Category: Economy

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma will inaugurate a VFS Global visa application centre in Guwahati. The centre will provide visa application services for multiple countries at a single location, making the process more convenient for residents of Assam. The facility will offer Schengen visa services for seven countries. A valid Schengen visa generally … Continue reading Guwahati to Get VFS Global Visa Application Centre

American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford were awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for their contributions to economic modelling. Their work has helped explain how governments and central banks can respond to economic shocks, including energy crises and inflation. Their research provides a theoretical foundation for economic models used in policymaking … Continue reading Nobel Prize in Economics Recognises Research on Economic Shocks

Kibbutzim (plural of Kibbutz) are collective settlements in Israel traditionally founded on shared ownership, cooperative economic activities and communal living. Originally centred on agriculture, these communities emphasize equality, collective responsibility and mutual support among members. Under the traditional kibbutz system, property and resources are collectively managed, while members contribute through agricultural, industrial or technological activities. … Continue reading Kibbutzim: Israel’s Cooperative Community Settlements

Assam’s dairy sector received a boost with the launch of a 20,000-litre-per-day (LPD) milk processing plant at Shantipur, Jamugurihat, Sonitpur district. The facility will source its entire milk supply from local dairy farmers, strengthening market access and supporting rural livelihoods. The plant contributes to the state government’s target of increasing milk production to 10 lakh … Continue reading Assam Expands Dairy Processing Infrastructure

Allemby Ceramics Pvt. Ltd. is establishing the North East’s first tiles manufacturing factory at Dighalichapari, Sonitpur, Assam, marking a significant step towards industrialisation in the region. The facility is expected to strengthen Assam’s ceramics and construction-materials sector, reduce dependence on supplies from outside the Northeast and create opportunities for local employment and industrial growth. APSC … Continue reading North East’s First Tiles Manufacturing Factory

The 2026 Global Inequality Research Award (GiRA) was presented to Jean Drèze on June 5, 2026, at the World Inequality Conference at the Paris School of Economics. The biennial award is jointly organised by the World Inequality Lab (WIL) and Sciences Po’s Center for Research on Social Inequalities (CRIS). Drèze was recognised for his pioneering … Continue reading Jean Drèze Wins 2026 Global Inequality Research Award

Mizoram has begun supplying Muga silkworm seed to Assam and Meghalaya, with around 27,000 silkworms dispatched to Narayanpur in Assam and Rompara in Meghalaya for further multiplication. Mizoram’s cooler climatic conditions provide favourable conditions for muga silkworm rearing during summer, when the hot plains pose greater challenges. The Central Silk Board has muga silkworm seed … Continue reading Mizoram Supplies Muga Silkworm Seed to Assam and Meghalaya

DAKSH is a SupTech (Supervisory Technology) initiative of the Reserve Bank of India, designed as an end-to-end, web-based workflow application. It aims to make regulatory compliance and supervisory processes more robust, efficient and technology-driven. The platform enables the RBI to monitor compliance requirements across Supervised Entities (SEs), including commercial banks, NBFCs and payment instrument issuers. … Continue reading DAKSH: RBI’s Advanced Supervisory Monitoring System

The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) has completed 56 years, marking a significant milestone in Assam’s tea industry. Recognised as the world’s second-largest CTC tea auction platform by volume, GTAC has played an important role in strengthening Assam’s tea trade and market infrastructure. The demand for a dedicated auction centre emerged in the 1960s, as … Continue reading Guwahati Tea Auction Centre Completes 56 Years

Observed annually on September 27, World Tourism Day highlights tourism’s global economic, cultural and social significance. The 2026 theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” focuses on the growing role of technology in transforming travel experiences. AI-driven tools, including algorithmic recommendations, predictive logistics and generative interfaces, are reshaping how destinations are discovered and … Continue reading World Tourism Day 2026: Digital Transformation of Tourism

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has directed universities across the state to prepare institution-specific action plans with clear priorities, measurable targets and defined timelines. The initiative aims to strengthen institutional planning and improve outcomes in higher education. The directive focuses on implementing the “28 Action Points” emerging from the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, … Continue reading Assam Universities Asked to Strengthen Higher Education

Mizoram’s ZT Lalrithangi (Mari-i), a strawberry farmer from Sangau village in Lawngtlai district, has been selected among the ‘100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development’ by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The recognition comes during the International Year of Women Farmers 2026. Selected from over 600 nominations across 131 countries, Lalrithangi … Continue reading Mizoram Farmer Recognised by FAO Among 100 Women Heroes

Mizoram has launched its first ‘Pluck & Pay’ Festival in Tualte and Chawngtlai villages of Khawzawl district, marking an innovative beginning to the state’s 2026 festival season. The initiative blends tourism with farm-based experiences and local livelihoods. Under this community-based tourism model, visitors can enter local farms, harvest fresh produce themselves and pay directly for … Continue reading Mizoram Launches ‘Pluck & Pay’ Festival

Mizoram’s State Government is testing a monorail system to help farmers transport vegetables from steep hillside farms, where moving produce manually or constructing roads is difficult. The initiative seeks to address logistical challenges associated with agricultural production in the state’s fragile and rugged terrain. The pilot project is being implemented by the Mizoram Science, Technology … Continue reading Mizoram Tests Monorail for Hilly Agriculture

For the first time, Assam’s state-level World Tourism Day celebration will be held in Dima Hasao district, with Umrangso scheduled to host the event on September 27. The programme aims to showcase the district’s natural and cultural heritage and highlight its potential as a tourism destination. Discussions will focus on themes such as “Digital Agenda … Continue reading Assam to Celebrate World Tourism Day in Umrangso

The Just-in-Time (JIT) Fund Release System is a public financial management reform implemented through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) under the Ministry of Finance. Instead of transferring large sums to implementing agencies in advance, funds are released when required for actual expenditure or payments. The system minimises idle funds in government bank accounts, reduces … Continue reading Just-in-Time (JIT) Fund Release System

India remains a global leader in raw jute production, producing about 76 lakh bales of raw jute and 12.80 lakh MT of jute goods in FY 2025–26. West Bengal leads cultivation, followed by Bihar and Assam. The “Grow More Jute” campaign was launched in September 1949 to encourage farmers to shift from paddy cultivation. Jute … Continue reading Jute Sector: India’s Natural Fibre Advantage

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired a meeting to promote the State as the “Winter Capital of India”, with a focus on developing winter tourism. The proposed Winter Festival will serve as a key platform to showcase Mizoram’s culture, landscapes and tourism potential, while positioning the State as an attractive winter destination. APSC Relevance: Mizoram Tourism; … Continue reading Mizoram as “Winter Capital of India”

The ‘Pride of Hills: Special Development Assistance for Hill States’ is a Central Government initiative under the SASCI framework for 2026–27. It provides a ₹25,000-crore allocation as 50-year interest-free loans to Himalayan and hill states for infrastructure development and fiscal support. Arunachal Pradesh is the largest beneficiary, receiving ₹4,900 crore, mainly for border connectivity and … Continue reading ‘Pride of Hills’: Special Development Assistance

Assam has formed a task force to monitor agarwood trade and promote its organised development, alongside plans for a structured agarwood auction system and expansion of agarwood-based industries. The initiative aims to improve regulation, transparency and value addition in the sector. Assam has the potential to send around 1.20 lakh kg of agarwood and 5,000 … Continue reading Assam Agarwood Task Force

Assam and Gujarat recently discussed sugar-price stability and strengthening the cooperative sector, with Gujarat’s experience offering potential lessons for Assam. Gujarat’s cooperative model emphasises farmer ownership and village-level participation, while linking rural producers directly with larger markets to improve returns. Cooperatives also provide inputs such as cattle feed, veterinary services, artificial insemination and credit. Cooperative … Continue reading Gujarat Cooperative Model

Flexi staffing is an employment arrangement in which workers are hired on a temporary, contractual or project-specific basis through a third-party staffing agency. The staffing agency acts as the legal employer, handling wages, statutory compliance and other employment-related obligations. The worker performs day-to-day duties under the direction of the client company, which uses the workforce … Continue reading Flexi Staffing

Meghalaya Chief Minister has inaugurated the state’s first eco-sustainable habitat, ‘Pine Home’, at Mawlangwir village in South West Khasi Hills. The project is designed as a space for art, creativity and community activities. The initiative is also linked with the Meghalaya Homestay Mission, which seeks to help local families operate eco-friendly accommodation while generating livelihood … Continue reading ‘Pine Home’ Eco-Sustainable Habitat in Meghalaya

Chatrik Umorok is a prized variety of king chilli (Capsicum chinense) associated with the Chatrik area of Ukhrul district, Manipur. It is renowned for its exceptionally high pungency, reportedly exceeding 1 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), along with a distinctive smoky and fruity aroma. The Manipur Government has applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag … Continue reading Chatrik Umorok

Makhayatmubi is an indigenous, high-yielding variety of field pea (Pisum sativum) traditionally cultivated in Manipur during the winter rabi season. It is valued by local communities for its adaptability and productivity. The pea is consumed both as a fresh green vegetable and in its mature form, with the dried seeds being used in a variety … Continue reading Makhayatmubi Field Pea

Khousabung pineapple, grown in the Khousabung area of Churachandpur district, Manipur, is a renowned Giant Kew variety known for its large size, juicy sweetness and fibreless flesh. The variety was reportedly introduced to Khousabung in 1947 by Pu Songpu Gangte, who brought it from Lakhipur in Assam. The Manipur Government has applied for a Geographical … Continue reading Khousabung Pineapple

Kanglayen, the Manipuri name for the split-gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune), is a wild edible fungus that commonly grows on decaying wood after rainfall. It is traditionally consumed in Manipur, including in dishes such as paknam and eromba, and is valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. The Manipur Government has applied for a Geographical Indication … Continue reading Kanglayen (Schizophyllum commune)

Heimang (Rhus chinensis), also called Chinese sumac, is a small deciduous tree native to East Asia and Northeast India, particularly Manipur. Its berries are traditionally wild-foraged and sun-dried, producing a distinctive tart spice with notes resembling cranberry and jujube. In Assam, it is known as Nagatenga. The Manipur Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department has initiated … Continue reading Heimang (Rhus chinensis) – GI Tag Initiative

Talui Garlic, locally known as Shuri Kaso, is a rare indigenous garlic variety cultivated in Talui village of Ukhrul district, Manipur. Traditionally grown by the Tangkhul community, it is valued for its distinctive flavour and medicinal properties and provides an important source of livelihood for hill farmers. The Manipur Government has applied for a Geographical … Continue reading Talui Garlic (Shuri Kaso)

The Union Cabinet has approved the ₹8,970.20 crore Guwahati–Tezpur Corridor, a 135.871-km, four-lane access-controlled highway on NH-15 in Assam. The project will be implemented under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Toll model to improve regional connectivity and reduce travel time. The corridor includes five major bypasses at Baihata Chariali, Sipajhar, Kharupetia, Dekiajuli, and Tezpur, along with a … Continue reading Guwahati–Tezpur Corridor

The Tea Board of India (TBI) has initiated the process of establishing a Tea Auction Centre in Agartala, Tripura, to strengthen the tea economy of the Northeast. The proposed centre is expected to streamline tea marketing, improve price discovery, and provide better market access for tea growers and producers. As part of the initiative, a … Continue reading Tea Auction Centre in Agartala

The Assam Government has urged farmers to diversify into maize cultivation, citing rising demand from the ethanol industry and higher income potential. To encourage production, the State provides an additional ₹250 per quintal incentive over the Centre's Minimum Support Price (MSP) of around ₹2,400 per quintal. The government highlighted that growing domestic demand for maize-based … Continue reading Assam Promotes Maize Cultivation

The Assam Government has announced a six-month moratorium on farm loans, crop loans, and loans availed by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the four flood-affected districts. During the moratorium period, eligible borrowers will not be required to pay their regular loan instalments, and the repayment schedule may be extended. The measure aims to provide immediate financial … Continue reading Six-Month Loan Moratorium in Flood-Hit Districts

Assam tea manufacturers have opposed the post-flush procurement conditions imposed by tea buyers, expressing concern that the new requirements could adversely affect tea sales and growers' earnings. In the tea industry, a flush refers to a seasonal growth cycle of the tea plant during which fresh leaves are harvested, such as the first flush, second … Continue reading Tea Manufacturers Oppose Buyers’ Post-Flush Procurement Conditions

The Assam Legislative Assembly has passed the Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill, 2026, providing for the establishment of a Single Window Task Force to coordinate and expedite proposals relating to notified industrial areas. The amendment aims to streamline approvals and improve the efficiency of industrial project clearances. The legislation also enables the creation … Continue reading Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Purabi Dairy has dispatched its first export consignment of dairy products to Bhutan, marking a major milestone for Assam's dairy sector. The shipment represents the first international export of dairy products from Assam, reflecting the growing capacity and competitiveness of the state's dairy industry. The export is expected to strengthen Assam's presence in regional markets … Continue reading Purabi Dairy Exports Dairy Products to Bhutan

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), through its directive dated 4 March 2024, instructed food testing laboratories to test tea samples for six pesticides—Cypermethrin, Acephate, Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, Dinotefuran, and Fipronil. Following its implementation, the North Eastern Tea Council Small Tea Growers' Association (NECTSGA) reported that a significant proportion of Assam's tea was … Continue reading FSSAI Tea Pesticide Testing Directive

Meghalaya's premium pineapples have entered the quick-commerce market in Bengaluru, with produce sourced directly from the Jirang Organic Farmer Producer Company and air-freighted to urban consumers through online grocery delivery platforms. The pineapples are renowned for their high Brix value, indicating superior sweetness and aroma. Brix measures the concentration of dissolved sugars in a solution, … Continue reading Meghalaya Pineapples Enter Quick-Commerce Market

The Central Government has approved over ₹60 crore for upgrading Baljek Airport (also known as Tura Airport) in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. The Centre is also planning to introduce 19-seater Dornier aircraft services to improve regional air connectivity. Located at Jengjal, about 33 km from Tura, the airport was inaugurated in 2008 and has a … Continue reading Baljek Airport to Be Upgraded in Meghalaya

The Assam Government has announced a special push for makhana (fox nut) cultivation, citing the state's favourable climate and the crop's high economic potential. With annual rainfall ranging from 1,000–2,500 mm, most parts of Assam are considered suitable for its cultivation. Described as a superfood, makhana offers farmers a high-value livelihood option, with a single … Continue reading Assam Promotes Makhana Cultivation

Lakadong turmeric of Meghalaya received a ₹175.45-crore Central mission to develop its GI-certified produce into a globally competitive brand. The mission aims to expand cultivation from 2,500 ha to 7,000 ha and increase exports to markets such as the US, EU, Japan, and Gulf countries. By 2030, the mission targets annual production of 49,400 metric … Continue reading Lakadong Turmeric Mission Launched

The Semicon India Programme 2.0 is built on six pillars: chip design, machines and materials, semiconductor fabrication (fabs), ATMP/OSAT (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging/Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test), research & development, and talent development. The programme aims to build a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem. It seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing, innovation, supply chains, and skilled manpower, … Continue reading Six Pillars of Semicon India Programme 2.0

The Assam Government has set a target to bring 400 dairy cooperative societies under the Scheme for Assistance to Cooperative Societies for Integrated Dairy Development (SASCI) by September. The initiative aims to strengthen the state's dairy infrastructure and enhance the livelihoods of dairy farmers through cooperative-led development. The scheme seeks to improve milk collection, processing, … Continue reading SASCI for Integrated Dairy Development

Raimona National Park in Assam has recorded a significant rise in tourism, research, and conservation activities, with vehicle entries increasing from 490 in 2023–24 to 1,818 in 2025–26, nearly a fourfold increase. The trend reflects the park's growing prominence as an emerging eco-tourism and biodiversity destination in Northeast India. The increased footfall highlights the success … Continue reading Raimona National Park rise in tourism

Assam marked the 45th Foundation Day of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with a focus on the transformation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Through NABARD's computerisation initiative, PACSs in Assam have evolved from weak rural credit institutions into digitally enabled organisations with improved governance and efficiency. Beyond providing agricultural credit, … Continue reading NABARD Highlights Transformation of PACS in Assam

Assam and other Northeastern states have completed nearly 1.8 lakh hectares of new rubber plantations under the INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) project. Launched in FY 2021–22 by the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association, the project aims to develop 2 lakh hectares of natural rubber plantations across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, … Continue reading INROAD Project

The Tea Board India has officially launched the Tea Mark licensing portal and issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to establish a formal framework for the certification, quality verification, traceability, monitoring, and enforcement of Indian tea products. Initially, the certification will cover mini tea units and bought leaf factories, with phased expansion to tea estates, … Continue reading Tea Mark Certification Portal

Tripura has exported another consignment of 182 kg of organic Kalikhasa aromatic rice to Dubai, strengthening the state's efforts to expand the global market for its organic agricultural products and enhance export opportunities for local farmers. Kalikhasa is a traditional aromatic rice variety deeply rooted in the indigenous culture of Tripura and is primarily cultivated … Continue reading Tripura Exports Organic Kalikhasa Rice to Dubai

Assam's renowned Manohari Gold Tea was presented by the Prime Minister of India as a gift to the President of Indonesia, showcasing one of the state's finest and rarest tea varieties on the international stage and promoting Assam's premium tea heritage. Manohari Gold Tea is produced from tender tea buds rather than mature leaves, making … Continue reading Assam’s Manohari Gold Tea Gifted to Indonesian President