In Assam, UTSAH opens a POCSO Centre to assist children who have experienced sexual assault.

In a significant move to bolster child protection in Assam, UTSAH, a leading child rights organisation, has inaugurated a dedicated POCSO Centre in Guwahati. The centre offers trauma-informed counselling, legal assistance, 24×7 crisis response, and ongoing support for child survivors of sexual abuse. Launched in collaboration with Assam Police and various child welfare bodies, the initiative aims to ensure child-sensitive justice throughout the investigative and trial process. Since 2013, UTSAH has supported over 400 child victims, and its work is now further strengthened by this new facility—empanelled under the POCSO Rules and supported by local and national partners. Senior officials and supporters reaffirmed their commitment to protecting and rehabilitating child survivors at the launch event.

Together, A Plus Charge and Ather Energy will expand the Northeast’s EV charging network.

In a stride toward building a cleaner and smarter mobility ecosystem in India’s Northeast, A Plus Charge has announced a strategic partnership with Ather Energy, a leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer. This collaboration aims to expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging network across the region, with fast-charging points powered by A Plus Charge and equipped with Ather’s advanced technology. The new network will cater to all LECCS-compatible light electric vehicles and will be set up in key urban hubs including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Shillong, and Siliguri, with further expansion planned for other major cities. By strengthening the EV charging infrastructure, the partnership is poised to accelerate EV adoption and support a future-ready, sustainable mobility ecosystem in one of India’s most dynamic yet under-served regions.

The 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh must not be altered.

Since the forced exile of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and the subsequent collapse of Bangladesh’s constitutional government, the country has entered a period marked by instability, mob rule, and pronounced attempts to reshape its fundamental national identity. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has set in motion efforts that many observers see as a deliberate move toward erasing the historical and secular legacy established by the War of Liberation in 1971.

The Bangladesh Constitution of 1972 stands as a testament to the ideals that defined the nation’s struggle for independence—nationalism, democracy, secularism, and socialism. While these founding ideals have been undermined periodically by constitutional amendments, recent developments—including proposals to amend or abandon the 1972 Constitution without parliamentary debate—have raised grave concerns. The absence of representative oversight, alongside the rise of communal political forces, poses a direct threat to the secular, democratic foundations of the country.

Restoring the 1972 Constitution, with its emphasis on pluralism and egalitarianism, is seen by many as essential for the country’s future. Bangladesh today stands at a crossroads: whether to safeguard its inclusive and secular legacy or to succumb further to authoritarian and communal pressures.

Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das is once again denied bail by a Bangladeshi court.

A Bangladesh court on Thursday denied bail to Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in connection with multiple criminal cases, including the high-profile murder of Chattogram lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. Das, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot, remains in jail as the court rejected his plea, despite health concerns raised by his legal team. His arrest and continued detention have sparked protests amid rising communal tensions under the interim administration, following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India has condemned the developments, citing persecution of Hindu minorities.

In Dibrugarh, the Assam chief minister launches development projects valued at more than Rs 500 crore.

During a day-long visit to Dibrugarh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched over Rs. 500 crore worth of development projects focused on education, healthcare, and skill development. At Dibrugarh University, he laid the foundation stone for a Rs. 146.43-crore infrastructure upgrade that includes new academic and research blocks, a girls’ hostel, a modern library, and an incubation centre. Additionally, Sarma initiated a Rs. 357-crore project at Assam Medical College and Hospital to improve residential facilities for faculty and students, reinforcing the state’s healthcare infrastructure. The Chief Minister also inaugurated infrastructure projects worth Rs. 130 crore in Naharkatia, including new school campuses, a road overbridge, and a hockey stadium, emphasizing the government’s commitment to youth development and industry-linked training.

Meghalaya has more than 93,000 migrant workers registered under the labor safety law.

As of 2024, over 93,000 migrant labourers have been registered in Meghalaya under the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act, 2020. The Act mandates documentation and periodic renewal of labour cards to safeguard workers’ rights and welfare. East Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills lead in registrations. Recent legal amendments have significantly increased penalties for non-compliance—from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 1 lakh—and introduced mandatory criminal background checks using CCTNS to enhance security. This initiative is central to managing labour migration while ensuring worker protection in the state.

In response to Assam’s rejection of suspected Bangladeshis, the Meghalaya government requests that DCs increase border vigilance.

The Meghalaya government has directed all deputy commissioners to maintain strict vigilance along the 884.9 km border shared with Assam to prevent suspected illegal immigrants—particularly those being pushed back by Assam—from entering the state. This follows Assam’s intensified eviction drive against alleged Bangladeshi nationals in districts such as Barpeta, Lakhimpur, Hojai, and Nagaon. Meghalaya’s authorities are coordinating with police and the Border Security Force (BSF), which has increased surveillance and apprehended undocumented entrants. The directive emphasizes maintaining law and order, preventing unauthorized entry, and managing potential administrative strain. Civil society groups have raised concerns about displaced persons and called for stronger enforcement of local security laws.

Sindhu surprises world No. 6 Miyazaki to advance to the pre-quarterfinals of the China Open.

PV Sindhu delivered a gritty performance to defeat Japan’s sixth seed Tomoka Miyazaki 21-15, 8-21, 21-17 and enter the pre-quarterfinals of the China Open. The two-time Olympic medallist showed resilience after a second-game setback, dominating the decider with tactical play and sharp court coverage. The victory not only avenges her previous loss to the 18-year-old Miyazaki but also marks a hopeful turning point in a challenging season. “This win gives me confidence. I just need to keep the momentum going,” Sindhu said. In men’s doubles, top Indian duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced with a commanding straight-games win, while the Panda sisters bowed out in the women’s doubles after a valiant effort.

Assam: Two senior officials are detained for suspected harassment after a junior PWD engineer commits himself in Bongaigaon

In a tragic incident in Assam’s Bongaigaon district, two senior officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) have been arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of Junior Engineer Joshita Das. Das was found dead in her rented home, leaving behind a detailed suicide note that accused Executive Engineer Dinesh Sharma Medhi and Sub-Divisional Officer Aminul Islam of subjecting her to relentless mental harassment. According to the note, she was pressured to clear a controversial contractor’s bill linked to the MIN Stadium project in Gossaigaon, despite serious procedural lapses, missing documentation, and lack of on-site technical support. Despite her repeated pleas for assistance, she alleged being isolated and coerced to proceed. Her mother later filed an FIR, claiming sustained workplace pressure. The suicide note, now with police, is expected to serve as key evidence as the investigation proceeds.

Police in Meghalaya step up their anti-smoking campaign and collect Rs 1 lakh in fines.

Meghalaya Police have fined over 1,100 individuals for smoking in public places across East Khasi Hills during a three-month campaign under the National Tobacco Control Programme. The drive, coordinated with the state Health Department and National Health Mission, issued 1,178 challans and collected Rs. 99,280 in fines for violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, which prohibits smoking in public and tobacco sales near schools. Officials emphasized the health risks of tobacco, particularly its link to cancers and harm from secondhand smoke, and highlighted the campaign’s focus on both enforcement and awareness. The initiative has received positive public response and is expected to continue across more districts.