ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Wangsu stresses accurate data, youth participation in livestock sector

ITANAGAR : Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu on Wednesday underscored the importance of accurate data collection, youth participation and infrastructure development for the sustainable growth of the livestock sector during the District Veterinary Officers’ (DVOs) Conference-cum-Chintan Baithak held at DK Convention Hall here. The conference, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development (AHV&DD), was attended by Minister’s Advisor and MLA Talem Taboh, AHV&DD Secretary YVVJ Rajshekhar, Director Dr Danjan Longri, Joint Directors Dr Taba Heli and Dr Talo Taggu, besides DVOs and nodal officers from across the state. In his address, Wangsu highlighted the vast potential of the animal husbandry sector as a major source of employment generation and directed officers to take livestock census activities seriously. He said accurate ground-level data is essential for effective planning and implementation, while incorrect reporting often leads to policy and execution gaps. The Minister emphasised the need to identify genuine and trained farmers so that government assistance reaches deserving beneficiaries. He also called for continuous handholding and monitoring of trained youths even after completion of skill development programmes. Highlighting infrastructure as a priority area, Wangsu observed that excessive expenditure on repairing old structures often results in inefficient utilisation of resources. He assured officers that efforts would be made to secure adequate funding for new infrastructure and announced that high-performing districts would receive priority support. Referring to dairy farming as an emerging livelihood opportunity in the state, he stressed the need for awareness generation and motivation among tribal communities. He also encouraged trained youths and progressive farmers to form Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS), describing them as key drivers for expanding dairy-based livelihoods. Wangsu further emphasised the importance of fodder development and informed the gathering that the state government would soon formulate a fodder policy. He directed officers to earmark adequate land for fodder cultivation to support the long-term growth of the livestock sector. Calling for innovative and practical approaches, the Minister advised officers to focus on need-based infrastructure development and identify areas lacking suitable land for veterinary establishments. He also stressed stronger inter-departmental coordination and assured full support in addressing departmental challenges. Earlier, AHV&DD Secretary YVVJ Rajshekhar presented an overview of the department’s achievements, challenges and priorities in the livestock sector. He emphasised the preparation of modern and practical Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and urged officers to work closely with district administrations to address cases of encroachment on departmental land. During the deliberations, MLA Talem Taboh lauded the department’s achievements and expressed concern over encroachment of departmental properties. He suggested effective utilisation of available land resources and proposed the formation of committees headed by respective Additional Deputy Commissioners to address land-related issues. He also recommended linking youths trained under the “Catch Them Young” initiative with government support schemes, including the Atmanirbhar Yojana. The conference also featured district-wise presentations by DVOs and nodal officers, followed by an extensive discussion on operational challenges, infrastructure gaps and strategies for strengthening the animal husbandry sector in the state.  

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Jini inspects MRF centre, orders resumption of waste transportation

AALO : Sports & Youth Affairs, Legislative Affairs and SJETA Minister Kento Jini on Wednesday inspected the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Centre at Rokken Kabu in West Siang district and directed the authorities to resume the collection and transportation of dry waste from Aalo Township from June 25. The Minister, accompanied by West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi and officials from various departments, reviewed the functioning of the facility and the overall waste management system serving Aalo Township. The MRF Centre was made operational following the initiative of Minister Kento Jini to address long-standing challenges in garbage management in the township. Dry waste generated in Aalo is transported through Patum Bridge and the Pessing area under Jomlo Circle in Siang district, where it is processed and managed in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prescribed by the Urban Development Department. However, transportation of waste has recently been disrupted due to objections raised by some residents of the Pessing area, who have reportedly prevented Urban Development Department vehicles from passing through the route. Taking note of the issue, the Minister directed the Urban Development Department, Aalo, to ensure the immediate resumption of waste collection and transportation for the smooth functioning of the MRF Centre. He also instructed the Power Department to provide adequate and uninterrupted electricity supply to the facility. Jini further requested Siang district authorities to issue necessary administrative directions to prevent any obstruction to vehicles engaged in waste transportation. Stating that all prescribed SOPs are being followed, he appealed to residents of the Pessing area to cooperate with the waste management initiative and avoid creating hindrances to the movement of departmental vehicles. Among those present during the inspection were Urban Development Department Executive Engineer Hali Welly, BJP West Siang District President Lige Lollen, officials of the Power Department and officers of the Urban Development Department.  

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Lowang inaugurates Tirap police gym, reviews Nehru stadium project

KHONSA : Environment and Forest Minister Wangki Lowang on Wednesday inaugurated “The Tirap Police Gym” at Khonsa, marking a significant step towards promoting physical fitness and the overall well-being of police personnel in the district. The programme was attended by Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin, Khonsa Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh, Tirap Superintendent of Police Aditya IPS, and officers from the district administration and police department. Speaking on the occasion, Lowang said the gym would help foster a culture of fitness, discipline and operational readiness among police personnel, thereby enhancing their efficiency and capacity to serve the public. He lauded the initiative of Tirap Superintendent of Police Aditya in establishing the facility for the welfare of the police force. Following the inauguration, the Minister, accompanied by MLA Wanglam Sawin and Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh, inspected the ongoing construction of Nehru Stadium at Khonsa. Reviewing the progress of the project, Lowang directed the executing agency to ensure its timely completion while maintaining the highest quality standards in accordance with the Detailed Project Report (DPR). He said the stadium would emerge as an important sports infrastructure asset for the youth and people of the district once completed. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening public infrastructure while promoting the welfare of security personnel and creating better opportunities for youth development through sports.  

Latest News, National, Popular News, State News

NCERT warns against pirated textbooks; flags fake Class 9 social science book in circulation

NEW DELHI : The NCERT on Wednesday warned students, parents and teachers against pirated and unauthorised versions of its textbooks, saying a fake Class 9 social science book is being circulated on social media and messaging platforms. In a statement on X, the The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) said it has come to notice that pirated and unauthorised copies of certain its textbooks are being circulated in both print and digital formats, in some cases even prior to their official publication and release by the Council.  “It has further been observed that a fake and unofficial copy of the Social Science book of Class Ninth Part 1, ‘Understanding Society: India & Beyond’ is being circulated on social media channels, websites, and messaging groups that claim to offer NCERT textbooks and allied materials and are circulating such spurious and unauthorized content,” the NCERT said. These channels have “no association with or authorisation from the NCERT”, the Council said. The NCERT said textbooks are published, printed and released only through its official channels and no textbook is authorised for circulation in any form prior to its official release. “The contents being circulated through such unofficial sources may be inaccurate, incomplete, tampered with or entirely fabricated, and must not be relied upon by students, teachers, parents or the general public,” it said. Advising stakeholders to procure books only through official sources, the NCERT said digital copies of its textbooks are made available free of cost on its official website and the ePathshala portal, besides authorised vendors for printed copies. The Council also urged people not to subscribe to, share or rely on unofficial or unverified social media channels, links or applications claiming to provide NCERT books or pre-release materials. The NCERT said unauthorised printing, reproduction, distribution and digital circulation of its copyrighted material is illegal and punishable under the Copyright Act, 1957, and other applicable laws. It added that it is taking “appropriate measures, including legal action”, against those involved in piracy and circulation of fake material. (Source: PTI)  

Latest News, Popular News, State News

DTF reviews immunization progress

BOMDILA : The District Task Force (DTF) on Routine Immunisation (RI) reviewed the progress of immunisation activities in West Kameng district during a meeting held on Wednesday at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Bomdila. The meeting was chaired by West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar and attended by members of the District Health Society, health officials and representatives of various stakeholder departments. Reviewing the programme’s performance, Dr Kumar urged all departments associated with the National Health Mission (NHM) to ensure timely implementation of routine immunisation activities and discharge their responsibilities with commitment and coordination. Highlighting the importance of vaccination, he said timely immunisation of children in the 0-5 years age group is vital for preventing diseases and improving child health outcomes. He also stressed the need for accurate and timely submission of data to facilitate effective monitoring and planning. The meeting reviewed monthly achievements and progress under the Routine Immunisation programme through a detailed presentation. Bomdila District Medical Officer Dr RD Thongchi called upon frontline health workers to intensify outreach efforts and maintain family-wise registers to ensure accurate record-keeping and effective tracking of beneficiaries. Preparations for the Polio Vaccination Campaign scheduled on June 26 were also reviewed. Stakeholders were urged to ensure maximum community mobilisation and participation to achieve complete coverage of eligible children. The DC emphasised coordinated efforts among the Health Department, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Education Department and field-level functionaries to strengthen awareness and ensure that no eligible child is left out of the immunisation drive. Among those present were Bomdila District Reproductive and Child Health Officer Dr T Droma, World Health Organization Rapid Response Team member Dr K Pallavi Koyan, District Child Protection Unit Programme Officer Rinchin Megejee, senior medical officers, medical officers and other officials. (DIPR)  

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Travel advisory

SAGALEE : Papum Pare Additional District Magistrate Kipa Raja has issued a travel advisory following multiple landslides and flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall, which have severely disrupted road connectivity in the district. According to the advisory, National Highway-13 between Sagalee and Hoj Junction Point, and National Highway-713A between Potin and Dakte-Hoj Bridge Point, have been blocked at several locations due to landslides and flash floods that occurred during the intervening night of June 23 and 24. Road restoration and clearance operations are currently being carried out on a war footing by SUSHEE Infra & Mining Ltd and the Public Works Department’s Ziro Highway Division. However, authorities said the time required for complete restoration of the affected stretches cannot be determined at present. In view of the prevailing conditions, the district administration has advised commuters and travellers from East Kameng, Pakke Kessang, West Kameng and Tawang districts to avoid travelling through the affected routes, both during the day and at night, until road conditions improve and further advisories are issued. The administration has also circulated emergency contact numbers of officials and executing agencies to assist the public and provide updates on road restoration works.

REGIONAL

Assam chief secy meets British deputy high commissioner, deliberates on India-UK FTA impact

GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Wednesday said he has met British Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Fleming and discussed with him a strategic roadmap to boost cooperation against the backdrop of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement. Among other issues, they also discussed the proposed Assam–UK Infrastructure Roundtable and UK–India Sovereign AI Partnership, the chief secretary said in a post on X.  “Delighted to meet Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, alongside Haimanti Poddar, Senior Climate and Energy Adviser and Sustainable Mobility Policy Lead (India), UK FCDO. “In the context of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement coming into force on July 15, 2026, we discussed a strategic roadmap to strengthen Assam–UK cooperation across investment promotion, export growth, technology integration, infrastructure development and skills enhancement, leveraging Assam’s rapidly evolving economic ecosystem,” Kota said. The delegation presented the UK PACT-supported Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Need Assessment and Analysis Report for Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), which provides recommendations to strengthen grid reliability, accelerate renewable energy integration and support Assam’s clean energy transition, he added. “We also deliberated on the proposed Assam–UK Infrastructure Roundtable in Guwahati to facilitate partnerships in sustainable urbanisation, transport, flood resilience, climate-resilient infrastructure and project delivery, including potential engagement with UK Export Finance (UKEF),” the chief secretary said. He said that the discussions further explored opportunities under the proposed UK–India Sovereign AI Partnership, including trusted AI infrastructure, sovereign cloud capabilities, advanced computing and AI governance frameworks to support Assam’s digital transformation agenda. “The meeting reaffirmed our shared commitment to translating the opportunities emerging from the India–UK FTA into tangible outcomes through enhanced trade, investment, technology partnerships and institutional cooperation, supporting Assam’s long-term growth and global competitiveness,” Kota said. Commenting on the meeting, Fleming said it was a timely discussion since the UK-India FTA is due to come into force soon. “We discussed opportunities in a variety of sectors and sub-sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture-tech, AI, skilling, sports, MSMEs, climate and energy,” he added. (Source: PTI)

National, REGIONAL

NIA to probe killing of three church leaders in Manipur

NEW DELHI : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe the killing of three church leaders in Manipur last month, officials said on Wednesday. Suspected militants had shot three church leaders dead and injured four others in Kangpokpi district in the strife-torn state on May 13. The deceased, members of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA), were returning from Churachandpur after attending a religious congregation. Armed miscreants carried out ambush on two vehicles at Zero Point (between Kotzim and Kotlern area) while coming from Churachandpur and proceeding towards Kangpokpi, according to the NIA’s First Information Report (FIR) dated June 8. In the incident, three individuals of the Kuki community, succumbed to the injuries at the sport and four other occupants of the vehicles sustained bullet injuries, it said. The Manipur Police had filed a case in this regard on the day of the incident. The NIA has recently registered a case and started its investigation following a directive by the Union Home Ministry in this regard. In its directive to the anti-terror agency, the Union Home Ministry said that the “case is related to ambush by armed miscreants to cause damage to life and property of civilians and to create fear and terror in the society and having regard to the gravity of the offence, its national ramifications and the need to unearth the larger conspiracy, it is required to be investigated by the National Investigation Agency”. Manipur has witnessed the killing of at least 260 people and the displacement of thousands due to violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. (Source: PTI)

REGIONAL

Former militants withdraw indefinite rail-road blockade in Tripura afer govt assurance

AGARTALA : Two organisations of surrendered militants in Tripura withdrew their call for an indefinite rail and road blockade on Wednesday after being assured by the government that their demands, including that for proper rehabilitation, would be looked into, police said. “Traffic movement on the national highway and railway service is normal since the morning after the withdrawal of the blockade. No untoward incident is reported so far,” police spokesperson Rajdeep Deb said. The Joint Action Rehabilitation Committee (JARC) and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) had announced the agitation after alleging that a large number of surrendered militants were yet to receive rehabilitation benefits despite laying down arms decades ago. They have been pressing for a nine-point charter of demands, including proper rehabilitation and withdrawal of pending cases against them. JARC working president Pasaram Reang said, “We had a detailed discussion with the senior government officials last night over our demands, and those were duly acknowledged. Therefore, both organisations have decided to withdraw the rail and road blockade.” Earlier this month, former militants belonging to the outlawed National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) had withdrawn a similar rail and highway blockade call after receiving assurances from the chief minister. (Source: PTI)

REGIONAL

Incessant showers trigger landslides on arterial road in West Sikkim; vehicular traffic halted

GANGTOK : Torrential overnight rains triggered a series of landslides that blocked the Gyalshing–Legship road at multiple places on Wednesday and cut off the battered West Sikkim district headquarters from the rest of the state. Gyalshing recorded a staggering 95.2 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. Under the impact of the rains, tonnes of sludge and massive boulders came crashing onto the road, bringing traffic to a standstill. District Magistrate Tenzing Denzongpa said they received reports of the landslides around 9 pm on Tuesday. The most severely affected landslide occurred near Omchung, about two kilometres from Gyalshing town, he said. With the Gyalshing–Legship road blocked, excavators were pressed into service through the night as teams battled challenging conditions to clear the debris. Zilla Panchayat member Sagar Sharma said at least three landslides have struck the highway corridor, including a major slide near Omchung, another below the main slide zone and a third near Legship. “This road witnesses landslides every monsoon. The issue is repeatedly raised during DISHA Monitoring Committee meetings, but permanent restoration and mitigation measures are yet to materialise,” he said. The Gyalshing-Legship road serves as the district’s primary lifeline, carrying passengers, essential commodities and emergency services. With no viable alternative route available, the blockade has disrupted movement and heightened concerns among residents. (Source: PTI)