A study warns that Manipur’s Loktak Lake is in danger due to human activity.

A Nagaland University study shows that expanding agriculture, settlements, and shifting cultivation around Manipur’s Loktak Lake severely degrade water quality, threatening biodiversity and local livelihoods. Pollution is highest in the Nambul and Khuga rivers due to land-use disturbances, while forested rivers like Thoubal and Iril have better water quality. The study calls for community-based land management and sustainable Jhum cultivation to protect the lake and the endangered Sangai deer habitat in Keibul Lamjao National Park

As Meghalaya truckers start an extended protest, the cement supply is hampered.

Truckers of the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) launched an indefinite protest at Jowai Bypass, halting cement and clinker transport across Jaintia Hills. The strike demands enforcement of state-approved freight rates by local industries. Despite government appeals, the protest continues with no resolution yet, affecting supply to factories in East Jaintia Hills.

Mizoram: The government will hold its first recruitment rally.

The Mizoram government will hold its first Territorial Army recruitment rally in Aizawl from November 15 to 25 to combat drug trafficking and law and order challenges. A total of 144 posts, including nine reserved for women, will be filled. Recruits will receive competitive pay, medical benefits, pensions, and lifelong recognition. The initiative aims to strengthen security and foster good relations between security forces and locals, supported by awareness campaigns on social and digital platforms.

Manipur: Travel agencies request that the governor secure PAP for the trip.

Foreign nationals face challenges obtaining Protected Area Permits (PAP) to enter Manipur due to security concerns. The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) submitted a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla proposing pre-arrival PAP applications and allowing authorized tour operators to apply on tourists’ behalf. PAPs were reinstated in December 2024 after being lifted in 2011, with strict monitoring of foreign visitors’ movements. Tourists must register with the CID Office in Imphal, with hotels assisting if they stay overnight.

HIV accusation judged to be unfounded; Arunachal IAS official placed in 14-day judicial prison

Former Itanagar Capital Region Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom has been placed under 14 days of judicial custody in connection with a case involving the alleged suicide of Yekar. The suicide note reportedly accused Potom and another official of sexual exploitation and mental harassment. Police investigations uncovered that Potom swapped his SIM card before absconding, and previous rumors of him being HIV-positive were disproven. The case is under investigation by Nirjuli Police under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Rantu Paniphukan, the leader of the Veer Lachit Sena, was detained in Guwahati during a news briefing.

Veer Lachit Sena chief Rantu Paniphukan was arrested by Assam Police during a press conference in Guwahati. The detention occurred unexpectedly amid accusations linked to a kidnapping and extortion case involving organization members. Paniphukan defended the group’s actions, dismissed political motives, and announced an internal investigation. The arrests followed a ransom kidnapping, with police recovering evidence connecting the accused to Veer Lachit Sena, including signed letters and organizational logos. The investigation continues to reveal the full extent of organizational involvement.

In a new draft, Assam proposes a seven-year prison sentence for polygamy: Himanta Biswa Sharma.

The Assam government will introduce a law against polygamy with a minimum seven-year imprisonment provision, regardless of religion. The bill will be tabled in the Assam Legislative Assembly on November 25 during the winter session. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma made the announcement while launching the second phase of the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina scheme, which has successfully reduced girl student dropouts by providing financial assistance. Sharma also mentioned upcoming bills on “love jihad” and polygamy to be presented in the Assembly.

Crop insurance will shortly be introduced by the Mizoram government. Vanlalruata, Minister of Agriculture.

Mizoram Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister PC Vanlalruata announced that the state government will soon introduce a crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from financial losses due to crop failure, natural disasters, pests, or diseases. A state-level coordination committee on crop insurance has been set up, and a general insurance company has been selected to implement the scheme.

The minister emphasized that the initiative fulfills the ruling Zoram People’s Movement’s 2023 election promise to safeguard farmers and ensure assured procurement. The government has already begun directly purchasing produce from farmers, including continued procurement of ginger under the “Bana Kaih” (handholding) scheme. Around Rs 140 crore has been spent on buying raw ginger, with an additional Rs 50 crore allocated for the 2025–26 fiscal year to sustain the program.

ICSTIP-2025 is being held at Assam Downtown University to encourage sustainability and innovation.

The International Conference on Science, Technology, Innovation and Policy for Global Health and Sustainability (ICSTIP‑2025) began on Monday at Assam down town University, organized by the Faculty of Science. The ceremony opened with the lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana led by Dr. Radali Duarah.

Conference President Dr. Manash Pratim Sarma welcomed delegates and emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle global and national challenges. Vice‑Chancellor Prof. N. C. Talukdar reaffirmed the university’s dedication to building a robust research culture promoting innovation and sustainability.

The Souvenir and Abstract Book containing participant research papers was released. Chief guest Prof. (Dr.) Kamal Malla Bujarbaruah, former Vice‑Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University, underlined the need for collaborative research for sustainable progress in Northeast India.

Dr. Suraksha S. Diwan, Scientist‑F from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, delivered the keynote address on “Harnessing Biotechnology for Sustainable Development in the North Eastern Region — India’s Emerging Growth Engine,” highlighting biotechnology’s role in economic growth and environmental protection.

International speakers Marek Zborowski from Poland and Prof. Vera Ferro Lebres from Portugal shared global perspectives on research and innovation. The session ended with a vote of thanks by Convenor Dr. Partha Pratim Kalita, acknowledging all contributors to the successful inauguration.

Amid an increase in extortion and intimidation cases, the Assam chief minister suggests that Veer Lachit Sena groups like ULFA-I may be banned.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma on Monday, October 27, issued a stern warning against the Veer Lachit Sena, saying that the state government is considering strict action, including a possible ban, against the organisation accused of intimidation and extortion. Addressing the media in Guwahati, Sharma said the group has been disrupting peace under the guise of cultural activities and donation drives, adding that the administration will not hesitate to act if necessary. His remarks came after a kidnapping case in Guwahati reportedly linked to individuals associated with the group, prompting intensified surveillance and law enforcement action across the state.