July 26, 2026 9:44 am
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

National, REGIONAL

2 NE women assaulted, molested outside Nehru Place hotel in Delhi

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NEW DELHI, Two women from the Northeast (NE) were allegedly molested, assaulted and subjected to racist remarks by a group of men outside a club in southeast Delhi’s Nehru Place area, with police saying four people have been identified in the case and raids are underway to arrest them. The incident took place around 6.30 am on May 10 near a tea stall outside the hotel, police said. According to the police, a PCR call regarding women in distress was received at the Kalkaji police station at around 7 am, following which local police teams rushed to the spot and found the two women there. “Preliminary enquiry revealed that the women were allegedly subjected to derogatory remarks and abuses by a group of men, which later escalated into a physical altercation,” a senior police officer said. The women alleged that they were having tea outside the hotel when two men started catcalling them. Soon, several others allegedly joined in, leading to an argument that later turned violent. “One of the complainants alleged that she was molested during the incident and that her clothes were torn. The women also alleged that racist remarks were passed against them by the accused,” the officer said. One of the women also alleged that she was attacked with a bamboo stick while they were attempting to leave the spot. The accused also allegedly blocked their path and threatened them with consequences if they disclosed the incident. “Both women were rushed to AIIMS for medical examination after police reached the scene. A case has been registered at the Kalkaji police station under Sections 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 74 (assault of criminal force to against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 78 (stalking) and 3(5) (common intentions) of the BNS on May 10 and investigation was taken up immediately,” the officer said. The women informed the police that they would be able to identify the accused if produced before them. As part of the probe, CCTV footage from nearby areas was scanned, and several witnesses and passersby present during the incident were identified and questioned. During the investigation, eight individuals, including witnesses and passersby, were rounded up and questioned, following which four main accused involved in the incident were identified, police said. Multiple police teams have been formed, and raids are underway at locations linked to the accused to apprehend them. No arrests have been made so far, police said. (Source: PTI)        

REGIONAL

FIR filed after Manipur woman alleges assault by employers at Bengaluru IIM campus

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BENGALURU A 23-year-old woman from Manipur has alleged that she was subjected to harassment and physical assault on several occasions by her employers at the IIM campus here, police said on Monday. The alleged offences took place between June 1, 2021, and May 4, 2026, they said. According to the police, in her complaint, the woman alleged that she had been working for nearly six years as a caretaker for the children of her employers, identified as Amar and Anshu, and had been residing with them on the IIM-B campus. Since 2021, the employers had allegedly not been providing her with adequate food. She also alleged that whenever she fell ill, they physically assaulted her and snatched away her mobile phone. In her complaint, the woman stated that she did not remember the exact dates and times of the incidents, but alleged that the couple had physically assaulted her on several occasions. She further alleged that the last incident of physical assault took place on April 15 at around 2.30 am, when her employer, Anshu, allegedly pulled her hair and assaulted her. According to the FIR, the employers allegedly assaulted her several times whenever she spoke to others, but she did not inform anyone out of fear. The woman also alleged that her employers used to check the messages on her mobile phone and prevented her from going outside, police said. She further alleged that on May 4, she was not given food from the morning onwards, following which she sought help from neighbours, who gave her food. Using a neighbour’s phone, she informed her aunt, who lives in Bengaluru and is the president of the Kuki Students Organisation Bangalore. Following her complaint, a case was registered at the Mico Layout Police Station on May 6 under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 127(4) (wrongful confinement) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. “All allegations are being looked into, and the matter is currently under investigation,” a senior police officer said. (Source: PTI)  

Editorial

Lessons in resolve, readiness and restraint

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It is one year since India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 innocent people were massacred, creating outrage across the country. The nation, in one voice, demanded action to show resolve and teach the perpetrators a lesson so that they would not dare commit such a heinous crime in the future. The action was swift and precise, and the result was astonishing. It decimated nine terror camps belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, whose outfits had executed the terrorist act. One year on, India continues to reflect on a military operation that was a turning point in the country’s security doctrine and strategic posturing — the resolve of a New India, which will not tolerate terrorism and will go all out to protect and secure its people. The operation was conducted between May 7 and 10, 2025, by the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Border Security Force along the western frontier, targeting terrorist infrastructure and military facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message on the anniversary was important as it reflected how Operation Sindoor has come to represent national resolve, military preparedness and coordinated statecraft. The foremost takeaway was coordination and seamless jointness among India’s armed forces. It also instilled a sense of relief that the country was no longer going to tolerate such acts and had the mettle to retaliate rather than plead for relief. India’s response was calibrated, targeted and time-bound, aimed at neutralising threats without triggering uncontrolled escalation. What was a major military success was ably backed by diplomacy, as India was able to convince the world that it had retaliated militarily only to destroy terror camps without causing harm to civilians in Pakistan. In this respect, Operation Sindoor reflected India’s evolving diplomatic maturity. The operation also highlighted the significance of self-reliance in defence production. Indigenous technologies, surveillance systems and defence platforms reportedly played a critical role during the operation. In recent years, India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing has often been viewed through an economic lens. Operation Sindoor demonstrated that self-reliance is equally a strategic necessity. At the diplomatic level, the operation underlined the importance of narrative management and international outreach. India successfully portrayed the operation as a counter-terror measure rather than an act of aggression, thereby maintaining its diplomatic credibility. However, Operation Sindoor also offers sobering lessons. Military success cannot become a substitute for long-term political and diplomatic engagement. While deterrence is essential, sustainable peace requires addressing the issues of extremism, cross-border terrorism and regional instability diplomatically. The operation reaffirmed that India possesses both the capability and the will to defend its interests decisively. But its deeper lesson lies in balancing strength with restraint — a hallmark of a responsible and confident power. (Source: The Pioneer)

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Need of hour is to use petro products with restraint: PM Modi

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HYDERABAD, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the need of the hour, in the wake of the West Asia crisis, is to use petro products with restraint. Speaking at an event here where he virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth around Rs 9,400 crore in Telangana, Modi said that the imported petro products should be used only as per need, as it will not only save foreign exchange but also reduce the adverse impact of war. Observing that, over the past few years, India has reached a spot among the top countries in the world in terms of solar power, he said, unprecedented work has been done in ethanol blending in petrol. First, the government is focused on 100 per cent LPG coverage, and now, it is focused on the supply of piped gas economically. The government is also promoting a CNG-based system. Due to all these efforts, India is dealing with the major energy crisis in the world, he said. “But, today, the need of the hour is also to use petrol, gas, diesel and such things with great restraint. We have to use imported petro products only as per need. This will not only save foreign exchange but reduce the adverse impact of war,” he said. Referring to CM Revanth Reddy’s comments that there should not be politics in development endeavour, Modi said he would also not talk politics. Assuring Centre’s support to Telangana, he asked Reddy to join him in the development journey. “I would tell Revanth ji. I am ready to give you as much as the Centre gave to Gujarat during 10 years rule. But, as per my information, I will tell you. The moment I do that, what you are getting would become half. You will not be able to reach where you want to reach. That’s why, it is better you join with me,” he said. Noting that it is not wrong to have different party governments in a democracy, he stressed that the development of states is as important as the country’s development. Country’s development is not possible without the development of states, he stressed, calling for collective efforts to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. He also said the country is implementing reforms at speed, and is also building modern infrastructure. He said he would like to assure every family in Telangana that the Centre will continue to work “with greater speed to realise your dreams”. Modi said, over the last 11 years, the National Highway network in Telangana has doubled. Taking a jab at the previous UPA government, he said, before 2014, the railway budget used to be less than Rs 1,000 crore for undivided Andhra Pradesh. However, the railway budget today only for Telangana is Rs 5,500 crore, he said. “Are you listening Revanth ji? During the undivided AP, the railway budget was less than Rs 1,000 crore. I am not talking about undivided AP today, Telangana’s railway budget alone is Rs 5,500 crore,” he said. About Rs 50,000 crore worth of railway projects are going on in Telangana, he said. Earlier, in his address, CM Revanth Reddy said the Centre should support the state’s development initiatives, including expansion of metro rail network, Future City project and Musi rejuvenation. He sought two hours from Modi to review the development proposals of Telangana. The state government has announced the Telangana Rising 2047 vision in line with the Centre’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goal, he said. The Telangana government aims to make the state a USD three trillion economy by 2047, Reddy said. During the event, Modi virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth around Rs 9,400 crore in Telangana at the HICC here. Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and several other leaders attended the event at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). Modi laid the foundation for projects, including the four-laning of National Highway-167 from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor and Zaheerabad Industrial Area in Sangareddy district. He inaugurated various sections of Kazipet-Vijayawada multi-tracking project of railways, Greenfield POL (Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants) Terminal in Hyderabad, Kazipet Rail Under Rail Bypass and PM MITRA Park at Warangal (Kakatiya Mega Textile Park). Developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 1,700 crore, the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park is India’s first fully functional PM MITRA Park and operationalises the Centre’s 5F vision – Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign. (Source: PTI)      

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Mein hails Subansiri hydropower milestone as 1,000 MW mark achieved

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ITANAGAR, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Sunday congratulated NHPC on the successful commissioning of unit 4 of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, stating that the achievement marks a major step towards strengthening India’s clean, sustainable and self-reliant energy future. With the commissioning of the 250 MW fourth unit, the total operational capacity of the ambitious project has now reached 1,000 MW, marking another significant milestone in one of India’s largest hydropower ventures. Mein, who also holds the power and hydropower portfolio, lauded the efforts of engineers, technical experts, workers and all stakeholders associated with the project for their dedication and perseverance. “Congratulations to NHPC on the successful commissioning of unit 4 of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, raising the project’s total operational capacity to 1,000 MW,” Mein said in a social media post. Describing the development as a landmark achievement in the country’s renewable energy sector, the deputy chief minister said the project symbolises India’s growing commitment towards environmentally sustainable and self-reliant power generation. “This achievement marks another significant step in India’s pursuit of clean, sustainable and self-reliant energy generation,” he said. Mein further extended his appreciation to every individual involved in the execution of the mega hydropower project. “I extend my sincere appreciation to the engineers, technical teams, workers, officials and every stakeholder associated with this landmark project for their unwavering commitment, hard work and resilience in overcoming challenges and steadily advancing towards full commissioning,” he said. The project, being developed by NHPC on the Subansiri River along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, is India’s largest hydroelectric project with an installed capacity of 2,000 MW comprising eight units of 250 MW each. NHPC declared the commercial operation of unit 4 effective from May 8, taking the project’s operational capacity to 1,000 MW with four units now commissioned. The mega hydropower project is considered crucial for strengthening energy security in the Northeast and enhancing the country’s renewable energy capacity. Once fully operational, the project is expected to significantly boost power availability across the region while contributing to India’s clean energy targets, officials said. The project, which witnessed years of delay due to environmental and social concerns before construction resumed in 2019, has in recent months achieved several engineering milestones, including the installation of India’s heaviest hydro rotor for unit 5 earlier this year. (Source: PTI)      

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10-ft python rescued, released in Kane Wildlife Sanctuary

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LIKABALI, The Likabali Forest Division on Sunday rescued and released a python that had entered a residential area at Masi village. The reptile, measuring around 10 feet in length and weighing nearly 15 kilograms, was captured by villagers after it strayed into the locality. The villagers handled the situation carefully and ensured that the python was not harmed. After a detailed health assessment by forest officials, the python was found fit for release and was later released into its natural habitat under Kane Wildlife Sanctuary. The rescue and release operation was carried out under the supervision of Likabali Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Keto Basar, Kane Wildlife Sanctuary Range Forest Officer Jumgo Geyi and Laipulia Range Forest Officer Kenjum Membom. The Likabali Forest Division appreciated the awareness and cooperation shown by the villagers in protecting wildlife and urged the public to immediately inform the Forest Department whenever wild animals are spotted near human habitation areas. (DIPR)      

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Himanta’s leadership to boost NE growth: Khandu

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ITANAGAR, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday congratulated his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma on being unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the state, expressing confidence that Assam would witness greater progress under his continued leadership. Sarma was elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam Assembly earlier in the day, paving the way for him to become the CM for a second term. In a social media post, Khandu stated that Assam under Sarma’s leadership has emerged as “a strong engine of growth and development in the Northeast”, and asserted that the state’s advancement would significantly contribute to the prosperity and economic progress of the entire region, including Arunachal Pradesh. “Heartiest congratulations to Dr Himanta Biswa Ji on being elected as the leader of the BJP and NDA Legislature Party. Under your visionary leadership, Assam has emerged as a strong engine of growth and development in the Northeast,” Khandu said in a post on X. The chief minister further expressed confidence that with the continued guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam would achieve “even greater progress in the years ahead”. “The advancement of Assam will not only strengthen the state itself but will also greatly contribute to the development, connectivity, economic growth, and prosperity of Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast region,” Khandu said, while wishing Sarma a “successful, impactful, and glorious tenure in service of the people and the nation”. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also extended his congratulations to Sarma, describing his leadership as instrumental in bringing “unprecedented growth across sectors” in Assam. In a social media post, Mein said Assam under Sarma has set “new benchmarks of development, good governance, and public welfare in the Northeast”. “May your new tenure bring continued success, transformative achievements, and greater service to the people of Assam and the Northeast,” Mein said. The NDA will form its third successive government in Assam after first coming to power in 2016 under the leadership of former chief minister and current Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The BJP’s alliance partners, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), also supported his nomination, leading to his unanimous election as the NDA leader. (Source: PTI)    

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Flood crisis management teams should be constituted in every state: Shah

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NEW DELHI At a high-level meeting on Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said flood crisis management teams (FCMTs) should be constituted and activated in every state. At the meeting, Shah reviewed the country’s preparedness to deal with potential floods and heatwaves and underlined that efforts should be made to achieve zero-casualty disaster management. Shah said at least 60 lakes should be included in the plan to develop an early-warning system for 30 high-risk lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim with the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) support, according to a government statement. Shah also said there should be an integrated system for flood forecasting at both the central and state levels. FCMTs should be constituted and activated in every state, the home minister said. He asked the NDMA to conduct a study to assess how many states are following the ministry’s directives and the NDMA guidelines for dealing with forest fires, heatwaves and floods. Shah said efforts must be made to implement the vision of zero-casualty disaster management. Emphasising that greater possibilities for water conservation and improvement in groundwater levels should be explored through water-storage and check-dam projects, he said the objective should be to conserve water by constructing check dams on rivers, while also minimising the impact of heatwaves. Shah said the CAMPA Fund should be utilised to make efforts aimed at maintaining environmental balance. He said a master plan should be prepared to address the changes in weather patterns caused by climate change and the growing disaster-related challenges arising from those. Shah also said weather forecasts and warnings should be disseminated widely and effectively. Efforts should be made to further improve the assessment of the upcoming monsoon by studying casualties during the season, the accuracy of forecasts and the damage caused to the agriculture sector, he added. The meeting was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, the Union home secretary, secretaries and senior officials of various ministries, members and heads of departments of the NDMA. (Source: PTI)    

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MAiTRI-2026 concludes at NERIST with focus on research and innovation

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ITANAGAR, The valedictory session of MAiTRI-2026, organised by the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), was held on Saturday at the EE Seminar Hall. NERIST Director Prof Narendranath S attended the programme as the chief guest and appreciated the efforts of organising chairs Dr Kurmendra and Dr Chitranjan Kumar Rai for successfully conducting the international conference. He also commended the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering for organising an important academic event and encouraged the department to hold more research-oriented programmes in future. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati Prof Samrendra Dandapat attended the session as the guest of honour and highlighted the growing importance of machine intelligence in national development. He stressed the significance of organising such conferences at reputed institutions like NERIST. NERIST Dean (Administration) Prof M Chandrasekharan and Dean (Planning and Development) Prof Sachindra Mahato lauded the department and the organising team for successfully conducting the conference in collaboration with Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, Punjab. Speaking on behalf of the participants, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad Assistant Professor Dr Arvind Prajapati appreciated the uniqueness of the conference and praised the keynote speakers for their insightful lectures. Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering Head In-charge Prof Rajesh Kumar highlighted the significance of MAiTRI-2026 and acknowledged the contributions of faculty members, speakers, participants and organisers towards the successful conduct of the event. The vote of thanks was proposed by organising chairs Dr Kurmendra and Dr Chitranjan Kumar Rai, who expressed gratitude to the NERIST administration, collaborating institute, student volunteers, participants and all stakeholders for their support and cooperation in making the conference successful.        

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CATC-05 concludes at JNV Megdong

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MEGDONG, The Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC-05), organised by the 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion National Cadet Corps (NCC) under the aegis of NCC Group Headquarters Tezpur, concluded on Sunday at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Megdong. Conducted from May 1 to 10, the camp marked a significant milestone as the first NCC training camp organised in the remote region, reflecting the commitment of 1 AP Battalion NCC to extending quality training opportunities to cadets in far-flung areas and ensuring inclusive participation. During the 10-day camp, cadets underwent extensive training aimed at promoting discipline, leadership, physical fitness and national integration. Activities included physical training, yoga, aerobics, drill, weapon training, map reading, field craft, battle craft, judging distance, field signals, camouflage techniques, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, disaster management awareness and drug abuse awareness sessions. Cadets also participated in 25-metre shooting and firing practice, which enhanced their practical field skills, confidence and focus. The camp featured several informative sessions by resource persons. Lieutenant Siddhant Gaikwad of 19 JAT delivered a lecture on Operation Sindoor, while Women and Child Health Department Deputy Director Nyajar Gusar conducted an awareness session on health and hygiene. ADC Kodak addressed the cadets on career counselling and motivated them to pursue their goals with dedication and clarity. As part of experiential learning and community engagement, cadets visited Vibrant Villages including Megdong, Meche Marde and Belo, where they interacted with local residents and gained exposure to the region’s cultural heritage and traditions. A Swachh Bharat Abhiyan cleanliness drive was also organised on the school premises to promote civic responsibility, cleanliness and environmental awareness among the cadets. Adventure and team-building activities such as trekking expeditions and crew cooking exercises formed an integral part of the camp, encouraging teamwork, endurance, self-reliance and cooperation. The camp also provided a platform for cultural and personality development activities. Competitions in group dance, singing, skits, drama and public speaking witnessed enthusiastic participation from cadets. Officials said the camp benefitted cadets from remote areas by enabling them to attend structured NCC training closer to their homes, reducing long-distance travel and related expenses while encouraging wider grassroots participation. The successful conduct of CATC-05 has set a strong precedent for organising similar camps in remote areas in future, further strengthening the NCC’s commitment towards inclusive youth development and equal training opportunities across the region. (DIPR)