Added on Regional

USTM, which was constructed on forest property, might disappear in two years: Biswa Sharma Himanta.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a press conference on Friday, levelled severe allegations against the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), and its chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque. Sarma claimed, “The university is on forest land, and whether USTM will be there after two years, no one can guarantee.” He further stated, “I keep praying to God that it be demolished as early as possible. It is not an educational institution but an institution that has commercialised education.” Sarma criticized the Meghalaya government for inaction, adding, “If it had been in Assam, I would have sorted this out a long time ago.” He also took aim at Hoque’s activities, saying, “He tries to poke his nose into everything.”

The Chief Minister’s comments come amid ongoing controversies involving Mahbubul Hoque’s arrests and the legitimacy of USTM. The Meghalaya government, however, has refuted these claims, maintaining that USTM is a legally recognized state university operating within government guidelines, and opposition leaders have characterized Sarma’s attacks as politically driven.

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Added on National

The Election Commission decides on the electoral college and prepares for the vice presidential election.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially finalised the Electoral College list for the forthcoming Vice Presidential election, taking an important procedural step to fill the country’s second-highest constitutional office. In a statement released on Thursday, the Commission confirmed that the updated list comprises all elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha as well as elected members of the Lok Sabha, in line with Article 66(1) of the Constitution and Rule 40 of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.

Arranged in continuous serial order and alphabetically by State or Union Territory, the finalised list ensures transparency and procedural thoroughness for the election. This move marks the formal commencement of the Vice Presidential poll process and follows the recent resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, which has heightened political anticipation in New Delhi. The ECI is expected to announce the election schedule soon. The election holds particular importance as the Vice President also functions as the ex officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, playing a critical role in parliamentary proceedings.

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Added on Regional

Commercial vehicles in Mizoram will not operate for a week in order to assist with NH-306 repairs.

In a significant development for Mizoram’s connectivity, commercial vehicles will be off the Vairengte–Aizawl stretch of National Highway 306 (NH-6) from August 4 to 9, 2025, to facilitate urgent repairs after extensive monsoon damage. This initiative, announced by operators of commercial transport services, is a voluntary measure—intended not as a protest but as a goodwill gesture to allow uninterrupted restoration of the state’s lifeline road, especially in the severely affected Sairang-Kawnpui sector.

Transporters have clarified their cooperation but cautioned that agitation could follow if repairs are not completed on schedule by the Public Works Department (PWD) and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Despite the traffic suspension, supply lines to Aizawl continue, with over 100 trucks, including essential commodities and fuel carriers, being released from holding points each day, though more than 380 goods-laden trucks remain stranded at Kawnpui.

Meanwhile, a separate threat to fuel supply has eased, with the Northeast Petroleum Mazdoor Union in Guwahati withdrawing its proposed strike in response to an appeal from the Mizoram government. This collaborative action underscores both the region’s vulnerability during monsoons and the crucial importance of coordinated efforts to maintain essential logistics on NH-6, Mizoram’s primary route to the rest of the country.

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The centre approves Rs 69,342 cr rail projects in the Northeast and builds more than 16,000 km of roadways.

As of April 2025, the Government of India has made significant progress in transforming the Northeastern Region (NER) into a vibrant hub of connectivity and development. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has constructed over 16,207 km of National Highways, substantially improving road infrastructure. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned 12 major railway projects covering 777 km, with 278 km already commissioned and over Rs. 41,000 crore invested.

In rural connectivity, under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), 17,637 road projects and 2,398 bridges were sanctioned, of which 80,933 km of roads and 2,108 bridges have been completed. Digital connectivity has also received a boost, with 6,355 Gram Panchayats made service-ready under BharatNet and 3,297 mobile towers installed, bridging the digital divide in remote areas.

The UDAN scheme has operationalized 90 air routes, linking 12 airports and heliports, thus improving regional air connectivity. Development funding via Central Sector Schemes—such as NESIDS, NEC, and the 100% centrally funded PM-DevINE initiative—supports infrastructure, livelihood, and social development projects in the region. Together, these coordinated efforts across key sectors signify the Centre’s long-term vision to elevate the Northeast’s connectivity, commerce, and overall development.

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Added on State

Assam: With 148 tigers, Kaziranga is currently one of the densest tiger sanctuaries in the world.

Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has recorded a rise in its tiger population to 148, an increase of 27 tigers since the last count, according to the 2024 report released on International Tiger Day. This growth is largely attributed to the first-ever sampling conducted in the Biswanath Wildlife Division, which identified 27 tigers and significantly boosted the park’s total count. Of the 148 adult tigers across the reserve’s three divisions, 83 are females, 55 males, and 10 of undetermined sex. The 2024 tiger census employed Phase IV protocols of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India, utilizing comprehensive camera trap coverage and a mark-recapture statistical model to ensure scientific rigor. With a new tiger density of 18.65 per 100 sq km—third highest globally—Kaziranga’s success reflects habitat expansion, technological integration such as drones and surveillance systems, and strong community engagement, including 113 trained Van Durgas (female forest guards) collaborating with local communities for ongoing conservation and protection efforts.

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In a significant Manipur hills operation, 155 guns and 1652 ammunition were found.

Security forces in Manipur, including the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces, have conducted coordinated, intelligence-led operations across multiple hill districts such as Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Tengnoupal. These operations resulted in the recovery of 155 weapons, including AK-series rifles, M4 rifles, SLRs, INSAS rifles, sniper rifles, pistols, and various locally made firearms. In addition, 1,652 rounds of ammunition were seized, comprising 1,600 assorted bullets, 39 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and 13 hand grenades.

The operations are part of sustained efforts to restore peace and stability amid ongoing unrest in the region, with senior police officials coordinating closely with all security stakeholders to maintain focus. The Manipur Police have urged the public to report any suspicious activity or illegal arms to help safeguard civilian lives and property and to support ongoing operations in the hill districts.

These recent recoveries represent a significant success in the state’s ongoing mission to neutralize armed threats and rebuild normalcy.

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Added on State

More than 2,000 households would be forced to leave 10,000 bigha in the Rengma reserve forest in Golaghat by Assam.

The Assam government is launching a large-scale eviction drive in the Rengma Reserve Forest at Uriamghat, Golaghat district, starting July 29, 2025. Over 10,000 bighas (approx. 3,300 acres) of illegally encroached forest land will be cleared, impacting nearly 2,000 families. The area has been divided into nine operational zones, with eviction notices served and many families vacating voluntarily. Security forces, including police and CRPF personnel, are deployed to maintain order, especially along the sensitive Assam-Nagaland border. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that 70% of encroachers have already vacated voluntarily, emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to reclaiming forest land, despite the vast scale of remaining encroachment across the state.

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The government of Arunachal Pradesh authorizes the return of weekly markets with new rules.

The Arunachal Pradesh government has approved the resumption of weekly markets with a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place, valid for one year and subject to review. The move follows a prior suspension aimed at enforcing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and curbing illegal immigration. The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan (ASTBA) had supported the suspension, citing concerns over unauthorized non-local sellers affecting the state’s demographics. Deputy commissioners are tasked with strictly enforcing the SOP to ensure smooth functioning while balancing local economic activity and security.

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Barak Bolchhe!

Regional

ASSAM RIFLES CELEBRATES BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF FREEDOM FIGHTER HAIPOU JADONANG AT KAMBIRON VILLAGE, MANIPUR

National

The Election Commission decides on the electoral college and prepares for the vice presidential election.

Regional

Commercial vehicles in Mizoram will not operate for a week in order to assist with NH-306 repairs.

Regional

The centre approves Rs 69,342 cr rail projects in the Northeast and builds more than 16,000 km of roadways.

State

Assam: With 148 tigers, Kaziranga is currently one of the densest tiger sanctuaries in the world.

State

Assam: Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Lab is the first in the Northeast to estimate the tiger population.

Regional

In a significant Manipur hills operation, 155 guns and 1652 ammunition were found.

State

More than 2,000 households would be forced to leave 10,000 bigha in the Rengma reserve forest in Golaghat by Assam.

National

New curriculum modules featuring Shubhanshu Shukla and Operation Sindoor will be introduced by NCERT.

State

In 2025, NF Railway arrested 126 peddlers and confiscated ganja valued at Rs 3.67 crore.

State

Charaideo Maidam in Assam celebrates its first year as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Regional

ASSAM RIFLES ORGANISES A DAY WITH COMPANY COMMANDER IN BORO BEKERA, JIRIBAM

State

Tripura: A delegation from Tipra Motha visits HM Amit Shah to examine the execution of the Tiprasa Accord.

Regional

Tripura: A delegation from Tipra Motha visits HM Amit Shah to examine the execution of the Tiprasa Accord.

Regional

In Mizoram, biometric enrolment for refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar has begun.

State

Farmers in Assam received compensation from Pobitora Sanctuary for crop losses brought on by wildlife infiltration.