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Meghalaya CM Thanks FM Sitharaman for ₹2500 Crore Aid to Develop New Roads


1. The Union Ministry of Finance allocated ₹2,500 crores to Meghalaya for new road development under EAP.
2. On August 12, CM Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
3. CM Sangma expressed gratitude and requested support for growth hubs in New Shillong and other areas.


Shillong, Aug 12: The Union Ministry of Finance has allocated ₹2,500 crores to Meghalaya for developing new roads under the Externally Aided Projects (EAP).

On August 12, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. CM Sangma shared the news on X, expressing his gratitude for the funding.

He wrote, “Had a fruitful meeting with Hon’ble Union Minister Smt. @nsitharaman ji. Expressed my gratitude for sanctioning new roads under the Externally Aided Projects (EAP) worth ₹2500 Cr.”

CM Sangma also requested the finance minister’s support for establishing growth hubs in New Shillong and other areas.

The Union Ministry approved ₹2,000 crores for roads and logistics infrastructure under the Second Phase of the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP).

The MITP, also known as the Meghalaya Economic Growth Accelerator (MEGA) Corridor project, will be implemented in phases.

The first phase received ₹880 crores from the World Bank and includes road projects such as Baejendoba-Resubelpara-Mendipathar-Damra, Shillong-Diengpasoh, and Pasyih-Garampani.

Manipur: Eight Insurgent Groups Announce Total Shutdown on Independence Day


1. Eight banned underground groups in Manipur announced a boycott of Independence Day on August 15.
2. The groups, including CorCom, called for a total shutdown across the state.
3. They urged the public to refrain from participating in the celebrations.


Imphal, Aug 12: In a joint statement, eight proscribed underground groups in Manipur have announced a boycott of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, calling for a total shutdown across the state.

These groups, including the CorCom, an apex body of six banned outfits, have urged the public to avoid participating in the celebrations.

The CorCom has declared a total shutdown from 1:00 AM to 6:30 PM on August 15, while the Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA) has called for a general strike from 5 AM to 5 PM on the same day.

Additionally, the Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK) has announced a state-wide shutdown on August 15, urging people to hoist black flags and observe the day as a “black day.”

The insurgent groups have attributed their actions to what they describe as India’s “regressive policies,” which they claim are responsible for the ongoing violence and turmoil in Manipur.

They view Indian Independence Day as a day of sorrow for Kangleipak (Manipur), symbolizing continued oppression by India.

Security forces are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any incidents and ensure the safety of the public during the Independence Day celebrations.

Himanta Biswa Sarma Attributes Guwahati Floods to Deforestation in Meghalaya’s USTM Area


1. Satellite imagery reveals significant deforestation in Meghalaya’s Greater Jorabat Hills.
2. Deforestation is potentially linked to recent flash floods in Guwahati.
3. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted these environmental concerns on social media.


Guwahati, Aug 09: Satellite imagery of Meghalaya’s Greater Jorabat Hills has revealed alarming deforestation, which may be contributing to the recent flash floods in Guwahati.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared these findings on social media, pointing to the environmental challenges in the region.

The images show extensive tree loss near USTM University, about 6-7 kilometers from Guwahati, as well as in other areas of the Greater Jorabat Hills.


Also Read: Manipur CM: 412 FIRs, 87 Arrests Over Seven Years for Illegal Poppy Cultivation

Sarma posted a time-lapse video illustrating the environmental degradation and explained how cloudbursts in these deforested hills can lead to rapid flooding in Guwahati.

Sarma expressed his commitment to working with the Meghalaya government to address these environmental issues and protect the region’s shared habitats.

Recent heavy rains in Guwahati have caused widespread waterlogging, severely disrupting key areas like Zoo Road, GS Road, Nabin Nagar, and Ganeshguri, leaving commuters, schoolchildren, and emergency vehicles stranded for hours.

Manipur CM: 412 FIRs, 87 Arrests Over Seven Years for Illegal Poppy Cultivation


1. Manipur CM N Biren Singh reported 412 FIRs and 87 arrests for illegal poppy cultivation.
2. The data covers seven years in response to an inquiry by MLA Th Lokeshwor.
3. Singh detailed the destruction of 16,788 acres of illegal poppy fields from 2017 to 2024.


Imphal, Aug 09: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh reported to the state assembly that over the past seven years, 412 FIRs have been filed and 87 people arrested for illegal poppy cultivation.

This information was shared in response to a query from Manipur Congress MLA Th Lokeshwor.

According to CM Singh, 16,788 acres of illegal poppy fields were destroyed from 2017 to 2024. Among the arrested were 16 village chiefs.

In a separate discussion, Manipur Congress MLA K Ranjit asked about the status of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.


Also Read: Neeraj Chopra on Losing to Arshad Nadeem: ‘Won’t Be at Peace’ Until He Surpasses Paris Olympics Silver

CM Singh stated that the tripartite agreement, involving the central government, the Manipur government, and Kuki militant groups, has not been extended since its expiry on February 29, 2024.

Originally signed in 2008 to foster peace, the SoO agreement was periodically renewed until March 2023, when the Manipur government withdrew due to “unwanted activities” by the militant groups.

Singh emphasized that the central government holds primary responsibility for the SoO, with the Manipur government having limited influence over its implementation.

Neeraj Chopra on Losing to Arshad Nadeem: ‘Won’t Be at Peace’ Until He Surpasses Paris Olympics Silver


1. Neeraj Chopra launched an 89.43m throw in his Paris Olympics javelin qualifier.
2. His throw was a season’s best and the second-best of his career.
3. Chopra emerged as the top contender to defend his Olympic title.


Paris, Aug 09: Neeraj Chopra made an explosive entry into the 2024 Paris Olympics men’s javelin final, launching a massive 89.43m throw in his first qualifying attempt, marking his season’s best and the second-best throw of his career.

His performance positioned him as the top contender to defend his Olympic title. However, in the final, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem shattered expectations with an Olympic-record throw of 92.97m, pushing Neeraj to a silver medal finish.

Despite his impressive 89.45m throw in the final, Neeraj couldn’t surpass Nadeem’s remarkable performance. Nadeem’s victory made him Pakistan’s first Olympic medalist since 1992, while Neeraj became India’s first athlete to win a silver medal in javelin at the Olympics.


Also Read: Sikkim Hit by 4.4 Magnitude Earthquake

Though proud of his achievement, Neeraj expressed a sense of unfinished business, vowing to return stronger in future competitions.

Neeraj acknowledged that his injury concerns, particularly a niggling adductor issue, affected his performance, leading to five fouls in the final.

Despite these challenges, he remains determined to achieve even greater heights in his career, stating, “There is a lot left in me. Unless I achieve that, I won’t be at peace.”

Sikkim Hit by 4.4 Magnitude Earthquake


1. A 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit Sikkim on August 9 at 6:57 am.
2. The epicenter was 29 km from Tadong, with a depth of 10 km.
3. No casualties or infrastructure damage were reported.


Gangtok, Aug 09: A 4.4 magnitude earthquake shook Sikkim early on August 9, with tremors felt around 6:57 am.

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported the quake’s epicenter at 27.22N, 88.33E, approximately 29 km from Tadong, at a depth of 10 km.


Also Read: Arunachal Governor Opens 3-Day Education Conclave in Itanagar

Although the tremors were felt across the state, there have been no reports of casualties or damage to infrastructure.

Previously, on June 26, a mild 3.2 magnitude earthquake struck Assam’s Karbi Anglong region at 9:54 pm, originating at a depth of 25 km.

Arunachal Governor Opens 3-Day Education Conclave in Itanagar


1. On August 8, Lt. Gen. KT Parnaik inaugurated the ‘Chintan Shivir cum Education Conclave 2024’.
2. The event runs for three days at the DK Convention Center in Itanagar.
3. ‘Shikshit Arunachal – Viksit Arunachal’ aims to transform Arunachal Pradesh’s education system.


Itanagar, Aug 08: On August 8, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik inaugurated the three-day ‘Chintan Shivir cum Education Conclave 2024’ at the DK Convention Center in Itanagar.

The ‘Shikshit Arunachal – Viksit Arunachal’ event aims to revamp the state’s education system.

In his opening speech, the Governor emphasized the need to focus on students’ physical, mental, and moral development to create well-rounded citizens.


Also Read: Assam and Mizoram to Resolve Border Dispute in Ministerial Talks on August 9

He stressed the importance of formal education in enhancing societal knowledge and skills and called for innovative teacher training and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The Governor also highlighted initiatives such as NIPUN Bharat and PM SHRI Schools, which seek to set new educational standards. He praised the State Education Minister and officials for organizing the conclave and expressed optimism about its positive impact.

Education Minister P. D. Sona, MLA Mutchu Mithi, Commissioner Amjad Tak, and Secretary Duly Kanduk also addressed the event, which was attended by various officials, educators, and NGO representatives.

Assam and Mizoram to Resolve Border Dispute in Ministerial Talks on August 9


1. Mizoram and Assam will hold high-level talks on August 9.
2. The meeting will be held at the state guest house in Aizawl.
3. Discussions are set to begin at 4 p.m.


Guwahati, Aug 08: Mizoram and Assam will hold high-level talks on August 9 to address their long-standing border dispute, an official announced. The meeting will take place at the state guest house in Aizawl at 4 p.m.

Mizoram’s delegation will be led by Home Minister K. Sapdanga, while Assam’s team will be headed by Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora.

This will be the first border discussion since the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, came to power in December 2023. Following the talks, Bora and his team will meet Lalduhoma before returning to Guwahati on Saturday.

Sapdanga expressed hope that the talks will yield a positive resolution, noting that both states have maintained the status quo on disputed areas since discussions began in August 2021.

Delays in talks, originally scheduled with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, were due to scheduling conflicts with the Lok Sabha elections.

The dispute involves three Mizoram districts—Aizawl, Kolasib, and Mamit—and Assam’s Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts.


Also Read: Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam Ensures Full Security of India-Bangladesh Border

It stems from conflicting colonial-era demarcations: the 1875 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) and the 1933 Survey of India map.

Mizoram claims 509 square miles within the inner line reserved forest, while Assam adheres to the 1933 map as its constitutional boundary.

Tensions escalated in July 2021, when gunfire exchanges at the border resulted in the deaths of six Assam policemen and a civilian, with over 60 injured. Since then, several rounds of talks, including three ministerial meetings, have aimed to maintain peace and resolve the dispute through dialogue.

In the latest talks in Guwahati in November 2022, Mizoram was asked to provide details on villages, areas, and demographics within three months to support its claim.

Mizoram has since submitted information identifying 62 villages in the disputed area as part of its territory or within the reserved forest.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam Ensures Full Security of India-Bangladesh Border


1. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announces full security of the India-Bangladesh border.
2. Strict surveillance measures are in place, allowing entry only with valid documents.
3. Assam government ensures only those with passports, visas, and verified citizenship can cross.


Guwahati, Aug 08: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced today that the central government has directed the state to ensure full security of the India-Bangladesh border.

Sarma confirmed that the Assam government is implementing strict surveillance measures, permitting entry only to individuals with valid passports, visas, and verified citizenship.

Sarma assured that recent changes in the political landscape across the border have not led to any unauthorized crossings into Indian territory. “We are committed to securing the border to prevent illegal infiltration,” he stated.

He also expressed confidence in the Indian government’s efforts, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to protect Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, and Christian communities in Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, the political situation is evolving rapidly. An interim government is set to be installed on Thursday following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus confirmed to lead the new administration.


Also Read: Waqf Act Amendment Bill Set to Be Introduced in Lok Sabha Today

The crisis in Bangladesh has prompted heightened vigilance on the Indian side.

A BSF official reported that although Bangladeshis gathered at the border, none were able to cross into India due to the complete sealing of the border. They were subsequently returned by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Bangladesh is currently facing an unprecedented crisis, with over 300 deaths reported in recent weeks amid escalating protests against Sheikh Hasina’s government. The unrest, initially sparked by demonstrations over a jobs quota system, has intensified, leading to Hasina’s resignation and flight from the country.

Waqf Act Amendment Bill Set to Be Introduced in Lok Sabha Today


1. BJP-led government to introduce Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha.
2. Aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995 and strengthen Waqf Boards’ powers.
3. Focuses on waqf property registration, surveys, and removing encroachments.


New Delhi, Aug 08: The BJP-led government is set to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, aiming to amend the Waqf Act, 1995.

This bill seeks to address issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, the registration and survey of waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will introduce the bill, which also proposes renaming the Waqf Act, 1995 as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.

The bill aims to define “waqf” more clearly, ensuring that only those practising Islam for at least five years and owning the property can create a waqf. It also addresses the creation of Waqf-alal-aulad, preventing it from denying inheritance rights to women.


Also Read: Manipur: 133 Relief Camp Inmates Return to Jiribam Amid Peace Efforts

Additionally, the bill proposes to omit provisions related to “waqf by user” and transfers the responsibility for waqf property surveys from the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or a designated officer.

The bill further provides for a more inclusive composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims.

It also includes provisions for the establishment of a separate Board of Auqaf for Boharas and Aghakhanis and ensures representation of Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Agakhani, and other backward classes within Muslim communities.

In addition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Rijiju will also introduce The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to withdraw the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014, introduced during the Congress-led UPA government, from the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 also aims to streamline the registration of waqfs through a central portal and database, reform the Tribunal structure with two members, and establish a procedure for appeals to the High Court within 90 days of a Tribunal’s decision.

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