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CM Sarma showcases BJP’s governance record, vows to defend Assam’s identity

Guwahati, Aug 29: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday showcased his government’s achievements and rolled out new welfare measures while launching a sharp political attack on the Congress and its allies at a massive Panchayat Representatives’ Conclave here.

Addressing over 21,000 elected panchayat members at Khanapara, Sarma described the BJP’s recent sweep in local body elections as a resounding endorsement of the party’s policies.

“Out of 397 panchayat seats, we secured 301. At the ward level, BJP won more than 21,900 seats. This is the people’s blessing on the BJP-led alliance,” he said. The Chief Minister announced a new scheme under which medical expenses of panchayat representatives and their families will be borne by the state government from January 1, 2026. Calling grassroots leaders “pillars of democracy”, CM Sarma said the measure will strengthen rural governance.

Reiterating the party’s ideological plank, Chief Minister Sarma said: “We are firm in our pledge to safeguard Assam’s jati, mati, bheti (community, land, and identity). This was our promise in 2016, and it continues to guide us.”

Listing cultural and developmental milestones under BJP rule, he cited UNESCO’s recognition of Charaideo Maidams as a World Heritage Site, classical language status for Assamese, and global promotion of Bihu, Jhumur dance and Vrindavani Vastra.

He also highlighted major infrastructure projects such as AIIMS, the upcoming IIM, and the proposed underwater tunnel across the Brahmaputra, alongside flagship welfare schemes like Orunodoi and entrepreneurship programmes for women and youth. Turning to politics, Sarma mounted a fierce attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Maulana Arshad Madani.

“Assam will once again raise Lachit’s hengdang (sword) against those who conspire against our land. Through Basundhara we are giving land rights to indigenous people, but not a single inch will go to outsiders,” he asserted.

Issuing a direct challenge, CM Sarma added: “Rahul Gandhi and Madani, if you have the courage, fight politically with the people of Assam. We will build an Assam where Bharat Mata ki Jai echoes, jobs are given without bribes, and our identity remains uncompromised.”

The conclave is being seen as the BJP’s first major mobilisation ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with Sarma positioning the party as both the custodian of development and the defender of Assamese identity.

IANS

SWGH marks National Sports Day with 10 km run

Ampati, Aug 29 : As part of the celebration of National Sports Day, the District Sports Office, South West Garo Hills, organized a 10 km run for both men and women at Ampati on Friday morning.
The run which was flagged off at Indoor Stadium, Ampati, saw enthusiastic participation by hundreds of boys and girls from across the district.
In men’s category, the winners were Chonseng B Marak of Jangnapara village in first position, Bhismadev Hajong of Malpara village in second and Laichang T. Sangma of Rangsakona in third position; while in women’s category, Dodime M Sangma of Mengkakgre village bagged the first place, Ringse Chimik G Sangma of Chigitchakgre and  Neha M Marak of Bollongre, came second and third, respectively.

India and Japan need to take advantage of each other’s strengths: Ishiba

Tokyo, Aug 29: Stressing that Japan’s technology and India’s talented human resources and large market complement each other, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday stressed that Tokyo remains determined to further invest in India and strengthen cooperation.

While addressing a joint press meet with PM Narendra Modi following their annual summit in Tokyo, Ishiba also recalled his 2019 visit to India. He stated that India and Japan need to maintain free and open international order in the Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.

“Today, India has the world’s largest population and a dramatic economic growth. India is bringing transformation to the whole world through innovations. Japan can also boast of advanced technology, leading the world’s growth. When we think about Japan and India relations going forward, we need to take advantage of each other’s strengths to bring solutions to our challenges and to help each other. Japan and India share the fundamental values and in the Indo-Pacific region, we need to maintain free and open international order based on rule of law. We share the responsibility to strengthen such an international order,” the Japanese PM said.

“As we see increasing opaqueness in the international circumstances, Japan and India need to bring their strengths together for peace and stability of the region. Prime Minister Modi visited Japan as Prime Minister back in September of 2014 for the first time and the two countries agreed to have special strategic and global partnership. In the past 10 years, we have been able to see advancement in both those areas,” he added.

Japanese PM stated that he and PM Modi, discussed advancing the bilateral relationship forward in the coming 10 years. Sharing details about the talks, Ishiba stated, “At our meeting here today, based upon such accumulation, we were able to have exchange of views on how to advance our relationship forward in the coming 10 years. First of all, in order to secure peace and stability for the Indo-Pacific, we need to deepen cooperation between the defence authorities between our two countries.”

Ishiba’s remarks came after he held the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with PM Modi at Kantei, the official residence of PM of Japan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, India’s Ambassador to Japan Sibi George and other officials also attended the meeting. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at Kantei as he arrived to hold the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit discussions.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Ishiba addressed the India-Japan Economic Forum. CEOs and business leaders from various fields participated in the event. In his address, PM Modi spoke about India’s deep economic ties with Japan and also mentioned about areas where cooperation between two nations can deepen in the years to come.

PM Modi arrived in Tokyo early Friday morning on a two-day visit to Japan. Upon arrival in Tokyo, PM Modi was received by Japan’s Ambassador to India ONO Keiichi, India’s Ambassador to Japan Sibi George and other senior officials.

IANS

Army, ITBP conduct joint exercise ‘Achook Prahar’ in Arunachal

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Itanagar, Aug 29: Infantry troops of the Army’s Spear Corps, in coordination with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), undertook a four-day exercise ‘Achook Prahar’ in Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Friday.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the four-day (August 25 to 28) exercise served as a joint validation of operational preparedness, wherein both forces executed coordinated firepower drills under simulated battlefield conditions.

Mortars, machine guns, rockets and grenades were employed to validate synergised response, accuracy and battlefield effectiveness, he said. This validation underscored the high level of interoperability between the Indian Army and ITBP, ensuring seamless coordination in high-altitude operational environments of Arunachal Pradesh.

Exercise ‘Achook Prahar’ reaffirmed the collective resolve of the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Force’s (CAPFs) to remain combat ready and responsive in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.

Meanwhile, in a swift and professional response to a potential crisis, the Spearhead Division Unexploded Ordnance disposal team successfully recovered and thereafter, safely demolished 15 unserviceable 81 mm mortar bombs at Manigong in Arunachal Pradesh Siang District. Lt Col Rawat said that the operation was undertaken in close coordination with the government of Arunachal Pradesh.

The sensitive and hazardous ordnance was discovered in an area frequented by civilians during excavation, posing a serious threat to the safety and well-being of the local community. He said that responding without delay, the specialized disposal team mobilised to the remote site and executed a high-precision demolition operation on-site, effectively neutralizing the threat as per the laid down procedure.

Despite facing inclement weather and challenging terrain conditions, the team carried out the disposal operation with utmost professionalism and strict adherence to safety protocols. The entire activity was conducted ensuring no hardship or collateral damage is caused to the local population or the surrounding environment.

This successful operation not only eliminated a significant danger to civilians but also reinforced the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to public safety, even in the most remote and difficult areas of the country.

The Defence spokesperson said that the Indian Army’s coordination with civil authorities and swift execution of the operation exemplifies the synergy between military and local administration in ensuring the safety and security of the people.

The local community and state authorities have expressed deep appreciation for the Indian Army’s prompt and decisive action in restoring safety to the local community, he stated.

IANS

India and Japan announce AI Cooperation Initiative, PM Modi invites Ishiba for AI Impact Summit

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Tokyo, Aug 29: India and Japan on Friday announced the launch of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiative to advance collaboration in Large Language Models (LLMs), training, capacity building and support for businesses and start-ups to foster a trustworthy AI ecosystem.

The two nations also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Digital Partnership 2.0 during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tokyo. Following the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba announced the launch of a India-Japan AI Cooperation Initiative, which is aimed at deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation on artificial intelligence including Large Language Models (LLMs), establishing platforms for exchange between industry and academia, supporting joint research projects, and facilitating the development and operations of data centres in India.

Prime Minister Modi also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Ishiba to attend the AI Impact Summit, which will be hosted by India in February 2026. Furthermore, the two Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of support for startups and concurred in promoting activities of startups of both countries in India including through the Japan-India Startup Support Initiative (JISSI).

The list of outcomes released after the summit meeting detailed that a document to advance bilateral collaboration in digital public infrastructure, development of digital talent and joint R&D in futuristic technological fields such as AI, IoT, semiconductors was also signed between both countries. India and Japan announced the launch of the Next-General Mobility Partnership to foster G2G and B2B partnerships in the infrastructure, logistics and mobility sectors, particularly railways, aviation, roads, shipping and ports, with a focus on Make-in-India of mobility products and solutions.

The two nations announced an action plan to promote two-way exchange of 500,000 people between India and Japan, particularly 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled personnel from India to Japan in the next five years.

India and Japan also announced the launch of the Sustainable Fuel Initiative to promote energy security, farmer livelihoods and advance R&D in technologies related to sustainable fuels such as biogas and biofuels. The list of outcomes mentions the launch of the India-Japan Small and Medium Enterprises Forum to strengthen collaboration between Indian and Japanese SMEs, which are the engines of India and Japan.

India and Japan also launched the Economic Security Initiative to promote supply chain resilience in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, telecom, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals as well as new and emerging technologies. The two sides agreed to have high-level exchanges between states and prefectures, including three visits in each direction to be organised by the Foreign Offices.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote exchanges between diplomats, academics, officials, experts and researchers to advance mutual understanding in the field of foreign policy.

IANS

Backing tech innovation, PM Modi and Ishiba vow to solidify India-Japan defence ties

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Tokyo, Aug 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday affirmed India and Japan’s commitment to free, open, peaceful, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific while announcing that both countries have decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in defence industry and innovation.

While addressing a joint press meet with Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba following the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit on Friday, PM Modi stated, “India and Japan are fully committed to a free, open, peaceful, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. We have common concerns on terrorism and cyber security. Our shared interests are linked to Defence and Maritime Security. We have decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in the field of defence industry and innovation.”

Earlier, in an interview given to the leading Japanese daily ‘The Yomiuri Shimbun’ ahead of his arrival in Tokyo, PM Modi had highlighted that collaboration in the defence sector has been a strong success story for India and Japan as both countries have a shared interest in peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

“Today, our partnership spans across all three services. We conduct regular bilateral and multilateral exercises. We are building a robust Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation, and working on co-development and co-production of UNICORN masts for our Navy,” he said.

The Prime Minister asserted that, in the recent years, Indian defence products are rapidly expanding their global footprint. “Japan also has a proven record in the field of defence technology. Together, with political trust and natural complementarities, we can design and produce next generation defence platforms not just for ourselves, but also for the world.

The Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to be adopted during my visit will further military modernization and defence industry collaboration, and advance our ambition for shaping a secure and stable Indo-Pacific for generations to come,” he told Yomiuri Shimbun.

On Friday, PM Modi invited Ishiba for the next India-Japan Annual Summit, stressing that partnership between India and Japan is rooted in mutual trust and shaped by shared values and beliefs. He welcomed the agreement reached between Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for cooperation in the Chandrayaan-5 mission.

“India and Japan partnership is rooted in mutual trust, reflects our national priorities, and is shaped by our shared values ​​and beliefs. Together, we carry a common dream of peace, progress and prosperity of our peoples and for the world,” he said. PM Modi called his discussions with Ishiba “productive and purposeful.”

He further said, “We both agree that as the world’s two largest economies and vibrant democracies, our partnership is extremely important not only for our two countries but also for global peace and stability.”

He also announced human resource exchange plan between two nations. He said, “Under the action plan of human resource exchange, exchange of 5 lakh people will be encouraged from both sides in different fields in the next five years. In this, 50,000 skilled Indians will actively contribute to the economy of Japan.”

“The participation of India and Japan will not be limited to Delhi and Tokyo only. Now the bond between Indian States and Japanese prefectures will deepen through institutional cooperation. This will open new doors for trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges,” he added.

PM Modi announced that India and Japan will make rapid progress in areas like ports, aviation and shipbuilding under the Next Generation Mobility Partnership. He called India-Japan joint credit mechanism a “big win” for energy and also announced the launch of Sustainable Fuels Initiative and Battery Supply Chain Partnership. “Our Joint Credit Mechanism is a big win for energy.

It shows that our green partnership is as strong as our economic partnership. In this direction, we are also launching the Sustainable Fuels Initiative and Battery Supply Chain Partnership. We are launching the Economic Security Cooperation Initiative. Under this, we will move forward with a comprehensive approach in critical and strategic areas,” he said.

Terming Indian talent and Japanese technology as a “winning combination”, PM Modi said, “We believe that Japanese technology and Indian talent are a winning combination. While we are working on high-speed rail, we will also make rapid progress in areas like ports, aviation and shipbuilding under the Next Generation Mobility Partnership.

“We welcome the agreement reached between ISRO and JAXA for cooperation in the Chandrayaan-5 mission. Our active participation will go beyond the boundaries of the earth and will become a symbol of the progress of humanity in space as well,” he stated.

PM Modi’s remarks came after he held the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with his Japanese counterpart Ishiba at Kantei, the official residence of PM of Japan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, India’s Ambassador to Japan Sibi George and other officials also attended the meeting.

PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at Kantei as he arrived to hold the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit discussions. Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Ishiba addressed the India-Japan Economic Forum. CEOs and business leaders from various fields participated in the event.

In his address, PM Modi spoke about India’s deep economic ties with Japan and also mentioned about areas where cooperation between two nations can deepen in the years to come.

IANS

Shah slams Cong leaders for alleged use of derogatory words against PM

Guwahati, Aug 29: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday condemned Congress leaders for allegedly using derogatory words against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during the “Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra” in Bihar.

Addressing a programme organised on the occasion of inauguration of the newly-constructed wing of the Raj Bhavan here, Shah said Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have committed the most condemnable act by using derogatory words against Prime Minister Modi’s mother during their Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra.

The Union home minister was referring to a viral video in which Congress workers were heard shouting abusive slogans against Prime Minister Modi and his late mother, at the rally in Bihar.

“I condemn such conduct in the strongest possible terms. In fact, several Congress leaders have used derogatory words against PM Modi, calling him by several names. Rahul Gandhi has started politics of hatred in the country, but if he has any shame left in him, he should apologise before the Prime Minister and the people of the country,” he said.

The Union home minister further said that the “Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra” in Bihar was “nothing but a yatra to protect the vote bank. We all know that the soul of democracy is election, and if infiltrators enter the electoral rolls and pollute the elections, how can the country remain safe.”

During the programme, the Union home minister also inaugurated a host of projects to bolster Assam’s internal security.

After landing here on Thursday evening, Shah had chaired a core committee meeting of Assam BJP to review the party’s preparations and strategies for the 2026 Assembly elections in the state.

“Chaired the Assam BJP’s core committee meeting at the state BJP headquarters in Guwahati. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Himanta Biswa Sarma government is fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Assam. Each and every karyakarta of the BJP should dedicate themselves to building a prosperous Assam,” Shah posted on social media after the meeting.

The BJP had, ahead of Shah’s visit to the city, announced an 18-member core committee for its Assam unit. State BJP president Dilip Saikia informed that the committee was formed with the consent of national party president J.P Nadda.

Along with the state party president, the committee comprises chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, national secretary Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, state ministers Ashok Singhal, Ranoj Pegu and Ranjeet Kumar Dass, and former state BJP president Bhabesh Kalita, among others.

The committee will focus primarily on strategy formulation ahead of next year’s Assembly elections, besides coordination across party levels, and mobilisation of party workers at the grassroots in a bid to strengthen the party’s base.

IAF Chief calls for unified approach to tackle emerging threats, ensure high preparedness

Shillong, Aug 29: Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Amar Preet Singh on Friday highlighted the need for a unified approach to counter emerging threats and challenges to maintain a high level of preparedness to respond to any situation.

While addressing the Commanders’ Conference, he also emphasised the crucial role of Eastern Air Command (EAC) in securing the country’s northern and eastern borders. Air Chief Marshal Singh attended the Commanders’ Conference held in Eastern Air Command headquarters in Shillong on Thursday and Friday.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the four-day Conference is being held from August 27 to August 30. In his address, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) emphasised the crucial role of Eastern Air Command in securing the Country’s northern and eastern borders, the spokesman said. The conference focused on enhancing the operational capabilities and effective coordi

ation with other services to ensure seamless operations in the region. The CAS awarded trophies to Air Force Stations for achieving excellence in the field of operations, maintenance and administration.

The students of Air Force School, Kendriya Vidyalaya and UMEED Vidya Kiran School, Upper Shillong, had an opportunity to interact with the IAF Chief on Friday. The interaction evoked immense motivation and left an indelible impression on young minds.

The CAS was earlier received by Air Marshal Surat Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, EAC. The IAF chief was presented with a guard of honour on his arrival and was introduced to all Commanders and Senior Officers of EAC.

Meanwhile, Air Marshal Surat Singh visited Air Force Station Kalaikunda last week to preside over the valedictory function of the 213 pilot course. The Air Marshal awarded trophies to the pilots who excelled in various fields and congratulated them on their successful completion of training.

IANS

Congress will be wiped out in Assam Assembly polls: Amit Shah

Guwahati, Aug 29: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, claiming that the party has lost relevance in Assam and will be wiped out in the state Assembly elections in 2026.

Addressing the Panchayat Representatives’ Conclave here, HM Shah quipped: “The Centre and the Congress were thinking what would happen in the Panchayat elections in Assam, but when the time came, the reality became clear. In the upcoming elections, even if you search with binoculars, you won’t be able to spot Congress.”

His comments came before a gathering of nearly 20,000 newly elected panchayat representatives, a turnout he described as a reflection of the BJP-led government’s growing grassroots connect.

Delivering his speech, the Home Minister sought the blessings of Maa Kamakhya and paid homage to Assam’s icons – freedom fighters Lachit Borphukan, Bir Chilarai, Kanaklata Barua, and cultural legend Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering in what he called “transformative change” in Assam over the past 11 years. The Home Minister also underlined the BJP-led government’s focus on elevating Assam’s culture to the national stage.

He recalled that it was the Modi government which accorded national recognition to the Sattriya dance, honoured the legacy of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, and celebrated the 400th birth anniversary of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan in the national capital in 2022.

“It was only because of Modi ji’s vision that the entire country came to know about the unparalleled contribution of Lachit Borphukan in India’s history,” he observed. Projecting BJP’s governance as a “win-win situation” for Assam, HM Shah said the party has not only delivered on development but also instilled cultural pride. With this mix of growth and identity, he asserted, the BJP has consolidated its leadership in the state, leaving little political space for the Congress.

IANS

Forest Depts of Meghalaya, Assam urged for joint patrolling for HEC mitigation on inter-state boundary areas

Guwahati, Aug 29: Nondescript Lahapara village is located at the inter-state boundary between Assam (Goalpara) and Meghalaya (West Garo Hills). The nearby villages of Khokapara, Belguri, and Naguapara are part of the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.  Some other neighbouring villages, such as Besorkona, Batapara, and Pukhuripara, belong to Assam.

The residents of these villages in both Assam and Meghalaya have been facing hardships because of raging Human elephant conflict (HEC) for a long time.

Premier biodiversity conservation organization Aaranyak in partnership with the Lakhipur Forest Range in Goalpara, Assam and the West Garo Hills Wildlife Range in Meghalaya organized an awareness-cum- community interaction programme on HEC mitigation and coexistence in Lahapara L.P. and M.E. School on August 25.

One of the key suggestions made by community representatives during the interaction was to form joint patrolling teams by Assam and Meghalaya Forest Departments to bolster elephants’ protection and HEC mitigation.

The programme was supported under the joint sponsorship of the Darwin Initiative, the British Asian Trust, and the Goalpara Forest Division, Assam.

Approximately 90 including 40 women from various bordering villages from Assam and Meghalaya attended the awareness programme that featured interactions with community members by Lakhipur Forest Range team, led by Range Officer Dharmendra Das and the West Garo Hills (Wildlife) Range team, led by Oshim B. Sangma.

Notable attendees from the community included Madhuram Rabha, the former Executive Member of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council; Aswinin Basumatary, President of Pukhuripara GP; Sanjib Rabha, Village Head of Khokapara village and Nripen Rabha, Village Head of Batapara village.

Sanjib Rabha from Khokapara, Meghalaya, urged the Meghalaya Forest Department to work collaboratively with local villagers and the Forest Department of Assam to form a dedicated team focused on elephant conservation. Further, he proposed the establishment of a watchtower to monitor and protect these magnificent animals.

Representatives of communities across the inter-state boundary emphasized on measures from the forest departments of both Assam and Meghalaya, such as installing solar street lights, watchtowers, and solar fencing.

The residents of both states also suggested the formation of a joint patrolling team comprising members from the Assam and Meghalaya Forest Departments to enhance elephant protection efforts.

Lakhipur Range Officer Dharmendra Das emphasized on importance of understanding elephant movement areas and suggested that the community avoid mono-crop practices.

Oshim Sangma, Forester-1 of the West Garo Hills Forest, discussed the ongoing implementation of HEC mitigation measures in villages along the Assam-Meghalaya border. He highlighted several upcoming activities aimed at further mitigation.

Anjan Baruah from Aaranyak spoke about elephant behaviour and the causes of HEC, as well as various mitigation techniques designed to protect both lives and property. He provided some helpful dos and don’ts to help reduce HEC.