Eastern Panorama

12/08/2025

INDIA BLOC PROTEST - ENRAGED

On, August 11, 2025 around 300 MPs from the INDIA Bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mallikarjun Kharge, Akhilesh Yadav, Mahua Moitra and others, staged a protest march from Parliament’s Makar Dwar towards the Election Commission of India in Delhi. They were protesting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls and alleging systemic “vote theft.”

The Delhi Police, citing no permission for the march, blocked the route with barricades. MPs attempted to push past barricades. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav even leaped over one. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were detained and taken to the Parliament Street police station and released later.

Rahul Gandhi emphasized that their fight was “not political but to save the Constitution” and to secure a “clean, pure voter list.” Shashi Tharoor, among others, questioned why the Election Commission was “attacking” figures instead of addressing the concerns.

During the protest, MPs including Priyanka Gandhi wore T-shirts featuring the image of “Minta Devi,” a supposed 124-year-old voter in Bihar’s draft electoral roll, with “124 Not Out” displayed on the back, to show alleged gross errors in the voter list.

The Bloc has announced that it will intensify its agitation, with similar protests across states to keep pressure on the Election Commission ahead of the upcoming polls.

12/08/2025

SHILLONG LAUNCHES FIRST PUBLIC BICYCLE SHARING (PBS) SYSTEM WITH FITNESS ICON MILIND SOMAN

In a landmark move towards sustainable urban transport, Shillong today launched its first-ever Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) System, with fitness icon Milind Soman and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma joining the inaugural as the Chief Guests. The Urban Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya, organized the project in collaboration with GIZ India under the Sustainable Urban Mobility – Air Quality, Climate Action & Accessibility (SUM-ACA) project, supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.

The launch event began with a symbolic short ride from the new PBS station to Police Bazar, led by Milind Soman, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and others. With over 20 electric bicycles launched, the Chief Minister encouraged the residents to take part in the initiative making Shillong a walking and cycling city.

“This is more than just a transport initiative, it’s about creating a fitter, greener Shillong” said the CM

The event marks a significant milestone under the Shillong Urban Mobility Policy (2024), which aims to achieve 35% Non-Motorised Transport (NMT), promoting walking and cycling as primary modes of city travel.

11/08/2025

PROTEST OVER REPORTS OF LIKELY INCLUSION OF ASSAM’S BAIKAM KHASI PUNJI VILLAGE IN MEGHALAYA

Protests have broken out in Baikam Khasi Punji, a border village in Katigorah assembly constituency of Assam’s Cachar district, over reports of a possible inclusion in Meghalaya as part of the ongoing boundary talks, with several disputed areas which are yet to be settled, despite a partial agreement reached in March 2022. The incident came to light on August 10, 2025. Local student groups such as the All Assam Adivasi Students’ Association, the All Barak Valley Karbi Students’ Association and residents have opposed the move, warning it could harm the livelihoods of over 800 families, disrupt agriculture and could change the area’s demographic balance. Protesters also alleged frequent trespassing and intimidation by groups from across the border, fearing these issues would worsen if the area were transferred.

Appeals have been made to the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Cachar district administration to halt any such move towards the village’s inclusion in Meghalaya. Local organisations have warned of intensified agitations if the matter is not resolved in Assam’s favour.

08/08/2025

MINISTRY OF COAL ENABLES SCIENTIFIC COAL MINING IN MEGHALAYA

The Ministry of Coal, through its focused effort, has successfully facilitated the commencement of scientific coal mining in the State of Meghalaya. This marks a significant step forward in bringing regulated and environmentally sustainable coal mining practices to India’s North-East region.

As a result of these efforts, two coal blocks in Meghalaya have commenced production after receiving the necessary approvals. The first, Saryngkham A Coal Block located in the East Jaintia Hills District, was granted opening permission on 10th March 2025, with production beginning on 3rd June 2025. The second, Pyndengshahlang Coal Block in the West Khasi Hills District, received its opening permission on 2nd May 2025 and started production on 5th June 2025.

The Ministry of Coal looks forward to the active cooperation of all State Governments in furthering scientific coal mining and streamlining coal transportation across the region. Such collaborative efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring energy security and fostering economic growth in the North-Eastern states.

07/08/2025

TRUMP’S JUMP FROM 25% TO 50% TARIFF

On August 6, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that has raised U.S. import duties on Indian goods from 25% to 50%. This escalation is specifically intended to penalize India's continued purchases of Russian oil, which Trump claims that India is indirectly supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. The updated tariff structure features a phased implementation, with an extra 25% set to take effect three weeks later, approximately on August 27, 2025, with transitional exemptions for goods already in transit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the move "unfair and unjustified" reaffirming that India would not compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen and dairy sector, even if it means bearing a heavy economic cost. India emphasized that its oil imports are based on national energy needs, not geopolitics, showing a firm stance against U.S. pressure.

07/08/2025

INDIANS UNDER SEVERE RACIST ATTACK IN IRELAND

In recent weeks, there has been an alarming increase in reports of violent racist attacks on Ireland’s Indian community, with verbal abuse and assaults on the streets of Ireland, which has immensely contributed to a growing sense of insecurity. Many such incidents remain unreported, though a few of such details have surfaced on local the WhatsApp groups in Ireland.

A six year old girl of Indian origin, who is an Irish citizen, was brutally attacked by a group of children in Waterford. They hurled racist slurs such as “dirty Indian” and “go back to India,” and even used a bicycle wheel to assault her private parts, leaving her terrified of playing outside.

Dr. Santosh Yadav, an Indian-origin AI scientist, was attacked by six teenagers in Dublin on July 27, sustaining a fractured cheekbone and widespread injuries.

A 40 year old Indian man in Tallaght was accused of inappropriate behavior, then beaten, stripped, stabbed, and left on the street.

A Dublin-based cab driver, Lakhvir Singh, enduring over two decades in Ireland, was attacked with a bottle while driving.

The Indian Embassy in Dublin has issued urgent security alerts, advising citizens to avoid deserted areas. The Indian community organized protests, demanding stronger legal action and better protection from Irish authorities.

06/08/2025

UTTARAKHAND UNDER CLOUDBURST CHAOS

A powerful cloudburst on August 5, 2025, in the upper catchment of the Kheer Ganga river, triggered catastrophic flash floods across Uttarkashi district, destroying Dharali village and nearby Sukhi Top. The flash flood caused massive destructions taking several lives, including an Army camp In the Harsil area. More than 150 army troops and several other rescue teams have evacuated over 130 people amid.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared relief efforts operating “on a war footing,” coordinating closely with state and central agencies to expedite evacuations, medical aid and shelter for the affected families.

Meteorologists note that Uttarakhand being a high‑altitude Himalayan region, is highly prone to cloudbursts, where rainfall can exceed 100 mm/hour over small regions, which is usually intensified by monsoons, mountain terrain and climate changes.

05/08/2025

INDIA POST TO DISCONTINUE REGISTERED POST SERVICE - An End of an Era..

After over 50 years of trusted service, India Post will discontinue its iconic Registered Post from September 1, 2025, merging it with Speed Post for faster, trackable delivery—marking the close of a nostalgic chapter in India’s communication history.

02/08/2025

TRUMP'S 25% TARIFF ON INDIAN GOODS – A SYNOPSIS

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all goods imported from India. This will start on August 7, 2025. Trump says India is too close to Russia, buying oil and weapons, and takes unfair trade advantages.

THE IMPACT

India's exports worth around US $85 billion annually are now exposed to the new duties. These tariffs will become effective on August 7, 2025, replacing the earlier 10 % baseline tariff imposed in April under Executive Order (the "Liberation Day" tariffs). Products like engineering items, auto parts, textiles, and agriculture may become more expensive and face lower demand. Indian companies could lose billions of dollars.

INDIA’S RESPONSE

India is not planning to retaliate with its own tariffs. It says it will protect its farmers and industries and will not compromise on vital issues like agriculture. Trade talks between India and the U.S. are expected to resume around on August 25.

02/08/2025

ARREST OF KERALA NUNS TRIGGERS NATIONAL OUTCRY

Two Catholic nuns from Kerala, Sisters Preethi Mary and Vandana Francis, along with a tribal youth named Sukhman Mandavi, were arrested by Chhattisgarh Railway Police on July 25. They were accused of trafficking and trying to forcibly convert three adult tribal women from Narayanpur by promising them jobs.

The FIR was filed based on a Bajrang Dal activist’s complaint, even though one of the women later revealed that she was pressured by members of the Bajrang Dal and had actually come willingly with her family’s consent. She also said she had been a Christian for years.

A fast‑track sessions court in Durg rejected their bail pleas on July 30, directing the matter to a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Bilaspur. On August 1, the NIA court reserved its decision on bail and is set to pronounce the verdict today.

The incident has brought about widespread protests. Around more than 400 people held a silent protest in Belagavi, saying that the women gave valid consent and mentioning the arrests as ‘communal’. Church leaders and political figures across India have also protested, demanding the nuns' release and criticizing the misuse of anti-conversion laws. A bail verdict is expected soon.

Eastern Panorama is the first English news magazine of North East India. It specially caters to the subjects of the region

01/08/2025

UNION AGRICULTURE MINISTER SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN GRACES ‘MEGHALAYA PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL-2025’ IN DELHI TODAY (AUGUST 1, 2025)

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival 2025 in New Delhi, alongside Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. The event witnessed the signing of MoUs and the release of a booklet highlighting Meghalaya's agricultural progress. Praising the state’s organic produce, including its distinctive pineapples, the Minister emphasized the need for global promotion and export. He assured full Central support for agricultural development, processing infrastructure, and improved logistics like airlifting and rail transport. He also encouraged youth-led agri-startups and promised collaborative efforts to boost Meghalaya’s agri-economy.