Author name: OnlineAge

  ITANAGAR : A series of weather-related disasters, including storms, landslides, floods, forest fires and heavy rainfall incidents, have affected more than 32,800 people across Arunachal Pradesh during the period between January and May 13 this year, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). An official report issued by the state Disaster Management department stated that at least seven people lost their lives and eight others were injured in various disaster incidents reported from across the state during the period under review. The fatalities included four deaths caused by landslides, two due to storms and one due to lightning strikes. The report said 26 districts were affected by natural calamities, with districts such as Anjaw, Upper Subansiri, Namsai, Kra Daadi, East Kameng, Siang and Changlang witnessing significant impact in terms of population affected and disaster occurrences. According to the report, the state recorded 49 forest fire incidents, 31 storm-related incidents, 24 earthquakes, 24 landslides, nine flood incidents and three heavy rainfall events during the period from January to May 13. Altogether, 114 circles and 128 villages across the state were affected by different forms of natural disasters. The total affected population was estimated at around 32,856 people. The report highlighted extensive damage to houses and other structures. The agriculture and horticulture sectors also suffered losses, with 133.3 hectares of crop area affected, including 123.1 hectares under horticulture cultivation and 10.2 hectares under agriculture. The SEOC report further noted major infrastructure damage across the state, including destruction of 14 roads, 16 power lines, 39 electric poles, eight bridges, two culverts and 31 water supply facilities. Damage was also reported to government buildings, retaining walls, hydel projects, hospitals and schools. The report added that around 1,010 hectares of forest area were affected by forest fires between January and May 13. (Source: PTI)      

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram has strongly condemned the alleged NEET paper leakage scandal, stating that repeated examination irregularities have severely shaken public confidence in the country’s examination system. In a statement, Siram said the controversy was not just an examination issue but an attack on the future, aspirations, and hard work of lakhs of students and parents. He alleged that repeated incidents of paper leaks and administrative failures under the BJP-led government had created an educational crisis and eroded trust in merit-based examinations. Criticising the Centre for its alleged inaction, Siram claimed the government had failed to ensure transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms in national-level examinations. He termed the BJP government a “Paper Leak Sarkar,” alleging that students’ futures were being compromised due to corruption, negligence, and governance failures. The APCC president demanded the resignation of the union Education Minister, taking moral responsibility for repeated controversies surrounding national examinations. He also sought immediate re-conduct of the NEET examination under strict supervision and transparent mechanisms to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all students. Siram further demanded a fair and time-bound investigation into the alleged paper leak, exemplary punishment for those involved, and strengthening of examination security and monitoring systems. Expressing concern over the hardships faced by students from Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those from remote and economically weaker backgrounds, he urged the Govt of India and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to establish and strengthen NEET and CUET examination centres across the state. He added that the APCC stands firmly with students, parents, and the academic community on the issue. (Source: UNI)        

  Maksam Tayeng ROING/PASIGHAT : The Department of Sericulture Zone-V, Roing under Lower Dibang Valley district on Tuesday organised a farmers’ awareness-cum-training programme on pre and post cocoon technology and bee keeping at Muga Firm, Jia. The programme, funded by the Directorate of Sericulture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh under the promotion of sericulture initiative for 2025-26, was attended by several farmers from Jia, Roing and nearby areas, including two progressive farmers from East Siang district. The training programme was led by Roing Deputy Director of Sericulture Dagmo Riba, Sericulture Zone-V Zonal Officer Talong Tadeng and Roing Sericulture Development Officer Ani Lego. The officials trained farmers on pre-cocoon practices, post-cocoon silk processing, bee keeping techniques and their economic benefits. Addressing the participants, Roing Deputy Director of Sericulture Dagmo Riba said, “Selected farmers will be provided further training on silkworm and bee rearing, besides government support in the form of equipment and plantation of silkworm host plants.” Sericulture Zone-V Zonal Officer Talong Tadeng and Roing Sericulture Development Officer Ani Lego urged farmers to utilise the technological knowledge imparted during the programme to generate sustainable income and employment opportunities in rural areas. Progressive farmers Takir Taloh of Ledum village and Mijing Kening of Seram village in East Siang district also shared their experiences and knowledge on pre and post cocoon processing and bee keeping activities, which they said provide good economic returns to farmers.    

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday congratulated veteran leader N Rangasamy on taking oath as Puducherry CM for a fifth term, expressing confidence that the Union Territory would continue to witness progress under his leadership. In a post on X, Khandu said Rangasamy’s continued acceptance among the people was a testament to his dedication towards the growth and well-being of Puducherry. He said the Union Territory would continue to make strides in infrastructure, tourism, youth empowerment, healthcare and economic development under the veteran leader’s stewardship. “Warmest congratulations to Shri N. Rangasamy Ji on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Puducherry again. My heartfelt best wishes for a successful and impactful tenure ahead in service of the people,” Khandu added. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also extended congratulations to Rangasamy, describing his return to office as a reflection of the people’s trust and confidence in his leadership. In a social media post, Mein said the NDA remained committed to the development, welfare and progress of Puducherry under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He wished the new government a successful tenure focused on good governance, inclusive growth and public welfare. Veteran political leader and founder of the All India N R Congress, Rangasamy took oath as Puducherry CM for the fifth time. Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rangasamy and his cabinet colleagues. Two other leaders, Malladi Krishna Rao from the regional party and A Namassivayam of the BJP, also took oath as ministers in the AINRC-led NDA government. (Source: PTI)