September 12, 2026 9:17 pm
Facebook Twitter Youtube

ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

REGIONAL

Ten from Assam missing in Nepal flash floods

/

GUWAHATI, AUG 29: Ten people from Assam have been reported missing in Nepal since devastating flash floods struck the Himalayan country three days ago, an official statement said on Saturday. Among the missing, three each are from Kamrup (Metro) and Karbi Anglong, two from Nalbari, and one each from Golaghat and Hojai districts, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said. Earlier, the ASDMA had reported that 12 people from the state were missing in the Nepal floods. Later, it said that the family members of two persons from Nalbari have confirmed that they are safe. The Karbi Anglong administration said that out of the three missing persons from the district, the family members of one have confirmed that he is safe, but the ASDMA is yet to ascertain his safety. The missing persons are Dr Dipali Sarkar, Pankaj Neog and Manash Kumar Ghosh from Guwahati in Kamrup (Metro), Rhituporno Brahma, Montri Basumatary and Someswar Narzary from Karbi Anglong, Arun Nath and Dr Tirtha Chaliha from Nalbari, Rahul Daimary from Golaghat and Shatadal Nath from Hojai, the ASDMA bulletin said. The state government has set up a flood-related emergency help desk at Assam House, New Delhi, and the helpline numbers are 011-23010299/98 and 28877111 (emergency assistance numbers), 9101089151 (Anuran Medhi) and 892057057 (Vinod Kalita). The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal rose to 579 on Friday, with more bodies recovered as search and rescue operations resume at full pace after a brief slowdown due to fear of fresh floods following an increase in the water level in the Bhotekoshi river area. So far, 1,545 injured and stranded people have been rescued from various affected regions. Among them, 84 were undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Kathmandu. An ice-rock avalanche triggered by a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border sent a torrent of water, mud and debris downstream through central Nepal on Wednesday, devastating towns and villages, washing away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges, and damaging hydropower projects. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Woman, mother held in connection with death of youth in Assam’s Tinsukia

/

TINSUKIA, AUG 29: A woman and her mother were arrested in Assam’s Tinsukia district on Saturday in connection with the death of a 26-year-old man, police said. The victim, Chinmoy Jyoti Changmai of Bordoloi Nagar area in the town, was found critically injured outside JSB Spring Field, a multi-storeyed residential complex, around midnight on Thursday, the police said. He was initially taken to Tinsukia Civil Hospital and later shifted to Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, where he succumbed to his injuries, they said. According to an FIR lodged by the deceased’s mother, Chinmoy had gone to the residential complex after allegedly being called by the woman, who is a law student. The complaint alleged that an altercation took place inside the building, following which Chinmoy was pushed from an upper floor and later found outside the complex. The woman and her mother have been arrested, while police are looking for her father, who is an associate professor in the Political Science department of Tinsukia College. Police said they are investigating the allegations, the circumstances of the victim’s entry into the building and the role of the accused. (Source: PTI)      

Editorial

Sugar shock: Bracing for impact

/

Soaring sugar prices over recent weeks have started to hit domestic budgets, causing worries ahead of the festival season. Retail prices have gone up by about 35-40%, from Rs 48 per kg reported last month to about Rs 65. Prices have touched Rs 70-75 in some regions. Multiple factors have led to the price spike, but the most prominent among them is the Union government’s inability to foresee the production and supply crunch and to take timely corrective steps. Some important decisions may also have contributed to the situation. The country has recorded a significant fall in domestic production: output estimates for 2025-26 came down to about 306 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) from an initial projection of 343 LMT. Government estimates place the country’s sugar consumption at 280-290 LMT. While climatic factors, including waterlogging caused by excessive rainfall in key producing states such as Maharashtra, reduced cane yields, pest and fungus attacks reduced yields in another major state, Uttar Pradesh. The government controls every stage of production, and much of the supply is organised and managed by sugar co-operatives. However, prompt measures to address the shortage were largely absent – imports in time, for instance, could have averted the current situation. High festival demand during the next few months will likely put pressure on depleting supplies, further impacting the prices. Speculation and hoarding by a section of traders may have added to the pressure. International prices also rose over 16% in recent weeks. The government has decided to import 10 LMT of raw sugar but it will take time for the stocks to materialise and reach the market. It has also imposed stock limits on dealers and bulk consumers, announced physical verification of mill inventories, halted exports, and called for early crushing. While the diversion of cane for ethanol production has been cited as another reason for the fall in supply, the government has claimed that the share of sugar diverted for ethanol has fallen from about 12% in 2022-23 to 9% in 2025-26. It has also clarified that nearly three-fourths of the ethanol produced in the country now comes from grains, most of it from maize. However, the diversion from the current pool has had an impact. Sugar prices will need close monitoring in the coming weeks, given their potential impact on household budgets and food inflation. The prices and production scenario should push the country to devise a comprehensive policy that balances the demands of food security and fuel needs. (Source: DH)

Latest News, Popular News, State News

AAPSU seeks strict enforcement of uniform recruitment criteria

/

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, AUG 28: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Friday demanded strict implementation of the newly prescribed uniform eligibility criteria in all future government recruitments and called for enforcement of a “One Man, One Job” policy in the state. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here on Friday, AAPSU president Meje Taku said the union has submitted representations to the state’s recruitment agencies and held meetings with officials of the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) and Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) earlier today, urging them to strictly adhere to the new eligibility norms. As per the recent decision of the state Cabinet, the mandatory eligibility requirements include a Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC), Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) status and proficiency in an indigenous tribal language. Taku said strict enforcement of the criteria was necessary to safeguard opportunities for eligible local candidates, particularly unemployed youths who spend years preparing for competitive examinations. “We can’t give you a job, but we can give you an opportunity,” he said. The AAPSU also urged all government departments to furnish details of vacant posts to the respective recruiting agencies at the earliest so that recruitment processes could be initiated without unnecessary delay. On the issue of multiple government jobs, Taku said the union had received complaints alleging that some individuals, including those from influential backgrounds, were holding positions in more than one government department. He urged such individuals to voluntarily relinquish additional positions, warning that the AAPSU would initiate legal action, including filing FIRs, if the allegations were substantiated. The union further warned that it would oppose any future recruitment process that fails to comply with the newly prescribed eligibility criteria.    

Latest News, Popular News, State News

29 MoUs signed as Buyer-Seller Meet concludes at Rupa

/

BOMDILA, AUG 28: A two-day Buyer-Seller Meet organised by the District Horticulture Officer West Kameng concluded at the Indoor Stadium Gyaptong Rupa on Friday with the signing of 29 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between producers and buyers. Held on August 27 and 28, the meet brought together local farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Farmer Producer Groups (FPGs), entrepreneurs and buyers to establish direct market linkages and promote locally produced agro-horticultural products. The programme was inaugurated by West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar in the presence of West Kameng Superintendent of Police Dorjee Wangdi Thungon, PRI members, heads of departments and offices, allied department representatives, entrepreneurs, farmers and other stakeholders. Addressing the gathering, the DC stressed the need to strengthen market linkages, promote value addition and ensure better price realisation for farmers. He said such initiatives can help reduce market barriers, connect producers directly with buyers and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farming communities. The meet featured displays of locally produced agro-horticultural products followed by interactive sessions between buyers and sellers. Discussions focused on product quality, quantity, grading, packaging, pricing, transportation and regular procurement mechanisms. Three MoUs were signed on the first day, followed by 26 additional agreements on the concluding day, taking the total to 29. The agreements covered products including kiwi, persimmon, kidney beans, Sichuan pepper, soybean, star anise, sweet corn, turmeric, ginger, maize, walnut, dry fruits and large cardamom. The initiative is expected to strengthen market access, promote commercial cultivation and improve income opportunities for farmers while fostering long-term partnerships between producers and buyers in West Kameng.

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Army celebrates Raksha Bandhan with Mebo school students

/

PASIGHAT, AUG 28: Reaffirming its bond with the local community, the Spearhead Division under the aegis of Spear Corps celebrated Raksha Bandhan with students of Government Higher Secondary School Mebo on Friday. As part of the celebration, students tied rakhis to Army personnel, symbolising trust, respect and affection between the soldiers and the local community. The gesture reflected the students’ gratitude and respect for the personnel serving the nation. The event also featured warm interaction between the students and Army personnel, fostering camaraderie, mutual respect and a spirit of national integration. The engagement provided an opportunity to strengthen the emotional connect between the Army and the younger generation. The initiative is part of the Army’s continued community outreach efforts aimed at strengthening ties with local communities and promoting the ethos of “Nation First”. The celebration at Mebo reaffirmed the enduring relationship between the Army and the people, with bonds of service, protection and brotherhood extending beyond the battlefield.    

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Tagak urges youth to embrace sports, skills and nation-building

/

ITANAGAR, AUG 28: Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak has called upon the youth to embrace sports, acquire skills and actively contribute to nation-building, stressing that young people are the backbone of the country and architects of its future. Tagak was addressing the Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvaad (Khelo India Dialogue) at Don Bosco College Jullang on Friday. The programme was organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) as part of the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations. Addressing the gathering, Tagak emphasised the importance of education in building discipline, character and opportunities. He urged students to dream big, remain focused and make constructive contributions to society through community service, innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development. Encouraging youth to pursue self-reliance, he advised those completing their studies to acquire practical skills, explore entrepreneurship and work collectively. He said the future belongs not only to those with academic qualifications but also to those who demonstrate courage, creativity, innovation and a willingness to serve society. Tagak also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy and disciplined lifestyle and urged young people to stay away from substance abuse. He called upon them to follow the message, “Khel se jodo, nasha chhodo” (Join sports, leave drugs). The Khelo India Dialogue focused on five themes—strengthening India’s sports ecosystem, nurturing talent for the 2036 Olympics, developing youth leadership, empowering youth for Viksit Bharat and promoting a Nasha Mukt Yuva movement through sports and peer engagement. The programme was attended by Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu, Don Bosco College Principal Father Josh George, State Director MY Bharat Salman D. Singh, faculty members, officials and other guests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the participating youth through video conference, highlighting the role of sports, fitness, civic responsibility, volunteering and youth leadership in nation-building. Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also addressed the programme. The event featured interactions among youth participants, MY Bharat volunteers, sportspersons and public representatives. A Viksit Bharat Nasha Mukt Pledge was also administered, reaffirming the collective commitment towards a healthy and drug-free nation.      

Latest News, Popular News, State News

SHG market inaugurated at DUDA vendor market in Khonsa

/

KHONSA, AUG 28: A Self-Help Group (SHG) Market was inaugurated at the DUDA Vendor Market near UD-IB on the approach road to Bank Colony here on Friday, providing a dedicated platform for local SHGs to market their products. The market was organised by the Nocte Mothers Federation, with 15 SHG vendors participating in the inaugural programme. Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik attended the event as Chief Guest in the presence of Assistant Commissioner-cum-Deputy Director (RD) Longhi Naam, while retired Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran and Urban Development Department Executive Engineer Lienwang Hosai attended as special invitees. The market was formally inaugurated through a ribbon-cutting ceremony, following which the dignitaries inspected products displayed by the participating SHGs. Nocte Mothers Federation chairperson Nilom Wangsu welcomed the dignitaries and SHG members and expressed gratitude to Techu Aran and Lienwang Hosai for facilitating the operation of the market at the DUDA Vendor Market. Lienwang Hosai assured the vendors of departmental cooperation for the smooth functioning and sustainability of the market. He urged them to make optimum use of the facility and maintain cleanliness in and around the market while ensuring timely payment of the prescribed user fee. Techu Aran advised the vendors to maintain reasonable and uniform pricing to ensure the market remains sustainable. Longhi Naam encouraged the SHGs to promote “Vocal for Local” by producing and marketing locally made products, saying this could supplement household incomes and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. The DC stressed the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in the market and urged vendors and visitors to avoid spitting and ensure proper disposal of waste through the designated Urban Development garbage collection vehicle. Tawsik also encouraged the vendors to bring fresh and organic produce directly from their farms and make it available at the market regularly. He said sustained marketing of local agricultural and organic products would help improve livelihood opportunities for SHG members and their families.  

Latest News, Popular News, State News

ANSU seeks urgent action to contain FMD outbreak

/

ITANAGAR, AUG 28: The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to immediately deploy adequate veterinary doctors and para-veterinary personnel and ensure the availability of essential medicines and vaccines to contain the reported outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the state. In a representation submitted to the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary minister, ANSU president Ashok Doka expressed serious concern over the outbreak, claiming that the disease, reported from various parts of Arunachal, has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of mithuns across several districts. The students’ body said the situation was “extremely serious” and posed a grave threat to the mithun population as well as rural and indigenous communities whose livelihoods, cultural practices and traditions are closely associated with mithun rearing. It stressed that immediate, coordinated and effective intervention was necessary to contain the spread of the disease and prevent further mortality and economic losses among livestock owners. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, ANSU requested the state government to deploy adequate veterinary doctors, para-veterinary staff and field teams to areas affected by the disease as well as locations considered vulnerable to its spread. The union also called for immediate availability and distribution of essential medicines, vaccines and veterinary supplies required for the prevention and treatment of FMD. It urged the animal husbandry and veterinary department to treat the matter with “utmost urgency” and initiate immediate intervention to contain the outbreak and prevent further deaths of mithuns. The union said such measures were also necessary to safeguard the livelihoods and interests of communities affected by the outbreak. Doka said prompt and decisive action by the authorities would provide much-needed relief and reassurance to mithun owners and people in affected areas. The representation also underlined the close relationship between mithun rearing and the social, cultural and economic lives of indigenous communities in the state, arguing that continued mortality could have consequences beyond livestock losses. ANSU, therefore, sought coordinated government intervention with adequate manpower and veterinary supplies to bring the situation under control and prevent the disease from spreading further.

Latest News, Popular News, State News

AAPPWA urges ineligible beneficiaries to return priest honorarium

/

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, AUG 28: The All Arunachal Pradesh Priest Welfare Association (AAPPWA) has urged individuals who have adopted religions other than their traditional faiths to voluntarily surrender the priest honorarium being provided to them by the state government. Addressing media persons at the Arunachal Press Club here on Thursday, AAPPWA president Tatung Tagar said that, as per the eligibility criteria for receiving priest honorarium, several individuals who have allegedly converted to other religions are still continuing to draw the benefit across the state. Tagar termed the practice illegal and a violation of the existing system, and appealed to such individuals to surrender the honorarium and refund the amount received after their conversion. “If they fail to surrender the honorarium and refund the amount, the association will be compelled to take legal action,” he said. The AAPPWA president also urged the state government to ensure timely release of the priest honorarium to eligible beneficiaries. The association further objected to the existing practice of selection of local priests by Gaon Buras. Tagar claimed that in some cases, Gaon Buras belonging to other religious groups are involved in the selection process, which, according to the association, creates complications in identifying eligible traditional priests. The AAPPWA appealed to the state government to entrust the final verification and approval of the eligibility of local priests for the honorarium to the association, stating that this would help ensure that only genuine and eligible traditional priests receive the benefit.