Author name: OnlineAge

KORONU : All 15 workers stranded at Diphu Nallah under Koronu Circle in Lower Dibang Valley district were safely rescued on Sunday after the water level receded, officials said. According to the District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO), the rescue was carried out during the morning hours through a locally coordinated operation after river conditions became favourable. Officials confirmed that the situation is now stable and normal. The workers had been stranded since Saturday following a sudden rise in the water level of Diphu Nallah. Acting on a request from the owner, the district administration, district police and a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team from Tezu launched a rescue operation under the supervision of the local administration. However, the operation had to be suspended on Saturday evening due to the strong river current, which made rescue efforts unsafe. Before calling off the operation at around 4:30 pm, authorities ensured that the stranded workers received essential ration supplies and confirmed that all 15 were safe. With water levels receding overnight, rescue teams resumed the operation on Sunday morning and successfully evacuated all the stranded workers without any casualties. Officials said the situation in the area has since returned to normal. (Source: UNI)    

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : A group of students from Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), under the banner of Youth for Change, has announced to organise a peaceful rally in the Capital Complex on July 20, in support of educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike over the alleged NEET examination paper leak issue. The rally will begin from Akashdeep at 9 am and culminate at the Tennis Court, IG Park, Itanagar, the organizers informed during a press conference held at the Arunachal Press Club here on Sunday. According to the organizers, the rally aims to express solidarity with Wangchuk’s protest while demanding greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the country’s examination system. Participants will also observe a one-day fast and wear white ribbon badges as a symbol of peace and non-violence. The organizers alleged that Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest site Jantar Mantar by the Delhi Police on Saturday, describing the action as an attempt to disrupt his peaceful indefinite hunger strike over the alleged paper leak issue. Appealing to community-based organisations (CBOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), student bodies and citizens across Arunachal Pradesh, the organizers urged people to join the rally peacefully. “It is our turn to stand in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, who is fighting for the students of the nation,” a student associated with the initiative said. Participants have also been requested to carry umbrellas, drinking water and placards bearing messages supporting transparency and examination reforms.      

NEW DELHI : The government intends to bring a bill in the Rajya Sabha to make any obstruction or insult to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ a criminal offence on Monday, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been listed in the agenda of the Rajya Sabha for Monday, with Home Minister Amit Shah set to introduce the bill. The bill will amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which makes desecration of or disrespect toward the country’s national symbols – including the national flag, the Constitution, and the national anthem – a criminal offence, carrying a punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment. The bill seeks to give ‘Vande Mataram’, the national song, the same statutory protection as the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’. According to the provisions of the bill, any act causing obstruction in the singing of the national song or causing insult to it in any form would be made punishable. The government’s push to accord the national song the same status as the national anthem comes amid the year-long celebrations of the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’. Earlier, the Union home ministry had written to all the states, making the playing or singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory at all official events where ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is sung. (Source: PTI)    

MON : At least eight people died, and twelve others were injured following massive landslide incidents that occurred in multiple locations in Nagaland’s Mon district on Sunday. Wennyei Konyak, Deputy Commissioner of Mon district, told ANI over the phone that so far, four bodies have been recovered, and four others are still under the debris. “Eight people have died in the landslide incidents triggered by incessant heavy rainfall that occurred in multiple locations in Mon district. The most affected areas are Mon town and Tizit. The heavy rainfall started at around 1 am, and we received information about landslide incidents at around 6-7 am. SDRF, police, Assam Rifles, NDRF teams and locals are engaged in search and rescue operations. So far, we have recovered 4 bodies, including three females and a male, from the debris. 12 others were injured. Search and rescue operations are underway in multiple locations,” Wennyei Konyak said. He further said that several houses were damaged in the landslide incidents. Meanwhile, BJP Nagaland State President Benjamin Yepthomi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic landslides that claimed lives in Mon district and the landslide that severely affected the Tuli area under Mokokchung district, causing immense suffering to many families. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic landslides which have claimed precious lives in Mon District and by the landslide that has severely effected Tuli area under Mokokchung District, causing immense suffering to many families,” Yepthomi said in a statement. Extending his condolences, he said, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time. I pray that Almighty grants them strength, comfort and courage to endure this irreparable loss. I also pray for the speedy recovery to those who were injured and express my deepest solidarity with all those effected by the devastating disaster.” He also lauded the efforts of personnel engaged in relief operations, saying, “I sincerely commend and appreciate the tireless efforts of the Rescue Teams, District Administration, Security Personnel, Medical Professionals, Volunteers and all those engaged in relief and rescue operations. Their unwavering dedication and selfless service during this time of crisis are truly commendable.” “May the departed souls rest in eternal peace, and may all those effected find strength, resilience and hope as they recover from this tragic calamity. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the bereaved families and everyone impacted during this difficult time,” he added. (Source: ANI)