Author name: OnlineAge

ITANAGAR : Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have rediscovered the rare flowering plant species Geum macrosepalum in the alpine region of Arunachal Pradesh nearly 120 years after it was last officially recorded in India, officials said. The species, endemic to the Eastern Himalaya and considered vulnerable, was found near the strategically important Se La Pass in western Arunachal Pradesh during an extensive botanical survey in high-altitude alpine meadows, they said. According to researchers, the species was rediscovered during a field study conducted under a project assessing the impact of climate change on floristic diversity and migration of vascular plants in the alpine and subalpine landscapes of western Arunachal Pradesh. The research team, comprising botanists Subhajit Lahiri, Monalisa Das and Sudhansu Sekhar Dash, located the species in the Se La area between Tawang and West Kameng districts at an altitude of around 4,200 metres. The findings have since been documented in the international scientific journal Phytotaxa, which described the rediscovery as a major contribution to understanding the fragile Eastern Himalayan ecosystem. Scientists noted that the plant was last reliably collected in India in 1905 from Sikkim, with only a few historical records available thereafter. A member of the rose family, Geum macrosepalum is characterised by its pale yellow to ivory-yellow flowers tinged with reddish hues and drooping blossoms adapted to harsh alpine environments. Researchers found the species growing in alpine meadows and marshy terrain in one of the least explored landscapes of the Indian Himalaya. Using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessment parameters, the researchers classified the species as ‘Vulnerable’ in India owing to its restricted distribution and mounting habitat pressures caused by developmental activities and ecological disturbances in fragile mountain ecosystems. Scientists involved in the study emphasised that the rediscovery underlines the urgent need for intensified floristic research and long-term conservation efforts in Arunachal Pradesh, which forms part of the globally recognised Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. The region is known for harbouring numerous endemic and rare species of flora and fauna, many of which remain undocumented because of difficult terrain and limited scientific exploration. The rediscovery has drawn attention from conservationists, scientists and policymakers alike, with Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein hailing the finding as a reminder of the state’s extraordinary ecological wealth. “Rediscovering a forgotten treasure of the Eastern Himalaya. The rare Geum macrosepalum, unseen in India for nearly 120 years, has been found again in the alpine landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of the region,” Mein said in a post on X on Monday. Over the past few years, Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as a major centre for botanical discoveries and rediscoveries. Several new and rare plant species, including orchids, begonias and alpine herbs, have been identified from the state’s remote mountainous regions. (Source: PTI/Photo: XChownaMeinBJP)      

ZIRO :  Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC) Chairman Tarh Tarak chaired a joint review meeting on implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) for Lower Subansiri and Keyi Panyor districts at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall on Monday. The meeting brought together administrative officers and officials from various departments to assess the status of food security schemes and discuss measures for improving delivery of benefits to eligible households. APSFC Member Ngasah Tangjang, while addressing the meeting, highlighted the evolution of the public distribution system from the rationing era to the rights-based framework under the NFSA. He also underlined the Commission’s quasi-judicial powers aimed at safeguarding the interests of vulnerable sections of society. During the meeting, officials reviewed implementation of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) schemes. Tarak raised concerns over irregularities in electronic Point of Sale (ePOS) machines and directed the concerned department to address technical issues to ensure smooth and transparent distribution of food grains. Officials from the Health and Women and Child Development departments, including Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and the District Medical Officer (DMO), apprised the meeting of challenges faced in implementing welfare programmes such as the Supplementary Nutrition Programme and Janani Suraksha Yojana, particularly in view of funding constraints. Expressing satisfaction over the maintenance of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown, the APSFC Chairman stressed the need for establishing a dedicated food testing laboratory in the region to ensure food quality and safety. Tarak also directed Heads of Departments of both districts to maintain proper records and strictly adhere to statutory guidelines. He further emphasised the importance of strengthening public awareness so that beneficiaries are fully informed about their entitlements and procedures for availing benefits under various food security schemes. (DIPR)      

ROING :  A meeting of the District Level Monitoring Committee-cum-interaction session to deliberate on developmental and welfare initiatives was held in Roing on Monday in the presence of Advisor to Education and Home Minister Mutchu Mithi and MLA Puinnyo Apum. The meeting was attended by Lower Dibang Valley Zilla Parishad Chairperson and Zilla Parishad Members, Deputy Commissioner Fwwrman Brahma, Superintendent of Police Ringu Ngupok, Heads of Offices, administrative officers, community-based organisations and representatives from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Addressing the meeting, Mithi and Apum advised departments and banks to work in coordination to ensure timely disbursement of loans under the Atmanirbhar schemes so that eligible beneficiaries receive benefits without delay. The legislators also stressed the need to maximise coverage under social security schemes, including old-age pension and the Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana (CMAAY). They further appealed to the government to consider inclusion of non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe residents living in the district under the CMAAY scheme. Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Fwwrman Brahma said the objective of the meeting was to review and deliberate on implementation of various welfare and development programmes, including the Atmanirbhar schemes, health coverage schemes, social security initiatives, education, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin). During the meeting, various departments made presentations on schemes and projects being implemented in the district. (DIPR)        

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Police badminton team delivered its best-ever performance at the 2nd All India Police Badminton Cluster Championship 2025-26 held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from May 9 to 13. Competing against more than 45 police teams from across the country, the 15-member Arunachal Pradesh Police contingent secured an impressive overall 12th position and won a record six medals, surpassing all previous performances. Longding Superintendent of Police Dekio Gumja emerged as the top performer for the team, winning one gold and two bronze medals. Miao Sub-Divisional Police Officer Paul Jerang secured one bronze medal, while Lance Constable Apali Mega won a silver medal. Assistant Sub-Inspector (Telecommunication) Menya Riba, Lance Constable Nang Propha Namchoom and Lance Constable Phetan Wangsuam also won one bronze medal each. Following the achievement, a felicitation programme was held at the Police Headquarters (PHQ) in Itanagar in the presence of Arunachal Pradesh Director General of Police Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal. Congratulating the team, the DGP praised the players for bringing pride and honour to the State Police through their outstanding performance at the national-level championship. Senior police officers, including Inspector General of Police Chuku Apa, Inspector General of Police (Admin) Tusar Taba, Inspector General of Police (Ops) Apur Bitin, Inspector General of Police (West) Take Ringu, Deputy Inspector General of Police Joy Nathaniel Tirkey and Deputy Inspector General of Police Suman Nalwa, attended the programme and lauded the team for its historic achievement. The Arunachal Pradesh Police Sports Control Board and Police Headquarters also extended congratulations to the medal winners, coaches, managers and officials for their contribution towards promoting sportsmanship within the force.