The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched a pilot programme in Mizoram to promote apprenticeship training in the northeastern region. The scheme was jointly inaugurated by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, in Aizawl.”
Mizoram has officially become India’s first fully literate state, a landmark achievement announced by Chief Minister Lalduhoma at a celebratory event at Mizoram University. The milestone was reached through the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a targeted literacy initiative that helped the state surpass a 98.2% literacy rate.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary praised Mizoram’s success, crediting it to community-driven efforts and visionary leadership. The campaign mobilized 292 volunteer educators and focused on over 3,000 non-literate individuals, ensuring widespread participation. Officials now view Mizoram’s literacy model as a blueprint for replication in other states under the National Education Policy.
The Coordination Committee on International Border (CCIB) of Meghalaya has urged authorities to postpone the proposed joint inspection of the India-Bangladesh border fencing project in West Jaintia Hills, citing ongoing legal proceedings in the Meghalaya High Court. While the CCIB and affected landowners do not oppose the fencing, they demand safeguards to prevent land loss for local residents. They argue that proceeding with the inspection before a court ruling could lead to unnecessary complications. The Meghalaya High Court has previously directed the state government to prioritize fencing work, but local concerns about indigenous land rights remain at the forefront of discussions.
Itanagar police have arrested key NSCT and UTA operatives involved in arms trafficking and recruitment of youth. Investigations reveal cross-border militant camps and narcotics links, boosting regional security.
The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has raised concerns over severe dust pollution caused by highway construction in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Despite directives from the Deputy Commissioner, the contractor failed to implement dust control measures, prompting a meeting between JNC leaders and the site engineer. Following discussions, the engineer committed to watering roads twice daily. The JNC vowed to monitor compliance and warned of further action if pollution persists.
Authorities have bolstered security along the 80-km stretch between Imphal and Ukhrul ahead of the five-day Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur from May 20. Security measures include vehicle checks, patrolling, and additional force deployments to ensure safety amid reported threats. Central and state forces, aided by local volunteers, are in place to protect attendees. The festival, honoring Manipur’s state flower, takes place in the Tangkhul Naga-majority Ukhrul district. Given ongoing ethnic tensions in the state, security forces are closely monitoring the situation.
The reopening of two key India-Bangladesh border haats in Meghalaya remains stalled, with the Government of Bangladesh yet to grant clearance nearly ten months after their closure. Located at Balat and Kalaichar, these haats have served as vital economic lifelines for border communities since their inception in 2012. Their continued suspension has disrupted traditional cross-border trade and affected hundreds of local vendors who rely on the duty-free micro-markets for daily sustenance. Despite repeated communications from Indian authorities, the situation remains unresolved, highlighting the broader need for renewed grassroots-level cooperation between the two nations.
Mizoram witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourism during the financial year 2024–25, with tourist arrivals more than doubling compared to the previous year. According to the state tourism department, over 4.69 lakh visitors explored the scenic Northeastern state as of February 2025, marking a 114% increase from 2023–24. This dramatic rise reflects Mizoram’s growing appeal as a travel destination, bolstered by sustainable tourism initiatives under its Responsible Tourism Policy. With improved infrastructure, diverse cultural attractions, and strong community engagement, Mizoram is fast emerging as a key player in India’s post-pandemic tourism revival.
Agartala Smart City Limited (ASCL) is implementing a major infrastructure upgrade, constructing 23 kilometers of roads and 46 kilometers of drainage lines to address unscientific drainage systems and waterlogging.
The project, launched in February, is set for completion before the monsoon season, with roads being raised to align drainage levels. Additionally, underground electric and water supply systems are being installed to enhance urban sustainability.
ASCL CEO Dr. Shailesh Kumar Yadav emphasized that the initiative, part of the Agartala Smart City Mission, will not require land acquisition, minimizing disruption while transforming the capital into a more livable urban hub.
Manipur police have apprehended a 24-year-old individual for smuggling 72,000 peacock feather shafts across the Indo-Myanmar border, highlighting a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trade.
The accused, Md. Sharifuddin, was arrested near Pallel Police Station in Kakching district while transporting the consignment without proper documentation. Authorities seized 142 kg of feather shafts, valued at Rs. 37 lakh, along with the four-wheeler used in the operation.
The arrest underscores growing concerns over cross-border smuggling routes and the international demand for wildlife products. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the feathers, as peacocks are rarely found in Manipur.
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