June 1, 2026 12:12 pm
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

Latest News, Popular News, State News

AEDMA inducts 19 new members, stresses ethical digital journalism

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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.      

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Tirap pushes for medical college, better roads at state-level review meeting

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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)      

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Fuel supply remains stable across Arunachal: OMCs

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ITANAGAR : Public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) — Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) — have assured that the supply of petrol, diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) remains adequate and uninterrupted across Arunachal Pradesh. According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) statement, the overall fuel supply position in the state is stable, with the entire supply chain functioning normally. The statement said fuel terminals, primary bulk storage depots, LPG bottling plants, retail outlets and LPG distributorships are operating without disruption, while daily dispatches are continuing as scheduled to ensure adequate stock availability across all districts. The OMCs are also maintaining close coordination on logistics, stock movement and product replenishment to ensure seamless fuel supply across the state despite prevailing global uncertainties affecting the oil and gas sector. The companies appealed to consumers to continue normal purchasing practices and avoid panic buying or unnecessary stockpiling of fuel and LPG. The public has also been advised to rely only on official communications issued by the Oil Marketing Companies for authentic and verified information regarding fuel availability.      

Latest News, National, Popular News, State News

VB–G RAM G to replace MGNREGA from July 1; Centre issues draft rules, invites feedback

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NEW DELHI :  The Centre on Saturday published draft rules under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB–G RAM G) for public consultation, following the notification of the law’s implementation across all states and Union Territories from July 1. Framed under Section 33 and other relevant provisions of the Act, the draft rules have been placed in the public domain to facilitate wider stakeholder consultation before they are finalised. The proposed rules cover transitional provisions, the National Level Steering Committee, the Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council, administrative expenses, grievance redressal, payment of wages and unemployment allowance, and expenditure incurred in excess of normative allocations, including expenses for Union Territories without legislatures. Officials in the Ministry of Rural Development said the rules are aimed at establishing the institutional, administrative, financial, and governance framework for implementation of the Act across the country. They said the consultation process seeks to ensure participatory governance and enable constructive feedback from states, institutions, experts, civil society organisations, and the public. The draft Transitional Provisions Rules outline the framework for shifting from MGNREGA to VB–G RAM G, the new rural employment guarantee scheme that will replace the existing programme. These provisions ensure ongoing work, settlement of liabilities, transfer of records, the validity of e-KYC-verified job cards, and the continuation of workers’ rights during the transition period until States notify the new scheme. (Source: PTI)  

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Papum Pare, Lower Siang storm into HDMT football final

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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.      

Latest News, National, Popular News, REGIONAL, State News

Inclusion of Khasi, Garo in CBSE a milestone: Meghalaya CM

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SHILLONG : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday said the inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the CBSE’s three-language framework was a milestone for inclusive education and cultural preservation in the state. Expressing gratitude to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Sangma said the Centre’s decision would benefit students, reduce challenges faced by schools and support language teachers across Meghalaya. ”On behalf of the people of Meghalaya, I express heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Ji for his swift intervention in enabling the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the CBSE R3 framework,” the chief minister said in a statement. ”This important step will benefit students, ease challenges for schools, support language teachers, and strengthen the preservation of Meghalaya’s rich linguistic heritage,” he said. Sangma said the decision reflected a collective commitment towards building an inclusive education system that respects and promotes linguistic diversity. ”More than a milestone, this reflects our shared commitment to an inclusive education system that respects every linguistic identity,” he said. The R3 framework refers to CBSE’s three-language formula, mandating students to study three languages starting from class 6. (Source: PTI)      

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Sonam Wangchuk calls himself ‘honorary cockroach’, urges govt to hear voices of youth

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NEW DELHI : Environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday voiced support for the online “cockroach” movement led by the self-styled “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP), describing himself as an “honorary cockroach”, as he urged the government to engage with the concerns being raised by youngsters rather than suppressing their digital expression. The online campaign, which uses satire and the imagery of a cockroach as a symbol of resilience and dissent, has drawn attention in recent days amid claims by its founders of a crackdown on their social-media presence, including account suspensions and hacking allegations. The movement has framed itself around issues, such as unemployment, exam paper leaks and public accountability. Speaking on the controversy in an interview with PTI, Wangchuk said the campaign should be viewed as a form of democratic feedback and not as a threat. “First of all, I am very impressed,” Wangchuk told PTI. “Such creative expressions by our youth are nothing to worry about and nothing to be afraid of. The government should take the message — don’t kill the messenger. If we kill the messenger, the message will not end.” Asked whether he would formally join the movement, Wangchuk responded in a lighter vein, saying he does not qualify for membership but identifies himself with its message. “I have been asked from several quarters to speak on it. Some are saying I should also become a member,” he said. “I think I do not qualify — I am neither unemployed nor am I lazy. So sadly, I am not a member. But I consider myself an honorary cockroach,” he said. Drawing a comparison with political satire and caricatures published in newspapers, Wangchuk said dissent expressed through humour and symbolism is a legitimate democratic tool. “Like cartoonists in newspapers, you don’t shoot them because they made a caricature of the prime minister, the home minister or the defence minister. Similarly, this is also satire. See it as feedback,” he said. Wangchuk praised what he described as the movement’s non-violent and imaginative character, saying the youngsters of the country have chosen digital creativity over confrontation and it is things like these that make India a “Vishwaguru”. “I am very impressed that the youth of India wanted to bring out their frustration in such a creative way — not on the streets with stones, as has happened in other countries,” he said. “To respect it is the duty of the Indian government, to look at it lovingly and take its message.” He, however, warned that suppressing online spaces could aggravate frustrations among young people. Referring to reports that social-media accounts linked to the movement are being shut down, Wangchuk said authorities should avoid pushing dissent underground. “Otherwise, what will happen? I am hearing that their accounts are being closed. Then this anger can go anywhere,” he said. Drawing a parallel with political unrest in Nepal, Wangchuk argued that restricting creative expression online could have unintended consequences. “Violence did not happen just like that in Nepal. When they shut down the internet and stopped creative expressions online, youth came out on the streets and it became an ugly scene,” he said. He said the issues being raised by the “cockroach” movement, particularly alleged paper leaks and concerns over accountability, deserve attention rather than dismissal. “They are raising the issue of paper leak — there is nothing wrong with that,” he said. “In any country, ministers resign on such issues, so what is the big deal? Instead of suppressing them, their message should be taken.” He further said the movement reflects genuine anxiety among young people, who are trying to make themselves heard before frustrations deepen. “They are troubled, so they are expressing that they are worried — but not so much that they take to the streets. This could be the next step,” he said. “That is why, at this stage, their voices should be heard.” Wangchuk said the campaign has demonstrated a uniquely Indian form of protest and should be used as an opportunity to strengthen democracy. “It should be taken very positively and used to create a better India,” he said. “The creativity with which the youth of India have given this message — such things make us Vishwaguru. The youth of India do not take to the streets with stones, they present their point creatively.” He appealed to young people to remain peaceful, while urging the government not to corner them. “This is my message to the government — do not push them,” Wangchuk said. “And I request the youth to never go towards violence. Keep raising your voice, no matter how much you talk, never go towards violence. On the other hand, the government should not force them to take the path of violence,” he added. (Source: PTI)        

REGIONAL

10 illegal immigrants prevented from entering Assam: CM

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GUWAHATI : Ten illegal immigrants from Bangladesh were prevented from entering India early on Saturday by joint efforts of the BSF and Assam Police, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. He asserted that detection and prevention were vital to ensure a secure Assam. “The strict vigil continues along our border. In the wee hours, @assampolice in coordination with @BSF_India identified and prevented the entry of 10 illegal infiltrators into Assam,” Sarma said in a social media post. He, however, did not mention the district where the infiltrators were detected. “Smart detection and immediate prevention are key to our vision of a Surakshit Assam,” the CM added. The state government has been cracking the whip on illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, pushing back infiltrators through its borders with the neighbouring nation. (Source: PTI)  

REGIONAL

Nagaland Police appeal to people to maintain peace, social harmony

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KOHIMA : Amid concerns over the prevailing law and order situation in a neighbouring state and the possibility of disturbances spilling over into Nagaland, the state police urged citizens to maintain peace, communal harmony and vigilance. Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma appealed to the people to act responsibly and refrain from sharing or forwarding any unverified information, rumours or provocative social media content that could create panic, misunderstanding or communal tension. In an appeal issued on Friday, the police cautioned against the spread of false and misleading narratives through social media, stating that in the age of artificially generated content, the creation and circulation of fake information has become easier and more dangerous. The advisory came amid search operations being conducted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district to rescue those who are still being held hostage by armed groups. Thirty-one of around 38 people belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities, who were held in captivity by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts in Manipur, were released on May 14 and 15. These people were taken to undisclosed locations after suspected militants shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi on May 13, while a civilian was gunned down and his wife was wounded in Noney district in the neighbouring state. Citizens have also been urged not to react emotionally to developments outside Nagaland and to avoid being influenced by rumours or provocative narratives circulating online. The Nagaland Police assured that the situation is being closely monitored and that all necessary measures are in place to maintain law and order in the state. It emphasised that public cooperation remains essential in ensuring continued peace and stability. Citizens have been advised to exercise utmost caution while consuming or sharing online content, especially material capable of disturbing ethnic and inter-community relations in the state, the Nagaland Police statement said. The police also warned that individuals deliberately spreading fake news, rumours or inflammatory content through social media or other platforms would face legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Information Technology Act and other applicable laws. The advisory also called upon the public to remain alert and immediately report on any suspicious individuals or activities attempting to disturb the prevailing social harmony and peaceful coexistence among communities in Nagaland. Reiterating that Nagaland has maintained peace and normalcy despite tensions in neighbouring provinces, the police appealed for cooperation from all sections of society to preserve harmony in the state. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Assam Civil Service officer held on graft charges; over Rs 1.66 cr in cash seized

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GUWAHATI : An Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer has been arrested on graft charges and over Rs 1.66 crore in cash and fixed deposits worth another Rs 86 lakh have been seized, along with other investment documents, a police officer said on Saturday. The accused, Lachit Kumar Das, posted as additional director, Land Records, Guwahati, was apprehended by sleuths of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, acting on a complaint alleging that the officer had demanded a bribe for issuing an NOC for land sale permission. The police officer said Das had allegedly demanded Rs 1 lakh as bribe for issuing the No Objection Certification (NOC), and unwilling to pay the money, the complainant approached the Vigilance Directorate. A trap was laid by the Vigilance sleuths on Thursday at the ACS officer’s Guwahati office and he was caught red-handed in his chamber while accepting Rs 45,000 as part of the demanded bribe, the officer said. A case has been registered by the directorate. After his apprehension, Vigilance sleuths conducted searches in his two houses in Guwahati. During the first search operation, Rs 48.38 lakh in cash was retrieved from a locker inside one house and fixed deposits amounting to Rs 80 lakh in the names of the officer and his family members were seized. “Several general life insurance policies, postal life insurance policies in the names of him and his family members were found. Several bank accounts and documents of landed property have also been found, and analysis of these is underway,” the police officer added. The directorate, in a social media post, said, another search was conducted in another house of Das on Friday, and over Rs 1.18 crore in cash was seized. “On 22-05-2026, a team of @DIR_VAC_ASSAM again conducted a search in another house of Lachit Kumar Das, ACS, ADLR located at Queen’s Garden, Ranibagan, Beltola and recovered cash Rs. 1,18,30,000/- & some land related documents,” it said. (Source: PTI)