August 1, 2026 12:14 am
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Purple Fest Arunachal 2026 concludes

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ITANAGAR : The second edition of Purple Fest Arunachal 2026 concluded successfully at Delhi Public School (DPS), Jollang, following a two-day celebration of inclusion, accessibility and empowerment on June 20 and 21. Supported by the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs (SJETA), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and organised by the Paralympic Association of Arunachal (PAA), the festival brought together more than 350 Divyangjan, parents, teachers, educators, officials, volunteers and support staff from across the state. Participants from 16 districts attended the event, which aimed to promote dignity, equal opportunities and social inclusion for persons with disabilities while providing a platform to showcase their talents, abilities and achievements. The festival was inaugurated in the presence of SJETA Secretary Dani Salu, Sports Authority of Arunachal Chairman Neelam John, Paralympic Association of Assam Secretary General Rajib Dey, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union Women Affairs Secretary Techi Tannu, Mr Arunachal 2026 Lhakpa Tsering, Mrs Arunachal 2026 Leyu Abom Yekar, former Directorate of Health Services Director Dr M. Lego, Deepak Nabam Living Home Chairman Deepak Nabam and other distinguished guests. A variety of activities were conducted during the festival, including sports competitions, cultural performances, literary events, drawing competitions, exhibitions, awareness programmes, skill development workshops, educational and career counselling sessions, and recognition of outstanding Divyangjan achievers. Speakers on the occasion underscored the need to build an inclusive society where every individual is provided equal opportunities to participate, contribute and succeed. The event also served as a platform for interaction, learning, networking and empowerment among participants and stakeholders. The PAA expressed gratitude to SJETA, particularly Director Yumlam Kaha and his team, for their support in ensuring the successful conduct of the festival. Appreciation was also extended to DPS Jollang for providing the venue and necessary facilities. In the district-level competition, Papum Pare emerged champion, while East Siang secured the first runner-up position and East Kameng finished as the second runner-up. Reaffirming the message that “Disability is Not Inability,” the festival concluded with a renewed commitment towards building a more accessible, inclusive and empowering society for all.      

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East Kameng SP honours police personnel for anti-drug operations

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SEPPA : East Kameng Superintendent of Police (SP) Shivendu Bhushan honoured police personnel with appreciation letters in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the detection and seizure of narcotic substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The officers were recognised for their dedication, professionalism and prompt action in successfully carrying out anti-narcotics operations, reaffirming the district police’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes and building a drug-free society. On the occasion, the SP also commended the efforts of the Seppa Traffic Police for their exemplary service in promoting road safety, ensuring smooth traffic management and encouraging responsible road use. The recognition programme highlighted the importance of dedication and professionalism in public service and is expected to inspire police personnel to continue serving the community with integrity and commitment.  

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APEDP 5.0 awareness, career counselling session held

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LIKABALI : An awareness programme on the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP) 5.0 and a career counselling session were organised at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Likabali, as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the Jigo-Yego Students’ Union (JYSU). The programme witnessed the participation of more than 250 students and youths from the 28th Likabali (ST) Assembly Constituency. Resource persons included Police Training Centre Banderdewa Deputy Superintendent of Police Moge Bole, Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences Assistant Professor Dr Jarde Karlo and Lohit District Information and Public Relations Officer Nyatum Doke. The speakers interacted with students and shared insights on career opportunities in administration, policing, medicine, media, entrepreneurship and other professional fields. Representing the Lower Siang District Planning Office under the Mukhyamantri Viksit Arunachal Fellowship Programme (MMVAFP), Fellow Mesin and Assistant Fellow Meera conducted an awareness session on APEDP 5.0. They briefed participants on the programme’s objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria and application process, and informed them that applications will be accepted until July 20. Informational flyers were also distributed among the attendees. During the counselling session, the resource persons encouraged students to pursue their goals with dedication and discipline while making informed career choices. The interactive programme also provided an opportunity for participants to seek guidance and clarify their career-related queries. The event successfully promoted awareness about entrepreneurship opportunities under APEDP 5.0 while inspiring students to explore diverse career pathways and professional opportunities.  

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Fire safety demonstration conducted

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LIKABALI : The Fire and Emergency Services Department, Likabali, conducted a Fire Safety Awareness and Demonstration Programme at the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex on Monday to educate government officials and staff on fire prevention and emergency response measures. The programme was led by Station Fire Officer Duge Ete and his team in the presence of Likabali Additional Deputy Commissioner Mokar Riba, Assistant Commissioner Jannes Mary Tayeng, District Disaster Management Officer Tarik Nyitan, and officers and officials from various departments. During the programme, the Fire and Emergency Services personnel demonstrated essential fire safety practices, including the proper use of fire extinguishers and techniques for handling fire-related emergencies. Participants also took part in a live demonstration, gaining practical experience in responding effectively to fire incidents. Addressing the gathering, ADC Mokar Riba appreciated the department for organising the programme and emphasised the importance of such awareness initiatives in ensuring safety at workplaces and in everyday life. He urged officials to apply the knowledge gained during the training to enhance preparedness and prevent fire-related accidents. The programme concluded with an interactive session, highlighting the importance of preparedness, vigilance and adherence to fire safety protocols. (DIPR)

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Sub-health centres inaugurated

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ROING : Three Sub-Health Centres at Kebali, Balek and Horupahar were inaugurated on Monday by Advisor to Home and Education and Roing MLA Mutchu Mithi in the presence of Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Fwwrman Brahma, District Medical Officer Dr Worar Taku, officials of the Health Department and Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Department, Panchayati Raj Institution members and local residents. Speaking on the occasion, Mithi appreciated the Health Department for operationalising the sub-health centres, which were notified by the government on July 31, 2014. He directed the department to ensure the availability of essential medicines and other basic healthcare facilities at the centres. The MLA also urged villagers to cooperate with the Health Department to facilitate effective delivery of healthcare services at their doorsteps. He assured that he would pursue with the government for sanction of funds for infrastructure development of the newly inaugurated centres. Addressing the gathering, DC Fwwrman Brahma appealed to parents to ensure that girls aged between 9 and 14 years receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer. (DIPR)

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Anna Hazare to launch fast if amendments to Right to Information Rules not revoked

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PUNE : Activist Anna Hazare has threatened to launch an indefinite hunger strike from July 5 at Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahilyanagar district if the Maharashtra government does not immediately withdraw the “illegal” amendments made to the Right to Information Rules. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Hazare said the Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026, would “blunt the edge” of the RTI Act and keep citizens away from information. He claimed the amendments made on June 12 violate the spirit of the RTI Act, 2005, and undermine transparency. Hazare objected to the hike in fees, saying no rational explanation or financial analysis was provided. “RTI is not a revenue-generating law. If fees are raised after 20 years, penalties on officers who deny information should also be increased,” he wrote. He opposed making ID proof mandatory, arguing that Section 6(2) of the RTI Act does not require applicants to disclose personal details or reasons for seeking information. Such a condition endangers whistleblowers and activists, he added. The anti-corruption activist also criticised the “one subject, one application” rule, calling it unnecessary and burdensome, and said the provision to summarily close repeat applications would block access to complete or updated information. Other objections included asking applicants for the purpose of seeking information, dismissal of appeals if the applicant remains absent, automatic closure of cases on an applicant’s death, and barring legal assistance during hearings before the Information Commission. Hazare said the rules shift the burden onto citizens instead of fixing systemic failures. He noted that Section 4 of the RTI Act, which mandates proactive disclosure by public authorities, remains poorly implemented, forcing citizens to file applications. “Making the process more technical, costly and administration-centric will reduce transparency,” he said, adding that the amendments were brought without public consultation. Hazare, who led several agitations for RTI in Maharashtra since 1998 and undertook fasts in Mumbai, Ralegan Siddhi and Alandi, said he would not back down. “If the June 12 amendments are not revoked immediately, I will begin my fast on July 5 at Yadav Baba Temple, Ralegan Siddhi, even if it costs my life,” the letter stated. He urged the state to withdraw the rules and strengthen proactive disclosure instead of imposing new restrictions on applicants. (Source: PTI)            

REGIONAL

Assam to get drone postal service

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GUWAHATI : Drone-powered postal services will soon be introduced in Assam, official sources said on Monday. It will help in connecting rural and remote areas with eco-friendly operations, they added. “A new era of logistics is taking flight in Assam. Drone-powered postal services will connect remote regions faster than ever, reducing delivery times from hours to minutes,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a post on X. “With real-time tracking and eco-friendly operations,” it added. The post further said that delivery time will shrink from two hours to seven minutes, connecting the rural parts of the state. The CMO, however, did not mention when the service will be launched or who will be operating it. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal takes oath as Assam MLA

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GUWAHATI : AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal took oath as a member of the Assam assembly on Monday, a month after other newly elected legislators were sworn in, officials said. Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass administered the oath to Ajmal, who was elected from the Binnakandi constituency in central Assam. The ceremony was held in the meeting room of the speaker’s office, with assembly secretary-in-charge Rajiv Bhattacharjya conducting the proceedings, according to a post on the assembly’s social page. Members of the newly elected assembly had taken oath on May 21, the first day of the session of the new government. An AIUDF leader said Ajmal was away on Haj when the other MLAs had taken oath. “He had informed the assembly secretariat that we would not be present during the oath-taking ceremony. After returning from Haj, he once again wrote, seeking a date and time to take his oath. Accordingly, it was arranged today,” the leader said. Ajmal, a former three-time MP, has returned to state politics for a second time as an MLA. He was first elected to the assembly from the South Salmara seat in 2006. The NDA, comprising the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front, won 102 seats in the 126-member House in the recent assembly polls. The BJP secured 82 seats, while the AGP and BPF won 10 each. The Congress and Raijor Dal, which were part of a six-party opposition alliance, won 19 and two seats, respectively. The AIUDF and Trinamool Congress contested separately and won two and one seats, respectively. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Sambit Patra exhorts Tripura BJP to hold key organisational meetings every month

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AGARTALA : BJP’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra has exhorted the party’s state leadership to hold all key organisational meetings every month to further strengthen the organisation, a party leader said on Monday. The directive came during a core committee meeting held at the party headquarters here, which was attended by Patra, Chief Minister Manik Saha, state BJP president Abhishek Debroy and other senior leaders. Talking to reporters, Debroy said the core committee emphasised the need to hold meetings of the core committee, district units and mandals every month. “The core committee also decided to constitute the state and district-level party committees at the earliest,” he said. The state and district committees could not be reconstituted for over a year due to a stalemate over the election of the state BJP president. Debroy, an MLA from Matabari Assembly constituency, was appointed state BJP president on May 28. He said there was no discussion on the electoral understanding with Tipra Motha ahead of the village committee elections. Earlier in the day, Patra met the chief minister at his official residence and discussed organisational issues related to the state, which is set to go to polls for the village committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) in September. “BJP’s Northeast Coordinator Sambit Patra, along with party state president Abhishek Debroy, had a fruitful discussion on organisational issues. We exchanged views on how to further enhance the organisational strength and make it more people-centric,” Saha wrote in a Facebook post. (Source: PTI)      

Editorial

Rebuilding student trust after the paper leak crisis

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For a generation that has grown up under the relentless pressure of competitive examinations, the recent spate of paper leaks has fractured something fragile: the belief that merit, not manipulation, decides who gets to become a doctor, an engineer or a civil servant. When lakhs of students who have spent years preparing discover that a result can be bought or stolen, the damage extends beyond one exam cycle. It corrodes faith in the entire system of public examinations. The pattern across recent controversies is depressingly familiar. Question papers have been printed and transported through poorly secured logistics chains, sometimes via private vendors with minimal accountability. Centres in remote towns have weak digital infrastructure, making real-time monitoring difficult. There is often a troubling gap between when a paper is finalised and when it is administered — a window long enough for leaks to occur and circulate on messaging apps. Investigations, when they happen, are slow, fragmented across state and central agencies, and rarely result in swift, visible punishment. Most damagingly, the bodies conducting these exams have repeatedly responded with denial rather than transparency, eroding credibility further with every defensive press statement. Gen Z’s fury is not simply about a single exam gone wrong. It reflects a generation that has watched coaching-centre economics balloon, that has poured family savings into preparation, and that increasingly experiences exams as the only ladder of social mobility available to them. When that ladder appears rigged, the betrayal feels personal and systemic at once – amplified and accelerated by social media, which turns local grievances into national outrage within hours. Rebuilding trust requires structural change, not just reassurance. First, examination bodies must adopt secure, encrypted digital question-delivery systems with decentralised, randomised paper sets, reducing the value of any single leak. Second, an independent statutory authority – insulated from political and administrative pressure – should oversee high-stakes national exams, with clear accountability separate from the ministries that benefit politically from smooth exam conduct. Third, the chain of custody for papers, from the printing press to the exam hall, needs forensic-level tracking, audited by external agencies, not self-certified. Equally important is the speed and visibility of justice. Leak investigations must run on fixed timelines with public reporting, and those responsible — whether vendors, officials or examination staff — must face consequences that are seen, not just announced. Finally, students deserve a credible grievance and re-examination mechanism. Anything less leaves an entire generation rightly unconvinced. (Source: The Pioneer)