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News2026-08-26
By Paban Bhuyan•👁 5 views

AssamSAT: State Nears Private Partner Selection for India's First State-Owned Satellite System

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AssamSAT: State Nears Private Partner Selection for India's First State-Owned Satellite System

Assam is in the final, critical stage of selecting a private-sector partner to build and launch its own satellite system, AssamSAT, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on August 24, 2026 — a project that would make Assam the first state in India to operate its own earth observation system, with plans for five Low-Earth Orbit satellites equipped with advanced radar technology.

Background

State governments in India have historically relied on central agencies like ISRO and the National Remote Sensing Centre for satellite-based earth observation data used in governance, disaster management, and infrastructure planning, rather than owning and operating dedicated satellite assets of their own. AssamSAT represents a structural departure from that model — an attempt by a state government to build independent, dedicated earth observation capability rather than depend entirely on centrally allocated satellite data and imaging schedules.

Earlier this year, the Assam government invited Expressions of Interest from India's private space sector to identify an implementation partner, drawing strong interest from private space companies now expanding rapidly in India following the sector's broader liberalisation. That process has now progressed to a final evaluation stage, with dedicated government committees assessing the shortlisted proposals.

Key Details

  • Project: AssamSAT — a state-owned satellite earth observation system
  • Announced (partner-selection stage): August 24, 2026, by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
  • Implementation model: DBLOTT — Design, Build, Launch, Operate, Train and Transfer
  • What DBLOTT means in practice: the selected private vendor builds the spacecraft, trains state officials, and eventually hands over operational control to the Assam government
  • Planned satellite fleet: five Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites equipped with advanced radar technology
  • Selection process: Expressions of Interest invited earlier in 2026; proposals now under evaluation by dedicated state committees in the final stage
  • Stated use cases: improving state governance, border security, and disaster management capabilities
  • Significance: would make Assam the first Indian state to operate its own earth observation satellite system

At a Glance

AspectDetail
Ownership modelState-owned, via private DBLOTT partner
Satellite type5 Low-Earth Orbit satellites, radar-equipped
Current stageFinal private-partner selection (as of August 24, 2026)
Core applicationsGovernance, border security, disaster management
National significanceFirst state-owned earth observation system in India

Local Impact

For a state that faces recurring, severe annual flooding along the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, dedicated radar-equipped earth observation capability could materially improve disaster management — radar imaging can penetrate cloud cover, a key advantage during monsoon flooding when optical satellite imagery is often obscured by exactly the weather conditions causing the disaster being monitored. Faster, state-controlled access to imaging data, rather than waiting on centrally scheduled satellite passes, could also improve response planning for evacuation, relief distribution, and infrastructure damage assessment.

Given Assam's extended international borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan, and its proximity to other sensitive border areas across the Northeast, state-level earth observation capability also has a direct bearing on border security monitoring — an area where faster, more frequent imaging access could support state agencies working alongside central security forces.

What Happens Next

With partner selection now in its final stage, the next milestone will be the formal announcement of the chosen private vendor under the DBLOTT model, followed by the design and build phases of the satellite fleet. Given the DBLOTT structure's emphasis on training state officials and eventual transfer of operational control, the project is likely to unfold over a multi-year timeline before Assam fully owns and operates system control, though no specific launch date or completion timeline was detailed in available reporting as of this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AssamSAT?

It is a planned state-owned satellite earth observation system for Assam, which would make it the first Indian state to operate its own such system, using five Low-Earth Orbit satellites equipped with radar technology.

What stage is the project at right now?

As of the Chief Minister's August 24, 2026 announcement, the state is in the final, critical stage of selecting a private-sector implementation partner from shortlisted proposals.

What is the DBLOTT model?

Design, Build, Launch, Operate, Train and Transfer — a model where the selected private vendor builds and initially operates the satellite system while training state officials, before eventually transferring full operational control to the Assam government.

Why does Assam want its own satellite system instead of relying on ISRO?

A dedicated state-owned system would give Assam independent, more frequent access to earth observation data rather than depending entirely on centrally scheduled satellite imaging, which matters especially for time-sensitive applications like flood disaster response.

How would AssamSAT help with flood management?

The planned satellites use radar technology, which can capture imagery through cloud cover — a significant advantage during monsoon flooding, when optical imaging is often obstructed by the same weather causing the disaster.

Does this have a border security use as well?

Yes, the state government has cited border security as one of the stated applications, relevant given Assam's international borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan and its position within the wider Northeast border region.

When will AssamSAT actually launch?

No specific launch date or completion timeline was detailed in available reporting; the project is still in the partner-selection stage, with design and build phases to follow.

Sources

The Assam Tribune, The Sentinel Assam, News Live TV, Whalesbook.

Tags:#AssamSAT#Himanta Biswa Sarma#satellite#DBLOTT model#earth observation#space technology Assam#disaster management#border security
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NewsAug 26, 2026

From Castor Seed to Cocoon: Sualkuchi's Marvella Associates Wins National Award for Its 'Soil-to-Silk' Model

Marvella Associates, a startup venture rooted in Assam's silk town of Sualkuchi, has won the National Handloom Award in the Start-up Venture category from the Ministry of Textiles, for building what its founders call a "Soil-to-Silk" model — a complete, traceable value chain that spans from cultivating castor and som plants through to finished handloom products. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award in New Delhi on August 8, 2026, marking National Handloom Day, as one of 22 total awards given out that included 3 Sant Kabir Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards. Background Sualkuchi, often called the "Manchester of the East" for its centuries-old handloom weaving tradition, is Assam's best-known silk-weaving town, historically centred on producing muga and eri silk — varieties native to Assam and central to the state's textile identity. Most silk production in the region has traditionally operated as a fragmented chain, with different actors handling silkworm rearing, cocoon production, yarn reeling, and weaving separately, often making full traceability from raw material to finished product difficult to establish or communicate to buyers. Marvella Associates, co-founded by Pakumoni Das and Jugal Bharali, was built to close that gap by integrating the entire process — from growing the castor and som plants that feed silkworms, through eri and muga silkworm rearing, cocoon production, yarn reeling, dyeing, and weaving, to finished handloom goods — under a single, traceable model. The venture had already received recognition from the Ministry of Tourism in 2025 in the craft category, before this year's national textile honour. Key Details Award: National Handloom Award, Start-up Venture category, Ministry of Textiles Presented by: President Droupadi Murmu, New Delhi, August 8, 2026 (National Handloom Day) Total awards given that day: 22 — comprising 3 Sant Kabir Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards Venture: Marvella Associates, co-founded by Pakumoni Das and Jugal Bharali Location: Sualkuchi, Assam's traditional silk-weaving town Model name: "Soil-to-Silk" — an integrated, traceable value chain Process covered: cultivating castor and som plants, rearing eri and muga silkworms, cocoon production, yarn reeling, dyeing, weaving, and finishing handloom products Stated broader focus: building livelihoods for stakeholders along the chain, running educational programs for students, and a longer-term vision of a self-sustaining Assamese village centred on healing herbs, vegetables, folk music, and handloom weaving Prior recognition: Ministry of Tourism award in the craft category, 2025 At a Glance Traditional Silk Value Chain Marvella's Soil-to-Silk Model Actors involved Typically fragmented — separate growers, rearers, reelers, weavers Integrated under one traceable venture Traceability to buyer Often difficult to establish end-to-end Positioned as a full, visible chain from plant to product Additional stated goals Primarily production-focused Livelihood-building, student education, self-sustaining village vision Local Impact For Sualkuchi's weaving economy, an integrated model like this offers a way to capture more value locally — rather than raw cocoons or yarn moving through multiple intermediaries before reaching a weaver, the same venture can potentially carry the product from cultivation through to a finished handloom piece, keeping more of the value chain, and the income associated with it, within the local community. The stated focus on educational programs for students also signals an intent to build long-term local skill and interest in silk cultivation and weaving, addressing a common concern in traditional craft economies where younger generations may drift away from inherited trades. A national award of this kind also brings visibility that can help a small venture access buyers, credit, and government scheme support more easily — a meaningful boost for a business built around a centuries-old craft tradition trying to modernise its economics without losing its cultural roots. What Happens Next With national recognition secured, Marvella Associates' stated long-term vision — a self-sustaining Assamese village model built around healing herbs, vegetables, folk music, and handloom weaving alongside its core silk value chain — suggests further expansion of its integrated approach is planned, though a specific timeline or scale for that vision was not detailed in available reporting. The venture's continued participation in national handloom and craft recognition programs, following its 2025 Ministry of Tourism award and this year's Ministry of Textiles honour, indicates an ongoing push for visibility and support at the national level. Frequently Asked Questions What award did Marvella Associates win, and who presented it? It won the National Handloom Award in the Start-up Venture category from the Ministry of Textiles, presented by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on August 8, 2026. Who founded Marvella Associates? The venture was co-founded by Pakumoni Das and Jugal Bharali, based in Sualkuchi, Assam. What is the "Soil-to-Silk" model? It is an integrated, traceable value chain covering the entire silk production process: cultivating castor and som plants (which feed silkworms), rearing eri and muga silkworms, cocoon production, yarn reeling, dyeing, weaving, and finishing handloom products — all under one venture rather than fragmented across separate actors. Why is Sualkuchi significant to this story? Sualkuchi is Assam's best-known silk-weaving town, often called the "Manchester of the East," with a centuries-old handloom tradition centred on native muga and eri silk varieties. How many awards were given out alongside Marvella's on August 8, 2026? A total of 22 awards were presented that day, comprising 3 Sant Kabir Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards, of which Marvella Associates' Start-up Venture award was one. Has Marvella Associates received recognition before? Yes, it received a Ministry of Tourism award in the craft category in 2025, ahead of this year's national textile honour. What is the venture's broader long-term goal? Beyond silk production, the founders describe a vision of a self-sustaining Assamese village centred on healing herbs, vegetables, folk music, and handloom weaving, alongside building livelihoods for stakeholders and running educational programs for students. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[ {"@type":"Question","name":"What award did Marvella Associates win, and who presented it?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The National Handloom Award in the Start-up Venture category from the Ministry of Textiles, presented by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on August 8, 2026."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Who founded Marvella Associates?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Pakumoni Das and Jugal Bharali, based in Sualkuchi, Assam."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What is the Soil-to-Silk model?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"An integrated, traceable value chain covering cultivation of castor and som plants, rearing eri and muga silkworms, cocoon production, yarn reeling, dyeing, weaving, and finishing handloom products under one venture."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Why is Sualkuchi significant to this story?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Sualkuchi is Assam's best-known silk-weaving town, often called the 'Manchester of the East,' with a centuries-old handloom tradition centred on native muga and eri silk."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"How many awards were given out alongside Marvella's award?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"22 awards total, comprising 3 Sant Kabir Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Has Marvella Associates received recognition before?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, a Ministry of Tourism award in the craft category in 2025."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What is the venture's broader long-term goal?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A vision of a self-sustaining Assamese village centred on healing herbs, vegetables, folk music, and handloom weaving, alongside livelihood-building and student education programs."}} ]} Sources The Earth News, Ministry of Textiles (National Handloom Awards announcement).

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NewsAug 26, 2026

Nagaland's Voter Roll Revision Hits 64.6% as Longleng Nears 100% and Noklak Lags at 41%

Nagaland has distributed Enumeration Forms to 64.59 percent of its electorate under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as of August 25, 2026, with more than 8.76 lakh forms distributed against a total of 13.57 lakh electors statewide — a sharp jump from just 25.44 percent five days earlier. District-level progress remains uneven, with Longleng nearing full coverage at 99.2 percent while Noklak trails at just 40.97 percent. Background The Special Intensive Revision is a house-to-house electoral roll verification exercise being conducted across Nagaland, part of a broader nationwide SIR process that similarly began in Bihar in mid-2025. In Nagaland, the exercise involves door-to-door distribution and collection of Enumeration Forms to verify and update the state's voter rolls ahead of a set qualifying date in 2026, with Dimapur among the districts specifically flagged to complete the exercise ahead of that deadline. The state-wide effort formally began on August 16, 2026, and is scheduled to run through September 14, 2026 — a roughly one-month window for Booth Level Officers to reach every household across Nagaland's often hilly and dispersed terrain, a logistical challenge that helps explain the wide gap in progress between the state's best- and worst-performing districts. Key Details Total electors in Nagaland: 13,57,208 (13.57 lakh) Enumeration Forms distributed as of August 25, 2026: more than 8.76 lakh (64.59% of electors) Progress five days prior (August 20, 2026, 4 pm): 25.44% of electors, only 1.67% digitised at that point Highest-performing district: Longleng, at 99.2% distribution Other strong performers: Wokha (90.41%), Tseminyu (89.88%) Lowest-performing districts: Noklak (40.97%), Mon (44.44%) Exercise timeline: house-to-house Enumeration Form distribution and collection running August 16 to September 14, 2026 Oversight: progress reviewed by Election Commission of India (ECI) officials directly in districts including Dimapur and Chumoukedima At a Glance District Enumeration Form Distribution Longleng (highest) 99.2% Wokha 90.41% Tseminyu 89.88% Statewide average 64.59% Mon 44.44% Noklak (lowest) 40.97% Local Impact For Nagaland's electorate, the SIR exercise directly determines who remains on, or is added to, the state's official voter rolls — making accurate and complete coverage a matter of basic democratic participation rather than administrative housekeeping. The nearly 60-percentage-point gap between Longleng's near-complete coverage and Noklak's lagging distribution highlights how uneven ground conditions, terrain, and possibly staffing across Nagaland's 16 districts can translate into very different levels of voter-roll readiness ahead of the same statewide deadline. For residents in lagging districts like Noklak and Mon, slower Enumeration Form distribution raises the practical risk of a compressed timeline for form collection and verification in the exercise's final weeks, increasing the importance of local Booth Level Officers accelerating outreach before the September 14 close. What Happens Next With three weeks remaining before the September 14, 2026 deadline, district administrations — particularly in Noklak, Mon, and other districts below the state average — are expected to intensify Enumeration Form distribution and collection efforts to close the gap with better-performing districts like Longleng, Wokha, and Tseminyu. The Election Commission of India is continuing to review progress directly in the field, as seen in recent visits to Dimapur and Chumoukedima, and further reviews are likely as the deadline approaches. Digitisation of collected forms, which lagged distribution significantly as of August 20 (just 1.67%), will also need to accelerate once collection is more complete. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Nagaland? It is a house-to-house electoral roll verification exercise being conducted across Nagaland to update and verify the state's voter rolls, running from August 16 to September 14, 2026. What percentage of Nagaland's electorate has been covered so far? As of August 25, 2026, 64.59% of Nagaland's 13.57 lakh electors had received Enumeration Forms, up sharply from 25.44% just five days earlier. Which districts are leading and lagging in the exercise? Longleng leads at 99.2% distribution, followed by Wokha (90.41%) and Tseminyu (89.88%). Noklak trails at 40.97%, with Mon close behind at 44.44%. When does the SIR exercise conclude? The house-to-house Enumeration Form distribution and collection exercise is scheduled to run through September 14, 2026. Who is overseeing the SIR process in Nagaland? The Election Commission of India is directly reviewing progress in the field, including visits to districts such as Dimapur and Chumoukedima. Why is there such a wide gap between districts? Nagaland's hilly, dispersed terrain and varying local logistics across its 16 districts affect how quickly Booth Level Officers can reach every household, contributing to uneven progress between districts like Longleng and Noklak. What happens if a district doesn't complete distribution in time? Available reporting does not detail a specific contingency, but a compressed timeline for form collection and verification in the exercise's final weeks would be the practical consequence for slower-progressing districts as the September 14 deadline approaches. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[ {"@type":"Question","name":"What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Nagaland?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A house-to-house electoral roll verification exercise across Nagaland to update and verify the state's voter rolls, running August 16 to September 14, 2026."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What percentage of Nagaland's electorate has been covered so far?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"As of August 25, 2026, 64.59% of Nagaland's 13.57 lakh electors had received Enumeration Forms, up from 25.44% five days earlier."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Which districts are leading and lagging in the exercise?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Longleng leads at 99.2%, followed by Wokha (90.41%) and Tseminyu (89.88%). Noklak trails at 40.97%, with Mon at 44.44%."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"When does the SIR exercise conclude?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The exercise is scheduled to run through September 14, 2026."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Who is overseeing the SIR process in Nagaland?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The Election Commission of India is directly reviewing progress in the field, including visits to Dimapur and Chumoukedima."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Why is there such a wide gap between districts?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Nagaland's hilly, dispersed terrain and varying local logistics across its 16 districts affect how quickly officers can reach every household."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What happens if a district doesn't complete distribution in time?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Available reporting does not detail a specific contingency, but a compressed final-weeks timeline would be the practical consequence for slower districts."}} ]} Sources Morung Express, Northeast Today, Nagaland Post, Eastern Mirror Nagaland, DIPR Nagaland.

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NewsAug 26, 2026

19 Children, Most Under 8, Rescued Across Arunachal Pradesh as Police Bust Suspected Trafficking Network

Nineteen children, most of them under the age of eight and the youngest around three, have been rescued from multiple locations across Arunachal Pradesh after police uncovered a suspected child trafficking network operating on the pretext of offering families better education and care for their children. Three women — identified as Gumnya Kochung, Marte Ete, and Neha Gerory — have been arrested for their alleged roles as facilitators. Background The case surfaced after the Namsai Child Welfare Committee filed a formal complaint on August 17, 2026, prompting police to launch an inter-district investigation spanning multiple towns across Arunachal Pradesh. Preliminary investigation findings indicate that economically vulnerable families in the state were allegedly approached by the accused with promises that their children would receive better education and care elsewhere — a pretext used to gain trust before the children were allegedly procured and placed with individuals in distant locations, according to police. Cases of child trafficking disguised as education or welfare opportunities are a recognised, recurring pattern in vulnerable and economically stressed communities across parts of the Northeast, where distance from urban centres and limited local economic opportunity can make families more susceptible to such approaches. This case's scale — spanning six identified locations and involving 19 children — marks it as one of the larger such busts reported in the region this year. Key Details Children rescued: 19, most under the age of eight; the youngest is approximately three years old Locations of rescue: Mechuka (Shi-Yomi district), Aalo (West Siang district), Pasighat (East Siang district), Naharlagun, Itanagar, and Longding Accused arrested: Gumnya Kochung, Marte Ete, and Neha Gerory, alleged facilitators in the network Complaint filed by: Namsai Child Welfare Committee, on August 17, 2026 Alleged modus operandi: economically vulnerable families approached with promises of better education and care for their children; children then allegedly procured and placed with individuals in distant locations Alleged use of rescued children: engaged in domestic help and hotel-related work at their placement locations, according to police Investigation type: inter-district police investigation launched following the complaint At a Glance Detail Figure Children rescued 19 Age of youngest child rescued ~3 years Locations involved 6 (Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar, Longding) Women arrested 3 Complaint filed August 17, 2026, Namsai Child Welfare Committee Local Impact For families across Arunachal Pradesh's more remote districts, the case is a stark reminder of how economic vulnerability can be exploited under the guise of offering children better opportunities — a pattern that specifically targets trust in education and welfare promises rather than relying on outright coercion. The involvement of a Child Welfare Committee in surfacing the case also underscores the role these statutory bodies play as a first line of detection for trafficking networks operating below the radar of routine law enforcement. For the six towns named in the investigation — spanning Shi-Yomi, West Siang, East Siang, and the state capital region around Itanagar and Naharlagun, as well as Longding — the scale of the bust is likely to prompt renewed local vigilance and scrutiny of similar recruitment-style approaches to families with young children. What Happens Next With three individuals already arrested, the inter-district investigation is expected to continue to determine the full extent of the network, including whether additional facilitators, recruiters, or the individuals who received the rescued children for domestic or hotel-related work face charges. The 19 rescued children are expected to be processed through the child welfare system, which would typically involve rehabilitation, family reunification efforts where appropriate, and continued monitoring by the relevant Child Welfare Committees. No specific timeline for the conclusion of the investigation was detailed in available reporting as of this article. Frequently Asked Questions How many children were rescued, and from where? Nineteen children were rescued from six locations across Arunachal Pradesh: Mechuka (Shi-Yomi district), Aalo (West Siang), Pasighat (East Siang), Naharlagun, Itanagar, and Longding. Who has been arrested in connection with this case? Three women — Gumnya Kochung, Marte Ete, and Neha Gerory — have been arrested for their alleged roles as facilitators in the suspected trafficking network. How did the alleged trafficking scheme work? Police say economically vulnerable families were allegedly approached with promises of better education and care for their children, who were then allegedly procured and placed with individuals in distant locations, reportedly for domestic help and hotel-related work. How did the case come to light? It surfaced after the Namsai Child Welfare Committee filed a formal complaint on August 17, 2026, which prompted an inter-district police investigation. How old were the rescued children? Most were under the age of eight, with the youngest child rescued being approximately three years old. What happens to the rescued children now? They are expected to be processed through the child welfare system, typically involving rehabilitation and family reunification efforts overseen by the relevant Child Welfare Committees, though a specific process timeline was not detailed in available reporting. Is the investigation continuing? Yes, the inter-district investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of the network, including any additional individuals involved in recruiting or receiving the children. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[ {"@type":"Question","name":"How many children were rescued, and from where?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Nineteen children were rescued from six locations across Arunachal Pradesh: Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar, and Longding."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Who has been arrested in connection with this case?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Three women — Gumnya Kochung, Marte Ete, and Neha Gerory — have been arrested for their alleged roles as facilitators."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"How did the alleged trafficking scheme work?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Economically vulnerable families were allegedly approached with promises of better education and care for their children, who were then allegedly procured and placed with individuals in distant locations for domestic help and hotel-related work."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"How did the case come to light?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It surfaced after the Namsai Child Welfare Committee filed a formal complaint on August 17, 2026, prompting an inter-district police investigation."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"How old were the rescued children?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most were under the age of eight, with the youngest child rescued being approximately three years old."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What happens to the rescued children now?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"They are expected to be processed through the child welfare system, typically involving rehabilitation and family reunification efforts overseen by Child Welfare Committees."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Is the investigation continuing?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, the inter-district investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of the network and identify any additional individuals involved."}} ]} Sources The Assam Tribune, The Sentinel Assam, Northeast Live TV, Hub Network, Prokerala, News Live TV.

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NewsAug 26, 2026

Nutrition Gardens, Ragi Drinks and Extra Eggs: Assam Widens PM POSHAN to 28.97 Lakh Children

The Assam government is expanding its school nutrition programme for the 2026-27 academic year with a sharper focus on dietary diversity, extending PM POSHAN coverage to nearly 28.97 lakh children across government and government-aided schools statewide. The expanded push adds Nutrition Gardens in schools, ragi-based health drinks, and additional weekly eggs for children in vulnerable sar-chapori (river-island) areas as part of a broader effort to strengthen student nutrition alongside education. Background PM POSHAN, the Centre's school meal scheme implemented in Assam through Samagra Shiksha Axom, has long aimed to ensure children attending government and government-aided schools receive at least one nutritionally adequate meal during the school day, on the premise that hunger and malnutrition directly undermine attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes. Assam's 2026-27 expansion builds on that base by adding specific dietary-diversity interventions rather than simply scaling up the existing meal coverage, reflecting a shift toward addressing micronutrient gaps and not just caloric sufficiency. A particular focus has been placed on sar-chapori areas — Assam's low-lying, flood-prone river-island regions along the Brahmaputra, where access to diverse and reliable nutrition is historically harder to sustain due to seasonal flooding, isolation, and infrastructure gaps. The continuation and strengthening of the two-extra-eggs-a-week provision for children in these areas specifically targets that vulnerability. Key Details Children covered under PM POSHAN, 2026-27: approximately 28.97 lakh, across government and government-aided schools in Assam Nutrition Gardens established: 43,670 schools across the state now have school-based Nutrition Gardens Additional eggs: two extra eggs provided weekly to eligible children, with around 4.75 lakh children receiving this additional provision, with continued focus on sar-chapori (river-island) areas Dietary diversity addition: ragi (finger millet), valued for its nutritional and mineral content, incorporated into school nutrition through ragi-based health drinks Implementing body: Samagra Shiksha Axom, Government of Assam Stated goal: ensure children do not have to choose between education and adequate nutrition, while improving attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes At a Glance Programme Element Scale / Detail Total children covered ~28.97 lakh Schools with Nutrition Gardens 43,670 Children receiving extra weekly eggs ~4.75 lakh New dietary-diversity addition Ragi-based health drinks Priority vulnerable-area focus Sar-chapori (river-island) regions Local Impact For families in Assam's government and government-aided schools, particularly in sar-chapori areas where seasonal flooding regularly disrupts food access and household income, the continuation and expansion of nutrition support can meaningfully reduce the burden of ensuring children eat adequately during the school year. Nutrition Gardens at the school level also give students hands-on exposure to vegetable cultivation, potentially supplementing meal diversity locally rather than relying solely on centrally supplied rations. For teachers and school administrators, better-nourished students are also linked, in general child-health research, to improved classroom attention and reduced absenteeism — an indirect but real lever on learning outcomes across the state's public school system, particularly in districts where malnutrition indicators have historically been a concern. What Happens Next With the 2026-27 academic year's coverage figures and dietary-diversity measures now in place, the state's Samagra Shiksha Axom administration is expected to continue monitoring implementation across the 43,670 schools with Nutrition Gardens and the sar-chapori egg-distribution program through the school year. No specific announcement of further scheme expansions beyond the current measures was found in available reporting as of this article; nutrition programme adjustments of this kind are typically reviewed and updated at the start of subsequent academic years based on implementation feedback. Frequently Asked Questions What is PM POSHAN, and how many children does it cover in Assam this year? PM POSHAN is the Centre's school meal scheme, implemented in Assam through Samagra Shiksha Axom. For the 2026-27 academic year, it covers approximately 28.97 lakh children across government and government-aided schools in the state. What new measures has Assam added to the scheme? The state has introduced Nutrition Gardens in 43,670 schools, ragi-based health drinks for dietary diversity, and continued extra weekly eggs for children, with a particular focus on sar-chapori (river-island) areas. Why are sar-chapori areas given special focus? Sar-chapori regions are Assam's low-lying, flood-prone river-island areas along the Brahmaputra, where seasonal flooding, isolation, and infrastructure gaps make consistent access to diverse nutrition historically harder to sustain. How many children receive the additional weekly eggs? Around 4.75 lakh eligible children receive two additional eggs per week under this provision. What is a Nutrition Garden? It is a school-based vegetable garden intended to supplement meal diversity locally and give students hands-on exposure to vegetable cultivation; 43,670 schools across Assam now have one. Why was ragi added to the school nutrition programme? Ragi (finger millet) is valued for its nutritional value and rich mineral content, and has been incorporated through ragi-based health drinks to improve dietary diversity among students. What is the goal of these nutrition measures? To ensure children do not have to choose between education and adequate nutrition, while improving school attendance, concentration, and overall learning outcomes. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[ {"@type":"Question","name":"What is PM POSHAN, and how many children does it cover in Assam this year?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"PM POSHAN is the Centre's school meal scheme, implemented in Assam through Samagra Shiksha Axom. For 2026-27, it covers approximately 28.97 lakh children across government and government-aided schools."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What new measures has Assam added to the scheme?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Nutrition Gardens in 43,670 schools, ragi-based health drinks, and continued extra weekly eggs for children, with focus on sar-chapori (river-island) areas."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Why are sar-chapori areas given special focus?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Sar-chapori regions are Assam's low-lying, flood-prone river-island areas along the Brahmaputra, where seasonal flooding and isolation make consistent nutrition access historically harder to sustain."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"How many children receive the additional weekly eggs?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Around 4.75 lakh eligible children receive two additional eggs per week."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What is a Nutrition Garden?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A school-based vegetable garden intended to supplement meal diversity locally; 43,670 schools across Assam now have one."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Why was ragi added to the school nutrition programme?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Ragi (finger millet) is valued for its nutritional value and mineral content, incorporated through ragi-based health drinks to improve dietary diversity."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What is the goal of these nutrition measures?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"To ensure children do not have to choose between education and adequate nutrition, while improving attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes."}} ]} Sources Daijiworld, Medical Dialogues, THIP Media, Morung Express, The Sentinel Assam, Samagra Shiksha Axom (Government of Assam).

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NewsAug 26, 2026

Guwahati's Navhyam Nihan Borah Wins Silver at International Speed Skating Championship in Jakarta

Navhyam Nihan Borah, a young inline speed skater from Guwahati, won a silver medal in the 400-metre Speed Race, Basic Inline Skating Boys Category C, at the International Speed Skating Championship 2026 held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from May 29 to 31. The result capped a breakout year for the Assam skater, who had already won the national title in his category at the 25th National Speed Skating Championship in Chennai in January 2026. Background Inline speed skating remains a niche but steadily growing competitive sport in Assam, built largely on the strength of individual young athletes and state-level skating associations rather than large institutional programs. Borah, who competes in the Under-11 boys category, represents this newer generation of Guwahati-based skaters who have started reaching international podiums over the past couple of years, following in the path of other Assam skaters who have earlier travelled abroad for continental and international meets. His run into the Jakarta championship began months earlier, with a national title win at the 25th National Speed Skating Championship held in Chennai in January 2026 — a result that qualified him among India's stronger prospects in his age category heading into the international meet. Key Details Athlete: Navhyam Nihan Borah, Guwahati, Assam — competing in the Under-11 Boys Standard/Basic Inline Skating category Event: International Speed Skating Championship 2026, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 29-31, 2026 Medal: Silver, 400-metre Speed Race, Basic Inline Skating Boys Category C Competing nations in his category: India, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, and host nation Indonesia 300m event: narrowly missed qualifying for the final by a few seconds 500m event: reached the semi-finals Team event: competed in the International Team Relay (1,800 metres) alongside two other Indian skaters; the team finished the race but narrowly missed a medal on overall timing Earlier 2026 result: national champion in his category at the 25th National Speed Skating Championship, Chennai, January 2026 At a Glance Event Result 400m Speed Race (Basic Inline Skating Boys Category C) Silver medal 300m Speed Race Missed final qualification by a few seconds 500m Speed Race Reached semi-finals International Team Relay (1,800m) Completed race, narrowly missed medal on timing 25th National Speed Skating Championship, Chennai (Jan 2026) National champion, his category Local Impact For Guwahati's small but active skating community, a podium finish at an international championship by an Under-11 athlete is a meaningful marker — proof that competitive results at this level are achievable from a state without the larger training infrastructure of India's traditional skating hubs. Results like this typically feed directly into more parents enrolling children in skating programs locally and can help draw greater attention and support from state sports bodies toward inline skating as a serious competitive discipline in Assam. It also adds to a broader pattern this year of young Assam athletes travelling abroad and returning with international results, reinforcing the state's growing visibility in individual, skill-based sports beyond its more traditionally dominant disciplines like football and athletics. What Happens Next For an athlete competing in an Under-11 age category, the immediate next steps typically involve continued domestic competition to defend his national title and further international qualification opportunities as he moves up age categories in the coming seasons. No specific announcement of his next competition was found in available reporting as of this article; skaters at this level generally progress through subsequent editions of national and international speed skating championships as they age up through the sport's category structure. Frequently Asked Questions Who is Navhyam Nihan Borah? He is a young inline speed skater from Guwahati, Assam, competing in the Under-11 Boys category, who won a silver medal at the International Speed Skating Championship 2026 in Jakarta. What medal did he win, and in which event? He won silver in the 400-metre Speed Race, Basic Inline Skating Boys Category C, at the International Speed Skating Championship 2026 held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from May 29-31, 2026. Did he win any other medals or reach any other finals at the Jakarta championship? He narrowly missed qualifying for the 300m final by a few seconds and reached the semi-finals of the 500m event. He also competed in the International Team Relay (1,800m) with two other Indian skaters, finishing the race but narrowly missing a medal on overall timing. What countries did he compete against? Skaters from India, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, and host nation Indonesia competed in his category at the championship. Had he won any titles before this? Yes. He was crowned champion in his category at the 25th National Speed Skating Championship held in Chennai in January 2026, a result that positioned him among India's stronger prospects heading into the Jakarta meet. Why does this matter for Assam's sports scene? Inline speed skating is a smaller, developing sport in Assam compared to disciplines like football and athletics. An international medal from a Guwahati-based Under-11 athlete highlights the state's growing presence in individual, skill-based sports and could help draw more youth participation and institutional support to skating in the region. What is Basic Inline Skating Boys Category C? It is one of the age/skill-based competitive categories used in international inline speed skating events to group young skaters of comparable age and ability level for fair competition; Borah's Category C placement corresponds to his Under-11 age group. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[ {"@type":"Question","name":"Who is Navhyam Nihan Borah?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"He is a young inline speed skater from Guwahati, Assam, competing in the Under-11 Boys category, who won a silver medal at the International Speed Skating Championship 2026 in Jakarta."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What medal did he win, and in which event?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"He won silver in the 400-metre Speed Race, Basic Inline Skating Boys Category C, at the International Speed Skating Championship 2026 held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from May 29-31, 2026."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Did he win any other medals or reach any other finals at the Jakarta championship?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"He narrowly missed qualifying for the 300m final by a few seconds and reached the semi-finals of the 500m event, and competed in the International Team Relay (1,800m), narrowly missing a medal on overall timing."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What countries did he compete against?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Skaters from India, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, and host nation Indonesia competed in his category."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Had he won any titles before this?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, he was crowned champion in his category at the 25th National Speed Skating Championship in Chennai in January 2026."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Why does this matter for Assam's sports scene?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"An international medal from a Guwahati-based Under-11 athlete highlights the state's growing presence in individual, skill-based sports and could draw more youth participation and support to skating in the region."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What is Basic Inline Skating Boys Category C?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It is one of the age/skill-based competitive categories used in international inline speed skating events to group young skaters of comparable ability; Borah's Category C placement corresponds to his Under-11 age group."}} ]} Sources EastMojo, NE News (Northeast India news 24x7).

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NewsAug 26, 2026

Supreme Court Orders Fresh Elephant Corridor Survey as Panel Finds Illegal Mining Still Active Near Kaziranga

A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has directed the Centre to carry out a fresh survey of elephant corridors around Kaziranga National Park and ordered a prohibition on coercive measures — including fireballs and spikes — used to divert elephant movement, even as the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has separately censured the Assam government for failing to fully implement Supreme Court directions on mining near the park that date back to 2019. Background On April 12, 2019, the Supreme Court restrained all mining and related activities along Kaziranga's southern boundary and throughout the catchments of rivers and streams that originate in the Karbi Anglong hills and flow into the park — waterways whose sediment load and pollution directly affect the park's ecology. The same 2019 order prohibited new construction on private land within nine identified animal corridors that wildlife, particularly elephants, use to move in and out of the park and its surrounding landscape. The Central Empowered Committee, a Supreme Court-constituted body that monitors environmental compliance in sensitive cases, met Assam government officials as far back as March 2022 to discuss implementation of these directions. Despite that, the state government has still not provided the required information on construction activity along the nine animal corridors, according to the CEC's findings, and a CEC investigation confirmed that illegal mining has resumed in key catchment zones feeding into Kaziranga — activity the 2019 order was specifically meant to stop. Key Details Original Supreme Court order: April 12, 2019, restraining mining along Kaziranga's southern boundary and in river/stream catchments from Karbi Anglong, and banning new construction on private land in nine identified animal corridors CEC engagement with Assam: met state officials as early as March 2022 on implementation, but the state has still not submitted required construction-activity information for the nine corridors CEC finding: illegal mining has resumed in key catchment zones feeding Kaziranga, despite the 2019 ban Latest Supreme Court direction (August 24, 2026): a bench led by CJI Surya Kant ordered a fresh survey of elephant corridors by the Centre New prohibition ordered: a ban on coercive deterrent measures — specifically cited: fireballs and spikes — used to divert elephant movement away from human settlements or property At a Glance Milestone Date Substance Original SC mining/corridor order April 12, 2019 Mining banned in catchments; construction banned in 9 animal corridors CEC-Assam implementation meeting March 2022 State asked to submit corridor construction data CEC investigation findings Ongoing/2026 Illegal mining confirmed resumed in catchment zones; state data still not submitted Fresh SC directions August 24, 2026 New elephant corridor survey ordered; fireball/spike deterrents banned Local Impact For Kaziranga's elephant population and the wider landscape connecting the park to the Karbi Anglong hills, the persistence of illegal mining in catchment areas — seven years after it was first banned by the Supreme Court — represents an ongoing, unresolved ecological threat, since sediment and pollution from mining activity in these catchments affects water quality and habitat within the park itself. The ban on fireballs and spikes as elephant deterrents also has a direct human dimension: these methods have historically been used, often informally, by communities near elephant corridors to protect crops and property, and their prohibition without an accompanying alternative could leave affected communities without a deterrent method they have previously relied on, even as it removes practices harmful to elephants. The state government's continued non-submission of corridor construction data to the CEC also raises accountability questions that go beyond this single case, touching on how consistently Supreme Court environmental directions are tracked and enforced at the state level in Assam. What Happens Next The Centre is now required to carry out the fresh elephant corridor survey ordered by the CJI Surya Kant-led bench, though no specific deadline for completing and submitting that survey was detailed in available reporting. The CEC's ongoing monitoring of the 2019 mining and construction directions is expected to continue, with the Assam government still under obligation to submit the outstanding corridor construction-activity data it has not yet provided. Enforcement action against the illegal mining the CEC has already confirmed resumed in Kaziranga's catchment zones is a likely next flashpoint, given the Supreme Court's direct involvement in the case. Frequently Asked Questions What did the Supreme Court order on August 24, 2026? A bench led by CJI Surya Kant directed the Centre to conduct a fresh survey of elephant corridors around Kaziranga and prohibited coercive measures, specifically fireballs and spikes, used to divert elephant movement. What was the original 2019 Supreme Court order about? On April 12, 2019, the Supreme Court restrained mining activity along Kaziranga's southern boundary and in river/stream catchments originating in Karbi Anglong, and banned new construction on private land within nine identified animal corridors. What did the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) find? The CEC found that illegal mining has resumed in key catchment zones feeding into Kaziranga despite the 2019 ban, and that the Assam government has still not submitted required data on construction activity in the nine animal corridors, despite being asked as early as March 2022. Why does mining in these catchments matter for Kaziranga? The catchments in question feed rivers and streams that flow directly into Kaziranga National Park, so mining activity there can affect water quality, sediment levels, and the broader ecology of the park. What are the nine animal corridors referenced in the 2019 order? They are corridors identified by the Supreme Court's order as key movement paths for wildlife, particularly elephants, connecting Kaziranga to the surrounding landscape, where new private-land construction was banned to preserve movement. Why were fireballs and spikes banned as elephant deterrents? These methods have been used to forcibly redirect elephant movement away from settlements or property, but they cause harm to elephants; the Supreme Court's latest order prohibits their use as part of broader corridor protection. Is Assam facing any penalty for not submitting the required corridor data? Available reporting does not indicate a specific penalty has been imposed yet; the CEC's censure and the state's outstanding obligation to submit data remain part of the ongoing case before the Supreme Court. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[ {"@type":"Question","name":"What did the Supreme Court order on August 24, 2026?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A bench led by CJI Surya Kant directed the Centre to conduct a fresh survey of elephant corridors around Kaziranga and prohibited coercive measures, specifically fireballs and spikes, used to divert elephant movement."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What was the original 2019 Supreme Court order about?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"On April 12, 2019, the Supreme Court restrained mining along Kaziranga's southern boundary and in catchments originating in Karbi Anglong, and banned new construction on private land within nine identified animal corridors."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What did the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) find?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Illegal mining has resumed in key catchment zones feeding Kaziranga despite the 2019 ban, and Assam has still not submitted required construction-activity data for the nine animal corridors."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Why does mining in these catchments matter for Kaziranga?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"These catchments feed rivers and streams flowing directly into Kaziranga National Park, so mining there affects water quality, sediment, and park ecology."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"What are the nine animal corridors from the 2019 order?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Corridors identified by the Supreme Court as key wildlife movement paths connecting Kaziranga to the surrounding landscape, where new private-land construction was banned."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Why were fireballs and spikes banned as elephant deterrents?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"These methods have been used to forcibly redirect elephant movement but cause harm to elephants, prompting the Supreme Court's prohibition."}}, {"@type":"Question","name":"Is Assam facing a penalty for not submitting corridor data?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Available reporting does not indicate a specific penalty has been imposed; the state's outstanding obligation remains part of the ongoing Supreme Court case."}} ]} Sources The Quint, The Federal, Deccan Herald, The Tribune, The Assam Tribune, Northeast Now, Legacy IAS Academy current affairs.

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