Beginning on September 20, IndiGo will operate morning flights from New Delhi to Silchar via Guwahati.

IndiGo Airlines has announced the launch of a new morning flight from New Delhi to Silchar via Guwahati, set to begin operations on September 20, 2025. The initiative, supported by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to improve connectivity for the people of Barak Valley. Barak Valley Development Minister Kaushik Rai expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for prioritizing the region’s transportation needs. The flight introduction comes after persistent appeals by Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya, who highlighted the urgent need for direct and efficient air links between Silchar and Delhi to benefit residents, students, and business travelers from the Barak Valley.

Assam: The new terminal at Guwahati Airport is the recipient of the “International Architectural Award 2025.”

The newly constructed international terminal (T2) at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati has been honoured with the International Architectural Award 2025 in the Transport category. Inspired by the resilience of bamboo and the elegance of the foxtail orchid, the terminal’s design is a tribute to the natural beauty and cultural richness of Northeast India. Recognized globally for its excellence in innovation, aesthetics, and sustainability, the T2 terminal stands as a symbol of Assam’s commitment to eco-friendly and culturally-infused infrastructure. As the terminal nears completion, it is set to enhance regional connectivity—including with neighbouring Bhutan—and to serve as a welcoming gateway to Assam and Northeast India.

Himanta Biswa Sharma, the chief minister of Assam, says Guwahati would get five new foot over-bridges.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is constructing five foot overbridges with escalators along the Guwahati Bypass of National Highway 27 at important junctions to ensure safe pedestrian crossings, especially for students. These will be located at Jalukbari, Tetelia, Gorchuk, Royal Global University Point, and Lalmati. The entire 18-kilometer stretch will also be illuminated with streetlights to enhance night-time visibility. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore, is expected to be completed by July 2026. This initiative aims to improve pedestrian safety and urban mobility in response to increasing traffic on the busy bypass.

Himanta launches a website where Native Americans can apply for firearms licenses.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the launch of a specialized online portal that will allow indigenous inhabitants of Assam living in sensitive, vulnerable, or remote areas to apply for arms licences. This initiative is targeted at individuals who can demonstrate a genuine threat to their safety due to their location. Eligible applicants must be original inhabitants or indigenous Indian citizens of Assam and live in areas designated as vulnerable by local authorities or security agencies. The application process will involve thorough security assessment, multi-layered verification, and periodic review, while all arms licenses will be strictly non-transferable. The scheme is a response to longstanding demands for better security among Assam’s indigenous people, especially in regions with demographic tensions, and is not meant to fuel a general gun culture. The government aims to instill a sense of safety for those at heightened risk.

Meghalaya detains two Assamese guys in possession of more than 50g of heroin.

In a coordinated anti-narcotics operation, Meghalaya police arrested two suspected drug peddlers from Assam and seized 52.02 grams of heroin in West Jaintia Hills district. The arrests followed a naka check near Jowai around 4 am, where the suspects—residents of Darrang district, Assam—were intercepted while traveling by bus from Silchar to Shillong. Officers recovered five soap boxes containing heroin concealed in their undergarments and clothing. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act at Jowai Police Station, and authorities are investigating the broader drug trafficking network involved.

Purple rice from Assam Agricultural University is registered under the Plant Variety Act.

Assam Agricultural University (AAU) has developed a nutrient-rich, high-yielding purple rice variety called ‘Labanya’, now officially registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA). Combining the health benefits of traditional black rice with greater farming efficiency, ‘Labanya’ boasts a yield potential of 4.5–5 tonnes per hectare—much higher than conventional varieties. The rice features a lower glycemic index, a pleasant aroma, and a shorter cooking time, making it suitable for daily use. Its high head rice recovery rate and 18% amylose content enhance both milling and eating quality. Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, amino acids, and essential minerals, ‘Labanya’ not only supports healthy diets but is also ideal for value-added products such as gluten-free flour and baked goods. Already sold across more than 18 states with strong repeat customer rates, ‘Labanya’ addresses the usual drawbacks of traditional pigmented rice, offering new economic opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs while providing consumers with a healthy, locally grown alternative.

Three people are being held for attacking Northeast students in Delhi with knives.

Two men have been arrested and a juvenile apprehended for attacking two students from Manipur with a knife in Delhi’s Vijay Nagar area in the early hours of July 31. The victims, Zerry and Shepherd, sustained serious injuries after being stabbed during an altercation while purchasing water. They were admitted to Bara Hindu Rao Hospital. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Bhisham Singh, the accused—identified as Krishna and Krishna Kashyap, along with a juvenile—confessed to their involvement during interrogation. The fourth accused is yet to be identified, and police efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. The incident is being closely investigated, with no previous criminal history found for the arrested adults.

Protests break out in Assam after a man is killed following an alleged attack by BSF forces.

A 30-year-old man from Assam’s Cachar district, identified as Nirmol Namasudra, died after allegedly being assaulted by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel near the India-Bangladesh border in Amtoli village on Friday night. According to local sources, he sustained severe injuries after being beaten by BSF jawans and was rushed to a local hospital by the personnel themselves. He was later referred to Silchar Medical College and Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. The incident has triggered widespread protests in the Katigorah area, with locals demanding immediate action against those involved. Despite a senior official confirming the allegations, no formal complaint has yet been filed by the victim’s family, and the BSF has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Tensions remain high in the region as authorities attempt to maintain order.

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

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the modern Kamrup District Judicial Court Complex in Guwahati’s Amingaon, built at a cost of Rs 52.25 crore. The facility features 15 digitally enabled courtrooms with services like e-filing, video conferencing, and case tracking to speed up trials and improve transparency. CM Sarma emphasized the goal of achieving a 60% conviction rate within five years and urged the adoption of technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance judicial efficiency. The state is recruiting more public prosecutors and seeks support from the Gauhati High Court and National Judicial Academy to train new legal recruits. Construction of a new Gauhati High Court building is also planned. The complex marks a significant step in Assam’s efforts to modernize its judiciary and improve access to justice.

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

The Assam Forest Department has compensated 29 farmers in Morigaon district with a total of ₹2.17 lakh for crop losses caused by wild animals straying from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in the 2024–25 financial year. Each farmer received ₹7,500 following verified claims for crop destruction, primarily in Satibheti and Rajamayong areas. The main culprits were rhinoceroses, wild buffaloes, and wild boars, which damaged crops such as maize, rice, and mustard.

To address recurring conflicts, 13 anti-depredation squads have been deployed in nearby villages. These teams, supported by departmental staff and elephants, swiftly respond to wildlife incursions and work to both protect farmland and guide animals back to the sanctuary. Efforts also focus on raising awareness within local communities about harmonious coexistence with wildlife.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 38.81 sq km near Guwahati, is renowned for having the world’s highest density of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and supports a rich diversity of species, serving as a crucial example of balancing conservation and the livelihoods of neighboring communities.