IIT Guwahati achieves a significant milestone by graduating its first class of BTech students in AI and data science.

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati’s Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MFSDS&AI) celebrated a milestone with the graduation of its first BTech batch in Data Science and AI (2021–2025). Launched in 2021 in collaboration with the Mehta Family Foundation, the programme is one of the IIT system’s first dedicated undergraduate courses in this field. The inaugural batch, trained across math, computer science, and AI specialties, saw 91% placement, with offers from top companies like Google, Microsoft, and Warner Bros Discovery. Students engaged in advanced projects, some published or under review, and participated in national competitions. The School, supported by esteemed faculty and international advisors, offers multiple degree programs and aims to grow as a leading centre for AI research and education.The Government of Assam has ordered an independent inquiry into allegations against Tezpur University’s Vice Chancellor, following escalating campus tensions. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, acting as Chancellor, formed a three-member Fact Finding Committee chaired by Prof Devendra Jalihal of IIT Guwahati, with Prof Jiten Hazarika of Dibrugarh University and IAS officer Narayan Konwar as members. Tasked with meeting stakeholders, reviewing records, and recommending preventive measures, the panel must submit its report within seven days. The committee may consult legal, financial, or audit experts, with costs borne by the university. Findings are expected to influence the institution’s governance and leadership reforms.

To guarantee accuracy and inclusion, the Election Commission intends to implement the revised voter list throughout India in phases.

The Election Commission of India is set to conduct a phased special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, starting with states holding assembly elections in 2026, including Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The exercise aims to update voter lists by adding eligible voters, removing duplicates, and verifying birthplaces to exclude illegal foreign migrants. States with ongoing local body elections are excluded to avoid overburdening poll machinery. Bihar has completed its revision with over 7.42 crore names published. The move strengthens electoral integrity ahead of upcoming polls, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirming final rollout plans will be decided soon.

A change in the political tectonic plates in Bangladesh.

Political dynamics in Bangladesh are undergoing subtle but significant changes, as seen in recent diplomatic engagements and rising dissent against Muhammad Yunus’s regime. The visit of the Norwegian, Danish, and Dutch ambassadors to Saber Hossain Chowdhury, a prominent Awami League politician, signals shifting international attention and concern over the country’s governance. Meanwhile, growing disillusionment is evident within the Yunus administration and its allies, with some reportedly seeking safe exit strategies amid mounting failures and contradictions.

Tension rises along the border between Assam and Meghalaya; a new clash claims one life and injures another.

A violent clash over disputed paddy lands broke out near Assam’s Tapat village on Thursday, with one man killed and another injured, following tensions between villagers from Assam and Meghalaya. Police intervened with tear gas to prevent escalation, as officials reported that local unrest over ownership of the farmland had persisted for over a week. Senior authorities have reinforced security, and peace committee directives temporarily halted activities in the contested zone. The situation remains tense but is currently described as under control by police.

Amid tensions on campus, Assam will formally investigate the leadership of Tezpur University.

The Government of Assam has ordered an independent inquiry into allegations against Tezpur University’s Vice Chancellor, following escalating campus tensions. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, acting as Chancellor, formed a three-member Fact Finding Committee chaired by Prof Devendra Jalihal of IIT Guwahati, with Prof Jiten Hazarika of Dibrugarh University and IAS officer Narayan Konwar as members. Tasked with meeting stakeholders, reviewing records, and recommending preventive measures, the panel must submit its report within seven days. The committee may consult legal, financial, or audit experts, with costs borne by the university. Findings are expected to influence the institution’s governance and leadership reforms.

17 people, including former Union Minister Rajen Gohain, left the BJP for the “betrayal” of indigenous populations.

“Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Rajen Gohain resigned from the party ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, accusing the BJP leadership of betraying the state’s indigenous communities. Seventeen other BJP members from Upper and Central Assam also resigned. Gohain criticized the party for failing to protect indigenous interests, promoting communal politics, mishandling illegal immigration, and favoring outsiders over local traders. His resignation is viewed as a significant setback for the BJP in the run-up to the elections, particularly in regions where Gohain wields considerable influence.”

CM Lalduhoma reports that Mizoram will have a 139.5 percent increase in tourism in 2024–2025.

“Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Rajen Gohain resigned from the party ahead of next year’s Assam Assembly elections, alleging betrayal of the state’s indigenous communities. Seventeen other BJP members from Upper and Central Assam also resigned, citing deep disillusionment over unfulfilled promises. Gohain, a four-time MP from Nagaon, submitted his resignation to state party president Dilip Saikia, stepping down from all posts with immediate effect. Meanwhile, Mizoram’s Chief Minister called upon residents to extend warm hospitality to visitors, highlighting the state’s cultural values and the importance of inclusive tourism. Official data showed Mizoram attracted 5.24 lakh tourists in 2024–25, a significant rise from previous years, with nearly all being domestic visitors. The recent completion of the railway line to Sairang near Aizawl is expected to further boost tourism.”

At ALG in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Army and Air Force commemorate the 93rd Air Force Day.

“The 93rd Air Force Day was marked at the Advanced Landing Ground in Menchuka, symbolizing unity and jointmanship between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The celebration highlighted seamless coordination, mutual trust, and the operational readiness of both services in safeguarding India’s sovereignty in this strategically sensitive region. With the theme ‘Together we soar to greater heights,’ participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability, and defence excellence, pledging ongoing collaboration and teamwork in nation-building and national security.”

A seven-year-old’s body was found in Shillong; murder is suspected.

“A seven-year-old boy was found dead in a forested area near Mawpat on the outskirts of Shillong on Thursday morning, in what police believe to be a case of homicide. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that all available evidence suggests murder, pending further confirmation from the post-mortem report to ascertain the cause and nature of injuries. Given the gravity of the crime involving a child, Syiem indicated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) may soon be constituted to handle the probe. Investigators suspect the boy’s body was dumped at the secluded site surrounded by dense vegetation. This case follows a recent incident in Nongrah, where a 13-year-old boy was detained in connection with the death of four-year-old Insaphira Lyngdoh Mawnai. While police have not found any link between the two cases, all possible angles are being explored. Residents have been urged to remain alert, install CCTV cameras, improve street lighting, and report suspicious activity immediately to police control at 112.”

In light of Zubeen Garg’s passing, CID will send out new summonses to members of the Assam Association Singapore.

The Assam Police CID will issue fresh summons to 10 members of the Assam Association Singapore after they missed the deadline to appear in the probe into singer Zubeen Garg’s death. Only one member, Rupkamal Kalita, has been questioned so far. CID officials said legal procedures are being followed to secure cooperation from those abroad. Meanwhile, DSP Sandipan Garg, Zubeen’s cousin, was arrested in connection with the case, becoming the fifth person detained in the ongoing investigation into the singer’s death in Singapore.