Category: Economy

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

Pragati is a national initiative to train 20,000 rural youth as agri-entrepreneurs across eight states, including Assam, to enhance farm incomes and strengthen private-sector participation in agriculture. Participants will provide village-level advisory services, soil testing, farm machinery services, financial linkages, and market access to farmers. The programme promotes regenerative agriculture, encourages modern farming practices, and … Continue reading Pragati Programme

Assam has tightened scrutiny of Goods and Services Tax (GST) Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims made by public works contractors to strengthen tax compliance and prevent revenue leakage. Input Tax Credit (ITC) allows businesses to offset the GST paid on purchases against the GST payable on outward supplies, ensuring tax is levied only on the … Continue reading Input Tax Credit (ITC)

Assam has become the first state in India to commercially produce Matcha tea, with production beginning at the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate. The achievement follows a decade-long India–Japan collaboration, which introduced Japanese expertise, technology, and specialised machinery for Matcha production to Assam's tea industry. The first commercial lot was auctioned at the Guwahati Tea Auction … Continue reading Assam’s Matcha Tea Milestone

Ocean of Opportunity is India's strategic vision for fostering inclusive maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region, with emphasis on maritime security, the blue economy, digital connectivity, and climate resilience. The framework promotes partnerships based on mutual respect and shared development, with special focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, … Continue reading Ocean of Opportunity

The historic Namrup-I Fertiliser Plant has been demolished after more than 50 years of service, paving the way for a modern replacement. Commissioned on 1 January 1969, it was India's first natural gas-based fertiliser plant and played a key role in supporting agricultural productivity in Assam and the Northeast. The site will now house the … Continue reading Namrup Fertiliser Plant Unit-I

Sikkim has launched India's first Himalayan Specialty Coffee Impact District in North Sikkim through a public-private partnership. The initiative aims to develop a globally competitive specialty coffee industry while strengthening Sikkim's internationally recognised organic farming brand. North Sikkim's high-altitude terrain, cool climate, and organic soils provide ideal conditions for producing premium coffee with distinctive flavour … Continue reading India’s First Himalayan Specialty Coffee Impact District

Blinkit has been denied the mandatory trading licence by the tribal council, preventing it from commencing operations in Shillong. The decision was taken over concerns that Blinkit's quick-commerce model could adversely affect the livelihoods of more than 4,000 local grocery stores in the state capital. Trading licences are mandatory for businesses operating in tribal areas … Continue reading Blinkit’s Entry into Meghalaya Faces Roadblock

The Asian Development Bank has approved a US$42.2 million financing facility to develop an integrated bamboo economy across Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. The project aims to transform bamboo from a traditional cottage industry into a modern value chain covering cultivation, processing, manufacturing, and digital marketing. The Northeast possesses 35.8% of India's bamboo … Continue reading ADB Integrated Bamboo Economy Project

Kamesh Salam, founder of CanBoo (Cane & Bamboo Value Chain Management), has been featured in Business Today's special publication Business Leaders Shaping a Viksit Bharat. He has been recognised for his contributions to the bamboo sector, sustainable development, and environmentally responsible industrial growth. Through value-chain development and bamboo-based enterprises, Salam has promoted green livelihoods, rural … Continue reading Kamesh Salam Featured in Business Leaders Shaping a Viksit Bharat

The Meghalaya Government has announced plans to establish a Film City and a Film Institute in Shillong, along with a Music Institute in Tura. The initiative aims to position Meghalaya as a major hub for filmmaking, music, digital content creation, and other creative industries. The proposed institutions will provide training, infrastructure, and professional opportunities for … Continue reading Meghalaya’s Creative Economy Initiative

The growth of AI-powered online storefronts and social media marketing has significantly accelerated the global expansion of drop shipping as an e-commerce business model. In drop shipping, sellers market and sell products without maintaining physical inventory or managing warehousing operations. When an order is placed, the product is shipped directly from a manufacturer, wholesaler, or … Continue reading Drop Shipping (2026 UPSC Topic)