are urged to remain vigilant, stock up on essentials, and avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency response systems are active, and authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation, encouraging everyone to follow official advisories for their safety.