Author name: OnlineAge

PASIGHAT :  Under the aegis of the Spearhead Division, the Spearhead Gunners of the Signals Regiment (SIGAR) Military Station conducted a military interaction and strategic weapon display for students of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Pasighat, as part of the university’s orientation programme for the 2026-27 academic session. The programme aimed to familiarise students with the ethos of military service, leadership, discipline and the career opportunities available in the Indian Armed Forces, while promoting patriotism, nation-building and responsible citizenship. Addressing the students, the Commander of the Spearhead Gunners said the true strength of the Indian Army lies not only in its modern weaponry but also in the character, courage and professionalism of its personnel. He encouraged the students to lead lives of purpose and integrity, emphasising that national security is a shared responsibility requiring committed citizens and capable leaders. The strategic weapon display gave students an opportunity to interact with serving soldiers and officers and gain insights into the operational role of various weapon systems, military equipment and the professionalism that underpins Army operations. Interactive sessions also offered participants a glimpse into life in the Armed Forces and highlighted the importance of teamwork, discipline and leadership. A dedicated interaction with Army officers and a career information session generated keen interest among students, who sought information on officer entry schemes, Agniveer recruitment and other career opportunities in the Indian Army. An Army-themed selfie point was also set up to enhance student engagement. The programme received an enthusiastic response from students and faculty members of Rashtriya Raksha University and reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to youth engagement, leadership development and strengthening civil-military ties through nation-building initiatives. (DIPR)    

TAWANG : The 45th Foundation Day of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was celebrated at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Friday, marking over four decades of the institution’s contribution to rural development, sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion and livelihood promotion. The programme was attended by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, Assistant Commissioners Tenzin Jambey, Nawang Thutan and Tsering Choden, besides heads of departments, bankers and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Welcoming the gathering, NABARD Tawang District Development Manager (DDM) Keertika Kashyap presented an overview of the institution’s 45-year journey and highlighted its initiatives in agriculture, rural infrastructure, financial inclusion, skill development and livelihood promotion. The occasion also witnessed the release of the NABARD Annual Report by the Deputy Commissioner. As part of the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, star anise saplings were distributed among SHG members to promote environmental conservation while paying tribute to mothers. Addressing the gathering, Angmo extended greetings to the NABARD fraternity and said the institution has immense potential to support Tawang across diverse sectors. She urged government departments and SHGs to actively utilise NABARD’s technical expertise, financial assistance and developmental programmes for sustainable and inclusive growth. The DC also appreciated the proactive role of DDM Keertika Kashyap in collaborating with various departments and supporting innovative initiatives in the district, and encouraged closer coordination with NABARD to maximise the benefits of its schemes. Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta congratulated NABARD on its Foundation Day and acknowledged its significant contribution to rural development and community empowerment. During the interactive session, representatives of various departments discussed opportunities for enhanced collaboration with NABARD in strengthening agriculture and allied sectors, promoting entrepreneurship, empowering SHGs, improving rural infrastructure and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. The programme concluded with a collective resolve among all stakeholders to work closely with NABARD for the holistic and inclusive development of Tawang district. (DIPR)      

JEMEITHANG : A one-day training programme on oyster and shiitake mushroom cultivation was organised at Jemeithang on Friday to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities and enhance farmers’ income. The programme was attended by 54 farmers, including members of various Self-Help Groups (SHGs), reflecting the growing interest in scientific mushroom cultivation as an alternative source of livelihood. Tawang District Horticulture Officer Koncho Gyatso conducted a hands-on training session on oyster mushroom cultivation, covering the entire production process, including substrate preparation, spawning, harvesting and post-harvest management. Describing oyster mushroom as a low-investment, short-duration and high-return crop, he encouraged farmers to adopt it as an additional source of income and self-employment. Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) Block Coordinator Tenzin Yangzom conducted a technical session on shiitake mushroom cultivation, explaining scientific production methods, environmental requirements and the market potential of the premium-value crop. She encouraged SHG members to take up mushroom cultivation as a group enterprise to strengthen rural livelihoods. To facilitate immediate adoption of the technology, mushroom cultivation kits containing oyster mushroom spawn, poly bags, paddy straw and other essential inputs were distributed to all participating farmers. The programme concluded with an interactive session during which participants sought guidance on cultivation practices, disease management, value addition and marketing opportunities. Farmers appreciated the practical demonstrations and expressed confidence in adopting mushroom cultivation in their respective villages. The organisers said the initiative is expected to promote entrepreneurship, nutritional security and sustainable income generation while supporting the diversification of horticultural activities and rural economic development in the district. (DIPR)      

ZIRO : The Apatani Baptist Association (ABA), in collaboration with the Blood Centre of Gyati Takka Zonal General Hospital (GTZGH), organised a voluntary blood donation camp here on Friday, collecting 36 units of blood to strengthen the hospital’s blood bank. The camp was organised under the leadership of ABA Executive Secretary Pastor Dani Tadu and witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, who came forward to donate blood in support of patients requiring emergency medical care. Prior to donation, all volunteers underwent mandatory medical screening to ensure donor safety and eligibility. While some willing donors were deferred on routine medical grounds, organisers appreciated their willingness to contribute. The drive concluded with the collection of 36 units of blood, comprising 14 units of O positive, 10 units each of A positive and B positive, and two units of AB positive. The medical team reported that the donation process was completed smoothly without any adverse reactions among donors. The organisers said the initiative would significantly strengthen the hospital’s blood reserves and help meet the needs of patients requiring emergency treatment, surgeries and other critical medical interventions. They noted that the regular blood donation drives organised by the ABA reflect the growing awareness of voluntary blood donation and the spirit of community service in Lower Subansiri district. The organisers expressed gratitude to all donors, volunteers and the medical team of Gyati Takka Zonal General Hospital for contributing to the success of the camp. (DIPR)

KHONSA :  An NSCN-R cadre surrendered before the Tirap Police, the 44 Assam Rifles and the 36 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at the Office of the Superintendent of Police in Khonsa on Friday. The surrendered cadre was identified as SS Lieutenant Colonel Penngam Konyak (42), son of Late Tzemkai Konyak and a resident of Nyasa village in Mon district of Nagaland. According to official sources, the surrender reflects the sustained efforts of the police and security forces to promote peace, stability and security in Tirap district. Officials said the development reinforces the collective commitment of the security agencies towards restoring normalcy and creating an environment conducive to development and lasting peace in the region.

NIRJULI : The North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, on Friday inaugurated a week-long Short Term Training Programme (STTP) on “Drone-enabled Healthcare, Food Engineering, Agriculture and Research Technologies”, bringing together researchers, academicians, scholars and industry experts to explore the latest developments and applications of drone technology. The hybrid programme, being conducted from July 17 to 21, has been jointly organised by the Departments of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) and Food Engineering and Technology (FET), NERIST. The inaugural session was attended by NERIST Director Prof Narendranath S as the chief guest, Dean (Academics) Prof S Gao, Dean (Research and Development) Prof M B Sharma, Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, Prof Sanjay Kumar Soni, and Power Grid Itanagar Executive Director Pradeep Kumar. The programme began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by addresses from the dignitaries highlighting the growing role of drone technology across multiple sectors. The STTP will feature expert lectures, hands-on demonstrations, case studies and interactive sessions on the application of drones in healthcare, food engineering and agriculture. Participants will also receive practical exposure to drone assembly, flight operations, data acquisition and real-time applications, along with an overview of the regulatory framework governing drone technology. According to the organisers, the programme aims to equip participants with technical knowledge and practical skills while encouraging research and innovation in multidisciplinary drone-based applications for technological advancement and societal development. Researchers, faculty members and students from institutions across India are participating in the programme, which is expected to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, academic collaboration and discussions on emerging technological innovations. The organising committee, comprising Programme Chair Prof Joyatri Bora Hazarika and Organising Chairs Dr Ram Gopal, Dr Arun Kumar Chaudhary, Dr Rajib Sharma, Dr Dheeraj Yadav and Dr Nilesh Sakre, expressed gratitude to the guests, participants, faculty members, volunteers, sponsors and media representatives for contributing to the successful inauguration of the training programme.