Gas has been leaking continuously for 14 days from a crude oil well operated by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in Assam’s Sivasagar district, raising serious concerns among nearby residents even as the energy major claims to have made a “critical milestone” in its efforts to control the blowout.
With train services to Tripura disrupted due to a major landslide in Assam’s Lumding–Badarpur Hill section, the Tripura government on Wednesday assured the public that essential food items remain in stock and fuel supplies will last till Friday.
Starting in 2026, CBSE will offer Class 10 students the chance to take board exams twice a year—a mandatory phase in February and an optional one in May—with the higher score counting as the final result. This change, aligned with the National Education Policy, allows students to improve their marks in up to three subjects and replaces the previous supplementary exam system. The new model is designed to reduce exam pressure and provide greater flexibility, especially for students from winter-bound schools or those involved in sports, while maintaining academic rigor and integrity. Internal assessments will be conducted only once per year. Students who miss at least three subjects in February will not be eligible for the May phase and must wait until the next year’s main exam.
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in Shillong has seized heroin worth ₹25 lakh and arrested three individuals in a significant crackdown. The operation began with the apprehension of Rohit Mattu, followed by the arrest of Raman Raina and Suraj Gill, the alleged main supplier who used a hardware store as a front for trafficking. Over 150 grams of heroin were recovered, and another suspect, Rohit Honda, is currently being pursued. Police have described the bust as revealing a complex drug distribution network in Shillong and remain committed to dismantling illegal drug operations. All arrested individuals are in custody as investigations continue.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has announced that the state government will set up drug de-addiction centres in all eight districts to combat rising substance abuse. The Union DoNER Ministry has sanctioned ₹198 crore for a special centre in Sepahijala district’s Bishramganj. Each district facility is expected to cost ₹20 crore. Saha highlighted Tripura’s vulnerability as a drug smuggling corridor due to its geography, surrounded by Bangladesh and neighbouring states. He noted that youth are being targeted and stated the government is implementing strict regulations and a zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse, with law enforcement seizing and destroying more drugs than ever before.
Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, Additional Director General (ADG) of the BSF’s Eastern Command, is on a four-day visit to Tripura to assess security preparedness along the India-Bangladesh border. On his arrival at Agartala, he was received by Inspector General Ashwani Kumar Sharma and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the BSF frontier headquarters. During his visit, the ADG toured key Border Outposts (BOPs) such as Bhagalpur and Lankamura, as well as the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Agartala-Akhaura, interacting with field commanders and jawans to review operational readiness. The visit highlights the BSF’s commitment to strengthening border security in Tripura, a region especially sensitive due to its extensive and vulnerable border with Bangladesh. Most of the border has been fenced to counter smuggling and illegal cross-border activities. ADG Aggarwal will continue inspections and high-level meetings throughout his stay.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has intensified efforts against illegal infiltration, resulting in the pushback of 330 undocumented immigrants—including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas—within the past month. In Cachar district alone, 88 individuals were identified and deported through intelligence-led operations. The Assam Police’s ongoing campaign has led to multiple detentions, particularly in border areas, with many detainees attempting to return to Bangladesh after facing crackdowns elsewhere in India. The state government maintains a zero-tolerance stance, with further deportations anticipated as operations continue.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is working urgently to restore rail connectivity in the Lumding–Badarpur Hill section after a massive landslide damaged about 100 meters of track due to heavy rains. A high-level meeting led by Assam’s Chief Secretary and NFR’s General Manager has resulted in a joint restoration plan, with over 25 heavy machines and 200 laborers deployed on-site. However, ongoing rain and unstable soil are hampering efforts. Numerous trains have been fully or partially cancelled, and services will remain suspended until restoration is complete—expected within a week, depending on weather. Passengers are advised to follow official railway updates for real-time information.
Tension erupted along the disputed Assam-Meghalaya border on Wednesday after around 400 people from Meghalaya, backed by local villagers and social organizations, dismantled structures and uprooted saplings planted by Assam’s Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council during a plantation drive in Lapangap village. Protestors accused Assam of encroaching on Meghalaya’s territory, escalating a longstanding border dispute. Police from both states intervened, with Assam Police reportedly using tear gas to control the unrest. Authorities confirmed the situation is now under control, and a peace meeting involving local leaders is scheduled to resolve the issue. Lapangap remains one of six unresolved flashpoints along the 884.9-km border, despite partial agreements reached in 2022. The dispute, dating back to Meghalaya’s creation in 1972, continues to challenge relations between the two states.
Indian Railways has announced a revised fare structure effective July 1, 2025, marking its first hike in several years to address rising costs and inflation. The increase will not affect suburban trains, monthly season tickets, or ordinary second-class travel up to 500 km. For longer journeys, ordinary second-class fares will rise by 0.5 paise per km, non-AC Mail/Express by 1 paise per km, and all AC classes by 2 paise per km.
Additionally, from July 1, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for Tatkal ticket bookings on IRCTC platforms, with Aadhaar-based OTP verification enforced from July 15. IRCTC agents will also be barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window, aiming to enhance transparency and curb misuse. These reforms aim to create a more secure and passenger-friendly railway system.
Barak Bolchhe!
