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(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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Latest News, Popular News, State News

Karbak urges TSPs to enhance connectivity in remote areas

ITANAGAR, NOV 5: The Chairman of the State Council for IT & e-Governance, Nyamar Karbak, held a detailed meeting with officials from BSNL, Jio, and Airtel to explore ways to strengthen digital connectivity across Arunachal Pradesh. The discussion focused on setting up Wi-Fi booths at major institutions like Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) and Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), along with other key locations. Karbak also proposed working with the telecom service providers (TSPs) to conduct awareness drives on cyber security and various digital initiatives. The review of ongoing USOF 4G projects in the state was another major agenda item. Speaking at the meeting, Karbak highlighted the crucial role of the telecom sector in driving India’s digital transformation. He urged the service providers to look beyond commercial goals and take proactive steps to enhance connectivity in remote and rural areas of the state. Citing several IT and e-Governance initiatives successfully rolled out in Arunachal Pradesh, the Chairman stressed the need for stronger last-mile connectivity so that people at the grassroots can truly benefit from government-led digital programmes. He further emphasized the importance of close coordination between telecom operators, local authorities, and the state government. A collaborative and planned approach, he said, would help build an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready digital infrastructure – one that supports both economic growth and the overall development vision of Arunachal Pradesh.

Blog, Latest News, Popular News

Guv urges citizens to imbibe Guru Nanak’s ideals

NAHARLAGUN, NOV 5: Governor Lt General KT Parnaik(retd)participated in the 556th birthday celebration of Guru Nanak Dev at Gurudwara Saheb here on Wednesday. He offered prayers before the Guru Granth Sahib and took part in the Anand Sahib Path and Ardaas, the solemn Sikh prayer seeking divine guidance and blessings for all. Extending his warm greetings to the people, particularly the Sikh community, on the sacred occasion, Parnaik said, “Guru Nanak Jayanti is a festival that reminds all that the true essence of religion lies in righteousness, in living truthfully, serving others selflessly, and recognizing the divine spark in every being”. Parnaik reflected on Guru Nanak Dev’s timeless teachings, emphasizing that his message of peace, humility, and service to humanity continues to hold deep relevance in today’s fast-changing world. He said that Guru Nanak Dev’s philosophy of justice, compassion, and equality transcends time and boundaries, inspiring people to lead lives rooted in truth and moral courage. Referring to the Guru Granth Sahib, the Governor described it as a universal guide that encourages purity of thought, honesty in action, and selfless service to mankind. He lauded the Sikh community for embodying these values through their extraordinary contribution to society, particularly their tradition of Seva (selfless service) and community welfare that continues to inspire all. Parnaik urged every citizen to imbibe the spirit of humility, honesty, and love in their daily lives. He said that the ideals of Guru Nanak Dev must reflect in our actions by building harmony within our families, compassion within our communities, and unity within our nation. He called upon the youth to uphold these values and make service to humanity a way of life, live with humility, work with honesty, and serve with love. The Governor later joined people from various communities in the ‘Guru Ka Langar’ organized by the Sikh community of the twin cities of Itanagar and Naharlagun, symbolizing unity, equality, and shared humanity, the very essence of Guru Nanak Dev’s message.

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Industry-Academia Meet focuses on biotechnology collaboration in NE

ITANAGAR, NOV 5: The Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology (APSCS&T), Centre of Excellence for Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Kimin (CoE for BRSD),Department of Science & Technology, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, with the support of Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, organized the Industry-Academia Meet 2025 to strengthen biotechnology collaboration in Northeast India. The event, held with theme “Comprehensive Biotech Skills and Empowerment Development Programme for Postgraduates of Arunachal Pradesh and other NER States,” brought together scientists,academicians, policymakers and industry leaders to chart the future of biotechnology education, research, and employment in the North Eastern Region (NER). Designed as a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration, the meet sought to bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial application, while promoting employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation among biotechnology postgraduates across the region. Addressing the function as chief guest, former minister and APSCS&T Chairman Tage Taki highlighted the role of scientists, researchers and students in easing people’s lives with sustainable approach. Scientist-F & Associate Head, NER Division Dr Suraksha S Diwan emphasized DBT’s continued commitment to nurturing biotechnology talent and strengthening human resource capacity in the Northeast through sustained skill development and research support. Delivering the keynote address virtually, Dr Nitin Kumar Jain, Scientist-G/Advisor (NER Division), DBT, highlighted the need to align academic curricula with industrial needs to create a skilled and innovation-oriented biotechnology workforce for the region. The major highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of three innovative biotechnologies by the DBT-APSCS&T Centre of Excellence for Bioresources and Sustainable Development (CoE–BRSD), Kimin-namely, the Banana Fibre Tea Bag Technology, the Mobile Cohobation Platform, and the Temperature-Independent Microbial Revival Formulation – showcasing Arunachal Pradesh’s leadership in sustainable, eco-friendly, and entrepreneurship-driven bio-innovation in the Northeast. The four technical sessions were held during the day, featuring deliberations on biotechnology skill development, employability, and entrepreneurship. Industry representatives from Oil India Ltd., Assam Bio Ethanol Pvt. Ltd., Dabur India Ltd., and Patanjali Foods Ltd. shared insights on evolving manpower requirements, technological advances, and sectoral opportunities in the biotechnology landscape. Academic experts from NERIST, Rajiv Gandhi University, and Assam Agricultural University discussed strategies to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial expectations through curriculum reform and practical exposure. Experts from IBSD, Manipur, ICAR–IARI, Assam, and BRDC, Meghalaya highlighted the importance of hands-on training, effective communication, and translational skills to ensure employability and industrial readiness among biotechnology graduates. Speakers from Guwahati Biotech Park, Oil India Ltd., and Pabhoi Greens Pvt. Ltd. inspired young professionals to pursue research-driven entrepreneurship and innovative bioresource-based ventures across the region. An open forum on Industry–Academia Interaction provided a valuable opportunity for participants to engage directly with industry experts, exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and explore avenues for collaboration. The Industry–Academia Meet 2025 reaffirmed the shared commitment of academia, industry, and government towards strengthening the biotechnology ecosystem of the Northeast. It underscored the importance of collaborative partnerships, the need to address existing skill gaps through future finishing school programmes, and the collective aspiration to promote research excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship for the sustainable bioeconomic growth of the region.

Latest News, Popular News, REGIONAL

Pradyot Debbarma calls for united indigenous front across NE

AGARTALA, NOV 5: A day after his party and two others of the Northeast announced that they would form a single political entity to raise issues of the region, TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Wednesday urged the indigenous communities across the NE to unite and form a collective voice. On Tuesday, three parties of the Northeast, National People’s Party (NPP) of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Tipra Motha, People’s Party, Assam, signed a joint statement that announced that in the next 45 days, they would form a single political entity to raise issues of the North East region. Both NPP and TIPRA Motha are allies of the BJP. Speaking to reporters at Agartala Airport after returning from Delhi, Debbarma emphasised that a united effort among the indigenous groups such as the Tiprasa, Mizo, Naga, and Dimasa communities is essential to achieve lasting solutions. “Today, Tiprasa is not alone. The Mizo and Dimasa communities are standing with us, and now the entire Northeast is awakening,” said the TIPRA Motha supremo, underlining a growing sense of solidarity among the region’s indigenous people. Debbarma said that discussions are underway with leaders from various indigenous groups across the region to strengthen the movement for indigenous rights and ensure equitable development. Criticising the delay in holding the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, Debbarma questioned why such a long gap was allowed despite earlier assurances. “The last election was held in 2016, and now 2026 is approaching. We are a democratic nation, not a monarchy. Why were elections not held for nine years? If they wanted to, they could have done it. The process moved forward only after we approached the Supreme Court and the High Court — not because of goodwill,” he said. On the proposed Tripura Accord, Debbarma said that he had met with Tripura Chief Minister and senior officials in Delhi, who assured him of their commitment to move ahead. “They said they want to do it, and we will see how soon that happens,” he said, adding that the time has come for concrete action rather than repeated promises. He said, “The media is focusing too much on what will happen to the party. But no party is bigger than the people. If solving people’s problems requires it, throw the party into the dustbin — the interests of the people must come first. Only then will Tripura, India and the Northeast truly develop.” (Source: PTI)  

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RRU,CI&JWS sign pact on counter-insurgency & jungle warfare training

GANDHINAGAR, NOV 5: Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), India’s pioneering National Security and Police University under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Gwaldam, virtually on Tuesday. The virtual signing ceremony was graced by Prof(Dr) Kalpesh H Wandra, Pro Vice Chancellor, RRU and Avinash Kharel, Dean, Accreditation and Affiliation, and RanganadhChintada, Officiating Deputy Inspector General, CI&JWS School, SSB Gwaldam and personnel from the Sashastra Seema Bal CI&JWS, Gwaldam. In his address, Dr Wandra highlighted that the partnership will serve as a significant step towards integrating academic knowledge with field-level operational expertise.“This collaboration will bridge the gap between research-driven academic insight and ground-level experience, ensuring that India’s security apparatus benefits from both innovation and practical preparedness”, he said. Representatives from CI&JWS, SSB, Gwaldam appreciated the initiative and emphasized that the MoU will enhance tactical training, simulation-based learning, and exposure to evolving operational strategies in counter-insurgency and border management. Ranganadh Chintada, Officiating Deputy Inspector General, CI&JW School, SSB Gwaldam, stated that the collaboration will strengthen accreditation, joint certification, capacity building, and expertise exchange between the two institutions. The collaboration aims to promote joint training programmes, capacity building, research, and knowledge exchange in the areas of counter-insurgency, jungle warfare, border management, and internal security. Under the MoU, training programmes conducted by CI&JWS, SSB, Gwaldam will be accredited and jointly certified by Rashtriya Raksha University, ensuring academic recognition, quality assurance, and alignment with national standards of professional training. The MoU reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing professional excellence, operational preparedness, and standardisation of security training across India’s armed and paramilitary forces, an official statement said. The MoU provides for development and delivery of joint training modules and certification programmes for SSB personnel and trainees; Exchange of faculty, trainers, and experts between RRU and CI&JWS for lectures, workshops and seminars; collaborative research and documentation projects on emerging security threats, counter-insurgency operations, and border area challenges; opportunities for internships and field visits for RRU students to gain hands-on exposure to counter-insurgency and jungle warfare practices, it added The collaboration reiterates RRU’s mission to serve as the Centre of Excellence in security, policing, and strategic studies. It also complements the SSB’s continued efforts to modernize its training infrastructure and skill development for personnel deployed in challenging terrains, the statement added. The ceremony concluded with expressions of mutual commitment to sustained engagement, research partnerships, and the promotion of national security goals through education and training excellence.

Blog, Latest News, Popular News, State News

Enforcement drive conducted under COTPA Act

ROING, NOV 5: A week-long intensified enforcement drive under the COTPA Act 2003 culminated in a series of surprise raids across strategic locations in Roing town, including Koronu, Abali, Balek, Harupahar, Bomjir, and Dambuk areas. The Flying Squad team, led by Magistrate Sylvia Koyu, conducted the raids, seizing huge quantities of tobacco products from shops near educational institutions and those without pictorial warnings. The seized products were later disposed of under the supervision of the Magistrate, and defaulters were imposed fines under relevant sections of the COTPA Act. The raid was supported by Dr Nangkong Yirang, DPO (NTCP), Nini Pasing, Inspector (Tax & Excise), Edison Litin, VP (Education), police personnel and DTCC staff from the Healthdepartment. During the operation, awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco products and the COTPA Act, 2003 was imparted to shop owners. Public notices and IEC materials were also distributed to educate the public. The first day of the raid was accompanied by BomyirDirchiand Happy Sonam, TDO (T&C). The enforcement drive aims to curb the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions and ensure compliance with the COTPA Act. (DIPR)

State News

Community volunteers’ training prog begins

YACHULI, NOV 5: Keyi Panyor District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday commenced a three-day community volunteers’training programme at Tajgi village under Param Putu circle. The initiative is being organised under the directive of the Department of Disaster Management, Government of Arunachal Pradesh to strengthen local disaster preparedness and response capacities. The programme aims to build a cadre of 100 trained community volunteers from the most vulnerable villages across the district. These volunteers will serve as a frontline support force to the district administration during disaster emergencies and play a vital role in promoting community safety, awareness and resilience at the grassroots level. The present training batch consists of participants from Param Putu circle. Subsequent training programmes will be conducted at Deed from November 10-12 and at Yazali from November 13-15. A key highlight of the programme is the involvement of seven trained community volunteers, who previously underwent specialised training with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and have now been designated as instructors. In addition, two personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Regional Response Centre (RRC), Ziro are serving as resource persons to provide technical and practical guidance to the trainees. During the training, volunteers will undergo sessions on basic disaster management concepts, community-based first aid, Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR, search and rescue techniques, fire safety, forest fire response, rope-based rescue, and disaster-specific safety protocols including earthquakes, landslides, floods and lightning. Speaking on the occasion, the District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) expressed gratitude to all resource organisations and emphasised the importance of empowered local communities in disaster response. The DDMO stated that trained volunteers are the first responders in any emergency situation and their preparedness can significantly reduce the impact of disasters and save lives. The DDMA encouraged active participation from all communities and assured continued efforts toward strengthening disaster resilience across Keyi Panyor district.(DIPR)

State News

RRU to host Police Technology Summit-2025 on Nov 8

PASIGHAT, NOV 5: Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) will be hosting the Police Technology Summit-2025 scheduled on November 8 at its Pasighat campus here. The Summit will spotlight cutting-edge technologies for SMART Policing – from AI-driven policing and OSINT to drone/anti-drone systems, predictive policing, cybercrime mitigation, digital investigations, smart surveillance, and the modernization of police operations. Organised by RRU with the support of AIC-RRU Incubation Foundation (AIM, NITI Aayog), Police Technology Summit-2025 will convene police and CAPF leadership, state and district police units, policy makers, start-ups, researchers, and solution providers to accelerate technology adoption for internal security. Some key themes that will be covered during the summit are: AI for policing; open-source intelligence; counter-drone & tactical comms; cybercrime investigation & SOC readiness; digital forensics; smart surveillance & field mobility; tech-enabled training and simulations. Live demos of India-made innovations aligned to policing needs, including secure communications, agentic AI, cyber ranges, VR/AR/MR training tools, blockchain forensics, quantum-safe security, and environmental/field sensorswill also be demonstrated during the summit. Use-case sessions will include practical deployments for beat officers, investigators, traffic and crowd management units, anti-human trafficking cells, cyber police stations, and disaster/HADR coordination. A curated line-up of emerging and established providers will present deployable solutions, including Roombr, TheMoe, HyperLab, FaceTagr, Mobisec, Helios Dynamic, Resecurity, Siddhi Engineers, SWASEMI, Viralhit, Zindagi Technologies, ScopX, QNu Labs, Tactilink, Tactix, BeyonData, and Phronetic AI. Senior police leadership, unit heads (cyber, CCTNS, traffic, training), investigators and DFIR teams, command-and-control operators, CAPFs, state home departments, procurement and modernization cells, start-ups, researchers, and academia focused on national security technology. Rashtriya Raksha University is India’s pioneering National Security and Police University, established by the Act No. 31 of 2020 of the Indian Parliament. RRU advances professional security and police education, research, training, and innovation through a unique ecosystem of civilian scholars and seasoned security practitioners – serving the needs of policing, governance, justice, and civil society while contributing to a peaceful and secure world order.

State News

Selection trials conducted for NE Para Games 2025

ITANAGAR, NOV 5: The Paralympic Association of Arunachal (PAA) on Wednesday organized the State-level Para Sports Selection Trials and Competitions  at various venues across the Itanagar region, in preparation for the 2nd edition of the North East Para Games 2025, scheduled to be held from November 27 to 29 at Guwahati, Assam. The selection events were held in six para-sports disciplines including Para Athletics (Outdoor Stadium, Yupia), Para Badminton (Borum Badminton Hall), Para Boccia (Naharlagun), Para Chess (Itanagar), Para Swimming (Doimukh) and Para Table Tennis (Itanagar). A total of 78 para-athletes from different districts of Arunachal Pradesh participated with great enthusiasm and sportsmanship. After the completion of the trials, 53 athletes were selected to represent the state at the upcoming North East Para Games 2025 in Guwahati. In the 1st edition of the North East Para Games, Arunachal Pradesh contingent achieved remarkable success by securing the second position in the overall medals tally among the North-Eastern states, bringing immense pride to the state.

REGIONAL

Former BJP Union minister Rajen Gohain joins AJP

  GUWAHATI, NOV 5: Former union minister and four-time BJP MP Rajen Gohain on Wednesday joined regional political outfit Assam Jaitya Parishad (AJP). Gohain, who had resigned from the BJP on October 9, switched over to the regional party at a programme here in the presence of AJP president Lurinjyoti Gohain and general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan, among others. He had represented the Nagaon parliamentary constituency for four terms from 1999 to 2019 and had served as the Union Minister of State for Railways from 2016 to 2019. Gohain, 74, had said that he resigned from the BJP as the party had “failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of Assam and betrayed the indigenous communities by allowing outsiders to settle in the state”. He also charged the BJP’s state leadership with “encouraging communal politics and dividing the centuries-old Assamese society”. The assembly elections in the state are due next year. (Source: PTI)