Guwahati, April 9: Assam is set for a high-stakes electoral battle today as polling for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections will begin in just a few hours at 7 am and continue till 6 pm across all 126 constituencies in the state. The votes will be counted and results declared on May 4.

In a significant shift from the previous Assembly polls held in three phases in 2021, this year’s election is being conducted in a single phase, with over 2.5 crore voters expected to exercise their franchise in what is being seen as one of the most closely watched political contests in the Northeast.

The last Assembly election in 2021 recorded an impressive 82.04 per cent voter turnout, with the BJP-led NDA retaining power by winning 75 out of 126 seats.

Ahead of polling, election authorities on Wednesday completed final logistical preparations across districts, including the distribution of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), ballot units, VVPATs, and polling materials to designated polling personnel. The commissioning of EVMs has also been completed across all constituencies, with thousands of ballot units, control units, and VVPAT machines readied for deployment.

Security has been tightened across the state, with polling personnel and law enforcement agencies deployed in sensitive and vulnerable areas to ensure peaceful voting and maintain law and order throughout the day.

As Assam heads into a crucial election day that will shape the state’s political future for the next five years, all eyes will be on voter turnout, key battleground constituencies, and the overall mood on the ground.

Stay tuned for live updates as polling begins across Assam.

Silchar, April 8: In a sweeping security overhaul ahead of Thursday’s Assembly election, the Cachar district administration has fortified inter-state borders with a multi-layered deployment strategy, placing special emphasis on vulnerable stretches to ensure incident-free polling.

District Commissioner Aayush Garg said border areas adjoining neighbouring states, particularly Manipur, have been brought under heightened surveillance with reinforced force deployment.

“Inter-state border zones are critical from a security perspective. We have deployed additional forces and intensified monitoring to ensure there is no unlawful movement or interference during polling,” he told the media.

As part of the expanded security grid, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and state police personnel have been strategically deployed across sensitive border locations. Several polling stations in these belts have been placed under direct armed cover and round-the-clock vigil.

Security measures have been further tightened with intensified naka checking, area domination exercises, and continuous patrolling along key entry and exit routes to curb any cross-border movement of miscreants or illicit materials.

Cachar Superintendent of Police Sanjib Saikia asserted that security arrangements have been made “foolproof” across the district.

“Security coverage is comprehensive. Deployment has been carried out strictly as per assessment, especially in identified critical polling stations and sensitive areas. There is no specific threat,” he said.

He also confirmed that coordination with neighbouring states, including Manipur, is in place to meet any requirement. “Manipur Police has assured cooperation and support to check any untoward incident during the election process,” he added.

Quick response teams and striking forces have also been positioned to respond swiftly to any contingency, while sectoral and zonal officers are maintaining close supervision over vulnerable zones.

The administration has identified 95 polling stations as “critical” following detailed vulnerability mapping. Of these, 35 booths were flagged due to unusually high voter turnout exceeding 90 per cent and skewed voting patterns, while 60 others have been categorised as sensitive based on police and intelligence inputs.

All such locations will witness enhanced surveillance and security deployment, Saikia reiterated.

Guwahati/Kokrajhar/Nalbari, April 8: With Assam set to vote, election authorities across districts on Wednesday stepped up final preparations, including distribution of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), deployment of polling personnel, and tightening of security arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.

In Kamrup Metro, presiding officers from various polling stations assembled at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati to collect EVMs and ballot materials for polling day.

A total of 1,218 polling stations have been set up across the district’s five Assembly constituencies, catering to over 10 lakh voters.

This includes 272 polling stations in Dispur, 262 in Dimoria, 219 in New Guwahati, 218 in Guwahati Central, and 247 in Jalukbari.

One model polling station has been designated in each constituency, while 120 polling stations will be managed entirely by women officers.

In Nalbari district, authorities have completed arrangements for polling across the Nalbari, Tihu, and Barkhetri Assembly constituencies, where a total of 6,25,613 voters are registered.

Chief Electoral Officer and Nalbari District Commissioner Nibedan Das Patowary said 825 polling stations have been set up in the district, including 150 identified as sensitive.

“There are total 825 polling stations across the three constituencies in Nalbari district and over 6,000 service employees have been trained. We have identified 150 sensitive polling stations,” Patowary said.

He added that webcasting arrangements have been put in place across all polling stations.

According to Patowary, 46 polling stations will be operated entirely by women officials, including women police personnel.

“These are mainly set up in Tihu town, Mukalmua town and Nalbari town. Even police officials there are women,” he said.

Patowary further informed that 55 polling stations in the district have been marked as remote locations and are accessible only through boats, walking routes, tractors or vehicles.

“Even if the weather conditions turn bad, we are 100% confident that electors will be able to cast their votes without violence or clashes,” he asserted.

He added that three model polling stations have been established with special facilities including breastfeeding corners and support from self-help groups.

In Kokrajhar district, the administration has set up 944 polling stations for five Assembly constituencies, where 7,04,225 voters are expected to cast their ballots.

Polling personnel on Wednesday collected EVMs and election materials from Kokrajhar Government HS and MP School and Bodoland University before leaving for their respective polling stations.

District Commissioner and District Election Officer Dr P Uday Praveen said the district is fully prepared for peaceful polling.

“We have taken all necessary measures to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in all five constituencies of Kokrajhar district,” he said.

A total of 4,172 polling personnel have been deployed across the district, along with 52 all-women polling stations and five model polling stations.

Security arrangements have also been strengthened with 33 companies of Central Armed Police Forces deployed in Kokrajhar.

SSP Kokrajhar Akshat Garg said around 4,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and State Armed Police (SAP) personnel have been mobilised for election duty.

“For tomorrow’s election day, around 4,000 CAPF and SAP personnel are deployed. Border sealing before 72 hours is underway and checking has been intensified across inter-state and inter-district crossings as per ECI guidelines,” Garg said.

Dr Praveen said security personnel would be stationed at all 195 sensitive polling stations in the district.

“No untoward incident has taken place in Kokrajhar district previously and we are not expecting any this time as well, but we are prepared regardless,” he said.

He urged voters to turn out in large numbers, noting that the administration is targeting at least 90 per cent voter turnout in the district.

Polling for the first phase of the Assam Assembly elections will begin at 7 am on Thursday and continue till 5 pm.

Meanwhile, under the International Election Visitors Programme (IEVP), twelve foreign delegates from Election Management Bodies of seven countries, along with three representatives of the Election Commission of India, arrived in Guwahati to observe the electoral process.

Guwahati, April,2026: Teer Result is a lottery game. People who buy tickets for the Juwai Teer game can check the lucky number for the first and second rounds, here Winners are decided on the basis of the number of arrows shot in a particular round.

Juwai Teer Result is based on an archery game organized by Club Juwai

The teer lottery is a legal game governed by rules framed under the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act.

Juwai Teer Results April 08, 2026:

First Round (1.30 PM) : 01

Second Round (2.15 PM) : 76

Kohima, Apr 8: Security has been tightened for the bypoll to the Koridang Assembly seat in Nagaland's Mokokchung district, with night curfew in force in four villages following an election-related violence that claimed one life.

A total of 30 polling stations have been set up for the bypoll on April 9, of which 13 have been identified as vulnerable and 17 critical. Two polling stations will be managed by all-women staff, the returning officer for the by-poll, Nockpai Konyak said.

Security has been significantly stepped up across the constituency, with authorities maintaining round-the-clock monitoring in view of the violence reported on April 5 and 6, Konyak said.

As part of preventive measures, night curfew remains in force in four villages - Chungtia, Alichen, Longkhum, and Mangmetong. The official said no fresh incidents of violence have been reported from the area.

Six candidates are in the fray for Thursday assembly bypoll necessitated by the death of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen (75) on November 11.

The BJP, which is part of the ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), has fielded the deceased MLA's son Daochier I. Imchen, while the Congress has nominated T. Chalukumba Ao.

The NPP candidate is I. Abenjang, and the Independents are Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, and Toshikaba.

The assembly constituency has 22,382 electors, which include 11,311 men and 11,071 women, Konyak added.

The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

PTI

New Delhi, April 8: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the Rs 13,037.66 crore Jaipur Metro Phase-2 project, a transformative 41 km long North–South corridor from Prahladpura to Todi Mod, comprising 36 stations across the city.

The project will be implemented by Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited (RMRCL), a 50:50 joint venture of the Centre and the Rajasthan government.

The Phase-2 corridor will provide seamless connectivity to major activity nodes such as Sitapura Industrial Area, VKIA, Jaipur Airport, Tonk Road, SMS Hospital and Stadium, Ambabari, and Vidhyadhar Nagar. It includes underground stations in the airport area and will integrate with the operational Phase-1 through planned interchanges and feeder systems, ensuring a unified and continuous metro network across the city, according to a Cabinet communique.

Jaipur already has an operational metro system under Phase-1, running along the East–West corridor from Mansarovar to Badi Chaupar, covering 11.64 km with 11 stations, connecting important residential & commercial areas with the Central Business District of Jaipur, which forms the Heritage Walled City. Jaipur Metro Phase-2, planned along the North–South axis, will complement the existing corridor and provide citywide, pan-Jaipur metro connectivity, significantly easing traffic congestion and improving overall urban mobility.

At present, Jaipur Metro Phase-1 records an average daily ridership of around 60,000 passengers on the shorter but critical 11.64 km corridor. With the commissioning of Phase-2, the metro network is expected to witness a manifold increase in ridership, substantially enhancing the share of public transport in Jaipur and reducing dependence on private vehicles.

Jaipur Metro Phase-2 has undergone a comprehensive appraisal at multiple levels, including Inter-Ministerial Consultation, Network Planning Group review and Public Investment Board evaluation. The project has an Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) which is more than the threshold (over 14 per cent), indicating strong socio-economic viability. Funding is structured through equity support from the Centre and the Rajasthan government, subordinate debt and multilateral financing, in accordance with the Metro Rail Policy, 2017, the communique said.

The project is aligned with the Rajasthan TOD Policy-2025, proposed UMTA reforms, and national sustainable urban transport objectives. Targeted for completion by September 2031, Jaipur Metro Phase-2 is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, lower vehicular emissions and enhance mobility for residents, workers and tourists alike, reinforcing Jaipur’s position as a modern, future-ready city and a step towards Viksit Bharat and Viksit Rajasthan, it added.

--IANS

Guwahati, Apr 8: A day ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, the Indian National Congress (INC) suffered a setback after its candidate from Udalguri, Suren Daimary, resigned from the party and withdrew his candidature on Wednesday, alleging neglect and lack of support.

Addressing a press briefing, Daimary said, “I have resigned from the party and withdrawn my candidature as I feel the Congress has deceived me. After giving me the ticket, there was no communication or support from the leadership. My calls went unanswered, which compelled me to take this decision.”

He further expressed disappointment over what he described as the party’s lack of commitment in the constituency.

“I wanted to strengthen the Congress in Udalguri, but there was no support from the party. It appears their focus is limited, and they are not working for all communities, including ST groups,” he added.

Daimary was earlier in the fray against Dipen Boro of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and Rihon Daimary of the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).

Following his withdrawal, the contest is now expected to be primarily between the UPPL and BPF candidates.

The development comes amid a series of high-profile exits from the Congress in recent weeks building up to the polls on April 9.

Senior leader and Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the party on March 17, stating that he felt “stifled” within the organisation.

He later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and is now contesting from the Dispur constituency against Congress candidate Mira Borthakur and Independent candidate Jayanta Das.

Similarly, former APCC president Bhupen Borah stepped down from the party on February 16, reportedly citing that he was being “ignored” by the leadership.

He too joined the BJP and is now contesting from Bihpuria, where he faces Congress candidate Narayan Bhuyan, Independent candidate Hemen Gogoi, and Dr Diganta Gogoi of the Voters Party International.

Daimary’s sudden exit on the eve of polling has added to the Congress’ pre-election challenges, potentially altering the dynamics in Udalguri.

Bengaluru, April 8: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan on Wednesday said that three uncrewed missions are scheduled before the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human space venture

Talking to reporters after the inaugural session of the International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, Narayanan said: "Based on the guidelines, direction and the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are working on the Gaganyaan programme."

"Before going for the crewed mission, three uncrewed missions are targeted. So right now we are working on the first uncrewed mission. All activities are going on well," he added.

The space agency chief further said that the time frame and everything else about the missions will be announced at an appropriate time.

Underlining the importance of Spacecraft Mission Operations, Narayanan said, "Mission operation is an important activity in any space mission. The launch vehicle has to work for hardly 20-25 minutes. This mission operation activity has to continue for a long time. When we talk about a communication satellite with a 15-year operation, continuously, this operation has to be done."

He also cited the example of the Mars Orbiter mission. "For example, our Mars Orbiter mission, almost 300 days, this operation had to be done to make the mission successful," he said.

Narayanan highlighted that in human spaceflight missions, too, the mission operations are very critical, like any other important mission.

Elaborating on the challenges, he said: "Challenges mean it is the first time you are going to accomplish this mission. We have to do the human rating of the launch vehicle. Then a lot of new developments, including crew escape system, environmental control safety system, interfacing the human being along with the machine and software (are to be done).

About the event, the ISRO chief said: "Here the entire discussion is going to be on the mission operations, including all the new technologies. Around 400 papers are going to be presented and discussed. It will be highly useful for the students, start-up companies and also the engineers who are working in this area."

--IANS

Imphal, Apr 8: Amid prevailing tension in Manipur, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh is set to travel through Kangpokpi district, a Kuki-inhabited area, in what is being seen as a bold attempt to restore confidence and normalcy amid ethnic tensions.

Deputy Chief Minister Loshi Dikho said the Naga Peoples’ Organisation, along with major tribal bodies, women’s groups, and student organisations, is preparing to accord a grand reception to the Chief Minister in Senapati.

“People want peace. Across communities, there is support for the government’s initiatives. Only a few disruptive elements are trying to create problems,” he added.

Highlighting the government’s outreach efforts, he said the Khemchand-led administration has already undertaken multiple visits to conflict-hit areas like Jiribam and has received “overwhelming support” from the public.

Appealing to the public, Dikho stressed that lasting peace is essential for Manipur’s future.

“Manipur has immense potential. But without peace, we cannot move forward. My appeal is for people to understand each other and work together,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Manipur government, on Wednesday, conditionally lifted the suspension of broadband services in five valley districts, while mobile data services remain suspended.

In an official statement, the Home Department said the decision followed a review of the prevailing situation and the hardships caused to citizens, noting that the internet ban had disrupted the functioning of important offices, the high court, and work-from-home activities.

The statement said the conditional lifting applies to broadband connections (ILL and FTTH) through registered ISPs/TSPs only.

Users must comply with all terms and conditions, including restrictions on Wi-Fi or hotspot sharing, and cannot use any other connections apart from those permitted, it said.

The internet curb was triggered after violence broke out in Bishnupur district on Tuesday as two children were killed in the bomb attack on their home, while two others were shot dead when a mob stormed a CRPF camp during a protest against the blast.

With inputs from PTI

Bhopal/Barwani April 8: A light earthquake of magnitude 3.6 on Richter scale struck the Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, sending brief tremors across the region but causing no reported damage or casualties.

According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the quake occurred at 12:48:53 IST with its epicentre located nearly 21 km southwest of Barwani town.

The focal depth was recorded at 10 km.

The tremors were primarily felt in the Anjad police station area, particularly in the village of Mohipura.

The Bhopal weather centre also said, "Earthquake of Magnitude 3.6 occured at 12:48:53 IST of today (Afternoon) on Wednesday in Madhya Pradesh's Badwani (Geographical Location 21.868° N, 74.790° E) with epicentre depth of 10 km."

Local residents reported feeling mild tremors that lasted for about two minutes.

Many people stepped out of their homes as a precautionary measure, though panic remained minimal due to the earthquake's low intensity.

Officials from the district administration confirmed that no injuries or structural damage have been reported so far.

The earthquake originated in the lower Narmada basin region, an area known for occasional mild seismic activity.

"This was a minor tremor typical of the region. People are advised to remain calm and follow standard safety protocols in case of aftershocks," a senior district official said.

Earthquake experts noted that magnitude 3.6 quakes are generally not destructive, especially at this shallow depth, but can be felt within a limited radius.

Barwani lies about 145 km southwest of Indore, and some residents in nearby areas also reported sensing the vibrations.

Madhya Pradesh falls under seismic Zone III as per the Bureau of Indian Standards, indicating moderate risk.

Authorities have urged citizens to stay alert and avoid spreading unverified information.

The NCS continues to monitor the situation closely.

Residents are advised to keep emergency kits ready and follow updates from official sources.

--IANS

Kolkata, April 8: Nearly 91 lakh voters' names have been deleted from the electoral rolls in West Bengal following the completion of the SIR exercise in the State, according to the Election Commission figures, sharpening an already polarised campaign, and turning the SIR from a bureaucratic exercise into the defining political flashpoint ahead of the first phase of Assembly polls on April 23.

While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the poll body of undertaking "targeted deletions of Matua, Rajbanshi and minority community members" of the State, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari maintained that "Bangladeshi Muslims have no place in West Bengal".

The EC is yet to officially announce the finally altered voter base for the State after the roll revision process.

The EC figures, which pushed the total deletion to over 90.88 lakh names from the original voter base of 7.66 crore in October 2025, showed that the proportion of removal of electors now remains at over 11.85 per cent.

Over 27.16 lakh of 60.06 lakh "under adjudication" voters have been deleted during the now concluded scrutiny by judicial officers, the EC data said.

In terms of ratio, the figure revealed that some 46.22 per cent of the cases under judicial scrutiny following the publication of the post-SIR electoral rolls on February 28 were deleted.

More than 32.68 lakh of those in the "under adjudication" category have been retained and included in the final rolls.

The EC figures showed that maximum deletions were recorded in the Muslim-majority district of Murshidabad, where over 4.66 lakh of the 11.01 lakh names under judicial scrutiny were removed from the electoral rolls, taking the under-adjudication deletion figure in the district to around 41.38 per cent.

Significant deletions were also re-corded in the Bangladesh-bordering North 24 Parganas district, where over 3.26 lakh of the 6.91 lakh under scrutiny electors were found not eligible to vote, and in Malda, where over 2.39 lakh of the 8.28 lakh under judicial review voters were deleted.

The deletion figures following adjudication in South 24 Parganas district stood at nearly 2.23 lakh, in Purba Bardhaman district at 2.09 lakhs and in Nadia at 2.98 lakhs, the EC data said.

In terms of percentage, post-adjudi-cation deletions in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts which are perceptively dominated by the Hindu refugee Matua community members-were at a whopping 77.86 per cent and 66.08 per cent respectively:

In Cooch Behar district, the primary home to Rajbanshi SC community in North Bengal, over 1.2 lakh names accounting for over 50 per cent of the 2.38 lakh electors under adjudication, were deleted from the final rolls.

Over 28,000 voters were deleted in Kolkata South, which comprises Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Bhabanipur seat, pegging the deletion percentage during adjudications at 36.19.

Some 39,000 under-scrutiny voters in Kolkata North were found not eligible to vote, pinning the deletion percentage there at nearly 64.

Lashing out at the EC and the BJР following the publication of the list, the CM, addressing a rally at Chakdaha in Nadia district, said the TMC will stand by those whose names were excluded from the voter rolls, providing them with legal support.

"Why this discrimination? You are excluding Matuas, Rajbanshis and minorities. Do you think that people do not understand this?" the CM said.

PTI

Guwahati, April 8: On the eve of polling day for the Assam Assembly elections, Guwahati is in the grip of a severe transport crunch. Thousands are stranded across key transit points, raising concerns over access to polling stations.

From GS Road to Zoo Road and LGBI Airport corridor to Lamb Road, an unusual and sudden disappearance of city buses has thrown daily life into disarray.

At major junctions such as Khanapara and Jalukbari, crowds have surged, with many waiting for hours in the heat, unsure of getting a ride in time to vote.

The situation has worsened as large numbers attempt to return to their hometowns ahead of polling. With buses off the roads, options remain scarce and available services are being stretched and, in some cases, overpriced.

Auto-rickshaw and small vehicle operators, sensing an opportunity, have reportedly hiked fares up to five times the usual rate.

What would typically cost Rs 10 to Rs 30 is now being charged anywhere between Rs 70 and Rs 100, further increasing the distress of passengers.

At Jalukbari, one of the worst-affected points, the desperation is palpable. Long queues snake around bus stops, and four wheelers are beginning to fray as uncertainty looms. 

People atop a mini-van traveling to their hometown

Pinky Kashyap, a voter from Hajo, described her ordeal.

“There are barely any buses, and we’ve been standing in the heat for the past two hours. It’s disheartening that people who want to vote are made to suffer like this. Public transport should have been arranged properly. Many may not even make it home to vote because of this," she told The Assam Tribune.

For many, the delay is not just inconvenient but potentially disenfranchising. Kamal Medhi, who is trying to reach Goreswar, echoed similar frustration.

“We’ve been waiting for over two to three hours. There are no buses at all. Small vehicles are charging Rs 100 for what normally costs Rs 10. They won’t even move unless they get enough passengers. It feels like we are being taken advantage of," he said.

The chaos is not limited to a single route. Passengers heading towards Rangiya and Nalbari report similar struggles, with inflated fares and a severe shortage of vehicles.

“The situation is extremely difficult. We’ve been waiting for a long time, and even the few vehicles available have increased their fares significantly. It’s becoming unaffordable", Rajiya Sultana, bound for Rangiya, said.

Riju Das, a voter from Nalbari, fears he may miss his chance to vote altogether.

“There are no buses to Nalbari. Autos are running, but the fares have doubled. We’ve been waiting endlessly with no assurance of getting a vehicle. It’s worrying because voting is important, but reaching home seems uncertain.”

Another commuter, Nilam Boro summed up the sentiment shared by many stranded commuters. “We came here with the intention to vote, but managing transport has become a huge challenge. Fares have shot up, and there are no vehicles. If this continues, many people may not be able to vote at all," she said. 

The transport breakdown comes at a critical time when election machinery is in full swing. Voting is scheduled to begin at 7 am across polling stations, with over 1.25 lakh polling and presiding officers deployed.

Commuters waiting at a bus stop frantically looking for vehicles to travel home for voting

While election personnel are being dispatched in phases, the plight of ordinary voters trying to reach their constituencies has been largely overlooked.

Adding to the complexity, police and district administrations are on high alert to ensure smooth conduct of elections, but the absence of a coordinated transport plan for the public has exposed a glaring gap.

For many voters, especially those working or studying away from home, the journey back has turned into an ordeal. Some have already given up hope, while others continue to wait, clinging to the possibility of finding a ride.

Patna, April 8: Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, has launched a sharp attack on Bihar’s healthcare system after a disturbing video from Gaya went viral on social media.

The video, reportedly from Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College Hospital, shows a youth carrying his elderly grandmother out of a ward on a scooter as no stretcher or wheelchair was available.

The footage has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about hospital infrastructure in the state.

Sharing the video on X, Tejashwi Yadav took a sarcastic dig at the government and Health Minister Mangal Pandey. “In Bihar’s hospitals, somewhere there are no doctors; elsewhere, no cotton or needles; in some places, no medicines or beds -- and now even wheelchairs are unavailable. Patients are being transported on bicycles, cots, and scooters out of sheer helplessness,” he wrote.

He further alleged that under the current NDA government, the healthcare system has completely collapsed in the state.

Tejashwi questioned the very definition of healthcare facilities in the state, arguing that merely constructing buildings and labelling them as hospitals does not improve medical services. “If there are no doctors, nurses, medicines, or basic facilities, why call it a hospital?” he asked.

He also accused the government of prioritising construction contracts over strengthening healthcare delivery, claiming that such institutions risk becoming empty structures without proper staffing and resources.

Targeting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, Tejashwi alleged that it is indifferent to the suffering of the poor and more focused on retaining power.

He further claimed that government hospitals in Bihar have effectively become referral centres, pushing patients toward private healthcare facilities.

Tejashwi also asserted that initiatives undertaken during his tenure in the Health Department have been neglected, alleging that the system has once again fallen under the influence of middlemen and what he termed a medical mafia.

The viral video has intensified the political debate over Bihar’s healthcare system, with renewed scrutiny on infrastructure gaps and service delivery in government hospitals.

--IANS

New Delhi, April 8: Indian triple jumper Abdulla Aboobacker has set a clear benchmark for a podium finish at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan; the 17-metre mark. After narrowly missing the podium in the last edition, the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist believes that breaching the 17m mark will guarantee a gold or a silver medal in Japan.

At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Chinese jumpers Zhu Yaming (17.13m) and Fang Yaoqing (16.93m) bagged the top two spots on the podium, with India's Praveen Chithravel securing a bronze with a best effort of 16.68m and Aboobacker was placed fourth with 16.62m.

However, last month Aboobacker produced his best jump of 16.83m, defeating national record holder Chithravel to win the Indian Open Jumps Competition in Bengaluru. It was the eighth instance of a one-two finish between Aboobacker and Chithravel.

"If I cross the 17m mark in the Asian Games 2026, I’ll likely secure the gold or silver. Last time, I finished in fourth place (16.63m), but this time in Japan, I have to perform well no matter what. Last year, gold and silver went to the Chinese athletes,"says Aboobacker.

The former Asian champion stressed that intense competition within the Indian camp has fuelled India's chances to challenge China’s dominance and secure a top-two finish on the podium in Achi-Nagoya.

"This year, our Indian triple jump team is very strong. Since Indian jumpers are giving such tough competition to each other back home right now, we can definitely perform well and finish top two on the podium at the Asian Games," he said.

"Competing against Praveen (Chithravel) has significantly improved my performance. Beating him has given me a lot of motivation for the upcoming Commonwealth Games (CWG) and Asian Games. Since I am getting such strong competition even before heading into major events, it will definitely help me perform better there," the 30-year-old jumper added.

At the India Open, Aboobacker winning jump came in his third attempt, and he opted out of his final three jumps, which he called a strategic move to maintain his consistency for the major tournament coming ahead.

"At the India Open, my three jumps were 16.07m, 16.57m, and 16.83m. Since 16.83m is a decent performance, I felt it was better to stop after just three jumps and target my goals in the next competition instead. There was also a headwind at the India Open; if I had pushed harder, I could have touched the 17m mark, but it wasn't worth the risk there.

"Even if I had hit 17.20m or 17.30m, it wouldn't have held much value in that specific setting. What I really wanted was consistency. Having put in so many jumps during the off-season, I need to maintain that form throughout the main season, which is why I decided to call it a day after three jumps," he said.

Aboobacker, who is currently training at Inspire Institute of Sport in Bengaluru, said the facility at IIS has helped him in managing logistics and streamlined his preparation.

"I have learned a lot since coming to IIS (Inspire Institute of Sport). It is only after arriving here that I understood things like nutrition, recovery, etc. My speed, strength, and conditioning—I was able to sort all of that out quickly at IIS. Previously, I would have had to search for a physio or a recovery centre, but at IIS, everything is available in one place," he concluded.

--IANS

Sadiya, April 8: As Assam stepped into a 48-hour silence period before polling day on April 9, an alleged incident of pre-poll violence surfaced in Sadiya after unidentified miscreants allegedly set fire to a vehicle and a granary in the early hours of Wednesday.

The incident took place at No. 3 Kakopathar, where a family narrowly escaped after the blaze broke out around 3 am.

Victim Sanjay Gowala, whose four-wheeler and grain storage were destroyed in the fire, said the family has no personal enmity with anyone and suspects foul play.

“I have no personal rivalry with anyone. It was around 3 am that our vehicle was set on fire along with the grain storage. When my brother woke up and chased the miscreants, they fled away,” Gowala said.

“It was my hard-earned money that was used for all that they devastated. The grains cultivated after a year of hard work turned into ashes. How will I sustain and send my children to school? I urge the government for support and assistance,” he added.

A female member of the family said the area had remained peaceful in the days leading up to the incident.

“It’s been days now where all the tractors used to be kept here, no clash has taken place, nothing happened yesterday. At early hours, miscreants came and set fire. By the time we came out, they already fled,” she said.

The affected family, known supporters of the BJP, claimed the attack may be linked to a political meeting held at their residence on Tuesday night in support of BJP candidate Bolin Chetia, on the final day of campaigning before the silence period.

“At around 3 am, miscreants set fire to the vehicle using petrol. Earlier yesterday BJP workers came to our house. We suspect members from the opposition as the incident is the result of their visit. Nothing had happened for days, but only yesterday after their visit, this took place,” the family member claimed.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, though no arrests had been made till the filing of this report.

The incident comes amid heightened political activity and security vigilance across Assam ahead of Thursday’s Assembly elections.

Itanagar, Apr 8: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein, on Wednesday, said the revamped Sessa mini hydel station in West Kameng district will provide electricity to more than 1,500 households.

Mein made the statement after inaugurating the revamped 3x500 kw hydel station at Sessa.

He said the hydel station, which was originally commissioned in 1992, had remained non-operational for several years due to ageing infrastructure, but has now been successfully revived with modern technology.

He said that with an installed capacity of 3x500 kw and upgraded 33 kv grid connectivity, the plant will now ensure a stable and efficient power supply to several localities in the district.

"The modernisation includes improved transmission systems, enhanced voltage stability, and reduced transmission losses, ensuring better quality power and ease of operation and maintenance," he said.

Mein said the hydel station is expected to generate around 6.1 million units of energy annually, contributing significantly to the region's energy requirements.

He said the project reflects the state's commitment to expanding hydropower capacity and improving the quality of life in border regions.

"Together, we move forward towards a brighter, self-reliant, and energy-secure future," he said.

PTI

Bhubaneswar, April 8: Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), on Wednesday announced to invest Rs 33,081 crore in Odisha across three projects -- a data centre in Bhubaneswar and a thermal power plant and a cement manufacturing unit near Cuttack -- that will create a total of 9,700 jobs.

The first project is a data centre in Bhubaneswar with an investment of Rs 800 crore, which he said will support the digital economy and create around 200 jobs.

The second is a large thermal power plant near Cuttack worth Rs 30,181 crore, expected to generate about 7,000 jobs and strengthen power supply for industries and households.

The third project is a cement manufacturing unit near Cuttack with an investment of Rs 2,100 crore, which will create around 2,500 jobs and support infrastructure development.

“Taken together, these projects are a statement of belief. A belief that Odisha is not on the cusp of its moment -- it is in it. That the next chapter of India's industrial rise will be written here, in this State, by these people,” Karan Adani noted.

Speaking at the inauguration of industrial projects here, he highlighted the company’s growing presence in Odisha and its long-term commitment to the state’s development.

He said that Adani Group is not just investing in projects but contributing to Odisha’s future as a major economic hub.

“Odisha is no longer a state in transition but one that clearly understands its direction and growth path,” Karan Adani mentioned.

“What makes Odisha's vision credible is that the foundation is real. The resources are here. The people are here. The governance reform is happening,” he stated.

What remains is the act of building -- decisively, at scale, and with a long horizon, he added.

Karan Adani said that Odisha is already playing an important role in India’s economic future and will continue to grow as a major industrial and technological centre.

He added that the Adani Group sees itself as a long-term partner in this journey.

--IANS

New Delhi, Apr 8: India on Wednesday welcomed a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, calling for "de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy" to ensure lasting peace in West Asia.

"We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to lasting peace in West Asia. As we have continuously advocated earlier, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"The conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz," it said.

Iran and the US have agreed on a conditional 14-day ceasefire that includes the opening of the Strait of Hormuz for shipping.

Celebrations erupted in various places across Kashmir after the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, with people calling it a "victory" for the Islamic Republic.

Hundreds of people, especially in the Shia-dominated areas of the valley, gathered on roads to celebrate the ceasefire.

The celebrations erupted in Saidakadal and Zadibal areas, as well as in Budgam, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Pulwama and Bandipora districts of the valley.

Waving Iranian flags, the people expressed joy over the ceasefire announcement and burst crackers to celebrate. They also distributed Kashmiri kehwa as part of the celebrations.

The people called the ceasefire a "victory" of Iran over the US and Israel.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has criticised the Centre over the role Pakistan played in bringing about the ceasefire, calling it a "severe setback" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "highly personalised diplomacy".

The Opposition party also said Prime Minister Modi's "cowardice is demonstrated by his silence not only on Israel's belligerence, but on the completely unacceptable and disgraceful language being used by his good friend in the White House".

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "The role played by Pakistan in bringing about the ceasefire is a severe setback to both the substance and style of Mr Modi's highly personalised diplomacy."

PTI

New York, April 8: A US judge has granted a request from Billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani to schedule a hearing to dismiss a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) case of alleged fraud. The plea states that the case represents an impermissible extraterritorial application of US law and that the SEC has failed to establish actionable claims under US securities laws.

"The court has received Defendants' letter requesting a pre-motion conference on their anticipated motion to dismiss the Complaint. The court grants that request and directs the parties to schedule the pre-motion conference,” the Eastern District Court of New York has stated in its order.

While Gautam Adani is the chairman of the Adani Group, Sagar Adani is executive director at Adani Green Energy.

.The court's decision to grant a hearing allows the Adanis’ to argue that the regulator's complaint should be thrown out at an early stage, potentially avoiding a protracted discovery process and trial.

The case brought by SEC in November 2024 alongside a criminal complaint by the US Department of Justice, alleges that the Adanis sought to pay over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure solar energy contracts and concealed the scheme from US investors and banks when they raised funds.

The counsels for Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar stated in court that there was no credible evidence supporting the alleged bribery scheme. They pointed out that the SEC lacked necessary jurisdiction over the two men and that the alleged misstatements underpinning the case weren't actionable.

The Adani Group has denied all allegations, stating that none of its entities or executives have been charged under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and that Adani Green Energy -- the renewable energy arm that raised the funds -- is not a party to the proceedings.

In filings, Adani's legal team has argued that the case lacks sufficient jurisdictional basis and fails to establish actionable claims under US securities laws.

The plea also argues that the SEC’s claims over a 2021 bond sale by the Group’s renewable energy arm Adani Green Energy are legally flawed on multiple grounds.

The $750-million bond sale was conducted outside the United States under Rule 144A and Regulation S exemptions, with securities sold to non-US underwriters and only later resold in part to qualified institutional buyers, they said.

The Adanis argued that the SEC lacked personal jurisdiction, saying neither of them had sufficient contacts with the US or direct involvement in the bond offering.

The plea filed by the lawyers added that the complaint does not allege that Gautam Adani approved the issuance, attended key meetings, or directed any activity at US investors.

The plea also highlights that the "SEC does not allege that there were any investor losses, and there were none. The bonds have matured, and Adani Green repaid all principal and interest in full to investors in 2024," it added.

The filing also contends the SEC's case is impermissibly extraterritorial, noting the securities were not listed in the United States, the issuer is Indian, and the alleged misconduct occurred entirely in India.

Citing US Supreme Court precedent, Adanis said the SEC failed to show any "domestic transaction", a requirement for applying US securities laws.

The plea further states that the SEC charges against Adanis say nothing about where irrevocable liability was incurred and the mere fact, taken as true, that some downstream investors were located in the US is irrelevant to the case.

"The SEC's claims here solely involve Indian Defendants, an Indian issuer, securities not registered with the SEC and not traded on any US exchange, and underlying conduct alleged to have occurred exclusively in India," it said. "This case is thus conclusively beyond the reach of the US securities laws."

The defendants also said the SEC does not allege any investor losses, adding that the bonds matured and were fully repaid with interest in 2024.

They also disputed the underlying bribery allegations, saying there is no credible evidence supporting such claims.

"The alleged bribery scheme relates to a solar energy project in India for the provision of renewable power in India. There is no allegation that any US company bid on the project, or that any US customer purchased energy in the project. In fact, there was no such US involvement," the plea said.

--IANS

Kolkata, April 8: The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday shot off a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, accusing poll officials in West Bengal, including the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manoj Kumar Agarwal, of political bias in favour of the BJP.

In the letter to the CEC, signed jointly by four party Rajya Sabha members namely Derek O’Brien, Sagarika Ghose, Menaka Guruswami and Saket Gokhale, the CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal has been accused of being politically biased as he was accompanied by a local BJP leader while on an official visit to Nandigram in East Midnapore district.

The BJP’s sitting legislator and also the candidate from Nandigram this time is the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

“It has come to light that Shri Tapan Kumar Mahapatra, presently associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party as the Aanchal Convenor of Kalicharanpur, Nandigram, has been seen accompanying and moving within the constituency alongside the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal, in a manner that suggests proximity and influence inconsistent with the independence expected of election administration.

"The presence and apparent role of a politically-affiliated individual in close operational proximity to the electoral machinery raises serious apprehensions regarding the sanctity of the process,” read the letter.

Similarly, in the letter, Trinamool Congress had accused that another officer, Surajit Roy, who previously served as Block Development Officer of Nandigram-II Block and against whom there was photographic evidence establishing a close and publicly visible association with Suvendu Adhikari, was previously appointed as the returning officer for Nandigram Assembly Constituency for the polls.

“Such proximity between an election official and a contesting political figure strikes at the core of institutional impartiality,” read the letter to the CEC.

In the letter, the Trinamool Congress has given a list of Election Commission of India (ECI)-appointed poll officers who allegedly have close links with several BJP leaders.

“The deployment of such individuals, whether due to political association, pending allegations, or prior roles closely linked to political executives, creates a reasonable apprehension that the electoral process is not being administered with the level of neutrality mandated under the Constitution.

"These are not isolated lapses but indicative of a broader pattern that compromises both the perception and reality of impartial election management,” the letter read.

The letter concluded with a plea that the ECI should take immediate cognisance in the matter and ensure that all electoral officers and observers are beyond reproach, both in fact and in perception.

--IANS

New Delhi, Apr 8: Taking a swipe at the Centre, the Congress, on Wednesday, said the role played by Pakistan in bringing about the ceasefire between the US and Iran is a "severe setback" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "highly personalised diplomacy" and the "self-styled Vishwaguru" stands thoroughly exposed.

The Opposition party also said Prime Minister Modi's "cowardice is demonstrated by his silence not only on Israel's belligerence, but on the completely unacceptable and disgraceful language being used by his good friend in the White House".

Congress general secretary in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh said the entire world will cautiously welcome the two-week ceasefire in the West Asia conflict between the US and Israel on the one side and Iran on the other.

"The role played by Pakistan in bringing about the ceasefire is a severe setback to both the substance and style of Mr Modi's highly personalised diplomacy," he said.

The policy to isolate Pakistan for its continuing support to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and to convince the world that it is a failed state has clearly not succeeded unlike what Manmohan Singh had accomplished after the Mumbai terror attacks, Ramesh claimed.

That a bankrupt economy dependent entirely on the largesse of external donors and a broken country in so many ways was able to play such a role calls into question Modi's strategy of engagement and narrative management, he said.

"There is a palpable sigh of relief everywhere. The External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) dismissed Pakistan as a dalal. But now the self-styled Vishwaguru stands thoroughly exposed, his self-declared 56-inch chest shrunk and shrivelled," Ramesh said.

PM Modi had said nothing about Israel's "genocide" in Gaza and its aggressively expansionist policies in the occupied West Bank, Ramesh said.

"The conflict had begun on February 28th with the targeted assassinations of the topmost echelons of the regime in Iran. These had started just two days after Prime Minister Modi had completed his much-trumpeted visit to Israel, a visit that diminished India's global stature and standing," Ramesh claimed.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed "western powers" for speaking in a "despicable language" on the Iran conflict and said the world understands as the "veil of morality falls" from the face of the West.

US President Donald Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday, as the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

PTI

Mumbai, April 8: On superstar Allu Arjun’s 44th birthday on Wednesday, the makers of his next, which was tentatively titled as #AA22xA6, revealed that the film has been christened “Raaka” and even shared the first look of the actor from the upcoming movie.

Production banner Sun Pictures, along with Arjun and director Atlee, took to Instagram in a collaborative post to unveil the first look and the title of the upcoming film, which also stars Deepika Padukone. The first look featured an intense close-up of a bald Arjun’s rugged face. His face is partially hidden by a wolf like claw. In the image, the star’s one eye is sharply in focus, staring forward with a predatory intensity. The entire picture adds a primal, warrior-like aesthetic.

“#AA22xA6 is now #Raaka Prepare yourself for a vision beyond limits @alluarjunonline @atlee47 @deepikapadukone,” the caption read.

The film is the first collaboration between Arjun and Deepika.

On Tuesday, the production house Sun Pictures announced the title poster release date and time, writing: "Brace for the BlAAst Title Poster – Tomorrow @ 11 AM @alluarjun @Atlee_dir @deepikapadukone #AA22xA6 (sic)."

Arjun was last seen in Pushpa 2: The Rule directed by Sukumar. A sequel to Pushpa: The Rise, it is the second installment in the Pushpa film series.

The film stars Allu Arjun in the titular role, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil and Rao Ramesh. It follows Pushpa Raj, a labourer-turned-red sandalwood smuggler, as he faces growing threats from his enemies, including SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. It is among the most expensive Indian films ever produced.

Talking about Atlee, he made his directorial debut with the film Raja Rani. He wrote and directed Theri, Mersal, and Bigil, all featuring Vijay. He made his debut in Hindi cinema with Jawan starring Shah Rukh Khan.

--IANS

Ulan Bator, April 8: At least 20,000 women in their 30s and 40s will undergo screening for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer, in Mongolia this year, local media reported, citing the country's health ministry.

The ministry emphasised that cervical cancer is preventable and urged women in the targeted age group to actively participate in the screening programme.

According to the National Centre for Communicable Diseases, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Mongolia and the fourth most common cancer nationwide.

In 2025, Mongolia, with a population of 3.5 million, recorded 551 new cases of cervical cancer and 171 related deaths, Xinhua news agency reported.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. Almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms.

HPV can affect the skin, genital area and throat.

Condoms help prevent HPV but do not offer total protection because they do not cover all the genital skin.

HPV usually goes away on its own without treatment. Some HPV infections cause genital warts. Others can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer.

Cancers from HPV can be prevented with vaccines.

The vaccine does not contain any live virus or DNA from the virus so it cannot cause cancer or other HPV-related illnesses. The HPV vaccine is not used to treat HPV infections or diseases caused by HPV, but instead to prevent the development of cancers.

Currently, cervical cancer is the only HPV-caused cancer for which screening tests are available. Screening tests are used to check for disease when there are no symptoms. The goal of screening for cervical cancer is to find precancerous cell changes before they become cancer and when treatment can prevent cancer from developing. Screening for cervical cancer is an important part of routine health care for people who have a cervix. This includes women and transgender men who still have a cervix.

Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer caused by HPV, other less common cancers affecting men and women, including anal, vulvar, vaginal, mouth/throat and penile cancers.

--IANS

Guwahati, Apr 8: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Wednesday said it has filed complaints at two police stations in Assam against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for allegedly comparing the ideology of the organisation and the BJP to a “poisonous snake” during an election rally.

According to an RSS spokesperson, the complaints seek legal action over “derogatory, provocative, and communally sensitive statements made during a recent election rally” in south Assam.

In the complaints, the RSS alleged that Kharge made the controversial remarks at a rally in Nilambazar under the Karimganj South Assembly constituency in Sribhumi district.

“If a poisonous snake is moving in front of you while you are offering namaz, you must stop the prayer and rush to kill the poisonous snake first — that is what the Quran prescribes you to do. I tell you that the RSS and BJP are like that same poisonous snake,” Kharge was quoted as saying in the complaints.

The RSS expressed serious concern over the remarks, stating that they were “inflammatory in nature and capable of inciting hostility, intimidation, and violence against workers and supporters of the RSS and the BJP”.

The complaints further stated that the remarks constitute a “corrupt electoral practice under Section 83 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951,” and alleged that they “criminally intimidated the public and promoted enmity between supporters of different political and social groups”.

Describing the ideology of the RSS and BJP as “poisonous” and calling for their elimination could encourage “bodily harm against members and supporters of these organisations”, the complaints said.

The RSS also alleged that Kharge’s remarks attempt to promote “communal division between Hindu and Muslim communities, potentially disturbing public peace and harmony in Assam and influencing the electoral environment”.

The complainants further claimed that such statements could lead to communal tensions or clashes if not addressed promptly by authorities.

The complaints were filed by RSS North Assam secretary Khagen Saikia at Dispur Police Station and South Assam secretary Jyotsnamoy Chakraborty at Silchar Police Station.

Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party had also filed complaints over the same issue at Basistha Police Station and with the Election Commission on Tuesday.

PTI

New Delhi, April 8: Elon Musk -- who was a co-founder of OpenAI -- has sought the removal of current CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman as part of his legal challenge to the Artificial Intelligence firm’s shift to a for-profit structure, according to reports.

In a court filing on Tuesday, Musk said his lawsuit aims to reverse OpenAI’s restructuring and restore its status as a non-profit research organisation, they said.

He also requested that any damages awarded in the case be directed to OpenAI’s charitable arm, stating that the legal action is intended to prevent a public charity from being subordinated to private, for-profit interests.

Musk has sued OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging that the company deviated from its founding mission after taking billions of dollars in funding and pursuing a for-profit model. He had earlier indicated he may seek damages of up to $134 billion.

However, OpenAI rejected the allegations, describing the lawsuit as a “harassment campaign” driven by “ego and jealousy” and aimed at slowing down a competitor.

The development comes amid escalating tensions between Musk and OpenAI leadership.

A day earlier, the company’s Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon had urged attorneys general in California and Delaware to investigate Musk for alleged anti-competitive behaviour.

Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left its board in 2018. He later launched rival AI venture xAI in 2023.

Earlier this year, OpenAI rejected Musk’s unsolicited $97.4 billion bid to acquire assets of the non-profit that controls the company.

The AI firm has since proceeded with its restructuring plans to raise more capital and potentially go public.

Separately, a report said China’s AI models are rapidly gaining global traction, raising concerns among US policymakers over potential risks to national security, supply chains and economic competitiveness.

The report noted that Chinese AI systems, which accounted for just 1 per cent of global workloads in late 2024, surged to nearly 30 per cent by the end of 2025.

--IANS

Guwahati, Apr 8: Before a single vote is cast on April 9, Assam is already deep into its most crucial democratic exercise. Across towns, villages and remote corners, a quiet yet intense operation has been unfolding, largely unseen by voters.

By the time a voter presses a button on the EVM, an intricate web of planning, coordination and pressure has already done the heavy lifting.

At the centre of this effort is a system designed to leave little room for error. Officials have been mapping routes, inspecting polling stations and finalising logistics for weeks, while personnel traverse long distances, balancing routine duties with election responsibilities.

Behind these arrangements are over 1.5 lakh polling personnel (1,51,132 individuals) tasked with ensuring that the process runs seamlessly.

They are supported by 41,320 Ballot Units, 43,975 Control Units, and 43,997 VVPAT machines, with reserves kept ready for emergencies. But beyond the numbers lies a story of effort that often goes unnoticed.

Digital push in polls

This year, technology has taken a front seat, with webcasting enabled at all 31,490 polling stations, covering 31,486 main and four auxiliary booths, allowing real-time monitoring from multiple levels of the election machinery.

Security arrangements have been equally robust, with Central Armed Police Forces, including CRPF personnel, deployed across polling stations, and micro observers keeping watch in sensitive locations.

Polling officers queueing up to assess their designated poll stations in Chirang district

This year Assam polls are not just a domestic exercise but are also attracting global observers. As part of the International Election Visitors Programme (IEVP), a delegation comprising 12 representatives from Election Management Bodies of seven countries, along with three officials from the Election Commission of India, arrived in Guwahati on Wednesday for a two-day visit.

The team is expected to observe polling arrangements and gain insights into Assam’s electoral processes, reflecting growing global collaboration and interest in India’s democratic practices.

Step out, cast vote

Even as the system scales up, the message from the top remains grounded in citizen participation.

Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel emphasised that voting is both a right and a responsibility, urging people to step out and be part of the process.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, he called on voters to not only cast their ballots but also inspire others, stressing that cooperation with polling officials and adherence to guidelines would ensure a smooth and peaceful election.

"Each vote carries 'a strength that builds the nation and keeps the democratic spirit alive," he said.

Polling personnel make last-minute preparations as Assam readies for voting day 

Unsung poll officials’ struggle

For many officials, election duty begins weeks in advance. As a section officer, Bedanta Das has been part of groundwork that includes mapping routes, checking road connectivity, and ensuring assured minimum facilities at polling stations.

“We have to prepare a roadmap well before elections and physically verify conditions on the ground,” he said, explaining how the responsibility extends across multiple polling stations within his jurisdiction.

Balancing these duties with regular office work is not easy. Das pointed out that field visits often disrupt routine responsibilities, which then have to be managed later. There are also logistical challenges especially in the run-up to polling day.

“We are not provided transport initially and we have to arrange our own commute, there is no reimbursement for that,” he noted, highlighting a lesser-discussed aspect of election duty.

For others, the challenge lies in coordination at scale. Pranjal Kalita, who worked in the personnel management cell, described how the process starts months earlier with data collection and duty allocation. But execution on the ground can be uneven.

“There are times when officials are called to the administration office, but arrangements are delayed. People end up waiting for hours, from morning till evening, just to receive their assignments,” he said, pointing to the pressure points within the system.

Polling made voter-friendly

For voters, these behind-the-scenes efforts translate into a more accessible and organised experience. Polling stations have been equipped with assured minimum facilities, including drinking water, waiting areas, toilets, and wheelchairs for persons with disabilities.

From setup to supervision, teams work tirelessly behind the scenes of Assam's elections

Seating arrangements near queues and provisions for safekeeping mobile phones have also been put in place to streamline the process.

As Assam prepares to vote, Goel’s appeal ties together both the system and the citizen. He has urged people to approach polling day with a sense of purpose, reminding them that participating in elections is not just about choice, but about responsibility.

In his words, every voter is a partner in nation-building, and each vote contributes to the larger democratic mandate.

Tomorrow, when voters step into polling booths, they will see the visible face of democracy. What they may not see is the scale of effort, the long hours, and the quiet coordination that have made that moment possible.

Ranchi, April 8: In a key development in the multi-crore tender commission and money laundering case linked to Jharkhand’s Rural Development Department, retired Engineer-in-Chief Rajiv Lochan and retired Executive Engineer Anil Kumar surrendered before the Special PMLA Court in Ranchi on Wednesday.

The court subsequently granted them conditional bail upon furnishing personal bonds of Rs 1 lakh each.

As part of the bail conditions, both accused have been directed to surrender their passports and refrain from leaving the country without prior permission.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had recently filed a supplementary charge sheet against 14 engineers in the case. Taking cognisance, the court issued a summons to all those named.

However, legal troubles continue for the prime accused and former Rural Development Minister Alamgir Alam and his private secretary, Sanjeev Lal. The Supreme Court recently rejected their bail pleas and directed the trial court to record statements of key witnesses within four weeks and expedite proceedings.

So far, the agency has conducted 52 searches across Jharkhand, Delhi and Bihar, and arrested nine persons in connection with the case. Former minister Alam, his personal secretary Lal and associate Jahangir Alam are currently in judicial custody. Alamgir Alam was arrested on May 15, 2024.

According to the ED, its probe has revealed an organised commission-based syndicate operating within the department. Contractors were allegedly forced to pay around 3 per cent commission for securing tenders. Of this, about 1.35 per cent was allegedly routed to the minister, while the remainder was distributed among officials at various levels.

The probe agency has claimed that illegal collections exceeding Rs 90 crore were made against tenders worth approximately Rs 3,048 crore.

The case came to light in May 2024 after the ED raided premises linked to Jahangir Alam -- an associate of Sanjeev Lal -- led to the recovery of Rs 32.20 crore in cash.

The case is based on an FIR by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jamshedpur, under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018.

--IANS

Jorhat, Apr 8: With the state set to go to polls on Thursday, polling and presiding officers, along with security personnel, were dispatched on Wednesday to their respective polling stations across Jorhat district.

A total of 7,11,747 voters will decide the fate of candidates across four Assembly constituencies - 100 No. Jorhat, 99 No. Teok, 101 No. Mariani, and 102 No. Titabor.

District Election Officer Jay Shivani expressed confidence in the preparedness of polling personnel.

“I hope officials follow all guidelines. In case of any difficulty, they should immediately reach out to their respective sector officers for guidance,” he said.

The district has 886 polling stations, including 182 in Jorhat, 249 in Teok, 210 in Mariani, and 245 in Titabor.

Of these, 90 polling stations will be managed entirely by women - 49 in Jorhat, 14 in Teok, 13 in Mariani, and 14 in Titabor.

“No new rules have been introduced; we are following existing procedures. We have collected the EVMs, verified all documents, and are proceeding to our polling stations. Each team comprises three polling officers and one security personnel,” a presiding officer said.

The constituencies in Jorhat are set to witness key contests. In Jorhat, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Leader of Opposition Gaurav Gogoi is contesting against BJP’s former Assam Assembly Speaker and former minister Hitendra Nath Goswami.

In Mariani, Raijor Dal candidate Gyanashree Bora is up against BJP’s Rupjyoti Kurmi.

In Teok, Congress candidate Pallabi Saikia Gogoi faces AGP’s Bikash Saikia, while in Titabor, BJP’s Dhiraj Gowala, Congress candidate Pran Kurmi, and Independent candidate Bhaskar Jyoti Baruah are locked in a multi-cornered contest.

Security has been tightened to ensure peaceful polling, with personnel from Assam Police and Manipur Police deployed across all polling stations.

New Delhi, April 8: The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) has disbursed over Rs 40 lakh crore through 57.79 crore loans, marking 11 years of its implementation, the government said on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Finance stated that the scheme which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, aimed at "funding the unfunded", provides collateral-free loans of up to Rs 20 lakh to micro and small non-corporate, non-farm enterprises.

Highlighting the progress, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the scheme has played a key role in reshaping the credit landscape for MSMEs and individual entrepreneurs who were earlier excluded from the formal banking system.

"In the last decade, India has witnessed a silent transformation where crores of ordinary citizens stepped into entrepreneurship with newfound confidence," she said.

She added that nearly two-thirds of the loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs, while about one-fifth were extended to first-time entrepreneurs.

According to official data, around 12.15 crore loans worth about Rs 12 lakh crore have been extended to new entrepreneurs under the scheme.

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said PMMY has emerged as a significant initiative for promoting micro-entrepreneurship and advancing financial inclusion. He noted that the scheme has created self-employment opportunities, particularly for marginalised sections, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, who account for around 51 per cent of beneficiaries, and women, who account for 67 per cent.

The scheme operates under four categories -- Shishu (loans up to Rs 50,000), Kishor (Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh), Tarun (Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh) and Tarun Plus (Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh) -- depending on the stage of growth and funding needs of borrowers.

Loans under PMMY cover term financing and working capital requirements across manufacturing, trading and service sectors, including allied agricultural activities.

The scheme is part of the broader financial inclusion framework built on three pillars, banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured and funding the unfunded, aimed at bringing underserved sections into the formal financial system.

The government said PMMY will continue to support entrepreneurs and contribute to the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

--IANS

Srinagar, April 8: Traffic on the strategic Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained closed for the second consecutive day on Wednesday after a fresh landslide hit the road in the Banihal sector of Ramban district.

Traffic department officials said the national highway (NH44) was blocked, and road clearance was going on at Shalgarhi, Banihal, which will take some time.

Moreover, there is continuous rainfall along the national highway. People have been advised not to travel on NH-44 until the road is fully restored.

“Please don’t pay heed to the rumours and check the status of roads at the traffic Police control rooms in Srinagar and Jammu,” officials said.

The highway was reopened for vehicular traffic on Monday, but after fresh shooting stones and a landslide hit the road, it was again closed.

The landslide debris was being cleared at Karol Bridge and Chanderkote in Ramban district when a fresh landslide hit the highway in the Banihal sector.

It has been raining heavily along the national highway in the Jammu division, and the officials said that the restoration work has been hampered by inclement weather.

The nearly 300 km-long highway is the lifeline for supplies to the landlocked Valley, as most essentials of life are still brought into the Valley through this highway.

LPG, petrol, diesel and kerosene, mutton, poultry products and vegetables are still brought into the Valley through tankers and trucks despite the functional rail link between Jammu and the Valley.

Unless cargo trains start bringing in essentials of life and take out fruit, etc., during the peak season, the dependence of the Valley on the highway will continue.

With massive renovation and restoration carried out by laying new bridges, flyovers and tunnels, the travel time between Srinagar and Jammu has been brought down to five hours from the previous 10 to 12 hours. Despite this, the highway remains a highly weather-dependent road because of the ecologically sensitive stretch from Ramsoo to Ramban town. Shooting stones and landslides triggered by rain often block the highway in this stretch of the road, and restoration work sometimes takes days together.

--IANS

Washington, April 8: Calling it a “big day for World Peace” and saying Iran “had enough”, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Tehran could begin reconstruction after a two-week ceasefire with Iran.

Pulling back from the brink of a major military escalation in West Asia following a Pakistan-brokered proposal, the announcement came just 90 minutes before Trump’s deadline for Tehran to comply or face military retaliation.

Trump also said the US would help manage traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz and that American troops would “hang around” to ensure everything “goes well”.

Posting the details on a social media platform, Trump said the decision came after conversations with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, who urged restraint amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” Trump said.

He described the move as a “double-sided ceasefire” and said the pause would be used to negotiate a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

“The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning long-term peace with Iran, and peace in the Middle East,” Trump said.

Trump added that Washington had received a “10-point proposal” from Iran, which he termed “a workable basis on which to negotiate.”

“Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran. A two-week period will allow the Agreement to be finalised and consummated,” he said.

In Tehran, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed that it had accepted the temporary ceasefire arrangement and would enter negotiations with the US in Islamabad beginning Friday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad on April 10 for talks aimed at securing a conclusive settlement.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said discussions regarding in-person talks were underway, but added that “nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House”.

Iran also indicated its willingness to temporarily open the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically vital oil transit routes, during the ceasefire period.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would halt military operations if attacks against it cease.

“If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations. For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations,” Araghchi said.

Meanwhile, Israel backed Washington’s decision to suspend military action, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office saying it supports Trump’s move provided Iran opens the strait immediately and halts attacks on the US, Israel and regional countries.

However, Israel clarified that the proposed ceasefire arrangement remains limited in scope.

“The two-week ceasefire does not include Lebanon,” Netanyahu’s office said, while reiterating support for US efforts to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and missile threat.

The announcement marks a dramatic pause in what had appeared to be an imminent military escalation in the Gulf after Trump earlier warned Iran to agree to a deal or risk being bombed to the “Stone Age”.

The US had launched military operations against Iran on February 28 over Tehran’s refusal to relinquish its nuclear fuel stockpile.

With inputs from agencies

New Delhi, April 8: The recent busting of several terror modules created to strike in India has revealed a new pattern. There is not one single group that the members of these modules are attached to. The Faridabad module had members who were part of the Jaish-e-Mohammad. However, the ideology that they largely subscribed to was that of the Islamic State.

Take the most recent case in which the Delhi Police and Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested two persons. They had links with both the Islamic State and the Jaish-e-Mohammad, the probe found.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that this is a new ploy whereby members of a module are no longer attached to a single group but are inspired by terror groups. This also signals a dangerous trend, whereby persons are coming together on their own and forming terror groups. The agenda of the ISI is clear, and it wants groups to be self-created.

Owing to India’s zero-tolerance policy on terror, especially after the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan does not want any direct involvement in setting up terror groups. To achieve this, it has picked individuals in Pakistan, again not those directly with terror groups, to spread propaganda on social media.

Following Operation Sindoor, the agencies have found that the propaganda campaign by many Pakistani handles has gone up multi-fold. This is exactly what the Islamic State has been doing for years now. Such propaganda manages to pull in the youth who are constantly bombarded with material that inspires them to set up terror groups with a bunch of like-minded people.

There are also many cases in which the youth have tried to act on their own. Another official explained that at first, propaganda material such as Jihadi literature is bombarded on social media or on encrypted messaging groups. These handlers then keep a close watch on how the material is being consumed. They also follow closely who is consuming the material. Once they find a group of people who have consumed the material in a similar manner, then the networking takes place.

The Pakistani handlers introduce these people to each other so that they can coordinate and set up a terror module.

Barring the terror attacks that took place in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, all the rest of the incidents have been attributed to self-inspired terror modules.

Jamesha Rubin, who planned to blow up a temple in Coimbatore, was self-inspired. He followed the ideology of the Islamic State, which was widely propagated by the Sri Lanka Easter Bombing mastermind, Zahran Hashim. Mubeen was acting on his own and raised funds for the operation largely by himself.

The Rameshwaram Cafe blast carried out in Bengaluru on March 1, 2024, was the handiwork of two Islamic State-inspired terrorists, Mussavir Hussain and Abdul Mateen Talha. Mohammad Shariq and Syed Yasin, who were part of the failed Mangaluru blast case, too, were inspired by the Islamic State.

An official said that each one of these incidents was self-insured, and the probe showed that none of these persons had a link. The only similarity between all of them was that they were self-inspired and followed the same ideology.

The ISI, while setting up this new strategy, had instructed the handlers to let the recruits choose the terror group of their choice. None should be pressured into joining one particular group, the ISI instructed.

The propaganda will be put out there, and recruits can pick their terror group, according to the new strategy.

Even the handlers and recruiters who are flooding the social media with Jihadi literature do not belong to any one terror group, the official added. Another official said that increasingly this would be the strategy which the ISI would use. It gets deniability, the risk of operations is low and also cost-effective.

--IANS

Morena, April 8: In a horrific incident in Madhya Pradesh, a forest guard was allegedly run over by a tractor-trolley during an anti-illegal mining operation in Morena district.

According to police, the incident occurred in Ranpur village intersection under the Dimni police station area early morning on Wednesday when a forest department team was allegedly attacked by sand mafia.

Forest Guard Harkesh Gurjar was killed on the spot after the tractor-trolley loaded with sand rammed into him as he tried to stop the vehicle. The accused fled the scene immediately after the incident, evading capture.

The forest team had gone there following a tip-off about illegal sand transportation when the situation escalated violently.

Senior administrative and police officials, including Collector Lokesh Kumar Jangid, Superintendent of Police Sameer Saurabh, and Divisional Forest Officer Harishchandra Baghel, rushed to the scene to take stock of the situation.

The body of forest guard Harkesh Gurjar was sent to the Morena district hospital, where a post-mortem examination was conducted.

Police have registered a case of murder at Dimni police station against unidentified accused persons.

Additional Superintendent of Police Surendra Pal Singh said that multiple teams have been formed to track down the accused persons. “CCTV footage from a nearby petrol pump has been obtained, and raids are being carried out at suspected locations. Additional force has also been deployed in the area,” he said.

Responding to the shocking incident, the Congress party has raised questions on the law and order situation in Madhya Pradesh, stating that the audacity of criminals has reached its peak.

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state Assembly, Umang Singhar, said, “Brutal murder of constable Harkesh Gurjar, who was crushed under a tractor, is not only horrific but also serves as irrefutable proof that the fear of the law has completely vanished among criminals in the state.”

The Congress leader further alleged that the incident is a stark reflection of the state's deteriorating law and order situation in the state. “The mining mafia is killing the very guardians of the law in broad daylight, while the government remains a silent spectator. This constitutes a blatant failure of governance and demonstrates the patronage extended to criminals, Singhar alleged.

--IANS

Imphal, Apr 8: The situation remained tense but calm across five valley districts in Manipur on Wednesday, with curfew, internet suspension and heavy police deployment in place.

No fresh violence was reported this morning, but clashes between security forces and protesters broke out late on Tuesday in some places in Imphal East and West districts, prompting the police personnel to fire tear gas shells to disperse the demonstrators, a senior police officer said.

They also burnt tyres on the streets at Khurai Lamlong and Wangkhei in Imphal East district, and at Uripok and Kwakeithel in Imphal West, and demanded action against those involved in the killing of the two children.

"The situation has been brought under control after the overnight clashes. No fresh violence was reported this morning. The overall situation remains calm," the officer said.

Curfew and internet suspension have been in force in Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts, he said.

Violence broke out in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Tuesday after two children were killed in a mortar attack on their home, while two others were shot dead when a mob stormed a CRPF camp during a protest against the blast.

A group of people also torched two oil tankers and a truck, vandalised a police outpost and stopped the movement of vehicles on key roads to protest the bomb attack.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh chaired an all-party meeting to review the prevailing situation in the state.

It all started with suspected militants bombed a house in Moirang Tronglaobi, killing a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister and injuring their mother, when all of them were sleeping early on Tuesday.

Angered by the incident, around 400 people attacked a CRPF camp, prompting security forces to open fire, leaving two of them dead and about 20 others injured.

The protesters were unhappy with the security forces for allegedly failing to take action against the militants.

Chief minister Khemchand Singh condemned the bomb attack and said the investigation would be handed to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The representatives of political parties expressed deep concern over the law and order situation and emphasised the need to maintain peace, unity, and communal harmony.

Govt rubbish rumours

The Manipur government has rubbished rumours spreading on social media that security forces have killed a "multitude of innocent protesters" in the state and warned of strict action against such rumour mongers.

In a social media post on Tuesday, the Manipur government said, "There are various tweets and social media posts spreading rumours claiming that security personnel have killed multitude of innocent people in #Manipur carrying out peaceful protest rally."

"Spreading fake news and rumours can aggravate the situation. Please verify any such information before posting," it added.

Urging people not to allow rumours to shape actions, it said in moments of uncertainty, the best response is calm, clarity and verification.

PTI

Mumbai, Apr 8: The Reserve Bank on Wednesday expectedly kept interest rates unchanged amid hopes of a global recovery on the back of ceasefire in the six-week-long US/Israel-Iran conflict.

The policy decision comes as a month and a-half-long West Asia conflict has disrupted energy supplies, shot up crude oil prices and created fiscal and inflationary pressures for import-dependent nations like India.

This is the first monetary policy review after the government announced a fresh inflation target for the RBI last month. The government has asked the RBI to maintain retail inflation at 4 per cent with a margin of 2 per cent on either side for another five years ending March 2031.

Announcing the first bi-monthly monetary policy for the current fiscal, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has unanimously decided to retain short-term lending rate or repo rate at 5.25 per cent with a neutral stance.

The rate cut pause comes on the back of the consumer price index (CPI) based headline retail inflation that moved closer to the RBI's medium-term target of 4 percent at 3.21 percent in February.

Additionally, the rupee has depreciated by over 4 percent since the war, which has consequences for pushing up import inflation.

However, the rupee has appreciated by 50 paise to 92.56 against US dollar following announcement of the ceasefire by the US and Iran.

Based on the recommendation of the MPC, the RBI reduced the repo rate by 25 bps each in February, April, and December 2025 and 50 basis points in June amidst easing retail inflation.

India's retail inflation dropped to a historic low of 0.25 per cent in October 2025, marking the lowest level since the Consumer Price Index (CPI) series was introduced.

However, the rupee declined to historic low and crossed 95 against a dollar last month making imports costlier, raising fears of rise in inflation. Rupee touched a record low of 95.21 on March 30, 2026.

PTI

Antananarivo, April 8: The Malagasy government declared a state of energy emergency across the entire territory for a period of 15 days to address a major energy supply crisis currently affecting the country.

According to a presidential communique, this situation is attributable in particular to the repercussions of the conflict in the Middle East, which have disrupted energy supplies and public services in Madagascar.

The government said that this state of emergency would allow for the implementation of rapid and targeted measures to restore energy supplies, ensure the continuity of essential services, and maintain the proper functioning of the national economy.

The ongoing energy crisis also impacts public order, security, and institutional stability, the communique added.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to mobilise all necessary resources to overcome this crisis and limit its effects on the daily lives of the population.

According to local media, since mid-March, petroleum stations in Madagascar have faced insufficient storage capacity or temporary stock shortages. The country's supply of refined petroleum depends heavily on imports, particularly from Oman, Xinhua news agency reported.

Several ‌African governments have ‌responded ⁠to surging global oil ⁠prices, spurred by the Iran war, by implementing sharp fuel price ​increases, energy-saving ‌measures, or electricity rationing. “This decision was taken following the observation that the country ‌is facing a deep ​crisis due to disruptions in energy supply ⁠across the island, linked to the conflict in ‌the Middle East,” the cabinet said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump announced that he has agreed to suspend planned military strikes on Iran for two weeks, linking the pause to Tehran’s agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing negotiations toward a broader peace deal.

In a statement, Trump said the decision came “based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan,” who had urged restraint as tensions escalated.

“Subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” he said, describing the move as part of “a double-sided ceasefire.”

The announcement signals a temporary halt in what had been shaping up as a major escalation in the Gulf, with Trump asserting that US military goals had already been achieved.

--IANS

New Delhi, April 8: Cash payments at toll plazas will be discontinued for travellers on national highways from April 10.

In a Gazette notification, the road transport and highways ministry has said that in cases where a vehicle enters a fee plaza without a valid FASTag, users can still pay via Unified Payment Interface (UPI), but at a higher charge of 1.25 times the applicable toll fee.

A senior NHAI official said that the move is aimed at reducing long queues at toll gates and make highway travel smoother for commuters.

Cash payments will no longer be accepted at the toll booths from April 10 and FASTag will remain the primary mode of toll collection, while UPI will serve as the fallback payment option for vehicles that arrive without a valid FASTag, he said.

If the user of a vehicle enters a fee plaza without a FASTag or a valid functional FASTag, as the case may be, and opts to pay fee through the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), he shall pay 1.25 times of the user fee applicable to that category of vehicle in accordance with the provisions of sub-rule (2) of rule 4.

Provided that if the owner or driver of the vehicle does not opt to pay a fee in the manner specified under this rule, such vehicle shall be dealt in accordance with Rule 14.

Recently, NHAI also crossed 50 lakh subscribers for its FASTag annual pass, which allows users to make up to 200 toll crossings for Rs 3,000 per year.

Since its launch on August 15, a total of 26.55 crore transactions have been carried out through these passes.

There are over 1,150 fee plazas on various National Highways and Expressways in the country.

PTI

Guwahati, April 8: In a massive logistical push ahead of the Assam Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, over 2000 buses have been brought in from West Bengal and Bihar to support election operations across the State.

According to a senior official of Transport Department, the vehicles will be deployed for ferrying polling personnel, security forces, and election-related materials to various constituencies.

Around 1500-1600 buses have been brought from eight districts of West Bengal including Siliguri, while nearly 800 buses have arrived from 20 districts of Bihar, he said.

The official also said that such large-scale transportation arrangements are crucial to ensure the timely movement of manpower and resources, a key factor in conducting free and fair elections.

Small vehicles from other states have also been brought to the border area districts as well.

Talking to this correspondent, a driver and a conductor undertaking the journey spoke of tight schedules and demanding travel conditions.

“We started from Siliguri at 10 am on Sunday and were on the road till 8 pm yesterday. We stayed overnight in the bus at night and resumed our journey to Hamren in West Karbi Anglong this morning. It is exhausting but we understand the importance of this duty,” said Ahmed Matlub, the conductor of the bus.

“We have been in this profession for nearly 20 years and this is our first experience travelling to another State for election duty,” he added.

As many as five buses belonging to their owner were taken to Assam, each being paid Rs 75,000.

The driver of the bus Kartik said, “We adjust on the way and try to keep things running smoothly. Being part of election duty gives us a sense of responsibility,” he said.

As many as 1,88,915 presiding officers and 2,524 micro observers have been engaged in this election this year. 800 companies of paramilitary forces have also been deployed for election duty.

Long convoys of buses were seen entering Guwahati and other parts of the State since Tuesday morning.

Dimapur, April 8: The inter-state border of Nagaland with Assam has been sealed in view of the upcoming Assam assembly elections scheduled for April 9.

The police have sealed the border from 5 pm on Tuesday till 5 pm of April 9, Dimapur police PRO said in a public notice.

The notice said security forces will be deployed at all entry and exit points to enforce the order.

It said all inter-state border crossings will remain closed, except for movement along the national highway. Movement of non-voters in border areas will not be permitted, and outsiders have been barred from entering other constituencies during this period.

Persons on bona fide transit purposes only are allowed to travel on the national highway, it stated.

Police requested all residents, traders, commuters and general public to avoid unnecessary movement during this period to avoid inconvenience.

The notice said the restriction has been imposed by the Election Commission of India during the silent period under the model code of conduct, during which all forms of election campaigning are strictly prohibited.

The sealing of the border comes amid heightened election surveillance and security arrangements across Assam ahead of polling, with authorities intensifying monitoring to prevent any attempts to influence voters during the silence period.

According to officials, check posts along inter-district and inter-state borders have been placed on round-the-clock alert, while flying squads have been directed to verify any suspicious movement and ensure compliance with Election Commission guidelines.

Security deployment has also been strengthened with central armed paramilitary forces stationed as per the security plan to ensure peaceful polling across the State.

Authorities said necessary logistical and operational arrangements have been made to facilitate smooth conduct of the election.

Guwahati, April 8: Promises of a flood-free Assam have become a recurring slogan in every election, but on the ground, the crisis is only deepening.

Studies indicate that not only has the flood impact worsened, but associated hazards have also grown into a serious concern.

Satellite imagery data reveals that the cumulative flood inundation area in the State increased during the period 1998-2023, with the highest being observed in 2020 (12.86 lakh hectares), followed by 2022 (12.15 lakh hectares).

This is despite the fact that monsoon rainfall in the State has been on the decline in the last five years – recording consecutive below-normal precipitation since 2020.

“The extent of flood inundation varied significantly, ranging from 2.11 lakh hectares in 2009 to 12.85 lakh hectares in 2020, indicating the severity of the floods and their impact on the region over the years,” a National Remote Sensing Centre analysis stated.

Flood inundation areas between 10-12.85 lakh hectares were observed during four years – 2002, 2017, 2020, and 2022. Areas between 8-10 lakh hectares were inundated in six years – 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2019. Further, flood inundation between 5-8 lakh hectares occurred in eight years – 2000, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2023.

Lastly, flood-affected areas ranging from 2-5 lakh hectares were recorded in eight years – 2001, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014, it revealed.

The number of flood-affected districts has also seen a rising trend during the period, peaking in 2018, and crossing the 30 mark in all years from 2017 to 2023.

According to the government flood memorandums, the highest population affected by flood since 2010 was in the year 2019 (over 70 lakh), followed by 2020 (58 lakh) and 2022 (57 lakh). Since 2021, the highest number of human lives lost in flood was reported in 2022 (179).

Researchers say while the impact of floods has also increased, the associated hazards like sedimentation in the catchment areas have become a major concern.

Heavy siltation in districts like Dhemaji and Lakhimpur, has caused irreversible damage to cropfields forcing farmers to look for other income and livelihood alternatives, according to a study by Dr Akangsha Borgohain of Gauhati University.

There are 87 wetlands in the State which are more than 100 hectares in area.

Around 80 per cent of 37 of them have been lost, largely reducing their water retention capacity, and leading to inundation of newer areas, Prof Dhrubajyoti Sahariah of Gauhati University said.

“Piece meal approach of tackling flood will yield no results. If you find a solution in one place, it will trigger a problem in another. A holistic multidimensional river basin management plan is required, jointly with neighbouring states. The Brahmaputra is a young dynamic river. Flood adaptation measures are more important than flood control in this valley,” Sahariah added.

Guwahati, April 8: From personal allegations to identity flashpoints and the rise of new political faces, the run up to 2026 Assam Assembly election has been shaped by a series of headline-grabbing events and personalities that have defined the campaign far beyond conventional issues.

Though a serious policy debate was entirely missing, there was no dearth of social-media reel material from either side.

Passport row dominates final phase of campaigning

Though it surfaced only at the fag end of campaigning, the controversy surrounding Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma quickly became the biggest flashpoint of the election.

Triggered by allegations from senior Congress leader Pawan Khera alleging that the CM’s wife was holding multiple foreign passports and offshore property, the issue escalated rapidly into FIRs, counter-complaints and sharp political exchanges.

The BJP dismissed it as a “baseless smear-campaign”, with Sarma announcing that all the documents produced by the Congress were fake, AI generated.

But, the row ensured that the campaign’s closing stretch was dominated by personal attacks rather than policy debates.

Beef politics returns to centre stage; triggers debate

Before the passport issue took over, the election had already witnessed a sharp turn with the beef controversy, particularly in Guwahati Central.

Sarma publicly targeted AJP candidate Kunki Chowdhury and also her mother over alleged social media posts linked to beef consumption.

The remarks triggered a strong counter from Choudhury and opposition leaders, turning the issue into a wider debate on the level of politics.

The controversy amplified on social media with the emergence of a morphed AI video of the AJP candidate, against which she filed a police complaint.

Turncoats reshape political equations

Equally significant has been the prominence of high-profile political shifts. Leaders like Pradyut Bordoloi and Bhupen Kumar Borah switching to BJP remained central in the initial political debates.

At the same time, the switchover of Cabinet Minister Nandita Garlosa following denial of a ticket by the BJP highlighted internal dissent within parties.

All parties like BJP, AGP, Congress, AJP welcoming the leaders of other parties with open arms and party tickets, gave rise to dissent within each party.

Jayanta Kumar Das, denied ticket from Dispur, entered the contest as an Independent and created a buzz openly criticizing BJP. The BJP expelled nine of its members, including him for anti-party activities.

New entrants to politics outshine veterans

Amid all this, it is the new entrants who arguably made the most news. Faces like Dr Gyanashree Bora and Kunki Chowdhury consistently dominated public conversations, often overshadowing established leaders.

Their rise points to a subtle but significant shift in Assam’s political landscape – where visibility, relatability and narrative-building get attention. Dr Bora of Raijor Dal captured much of public attention with her eloquence. Similarly, as a young, educated Kunki Chowdhury, rather new in politics, immediately found public support.

Identity faultline sharpens in Guwahati Central

The Guwahati Central constituency emerged as a microcosm of this shift. The contest between BJP’s Vijay Kumar Gupta and AJP’s Kunki Chowdhury quickly moved beyond numbers to narratives. The campaign here saw a sharp Assamese versus non-Assamese debate, further intensified by the beef controversy.

Questions of identity, belonging and cultural representation dominated public discourse, making the constituency one of the most closely watched.

Sivasagar contest fuelled ULFA-linked debate

In Upper Assam, the Sivasagar seat generated significant attention due to the candidature of Kushal Dowari.

His past association with the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom became a major talking point, particularly on social media.

This, despite the fact that Dowari has already represented Thowra in the State Assembly in 2006 and 2016.

Supporters framed his journey as one of reintegration into mainstream politics, while critics came up with his several alleged ‘past stories’, heating up the political environment.

Both major alliances had a tough job to handle

Interestingly, both the NDA and Congress-led Opposition alliance took time in choosing partners. NDA dumped its former alliance partner UPPL and re-inducted the Hagrama Mohilary-led BPF in the BTR. Of the 15 BTR Assembly seats, BJP gave 11 to BPF and fielded its four candidates in the region.

Congress too, prolonged its decision on whether to take Akhil Gogoi within the Opposition alliance fold. Finally, Gogoi negotiated 11 seats in the alliance and fielded another two candidates in a ‘friendly fight’.

An election powered by moments, not just manifestos

As Assam stands on the cusp of polling, one thing is evident: this has been an election defined less by manifestos and more by moments.

From passport to beef, from defections to identity, the 2026 contest has played out like a relentless narrative battle. And in that battle, those who made the most noise, had the maximum visibility.

Guwahati, April 8: Campaigning for the high-stakes Assam Assembly elections concluded, with political parties making their final push before the 48-hour silence period ahead of the April 9 polling for 126 constituencies.

The curtain fell on a high-decibel campaign at 5 pm, as mandated by the Election Commission, bringing to a halt rallies, roadshows and all forms of canvassing across the State on Tuesday evening.

The last day witnessed an intense flurry of activity, with top leaders across parties addressing back-to-back rallies and sharpening their attacks in a bid to sway undecided voters.

Amit Shah, Mallikarjun Kharge and Smriti Irani were among those who led the final blitzkrieg, underscoring the significance of the contest.

The campaign this time was marked by sharp rhetoric, personal allegations and high-voltage exchanges between the ruling BJP-led NDA and the Opposition alliance, with issues ranging from corruption charges and identity politics to welfare promises dominating the discourse.

With the campaigning now over, the Model Code provisions under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act have come into force, barring any public meetings, processions, or election related content in electronic media during the silence period.

Meanwhile, law-enforcement agencies have ensured adequate deployment of forces in all the polling stations in the State.

Special arrangements have been put in place to check unwarranted entries in the State borders in the next 48 hours.

Moreover, in order to ensure hassle-free distribution of poll-related materials in the districts, a foolproof mechanism has been put in place. The political leaders and party workers, who had come from outside the State, have also been asked to leave before the silence period.

Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Singh said the law-and-order scenario is being monitored on a consistent basis, and a close eye is being kept on forces that may try to influence the voters in any manner.

The vigil around the districts with international borders has also been intensified in view of the polls, he said.

"We are trying to ensure that all the mandatory provisions of the Election Commission are adhered to till the polling is over. All the check points, be it in the inter-district border or interstate borders, are kept on alert round the clock," Singh said, adding that the flying squads have been asked to verify any suspicious movement.

He further said that the security forces, including the 800 companies of central armed paramilitary forces, have been deployed according to the security plan, and necessary arrangements have been made to ensure smooth polling on April 9.

Singh informed that the compliance percentage of the Election Commission guidelines, including depositing of armed licences, has been almost complete barring those who were granted exemptions in light of special circumstances.

A total of 1,51,132 polling personnel have been deployed for the conduct of the election. For polling purposes, 41,820 ballotting units, 43,975 control units, and 43,997 VVPAT machines have been arranged, including reserves for emergency use. Additional polling personnel have also been kept in readiness, if required.

As many as 722 candidates are in the fray, and a total of 2,50,54,463 electors are eligible to exercise their franchise.

This includes 1,25,31,552 male voters, 1,25,22,593 female voters, and 318 voters in the transgender category. There are also 63,423 service voters.

Among the electorate, 6,42,314 voters are in the age group of 18-19 years, 2,50,006 are above 80 years of age, and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities.

Further, as per Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission has provided the optional facility of voting from home through postal ballot for senior citizens above 85 years of age and identified persons with disabilities.

Till date, a total of 26,032 senior citizens (85+) and 8,878 persons with disabilities have exercised their voting rights through postal ballots from home.

Silchar, Apr 7: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday turned the spotlight on development, governance credibility, and cultural outreach as he addressed a crucial rally in Silchar during the closing hours of campaigning for the Cachar district constituencies.

With polling imminent, Shah framed the electoral contest as a defining choice about governance priorities, urging voters to opt for what he described as a model anchored in “decisiveness” and delivery.

“This election is not merely about forming a government; it is about choosing a direction between drift and decisiveness, between delay and delivery,” he said.

Placing development at the centre of his pitch, Shah outlined a vision for the Barak Valley that hinges on long-term infrastructure expansion and urban transformation.

He emphasised that Silchar would be developed into a more accessible and economically vibrant city, with improved connectivity and planned civic upgrades aimed at easing congestion and boosting local commerce.

The Home Minister’s address reflected a calibrated attempt to position the BJP as a party of administrative efficiency.

He highlighted the need for time-bound solutions to persistent civic bottlenecks and suggested that a stable government would be better equipped to implement large-scale projects without delays.

Alongside development, Shah sought to strike a strong cultural connect with the Barak Valley electorate. Invoking the legacy of the 1961 Bengali Language Movement, he paid tribute to its martyrs, situating the BJP’s appeal within the region’s historical consciousness.

The reference appeared aimed at reinforcing the party’s engagement with the Valley’s linguistic and cultural identity.

He also referred to prominent cultural and spiritual landmarks of the region, underscoring what he described as the BJP’s commitment to preserving and promoting local heritage.

The messaging indicated a broader strategy to align governance promises with identity-sensitive outreach in a region known for its distinct socio-cultural fabric.

Shah further stressed the importance of accountability in governance, asserting that development must be accompanied by transparency and efficient delivery mechanisms.

He called for a consolidated mandate in favour of the BJP, stating that it would ensure “development with direction, identity with dignity, and governance with accountability” for the Barak Valley.

While briefly touching upon issues of national security and electoral integrity, the thrust of Shah’s speech remained firmly on development and governance outcomes.

Guwahati, April 7: The final day of campaigning for the Assam Assembly elections witnessed a flurry of roadshows and rallies across key urban centres, with Guwahati emerging as a focal point of high-energy political mobilisation before the deadline ended at 5 pm on Tuesday.

In the city, candidates Mira Borthakur and Kunki Chowdhury led vibrant roadshows and campaign rallies, drawing sizeable crowds of supporters.

Party workers, waving flags and raising slogans, accompanied the candidates through major stretches, turning the streets into a spectacle of colour and political fervour.

The final push reflected a last-minute effort by contenders to consolidate voters' support and leave a strong visual imprint ahead of polling.

The scenes in Guwahati mirrored similar high-decibel campaigning across the state, where political parties made their closing appeals through public meetings, door-to-door outreach, and localised engagements.

With the campaign period now over, the stage is set for voting on April 9, when 722 candidates will contest for seats in the 126-member Assam Assembly in a single-phase election.

The run-up to the polls saw an intense and often bitter contest between the ruling NDA and the Congress-led Opposition alliance, marked by sharp rhetoric and competing narratives.

Top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, led an aggressive campaign, targeting the Congress on issues such as alleged infiltration, insurgency and lack of development during its tenure.

The ruling party highlighted its governance record, citing initiatives like land rights for tea garden workers, welfare schemes for women, financial support for girl students, and a reported decline in child marriage.

It also reiterated its intent to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.

The Congress and its allies countered by accusing the BJP of divisive politics, corruption, and uneven development. The Opposition also promised welfare measures, including financial assistance for women, improved healthcare coverage, and land rights for indigenous communities.

The campaign was further charged by personal allegations, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accusing state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi of links with Pakistan’s ISI, while the Congress raised questions over the assets and financial dealings of Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

Prominent national leaders from both camps actively campaigned across Assam, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi leading the opposition’s outreach.

Key candidates in the fray include Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, and several senior ministers, along with regional leaders like Akhil Gogoi and Lurinjyoti Gogoi.

The NDA alliance comprises the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and Bodo Peoples’ Front (BPF), while the opposition bloc includes the Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), CPI(M), CPI(ML), and the All Party Hill Leaders’ Conference.

Unlike previous elections held in multiple phases, Assam will go to the polls in a single phase this time, intensifying the stakes for all parties involved.

With inputs from PTI

Shillong, April 7: The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) on Tuesday declared the results of the Class 10 examinations, recording an overall pass percentage of 86.84, slightly lower than last year’s 87.10%, officials said.

Out of 48,623 candidates who appeared for the examination, a total of 42,228 students successfully cleared it.

Gender-wise performance remained strong, with boys registering a pass percentage of 94.14, while 92.88% of girls cleared the examination.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma congratulated the successful candidates and toppers, stating on microblogging site , “Congratulations to our dear students who passed their examinations. Kudos to the toppers who have done their parents, teachers and schools proud! Wishing each of you a successful future. May you always shine!”

Among the top performers, Waangal Lama of Gorkha Pathshala Higher Secondary School, Shillong, secured the first position with 585 marks. Vishal Kumar of Embee Rosebud Higher Secondary School, Tura, stood second with 576 marks.

Prajukta Roy of Seven Set Higher Secondary School, Shillong, and Prinita Das of Pechon A Sangma Memorial Police Public School, Tura, jointly secured the third position with 575 marks each.

District-wise, West Jaintia Hills recorded the highest pass percentage at 94.99%, followed by South West Khasi Hills at 94.60% and East Khasi Hills at 94.17%.

Officials noted that the overall performance reflects consistent academic outcomes across districts, despite a marginal dip in the pass percentage compared to the previous year.

PTI

Imphal, Apr 7: Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, on Tuesday, announced that the case relating to the killing of two toddlers in a midnight mortar attack in Moirang will be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The announcement was made during a high-level press conference at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, attended by members of the Council of Ministers and MLAs.

The meeting was convened after two people died and 26 others were injured in police firing after a protesting mob allegedly entered a central forces camp and vandalised the premises.

Several vehicles parked inside the camp were also set on fire, the police said.

Describing the mortar attack as “barbaric and inhuman”, the Chief Minister said massive combing operations have been launched in sensitive areas.

“Security forces have been directed to intensify operations. The culprits will be caught — dead or alive,” he said.

Tensions escalated across Bishnupur district as violent protests broke out in the aftermath of the incident.

State Home Minister K. Govindas said a group of protesters stormed a CRPF camp at Tronglaobi earlier in the day, setting vehicles on fire and damaging property inside the premises.

Security personnel opened fire to disperse the mob, leaving two persons dead and at least 26 others injured, he said.

The unrest spread across several valley districts, with large groups of protesters taking to the streets. Road blockades were reported at multiple locations, severely disrupting normal life.

In Bishnupur, including Kha Potsangbam and along the Imphal–Moirang road, protesters, many of them women, blocked the movement of security forces.

Normal life was severely disrupted, with shops, markets and educational institutions remaining shut across the Imphal valley districts.

Amid fears of further escalation, authorities suspended mobile internet and data services for three days in five valley districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur.

Security forces have been deployed in large numbers, even as the situation remains tense and volatile across the valley.

Guwahati, April 07,2026: Teer Result is a lottery game. People who buy tickets for the Juwai Teer game can check the lucky number for the first and second rounds, here Winners are decided on the basis of the number of arrows shot in a particular round.

Juwai Teer Result is based on an archery game organized by Club Juwai

The teer lottery is a legal game governed by rules framed under the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act.

Juwai Teer ResultsApril 07, 2026:

First Round (1.30 PM) :44

Second Round (2.15 PM) : 27

New Delhi, April 7: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday issued a fact-check against the circulation of a fake letter in the name of the National Medical Commission (NMC) over the purported implementation of a national final year MBBS qualifying examination or the National Exit Test (NExT).

The PIB issued a note along with an image of the fake letter purportedly issued by the NMC last week.

“Beware of a fake letter circulating in the name of the National Medical Commission,” said the PIB fact-check.

The fake letter, dated April 1, carries the subject line: “Implementation of National Exit Test (NExT) for MBBS Students”. It is addressed to deans and principals of all medical colleges/institutes offering the MBBS course, said a statement.

The fake letter says, “The National Medical Commission (NMC) hereby informs all medical colleges and undergraduate MBBS students regarding the phased implementation of the National Exit Test (NExT).”

“As per the revised roadmap and in continuation of previous communications, it has been decided that the NExT examination shall be applicable to all MBBS students admitted from the 2022 batch onwards,” says the circular, imitating the letterhead of the NMC and citing its office address in Dwarka in West Delhi.

The “fake” letter goes on to claim that the NExT shall serve as: A final year MBBS qualifying examination; a licentiate examination for medical practice in India, and a single entrance examination for post-graduate (PG) medical courses, replacing NEET-PG.

The PIB cautioned against taking the claims of the letter as true. The “fake” letter says that the NExT examination will be conducted in two steps: Step 1: Theory-based examination (Final MBBS level) and Step 2: Clinical and practical assessment after internship.

The “fake” NMC circular also advises all medical colleges to align academic schedules, teaching methodologies and assessment systems accordingly, said a clarification issued by PIB.

--IANS

Silchar, April 7: Katigorah constituency in Cachar district has emerged as one of the most politically significant and closely watched battlegrounds in Barak Valley, shaped by shifting allegiances, demographic changes and high-profile defections ahead of the Assembly elections.

With the largest voter base in the district exceeding 2.13 lakh, including over 6,200 first-time voters, Katigorah stands out not only for its size but also for its evolving electoral dynamics.

The constituency has increasingly displayed a pattern of fluctuating political preferences, cementing its reputation as a swing seat.

The electoral contest this time is distinctly multi-cornered, involving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).

Over the past decade, Katigorah has witnessed alternating mandates, reflecting an electorate willing to shift allegiance.

The turning point came in 2016 when BJP’s Amar Chand Jain secured a breakthrough victory. However, the Congress reclaimed the seat in 2021 with Khalil Uddin Mazumder, underlining the constituency’s unpredictability.

The political landscape has further evolved following delimitation, which added nearly 40,000 voters, significantly altering the electoral arithmetic.

The inclusion of industrial areas such as Panchgram has introduced new socio-economic dimensions, prompting parties to recalibrate their strategies.

Adding intrigue to the contest are prominent defections that have blurred party lines while intensifying personal stakes.

Congress leader and North Karimganj MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha’s switch to the BJP has bolstered the ruling party’s campaign.

Expressing optimism, Purkayastha said, “I have contested elections three times, but I have never witnessed such energy among voters. There is a sense of new hope, new belief, and a desire for a fresh direction.”

Aligning with the state government’s development narrative, he added, “People now aspire to see Katigorah progress on the lines of Assam’s broader transformation.”

Meanwhile, Amar Chand Jain, now contesting on a Congress ticket after being denied renomination by the BJP, is relying on his grassroots connect.

“People of the constituency have seen the volume of work I have done as their representative,” he said, expressing confidence that his track record will resonate with voters despite changing party affiliations.

Trinamool Congress candidate Fazlur Rahaman Laskar has positioned himself as a local alternative, taking a swipe at party-switching leaders.

He argued that frequent defections prioritise party interests over constituency needs and asserted that his deep-rooted connection to Katigorah enables him to better represent local concerns.

Despite the high-pitched political contest, voter priorities remain centred on everyday issues such as road connectivity, employment opportunities, and flood management.

At the intersection of continuity and change, Katigorah today reflects a broader political churn underway in Assam. 

Jorhat, Apr 7: Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, on Tuesday, launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, asserting that while “politics for him is about money”, for the Opposition it remains a means to serve the people of Assam.

Addressing a campaign in the 100 No. Jorhat Assembly constituency, Gogoi said the people of Assam have “understood the difference” and would usher in a “new Assam” rooted in freedom of expression, peace, harmony and a government that cares for the poor.

“The people of Assam will create a new Assam where there is freedom of speech, peace and communal harmony, and a government that works for the underprivileged,” he said.

Responding to allegations raised by the Chief Minister over property issues and claims of a Pakistan-linked account, Gogoi challenged Sarma to take an oath on the Bhagavad Gita.

He said he was ready to do the same at a designated location in Jorhat at a time fixed by the Chief Minister.

“Let the Chief Minister fix a time tomorrow and inform us. He should take an oath on the Bhagavad Gita at his place, and at the same time, we are ready to take an oath on the Bhagavad Gita at a designated location in Jorhat,” the Jorhat MP told the press.

Earlier in the day, in a live address on social media, Sarma said he is willing to take up Gogoi’s earlier challenge to swear on the Bhagavad Gita over his financial disclosures, including any foreign assets, bank accounts or passports linked to his family.

He, however, suggested that both leaders assemble at Batadrava Than at 9 am on Wednesday and take the oath publicly.

Gogoi further alleged that the Chief Minister “dislikes journalists” and also targeted a candidate from central Guwahati, without elaborating.

Raising questions over law and order, the Congress leader asked why Assam Police failed to act when alleged attacks took place on party candidates including Sunil Chhetri, Bidisha Neog and Mira Borthakur.

“The police springs into action only when our spokesperson addresses a press meet. This is nothing but authoritarianism,” he said, adding that people are seeking relief from such a system.

Gogoi carried out an extensive campaign across the constituency, covering multiple areas and interacting with a large number of voters.

On the other side, BJP candidate and former Assembly Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami campaigned alongside Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and state BJP secretary Siddhanku Ankur Baruah.

The 100 No. Jorhat constituency is emerging as a high-profile contest in the state, with Gogoi, deputy leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, pitted against Goswami, a former minister and Speaker.

Guwahati, April 7: Former South African cricketer Faf Du Plessis has warned the Hardik Pandya-led side not to lose wickets in the powerplay and alsomake sure that Rajasthan Royals doesn't get a good start.

Sooryavanshi has continued his great touch from the last season and has scored 83 runs in two matches. He hammered a 15-ball fifty in the Rajasthan Royals' first match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and can be a great threat to the Mumbai Indians, who are coming to the contest after losing against Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets and are desperate to get back to winning.

Du Plessis has advised the Mumbai Indians to avoid three things if they want to win the match against RR. "First of all, don't give room to Sooryavanshi. He is crunching everything for full," Du Plessis said in a video released by Star Sports. "Make sure you do not lose wickets in the power play, as they rely heavily on that top order. And my third point, make sure RR doesn't get off to an early start," he said.

Sooryavanshi set the IPL 2025 season on fire by smashing the fastest century by an Indian, but he failed to get going against the five-time champions. He was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Mumbai Indians bowler Deepak Chahar, and hence, the left-hander would look to make amends.

In their head-to-head history, the Mumbai Indians hold a slight edge over the Rajasthan Royals, winning 16 of their 31 encounters, while the RR has claimed 14 victories, with one match ending in a No Result. In 2024, the RR dominated by winning both encounters, but the Mumbai Indians struck back in 2025 with a massive 100-run victory in Jaipur.

--IANS

New Delhi, April 7: Air India on Tuesday confirmed the resignation of Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson.

In an official statement, the airline said that a committee has been constituted to find the successor in the coming months.

“Wilson had conveyed his intention to step down in 2026 to Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024 and, since then, has been working to ensure the organisation and leadership team is on a stable footing for the transition,” the airline stated.

“He will remain in the role until his successor is announced and in place,” it added.

Commenting on the development Wilson said that the four years since Air India’s privatisation has seen the acquisition and successful merger of four airlines, an evolution from public to private sector practices along with renewal of the leadership team, workforce, culture and ways of operating.

“It has seen the complete modernisation of systems, the launch of new physical products, and deployment of elevated service standards on ground and in the air, as well as 100 additional aircraft added to the fleet,” Wilson stated.

“The full interior refit of legacy narrowbody aircraft has all-but been completed, with deliveries of widebody aircraft with new custom-designed interiors now underway,” he added.

Chairman Chandrasekaran said conveyed gratitude for Wilson’s efforts and contribution at Air India.

He said that on behalf of the Board, I wish to record my deep appreciation for Campbell’s leadership and contribution over the past four years.

“In addition to the progress mentioned above, it is also worth acknowledging the numerous external challenges navigated by the Air India team, including prolonged post-Covid supply chain constraints that have impacted delivery of new aircraft and retrofit programs as well as major geopolitical and other headwinds,” he stated.

“Campbell and his team have demonstrated tenacity and resolve and have aligned an organisation drawn from many backgrounds behind the shared goal of building the new Air India that is now emerging,” Chandrasekaran mentioned.

--IANS

Guwahati, Apr 7: With Assam set to vote on April 9, the Election Commission has barred the conduct and dissemination of exit polls from 7 am on polling day until 6.30 pm on April 29, covering all five Assembly elections scheduled this month.

The poll panel said any violation of the restriction under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, is punishable with “imprisonment of up to two years, or fine, or both”.

Assam, along with Kerala and Puducherry, will go to polls on April 9, while Tamil Nadu votes on April 23. In West Bengal, polling will be held on April 23 and April 29.

As part of the Model Code of Conduct, the 48-hour silence period in Assam will come into force from 5 pm on April 7, marking the end of public campaigning ahead of polling.

During this period, rallies, public meetings and other forms of campaign activity are prohibited, with only limited door-to-door outreach permitted.

Reinforcing these restrictions on the ground, the Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.

In an order issued by District Magistrate and District Election Officer Swapneel Paul, assembly of five or more persons in public places has been barred across the district, except in the vicinity of polling stations for voting purposes.

The administration has also banned the entry of outside political functionaries, including campaign managers and party workers not registered as voters in the constituency. Use of loudspeakers, whether mounted on vehicles or otherwise, has been disallowed during the silence period.

Further, candidates and political parties have been prohibited from setting up booths or carrying out canvassing activities within a 100-metre radius of polling stations.

Authorities said the measures are aimed at maintaining public order and ensuring free and fair polling in Kamrup (Metro), even as enforcement remains a challenge in the digital campaign space.

Dhaka, April 7: As Bangladesh grapples with a measles outbreak, a total of 118 people, mostly children, died from the suspected cases, local media reported on Tuesday, citing the country’s Directorate General of Health Services(DGHS).

According to the DGHS, the fatalities have been recorded since March 15, including five deaths in the 24-hour period ending Monday morning.

The health agency stated that the 2006 suspected measles patients, primarily children, are currently receiving care at hospitals across the country.

Reports suggest another two children died with the symptoms of an infectious disease at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), bringing the total number of such deaths at the facility to 42.

Confirming the recent fatalities, hospital spokesperson Shankar Kumar Biswas confirmed that deaths occurred over a 24-hour span, Sunday to Monday morning, the Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reported.

Experts warned that in the absence of systemic reform, emergency measures taken to control the measles outbreak are unlikely to yield significant benefits.

Benazir Ahmed, a health expert and former director of disease control at the DGHS, said that the previous Muhammad Yunus-led interim government’s sudden cancellation of the sectoral programme, which provided funds for vaccination, sparked a measles vaccine crisis, resulting in the deaths of many children.

“When we are supposed to celebrate something positive on World Health Day, we have to fight an outbreak, which is very unfortunate. We are supposed to eliminate measles-rubella by 2026, but we are struggling with the growing number of measles patients at hospitals," Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, Daily Star, quoted Ahmed as saying.

Additionally, the special campaign for immunisation planned for late 2024 could not be carried out amid the political transition.

According to health officials, the interim government did not launch any such drive, while workers responsible for administering the shots went on strike three times in 2025, disrupting the regular vaccination programme.

Speaking to Daily Star on condition of anonymity, another official said that the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) was forced to ration vaccines in some region since January due to a fund shortage.

Mushtaq Husain, another public health expert, said that although the government has undertaken an emergency vaccination campaign to control the spike in measles cases and deaths, the health sector requires reform to ensure sustainable progress.

Amid the rising fatalities, experts have also urged the government to take urgent action, warning that failure to act could lead to a widespread measles outbreak, as one patient can infect 16 to 18 people.

--IANS

Jaipur, April 7: A special CBI court here has sentenced former Western Central Railway employee Jalandhar Yogi, posted in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur district, to five years of rigorous imprisonment in a bribery case, officials said on Tuesday.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the accused, holding him guilty of demanding and accepting illegal gratification from a complainant in exchange for clearing a pending bill.

According to the Central Bureau of Investigation, the case was registered on June 16, 2020, following allegations that Yogi had demanded a bribe of Rs 11,500 to process and clear the final bill for work completed by the complainant.

After verifying the complaint, the agency laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while accepting Rs 10,000 as a bribe. The tainted money was recovered from his possession at the time of arrest, officials said.

The accused was posted as Chief Office Superintendent (CoS) in the office of the Assistant Engineer (AEN), Western Central Railways, Gangapur City, in Sawai Madhopur when the offence took place.

Following a detailed investigation, the CBI filed a charge sheet against Yogi on January 8, 2021, under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The conviction highlights the agency’s continued efforts to curb corruption in public offices and ensure accountability among government officials.

In a separate but similar crackdown, the Central Bureau of Investigation recently apprehended a railway official in Jharkhand in connection with a bribery case. The accused, identified as Himanshu Shekhar, was serving as Chief Commercial Inspector (CCI) of South Eastern Railway in Ranchi.

The CBI reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against those involved in corrupt practices, particularly cases involving abuse of official position for personal gain.

--IANS

Imphal/Bishnupur, Apr 7: At least four people were critically injured in police firing after a mob stormed a security forces camp in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Tuesday.

The incident occurred near Tronglaobi, where a large group of protesters allegedly entered a central forces camp located about 200 metres away and vandalised the premises. Several vehicles parked inside the camp were also set on fire, the police said.

The police confirmed that at least four persons sustained gunshot injuries. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, though there are apprehensions that some may have succumbed to their injuries.

There was no official confirmation of fatalities at the time of filing this report.

The violence comes amid widespread unrest following the killing of two minors in a suspected mortar blast in the same district on the intervening night of Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED), suspected to have been planted by Kuki militants, was detected and defused by the state police’s Bomb Disposal Squad around 11.36 am, averting a potential tragedy.

Sources indicated that the device had been planted a day earlier.

Meanwhile, protests intensified across Bishnupur and other valley districts, with demonstrators taking to the streets, burning tyres and blocking key roads.

In Bishnupur, including Kha Potsangbam and along the Imphal–Moirang road, protesters, many of them women, blocked the movement of security forces.

Normal life was severely disrupted, with shops, markets and educational institutions remaining shut across the Imphal valley districts.

In Imphal East, protests were reported from Khurai, Wamgkhei and Yairipok, while in Imphal West, agitation was seen in Kwakeithel and Thangmeiband.

Amid fears of further escalation, authorities suspended mobile internet and data services for three days in five valley districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur.

According to a Home Department order issued on April 7, the curbs were imposed to prevent the misuse of social media platforms for spreading inflammatory content and mobilising unrest.

Condemning the killing of the two children, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said those responsible would be identified and dealt with firmly under the law. “Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be hunted down,” he said.

Security has been tightened across the region, with additional forces deployed as authorities attempt to contain the volatile situation.

Silchar, April 7: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Tuesday, underscored the need for “development free from infiltration” while addressing an election rally in Hailakandi, asserting that long-term prosperity in Barak Valley hinges on strong internal security and stable governance.

Campaigning for BJP candidate Milon Das, Shah struck a dual note of security and economic growth, arguing that a peaceful and secure environment is fundamental for attracting investment, generating employment and ensuring efficient delivery of welfare schemes.

“Lasting development is only possible when there is peace and stability. Without security, progress cannot sustain,” he said.

Highlighting the BJP-led governments’ efforts both at the Centre and in Assam, Shah said significant strides have been made in strengthening law and order, while simultaneously pushing infrastructure and social sector development across the region.

Laying out a development roadmap for Barak Valley, the Home Minister pointed to ongoing and proposed improvements in road connectivity, healthcare infrastructure, and administrative decentralisation.

He specifically mentioned the establishment of the Assam Secretariat for Barak Valley in Silchar, stating that it would reduce the need for long-distance travel to Dispur and improve governance at the regional level.

He also highlighted investments in healthcare facilities, including medical and cancer care services, aimed at improving access and outcomes.

Focusing on welfare measures, Shah placed special emphasis on initiatives targeting tea garden communities.

“Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, daily wages for tea garden workers in Assam stood at just Rs 94. Under the BJP government, this has increased to Rs 258,” he said.

He added that the party is committed to raising wages to Rs 500 per day within the next five years.

He further stated that nearly 3.5 lakh families across 700 tea gardens have been granted land pattas, ensuring long-awaited land ownership rights.

“In the first phase itself, this process has been completed in 106 tea estates across 20 districts,” Shah said, calling it a major step toward empowering tea garden workers.

Shah also outlined additional promises for farmers and vulnerable sections, including enhanced income support, assured procurement at minimum support price (MSP), subsidies for farm mechanisation, financial assistance for women, affordable essential commodities, and housing for economically weaker sections.

Shah also credited the state government with significantly improving the law-and-order situation. He said that peace accords and efforts to bring youth into the mainstream have helped Assam transition from a period of unrest to one focused on growth and development.

Calling for electoral support, Shah urged voters to back the BJP and its ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), stressing that continuity in governance would accelerate development in Hailakandi and the wider Barak Valley region.

“A stable government will ensure that security-led development continues to benefit every section of society,” he said.

Guwahati, Apr 7: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday, asserted that the Opposition alliance will form a government in Assam by winning around 73 seats of 126 assembly constituencies in the upcoming elections.

Addressing a press meet in a city hotel, the AICC chief said, "The Congress-led alliance is going to form the next government in Assam. We will win 72-73 seats."

He also described Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as the "most corrupt" in India and sought comments from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on this.

"No CM in India is so egoistic and arrogant, like him. Himanta Biswa Sarma is working only for his family's development. He is running syndicates in everything - tea, school, coal, egg, land, betel nut," Kharge alleged.

He claimed that Sarma's every Cabinet colleague is "corrupt" and all of them own "thousands of crores of properties".

"I seek comments from Mohan Bhagwat on the corruption charges against the Assam CM. I request Prime Minister and Home Minister to give their reactions," Kharge said.

Asked about Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera's allegations of Sarma's wife possessing three foreign passports and owning assets abroad, the Congress chief said all agencies are under the central government, which should probe the charges.

"They have already filed an FIR against Khera. Let them probe the matter. We will face the case as it progresses," he added.

Kharge also claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has no right" to talk about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi or the Gandhi family, whose members have sacrificed their lives to unite the country.

"Those who have less brain call Congress pro-Muslim and pro-Pakistan," he said, when asked to comment on the charge that the opposition party indulges in appeasement of minorities.

PTI

Guwahati, April 7: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Tuesday, launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Pawan Khera, asserting that he will be tracked down and questioned by Assam Police in connection with the controversy over alleged documents.

Sarma claimed that Khera, who had earlier challenged authorities, is now no longer maintaining the same stance.

“Till the day before yesterday, Pawan Khera was saying ‘arrest me if you can’. Now his position has changed. This raises serious questions,” he said.

Making it clear that Khera remains at the centre of the probe, the Chief Minister added, “Assam Police will find him from wherever he is and bring him in. The law will take its own course.”

He strongly questioned the credibility and handling of the documents presented by the Congress party.

“If you don’t know the truth, how can you put such documents in the public domain? Before making allegations, they should have approached the Ministry of External Affairs for verification,” Sarma said.

Sarma also took a dig at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, criticising his remarks on the issue.

“It is unfortunate that a senior leader like Kharge is speaking in this manner. You cannot insult people and then say you will ask the Foreign Minister. Is the Foreign Minister his son-in-law that he will be available at your beck and call?” he said.

Escalating the matter further, the Chief Minister hinted that the investigation could expand beyond Khera.

“We have doubts about where these documents originated from. This should not remain limited to one individual. There should be a probe into whether Rahul Gandhi had any role in this,” Sarma stated.

Outlining the possible course of action, Sarma said, “We will first proceed against Pawan Khera. Once he is questioned, we will extract the names and then move further.”

The remarks have intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with allegations and counter-allegations dominating the discourse.

While the Congress has rejected the claims, Sarma maintained that the issue involves serious questions of credibility and accountability.

With Assam Police expected to continue their probe, the controversy is likely to remain a key political flashpoint in the coming days.

Earlier in the morning, police teams reached Congress leader Pawan Khera’s residence in New Delhi following an FIR filed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

The development comes a day after Riniki Bhuyan Sarma lodged a complaint at Pan Bazar Crime Branch in Guwahati over allegations made by Khera regarding her citizenship and assets.

New Delhi, April 7: The Delhi Police have successfully traced 34 missing persons, including several minors, during a five-day special operation titled 'Mission Safe Return,' conducted by the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Outer District.

Given the sensitivity of the cases, most of which involved minors, the responsibility was assigned to the AHTU for focused and coordinated action. The special drive was launched on March 31 under the direct supervision of Vikram Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Outer District.

A dedicated team comprising Sub Inspector Sunil Kumar, ASI Sanjeev, ASI Jag Pravesh, ASI Mahender Singh, and Woman Constable Rinki was formed under the supervision of ACP Virender Dalal. The team adopted a mission-oriented approach, prioritising the swift tracing of missing individuals while maintaining close coordination at all operational levels.

During the intensive operation, the team carried out extensive field enquiries by interacting with parents, guardians, neighbours, friends, and colleagues of the missing persons. These efforts were supported by systematic local intelligence gathering and verification across multiple locations in Delhi.

The operation was conducted relentlessly over five days, with officers working round-the-clock. Advanced technical surveillance was also employed to track leads, analyse data, and identify movement patterns, significantly enhancing the efficiency of the search efforts.

As a result of sustained efforts, professional diligence, and precise coordination, the team successfully traced 34 missing persons and children from different parts of the city. Preliminary findings revealed that most of the individuals had left their homes due to minor family disputes and personal issues.

Officials highlighted that the operation reflects the police force’s commitment to public safety and community welfare. The rescued individuals have been reunited with their families after following due legal procedures.

Further necessary legal action in the respective cases is being carried out by the investigating officers of the concerned police stations.

--IANS

New Delhi, Apr 7: Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the searches carried out by the Assam Police at party leader Pawan Khera's Delhi residence on Tuesday, stating that the "witch hunt" stands as proof that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is "facing imminent defeat".

Assam Police arrived at Khera's residence in Delhi earlier in the day amid the controversy over the party's claim that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife holds three passports.

The searches came after Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, lodged an FIR over the issue on Monday.

Reacting to this, Ramesh took to social media and said, “The deployment of a full army of police officials to arrest my colleague Pawan Khera for asking basic questions in the public interest proves that the Assam CM is disturbed, desperate, and rattled."

"This is not due process but instead a witch hunt, a bully using state machinery to muzzle and silence the voice of the Opposition that is exposing his many black deeds. Those who intimidate are the ones who are afraid and have much to hide. It also proves that the CM is facing imminent defeat," the Congress General Secretary added.

Earlier in the day, Assam Police said that they could not find Congress leader Pawan Khera at his Delhi residence and his whereabouts are unknown, while the authorities are working to "trace him out".

Speaking to the press outside the Congress leader's residence in New Delhi, a police official said, "A case has been registered... We wanted to talk to Pawan Khera... We couldn't meet him as he is not here... We found some things in his house, but I will not disclose the details... We don't know where he is right now, but we will trace him out..."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarma speaking to the press on the sidelines of a campaign event in Demow in Sivasagar district, alleged that Khera had “fled” the national capital.

He further asserted that the allegations made by the Congress leader had been disproved.

“It has been proven that all the documents are fake. Egypt has said that it’s a fake passport. Dubai has echoed a similar response. The United States has confirmed that there are no assets owned by Riniki in the country. So, it’s all fake. Till the day before, he dared us to arrest him, but now he has fled,” the Chief Minister said.

The controversy erupted after Khera accused Sarma's wife of holding multiple foreign passports, a charge strongly denied by the Chief Minister and his family.

Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi and Pawan Khera, have recently raised questions regarding alleged foreign assets and links of the Chief Minister's family, including claims about Dubai properties and foreign documents.

These allegations have been categorically denied by the Chief Minister and his family members. Sarma's wife, Riniki, has also rejected claims of any foreign business interests or assets, terming the accusations "baseless".

With inputs from IANS

Raipur/Durg, April 7: A massive fire broke out on Tuesday at Power Plant-2 (PBS-2) of the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Durg district, Chhattisgarh, following an explosion in the 25 MW turbine section.

Thick black smoke engulfed the area as flames rose nearly 10 feet high, creating panic inside the plant.

According to sources, five people sustained injuries in the mishap -- two regular employees and three contract workers. One employee suffered a fracture in the leg, while the others received minor injuries. All injured personnel have been provided immediate medical attention.

Sources said the fire has been completely extinguished, yet the priority remains the safety and well-being of all employees and contract workers.

A detailed probe will be conducted to ascertain the root cause, and preventive measures will be strengthened.

According to preliminary reports, the blaze spread rapidly after the explosion in the turbine area. Workers present at the site managed to escape through a rear exit, preventing a major tragedy.

Fire department teams responded swiftly, with more than half a dozen fire tenders reaching the spot immediately. Senior officials of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)-operated plant also rushed to the location.

The fire has now been fully brought under control. However, the exact extent of damage is still being assessed.

Initial observations indicate that several cables were damaged in the incident. The precise cause of the explosion and subsequent fire is yet to be determined, and an investigation has been initiated.

Another plant management source added, “Quick response from the fire services and the presence of mind shown by workers in exiting through the rear helped avoid loss of life. We are thankful that the situation was brought under control without major casualties.”

This incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding industrial safety at large public sector undertakings.

Bhilai Steel Plant, one of SAIL’s flagship facilities, has witnessed similar accidents in the past, prompting calls for stricter adherence to safety protocols during maintenance and operations.

Authorities have assured that normal operations will be restored at the earliest after necessary repairs and safety audits. The injured are reported to be stable.

Further updates on the damage assessment and investigation findings are awaited.

The state government and SAIL management are monitoring the situation closely to ensure worker safety and minimal disruption to production at the plant, which plays a vital role in India’s steel industry.

--IANS

Dhaka, April 7: Bangladeshi police on Tuesday arrested senior Awami League leader and former Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the country’s first woman to hold the post, according to local media reports.

Confirming the development, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Media) NM Nasiruddin said she was taken into custody from her residence in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi early Tuesday morning.

Addressing the journalists, Nasiruddin said that Chaudhury is currently undergoing interrogation, and details of subsequent steps will be announced later.

“As far as we know, cases have been filed against her over incidents during the July movement at Banani and Uttara police stations in the capital. There is also a case against her in Rangpur,” Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune quoted the police official as saying.

Citing sources, Dhaka Tribune reported that a case has been lodged against Chaudhury in connection with the fatal shooting of gold worker Muslim Uddin in Rangpur during the July 2024 protests.

The murder case filed on August 27, 2024, implicates Chaudhury and 16 others, including former commerce minister Tipu Munshi.

Munshi remains in custody following his arrest in the same case.

Chaudhury, a former member of parliament from the Rangpur-6 constituency, became the first female speaker of the parliament when she was elected on April 30, 2013.

She went on to serve four consecutive terms, with her latest term as speaker of the 12th National Parliament on January 30, 2024.

Reports suggest that Chaudhury stepped down on September 2, 2024, 27 days after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.

This latest incident reflects a continuing pattern of crackdown on Awami League leaders and activists that has persisted since the eighteen-month tenure of the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Last month, the Awami League expressed grave concern over what it described as ongoing mass arrests and custodial killings of political leaders and activists across the country, saying the actions violate fundamental rights and undermine justice and the rule of law.

The party alleged that the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government has followed the path of the former Yunus-led interim government by using state machinery to carry out "repression, torture, and suppression" aimed at silencing dissent and pursuing political vengeance.

"Mass arrests of political leaders and activists, along with deaths in custody, continue to occur. Repeated arrests, indiscriminate remand orders, and reports of custodial deaths are causing pain and anger across the nation," the Awami League stated.

--IANS

New Delhi, April 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated To Lam on his election as Vietnam's President and expressed readiness to work with him to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

He expressed confidence that the time-tested friendship between the two nations will continue to grow under To Lam's leadership.

"Heartiest congratulations to Mr To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. I am confident that under his leadership, the time-tested friendship between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength. I look forward to working closely together to further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the progress and prosperity of our people and the region," PM Modi posted on X.

PM Modi's congratulatory message came after Vietnam's National Assembly on Tuesday confirmed Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) General Secretary To Lam as the country's president for the 2026-2031 tenure.

All 495 deputies present voted in support of the draft resolution of the election of Lam.

Lam has previously served as Vietnam's President from May 2024 to October 2024. He was elected general secretary of the 13th CPVCC in 2024 and was re-elected to the post for the 2026-2031 tenure at the first meeting of the 14th CPVCC on January 23, 2026, reports Xinhua news agency.

India and Vietnam share close and warm bilateral relations that are denominated as a comprehensive strategic partnership. India-Vietnam relations were elevated to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ during PM Modi's visit to Vietnam in 2016, according to the Indian Embassy in Vietnam statement.

The development of India-Vietnam relations is guided by a “Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People” adopted by PM Modi and the then-Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc during the Virtual Summit held on December 21, 2020.

In 2022, India and Vietnam celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and both countries are working together actively to further strengthen their multi-dimensional cooperation.

--IANS

Los Angeles, April 7: Debutant Jaafar Jackson said he kept his casting as Michael Jackson in the forthcoming biopic about the King of Pop’s life a secret from his family for a year.

The 29-year-old nephew of Michael, who died aged 50 in 2009 will make his acting debut portraying the Billie Jean singer in Michael. He discussed the experience in conversation with his co-star Miles Teller for Interview, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Jaafar said: “(My mother) came to set one time, but she wasn’t aware of what to expect. Even in the process of preparing for it, I didn’t tell her for a full year.”

He added: “No. No one in my family knew for a full year. I kept it pretty quiet until I felt comfortable enough to share it. But when my mom saw it on-screen, it blew her away. It was hard for her to connect it to me, so it was very emotional for her.”

Jaafar said his mother found watching the film challenging, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

He added: “It was strange. She is very protective of me, knowing what's to come with the attention the movie will receive. My father hasn’t seen it yet, and I can’t wait for that.

“It was a full body experience and definitely shows a side of me that my mom hasn’t seen.”

Discussing his own reaction to seeing the completed film, Jaafar said: “Going into it I tried my best to say, ‘I’m going to just try to watch without critiquing anything’. As soon as it came on, it was a completely different experience than what I thought it was going to be. It went by so fast. I was like, ‘Wait, that’s it?’ But the second time I saw it was a completely different experience.”

He added: “I was able to understand what the story is and really allow myself to enjoy what’s on the screen, rather than thinking of all the things we shot that aren’t in there. Because that was my problem the first time. I was like, ‘Where’s all that footage?’”

Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson, a member of The Jackson 5, and Alejandra Jackson.

Michael is directed by Antoine Fuqua and features an ensemble cast including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross, and is scheduled for release in cinemas on 24 April.

--IANS

Guwahati, Apr 7: With hours left for campaigning to end for the Assam Assembly elections, the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress escalated sharply on Tuesday.

Police teams reached Congress leader Pawan Khera’s residence in New Delhi following an FIR filed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

According to reports, a joint team of Delhi Police and Assam Police arrived at Khera’s residence. However, he was not present at the time, and officials were seen waiting outside the premises.

The development comes a day after Riniki Bhuyan Sarma lodged a complaint at Pan Bazar Crime Branch in Guwahati over allegations made by Khera regarding her citizenship and assets.

Reacting to the police action, Chief Minister Sarma, speaking to the press on the sidelines of a campaign event in Demow in Sivasagar district, alleged that Khera had “fled” the national capital.

“Pawan Khera fled yesterday morning. He took a 6 am flight from Delhi to Hyderabad,” Sarma claimed.

He further asserted that the allegations made by the Congress leader had been disproved.

“It has been proven that all the documents are fake. Egypt has said that it’s a fake passport. Dubai has echoed a similar response. The United States has confirmed that there are no assets owned by Riniki in the country. So, it’s all fake. Till the day before, he dared us to arrest him, but now he has fled,” the Chief Minister said.

The controversy stems from claims made by Khera on Sunday, in which he alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed multiple foreign passports in violation of Indian citizenship laws.

Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Khera had alleged that the Chief Minister’s wife held passports from the UAE, Egypt and Antigua and Barbuda, and owned properties in Dubai as well as assets in shell companies in the United States.

Denying the allegations, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma on Monday confirmed filing an FIR and sought strict action.

“I have taken legal action. I have lodged an FIR against them. I urge Assam Police to get in touch with the MEA so that everything can be proved. This is not to be treated leniently. Let justice prevail,” she had said.

Earlier on April 6, Sarma also alleged at a press conference in Guwahati that the charges were politically motivated and aimed at influencing the ongoing elections, calling them “punishable under the law”.

The episode has further sharpened the BJP-Congress war of words in the final stretch of campaigning, adding a legal dimension to an already high-voltage contest.

Puri, April 7: Marking World Health Day, renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik on Tuesday created a striking sand sculpture at Puri Beach in Odisha, saluting frontline workers and spreading the message, “Together for Health, Stand with Science”.

The elaborate sculpture, standing approximately six feet tall, was crafted using several tonnes of sand and showcased Pattnaik’s signature style of blending art with social messaging. Assisted by students from his sand art institute, the installation depicted human figures symbolising unity, compassion, and the crucial role of science in safeguarding global health.

Observed annually on April 7, World Health Day aims to draw attention to pressing global health issues and inspire collective action toward improving public well-being. Pattnaik’s artwork served as a visual reminder of the importance of solidarity, scientific awareness, and shared responsibility in building a healthier and safer world.

Speaking on the occasion, Pattnaik emphasised the need to support science and strengthen healthcare systems in an ever-evolving global landscape. He urged people to adopt healthier lifestyles and contribute to the well-being of society. Through his sand art, he paid tribute to healthcare workers and others who serve tirelessly day and night for the betterment of humanity.

A globally acclaimed artist, Pattnaik has represented India in over 65 international sand sculpture championships and festivals, earning numerous accolades. He is widely recognised for using his art as a medium to raise awareness on critical social and environmental issues, including HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, global warming, terrorism, plastic pollution, and environmental conservation.

The theme for World Health Day 2026, “Together for Health, Stand with Science”, has been launched by the World Health Organisation as part of a year-long campaign celebrating the power of scientific collaboration. The initiative highlights key objectives such as the “One Health” approach, which recognises the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment, combating misinformation, and promoting scientific multilateralism through global cooperation.

World Health Day commemorates the establishment of the World Health Organisation in 1948. The WHO Constitution was signed in 1946 by 61 nations and came into force on April 7, 1948. Although the first observance took place in 1949, it was officially shifted to April 7 from 1950 onwards to align with the organisation’s founding anniversary.

--IANS

New Delhi, April 7: The Delhi Police on Tuesday rescued a 17-year-old minor girl and arrested an accused in a swift operation carried out by the women patrolling team of Mahila Chowki, Central District, preventing a serious crime as the victim was lured to Delhi on the pretext of getting her a job.

According to officials, the incident came to light on April 2, at around 10:00 AM, when a police team from Kamla Market Police Station comprising SI Kiran Sethi, W/Ct Khushboo, and W/Ct Pooja was on routine patrol duty near S.N. Marg. During patrolling, a minor girl approached the team seeking immediate help.

The police personnel acted promptly, ensured her safety, and recorded her statement. The victim, a resident of Darbhanga district in Bihar, revealed that she had left her home on March 14 following a domestic dispute and travelled to Delhi on the advice of a friend.

Upon her arrival at New Delhi Railway Station, she was received by Shivji Das (52), an acquaintance of her friend. He took her to his residence in Nehru Vihar, where she stayed from March 15 to April 2 under the pretext of being offered domestic work.

The victim alleged that during this period, especially in the absence of the accused’s wife, Shivji Das outraged her modesty, made inappropriate advances, and threatened her with defamation if she disclosed the incidents to anyone.

On April 2, the accused brought the girl to S.N. Marg area and asked her to wait in a parking lot, claiming he was arranging a job for her. Sensing danger and feeling unsafe in the suspicious surroundings, the victim sought help from the women police team passing by.

Acting on her complaint, the police immediately apprehended the accused at the spot. During further enquiry, when officers visited nearby shops to gather statements, it emerged that the accused was attempting to negotiate a deal to sell the minor. The alleged plan was foiled due to the timely intervention of the police team.

Based on the victim’s statement, an FIR (No. 95/2026) was registered at Kamla Market Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act.

The victim has undergone medical examination and was produced before the Child Welfare Committee. She is currently safe and staying in a shelter home.

Police confirmed that the accused, Shivji Das, a native of Darbhanga, Bihar, has been arrested, and further investigation into the case is underway.

--IANS

Guwahati, Apr 7: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Tuesday, launched a sharp attack on the Congress, while addressing a massive election rally in Patharkandi in Sribhumi district.

Asserting that only the BJP can safeguard the state from illegal infiltration and preserve its cultural identity, Shah said that the BJP government has already identified infiltrators and they would be “removed one by one” if the party returns to power.

“With BJP-NDA governments in Assam, West Bengal and Tripura, infiltration will be completely stopped,” he declared. West Bengal is going to two-phased polls on April 23 and 29.

He alleged that illegal migrants were taking away jobs, ration benefits and wages meant for local youth, poor families and tea garden workers in Assam.

Targeting Congress, Shah accused the party of indulging in “vote bank politics” by supporting infiltrators.

“Congress is indulging in appeasement politics and has failed to act decisively on illegal immigration, which has long impacted Assam’s demographic and socio-political landscape. Safeguarding the state’s identity and resources remains central to the BJP’s electoral agenda,” he told the gathering.

Shah added that past Congress governments weakened legal safeguards by scrapping the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act of 1950 and introducing the IMDT Act in 1983, which he claimed gave shelter to illegal migrants.

He also criticised the grand old party for opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), saying it was necessary to protect persecuted minorities.

The Home Minister further said that the BJP alone had the commitment to rename Karimganj as “Sribhumi”, linking it to the region’s cultural heritage.

In a personal attack, Union Minister Shah took aim at Rahul Gandhi, saying that the Congress under his leadership had declined in public discourse and would not be allowed to turn Assam into an “infiltration-prone state”.

He asserted that the BJP remained committed to protecting Assam’s land, identity and economic interests, while urging voters to reject what he termed Congress’ divisive and appeasement-driven politics. Shah said Assam was set to grant the BJP a landslide victory to root out infiltration.

IANS

Thimphu, April 7: India and Bhutan held the 17th Monthly Coordination Meeting in Thimphu, where both sides discussed progress and charted next steps for projects underway in the Himalayan nation with the Indian government's support.

The meeting organised on Monday was co-chaired by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Thimphu and the Director General of the Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance (DMDF) in Bhutan's Ministry of Finance.

During the meeting, Indian Deputy Chief of Mission Aniket Govind Mandavgane handed over cheques amounting to Rs 42.3 crore (Bhutanese Nu 423 million) to the Bhutanese Ministry of Finance towards the implementation of projects under the 13th Five-Year Plan of the Himalayan nation.

According to the Indian Embassy in Thimphu, Rs 16.86 crore (Nu. 168.6 million) was released for strengthening infrastructure facilities for the Zhung Dratshang, the Central Monastic Body in Bhutan.

The funding aims to create conducive living, learning, and spiritual environments; preserve and continue cultural and spiritual practices; and ensure the sanitation, safety, and well-being of monks and nuns.

Additionally, Rs 15.01 crore (Nu. 150.1 million) was allocated for the construction of the modern, high-standard Khuru-Kuenphen bridge on Bajo-Khuru SNH, which was inaugurated on March 27.

Meanwhile, to improve road transport, Rs 5.44 crore (Nu. 54.4 million) was released for upgrading 17 km of road to the standard of a Primary National Highway to align with the entire length of the Northern East West Highway (NEWH).

The Indian mission said that this project is expected to "facilitate smooth and fast movement of all types of vehicular traffic and reduce travel time and vehicle operating cost as well as risk for the commuters."

Furthermore, Rs 4.99 crore (Nu 49.9 million) was released for the upgrade and development of the Royal Institute of Management (RIM) campus, including renovation of hostels; procurement of library resources, computers and accessories for labs and offices; and establishment of linkages with Indian institutions.

Both sides also reviewed progress and addressed implementation issues of Government of India-supported projects under the 13th Five-Year Plan.

This included 'Human Resource Development and Skilling Programmes' being implemented by the Bhutanese Ministry of Education and Skills Development to enhance productivity and performance of the workforce engaged in different priority sectors through re-skilling and up-skilling activities.

The meeting also discussed the status of implementation of activities under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), the Indian Embassy mentioned.

India has committed Rs 10,000 crore total for the plan period, with regular disbursements covering infrastructure, including colleges and irrigation, mega farms, and governance initiatives to strengthen the longstanding bilateral development partnership.

--IANS

Bishnupur, Apr 7: Amid heightened tensions following the killing of two minors in a suspected mortar attack in the Moirang Tronglaobi area, a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) was defused by the state police’s Bomb Disposal Squad in Bishnupur district on Tuesday.

The device, suspected to have been planted by Kuki militants, was detected and safely neutralised around 11.36 am, averting a potential tragedy. Ground inputs indicate the IED had been planted a day earlier.

The recovery comes after protests erupted across Bishnupur following the deaths of two minors in a suspected mortar blast on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.

Thousands marched from Bishnupur Bazar to Tronglaobi, with demonstrators blocking key roads and setting tyres ablaze, bringing normal life to a standstill.

Shops and commercial establishments remained shut, while schools, colleges and government offices were closed, severely disrupting daily activity across the district.

Security forces have intensified vigil in sensitive areas, with additional deployment to prevent any further escalation.

Amid the tense situation, Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh visited Raj Polyclinic on Tuesday morning to assess the condition of the injured mother who lost her two children in the attack.

Expressing anguish, the Chief Minister directed authorities to ensure the highest standard of medical care and all necessary support for the victim.

He described the incident as a “barbaric act” and an “outright assault on humanity”, alleging that it was a direct attempt to derail the fragile peace in the state.

Condemning the attack, Singh said those responsible would be identified and dealt with firmly under the law. “Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be hunted down,” he said.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting citizens, he asserted that such acts of violence would not be tolerated under any circumstances, while urging the public to remain united against forces seeking to disrupt peace and harmony.

Security has been further tightened across the district as authorities brace for any fresh flare-up.

Kathmandu, April 7: The H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, also commonly called bird flu, has spread across four districts of Nepal, a government official said on Tuesday.

The highly pathogenic virus has been detected in 23 poultry farms in Morang, Sunsari, Jhapa and Chitwan districts, Indira Sharma, an information officer at the Department of Livestock Services, told Xinhua. This year, the bird flu was first detected in the farms in Morang district on March 18.

"We are putting all our efforts together to ensure it doesn't spread further," Sharma told Xinhua.

As per the department's report, a total of 113,608 birds, including chickens and ducks, and 211,867 eggs have been destroyed from the affected places as of Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

H5N1 is one of several influenza viruses that causes a highly infectious respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or "bird flu"). Infections in mammals, including humans, have also been documented.

H5N1 influenza virus infection can cause a range of diseases in humans, from mild to severe and in some cases, it can even be fatal. Symptoms reported have primarily been respiratory, but conjunctivitis and other non-respiratory symptoms have also been reported. There have also been a few detections of A(H5N1) virus in persons who were exposed to infected animals or their environments but who did not show any symptoms.

The goose/Guangdong-lineage of H5N1 avian influenza viruses first emerged in 1996 and has been causing outbreaks in birds since then. Since 2020, a variant of these viruses has led to an unprecedented number of deaths in wild birds and poultry in many countries. First affecting Africa, Asia and Europe, in 2021, the virus spread to North America, and in 2022, to Central and South America. From 2021 to 2022, Europe and North America observed their largest and most extended epidemic of avian influenza with unusual persistence of the virus in wild bird populations.

--IANS

New Delhi, April 7: The Indian senior women’s hockey team is set to tour Argentina for a four-match series, set to be held at the CeNARD in Buenos Aires from April 13 to 17.

The series promises to be a highly competitive contest, featuring India taking on the formidable South American opponents on their home turf. The matches will be played on April 13, 14, 16, and 17.

The tour will serve as a crucial period for India’s preparations ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 and the Asian Games

India and Argentina have enjoyed competitive encounters in recent years, including a thrilling 2-2 draw decided by shootout in the FIH Pro League 2024–25 last June. This upcoming tour will offer valuable match practice against quality international opposition, perfectly aligning with Hockey India’s strategic calendar to build momentum ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 and the Asian Games later this year.

The series will serve as important preparation for India, offering four high-tempo matches, while also giving the team an opportunity to explore different combinations and tactics as they head into a crucial period on their calendar.

Speaking on the tour, Indian chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “We are travelling to Argentina with a squad of 24 players, and that is a very deliberate choice. This tour is about giving more players the chance to perform at the highest level. Argentina is one of the best teams in the world, and that environment will tell us a lot about where each player stands. We want to see who steps up when it matters”

“To earn a place in this team, you need to show everyone that you are a team player first. Individual quality is important, but if you cannot connect with the group and work for each other, it will be very difficult to make this squad”, he added.

--IANS

Washington, April 7: Astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission have set a new record for the farthest distance travelled by humans from Earth, marking a major milestone in the first crewed lunar mission in over five decades.

Four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — crossed the historic threshold six days into their mission, travelling 248,655 miles from Earth and eventually reaching about 252,756 miles at the farthest point of their journey.

The milestone surpasses the previous record set during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, establishing a new benchmark in human spaceflight.

“At NASA, we dare to reach higher, explore farther, and achieve the impossible. That’s embodied perfectly by our Artemis II astronauts – Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy. They are charting new frontiers for all humanity,” said Dr. Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate.

“Their dedication is about more than breaking records – it’s fueling our hope for a bold future. Their mission is carrying our promise to return to the Moon’s surface, this time to stay as we establish a Moon Base,” she added.

The crew is currently on a 10-day mission designed to test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft in a deep space environment with astronauts onboard. The mission includes a lunar flyby before returning to Earth.

Speaking from aboard the Orion spacecraft, Hansen reflected on the moment.

“From the cabin of Integrity here, as we surpass the furthest distance humans have ever traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honoring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration,” he said.

“We will continue our journey even further into space before Mother Earth succeeds in pulling us back to everything that we hold dear. But we most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long-lived.”

During the lunar flyby, the astronauts conducted extensive observations, capturing high-resolution images of the Moon and studying surface features, including craters and geological formations. The crew also witnessed a solar eclipse as the Moon passed in front of the Sun and experienced a planned communications blackout lasting about 40 minutes as the spacecraft moved behind the Moon.

At one point, the spacecraft came within about 4,067 miles of the lunar surface, offering astronauts a rare view of regions of the Moon not previously seen directly by humans.

The mission has also produced scientific data through imagery, telemetry, and direct human observation, which will inform future Artemis missions.

The crew is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego on April 10, where recovery teams will retrieve them for post-flight medical evaluations before their return to shore.

Artemis II is the first crewed mission in NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustained presence there. The programme is also seen as a stepping stone for future human missions to Mars.

The last time astronauts travelled beyond low Earth orbit was during the Apollo missions more than five decades ago. By surpassing that record, Artemis II marks a significant step in reviving deep space human exploration and advancing long-term ambitions for lunar and interplanetary missions.

--IANS

Guwahati, April 7: Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh will represent India at the inauguration of Myanmar’s new President, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, scheduled to be held in Nay Pyi Taw on April 10.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Singh will undertake a four-day visit to Myanmar from April 8 to 11. During his visit, he will attend the inauguration ceremony and participate in a series of bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.

“In response to an invitation from the Government of Myanmar, the Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, will visit Myanmar from April 8–11 to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,” the MEA said in an official statement.

Apart from attending the ceremony, Singh is expected to meet senior officials of the Myanmar government in Nay Pyi Taw. His itinerary also includes discussions on ongoing cooperation in trade, economic partnerships, and developmental assistance initiatives. Additionally, he will interact with members of the Indian diaspora and Friends of India in Yangon.

Myanmar’s Parliament recently paved the way for Min Aung Hlaing to assume the presidency following general elections held in December and January. The polls, however, were conducted amid criticism, as major Opposition parties were excluded.

Myanmar has been under military rule since February 1, 2021, when the armed forces seized power in a coup, overthrowing the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Min Aung Hlaing has been effectively leading the country since then.

India shares a strategically significant relationship with Myanmar, which borders several northeastern states, including Nagaland and Manipur. The 1,640-kilometre-long shared boundary underscores the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and cooperation between the two nations.

Mangaldai, April 7: Mangaldai is an important Assembly constituency in Central Assam. The constituency was reserved for the Scheduled Castes in 1991 at the time of the 9th Assam Assembly elections.

Thus after 34 years, the constituency was freed from reservation. Altogether six candidates are contesting the election in the constituency – Nilima Devi of BJP, Rijumoni Talukdar of the Congress, Azizur Rahman (AIUDF), Harekrishna Deka (TMC), Ajit Acharya (SUCI-Communist) and Independent candidate Prabin Kumar Deka.

All these candidates are new faces for the voters of the constituency. They have been using various tactics to reach out to the voters in the past ten days or so but the candidates of the two major political parties – Nilima Devi of BJP and Rijumoni Talukdar of Congress – are much ahead of the others in the election campaign .

The star campaigners of the BJP, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP national president Nitin Nabin and State president Dilip Saikia already took part in the election rallies in the constituency. The BJP candidate Nilima Devi has been carrying out marathon campaigns day and night to woo voters with help of the party’s workers from the district and Mandal-level to the grassroots booth levels.

On the other hand, till the filing of this report, people here haven’t witnessed any star campaigner of the Congress party taking part in the election campaign for Rijumoni Talukdar. Talukdar though is not sitting idle and has not left any stone unturned to come closer to the voters.

Instead of holding big election meetings, Talukdar has been trying hard to win the hearts of the voters by visiting the nooks and corners of the constituency, holding small rallies, visiting religious institutions or going from house to house, etc.

The last delimitation exercises resulted in bringing some changes in the geopolitical scenario of the constituency.

As per the recent electoral data, the total number of voters in the constituency figured at 2,01,732, out of which 1,11,740 are male and 99,989 are female voters.

According to the local political analysts, from the demographic point of view, the constituency consisted of 1,22,000 Hindus and around 30,000 of linguistic minority community.

On the other hand, there are nearly 78,000 voters of the Muslim community which includes the religious minority community.

The results of the 2021 Assembly elections showed that the Congress candidate Basanta Das won the seat by securing 1,11,386 votes against 87,320 votes earned by the BJP candidate Gurujyoti Das.

However, the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, held following the delimitation, showed a much improved performance by the BJP candidate. The BJP candidate secured 96,213 votes while the Congress candidate had to remain satisfied with 58,288 votes.

Meanwhile, though all the six contesting candidates of the constituency have been making efforts to get the people’s mandate on April 9, it is certain that the main poll battle will be confined to the BJP and the Congress.

Boko, April 7: The National People’s Party (NPP) marked a historic moment in the Boko-Chhaygaon constituency with a massive election rally at Bamunigaon’s Shanti-Nijora Club ground. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, accompanied by a dozen ministers, legislators, and senior leaders, campaigned in support of the party’s candidate Ganseng B Sangma, drawing unprecedented public response.

Founded in 2013 by former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma under the slogan ‘One Voice, One Northeast’, the NPP has steadily expanded its roots across the region.

Addressing the gathering, Conrad Sangma said: “The seed planted by PA Sangma in Meghalaya 14 years ago has now grown into a tree that shelters the entire Northeast. His dream of uniting all communities under one platform is becoming a reality.”

The Chief Minister accused national parties of dividing ethnic groups for political gain, asserting that only NPP has worked to bring diverse communities together. He urged voters to support Ganseng B Sangma, describing him as a simple, sincere, and committed candidate who embodies the party’s vision of inclusive development. “If Ganseng becomes MLA, it will mark a new dawn for NPP in Assam,” Conrad added.

Former Congress leader Johnson J. Sangma, now with NPP, emphasized the party’s symbol – a book – representing education as the backbone of society. Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and Phulbari MLA Abu Taher Mondal appealed to voters to cast their ballots on April 9 for Ganseng B Sangma, highlighting education as the path to empowerment.

The rally also witnessed speeches from Meghalaya Minister Timothy D Shira, NPP national vice-president and former Manipur Speaker I Hemochandra Singh, and several legislators including Sanjay Sangma, Marthon Sangma, Pongseng Marak, Rupert Momin, and Jim Sangma. They reiterated PA Sangma’s vision of a strong and united Northeast, calling on voters to deliver a decisive mandate.

Ganseng B Sangma, in his brief address, pledged dedicated service, saying that “I speak for one minute but work for 20.” The rally concluded with Ramrai MLA RG Momin’s speech, as party leaders and supporters expressed confidence in NPP’s growing influence in Assam.

Hailakandi, April 7: The Algapur-Katlicherra Assembly constituency in Hailakandi district is all set to witness multi-cornered contests in the ensuing polls.

Remarkably, three sitting MLAs of the district are contesting against each other in this minority-dominated new constituency, created through delimitation.

It is pertinent to mention that all the three sitting MLAs – Nijam Uddin Choudhury, Suzam Uddin Laskar, and Jakir Hussain Laskar – have been already suspended from the AIUDF on charges of anti-party activities.

Of them, Jakir Hussain Laskar joined the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) just before the declaration of the election date and he is contesting as the AGP-BJP alliance candidate. The other two MLAs are contesting as Independent candidates.

The Indian National Congress (INC) candidate, Jubair Anam Mazumdar, is another contestant in this seat. Mazumdar, an architect by training who has built his political career through the NSUI, is strategically focusing on regional issues.

Despite the presence of 15 candidates, the contest is expected to be among these four candidates.

The constituency has an electorate of 2,78,364 with the inclusion of 903 new voters. Of them, 1,45,645 are male, 1,32,717 are female, and two are transgender voters.

Interestingly, the demographic structure of this newly created constituency has been changed and about 50,000 Hindu voters will be the deciding factor, according to political experts of the area.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of State Ajoy Tamta, State Cabinet Minister and AGP chief Atul Bora, and some other top NDA leaders have campaigned for AGP candidate Jakir Hussain Laskar.

On the other hand, former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot has campaigned for the Congress candidate.

Most of the candidates have opted for the strategy of organising small village-level meetings to woo the voters.

Meanwhile, local voters have voiced certain grievances. Fakrul Islam, a farmer of the locality, says that the Algapur-Katlicherra constituency has not been developed like other places. According to him, the vast area of Bakrihawar is mostly submerged by water during the rainy season and no concrete flood control scheme has been intiated to provide some respite to the local farmers.

A small trader, Najrul Haque, alleges that most of the rural roads are in a dilapidated state, adding that no remarkable development has been done for Algapur despite the fact that it had a minister in Prafulla Kumar Mahanta’s Cabinet twice (in 1985 and 1991).

Aizawl, April 7: The Mizoram government is poised to bring an end to one of its longest-running insurgencies with the signing of a peace accord with the Lalhmingthanga Sanate-led faction of the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) on April 14 at Sakawrdai village along the State’s border with Manipur.

State home department officials said the agreement will be formalised between the Home Secretary, representing the government, and HPC (D) president Lalhmingthanga Sanate, in the presence of Adviser to the Chief Minister (Political) Lalmuanpuia Punte.

The signing ceremony will coincide with the formal surrender of 43 cadres, who are expected to lay down arms before authorities and begin reintegration into civilian life later this month.

The groundwork for the agreement was finalised during recent discussions between government representatives and an HPC (D) delegation led by Sanate in Aizawl. The meeting, held at the office of Lalmuanpuia Punte, resulted in a consensus that officials say will effectively draw the curtains on the Hmar insurgency in Mizoram.

Sources indicated that the Sanate faction has not raised any political demands during the negotiations. Instead, the settlement centres on developmental assurances, particularly aimed at improving rural connectivity in the Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) area. The agreement also includes provisions for rehabilitation of former militants and a blanket amnesty. Compensation for surrendered weapons will be disbursed in line with rates prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Sanate-led group is widely regarded as the last surviving faction of the Hmar insurgency that began in the late 1980s. The movement traces its origins to the formation of the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) in 1986 as a political platform advocating self-governance for Hmar-inhabited areas in northern and northeastern Mizoram. By April 1987, the HPC had launched an armed campaign seeking the creation of an autonomous district council under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, a demand that led to heightened violence, peaking around 1991.

A major breakthrough came on July 27, 1994, when the Mizoram government and the HPC signed a Memorandum of Settlement, paving the way for the establishment of the Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC). Following the accord, as many as 308 militants surrendered along with their arms.

However, discontent over the implementation of the agreement led to a split within the organisation. A section of cadres broke away to form the HPC(D) under the leadership of Lalhmingthanga Sanate, continuing the insurgent movement.

The group later fragmented further after Sanate aligned with Kuki militant formations, resulting in the emergence of a rival faction led by H Zosangbera, which gained prominence in the 2000s. The Zosangbera faction entered into negotiations with the State government and signed a peace agreement on April 2, 2018. This accord led to the dissolution of the SHDC and the creation of the Sinlung Hills Council under the Sinlung Hills Council Act, 2018, granting enhanced autonomy to the region.

Despite these developments, the Sanate faction remained outside the peace process, operating from bases in Hmarkhawlien and Lakhipur in Assam’s Cachar district. Over the years, its activities reportedly diminished, with the group largely reduced to sporadic incidents of extortion in parts of Cachar and northern Mizoram. With the proposed signing of the agreement next week, officials expressed confidence that Mizoram will finally put to rest the last vestiges of the Hmar insurgency, marking a significant milestone in the State’s sustained efforts to maintain peace and stability.

DImapur, April 7: One person lost his life in pre-poll violence at Longkhum village in Koridang assembly constituency under Mokokchung district, following a clash between supporters of rival candidates late Sunday night.

Polling for the bye-election in the constituency will take place on April 9.

Nagaland deputy CM Y Patton, who also holds the home portfolio, strongly condemned the death of Imrongsungba Imchen in the pre-poll violence in Longkhum village.

Patton said violence has no place in a democratic process, adding that elections must remain a platform for the expression of the people’s will and not become a source of fear, anger, or division.

He said such incidents weaken public trust and disturb the sense of unity among communities. Patton urged all citizens of the Koridang constituency, across political affiliations, to remain calm and exercise restraint.

Meanwhile, Mokokchung district magistrate Ajit Kumar Verma on Monday imposed night curfew within the jurisdiction of Longkhum village, Mangmetonq village and Alichen area, including 2 NAP camp, under the constituency, from 6 pm with immediate effect till further orders.

Imphal, April 7: Fresh violence erupted in Manipur after two children were killed in a suspected mortar attack in Bishnupur district in the early hours of Tuesday, sparking widespread outrage and unrest in the region.

The incident occurred around 1 am at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai under Moirang Police Station when a projectile, suspected to have been fired by suspected Kuki militants, struck a residential area. The explosion resulted in the tragic deaths of a 5-year-old boy and a 5-month-old girl.

Their mother, who sustained critical injuries in the blast, was immediately rushed to Raj Medicity Hospital. Hospital authorities confirmed that both children were brought dead, while the woman remains in a serious condition.

The incident triggered immediate protests in Moirang, with enraged residents taking to the streets condemning the attack. Tensions escalated rapidly as protesters resorted to arson, setting ablaze two oil tankers and a goods-laden truck that were reportedly en route to Churachandpur.

In a further escalation, a large crowd gheraoed the Moirang Police Station, demanding swift and decisive action against those responsible for the attack. Protesters burnt tyres and debris outside the police station gate, intensifying the already volatile atmosphere.

Security forces have since been deployed in large numbers in and around the area to bring the situation under control and prevent further violence. Officials said the situation remains tense and is being closely monitored.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh described the attack as a "barbaric act" and assured the people that those responsible for the crime would be identified and dealt with firmly under the law.

"I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be identified, hunted down, and dealt with firmly under the law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he said.

Singh asserted that the state government stands resolute in protecting every citizen and will take all necessary measures to ensure that peace, order, and stability are not compromised. 

Moirang MLA Thokchom Santi Singh, who rushed to the site soon after the incident, strongly condemned the killings, describing the act as “nothing less than terrorism.” He expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and urged authorities to take stringent action against those involved.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement confirming the perpetrators, and further details are awaited as investigations continue.

With inputs from PTI

Silchar, April 7: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday attacked the BJP, especially Union Home Minister Amit Shah, for regularly raising the infiltration issue but not deporting the illegal entrants in large numbers despite being in the government for more than 10 years.

Addressing an election rally at Borkhola in Cachar district, he also alleged that the BJP has misused the delimitation exercise in Assam in its bid to win elections.

“When Amit Shah comes here, he only talks about Bangladeshi infiltrators. But the BJP doesn’t drive these infiltrators out; they nurture them. It only plays politics in their name,” he said.

For 10 years, the BJP has been in power at the Centre and in Assam, but it could not remove the infiltrators, the Congress leader said. He claimed that during the Congress-led UPA government, 88,792 illegal migrants were deported from the country between 2005 and 2013.

“But under Narendra Modi’s rule, only 2,566 people were removed between 2014 and 2019. The BJP, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah just make electoral promises; they do nothing in reality,” the Congress chief alleged.

Kharge also slammed the BJP for allegedly misusing the delimitation exercise in Assam to win the elections. It was carried out in 2023.

During the delimitation exercise, Muslims were removed from areas where they had been in the majority, while other people were added, he alleged. “In areas where there were more Dalits and Adivasis, people from other classes were included,” he claimed.

The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha also alleged that Modi has handed over thousands of acres of land in Assam to a corporate house in the name of greenfield projects. “The BJP government is selling off your lands, forests, water, mines and energy. Therefore, remember that to save the country, the BJP must be removed,” he added.

Kharge alleged that in the last 10 years, Barak Valley has been neglected and people’s problems have been ignored. “Indira Gandhi ji had called Silchar in Assam the ‘Island of Peace’, but today much has gone wrong here. Due to the government’s failure, students, workers and every class of people are troubled,” he added.

Floods come every year as a disaster in Assam, leaving destroyed houses, ruined crops and families destitute, the Congress president said, accusing the BJP government of finding no permanent solution to this problem.

“Roads submerged in water, a broken drainage system and severe traffic jams are not development for Silchar. BJP people make all sorts of promises for votes, but in reality, they do nothing,” he added.

Kharge also criticised Modi for allegedly not doing anything to enact the law for giving 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

“Modi slept for 30 months using the Bill as a pillow. Now that the elections have come, the government has remembered the matter of giving reservation to women. The Modi government wants to influence the elections with this issue,” he alleged.

Kharge also attacked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that he is working for money, land and power. “Himanta is buried in corruption. It is time to teach him a lesson. This is people’s fight against Himanta Biswa Sarma, because Assam’s land, water, forest, mines are being looted,” he added.

Without mentioning any name, the Congress chief raised Sarma’s wife allegedly possessing three foreign passports and owning assets abroad. “I heard that one woman has three passports. Golden passport, ordinary passport, VIP passport. From where have you got it? It must be revealed,” he added.

“No matter how much Narendra Modi and Himanta Biswa Sarma try to save their seats, they are now just guests in power for a few days,” Kharge asserted.

PTI