Guwahati : More than 77,000 people continue to remain sheltered in relief camps across Assam as the flood situation in the state remains under close watch, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said that rehabilitation and restoration efforts were being intensified across the flood-affected areas as the state government continued to respond to the situation.

“More than 77,000 people continue to be sheltered in relief camps as the situation remains under close watch,” Sarma said in the post.

He added that rehabilitation and restoration efforts were being stepped up across the affected areas.

The latest update comes as several parts of Assam continue to grapple with the impact of floods, with thousands of people dependent on government-run relief camps for shelter and essential assistance.

The state administration and district authorities have been engaged in relief and rescue operations, while efforts are also underway to restore essential infrastructure and services in areas affected by the floods.

The Chief Minister has been regularly sharing updates on the flood situation and the measures being undertaken by the state government.

Officials have been monitoring water levels of major rivers and the condition of embankments in vulnerable areas, even as authorities remain alert to the possibility of further deterioration in some locations.

The continuing presence of more than 77,000 people in relief camps highlights the scale of the humanitarian challenge facing the state, with rehabilitation emerging as a key priority alongside immediate relief operations.

The government has also been focussing on restoring roads, communication links and other essential infrastructure disrupted by the floods, while affected communities are being provided assistance through relief mechanisms.

Sarma said the administration would continue to closely monitor the situation and accelerate restoration and rehabilitation measures wherever required.

The flood situation in Assam has caused widespread disruption in several districts this season, affecting homes, livelihoods and public infrastructure.

With a large number of people still residing in relief camps, authorities are expected to maintain enhanced preparedness until water levels recede and affected families can safely return to their homes.

New Delhi : India exported more than 7,000 metric tonnes of Makhana and value-added Makhana products to over 20 international destinations, including the US, the Middle East and Africa, in last fiscal (FY26), the government informed on Saturday.

Bihar accounts for nearly 85 per cent of India’s Makhana production. To further strengthen the sector, a separate HS Code for Makhana came into effect from July last year under the Finance Bill, 2025.

In a new feat, APEDA facilitated first-ever commercial sea shipment of 18 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from the BIADA Industrial Area in Bihta, Bihar, to Australia.

The consignment, sourced from Makhana growers of Darbhanga district, is expected to strengthen the international presence of Bihar’s flagship GI product while creating enhanced income opportunities for farmers through export-led market access, according to Commerce Ministry.

The initiative has enabled farmers to realise nearly 18 per cent higher returns than prevailing market rates, highlighting the benefits of export-oriented value chains and direct market linkages.

The export is expected to strengthen the international presence of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana, create sustainable export opportunities for Bihar’s Makhana sector and contribute to higher farmer incomes.

State Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said Makhana is the identity of Bihar and greater participation of Bihar-based exporters in international trade would enable farmers to secure better price realisation.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining quality standards to meet global market requirements and stated that the Government of Bihar is continuously working to strengthen the Makhana value chain by supporting growers, processors and exporters.

The minister further said that all necessary support would continue to be extended to the Phori community, whose traditional skills are integral to Makhana processing.

The first-ever sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana to Australia reflects the growing global demand for Bihar’s agricultural products and opens new opportunities for farmers and exporters, he added.

New Delhi, Aug 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday drew laughter and applause when he mentioned Baba Bageshwar while congratulating the students during the Convocation Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

Baba Bageshwar, widely known as Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, is the head priest of the Bageshwar Dham Temple located in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district. He draws large crowds for his spiritual discourses and “divine courts” (divya darbar).

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “All of you are gathered here today, but there must be something going on in your hearts. Now, I am not Baba Bageshwar, but there must be something going on. Some must be thinking of their future, some about their salaries, some must be preparing for a new start in a new city, some must be thinking of start-ups… Everyone has a different path and dreams, but one feeling must be mutual — recalling the first day in IIT Delhi and today. You must be feeling satisfied by your journey from orientation to convocation… You all should cherish this moment.”

A total of 3,000-plus students, including 587 PhD scholars, were conferred their degrees during the ceremony. He congratulated the students, wishing them all the best for their futures, adding that they aren’t just taking degrees but taking forward a dream of doing something for the country.

He expressed his joy in attending the convocation ceremony and said, “The way your families are feeling proud today, I am also proud of you all. You are not just taking a degree, but taking forward the dream of doing something for the country.”

The Prime Minister also presented IIT Delhi’s prestigious academic honours to meritorious students in recognition of their outstanding performance. The awards include the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal and Perfect Ten Gold Medal.

On a lighter note, PM Modi said, “If some daughters were meritorious students, then it would have been much better. Sorry, not just some but many.”

“Whenever life gives you a reason to look back, then this campus life, your friends, teachers and support staff — the ones who have become your families and home — you will remember all this and be thankful for everyone,” he added.

PM Modi also virtually inaugurated ‘Param Pragya’ — an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility at the institute’s Sonipat campus.

The facility is expected to strengthen the institute’s capabilities in Artificial Intelligence, data science, advanced computing and interdisciplinary research.