Assam gas leak: Union Minister Puri says that pressure declines and that operations have started to prevent a catastrophe.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has confirmed that well control operations at the blowout site RDS 147A in Sivasagar, Assam, are progressing steadily. A specialist Crisis Management Team is on-site, employing junk shot and kill fluid methods as gas pressure has dropped significantly from 2600 psi to 500 psi. Residents in the vicinity have been relocated to relief camps, with the Assam government ensuring food, safety, and essential services. The well is being continuously blanketed with water to prevent fire, and air quality remains within safe limits as the released gas—97% methane—is dispersing upwards. Minister Puri expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for the swift response and stated that if current measures do not suffice, capping the well will be considered.

Guwahati traffic restrictions prior to Ambubachi Mahayog 2025

To ensure public safety and smooth movement for Ambubachi Mahayog 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Guwahati, has announced comprehensive traffic restrictions from June 22 to June 25. Key measures include strict vehicle access controls to Kamakhya Temple, reserved lanes for emergency vehicles, designated drop-off and parking areas for pilgrims, and bans on roadside parking along major routes. The Guwahati Traffic Police urges all citizens and pilgrims to strictly follow these guidelines to minimize congestion and ensure unhindered movement for emergency services during the festival.

One person is killed when an Avadh Assam train headed for Dibrugarh collides with a tram in Bihar.

A Dibrugarh-bound Avadh Assam Express train collided with a railway maintenance trolley near Maharani village, Katihar district, Bihar, on Friday afternoon, resulting in the death of one railway worker and serious injuries to four others. The accident occurred around 2:20 pm on the Barauni-Katihar section. The injured were rushed to Katihar hospital and are now in stable condition. Railway authorities have launched a high-level inquiry, with officials reviewing CCTV footage and safety protocols. Funeral allowances and ex gratia payments are being processed for the affected workers and their families.

As ONGC gets ready for critical capping, US experts arrive in Sivasagar.

A team of specialist engineers from the United States has arrived in Assam’s Sivasagar district to help contain the gas leak at ONGC’s RDS-147A well in Bhatiapar, now ongoing for nine days. The expert team is working closely with ONGC and local authorities to assess the situation and implement critical containment measures. With fears of ignition due to rising gas pressure, authorities stress that the next 36 hours are crucial. Local residents remain anxious, recalling the 2020 Baghjan blowout, as the district administration ensures round-the-clock monitoring and support for technical teams.

Assam: 210 quintals of grains were seized after ration card holders in Goalpara were duped.

A major crackdown in Goalpara’s Balbala area has exposed a PDS rice scam after authorities seized 420 sacks of government-supplied rice—far exceeding the permitted limit—from two godowns operated by agent Aliul Rahman. This shocking discovery, just ahead of the scheduled distribution, has sparked outrage and demands for a comprehensive audit of PDS agents in the region, as allegations of diversion of PDS rice and buying ration cards for cash come to light. Police have detained the agent, and investigations are underway to address this serious breach of public trust and food security.

Cotton University’s vice chancellor bestowed the NCC’s “Honorary Colonel” rank in Assam

In a proud moment for the North Eastern Region, Prof. Ramesh Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor of Cotton University, was formally conferred the rank of ‘Honorary Colonel’ and appointed ‘Colonel Commandant’ in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) on June 20, 2025. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to youth development and steadfast support for NCC activities, Prof. Deka is the only Vice Chancellor in the region to receive this prestigious honour this year. The ceremony, attended by senior NCC dignitaries and cadets, marked a historic milestone for both Cotton University and the NCC fraternity, reinforcing their shared vision of academic excellence and disciplined leadership for national progress.

618 Bangladesh, 236 Pakistan accounts: Himanta flags social media surge backing Assam Congress

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised alarm over a spike in foreign-linked social media activity targeting the state’s political discourse, alleging the involvement of hardcore Islamic fundamentalist elements. Sarma revealed that 5,000 Facebook accounts—many from countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—have been activated in the past month, posting content supportive of Iran, Palestine, and Bangladeshi Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. These accounts are focused on Assam, a particular political leader, and the Assam Congress, rather than national figures. A forensic audit is underway, with more revelations expected soon. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to protect Assam’s political environment.

40,000 young individuals will be offered government employment in a single recruitment initiative on October 10, as stated by Himanta Biswa Sharma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a major government recruitment drive, set to launch on October 10, 2025, with the goal of appointing 40,000 youths across various departments. This initiative follows the ceremonial distribution of appointment letters to 481 new recruits in the veterinary, tourism, and education sectors. The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to transparent, merit-based hiring, aiming for a total of 1.60 lakh appointments. He also outlined sectoral initiatives to boost animal husbandry, dairy, poultry, and tourism, including partnerships for large-scale milk processing and efforts to make Assam self-sufficient in egg and pork production. The government is also focusing on biogas and bio-CNG production, as well as strengthening the state’s academic ecosystem through the appointment of qualified teachers.

Assam CM distributes appointment letters to 400 health officers

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed appointment letters to 400 newly recruited health officers, marking a major step in the state’s push for more government health jobs and improved healthcare access. Sarma highlighted the significant reduction in maternal mortality rates and outlined ambitious plans to expand Assam’s medical colleges, aiming for 30 by 2029. The initiative underscores Assam’s dual focus on employment generation and enhanced healthcare services for all its residents.

Assam CM calls on Union Minister to urge ONGC to take more aggressive action regarding the gas leak

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urgently appealed to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for immediate action as a gas leak at an ONGC rig in Bhatiyapara, Sivasagar district, enters its sixth day. Despite ongoing efforts by ONGC, including water blanketing and high-volume mud pumping, the well pressure remains dangerously high, prompting the evacuation of over 330 families. Sarma criticized ONGC’s response as slow and lacking urgency, calling for a more aggressive, mission-mode approach to prevent further public distress and restore normalcy. The state government continues to provide emergency relief, while urging ONGC to strengthen technical leadership and community engagement at the site.