Author name: OnlineAge

GUWAHATI : Ambassador of the European Union to India Herve Delphin on Tuesday asserted that Assam is not at the periphery of India’s geography, but the northeastern state is moving to the centre of its economy. Addressing a press conference here on the second day of the European Union delegation’s high-level visit to the state, Delphin said that the EU has been engaging with and supporting the development of the northeast region, particularly Assam. “Assam is not at the periphery of India’s geography, but is moving to the centre of its economy,” he said. Delphin said what is distinct in Assam is the “resources that nature offers. The quality of the people… their talent, hospitality and the incredible leadership to develop the state, and it is this that makes Assam the go-to destination for European business”. ”At the core, we want to bring the EU-India ecosystem and economies closer, and the launch of ‘Blue Valley Cluster-Flavours, Fragrance and Ayush’ is a step towards this materialising at the state level,” he said. The Blue Valley Cluster pilot project in Assam is expected to demonstrate a new model of sustainable industrial cooperation by connecting local biodiversity, innovation and enterprise with international value chains and market opportunities, officials said. (Source: PTI)    

NEW DELHI : India has exported one tonne of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi from Assam to Dubai, marking a step forward in promoting the premium fruit, known for its exceptional sweetness, bright-red colour and distinctive aroma, in overseas markets, the Commerce Ministry said on Tuesday. The ministry is promoting exports of agri products from the North Eastern Region. It said that the Tezpur region cultivates several notable varieties of Litchi, including Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji and Sahi. “The Geographical Indication (GI) status has strengthened the identity and market recognition of Tezpur Litchi, enhancing its appeal among international buyers and creating new opportunities for premium agricultural exports from Assam,” it said. (Source: PTI)    

GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the state’s partnership with the European Union (EU) reflects a shared vision of building resilient, sustainable, and innovation-driven economies that create opportunities for people, while strengthening the India-Europe cooperation. Addressing a press conference here on the final day of the EU delegation’s two-day visit to the state, Sarma said that India and the European Union have established an ambitious roadmap in areas including trade, investment, technology, innovation, connectivity and security. He said this was possible due to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and that ”Assam stands to tremendously benefit from it”. There is immense potential for collaboration across strategic sectors like semiconductors and electronics, defence and aviation, tea, agarwood, organic foods, natural fragrances and flavours, and AYUSH-based wellness products, where Assam and the wider northeast region possess unique strengths and global market opportunities, the CM said. ”Assam also looks forward to leverage European cooperation in sunrise and other emerging sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, manufacturing, AI, biotechnology, etc, to create high-quality opportunities for our youth and to cater to the growing domestic demand for these avenues,” he said. The chief minister said that the launch of the ‘Blue Valley Cluster’ project is a landmark India-EU cooperation, which will directly benefit local farmers. ”Through initiatives such as the Blue Valleys platform, we aim to connect thousands of farmers, women-led self-help groups, startups, researchers, and industries with international value chains, enabling inclusive growth, technology transfer, quality employment, and sustainable prosperity across Assam and the northeast,” he said. The initiative opens immense avenues for European companies to process state-grown products, successfully positioning Assam on the global trade map, Sarma asserted. The Blue Valley initiative is a key outcome of Advantage Assam Investment Summit 2.0 and is a new chapter in the Assam-Europe partnership, he said. “The Blue Valley initiative translates this global strategic cooperation into local opportunities, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth,” he said. India and the EU have established an ambitious roadmap for cooperation across diverse sectors with the adoption of the ‘Towards 2030 agenda’, Sarma said. “Assam is rapidly emerging as the gateway connecting India with Southeast Asia and the initiative seeks to link Assam’s natural strengths with global value chains, creating new avenues for growth, innovation and investment,” he said. Sarma also said that the achievement of the state government during the last five years was only the beginning. “With a strong economic momentum and growing investor confidence, Assam is steadily emerging as one of India’s most sought after destinations for investment,” he added. (Source: PTI)    

KOHIMA : The Nagaland Department of Youth Resources and Sports on Tuesday launched two initiatives aimed at equipping young athletes with life skills, career guidance and economic opportunities beyond their sporting careers. The Mentorship Programme for Holistic Development of Student Athletes and the Skill-Based Economic Sustenance Programme for Athletes were launched at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here by Youth Resources and Sports Secretary Anthony Ngullie. The programmes, designed for athletes of the Indira Gandhi Academy, seek to address a long-standing challenge faced by young sportspersons — preparing for life after sports while balancing education, personal growth and future employment prospects. Speaking at the launch, department officials said the initiatives reflect a broader vision of athlete welfare, recognising that sporting excellence alone cannot guarantee long-term security and success. Under the mentorship programme, 11 officers of the department, including the Secretary himself, will serve as mentors to approximately 140 athletes. Each mentor will guide 12 to 13 athletes through regular interactions focused on academics, physical and mental well-being, discipline, life skills and career planning. The programme, which will run until March next year, is expected to create a structured support system where athletes can receive individual guidance beyond the training ground. In his address, Ngullie said that while coaches will continue to oversee sporting performance, mentors will help athletes navigate personal and educational challenges, encouraging a more balanced and holistic development model. The launch marks one of the first structured attempts by the state government to integrate sports development with career mentorship and livelihood creation, he said. He expressed confidence that the twin initiatives would create a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes by expanding their opportunities both on and off the field, reinforcing the message that sporting success and economic empowerment can go hand in hand. Alongside mentorship, the department also launched a skill development initiative aimed at strengthening the economic resilience of athletes. Targeting athletes aged 15 years and above, the Skill-Based Economic Sustenance Programme will commence on Thursday and continue until October, YRS Officer Naroenla said. Participants will receive training in practical vocational trades including mobile phone repairing, crochet, pickle making and food processing, baking and confectionery, and floristry, she said. The programme has been designed around the idea that athletes should possess alternative skills that can generate income, support entrepreneurship and provide economic security after their competitive careers, she said. Each training module will span one month, comprising two weeks of expert-led instruction followed by two weeks of guided practical work. (Source: PTI)