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NAMSAI, OCT 8: An Advance Security Liaisoning (ASL) Team from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the National Museum, New Delhi, held a meeting with the Namsai District Administration at the DC’s Conference Hall on October 6 last to review preparations for the upcoming Exposition of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha. The exposition will be held at Tawang from November 1 to 7, Bomdila from November 8 to 13 and the Golden Pagoda, Namsai, from November 14 to 20. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Department of Art & Culture Mamata Riba, Director of the International Buddhist Confederation Col Yash Saxena (Retd.), officials of the National Museum, New Delhi, and senior officers of the Namsai district administration. Discussions focused on security arrangements, prescribed protocols, inter-agency coordination, visitor management, logistics and overall preparedness for the smooth, safe and dignified conduct of the exposition. The ASL team also interacted with district officials and reviewed preparedness and coordination mechanisms for the exposition at the Golden Pagoda, Namsai. The meeting stressed the need for close coordination among the district administration, Department of Art & Culture, IBC, National Museum and other concerned agencies to ensure that all arrangements are completed well in advance. The exposition, a significant spiritual and cultural event, is expected to draw devotees, pilgrims and visitors from across the country. The Namsai district administration is coordinating with all stakeholders to ensure its smooth, safe and dignified conduct. (DIPR)  

ITANAGAR, OCT 8: Arunachalee journalist Marina Dai has been selected for The Reporters’ Collective’s (TRC) 2026 Early-Career Investigative Journalist GAP Fellowship, providing financial and editorial support for sustained public-interest investigations from Arunachal Pradesh. The year-long fellowship will enable Dai, who is associated with The Arunachal Times, to undertake in-depth reporting in the state, where difficult terrain, remote settlements and limited newsroom resources can pose challenges to long-form field investigations. Under the programme, early-career journalists working with independent news organisations receive financial and editorial support for investigations requiring extensive field reporting, travel and documentation. Dai will receive financial support of up to Rs 5.4 lakh during the fellowship. Fellows continue to work with their respective newsrooms and do not join TRC. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi, Dai has reported extensively on climate change, indigenous communities, development, human rights and social issues in Arunachal Pradesh and the wider Northeast. Her work has appeared in Down To Earth, EastMojo and The Arunachal Times, besides her association with journalism and climate-reporting fellowships. Her reporting has covered issues including the impact of climate change on traditional communities, hydropower development and human trafficking in Arunachal Pradesh. She was also recognised by the Appan Menon Memorial Trust for her proposed investigation, “The Siang Files: An Investigation into the Proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project: Development, Indigenous Rights and a Transboundary River.” Dai is also a recipient of the V. Ravindran Excellence in Journalism Award 2025, presented by the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) on National Press Day. The Reporters’ Collective is an independent, not-for-profit investigative journalism organisation focused on public-interest reporting, particularly governance and India’s political economy. Its GAP Fellowship seeks to strengthen investigative journalism beyond its own newsroom by supporting journalists working with independent media organisations. The 2026 initiative includes fellowships and reporting grants for early-career and experienced journalists as well as video reporters, with the objective of enabling sustained investigations that may otherwise be constrained by the time and financial pressures of daily newsrooms. The fellowship is expected to provide Dai an opportunity to undertake deeper investigations from Arunachal Pradesh and bring stories from the state, often underrepresented in national media, to a wider audience. (Source: NewsFY)  

ITANAGAR, OCT 8: A study by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has found that high-altitude areas in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang support a wide variety of wild bees, including bumblebees. The ZSI also stressed the need to protect alpine flowering habitats that provide vital food sources for pollinators in the Eastern Himalayas. Alpine flower is a general term for any plant or wildflower that naturally grows in alpine climates above the tree line. The survey was carried out between September 15 and October 7 as part of the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), according to a statement. The ZSI team explored areas located between 2,000 and 4,700 metres above sea level, covering Sela Pass, Bumla Pass, Nagula, Sangetsar Tso, Chumi Gyatse Falls, Jang and other high-altitude locations, including areas close to the India-China border. The study was undertaken by scientists from the ZSI’s Desert Regional Centre in Jodhpur. Research Associate Purnima Pathak led the team, assisted by Project Assistant Habung Elsa. During the fieldwork, bees belonging to four families — Apidae, Megachilidae, Andrenidae and Halictidae — were recorded. The survey paid particular attention to bumblebees and the flowering plants on which they depend for nectar and pollen. Among the plants identified as important sources of food for the bees were Cirsium species, Rose Carpet Knotweed (Bistorta vacciniifolia), locally called Petma Mento, and Cicerbita alpina. Bumblebees were seen regularly visiting these flowers during the survey. The researchers observed that the relatively brief flowering period in Tawang makes it important for bees to have access to different flowering plants throughout the season. Fields used for agriculture, kitchen gardens and flowers growing around human settlements were also found to contribute to the availability of nectar and pollen. According to the study, changes in alpine vegetation, disturbance to natural habitats and climate-related changes in flowering cycles could reduce the availability of food for pollinators living at higher elevations. The scientists pointed out that conservation efforts should therefore focus not only on the bees but also on the flowering habitats that support them. The findings are expected to serve as baseline data for further studies on bee diversity, bee-plant relationships and seasonal availability of floral resources. The information could also assist in future habitat mapping, monitoring and conservation programmes in Tawang and other parts of the Eastern Himalayan region, the statement said.  

PASIGHAT, OCT 8: A Professor Lecture Series on contemporary Hindi poetry was organised at Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, on Thursday, providing students, research scholars and faculty members an academic platform to engage with emerging trends and critical perspectives in Hindi literature. The programme was organised by the Central Hindi Directorate, Ministry of Education, Government of India, in collaboration with the Post Graduate Department of Hindi and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), JNC Pasighat. The programme began with a welcome song presented by BA fifth-semester students, followed by the felicitation of the guest and introduction of the resource person by Hindi Department Head Dr Mumne Perme. The welcome address was delivered by Dr HN Pandey, Head of the Department of Hindi. The academic session featured a lecture by Dr Arundhati, subject expert and Assistant Professor at Satyawati College, University of Delhi, who spoke on contemporary Hindi poetry and its various dimensions. JNC Vice-Principal Dr Leki Sitang and IQAC Coordinator Dr Panda also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of such academic initiatives in enhancing students’ understanding of contemporary literature. An interactive session followed the lectures, with students and faculty members engaging with the resource person on various aspects of contemporary Hindi poetry. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by coordinator Dr Mumne Perme, followed by the National Anthem and a group photograph.    

LONGDING, OCT 8: Longding Deputy Commissioner Kunal Yadav inspected the ongoing construction of the new Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) school building at Zebo Colony here on Thursday. Representatives of the concerned line departments and the executing agency accompanied the DC during the inspection. Yadav reviewed the progress of the construction and assessed the quality of work with reference to the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR). He directed the executing agency to strictly adhere to prescribed quality standards, technical specifications and project timelines. The concerned departments and agency were also advised to maintain close coordination to ensure timely completion of the project. The inspection underscored the district administration’s focus on ensuring quality educational infrastructure and timely completion of the new KV building in Longding. (DIPR)  

LONGDING, OCT 8: A two-day District-Level Inter-School Sports Meet 2026, exclusively for girls, was held at the General Ground here from October 6 to 7 under the theme “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”. The event was organised by the District Olympic Association (DOA), Longding, in collaboration with the District Administration and the Department of Women & Child Development. The meet aimed to promote girl empowerment through sports, foster sportsmanship and identify emerging sporting talent from across the district. Eight schools participated in the meet, including JNV Tissa, GSS Tissa, PM SHRI GHSS Pongchau, GSS Longding, GSS Pongchau, KV Longding, GSS Niausa and PM SHRI GHSS Longding. Competitions were held in athletics, volleyball, tug of war, high jump, long jump, 100-metre and 200-metre races, among others, with tug of war emerging as one of the major attractions. International medalist Nyeman Wangsu, who attended the event as the chief guest, shared her sporting journey and encouraged the participants to pursue sports. She highlighted the role of sports in building confidence, discipline and leadership among girls and appreciated the DOA initiative for providing them a dedicated platform to showcase their abilities. Longding District Olympic Association president Tailai Taham said the meet was not merely about competition but also about empowering girls and providing them opportunities for physical and mental growth. He said participation in sports helps girls develop strength, confidence and resilience, reflecting the spirit of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”. Longding District Olympic Association secretary Wangfyak Wangsu expressed gratitude to the district administration, Department of Women & Child Development, participating schools, officials, volunteers and others involved in the conduct of the event. Longding DC Abhishek Sharma encouraged the participants to actively pursue sports and other avenues of personal development. He also assured the DOA of necessary administrative support for promoting sports and sporting activities in the district. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, parents and sports enthusiasts and concluded with the distribution of trophies, prizes and certificates, followed by a vote of thanks.  

DAPORIJO, OCT 8: The Seva Sankalp Utsav district-level traditional sports competition was held at Rijo Mini Outdoor Stadium here on Thursday, with the aim of promoting indigenous sports and culture while encouraging youth participation, physical fitness and healthy competition in Upper Subansiri district. The event was organised by the District Sports Office, ICR, Upper Subansiri, in collaboration with the District Administration. Daporijo MLA-cum-Advisor to the Health Minister, RD and Panchayati Raj Taniya Soki attended the event as the chief guest, while Zilla Parishad Chairperson Upper Subansiri Jyoti Jeram Sikom was the guest of honour. The programme began with the gathering of participating teams, officials and the public, followed by the playing of the National Song, presentation of the dignitaries, welcome address and speeches. A Nasha Mukt Yuva pledge was also administered on the occasion. The traditional sports competitions were conducted on a ZPM constituency-wise basis, with participants representing their respective constituencies. The disciplines included tug of war, bamboo archery, guli danda, bamboo climbing, Dali Haka Hinam and bamboo poles/stick running. Tug of war was conducted as a team event, while the remaining disciplines were individual events. Winners at the district level will represent Upper Subansiri at the state-level competition. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth and community members, showcasing strength, agility, skill, teamwork and traditional sporting knowledge. The dignitaries stressed the importance of preserving indigenous games and sporting practices, particularly among the younger generation. The programme also highlighted the Nasha Mukt Yuva message, encouraging young people to remain physically active, socially responsible and free from substance abuse. The event concluded with participation from athletes, officials, ZPM constituency representatives and members of the public, reaffirming the district’s efforts towards youth empowerment, cultural preservation and promotion of grassroots sports. (DIPR)  

ITANAGAR, OCT 7: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has alleged that the State Bank of India’s digital banking software was not allowing followers of the faith to select the ‘Scheduled Tribe’ option while applying for account opening and KYC updates, and they were automatically classified as ‘General’ upon marking their religion. It has demanded the public sector bank make requisite technical corrections within 15 days, and warned of agitations if it was not made. In a formal representation addressed to the SBI regional manager in Itanagar on October 5, the state’s apex Christian body claimed that upon marking ‘Christian’ as religion, the software disables the ‘Scheduled Tribe’ option and classifies applicants as ‘General’ Terming the software behaviour “potentially discriminatory”, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) emphasised that under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, tribal status in Arunachal Pradesh is not contingent on religious affiliation. “The State Bank of India is not the competent authority to de-list a tribal Christian customer who possesses a valid ST certificate. SBI cannot automatically classify a tribal Christian under the General category solely based on their declared religion,” it stated. The forum urged SBI authorities to examine the onboarding logic, clarify whether any regulatory or Reserve Bank of India directive permits such classification, and rectify the software to prevent religion and tribal status from being treated as mutually exclusive. The ACF has set a 15-day deadline for the bank to communicate corrective action, warning of agitations across all SBI branches in Arunachal Pradesh if the issue remains unresolved. (Source: PTI)