Last week, a coordinated operation involving police forces, the prison services, local authorities, and safeguarding partners saw the shutdown of eight drug lines and the arrest of 82 people in the North East. The national intensification week was aimed at tackling County Lines - a criminal activity where dealers use dedicated mobile phone lines and exploit vulnerable children and young people to sell highly addictive substances. This crackdown is just one example of the ongoing efforts to protect those impacted by this ruthless and dangerous trade.
Despite efforts to cut down on alcohol consumption in the North East, new government data reveals that the region continues to have drastically higher alcohol-related death rates than the national average. With a 57% increase in deaths since 2019, charity Balance calls for stricter regulations on alcohol marketing and pricing to address the issue. The government, however, claims to be working towards preventing alcohol-related deaths.
On its 79th anniversary, the United Nations continues to face scrutiny for its effectiveness in promoting peace and resolving conflicts. However, the organisation has played a pivotal role in shaping the world order over the past decades, particularly in the creation of Israel and the Korean War. From the UN Special Committee on Palestine to the adoption of Resolution 181, the organisation's decisions have had lasting impacts on the Middle East. Similarly, the UN's condemnation of North Korea's invasion of South Korea played a crucial role in the Korean War. Despite facing criticism for its handling of these conflicts, the UN's decisions continue to have a profound impact on global politics.
Amit Shah commends Indian government for significant reduction in violence and fatalities in Kashmir, North East, and Naxal regions. He also announces the establishment of a Joint Interrogation Centre to combat terrorism and cybercrime.
The Durand Cup 2024 semi-finals kick off with a highly anticipated North Eastern derby between NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong. After dominating Group E and securing a spot in the last four, the Highlanders will take on their neighbors and aim for their first-ever tournament final. Meanwhile, Shillong Lajong shocked everyone with their quarter-final victory over East Bengal and will look to continue their dream run on home turf. Keep an eye on NorthEast United's Spanish striker Guillermo, who has been a key player for them in this tournament.
The mound burial system of the Ahom dynasty, also known as the Moidams, has been included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at the news, highlighting the cultural significance of the Moidams and their representation of the glorious Ahom culture. This recognition is a big moment for Assam and a testament to the rich heritage of the North East.
As the Parliament continues to debate the Emergency, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju engaged in a Twitter debate, with Ramesh defending his party's actions and Rijiju urging them to accept the truth. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the government's commitment to upholding the Constitution, while also addressing issues such as paper leaks and the North East region in her first address to Parliament. Amidst ongoing protests and controversies, the government has laid down its priorities for its third term.
The North East Facts Network (NEFN) of BOOM Live recently held a virtual event, "Data Demos: North East Edition," aimed at promoting data literacy and sourcing reliable information in India's northeastern states. The event featured a panel of data experts and practitioners who highlighted the challenges of data scarcity and unreliability in the region. Attendees were provided with practical advice on data triangulation, critical analysis of public datasets, and effectively using climate data for decision-making. The engaged Q&A sessions demonstrated the interest in practical data applications tailored to the unique challenges of Northeast India.
In a major economic move, the Union Cabinet has given the green light for the development of a new major port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra. With a whopping budget of Rs 76,220 crore, the port will be a game-changer for trade and commerce, creating a capacity of 298 million metric tons per annum. The project will also have significant implications for international trade routes, particularly the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the International North South Transportation Corridor (INSTC).
The North East Frontier Railway has suspended a Travelling Ticket Examiner for allegedly assaulting a woman passenger on a moving train. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media, leading to outrage and demands for action. While the young woman has not filed a formal complaint, the CPI(M) has submitted a deputation to the railway authorities, criticizing the government's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) campaign. Additionally, claims of ash gourd juice as a superfood with weight loss and skin rejuvenation properties have been debunked by author Krish Ashok and nutritionist Akshita Reddy.