The Principal Chief Forest Conservator emphasises how important Assam National Parks are to the preservation of biodiversity.

Dr. Vinay Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) in Assam, inaugurated the 4th Residential Orang Nature Camp, 2025, at Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve. The four-day camp aims to educate 32 students from six local high schools about biodiversity conservation. Organized by Aaranyak and supported by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), the program includes classroom sessions, expert-led discussions, and outdoor activities like safaris. Conservation leaders emphasized the camp’s role in inspiring the next generation to protect Assam’s rich wildlife heritage.

Tripura imposes orders to maintain order during the countrywide strike on May 20.

The Tripura government has directed that all state government offices, undertakings, and affiliated organizations must function normally on May 20, despite the nationwide general strike called by the All India State Government Employees’ Federation. Employees have been instructed to report for duty, and any violations will be taken seriously. Attendance reports must be submitted by noon on the strike day.

Assam starts executing projects worth Rs 60,000 crore from the Advantage Summit: CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the commencement of projects worth over ₹60,000 crore following the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, which attracted investment proposals totaling ₹5.18 lakh crore. Speaking at a MoU signing event for 20 new projects valued at ₹22,900 crore, Sarma emphasized that the state aims to secure ₹1.5 lakh crore in actual investments within the first year post-summit. Major infrastructure initiatives—including the Guwahati Ring Road and the Guwahati-Silchar Expressway—are underway, alongside ventures in waste management, renewable energy, and agro-industries. Highlighting Assam’s investment-friendly environment, Sarma stressed inclusive development, employment generation, and the integration of indigenous practices with modern innovation.

To honour the Bengali language martyrs, a grand procession was staged at Sribhumi.

Sribhumi district in Assam witnessed a heartfelt tribute to the 11 martyrs of the 1961 Bengali Language Movement, with a grand procession organized by the socio-cultural group Barak Awaaz. The commemorative march, which began at Shambhu Sagar Park and concluded at AOC Point, drew participation from cultural organizations, students, and local residents. Blending cultural celebration with solemn remembrance, the event underscored the Barak Valley community’s enduring commitment to linguistic identity. A highlight of the day was the public felicitation of four senior citizens who had taken part in the historic 1961 movement, honoring their lifelong dedication to the cause of language rights.

According to an official, Bangladesh has not yet approved the reopening of Meghalaya border haats.

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.

Tourist arrivals in Mizoram increased by more than 114% in FY 2024–2025.

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.

6,000 employment would be created by MoUs worth Rs 23,000 crore in execution mode: CM of Assam.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that investment proposals worth ₹23,000 crore under Advantage Assam 2.0 have progressed to the execution stage, promising 6,000 new employment opportunities. During a high-level investment conclave in Guwahati, over 20 MoUs were signed, marking a major push for industrialization. Assam has signed investment deals amounting to ₹5.18 lakh crore, with large-scale infrastructure projects, including the Guwahati Ring Road and the Narengi-Kuruwa bridge, set to commence. The ₹23,000 crore Guwahati-Silchar Express Highway project has also received cabinet approval. Notable investors include Hinduja Renewables Energy Pvt. Ltd. (₹14,000 crore) and NEEPCO (₹2,400 crore). CM Sarma emphasized the need to create dignified employment within the state, reversing youth out-migration.

Agartala upgrades its key roadways and drainage system; a deadline is set.

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.

A man is detained by Manipur police for smuggling peacock feathers into Myanmar.

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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With several arrests, Manipur security forces intensify their campaign against insurgents.

Manipur police and security forces intensified intelligence-based combing operations, leading to major breakthroughs in curbing extortion by militant outfits. These efforts resulted in the arrest of four active cadres from different proscribed groups, along with the recovery of firearms, explosives, and extorted money.
Authorities also bolstered security measures across the state, securing the movement of essential goods on NH-2 and NH-37 with armed convoys. A large cache of arms and ammunition was seized in Bishnupur District. With 110 checkpoints set up and 10 individuals detained, security forces remain vigilant to neutralize insurgent threats and ensure civilian safety.