Over the following two years, 150 Northeast goods will be GI-tagged.

The government on Monday said at least 150 unique products from the North Eastern region have been identified for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging over the next two years, aiming to protect indigenous heritage and boost global recognition of local produce and crafts. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, covers agri-horticultural goods, handloom and handicraft items, alongside measures to strengthen innovation, bamboo-based industries and agarwood clusters, positioning the North East as a key contributor to India’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision.

Over 1.46 lakh people visited Kaziranga National Park in the 2025–2026 season, indicating an increase in tourism in Assam.

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has recorded a significant rise in tourist footfall during the 2025–26 season, with over 1.46 lakh visitors so far, including nearly 6,700 foreign tourists. Officials attributed the surge to sustained conservation efforts, improved connectivity and growing interest in nature-based tourism. The numbers, achieved within the first three months of the safari season, have already surpassed last year’s figures for the same period, raising hopes of a new record by season’s end.

“Jyoti-Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir,” the largest auditorium in NE, opens in Guwahati.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated the North East’s largest auditorium, the Jyoti-Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir, in Guwahati, marking a significant boost to Assam’s cultural infrastructure. Built at a cost of ₹291 crore, the state-of-the-art complex can host up to 5,000 people and spans 45 bighas in the Khanapara area. Equipped with modern audio-visual and digital facilities, the green-energy-powered venue is designed to host major cultural and public events, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Four people were detained for damaging Christmas decorations at St. Mary’s School in Nalbari in Assam.

Four VHP and Bajrang Dal members were arrested in Assam’s Nalbari district for allegedly vandalising Christmas decorations at a school and several shops on December 24. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders, with authorities reaffirming their commitment to maintaining communal harmony and taking firm action against acts that threaten religious freedom.

Due to the NH-715 diversion proposal, locals block the Kaliabor–Jakhalabandha road in Assam.

Residents of central Assam blocked the Kaliabor–Jakhalabandha road on Thursday to protest the proposed diversion in the four-laning of NH-715, alleging it would bypass key towns and adversely impact over 80,000 people. Opponents warn the new alignment could cause serious economic and ecological damage, prompting legal action and demands for upgrading the existing highway instead.

Dima Hasao tourism may suffer as Vistadome Express will be permanently discontinued on January 1 in Assam.

The permanent cancellation of the Guwahati–Badarpur Vistadome Express from January 1, 2026, is expected to deal a setback to tourism in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. The scenic train, a major draw for visitors to Haflong, had boosted tourist inflow and local businesses, prompting stakeholders to urge authorities to reconsider the decision or introduce an alternative tourist-friendly service.

Assam CM: 18 foreigners who tried to enter illegally were returned

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said that 18 foreign nationals who had entered the state illegally were apprehended and deported, as authorities maintained strict vigilance along the international border. He emphasized that Assam is taking firm action against infiltration while continuing its focus on development, with state police and the BSF jointly monitoring border areas, particularly along the Bangladesh frontier.

In an interstate operation, Tripura police find 24 missing young people from Siang, Arunachal.

Tripura Police have successfully rescued 24 youths from Unakoti district who were reported missing and later traced to Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh. The rescue followed a swift, coordinated inter-state operation.

Unakoti Superintendent of Police Sudhambika R said a complaint was received on December 24 from a woman alleging that the youths had gone missing. An FIR was registered immediately, and investigations led police to confirm the youths’ presence in Siang district. Coordination between Tripura Police, Arunachal Pradesh Police, and senior officials—including the Directors General of Police of both states—ensured their safe rescue.

“All the youths are safe, and a special Tripura Police team will bring them back tomorrow,” the SP said, adding that further investigation is underway to determine how and why they were taken to Arunachal Pradesh.

Earlier, Tripura Labour Minister Tinku Roy had sought urgent intervention from his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart, alleging that around 24 child labourers from Tripura had been trafficked. A case was registered at Kailashahar Police Station following reports that nearly 30 minors and a few adults were taken from Rangrung and Kalishasan tea gardens with false promises of wages and benefits.

Family members alleged that the children were subjected to ill-treatment, forced to live in inhuman conditions, and suffered mental distress. The youths and minors reportedly went missing on December 9, 2025, while their family members were at work.