Traditional spontaneously fermented fish products offer a unique blend of flavors, aroma, taste, and texture that have been an integral part of global gastronomy. These products also represent a rich niche of indigenous bacterial species and fermentation-derived functional metabolites. It is important to identify the core bacterial species and their role in the fermentation process and synthesis of functional metabolites. This study presents an integrative profiling of bacterial communities and functional metabolites in Napham, a traditional fermented fish paste widely consumed by the Bodo tribe of Northeast India. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing coupled with untargeted GC-MS based metabolomics, we characterized the bacterial and metabolite compositions of Napham collected from different geographical locations of Assam. Our results revealed a core bacterial consortium dominated by S. saprophyticus, S. piscifermentans, S. debuckii and L. acidipiscis, which also showed a strong positive correlation with key functional metabolites, including essential amino acids, PUFA, MUFA, and SCFA. Notably, variations in bacterial community structure across the Napham samples were linked to differential metabolite profiles, highlighting the influence of region-specific bacterial diversity on fermentation outcomes. These findings would aid in the development of starter-culture assisted fermented fish product with optimal functional properties on human health and wellness.

This study presents a new index, namely the hesitant fuzzy water quality index (Ή𝔉𝒲𝒬Ι), to assess water quality (𝒲𝒬A) in the Gomati River, Tripura (North East India), and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems. River water quality evaluation is considered in terms of diverse parameters and the inherent uncertainty introduced in the multi-criteria decision-making (ϺϹDϺ) process. A robust metric, the Ή𝔉𝒲𝒬Ι score, is proposed that may reliably rate pollution in the river. The Gomati River, the largest river in Tripura, which is used for drinking water, agriculture, and fisheries, is contaminated by a variety of sources, including household wastewater and agricultural runoff. Ten key water quality parameters (𝒲𝒬𝒫𝓈) such as pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total hardness, chlorides, total alkalinity, total coliform, biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, and total suspended solids were assessed across six strategically selected sites. River water samples were collected from March to December 2024 across multiple seasons. The Ή𝔉𝒲𝒬Ι-scores revealed consistently "poor" water quality (ranging from 0.734 to 0.866), degrading downstream due to untreated wastewater and agricultural runoff. To contextualize the scientific findings, traditional ecological knowledge (𝚃𝙴𝙺) was collected from four dependent tribal communities in 2025. The documentation covered local water sources, community perceptions of long-term water degradation, and their traditional conservation practices. Critically, community observations of contaminated water and health issues strongly aligned with the model's identification of severe organic and bacterial pollution. Comparative analysis demonstrated that the Ή𝔉𝒲𝒬Ι outperformed conventional models in precision and reliability. This study demonstrates the severe impact of water pollution on both aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study bridges the gap between modern fuzzy tools and 𝚃𝙴𝙺. Its findings call for urgent action, improved sanitation, sustainable farming practices, and local conservation efforts informed by both science and culture.

Assessing spatial and seasonal dynamics and source apportionment of microplastics in Deeporbeel wetland in Assam-India using the PCA-APCS-MLR receptor model.

A hybrid intuitionistic Fuzzy distance-based framework for sustainable energy transition in Northeast India

Background & objectives India accounts for seven per cent of the global cancer burden, with the highest incidence reported from the northeastern region. To address this burden, the Government of India launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010, but this programme was implemented in Meghalaya four years after its launch. This paper aims to examine the implementation facilitators and barriers to cancer prevention in Meghalaya within the NPCDCS framework. Methods A desk review prior to the interviews enabled selection of relevant stakeholders from the health system. In this qualitative study, fifty-six healthcare professionals and frontline health workers from various tiers of the health system were involved through twenty in-depth interviews (IDIs) with healthcare professionals and four focus group discussions (FGD) with the frontline health workers. Data were transcribed in local language and subsequently in English. A hybrid coding strategy was adopted and a codebook was developed in MS Excel (version 16.6). NVivo-12 software was used to organize the data and codes, facilitating the identification and categorisation of emergent themes in alignment with the research question. Results While the programme is intended to provide equal attention to cancer prevention activities, hypertension and diabetes took priority. Barriers included inadequacy in information, education, and communication content on breast and cervical cancers; unavailability of acetic acid for cervical cancer screening; and lack of privacy for cancer screenings. Communication gaps stem from the absence of patient tracking mechanism and programme review meetings at NCD clinics. Training inadequacies affected staff confidence in conducting screenings, while low community awareness compromised the accuracy of data collated for the community-based assessment checklist. Preference for traditional healers further complicated the treatment pathways. Interpretation & conclusions Meghalaya’s high cancer incidence underscores the urgency to address these gaps for efficient implementation of the cancer activities within NPCDCS framework.

The study explores the diversity, edibility and nutritional potential of edible coprophilous (dung loving) mushrooms from the biodiversity rich region of Northeast India. Seven macro-fungal species belonging to Termitomyces, Chlorophyllum, Macrolepiota were collected from herbivore dung and identified through morphological and molecular analysis. Nutritional evaluation revealed high protein (up to 53.43 %), carbohydrates (up to 48.5 %) and fiber (up to 17.6 %) indicating their value as functional foods. Mineral analysis showed that these mushrooms are rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, zinc while toxic heavy metals such as lead and cadmium were below detectable limits. LC-QTOF-MS analysis confirmed the absence of major mushroom toxins confirming their edibility and safety. The findings highlight the potential of these coprophilous mushrooms as a sustainable nutritional resource and support their use in local diets and rural livelihoods.

Northeast india: genetic inconsistency across ethnicity and geography.

Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality globally. The clinic radio pathological profile varies across geographic regions and populations. Data from North-Eastern India, particularly Tripura, are limited. Objective:To characterize the clinical,radiological,and histopathological profile of primary lung cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital in Tripura. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out over a period of 24 months (2023-2025) at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital. A total of two hundred forty (240) patients with newly diagnosed primary lung cancer were included in the study. Clinical presentations, imaging results (including chest radiography and computed tomography), and histopathological diagnoses were meticulously recorded.

ABSTRACT Zingiber rubens Roxb. is a vastly persuasive species of ginger and is an indigenous cultivar native to Northeast India, especially Meghalaya, locally known as “Sying Makhir.” To determine the amount of 6‐gingerol in the methanol extract of Z. rubens collected from different locations of Meghalaya, a sensitive and precise high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been developed and validated by the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. To achieve effective separation, thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) plates precoated with silica gel 60F 254 as the stationary phase and a mobile phase comprising toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid 8:1.5:0.5 ( v/v/v ) were used. 6‐gingerol had a retention factor ( R F ) of approximately 0.32 ± 0.02 with r 2 = 0.997299% ± 0.10%. The linear regression analysis data for the 6‐gingerol calibration curve demonstrated a satisfactory linearity relationship. 6‐Gingerol was present in all samples in comparable contents, ranging from 28.71 ± 0.05 to 31.32 ± 0.08 µg/mg. The developed method was specific and robust, making it a potentially useful method for the quality control of different plants/formulations containing 6‐gingerol.

Shifting agriculture, or jhum, is a long-standing farming practice among indigenous communities in Northeast India. Traditionally, this system relied on fallow cycles of 10–20 years, which allowed the soil to recover and secondary forests to regenerate. In recent decades, increasing population and land pressure have reduced fallow periods to 2–5 years, as reported across multiple empirical studies which have raised concerns about deforestation, soil loss, and declining biodiversity. Synthesized findings across different literature show that ecological outcomes are strongly contingent on fallow length, disturbance frequency, and landscape context, where recovery time is adequate, jhum can facilitate forest succession, maintain agro-biodiversity, contribute to carbon storage, and sustain food and livelihood security. Across sites, researchers reported that farmers cultivated a wide variety of cereals, pulses, vegetables, and cash crops, while abandoned fields recover vegetation that stores carbon and supports wildlife. The literature also documents rapid system adaptation, including shifts toward agroforestry, commercial crops, and climate-resilient species such as millets. This review integrates peer-reviewed studies and key policy reports from Northeast India to evaluate how fallow dynamics, land-use change, and policy interventions shape ecological recovery and livelihood resilience in jhum landscapes.

In Political Science, the concept of political awareness is a well researched concept across communities, groups and geographical locations. India is not an exception. Political awareness refers to the extent to which an individual/or group have understanding and knowledge of the political system of the society they dwell in. But when we talk of such common concepts like political awareness in relation to marginalized communities like the third gender community of India, there are not only limited number of studies, but to find a single study in this context is rarer. Thus we come up with this study. It will include two states of Northeast India, Assam and Nagaland. Based on field surveys employing the strategy of personal interviews with the help of interview schedules, the present study explores the extent of political awareness of third gender community in Assam and Nagaland.

Evaluation of the Adoption of Potato Production Technology and Identification of Farmer Challenges in Northeast India for Enhancing Food Security

Assam is situated in Northeast India and land blessed with natural beauty and featuring a mix of plains and hills. The state reflects a rich amalgamation of culture and religious heritage. Its abundant biodiversity and heritage assets draw the attention of domestic and international tourists. Apart from this, the tourism sector in Assam remains largely underdeveloped due to challenges such as poor infrastructure, inadequate road connectivity, limited accommodations, and insufficient transportation facilities. Due to its untapped potential, it offers great opportunities for economic development by generating revenues, creating employment, and promoting local entrepreneurship, as well as building a bridge for individuals to experience different landscapes, traditions, and people’s local lifestyles. The paper aims to elaborate on Assam as a tourist destination and its potential contribution to the economy of Assam.

The origin and association of high-silica granites (HSGs; SiO2 ≥ 71 wt%) and residual intermediate to felsic cumulates remain enigmatic due to their rare coexistence. These limitations complicate their characterization, parental source, and tectonic setting identification. This work presents a case study from the Mikir Hills, NE India, utilizing zircon U-Pb geochronology, mineral chemistry, and geochemical thermodynamic modeling constraints to understand the origin and relationship of ca. 508 Ma high-K monzogranites, granites, and HSGs. The monzogranites show accumulated plagioclase crystals and high Ba, Sr, and CaO, whereas the HSGs show depleted Ba, Sr, and CaO, representing fractionated melt. The redox calculations (ΔNNO −0.3 to −0.1) and thermometry results (∼880−902 °C) using amphibole chemistry show oxidized and high-temperature conditions for monzogranites. The monzogranites’ high K2O and large-ion lithophile elements suggest the role of a sediment-derived enriched mantle source in their origin. The rhyolite-MELTS and Magma Chamber Simulator modeling results suggest the monzogranites’ parental melt resulted from a silicic metasomatized phlogopite-stabilized lithospheric mantle wedge that underwent subsequent lower crust assimilation. The polybaric (∼6−4 kbar) crystallization of the generated assimilated melt formed the monzogranites with plagioclase and K-feldspar as the dominant crystallizing phase (>50%). Plagioclase-melt equilibrium tests yield slightly higher liquid-only saturation temperatures than plagioclase-liquid pairs, indicating progressive crystallization and melt extraction. The rhyolite-MELTS geobarometer suggests the highly felsic melts separated from the crystal mush between ∼3.8 kbar and 2.8 kbar and emplaced at subvolcanic levels as failed rhyolite eruptions. We suggest the HSGs represent extracted evolved melt, while monzogranites represent residual silicic cumulates formed in a syn- to postcollisional setting during Gondwana assembly.

Origin of magnetite phenocrysts in mafic magmatic enclaves of the Bamuni pluton, Mikir Massif, Northeast India

Marker Assisted Development of Region-Specific In Vivo Haploid Inducers to Enhance Maize Breeding in Northeast India

Percutaneous device closure is the preferred method for closing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), even in preterm infants. We report our experience using the new KONAR-MFO™ ventricular septal defect occluder for transcatheter closure of preterm patent ductus arteriosus as an alternative device in resource-limited centres. Case 1: A preterm baby with Down'ssyndrome and tracheobronchomalacia was born at 29 weeks, weighing 1.68 kg with multiple cardiac defects, including a 4 mm PDA and a 6 mm mid-muscular ventricular septal defect (VSD), stuck on a ventilator. Case 2: Another preterm baby born at 35 weeks, weighing 1.89 kg,with anorectal malformation and a right inguinal hernia. The echocardiogram revealed a 4 mm PDA with severe PAH. In both cases, the patent ductus arteriosus was occluded using a 6 mm × 4 mm Konar MFO device on day 14 (case 1) and day 20 (case 2). The baby (case 1) was weaned off the ventilator and discharged on the 28th postnatal day at 2.09 kg. As for case 2, the baby was weaned off the ventilator within 2 days and discharged on day 30 at 2.23 kg. A follow-up echocardiogram of both cases confirmed a well-positioned device with no obstructions. At 18 months, in the follow-up, both babies were gaining weight and thriving. The KONAR MFO device is a safe and effective option for patent ductus arteriosus closure in preterm infants, even in resource-limited settings. Its versatility accommodates various duct sizes and morphologies, and its self-expandable design ensures easy deployment, addressing the anatomical challenges often seen in preterm infants.

Correction to ‘On the identification of seasonal trends, dependency and driving forces of precipitation and vertically integrated vapour transport over Northeast India’

The recent joint military air exercise of Japan and US conducted on 10 Dec 2025 in response to the Russia-China joint air exercise and radar locking of Japanese fighter jets by China has increased the geopolitical tension in Pacific. The China-Taiwan crisis and territorial disputes among the nations in South China Sea has magnified the ticking of Doomsday clock. The core objective of the study is to identify the geopolitical tension between US, China and India based on recent global and regional security and political dynamism in Indo-Pacific region. The study is particularly based on secondary data retrieved from various news sites. Using descriptive and analytical design, the paper finds the geopolitical trap spread for China and India in Indo-Pacific. It also examines the extension of geopolitical tensions from Indo-Pacific to North East India and along Himalayas including Nepal in great geopolitical game of big powers. The paper finds a hidden geopolitical trap to India inside the geopolitical trap designed to China in the present global and regional political buildups. It suggests India and China to build cooperative diplomatic relationship for the future of Asia.

Air quality monitoring was carried out in Agartala, Northeast India, over a 5-day period (2days pre-Diwali, 1day during Diwali, and 2days post-Diwali) during October-November (2018)-2020. Continuous 24-h sampling was conducted at four key locations using high-volume air samplers, along with detailed SEM-EDX particle characterization. Criteria air pollutants showed statistically significant increases (p < 0.001) following Diwali celebrations. Particulate matter rose by 17-159%, SO₂ showed variable changes from a 7% decrease to an 86% increase, and NO₂ varied between a 32% decrease and a 96% increase compared to pre-Diwali levels. Meteorological conditions were stagnant, with low wind speeds (1.63-1.93m/s) and shallow boundary layer heights (750-1250m), while back-trajectory analysis confirmed mainly local emission sources. Peak concentrations in 2020 reached PM₁₀: 124.17 ± 10.75μg/m3 and PM₂.₅: 92.15 ± 11.39μg/m3, exceeding WHO guidelines by 4-18 times. EDX identified fourteen elements, with silver showing the highest 12.3-fold increase (148ng/m3), followed by lead (2.9-fold) and chromium (2.7-fold), all linked to firework emissions. Spatial correlation analysis indicated moderate positive correlations for PM₂.₅ (r = 0.38-0.59), suggesting regional-scale dispersion, whereas gaseous pollutants exhibited weak or negative correlations, pointing to localized sources. SEM analysis revealed a shift from irregular crustal particles to predominantly spherical combustion-derived particles (0.1-30μm) during festivities, confirming pyrotechnic origins. Health risk assessment showed concerning results: the cumulative non-carcinogenic risk (hazard index = 1.82) exceeded safe limits, and the carcinogenic risk (3.5 × 10⁻5) was 2.69 times above the acceptable threshold, mainly due to chromium and lead. Air Quality Index values consistently worsened across sites, changing from "Satisfactory" (57-92) to "Moderate" (139-197), with PM₂.₅ as the dominant pollutant.