Author name: OnlineAge

  CHONGKHAM : A one-day capacity building training programme on packaging, labelling, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licensing, pricing and Legal Metrology compliance was organised at Chongkham in Namsai district on Saturday under the Rural Mart Project sanctioned by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The programme was conducted by Namsai Organic Spices and Agricultural Products Producer Company Ltd (NOSAAP) in collaboration with the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM). The training aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurial and technical capacities of self-help group (SHG) members, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cooperatives and rural entrepreneurs engaged in food processing and value-addition activities. Technical sessions were led by NOSAAP Chief Executive Officer Chau Athina Chauhai, who spoke on scientific packaging methods, food labelling standards, FSSAI licensing procedures, pricing strategies and Legal Metrology compliance for packaged food products. Participants were also guided on mandatory food labelling requirements, branding, shelf-life enhancement and online FSSAI registration through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. SHG entrepreneur Nang Tashi Chauhai conducted practical demonstrations on food packaging techniques using sealing machines and other tools. She also shared her experience in packaging Khaw Tai rice and pickles to improve product presentation and market acceptance. Addressing the participants, NABARD Namsai Assistant General Manager (District Development) Kamal Roy stressed the importance of proper packaging, branding and regulatory compliance in enhancing consumer confidence, product quality and marketability of local products. He encouraged SHGs and newly formed cooperative societies to take up value-addition and food processing activities through the cooperative model for sustainable livelihood generation. The programme concluded with an interactive session, where participants expressed that the training had significantly improved their understanding of packaging technologies, branding and food safety compliance for better marketing of rural products.

ITANAGAR :  The Arunachal Electronic and Digital Media Association (AEDMA) on Saturday inducted 19 new digital media platforms during a membership induction programme held at its temporary office at RWD Colony in Itanagar. The programme was attended by executive body members of the association and representatives of various media organisations. Welcoming the new members, AEDMA president JT Tagam stressed the importance of maintaining unity among media organisations and urged digital platforms to uphold ethical standards in news dissemination. He also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the association for the welfare and professional development of registered members and the digital media fraternity in the state. The newly inducted media platforms include AB News Channel, Indian Prime News Arunachal Pradesh, KK News, Nefa Live, Papum Pare News, Arunachal Mojo, Siang Eung News Live, Hornbill News, Aalo News Today, Zoom Arunachal, Dawnlit Now, Arunachal News Coverage, JK News, Eastern Broadcast News, Jaago Arunachal News, Sagalee News, Keyi Panyor News, PP 24×7 News and Arunachal Local Lens. Representatives of the newly inducted organisations shared their expectations from the association and sought continued guidance and support for professional growth. To strengthen its organisational framework, AEDMA also constituted a Legal Cell, Right to Information (RTI) Cell and Grievance Redressal Cell to assist members on legal and professional matters. The programme further witnessed revision of the association’s bylaws based on suggestions and inputs from both existing and newly inducted members. During the event, AEDMA president JT Tagam expressed gratitude to Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Likha Nari Tadar for responding positively to the association’s appeal regarding routing of corporation advertisements and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials through the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). Describing the move as “a good beginning from the public office,” he informed that AEDMA members would soon visit various government departments in connection with the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Print and Digital Advertisement Policy 2025. The programme concluded with members collectively reaffirming their commitment to strengthening professional standards and responsible digital journalism in Arunachal Pradesh.      

KHONSA : Tirap district strongly pitched for a medical college, improved road connectivity and key infrastructure projects during a state-level review meeting held through video conference on Saturday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, senior officials and district representatives. During the meeting, district leaders highlighted the need for establishment of a medical college in Tirap to cater to the healthcare and educational needs of the Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) region. They also stressed widening and upgradation of roads within Khonsa township and sought a permanent solution to recurring road blockages in Lazu, which continue to disrupt connectivity and cause inconvenience to residents and commuters. Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran presented a detailed overview of the district’s developmental and administrative challenges requiring urgent state intervention. He pointed to the shortage of manpower in key sectors, including administration, healthcare, education and police, which continues to affect governance and public service delivery. The DC also sought improvement of township roads, construction of a multi-purpose convention hall, diversion roads to reduce congestion, and better broadband and mobile connectivity in remote areas. Other issues highlighted included shortage of official vehicles, lack of residential quarters for officers and staff, and the need for phased reconstruction and upgradation of ageing government office buildings. The district administration further proposed development and protection of the Charju riverfront at Deomali, reconstruction of the Food Corporation of India godown, development of a multi-level parking complex in Khonsa, and upgradation of Wangcha Rajkumar College into a multi-faculty institution to benefit students from Tirap and neighbouring Changlang and Longding districts. The meeting focused on strengthening infrastructure, connectivity and public service delivery to accelerate the overall development of Tirap district. Among those present from Tirap were Environment & Forest and Department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding Affairs Minister Wangki Lowang, Transport Minister Advisor Chakat Aboh, Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin, Borduria-Bogapani MLA and Environment & Forest Minister Advisor Wanglin Lowangdong, Khonsa Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh, Tirap Superintendent of Police Aditya, administrative officers and heads of departments. (DIPR)      

AALO : The 9th State Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy (HDMT) 2026 witnessed high-voltage action on Day 8 at Aalo, with football semi-finals and volleyball quarter-finals producing thrilling contests and finalising the finalists across categories. In the boys’ football category, Papum Pare entered the final after registering a convincing 2-0 victory over Siang in the first semi-final. Tai Raju opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Nabam Kasa sealed the win with a decisive strike in the 59th minute. The second semi-final between Keyi Panyor and Lower Siang turned into a tense battle as both teams failed to break the deadlock during regulation time. Lower Siang eventually prevailed 6-5 in the penalty shootout to secure a place in the final. Papum Pare will now face Lower Siang in the championship clash on May 25. In the girls’ football semi-finals, Namsai edged past Papum Pare 1-0, courtesy of an 11th-minute strike by Osi Pegu. East Kameng also registered a narrow 1-0 victory over Shi Yomi in the other semi-final, with Naya Bagang scoring the match-winning goal in the 12th minute. The girls’ football final will now see Namsai take on East Kameng for the title. Meanwhile, the volleyball quarter-finals held at Siyom Army Ground witnessed several closely contested matches in both boys’ and girls’ categories. In the girls’ quarter-finals, Capital Complex defeated Bichom in straight sets 27-25 and 25-20, while Kurung Kumey overcame Papum Pare in a hard-fought three-set encounter 23-25, 25-13 and 15-9. Keyi Panyor advanced after defeating Lohit 25-17 and 25-18, while East Kameng beat Lepa Rada 25-16 and 25-14. In the boys’ category, Lower Siang registered a straight-set victory over West Kameng by 25-17 and 25-16. Upper Subansiri edged past Papum Pare in a thrilling three-set match 16-25, 25-21 and 15-13. Kurung Kumey defeated Longding 25-17 and 25-19, while East Kameng overcame Anjaw 25-22 and 25-20 to book their semi-final berth. The volleyball semi-finals for both boys’ and girls’ categories will be played on Saturday from 1:30 pm onwards at Siyom Army Ground. In the girls’ semi-finals, Capital Complex will face Kurung Kumey, while Keyi Panyor will take on East Kameng. In the boys’ semi-finals, Lower Siang will clash with Upper Subansiri, while Kurung Kumey will meet East Kameng for a place in the final.