[…]
14-year-old SLHEP dam turbine part is being shipped in Assam.
A stranded turbine component for the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Power (SLHEP) dam at Gerukamukh, Assam, was finally transported after remaining immobilized for 14 years. Initially halted by anti-dam protests led by Akhil Gogoi in 2011, the machinery was abandoned in North Lakhimpur, where it became a canvas for protest art. Opposition from groups like KMSS, AASU, and AJYCP had kept the project under contention, but today, the turbine was finally moved to its destination at the NHPC-operated dam site.
In Imphal West, Manipur police detain a suspected armed smuggler.
Manipur Police have arrested a 50-year-old man identified as Konsam Romeo Singh, suspected to be an armed Smuggler during an operation in a crowded area of Imphal on Friday.
Police made the arrest near the Bazar India Shopping Mall in Chingmeirong, Imphal West district, following intelligence inputs regarding illegal armed activities.
According to a police report, a Commando unit from the City police station swiftly responded to the indicated location, leading to the apprehension of Singh, who is a resident of Sawombung Maniyaiskul in Imphal East District.
Following his arrest, police have recovered one 9 mm Pistol with a magazine loaded with 10 rounds, one mobile phone, cash of Rs 33o, and one identity card.
The report added that the arrested individual and the seized items are now in police custody for further investigation.
The Bairabi-Sairang railway line will be put into service by NFR in July.
The Bairabi-Sairang broad gauge railway line connecting Mizoram to India’s railway network is set for commissioning in July. Executed by Northeast Frontier Railway, the ₹8,200 crore project features extensive infrastructure and trial runs have been successfully conducted. As part of the Centre’s Act East policy, the railway boosts connectivity in the Northeast. A survey for further extension to Lawngtlai near the Myanmar border is underway. Officials discussed ongoing developments with Mizoram’s CM, while a CRS inspection is scheduled for early June, paving the way for inauguration after June 17.
South Karimganj Polling Station Sees Violence, Injuring Several.
Violence and electoral misconduct marked the first phase of Assam’s Panchayat elections. At Dalgram Polling Station in South Karimganj, a clash between rival groups led to multiple injuries, including a Congress Zilla Parishad candidate. Allegations point to BJP supporters instigating the attack. Meanwhile, in Narayanpur, independent candidate Pankaj Bhuyan faced public outrage after allegedly attempting to bribe voters outside his jurisdiction, leading to his temporary detention. In Cachar’s Phulbari-Tarinipur Gaon Panchayat, chaos erupted as individuals attempted to capture a polling booth, assaulting polling agents and disrupting voting. Authorities are investigating the incidents as tensions rise over electoral ethics and security concerns.
Khatkhati Evacuation Caused by Gas Leak During Well Digging in Assam.
This is a serious situation. Based on available reports, the gas leak occurred during a water boring operation in Khatkhati on May 1, around 5 PM. A strong flow of water erupted unexpectedly and continued until the next morning, causing concern among residents. ONGC experts have arrived to assess the site and collect samples to determine the cause of the leak. Authorities have restricted activities within 200 meters of the affected area while awaiting test results.
The district administration is closely monitoring the situation, and further actions will depend on ONGC’s findings. If natural gas is confirmed, it could have broader implications for resource exploration in the region.
For the May 2 opening, Assamese Japis wore Kedarnath Temple in a grand cultural tribute.
The sacred Kedarnath Temple embraced a vibrant cultural fusion for its grand opening on May 2, 2025, by incorporating traditional Assamese Japis—handcrafted bamboo-and-silk hats—into its decorations. This artistic addition, alongside floral embellishments, welcomed thousands of devotees while showcasing Assam’s rich heritage on a national platform. Located in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, Kedarnath remains a key pilgrimage site within the Char Dham Yatra, deeply revered by followers of Shaivism. The inclusion of Japis, a prominent symbol of Assamese identity, was widely praised, reinforcing India’s unity in diversity through cultural expression.
Four people are arrested after GRPS seizes 65.5 kg of cannabis at the Guwahati Railway Station.
The Government Railway Police (GRPS) intercepted a large consignment of suspected cannabis at Guwahati railway station on Wednesday, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking. Acting on credible intelligence, law enforcement seized 65.5 kg of contraband from Train No. 12423 New Delhi Rajdhani Express during an intensive search on platform 1. Four individuals, identified as Nongthombam Landson Singh, Raireikhan Tungshang, James Kamei, and Pukhrambam Kanta Singh, were arrested for allegedly transporting the drugs from Dimapur Railway Station to New Delhi. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings and are conducting further investigations to uncover the broader trafficking network.
The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has suspended the High Court’s decision regarding bail for Chinmoy Krishna Das.
The Bangladesh Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s bail order for former ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, accused of sedition. His arrest on November 25, 2024, sparked global outrage, leading to protests from the Hindu community. The bail was granted nearly six months later but overturned within hours following an appeal by state counsel. Since the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024, attacks on Hindu minorities have intensified, with India strongly condemning their systematic persecution under the Yunus-led interim administration.
BR Gavai has been appointed as the Chief Justice of India, effective May 14
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. His tenure begins on May 14, 2025, and will last for six months until his retirement in November 2025. Justice Gavai, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, has an extensive judicial background, having served in the Bombay High Court since 2003. His appointment marks a significant moment in India’s judiciary, given his contributions and legal expertise.
