ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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Kargil Vijay Diwas observed

PASIGHAT :  The Spearhead Division of the Indian Army commemorated Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Veterans Suvidha Kendra (VSK) in Pasighat under the SeVA (Spear Corps Empowering Veterans and Aspirants) initiative, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of the soldiers who secured India’s victory during Operation Vijay in 1999. The programme was attended by Kargil War veterans, serving soldiers, civil dignitaries, ex-servicemen, students, teachers and members of the local community, reflecting the enduring bond between the Armed Forces and the people of Arunachal Pradesh. The event began with a welcome address, followed by a documentary on Operation Vijay. A major highlight was the first-hand accounts shared by Kargil War veterans, who recounted their experiences from the battlefield and offered the audience, particularly students, valuable insights into military service and the values of courage, discipline and selfless service. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commander of the Spearhead Gunners said the legacy of the Kargil War continues to inspire every soldier serving on India’s frontiers, adding that patriotism, professionalism and sacrifice remain the cornerstones of the Indian Army. As a mark of respect, the Army felicitated the Kargil War veterans during the programme. Winners of an inter-school drawing competition organised to mark the occasion were also honoured, while their paintings were displayed throughout the event. The programme concluded with an interaction between veterans and students, inspiring the younger generation through firsthand accounts of courage, duty and service to the nation. The Indian Army said such initiatives under the SeVA programme continue to strengthen the bond between serving soldiers, veterans and society while fostering patriotism and national pride among the youth.

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Guv extends Kargil Vijay Diwas greetings

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd.) has extended greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas and paid tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces whose courage, patriotism and supreme sacrifice safeguarded the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In his message, the Governor said Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed every year on July 26, commemorates India’s historic victory in the 1999 Kargil War, fought over 83 arduous days on some of the world’s highest and most challenging battlefields. Despite extreme weather, rugged terrain and hostile conditions, Indian soldiers displayed unmatched bravery, determination and professionalism, he said, adding that the victory was not merely a military achievement but a testament to the resilience, unity and indomitable spirit of the nation. “The courage displayed by the Kargil heroes continues to inspire generations of Indians to place the nation above all else,” the Governor said. Paying homage to the martyrs and veterans of the Kargil War, Parnaik expressed hope that their legacy would continue to inspire the people to uphold the values of patriotism, national unity, duty and sacrifice, while strengthening the collective resolve to build a strong, secure and prosperous India.

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Ziro hosts Inter-School Essay Competition on Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee

ZIRO : The Department of Art and Culture, Ziro, organised a district-level inter-school essay writing competition at Dani Kunia Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Ziro, on Saturday as part of the nationwide two-year commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Students from various schools across Lower Subansiri district participated in the competition, reflecting on Dr Mookerjee’s contributions to nation-building, education and industrial development. Speaking on the occasion, District Art and Culture Officer Tapi Rimu said Dr Mookerjee’s life continues to inspire young people through his integrity, intellectual leadership and commitment to national service. She said the inter-school competition was aimed at promoting healthy academic competition among students while encouraging them to reflect on Dr Mookerjee’s legacy of unity, service and patriotism. The entries are being evaluated by a panel of senior educators on the basis of originality, depth of thought and clarity of expression. The winners will be announced and felicitated with trophies and certificates during the district-level Independence Day celebrations on August 15. The administration of Dani Kunia GHSS and representatives of participating schools appreciated the Department of Art and Culture for organising the event. The department reaffirmed its commitment to organising youth-centric programmes and commemorating significant historical milestones across Lower Subansiri district.

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RSS holds Intellectuals’ Meet in Pasighat

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT : The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), East Siang Zilla, organised a Prabuddha Nagarik Sanghoshti (Intellectuals’ Meet) at the College of Agriculture auditorium in Pasighat on Saturday, bringing together more than 50 intellectuals from across the district. The participants included professors, doctors, engineers, teachers, government officials and young entrepreneurs. The programme served as a platform for discussions on issues of social and national importance. RSS Prant Pracharak Kamlesh Kumar and Prant Sampark Pramukh Dr Kaling Jerang addressed the gathering, outlining the history, philosophy and organisational journey of the RSS. The speakers highlighted the organisation’s contributions to nation-building, social service, character development, disaster relief, education and cultural preservation. They also elaborated on Panch Parivartan, the RSS’s five-point roadmap for social transformation during its centenary period, which focuses on social harmony, strengthening family values, environmental consciousness, civic responsibility, and fostering national pride and cultural rootedness. Participants were urged to contribute towards these objectives through individual and collective efforts. The interactive session witnessed discussions on a range of contemporary issues, including the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable farming practices, preservation of indigenous languages and customs, promotion of indigenous faith, education, youth development and the role of intellectuals in nation-building. Participants appreciated the constructive exchange of ideas and stressed the need for continued dialogue on issues concerning society and national development. The programme was coordinated by RSS East Siang Zilla Sampark Pramukh Enuk Libang, who thanked the participants for their contributions to the event.    

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IICA Shillong conducts corporate Mitra Scheme webinar for Arunachal youth

ITANAGAR : The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), Shillong, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, organised an awareness webinar on the Corporate Mitra Scheme on Friday for students, youth, professionals, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and entrepreneurs in Arunachal Pradesh. The webinar was held as part of the Corporate Mitra Scheme Awareness Campaign for the Northeast in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU). The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) served as the lead co-host, while The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) participated as supporting co-hosts. The scheme aims to strengthen MSMEs, particularly in Tier-II cities, by creating a pool of trained and accredited Corporate Mitras to provide affordable and accessible professional support in areas such as regulatory compliance, taxation, accounting, governance and financial management. The initiative also seeks to equip young graduates with industry-relevant skills, thereby enhancing their employability. Officials said the scheme is expected to strengthen the MSME ecosystem while generating employment opportunities, particularly in the Northeastern region, by enabling enterprises to focus on innovation and business expansion while meeting statutory requirements. The programme has an initial pan-India target of 2,000 participants, including 200 from the Northeast, with candidates from the region eligible for a 50 per cent concession in course fees. For the Northeast, IICA Shillong has been designated as the nodal agency to coordinate with state governments, universities, industry bodies and other stakeholders for promotion and implementation of the scheme. Registrations for the Corporate Mitra course opened on July 15 and will remain open until July 31. Delivering the welcome address, IICA Shillong Officer on Special Duty and Nodal Officer for the Corporate Mitra Scheme in the Northeast Debarun Kalita acknowledged the guidance of IICA Director General Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh in conceptualising and developing the programme. Kalita said the initiative was designed to address challenges faced by MSMEs, particularly in the Northeast, including regulatory compliance burdens, limited access to affordable business advisory services and the need to improve the ease of doing business. ICMAI President Chittaranjan Chattopadhyay, in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of building a skilled professional workforce to support MSMEs and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. ICMAI Vice-President Manoj Kumar Anand emphasised the need for a supportive ecosystem for both young professionals and MSMEs, while Rajiv Gandhi University Department of Commerce Head Prof Rama Chandra Parida encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities offered under the scheme. The technical session was led by ICMAI Registered Valuers Organisation Managing Director CMA (Dr) S K Gupta, who explained the objectives, implementation framework and key components of the scheme. The presentation was followed by an interactive session addressing participants’ queries. More than 150 students, faculty members and aspiring professionals from various institutions across Arunachal Pradesh participated in the webinar. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, IICA, partner institutions and organisers for the successful conduct of the event. (DIPR)    

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Minister inaugurates multi-level parking facility in Aalo

AALO : Sports & Youth Affairs, Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kento Jini on Saturday inaugurated a multi-storey public parking facility near the daily market in Aalo, providing a major boost to the township’s urban infrastructure. The facility, executed by the Department of Urban Affairs, was inaugurated in the presence of West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi, West Siang Superintendent of Police Kardak Riba, West Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nyali Bagra, Heads of Departments, administrative officers, Zilla Parishad Members, senior citizens and members of the public. According to Executive Engineer Helli Welly, the parking complex can accommodate 40 light motor vehicles (LMVs) on each floor, with the existing two-storey structure having a capacity for 80 vehicles. The foundation has been designed for future expansion up to G+5. The project was constructed at a cost of ₹4.89 crore. Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi appealed to the public to maintain the cleanliness of the facility and appreciated Minister Jini for creating a major public asset for Aalo township. Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nyali Bagra urged citizens to use the facility responsibly and appealed to the minister to initiate more developmental projects for the township. Addressing the gathering, Jini appreciated the Urban Affairs Department and the executing agency for completing the project on time while maintaining quality standards. Noting the shortage of available land in Aalo, the minister said the township would have to adopt vertical infrastructure development. He informed that a convention hall of international standards is being planned as part of the parking complex and added that several more parking projects are in the pipeline. Jini said his vision is to develop Aalo into one of the state’s best district headquarters through planned urban development, beautification and improved cleanliness. He directed the district administration and police to remove abandoned vehicles and construction materials lying along the National Highway within Aalo township and adjoining areas to ensure smooth traffic movement. The minister also instructed the DC to cancel proposed land allotments near the Inspection Bungalow (IB) and the State Bank of India (SBI) along the National Highway, stating that the land should instead be reserved for future town beautification projects. Jini appealed to the people of Aalo and all stakeholders to extend their cooperation in the planned development and beautification of the township. (DIPR)    

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IMC removes roadside shops near CM’s residence in Niti Vihar

ITANAGAR : The Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) on Saturday carried out a demolition drive, removing small roadside shops and temporary structures near the Chief Minister’s residence at Niti Vihar as part of its anti-encroachment and beautification initiative. Speaking on the drive, IMC Corporator Taksing Tai said that several makeshift shops and temporary structures had come up along the roadside, adversely affecting the area’s appearance. He said such encroachments create an untidy environment and leave a poor impression on both visitors and local residents. “The objective of this drive is to beautify Itanagar and keep public spaces free from encroachments,” Tai said. Appealing for public cooperation, he urged shopkeepers and residents not to occupy roadside spaces with temporary structures and requested those who have encroached on public land to remove such structures voluntarily to help maintain the city’s cleanliness, aesthetics and orderly urban environment. (Source: UNI)  

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Pradhan’s journey ‘testament’ to lifelong engagement with student welfare: Rijiju

NEW DELHI : BJP leaders acknowledged Dharmedra Pradhan’s contributions after he resigned as Union education minister on Saturday, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju describing his journey as a “testament” to lifelong engagement with public life and student welfare. BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde said a strong nation is defined by its education system and Pradhan has always accorded the utmost importance to this idea throughout his public life. Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday following Cockroach Janta Party-led student protests across the country for his ouster over the NEET paper leak issue. In a post on X, Rijiju said, “True leadership is measured over decades & and Dr Dharmendra Pradhan-ji’s journey stands as a testament to lifelong engagement with public life and student welfare.” He also posted on X a picture of him with Pradhan from some past event. Tawde said Pradhan’s journey in public life, which began with student movements, reached a significant milestone when he assumed the role of the country’s education minister. “During this tenure, he consistently endeavoured to keep the importance of education at the forefront of national discourse,” the BJP Rajya Sabha member said. “I extend my best wishes for your future endeavours in public life and hope that your spirit of “Nation First” remains steadfast in the pursuit of the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ (Developed India 2047),” Tawde added. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, terming Pradhan’s exit as an unprecedented and empathetic gesture toward Gen Z and the nation’s youth. He insisted that the resignation reflects the ruling party’s commitment to standing by students during critical times. “The sensitivity, responsibility, and direct connection shown towards students is truly remarkable’”something unprecedented in our country,” Tiwari said, adding “There is a clear emotion to go to any length to safeguard the interests of our students and Gen Z.” (Source: PTI)                  

REGIONAL

Modi dials Himanta to enquire flood relief, offers Centre’s full support

GUWAHATI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered full support to the Assam government in dealing with the ongoing flood havoc, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. In a post on X, Sarma said that Modi called him to enquire about the prevailing flood situation. “He sought an update on the extent of the devastation, the ongoing relief operations and the challenges we are confronting on the ground,” he added. Sarma said that he briefed the PM on the measures the state government is undertaking and its efforts to reach out to every affected family. “Expressing his deep condolences over the loss of lives and property, the Hon’ble Prime Minister assured the people of Assam that this calamity is being accorded the highest priority and the Government of India will extend every possible support to aid our relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts,” he added. The people of Assam are deeply grateful to PM Modi for his reassurance and steadfast support during this difficult time, Sarma said. The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Saturday even as the water level has started to recede in some parts, while 61 people have died of the deluge and over 7.05 lakh people are affected in nine districts. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Elephant swept away from Nagaland hills to Assam plains due to floods rescued

GUWAHATI : A domesticated elephant was swept away from the Nagaland hills to the Brahmaputra Valley due to the raging floods, and it has been rescued and is being treated, Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said on Saturday. The 53-year-old elephant was swept by the Dikhow River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, from Namsang in Nagaland and it washed ashore at Bihubor in Assam’s Sivasagar district. The pachyderm was safely rescued on Friday and veterinary care was provided to it, the minister said. “As we continue to strengthen disaster response and animal welfare, our focus remains on ensuring that every life — human or animal — receives timely care during emergencies,” he said. The minister said the rescue reflected the dedication of frontline personnel, who work tirelessly during floods to safeguard wildlife and domesticated animals displaced by rising waters. Following the rescue, the elephant safely made its way to Balighat in Simaluguri, where it is currently resting under the supervision of the authorities. A veterinary team from the Nazira Veterinary Dispensary, supported by the Nazira Mobile Veterinary Unit, promptly reached the site to conduct a comprehensive health examination and provide immediate medical treatment. Veterinary experts have confirmed that the elephant will remain under continuous observation to ensure a full recovery from the physical stress caused by the flood. Baruah said, “Every monsoon presents immense challenges for both people and animals across the Northeast. Timely rescue operations, professional veterinary care and coordinated efforts by government agencies play a crucial role in reducing the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable wildlife and domesticated animals, reflecting Assam’s growing capacity for compassionate and effective disaster management.” He said that the state government’s vision is to build an Assam where disaster resilience goes hand-in-hand with compassion for all living beings. “Every successful rescue strengthens our commitment to protecting the state’s rich natural heritage while reaffirming that humanity is at its best when it extends care to those who cannot speak for themselves,” he added. The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Saturday even as the water level has started to recede in some parts. A total of 61 people have died due to the deluge and over 7.05 lakh people have been affected in nine districts, officials said. (Source: PTI)