Author name: OnlineAge

SHERGAON : In a first for Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, organised a one-day training-cum-awareness programme on the use of vaccines in rainbow trout farming at Shergaon in West Kameng district on Saturday. Organised in collaboration with the District Fisheries Development Office (DFDO), Bomdila, under the Department of Fisheries, the programme focused on promoting vaccination as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics for disease management in aquaculture. It was conducted under the institute’s North Eastern Region (NER) Activity 2026-27. Around 25 rainbow trout farmers from West Kameng and Bichom districts participated in the programme and interacted with experts on fish health management, disease prevention and sustainable trout farming practices. District Fisheries Development Officer (DFDO) Pema Khandu Thungon welcomed the chief guest, Shergaon Zilla Parishad Member Chong Khandu Lama, ICAR-National Fellow Dr Neetu Shahi of ICAR-CICFR, who developed the rainbow trout vaccine against Lactococcus garvieae, and the participating farmers. During the technical session, Dr Shahi highlighted the advantages of vaccination over routine antibiotic use, stating that vaccines provide long-term protection against bacterial diseases, improve fish survival and productivity, and significantly reduce dependence on antibiotics. She also cautioned that indiscriminate use of antibiotics in aquaculture contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing risks to aquatic animal health, food safety, environmental sustainability and public health. She encouraged farmers to adopt vaccination and other preventive health management practices for sustainable aquaculture. Speaking on the occasion, Chong Khandu Lama lauded ICAR-CICFR and Dr Shahi for developing the rainbow trout vaccine and for bringing scientific knowledge directly to farmers in the remote trout-farming region of Shergaon. He said such interventions would strengthen sustainable coldwater aquaculture in Arunachal Pradesh. As part of the programme, ICAR-CICFR distributed five deep freezers to selected rainbow trout farmers under the NER Activity 2026-27. The equipment will help maintain the cold chain, improve fish storage, reduce post-harvest losses and support value addition and marketing of rainbow trout products. The programme concluded with an interactive session, field trials of the vaccine and collection of clinical samples from selected trout farms. Farmers expressed keen interest in adopting scientific fish health management practices and appreciated the institute’s efforts to bring advanced technologies to the farming community. The vote of thanks was delivered by District Fisheries Development Officer Pema Khandu Thungon, who also coordinated the programme and acknowledged the support extended by ICAR-CICFR towards the development of rainbow trout farming in the state. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Tarh Tarang, Head Gaon Burah of Hiya village in Kurung Kumey district and father of AITF President Tarh Tabin. In a condolence message issued on Saturday, the forum said Tarang passed away at his native village on Saturday morning. He was 90. AITF stated that Tarang had served as the Head Gaon Burah of Hiya village from 1969 to 2026 and was widely respected for his active role in resolving community disputes and promoting harmony in the village. The forum recalled his dedicated service to society and said his contributions would continue to inspire future generations. Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, AITF and its apex federating community-based organisations conveyed their heartfelt condolences to Tarh Tabin and other family members. The forum prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and for strength and courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

MEBO : In a successful joint operation, the Mebo Police and Pasighat Police, with active support from the Mithun Owners Association, arrested three persons allegedly involved in the theft and illegal transportation of a mithun (Bos frontalis, a semi-domesticated bovine species native to the Eastern Himalayan region) and recovered the stolen animal, the official sources on Saturday said. The operation was carried out on Friday after police received specific information that a mithun stolen from the Partung area of Mebo sub-division in East Siang district was being transported towards the Itanagar Capital Region. Acting swiftly, the police intercepted the vehicle carrying the stolen mithun at the Gumto Police Check Gate in Papum Pare district, leading to the recovery of the animal and the arrest of all three accused. The arrested persons have been identified as Philip Lego (28) and Kanggong Tayeng (19), both from Ayeng village under Mebo Police Station, and Nandu Nath (22), a resident of Chumoni village in Assam’s Lakhimpur district, who was driving the vehicle. A case has been registered at Pasighat Police Station under Sections 303(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The accused have been produced before the Judicial Magistrate, Pasighat, with police seeking their remand to facilitate further investigation. East Siang Police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the property and livelihoods of citizens and said stringent action would continue against theft and organised criminal activities, a senior officer said. (Source: UNI)      

ITANAGAR : The Indian Army on Saturday distributed computer sets and traditional dance costumes to schools and NGOs in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh under its civic action programme, officials said. The items were handed over by General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 5 Mountain Division, Major General Amit Nautiyal, during a function held at the Major Bob Khathing memorial museum. Addressing the occasion, Maj Gen Nautiyal said the Army’s role in border areas extends beyond protecting the country’s frontiers, and includes supporting the education, cultural preservation and overall welfare of local communities. The computer sets are expected to improve digital learning facilities in schools, while the traditional dance costumes will help educational institutions and cultural groups preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Monpa community, according to an official release. The initiative reflects the Army’s continued efforts to support the holistic development of border areas, while fostering closer ties with the people of Tawang, it said. Maj Gen Nautiyal was also briefed on the development initiatives being implemented in the district under ‘Operation Sadbhavana’, and he later interacted with NCC cadets and monks, appreciating their contribution to nation-building and strengthening civil-military relations, the release said. (Source: DIPR/PTI)        

ANINI : An adolescent labourer was rescued from the construction site of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road project along National Highway-313 at Etalin in Dibang Valley district during a coordinated operation on Saturday. The rescued boy, aged 15, is a native of Dajo village under Kumarshat Post Office in Tripura’s Unakoti district. Officials found him engaged in labour at the construction site, in violation of the provisions of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended. During the operation, it was found that the minor had been employed by Anil Basumatary, who was working under a sub-contractor engaged in the execution of the road construction project. Following the rescue, the child was produced before the Dibang Valley Child Welfare Committee for care, protection and rehabilitation under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Legal action has been initiated against the employer in accordance with the law. Reiterating its commitment to eliminating child labour, the district administration appealed to contractors, employers and members of the public to strictly comply with child protection laws. It also urged citizens to report any instances of child labour or exploitation to the authorities to facilitate timely intervention and safeguard the rights and well-being of children. (DIPR)      

ITANAGAR : The first edition of the Arunachal Science League 2026 concluded on Friday with the state government announcing that the event will now feature in the annual calendar of the Department of Youth Affairs, marking a major step towards promoting scientific innovation and STEM education among the youth. Organised by the Department of Youth Affairs in collaboration with the State Council for Science and Technology, Arunachal Pradesh, the event was held at the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre at IG Park under the theme “STEM for Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat.” The competition brought together some of the state’s brightest young innovators, who presented projects addressing real-world challenges through science and technology. Participants showcased innovations across a wide range of themes, including emerging technology, water conservation and management, green energy, sustainable agriculture, health and hygiene, waste management and other contemporary STEM disciplines. Officials said the inclusion of the Science League in the department’s annual calendar reflects the government’s long-term commitment to fostering scientific temperament, innovation and research among students and young entrepreneurs. The competition received more than 40 entries from across Arunachal Pradesh, with the junior category alone attracting over 30 submissions. The organisers said the quality of projects was so impressive that the jury found it difficult to shortlist winners. In recognition of the exceptional standard of entries, the department enhanced the first prize in the junior category from the originally announced Rs 70,000 to Rs 90,000. The projects were evaluated by an eminent panel comprising Dr Arup Misra, chairman of the Assam Pollution Control Board, who attended as the chief guest, Dr Nitin Maurya, Scientist ‘E’ at the National Innovation Foundation, Noida, and Dr Bula Chaudhuri of Biotech Park, Guwahati. Adding to the event’s appeal, Technical Officer Tarun Das of the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata, conducted an interactive Fun Science Show featuring live scientific demonstrations and a bubble show that drew enthusiastic participation from students. The Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre also organised complimentary planetarium shows for more than 350 students, offering them an immersive introduction to astronomy and space science. In the senior category, Mitto Mossang of Rajiv Gandhi University won the first prize for a project on emerging technology. Tabuk Taggu and Paul secured the second prize for their work on water conservation and management, while Niktar Tare, Vijay Taniu and Toko Tem finished third for developing a Hybrid Multi-Layered TEG System. In the junior category, Bengia Ama of Don Bosco College claimed the top prize for a Hands-Free Cooking Device. Yompin Kena of Scholars Institute secured second place for Kombo AI, while Swati Upadhyay and Aditya Mishra of NERIST finished third for their project Gesture to Voice. Among the special recognitions, Rei Lemo of NIOS received the People’s Choice Award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 10,000, after securing the highest number of public votes for an emerging technology project. Bolam Loham was presented the Special Jury Award and a cash prize of Rs 10,000 for developing an innovative Exoskeleton project, which the jury described as having significant future potential. Despite persistent rain throughout the day, students from different parts of the state participated enthusiastically, demonstrating resilience and creativity. The Department of Youth Affairs thanked participants, mentors, educational institutions, judges, volunteers and visitors for contributing to the success of the inaugural edition. Officials said the Arunachal Science League is envisioned to become the state’s premier platform for nurturing scientific talent, encouraging innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.