June 1, 2026 1:43 am
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Khandu, Mein greet people of Sikkim on Statehood Day

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ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday extended warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on its Statehood Day, describing the Himalayan state as a symbol of peace, harmony and sustainable development. “Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on the joyous occasion of its Statehood Day,” Khandu said in a post on X. The chief minister said Sikkim is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm-hearted people and stands as a shining example of peace, harmony, and sustainable progress. Khandu also lauded Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, saying that under his “dynamic leadership”, the state continues to witness “remarkable development while proudly preserving its traditions and identity”. “May Sikkim continue to prosper and scale greater heights in the years ahead,” the chief minister added. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also conveyed his greetings to the people of Sikkim on the occasion. “Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of its Statehood Day,” Mein said in a social media post. Highlighting the progress made by the Himalayan state, Mein said that under the leadership of Tamang, Sikkim “continues to make remarkable strides while preserving its unique cultural identity, natural beauty and spirit of harmony”. Sikkim observes its Statehood Day on May 16 to commemorate its merger with the Indian Union in 1975, when the former Himalayan kingdom officially became the 22nd state of India through the 36th Constitutional Amendment. (Source: PTI)    

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9th State-level Hangpan Dada Memorial Tournament begins

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AALO :  The 9th edition of the State-Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy Football and Volleyball Tournament for Under-16 boys and girls commenced at Aalo Stadium in West Siang district on Friday. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini inaugurated the tournament in the presence of Aalo West MLA Topin Ete, Chasen Lowang Dada, wife of late Havildar Hangpan Dada, Sports and Youth Affairs Special Secretary Akshat Kaushal, West Siang SP Kardak Riba, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nyali Bagra, Brigadier Ritesh Katoch, officials of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department and the district administration. More than 1,500 participants, including players, coaches, technical officials and District Sports Officers from 28 districts, including the Itanagar Capital Region, are participating in the tournament. Organised annually as a flagship programme of the Arunachal Pradesh government, the tournament commemorates Ashoka Chakra awardee late Havildar Hangpan Dada of Borduria village in Tirap district. His sacrifice and dedication to the nation continue to inspire youths across the state. Addressing the gathering, Jini highlighted the role of sports in promoting discipline, character-building and career opportunities for young athletes. He also spoke about the state government’s initiatives for sports promotion, including job reservations and cash incentives for outstanding sportspersons. The opening boys’ football match between host West Siang and Shi Yomi ended in a 1-1 draw. In girls’ football, Longding and Kra Daadi played out a 1-1 draw, while Upper Subansiri defeated Changlang 2-1, Namsai edged past Siang 2-1 and West Kameng thrashed Pakke Kessang 8-0. In boys’ football, Siang defeated East Siang 3-0, while Longding registered a 3-0 win over Dibang Valley. The volleyball events will commence on Saturday. The tournament will continue till May 25 across four venues in Aalo. Fixtures for May 17 include football matches in both boys’ and girls’ categories at ITBP Ground, Main Ground, Darka Ground, Pakam Ground and APPBn Ground, while volleyball matches will be played at the Army Ground. The tournament is expected to promote sportsmanship, unity and youth development while providing a competitive platform for young athletes from across the state. (DIPR)    

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Chouhan calls for science-led farming roadmaps amid climate change threats

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NEW DELHI : Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday underscored the urgency of adopting science-based agricultural practices, citing the increasingly visible impact of climate change on farming across India and globally. At a meeting convened to review the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) proposals of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Chouhan directed officials to fast-track the preparation of state-specific agricultural roadmaps aligned with the agro-climatic conditions of each state, in consultation with respective state governments. Officials informed the Minister that the exercise is already underway, with Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Rajasthan among the states that have formally requested such roadmaps, which are expected to be finalised shortly, an official statement said. Chouhan, expressing satisfaction with ICAR’s action plan, urged officials to accelerate implementation with the aim of meeting targets ahead of schedule. ICAR Director General and Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Dr M. L. Jat, briefed the Minister on the council’s programmes and activities, as well as its future strategy to maximise benefits for farmers and Indian agriculture broadly. The Minister reiterated that agriculture remains the primary livelihood for a large share of the population and a bedrock of the Indian economy. He called for all efforts to be directed at making farming more productive, cost-efficient and financially rewarding for cultivators. Chouhan also stressed the need for wide-scale promotion of integrated farming, urging that farmers be encouraged to adopt the model practically, saying it would boost incomes while advancing sustainable agricultural practices. (Source: PTI)      

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Seven NE states gear up for SIR of electoral rolls

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GUWAHATI :  Following the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) announcement, seven Northeastern states have begun preparations for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, officials said on Saturday. The ECI on Thursday (May 14) announced the launch of the SIR of electoral rolls in a phased manner across 16 states and three Union Territories. The poll panel stated that the Phase-III schedule of the SIR would be a major nationwide exercise aimed at enhancing the accuracy, inclusiveness, and transparency of voter lists. The 16 states include seven of the eight Northeastern states — Mizoram, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura. Assam already completed the Special Revision (not SIR) exercise, and the ECI on February 10, 2026, published the final electoral rolls covering all 126 Assembly constituencies in the state. In Shillong, Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr B.D.R. Tiwari said that the state is fully prepared for the forthcoming SIR of electoral rolls as announced by the ECI. Tiwari stated that the Election Commission has included Meghalaya in the third phase of the SIR exercise, and the qualifying date for the revision has been fixed as October 1, 2026. He informed that preparatory activities, including training programmes and printing of enumeration forms, would be carried out from June 20 to June 29, 2026. The house-to-house survey by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would take place from June 30 to July 29, 2026, covering all polling stations across the state. Polling station-wise consolidation work would also be completed by July 29. According to the CEO, the draft electoral roll in Meghalaya would be published on August 5, 2026, after which the period for filing claims and objections would continue till September 4, 2026. The final electoral roll would be published on October 7, 2026, following completion of the revision exercise. Highlighting the preparedness of the state machinery, Tiwari said that all necessary arrangements and advance planning measures had already been initiated in accordance with the ECI guidelines to ensure smooth conduct of the Special Intensive Revision across Meghalaya. He further informed that meetings and consultations had already been held with political parties in the state, during which the procedures and modalities of the Special Intensive Revision were explained in detail. Queries and concerns raised by representatives of various political parties were also addressed during the discussions. Political parties have been requested to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from their respective parties to facilitate the smooth implementation of the exercise at the grassroots level. The CEO noted that BLAs play a crucial role in assisting Booth Level Officers during the revision process at each polling station. Reiterating the Election Commission’s commitment to maintaining free, fair, and transparent electoral processes, the official said that the Special Intensive Revision exercise would be conducted in a transparent manner with the objective of ensuring accurate, inclusive, and error-free electoral rolls in the state. Officials in other Northeastern states also said that they are fully prepared to conduct the SIR exercise in a transparent and participatory manner. Election authorities have appealed to all political parties to appoint Booth Level Agents for every polling booth to ensure complete participation of political parties and smooth implementation of the revision process. The schedule for publication of the final electoral rolls varies across the Northeastern states. According to election officials, the final electoral rolls would be published on September 6, 2026, in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Manipur; on September 22 in Arunachal Pradesh; on October 7 in Meghalaya; on November 22 in Nagaland; and on November 23, 2026, in Tripura. (Source: IANS)        

REGIONAL

Kuki women’s outfit holds rally in Manipur’s Churachandpur to protest killing of 3 church leaders

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IMPHAL : A Kuki women’s body held a massive rally in Manipur’s Churachandpur district to protest against the recent killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi. Attendees of the rally assembled at Koite village ground and marched for nearly 2 km to Tuibong, while raising slogans demanding justice. The rally was organised by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights. They handed a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of the Churachandpur district, addressing it to the Union home minister. Their demands included immediate review and strengthening of the security apparatus and deployment of forces in all Kuki-Zo areas to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement of civilians, sources said. It also called for a high-level investigation into the killings of the church leaders and a swift and “decisive action” against two militant outfits, which are allegedly involved in the violence, they said. The protesters also called for recognition and legitimisation of village guards formed for self-protection in Kuki-Zo villages under proper legal and administrative mechanisms. (Source: PTI)        

REGIONAL

Assam CM inaugurates ‘India’s first’ AI-powered bank branch in Guwahati

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GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday inaugurated “India’s first AI and digital-powered” bank branch in Guwahati, aimed at boosting financial inclusion and opening new opportunities for the youth. The AI-powered ‘phygital’ branch of Slice Small Finance Bank was unveiled at GS Road here. Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said this branch represents another step toward building a more inclusive financial ecosystem across both urban and underserved communities. He said the bank’s opening, with its “unique services”, represents the right kind of investment the state government has been working on for sometime. The inauguration of this branch also speaks about Assam’s readiness in supporting and encouraging the future of Indian banking, the CM said. Sarma said customers in the bank would be able to access credit directly through the UPI interface without a separate application for the same. “This would help small store owners and women entrepreneurs getting access to working capital for their business ventures on their phones in minutes,” he said. Sarma asserted that the Assam government is committed to making the state a destination for responsible and technology-driven investment. He also said that the government is “relentless in creating conditions where businesses can thrive, where young people can find opportunity, and where every resident has access to the financial tools they need to build a better life”. The bank “seamlessly blends physical and digital services through AI-enabled self-service kiosks, paperless cash deposits and withdrawals, and streamlined digital onboarding”, the chief minister said. (Source: PTI)  

REGIONAL

Centre sanctions raising of one more IRBn for Tripura

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AGARTALA : The Centre has sanctioned a proposal to raise one more India Reserve Battalion for Tripura to effectively handle the law and order situation in the northeastern state, an official said on Saturday. The Union government will reimburse one-time financial assistance of Rs 50 crore for raising one IRBn. In a letter to Tripura Chief Secretary J K Sinha, an official of the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “I am directed to convey the sanction for raising of one India Reserve Battalion (IRBn) by the Tripura government. The Centre shall reimburse one-time financial assistance of Rs 50 crore for raising one IRBn”. Currently, the northeastern state has 11 India Reserve Battalions (IRBns). “The recruitment process shall be completed within two years of the date of sanction,” the letter said, adding that a selection board headed by an ADG-rank official will be formed to proceed with the recruitment drive. The force will be deployed for counter-insurgency operations and border guarding, and the state government will be obligated to comply with requests whenever the Centre feels the need to requisition the IRBn, the MHA communication said. Earlier, the state government announced that it would appoint 916 constables, including women, through a direct recruitment process. A six-member recruitment committee has already been constituted. (Source: PTI)            

Editorial

NEET paper leak: Playing with students’ futures

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The country’s Gen Z is outraged. The NEET paper leak has once again shocked the nation. This is not the first time that an examination promising admission to medical colleges has been compromised. A similar incident occurred in 2024 and now again in 2026, which speaks volumes about the audacity of those involved in the leak. The government took the right decision to scrap NEET UG 2026, but that does not redeem the situation, as it has erased the hard work of millions of students who sacrificed everything for this examination. It is merely damage control for a situation that should never have arisen in the first place. NEET is an important examination that carries the hopes and aspirations of the middle class and also provides the nation with the qualified pool of doctors it urgently needs. Parents spend lakhs on coaching and even relocate to help their children prepare for the exam. When a leak destroys those hopes, lives are shattered, leaving families in uncertainty and despair. The emotional trauma is enormous, with students burdened by the prospect of preparing all over again and potentially losing an entire year. Witnessing the same scandal repeat itself has deepened frustration and cynicism. The larger question is unavoidable: why does this keep happening? India has witnessed paper leaks in recruitment tests, state board examinations, police recruitment exams and now repeatedly in national-level entrance examinations. The problem is systemic. Examination mafias have evolved into organised criminal networks with political links, local protectors and insiders within institutions. Using sophisticated digital techniques, they earn crores of rupees. Yet investigations often end with the arrest of minor intermediaries while the masterminds remain untouched. This culture of impunity is even more worrying. While governments routinely promise “zero tolerance”, public confidence is steadily declining because accountability is rarely fixed. Merely making arrests is no solution; the entire ecosystem enabling such leaks must be dismantled. That means identifying officials who failed in supervision, exposing coaching-centre nexuses, tracking money trails and ensuring swift convictions of the real culprits. Unless the kingpins are punished, paper leaks will continue to reappear in new forms. The outrage among Gen Z is therefore understandable. Today’s students are digitally connected, politically aware and far less willing to quietly accept institutional incompetence. Social media has amplified their anger because many believe the system is rigged against sincere candidates.  India cannot aspire to become a ‘Vishwa Guru’ and a global knowledge powerhouse while its examination system repeatedly collapses. Competitive examinations are meant to be the great equaliser in a deeply unequal society. When they lose credibility, social trust itself begins to erode. India urgently needs a complete overhaul of examination security — stronger digital safeguards, encrypted paper distribution, tighter monitoring and a phased transition towards secure computer-based testing. More importantly, the government must instil confidence among young people that it is committed to protecting their interests. (Source: The Pioneer)

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Protest over ILP turns violent, all detainees released

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Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : A protest rally demanding the release of executive members of the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee turned violent outside the Itanagar Police Station on Friday after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, despite assurances from the state government regarding the release of the detained leaders. The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee, led by its general secretary Millo Ambo, had earlier announced a 36-hour capital bandh from May 14, opposing the recently notified Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit (ILP) Guidelines, 2026. The organisation alleged that certain provisions of the guidelines violate the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873, and may adversely impact the rights and interests of indigenous communities. On May 14, police had detained three executive members of the organisation—Millo Ambo, Sol Dodum, and Tana Tamar—in connection with the proposed bandh. On Friday, a large number of people from across different sections of society participated in a protest rally from Naharlagun to the Itanagar Police Station, demanding the immediate release of the detained leaders. Subsequently, State Home Minister Mama Natung reportedly directed the release of all detainees and appealed to protesters to withdraw the agitation. However, tension escalated outside the police station despite the assurance and the presence of released detainee Sol Dodum among the protesters. The situation deteriorated when a section of demonstrators allegedly resorted to stone pelting, prompting security personnel to use tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Reports also indicated incidents of vandalism and burning of vehicles in parts of the state capital. Following the unrest, Sol Dodum urged protesters to maintain calm and condemned the use of violence in pursuit of their demands. While Millo Ambo and Tana Tamar were reportedly released, protesters continued to demand public confirmation of their release, insisting that both leaders be presented before the gathering. Sources indicated that their release was delayed as they were lodged in Tezu and Pasighat respectively, and were being brought to Itanagar. Meanwhile, the state Cabinet has approved the Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit Guidelines, 2026, which propose the introduction of a digital e-ILP system with QR code-based verification and enhanced monitoring mechanisms across the state.  

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Arunachal to undertake SIR of electoral rolls under Phase-III

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ITANAGAR :  The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 16 states and three Union Territories, with Arunachal Pradesh included under Phase-III of the nationwide exercise. According to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Arunachal Pradesh, the revision schedule has been aligned with the ongoing Census house-listing exercise to ensure effective utilisation of the common field machinery. The ECI stated that with the implementation of Phase-III, the SIR process would cover almost the entire country, except Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The schedule for the remaining State and Union Territories will be announced later after considering completion of Census activities and prevailing weather conditions in snow-bound and upper-reach areas. As part of the exercise, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will undertake house-to-house visits across Arunachal Pradesh to verify and update electoral details. Political parties have also been requested to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) at every polling station to ensure transparency and active participation in the revision process. Across the country, more than 3.94 lakh BLOs and 3.42 lakh BLAs will be engaged in the Phase-III enumeration exercise covering nearly 36.73 crore electors. In Arunachal Pradesh, 2,288 BLOs and 3,131 BLAs will be involved in the verification process for 8,87,607 electors as on May 12, 2026. The timeline for the exercise in the state includes preparation, training and printing activities from June 5 to June 14, followed by house-to-house verification from June 15 to July 14. The draft electoral roll will be published on July 21, while the final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on September 22, 2026. The CEO appealed to eligible voters, political parties and other stakeholders to extend full cooperation for the successful completion of the Special Intensive Revision process.