Author name: OnlineAge

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)      

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.        

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)