Assam LoP requests a human rights investigation following the GMCH infant death.

Leader of the Opposition in Assam, Debabrata Saikia, has written to the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) urging an independent inquiry into the death of a newborn at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on August 18. The four‑day‑old infant, admitted to the NICU for treatment of jaundice and infection, was found dead entangled in medical wires. Saikia alleged that overcrowding, staff shortages, and negligence led to the tragedy, terming it a “gross violation of fundamental human rights.”

He requested the AHRC to take suo motu cognisance under Section 21(5) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and demanded a time‑bound probe by an expert panel. The Congress leader also sought accountability from the state government, interim compensation of ₹10 lakh under the Assam Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012, and protection for the grieving parents. Citing repeated lapses in public hospitals, Saikia pressed for urgent reforms, calling the incident a stark reminder of systemic failures in Assam’s healthcare infrastructure.

Assam’s craft sector gains momentum as Barpeta holds a RAMP workshop on accessing international markets.

The handloom and handicraft sector in Barpeta received a major boost with a day-long technical workshop organised under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme on Wednesday. Bringing together nearly 250 artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs, the event focused on skill development, branding, and digital commerce adoption to enhance global competitiveness of Assamese crafts. Supported by DICC Barpeta, ASIDC, and NEHHDC, the workshop featured sessions on product design, packaging, ODOP/ GI tagging, and access to e-commerce platforms like ONDC, GeM, Amazon, and Flipkart. Experts also guided participants on financial literacy, SHG funding, and export opportunities. Officials emphasised that the initiative, aligned with the “Make in Assam” vision, would help local crafts establish a strong presence in national and international markets. The programme concluded with a product exhibition, certificate distribution, and a call to leverage RAMP for scaling up Barpeta’s traditional industries.

For uncommon disorders, the center names Assam Medical College & Hospital a “Centre of Excellence.”

The Government of India has designated Assam Medical College & Hospital (AMCH), Dibrugarh, as a Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021. With this recognition, AMCH becomes the first medical institute in Assam and the Northeast to receive the status, joining a select group of 15 such centres across India. The designation is expected to boost diagnosis, treatment, and research for rare and complex diseases, benefitting patients across the entire Northeastern region.

CM Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh is making “remarkable progress” in the power industry under the STDS plan.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said the state is witnessing “remarkable progress” in the power sector under the Strengthening Transmission and Distribution System (STDS) scheme. Calling it a transformative step towards reliable electricity access, he said the initiative has already reached 16 districts, covering remote households, towns, and institutions. With an investment of ₹4,788 crore, the project has commissioned one 220 kV substation, ten 132/33 kV substations, over 2,000 km of high-capacity transmission lines and 4,000 km of 33 kV lines. Khandu emphasised that the improved transmission network is not just about lighting homes but also about enabling industries, expanding services, and creating digital and economic opportunities for the youth. The scheme is being rolled out in phases to eventually cover the entire state.

As BPCL and OIL establish a joint venture, Arunachal will receive a city gas network.

Arunachal Pradesh is set to get its first city gas distribution (CGD) network, following an agreement signed on Tuesday between Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) to form a joint venture for the project. The initiative will establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to households, industries, and commercial establishments, significantly improving access to clean energy in the state.

The agreement was formalised at BPCL’s corporate office in Mumbai, in the presence of BPCL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Khanna and OIL Chairman and Managing Director Ranjit Rath. Khanna said the move reflects BPCL’s commitment to strengthening energy access in the North-East, while Rath noted that the project builds on OIL’s existing hydrocarbon operations and the recently commissioned Kumchai–Kusijan pipeline, reinforcing the Centre’s hydrocarbon vision for the region.

Authorities said the initiative will not only promote sustainable and inclusive growth but also provide Arunachal Pradesh with a stronger gas-based energy infrastructure, supporting its long-term socio-economic development.

Barpeta hosted a workshop on flood and erosion risk management for the Beki Sub-Basin.

A one-day workshop on Integrated Flood and Erosion Risk Management Planning (IFERMP) for the Beki sub-basin was held on Tuesday at the DRDA Training Hall in Barpeta, bringing together representatives from six districts—Barpeta, Nalbari, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur, and Bajali. The meeting, organized under the World Bank-funded Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project (AIRBMP) and implemented by FREMAA and the Water Resources Department, is aimed at preparing comprehensive flood forecasting and risk management plans for the Brahmaputra sub-basins.

Chairing the session, Barpeta Deputy Commissioner Rohan Kumar Jha called for a coordinated approach involving technical expertise, ecological preservation, and community participation. He noted that the effort goes beyond reviewing data—its true purpose is to ensure reliable water access for farmers, protect ecosystems, and build resilient communities in the face of recurring floods and climate variability.

The workshop was attended by senior district officials, engineers, and international experts including Rob Nieuwenhuis from the Netherlands and hydrologist Dr. Arnab Sarma, reflecting the participatory and scientific approach being adopted. Sub-Basin Committees are being notified to expedite planning and implementation, marking a significant step towards sustainable and inclusive water governance in Assam.

Cough syrup valued at Rs 3 crore confiscated, two individuals apprehended in Assam.

Assam Police seized banned cough syrup worth ₹3.4 crore at the Churaibari check post on the Assam-Tripura border, arresting two persons from Kolkata. The haul included 30,420 bottles of codeine phosphate concealed in oil tins inside a vehicle coming from West Bengal and headed for Agartala. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma called it a “solid strike against the drug menace.” Police said the seizure is among the largest in recent times and investigations are underway to uncover the smuggling network.

According to Toshihiro Suzuki, Suzuki Motor intends to invest Rs 70,000 crore in India.

Suzuki Motor Corporation will invest ₹70,000 crore in India over the next 5–6 years, announced at the launch of Maruti Suzuki’s first electric SUV, the e-Vitara, in Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first export batch, marking a major step toward India’s green mobility push. The e-Vitara will be produced at the Suzuki Motor Gujarat plant and exported to over 100 countries. Suzuki also began local production of lithium-ion batteries in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reinforcing its long-term commitment to India’s sustainable mobility vision.

Due to delays, the DoNER Ministry cancels four Rs 20 cr infrastructure projects in Assam.

The Ministry of DoNER has canceled four long-delayed infrastructure projects in Assam worth nearly ₹20 crore, citing lack of progress and poor execution. The state has been ordered to refund ₹7.68 crore to the Centre, with Dima Hasao district the worst hit as two crucial drinking water schemes were shelved. Projects scrapped include the Haflong Water Supply Scheme, the Greater Mahur Town Water Supply Scheme, the Demow-Dehing Road project, and the NH-31 to Kashimpur Suplekuchi road project. Officials said despite repeated extensions and fund releases, the initiatives showed negligible progress, reflecting accountability issues that continue to stall development in backward districts. Ironically, even as residents face cancellation of essential projects, a public hearing for a proposed coal mining project in Dima Hasao has been scheduled on September 23 by the Assam Pollution Control Board.

The Mizoram education center is renamed by the Assam Rifles in honor of Bevela Lushai, a recipient of the gallantry award.

The Assam Rifles has renamed its National Integrity & Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) centre at Zokhawsang, Mizoram, as the Bevela Centre of Excellence in honour of Rifleman Bevela Lushai, the first Mizo soldier to be posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra. The announcement was made on August 25 by Major General Suresh Kumar Bhambhu, IGAR (East), in the presence of Lushai’s family, veterans, and students. The centre, jointly run by Assam Rifles, NIEDO and Axis Bank, will continue to provide mentoring and coaching for competitive exams. The renaming coincided with Purr Day, commemorating Lushai’s bravery during the 1960 defence of Purr Post in Nagaland.