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12 Guwahati: Assam cabinet on Friday approved notifying drought-like situation in five districts in western Assam due to significantly deficient rainfall -- around 40% below normal -- based on data from the meteorological department and groundwater commission. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in a post-cabinet briefing said a formal declaration of drought-like situation in Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Barpeta, Bongaigaon and Baksa districts will be issued by the revenue department following the cabinet's approval.In view of the prevailing severe drought-like situation, the cabinet has considered it to be a state specific disaster and accorded in principle approval for extending compensation benefits to the affected beneficiaries in selected districts as per the SDRF norms.Sarma said farmers who had insured their crops under the Fasal Bima Yojana will be eligible for compensation as per the guidelines.A few other districts of upper Assam have also received less rainfall so far this year, and paddy output could be hit if it continues in July-Aug, he added.According to a report by the Assam State Disaster management Authority, the state, due to its unique physiographic and climatic conditions, is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the country and is prone to multiple natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones and occasional droughts.The report says Assam suffers periodic droughts due to variability in rainfall pattern over the years."Warming of the temperature is expected to reduce production of staple crops such as rice, horticulture produce, economically important tea produce, milk yields and fish catch, affecting the agriculture productivity and livelihood of people of Assam," the report says."All across the State, except in the southern districts, drought weeks are going to rise as well by more than 75% with respect to the base line (1971- 2000). This means reduced productivity in the primary sector i.e., agriculture and allied activity, thereby impacting life and livelihood of people in Assam," it adds. Prabin Kalita is a journalist at The Times of India and is currently the Chief of Bureau (northeast). He has been reporting in mainstream Indian national media since 2001. He has been a field journalist reporting gamut of issues from India's northeastern region and major developments in neighbouring countries like Myanmar, China, Bhutan and Bangladesh concerning India and northeastern region. He has been covering insurgency -- internal and cross-border, politics, natural calamities, environment etc. He is a post-graduate in Geological Sciences from Gauhati University.
IMPHAL, Nov 17: The NPP on Sunday withdrew support from the BJP-led Government in Manipur, even as violence continued to rock the state as offices of the Congress and the saffron party were ransacked in the hill district of Jiribam where an unidentified body was found earlier in the day, officials said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A BJP MLA's ancestral house was vandalised in Imphal Valley while a building owned by Ashab Uddin, the Independent legislator of Jiribam, was ransacked, officials said. The incidents occurred a day after irate mobs set fire to the residences of ...Read More >
aipur, Nov 25 ( IANS) Jaipur District Collector Jitendra Kumar Soni on Monday instructed the departmental officials to make every possible effort with mutual cooperation and coordination to make the district beggar-free. He directed to ensure effective rehabilitation of people involved in beggary so that such persons leave begging and start a respectable life on the basis of their skills and hard work. The district collector held a meeting on Monday in the Collectorate Auditorium regarding the rehabilitation of people involved in beggary. As the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit wil ...Read More >
Assam's 75th Constitution Day highlighted the importance of the Indian Constitution, with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma commemorating the contributions of freedom fighters and Dr. BR Ambedkar. The event, held in Guwahati, underscored the Constitution's reflection of India's cultural heritage and its role in ensuring equality, freedom, and justice for all citizens. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participated in the 75th Constitution Day celebrations in Guwahati, emphasizing the significance of the Indian Constitution. This annual observation, assigned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 ...Read More >
The annual 'Kartheeka Brahmotsavams' began at the temple of Goddess Sri Padmavati Ammavaru at Tiruchanur here on November 28 (Thursday). Priests hoisted the 'Dhwajapatam', the sacred flag bearing the imprint of the divine elephant (the celestial carrier of Goddess Padmavati), atop the temple flag post as part of the 'Dhwajarohanam' ceremony, which signalled the formal launch of the nine-day fete. Under the guidance of the 'Pancharatra Agama' adviser Manikantha Swamy, the officiating priest (Kankana Bhattar), K. Srinivasacharyulu, and priest Babu Swamy conducted the rituals. Executive Office ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 4 (ANI): BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Wednesday met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake claim to form the Mahayuti government. BJP's Central Observers for the state, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Rupani were also present at the meet. Also Read | Stock Market Today: Indian Stock Market Ends in Green, All Eyes on RBI's MPC Decision on Repo Rate. Fadnavis is scheduled to take oath as the Chief Minister on December 5 after being unanimously chosen as Leader of Maharashtra BJP Legislati ...Read More >
Hit by economic slowdown and poor infrastructure, industrialists from Jharkhand's key industrial districts -- East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan -- are looking to the newly formed state government for revival and support. The industrial zones of Adityapur, Gamharia, Kandra, and Chandil have been grappling with inadequate infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads, lack of bridges, erratic water supply, and unreliable power. Entrepreneurs in these regions hope the new administration will address these issues and work toward improving the state's industrial ecosystem ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
Hong Kong, December 3, (ANI): Mainland Chinese shoppers are once again flocking to stores in Hong Kong, but this time, their focus is on purchasing sanitary towels and other feminine care products, rather than infant formula, cooking oil, or Yakult drinks. This shift in shopping habits is driven by concerns over reports of contaminated and discoloured cotton fillings in similar products sold in mainland China. These safety issues have led many consumers to seek alternatives in Hong Kong, where the quality is perceived to be more reliable, Radio Free Asia reported. A shopper from Guangzhou, i ...Read More >
Hong Kong: Mainland Chinese shoppers are once again flocking to stores in Hong Kong, but this time, their focus is on purchasing sanitary towels and other feminine care products, rather than infant formula, cooking oil, or Yakult drinks. This shift in shopping habits is driven by concerns over reports of contaminated and discoloured cotton fillings in similar products sold in mainland China. These safety issues have led many consumers to seek alternatives in Hong Kong, where the quality is perceived to be more reliable, Radio Free Asia reported. A shopper from Guangzhou, interviewed by Radio ...Read More >
Traffic Diversions for oath-taking: The swearing-in ceremony of the new Maharashtra Chief Minister will be held at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai tomorrow, December 5. Mumbai Traffic Police has issued an advisory in view of the event. The traffic diversions will remain in place from 12 PM tomorrow till the end of the programme. Devendra Fadnavis was on Wednesday unanimously elected as Maharashtra BJP legislature party's leader, paving the way for his swearing-in as the chief minister for a third time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders are set to attend the grand swearing-in cerem ...Read More >
Hyderabad, December 4: After an earthquake of 5.3 magnitude hit the Mulugu district of Telangana on Wednesday morning, Dr Prakash Kumar, Director of CSIR-NGRI said that the state capital is generally considered as a stable and low-risk area for seismic activity, making an earthquake of this magnitude rare for the region. The official said that since Hyderabad is not in a major seismic zone, such an event may not pose immediate cause for alarm, but it is still valuable to monitor the scientific background behind it. Earthquake in Telangana: Quake of Magnitude 5.3 on Richter Scale Hits Mulugu, ...Read More >
Chandigarh [India], December 3 (ANI): Punjab Legislative Assembly Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Tuesday, slammed the BJP-led central government for neglecting the interests of farmers in Punjab and Haryana. Bajwa's scathing attack comes amidst growing discontent among farmers in the region, who feel their concerns have been ignored by the ruling party. "Ever since the BJP government has come to power, they have not taken a single decision that is in the interest of the farmers of India, especially the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. It is their fundamental rig ...Read More >
Delhi is facing worsening pollution and erratic weather patterns, with the air quality regularly reaching dangerous levels. This is partly due to climate change, with temperature rises and unpredictable rainfall patterns caused by global warming. The industrial revolution has played a significant role, contributing to the rise in global temperatures. The effects are already being felt, with 2024 witnessing record-breaking heat in India. Despite this, there is little action from society or leadership, with courts repeatedly stepping in to address issues like pollution and farm fires. The need f ...Read More >
Sources said during the crucial Mahayuti leaders' meeting in New Delhi on Thursday night, Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sought 12 ministerial berths for his party It's been six days since the Maharashtra assembly election results were declared and the Mahayuti alliance emerged victorious, but suspense over the new head of the state and fresh cabinet minister is not over yet. Sources have said that the key alliance leaders will finalise a list and fly to Delhi on Monday to meet with the BJP top brass before making an announcement. Sources said during the crucial Mahayut ...Read More >
Itanagar, Dec 5 (PTI) The Arunachal Pradesh government has inked a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Indian Army for the maintenance and upkeep of the Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valour in Tawang district. The memorandum was signed by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kangki Darang and Brigadier VS Rajput of the 190 Mountain Brigade on Wednesday in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. With this agreement, the museum will be effectively managed solely by the Indian Army, an official statement said here on Thursday. On the occasion, Khandu paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai P ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an investigation into three cases of violence in Manipur, including the abduction and killing of six women and children from the State's Jiribam district on November 11. The anti-terror agency re-registered three cases afresh on November 13 after the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to hand over the cases to it considering the gravity of the offences amid escalating violence in the strife-torn State. "The objective is to unearth the larger conspiracy behind the brutal attacks," an NIA spokesperson said on Tuesday (November 26, 2024). Last ...Read More >
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the army has shifted Jammu and Kashmir's focus from "terrorism to tourism" while working towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' He emphasized the army's contribution to national security, development, and disaster relief, highlighting its role in achieving a "Progressive" and "Peaceful" India.Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi said that while moving towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' the army has been able to transform the idea of Jammu and Kashmir from "terrorism to tourism." While addressing an event at Savitribai Phule Pu ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Dec 3 (PTI) The Karnataka government on Tuesday requested the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to investigate and take necessary action against a West Bengal-based manufacturer, amid concerns that recent maternal deaths in Ballari district, could be linked to substandard Ringer Lactate solution supplied by the company. In a letter, Karnataka Health Principal Secretary Harsh Gupta, drew the attention of the DCGI to the supply of several batches of "Compound Sodium Lactate I P (Ringer's Lactate I P)" by the West Bengal-based pharmaceutical company Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], December 3 (ANI): Producer Ektaa R Kapoor on Tuesday met with Odisha Chief Minister Charan Majhi in Bhubaneshwar. Visuals from the meeting surfaced online in which CM Mohan Charan Majhi and Ektaa could be seen exchanging warm pleasantries. Also Read | 'The Sabarmati Report': Union Home Minister Amit Shah Praises Vikrant Massey Starrer for Revealing the Truth Behind Godhra (View Post). Ektaa also visited Lingaraja Temple and offered prayers there. Notably, on Monday, Ektaa along with the team of 'The Sabarmati Report' attended a special screening of the film wi ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: A political slugfest erupted after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was stopped from visiting violence-hit Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, with the BJP accusing the Congress leader of attempting to incite communal tensions. BJP leaders criticised Gandhi's visit as a desperate political move, driven by competition with the Samajwadi Party (SP) to reclaim vote banks. Meanwhile, Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, slammed the government's actions as undemocratic and an assault on constitutional rights. BJP spokesperson Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi described the visit as a "sign of h ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait was detained by police in Aligarh on Wednesday while on his way to Delhi. "We don't know where they are taking us. If they won't come out with a solution, then we will start a tractor rally from here to Lucknow. We will wait for the government's reply till today evening," Tikait told reporters. On Tuesday, Tikait condemned the arrest of protesting farmers in Noida, warning that the ongoing protest spearheaded by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) "would turn into a nationwide agitation of farmers." He pledged immediate support to farm leaders in Gautam Budd ...Read More >
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday (December 5, 2024) expanded his Cabinet with 11 Ministers. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administered the oath in a swearing-in-ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi. Six from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), four from Congress and one from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have been inducted in the Cabinet of Mr. Soren. From JMM quota, six MLAs took oath at the event organised at Ashok Udyaan includes Chaibasa MLA Deepak Birua, Ghatsila MLA Ramdas Soren, Giridih MLA Sudivya Kumar , Bishunpur MLA Chamra Linda, Gomia MLA Yogendra Prasad and Madhupur MLA Haf ...Read More >
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, campaigning to invite global investors to the Global Investors Summit to be held in Bhopal in February 2025, addressed an interactive session with industrialists during a roadshow in London, UK, on Tuesday. Yadav praised the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rapid industrial development seen across India. Inviting the industrialists to invest in Madhya Pradesh, he highlighted that the state possesses one of the largest land banks in the country. Madhya Pradesh has transparent and investor-friendly policies and is a leader in the mining and ...Read More >
The Indian government has announced a 375km rail network expansion, aimed at enhancing economic growth and connectivity in North Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. With a total cost of approximately Rs79.27bn ($1.05bn), these projects are aimed to be completed within four years. Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, detailed the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs' approval of three railway infrastructure projects. The projects include the Jalgaon-Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines (131km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur thir ...Read More >
PUDUCHERRY: With the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) heavy rain forecast for Puducherry, the UT government has ramped up its preparedness to mitigate the impact, including uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supplies, evacuating residents from low-lying areas, and setting up relief camps. Puducherry experienced 7.69 cm of rainfall Karaikal received 9.6 cm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. After visiting several areas in the UT to assess the situation, Chief Minister N Rangasamy convened an emergency meeting with Public Works Minister Lakshminarayanan, Collector A Kulothungan ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Nov 28 (UNI) The visit of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar to New Delhi has sparked fresh speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle in the state. As the two Congress leaders continue their discussions in the national capital, several party figures in the state have weighed in on the ongoing talks about changes in the Cabinet. Senior Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi commented on the ongoing talks about a possible Cabinet reshuffle, saying, "There are discussions that it could happen, although I'm not certain about the timing. There are reports ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday arrived in Odisha and unveiled a statue of Santali writer and educator Pandit Raghunath Murmu here. She also visited the Adim Owar Jarpa Jaher, a sacred place for Santals, in Bhubaneswar and offered prayers. The President was accorded a warm welcome at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), where she landed on a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to commence her five-day visit to Odisha. She was received at the airport by Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other dignitaries. People standi ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 3 (PTI) Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday visited a private hospital in Thane for a "check-up," two days before a new CM is sworn in at an open ground ceremony in south Mumbai. Even as it is not known yet who would take oath as chief minister at Azad Maidan on the evening of December 5, preparations are in full swing for the ceremony, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about 2,000 VVIPs and some 40,000 supporters. Shinde, who had been staying at his private residence in Thane for the last few days, visited the hospital in the morning. "I ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Dec 4 (VOICE) The earthquake that hit Telangana on Wednesday morning was the second earthquake of over 5 magnitude on the Richter Scale in the region in the last 55 years.According to the National Center for Seismology, an earthquake of 5.3 magnitude was felt at 7.27 a.m. on Wednesday with Medaram in Mulugu district of Telangana as the epicentre. The region experienced an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 on April 13, 1969, with Bhadrachalam as the epicentre. According to scientists, both earthquakes were linked to the Godavari rift valley, which is a fault zone. The tremors on ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 4 (IANS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday asserted that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla put up an excellent leadership coupled with a commitment to uphold the traditions in the lower house of the Parliament. Sarma, who has been in the national capital for the last three days, paid a courtesy visit to Birla in his chamber in Lok Sabha. Taking to X, the Chief Minister wrote, "As Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri @ombirlakota ji has always displayed distinguished leadership and commitment to upholding parliamentary traditions. It was a pleasure meeting him in S ...Read More >