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Manipur CM N Biren Singh to Mamata Banerjee: How Dare You Threaten the Northeast?


1. Manipur CM N. Biren Singh criticized Mamata Banerjee’s remarks on the Northeast as “irresponsible.”
2. Singh asked, “How dare Didi threaten the Northeast?” and condemned her statements strongly.
3. He demanded a public apology from Banerjee to the Northeast and the nation.


Imphal, Aug 29: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her recent remarks concerning the Northeast, calling them “irresponsible” and “highly unbecoming of a political leader.”

Reacting sharply, Singh stated, “How dare Didi threaten the Northeast? I condemn such irresponsible remarks in the strongest terms. She must publicly apologize to the Northeast and the rest of the nation.”

He accused Banerjee of making incendiary comments aimed at inciting hate and violence. Singh demanded that Banerjee stop “inciting violence and hatred with divisive politics” and urged her to refrain from using public platforms to issue what he termed as “threats of violence.”

Singh’s remarks followed a similar response from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who accused Banerjee of trying to equate the recent protests in Kolkata with potential unrest in Assam and Delhi.


Also Read: Mizoram Government Closes Schools in Four Districts Amid Heavy Rainfall

Sarma criticized her for attempting to destabilize India with her “divisive politics,” saying, “Didi, how dare you threaten Assam? Don’t show us your bloodshot eyes. Don’t try to set India on fire.” He emphasized that such rhetoric is inappropriate for a leader.

Assam BJP leader Piyush Hazarika also condemned Banerjee, stating that she “cannot bully or threaten” Assam, while Union Minister and Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar accused Banerjee of expressing “anti-national” sentiments.

Banerjee’s comments were made during a speech at the foundation day celebration of the Trinamool Congress’s student wing, where she criticized the BJP for the violence that occurred during the recent ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ protest march.

Mizoram Government Closes Schools in Four Districts Amid Heavy Rainfall


1. Mizoram closed schools in Aizawl, Lunglei, Hnahthial, and Mamit on August 28.
2. The closure is due to heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions.
3. District administrations issued public notices as a precautionary measure.


Aizawl, Aug 28: The Mizoram government has announced the closure of schools in four districts—Aizawl, Lunglei, Hnahthial, and Mamit—on August 28 due to heavy rainfall.

The district administrations issued public notices on Wednesday, stating that all schools would remain closed as a precautionary measure amid the severe weather conditions.

The Aizawl district administration’s notice highlighted that landslides, mudslides, and rock falls have occurred in several areas within Aizawl town and nearby villages, and there remains a risk of further incidents.


Also Read: Northeast on high alert as Bangladesh frees terror group leader

Last week, schools in Aizawl and Kolasib districts were shut for five consecutive days, while schools in Siaha district in southern Mizoram were also closed due to the ongoing heavy rainfall since August 20, which has led to landslides in multiple areas.

Officials reported that landslides have blocked key roads in Aizawl and other parts of the state, and efforts are underway to clear them. No casualties have been reported in these recent incidents.

Since March, at least 42 people have lost their lives due to landslides and other natural disasters in Mizoram, as per the state’s disaster management and rehabilitation department.

Northeast on high alert as Bangladesh frees terror group leader


1. Bangladesh’s release of Jashimuddin Rahmani, ABT leader, raises concerns in India.
2. ABT, an al-Qaida affiliate, aims to set up a jihadi network in Assam and Tripura.
3. The group has used sleeper cells to infiltrate and destabilize these regions.


Guwahati, Aug 28: The release of Jashimuddin Rahmani, leader of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT)—an al-Qaida-affiliated terror group—by Bangladesh’s interim government has raised concerns in NorthEast India, especially in Assam and Tripura.

ABT has been attempting to establish a jihadi network in these regions using sleeper cells.

Rahmani, jailed for the 2013 murder of blogger Rajib Haider, was released on parole from Kashimpur High-Security Central Jail in Gazipur on August 26, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

India has seen several arrests of ABT-linked terrorists. In May 2023, Assam Police apprehended Bahar Mia and Rarely Mia, two ABT operatives, at Guwahati railway station.

According to sources, the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has reportedly collaborated with ABT to conduct terrorist activities in India’s northeastern states. In 2022, LeT and ABT tried establishing a base in Bengal to launch attacks within India.


Also Read: Sikkim CM Extends Golden Jubilee Statehood Day Invitation to PM Modi

Intelligence reports also indicate that 50 to 100 ABT cadres planned to infiltrate Tripura. Assam Police have repeatedly thwarted ABT’s efforts to set up networks in Assam.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that ABT jihadis use highly encrypted communication tools to evade detection.

ABT is affiliated with al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), which is banned in India.

Sikkim CM Extends Golden Jubilee Statehood Day Invitation to PM Modi


1. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be the chief guest at Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee Statehood Day on May 16, 2025.
2. Tamang described the meeting with Modi as “profound and productive,” covering key state issues.
3. The Golden Jubilee will celebrate 50 years since Sikkim became India’s 22nd state in 1975.


Gangtok, Aug 27: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, inviting him to be the chief guest at Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee Statehood Day celebration on May 16, 2025.

Tamang described their meeting as “profound and productive,” addressing various state issues. He emphasized the significance of the upcoming celebration, which marks 50 years since Sikkim joined India as its 22nd state in 1975.

This milestone represents the realization of long-held dreams and Sikkim’s integration into the national framework.


Also Read: Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: Tensions Rise Over ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ and Demands for Mamata’s Resignation | Key Updates

“It is an honor that the Prime Minister has accepted our invitation. His presence will greatly enhance the occasion and offer a chance to showcase Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty,” Tamang said.

He noted that the merger has spurred Sikkim’s development, bringing modernization, scientific advancements, and numerous growth opportunities.

Tamang called on the people of Sikkim to unite in celebration, reflecting the spirit of ‘Team Sikkim,’ and to focus on the state’s continued progress and prosperity.

The Sikkim government has planned a year-long series of events to commemorate both the pre-and post-merger history of the state.

Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: Tensions Rise Over ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ and Demands for Mamata’s Resignation | Key Updates


1. The August 27 march in West Bengal demands Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation over a trainee doctor’s alleged rape and murder.
2. Additional Commissioner Supratim Sarkar announced the rejection of the March application by the student group Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj.
3. The march faces significant obstacles and heightened tensions from law enforcement.


Kolkata, Aug 27: Tensions mounted in West Bengal over the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ march scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation.

The protest, driven by the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, faced obstacles as Additional Commissioner of Police Supratim Sarkar announced the rejection of the march application by the student group Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj.


Also Read: Arunachal Women’s Society Raises Concerns Over Miss Arunachal Event, Meets Youth Affairs Director

  1. Nabanna Abhijan Call: The march was organized by the unregistered Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj and Sangrami Joutha Mancha, a state government employees’ group seeking parity in DA with central counterparts.
  2. Police Stance: West Bengal Police labeled the rallies as “illegal” and “unauthorised,” citing social media-driven support and implementing measures to prevent potential law and order issues.
  3. Impact on UGC-NET: Spokesperson Sayan Lahiri assured that the march would not disrupt UGC-NET exams, scheduled in two shifts: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
  4. Police Precautions: ADG (Law and Order) Manoj Verma reported intelligence on possible violence by miscreants. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS were imposed to prevent large gatherings near Nabanna.
  5. Security Measures: Approximately 4,500 police personnel were deployed at key locations in Kolkata and Howrah. Riot-control measures included water cannons, tear gas, guard rails, and drones.
  6. Trinamool Congress Allegations: The Trinamool Congress called the rally a “conspiracy” and released videos of BJP leaders allegedly planning to incite violence. The leaders were detained for questioning.
  7. BJP’s Position: The Bengal BJP stated it would not participate in the march but supported protests demanding justice for the victim. BJP President Sukanta Majumdar condemned the circulation of “doctored” videos.
  8. Governor’s Appeal: Governor CV Ananda Bose urged the state government to allow the students to organize the rally without using force.
  9. Nationwide Outrage: The brutal rape and murder of the trainee doctor sparked widespread outrage and numerous protests across the country, calling for justice.

Arunachal Women’s Society Raises Concerns Over Miss Arunachal Event, Meets Youth Affairs Director


1. APWWS raised concerns over participant safety, dignity, and fairness at the Miss Arunachal event.
2. A delegation met Youth Affairs Director Ramesh Linggi to discuss these issues.
3. They sought crucial details on the event’s management and accountability.


Itanagar Aug 27: The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) has expressed serious concerns regarding managing the Miss Arunachal event, highlighting issues related to participant safety, dignity, and fairness.

A delegation from APWWS met with Youth Affairs Director Ramesh Linggi to address these concerns and gather important details.

Linggi disclosed that the event, part of the Chief Minister’s Talent Hunt initiative, had its budget increased to ₹80 lakhs in 2019.

Despite this, controversies involving unpaid incentives and allegations of poor management have surfaced.

Former Miss Arunachal Tengam Celine Koyu reported that she has not received her incentives, even after ₹10 lakhs were disbursed to the organizing body in October 2023.


Also Read: Tensions Rise in Tripura’s Jirania After Vandalism of Goddess Kali’s Idol; 163 BNSS Imposed

The APWWS raised questions about disbursing these incentives and learned that while no NOC is required, a recommendation is necessary to validate claims.

The society also pointed out the absence of anti-harassment provisions in the event’s MOU and the lack of internal complaints committees, which are legally required. They suggested the appointment of a female nodal officer to chair such committees for all women-centric state events.

APWWS is urging immediate action from the Youth Affairs Directorate, including the prompt release of pending payments, a fair investigation into allegations against the organizers, and the formation of a monitoring panel for women’s events.

The society further recommended implementing Direct Benefit Transfers for incentives and adopting best practices in state event management to ensure transparency and accountability.

Tensions Rise in Tripura’s Jirania After Vandalism of Goddess Kali’s Idol; 163 BNSS Imposed


1. Tripura imposes Section 144 in Jirania Sub-division until August 28 due to communal tensions.
2. The vandalism of the Goddess Kali idol in Durganagar village on August 25 triggered violence.
3. Miscreants attacked and burned houses in Durganagar village following the idol damage.


Agartala, Aug 26: The Tripura Government has imposed Section 144 (163 BNSS) in Jirania Sub-division under West Tripura District until August 28 following the vandalism of a Goddess Kali idol, which triggered communal tensions in Durganagar village on the night of August 25.

On Sunday, a group of miscreants attacked Durganagar village, damaging several houses and setting them on fire after the idol was found vandalized in a temple. The assailants targeted minority residents, burning homes and vehicles, and harming livestock.

State authorities quickly responded, deploying large security forces to control the situation. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, the local MLA, visited the area to address the community and assist in stabilizing the situation. No new incidents have been reported since.


Also Read: Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam’s Rape Cases Drop 83% Since 2019

In response to the unrest, West District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar issued an order enforcing Section 144, prohibiting the assembly of five or more people in the Jirania Sub-Division from 1:00 AM on August 26 to 1:00 AM on August 28.

The order excludes military, paramilitary, and police personnel, as well as authorized public movement, government officials, and urgent medical cases.

This measure aims to prevent further disturbances and maintain public peace.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam’s Rape Cases Drop 83% Since 2019


1. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reports a significant drop in rape cases since 2020.
2. Over 40,000 rape cases have been reported in Assam since 2001.
3. Annual rape cases peaked at 3,546 in 2019 but have decreased substantially since.


Guwahati, Aug 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that the state has seen a significant reduction in rape cases since 2020.

Since 2001, over 40,000 rape cases have been reported in Assam.

During the first term of the BJP government from 2016 to 2021, the state recorded more than 3,000 cases annually, peaking at 3,546 cases in 2019.

However, numbers have dropped substantially since then:

  • 2020: 1,657 cases
  • 2021: 1,733 cases
  • 2022: 1,113 cases
  • 2023: 989 cases
  • 2024 (until July): 580 cases

Also Read: Tripura Floods Inflict Rs 15,000 Crore in Damage: CM Manik Saha

The period from 2001 to 2016, under Congress-led governments, saw a peak in 2014 with 1,980 cases. The BJP, led by Sarma and his predecessor Sarbananda Sonowal, has been in power since 2016.

Sarma emphasized the state’s commitment to tackling this serious issue, stating, “Every incident of rape must be condemned unequivocally as it is a grave violation of human dignity. We are dedicated to eradicating this heinous crime from our society.”

Tripura Floods Inflict Rs 15,000 Crore in Damage: CM Manik Saha


1. Tripura CM Prof. Dr. Manik Saha urged political unity to tackle post-flood challenges.
2. The state has faced damages of approximately Rs 15,000 crore.
3. Dr. Saha discussed the severe impact of record rainfall during an all-party meeting.


Agartala, Aug 25: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha called on all political parties to unite in addressing the post-flood challenges, revealing that the state has incurred approximately Rs 15,000 crore in damages.

During an all-party meeting at the State Guest House, Dr. Saha discussed the severe impact of the recent floods, triggered by record rainfall.

He updated representatives on the government’s ongoing response efforts and sought their input. “I urged them to join us in tackling the post-flood issues,” Dr. Saha said.

He highlighted the unprecedented rainfall from August 19 to 24, with Bagafa in the South District recording over 493 mm.

“The situation remains dire, with all rivers in Tripura exceeding danger levels. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured support, including helicopters and additional NDRF personnel,” Dr. Saha added.


Also Read: Unified Pension Scheme: Key Benefits, Assured Pension Details, and More

The floods have caused 24 fatalities, with 2 missing and 2 injured. Among the deaths, 18 were due to landslides, 5 drowned, and 1 from a house collapse. Dr. Saha noted that while most rivers are now below danger levels, the Gomati River remains above it.

In the meeting, Dr. Saha reported that 557 relief camps are operational, accommodating 1.28 lakh people, with approximately 17 lakh affected overall. “All line departments are working, with 1,603 electric poles broken, 501 transformers damaged, and 2 substations affected. We are making progress towards restoring normalcy,” he said.

Relief efforts include distributing 20,000 food packets via airlift and providing new books for students who lost theirs. Bleaching powder is being distributed for sanitation.

An ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh will be given to the families of the deceased, and Rs 2.5 lakh to the injured, with discussions ongoing about potential increases in compensation.

The meeting included representatives from all political parties, Secretary PK Chakraborty, and Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey. Dr. Saha expressed satisfaction with the discussions and thanked all participants for their cooperation and suggestions.

Unified Pension Scheme: Key Benefits, Assured Pension Details, and More


1. Heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding in Manipur’s Thoubal District.
2. A relief camp is now operational to support affected residents.
3. Khangabok Village faces its third flood this year.


New Delhi, Aug 25: The central government has launched the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), aimed at ensuring financial security for government employees through guaranteed pensions, family pensions, and a minimum pension threshold.

Effective from April 1, 2025, the UPS offers several benefits:

  • Pension Assurance: Employees with a minimum of 25 years of service will receive a pension equal to 50% of their average basic pay from the last 12 months. For those with less than 25 years of service, the pension will be proportionate to the years served, with a minimum of 10 years required for eligibility.
  • Family Pension: In the event of an employee’s death, their family will receive a pension equivalent to 60% of the deceased’s last drawn pension.
  • Minimum Pension Guarantee: Retired employees with at least 10 years of service will be assured a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month, regardless of their earnings during service.
  • Inflation Protection: Pensions will be adjusted for inflation based on the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW), safeguarding retirees against rising costs.
  • Lump-Sum Payment: Upon retirement, employees will receive a lump-sum payment calculated as 1/10th of their last drawn monthly pay (including DA) for every six months of service completed. This payment will not affect the assured pension amount.

Also Read: Manipur Floods: Relief Camp Established as Thoubal District Submerges

For Past Retirees:

  • Those previously under the National Pension System (NPS) will have the option to switch to UPS and will receive arrears with interest, calculated at Public Provident Fund (PPF) rates.

Contribution Structure:

  • Employee contributions will remain unchanged. However, the government’s contribution will increase from 14% to 18.5%, providing greater support to employees.

Beneficiaries:

  • Around 23 lakh central government employees are expected to benefit. State governments are encouraged to adopt UPS, potentially extending benefits to over 90 lakh employees currently under NPS.

In summary, the Unified Pension Scheme is designed to offer enhanced financial security to government employees, with guaranteed pensions and family support, while also addressing inflation.

Employees will have the choice to either continue with NPS or switch to UPS, but once the decision is made, it will be final. The government is committed to implementing this scheme by 2025.

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