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ITANAGAR, SEP 9: Researchers from the ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, have recorded Schizopygopsis waddellii (Regan, 1908) for the first time from a high-altitude lake in Arunachal Pradesh, adding to the freshwater fish diversity known from India. The specimens were collected in July 2026 from a natural lake in Tawang district at an altitude of around 12,800 feet above mean sea level. The discovery expands the known geographical distribution of S. waddellii, a fish traditionally associated with high-altitude freshwater systems of the Tibetan and Chinese Plateau, with its type locality at Yamdok Lake in Tibet. A member of the Cyprinidae family, the species is adapted to the extreme environmental conditions of high-elevation aquatic ecosystems. The identification was carried out through an integrative taxonomic approach combining detailed morphological characterisation with molecular evidence based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Researchers said the finding highlights the rich and still underexplored ichthyofaunal diversity of northeast India, particularly its remote high-altitude lakes. It also underscores the biogeographic significance of eastern Himalayan freshwater ecosystems and their potential to harbour species with trans-Himalayan affinities. The record is expected to provide an important baseline for future biodiversity surveys, ecological assessments and conservation planning in the region, while highlighting the need for continued exploration of India’s high-altitude aquatic habitats. The study was undertaken by a team from ICAR-CICFR in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Shar-Tso Committee of Tawang. The ICAR-CICFR team comprised Dr Neetu Shahi, Sumanta Kumar Mallik, Dr R.S. Patiyal, Mohan Singh Bisht, Dr Krishna Kala and Dr Garima. The Department of Fisheries team included Pema Khandu Thongdok DFDO Tawang and Pema Khandu Thungon DFDO West Kameng, while Koncho Dorjee and Tsering Dondup represented the Shar-Tso Committee. The species is characterised by an elongated, cylindrical body, dark greyish to olive coloration on the dorsal side and silvery to creamy-white coloration ventrally. It has distinct sexual dimorphism, a complete lateral line, a blunt snout with a bony or horny plate on the lower lip, and a subterminal mouth positioned ventrally at the anterior end. The fish also has large lateral eyes and a forked caudal fin.

ITANAGAR, SEP 9: Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday visited Nyedar Namlo here, a sacred place of worship and community centre associated with the indigenous Donyi-Polo faith of the Nyishi community and other indigenous groups of Arunachal Pradesh. The Vice-President offered prayers at the prayer hall and was briefed on Nyishi indigenous beliefs and prayer systems, the Yerko indigenous Gurukul system, preservation of traditional knowledge and medicinal practices, and efforts to promote the mother tongue. Addressing a community gathering, Radhakrishnan said he felt blessed to visit Nyedar Namlo during his maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh. He said he was honoured to be at a place “where traditions become modern thinking, and modern thinking is not destroying traditions.” Describing Arunachal Pradesh as an embodiment of India’s unity in diversity, he said the State represents a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern aspirations. He also lauded the people of Arunachal Pradesh as proud sentinels of India’s territorial integrity. Highlighting the values of the Donyi-Polo tradition, the Vice-President said its emphasis on nature, truth, harmony and community remains relevant in the modern world. He stressed that development must go hand in hand with preservation of cultural identity. Radhakrishnan appreciated the efforts of the Nyishi Nyidung Mung-jwng Rallung in documentation, research, traditional festivals, cultural activities and preservation of customary laws and social values, describing its work as an important contribution to the community’s cultural future. He also highlighted the Yerko Gurukul system as a model for integrating contemporary education with indigenous knowledge, enabling children to pursue modern opportunities while remaining connected to their roots. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi”, the Vice-President said tribal communities are not merely custodians of India’s past but important partners in building its future. He said the recognition of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas has brought renewed national attention to the contributions of India’s tribal communities, while linking indigenous cultural preservation with the spirit of Vocal for Local and Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. “Preservation of indigenous culture is not about resisting change. It is about ensuring that change does not come at the cost of identity,” he said. Calling upon the youth to embrace modern science, technology and global skills while remaining connected to their mother tongue and traditions, Radhakrishnan said India must be modern in its aspirations while remaining deeply rooted in its civilisational and cultural values. He extended his best wishes to the Nyedar Namlo movement and expressed hope that the sacred place would continue to inspire peace, harmony, respect for nature, social unity and a strong sense of community. Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Member of Parliament Tai Tagak, Home and Indigenous Affairs Minister Mama Natung and Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta were among those present.    

TEZU, SEP 9: Former Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) Radhilu Chai Techi has called upon the youth to introspect on social inequalities and discrimination prevalent in society and work towards building a just and equitable Arunachali society. Addressing college students, youth and library activists at Bamboosa Library here on Wednesday, Techi said social inequalities and discrimination against girls and women had existed for centuries in India and across the world, but enlightened generations had challenged and abolished such practices in many societies. She was delivering the keynote address on “Legal Literacy for Youth” as part of International Literacy Week celebrations organised jointly by Bamboosa Library, Forum of Library Activists Medo, the District Adult Education Department Lohit and Akashvani Tezu. Techi said that although Arunachal Pradesh had made considerable progress compared to many other communities in the country, Arunachali daughters and women had for decades been denied equal rights to property in the name of social customs and customary laws. “Do you think it is just?” she asked, urging the youth to use literacy not merely as an academic skill but as a means to understand social problems and challenge misconceptions surrounding rigid customs that may have lost relevance with changing times. Forum of Library Activists member Banika Kri urged the youth to make effective use of their reading habits to overcome academic lethargy, broaden their intellectual horizons and support women in their families in securing equal recognition and respect. Appreciating the enthusiastic participation of the youth, District Adult Education Officer (DAEO) Jinquilu Chai assured continued support to Bamboosa Library in its efforts to spread awareness among the people. Lohit Youth Library Network Coordinator S Mundayoor, while introducing the guests, recalled DAEO Jinquilu Chai’s association with Bamboosa Library since its inception. He said the District Adult Education Department had joined hands with the library in organising its first public reading awareness programme in May 2007. Mundayoor also acknowledged Techi’s sustained patronage of the reading movement over the past two decades, which he said had helped the youth library movement build a wide network of patrons across the country. The celebrations began with the preliminary written round of the 3rd AIR Literacy Quiz organised by Akashvani Tezu for college students. Thirty students from Government Indira Gandhi College participated in the quiz. The final radio quiz is scheduled to be held at Akashvani Tezu on September 10. Bamboosa Library-in-Charge Nishanlu Kri coordinated the programme and expressed gratitude to Akashvani Tezu for its continued service to the youth and to the District Adult Education Department Tezu for sponsoring the celebrations and prizes.      

MECHUKA, SEP 9: Two seriously injured patients were evacuated from Mechuka in Shi-Yomi district to Mohanbari in Dibrugarh in a coordinated emergency air evacuation operation involving the Department of Civil Aviation Arunachal Pradesh and the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday. The evacuation was initiated following an indent placed by Mechuka Circle Officer Ritu Tawe, considering the critical condition of 40-year-old Yajap Pujor Jibng and 45-year-old Chapi Pudur. An IAF helicopter reached Mechuka at around 2.50 pm and evacuated the patients to Mohanbari, where it landed at approximately 4.20 pm. The patients were subsequently shifted by ambulance to a hospital in Dibrugarh for further treatment. During the operation, Aalo ADC Mabi Taipodia Jini, Aalo District Medical Officer Dr Linya Lollen and Aalo Medical Superintendent Dr Karken Rina ensured timely medical intervention and necessary support at Aalo helipad as the patients were transferred between helicopters. The evacuation was made possible through coordinated efforts involving the Department of Civil Aviation, IAF Air Headquarters, Eastern Air Command Shillong, the district administrations of Mechuka and Aalo, Mechuka Medical Officer, Aalo health authorities, Additional Resident Commissioner Mohanbari and the Mohanbari health team. Despite the short notice, challenging weather conditions over Tato and a limited operational window before sunset, the Eastern Air Command Shillong and Air Headquarters New Delhi prioritised the evacuation sortie to ensure timely medical assistance to the patients. Civil Aviation Secretary Mamata Riba expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence, Air Headquarters and Eastern Air Command Shillong for their prompt and crucial support, and appreciated all officers, personnel and agencies involved in the successful operation. She also conveyed special appreciation to the Indian Air Force for its prompt response and invaluable assistance in ensuring the safe and timely evacuation of the two patients.      

ZIRO, SEPT 9: The Tribal Artisan Empanelment Mela (TAeM) was organised for the first time at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall of the District Secretariat here, providing local tribal artisans an opportunity to gain direct access to national and international markets while promoting traditional craftsmanship. The mela was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme as chief guest, with DRCS Hage Komo as Guest of Honour. The programme was coordinated by Asif Ekbal Hussain Senior Programme Executive and Prabha Choudhury Assistant Manager, in collaboration with local officials, including Dani Yamang ARCS and Takhe Tado Managing Director of Subansiri LAMPS. Around 20 tribal artisans participated in the event, showcasing traditional handlooms, handicrafts and organic agricultural products. The primary objective of the initiative was to facilitate registration of local producers with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), enabling them to access wider markets through exhibitions and Tribes India commercial outlets. The initiative also seeks to promote tribal culture, indigenous cuisine and traditional skills while generating direct economic benefits for artisans. During the mela, artisans were guided through the empanelment process and briefed about the documents required, including a valid Scheduled Tribe certificate, Aadhaar card, bank passbook, passport-size photographs and physical samples of their products. Each participating artisan was provided a lump-sum travel allowance of Rs 500, while payments for procured product samples would be credited directly to their bank accounts following evaluation.