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ZIRO, OCT 5: The second day of the 1st Ziro Bird & Butterfly Festival, organised as part of the 72nd Wildlife Week Celebration 2026, featured trekking, field observations, workshops and conservation discussions at Manipolyang and Pange on Monday. The morning programme began at Manipolyang, where Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme flagged off a trekking group in the presence of DFO Tilling Takar. Experts Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi and Nanil conducted interactive sessions on birdwatching, butterfly observation and wildlife photography. Participants then undertook a guided trek from Manipolyang to Pange, followed by a community lunch. The afternoon programme at Pange featured technical presentations and field activities. Ecologist Dr Subashis Ghosh of the Wildlife Trust of India spoke on the diversity of moths in Arunachal Pradesh, while Arunachal Pradesh Bird Club members Mittal Gala and Samakshi Tiwari introduced participants to birding. The day’s activities concluded with a session on conservation and peace, followed by a mothing demonstration and film screening led by Dr Subashis Ghosh, Nanil and Tako.    

ITANAGAR, OCT 4: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday inaugurated a dedicated 33kV power substation and the Phase-II staff quarters of Vivekananda Bhavan at Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) Hospital, Itanagar, and assured continued State Government support to strengthen the Mission’s healthcare and education initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh. The new staff quarters will accommodate around 18 staff members, while the dedicated power substation has been established exclusively for the hospital. Khandu dedicated both facilities to RKM Hospital and its extended family. The Chief Minister also joined the presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to doctors, wards and staff members of the hospital in recognition of their contribution to healthcare services in the State. Speaking on the occasion, Khandu recalled the Ramakrishna Mission’s long association with Arunachal Pradesh, beginning with the establishment of its school at Aalo in 1966, followed by the Mission at Narottam Nagar and the hospital at Itanagar in 1978-79. He noted that generations of students educated at RKM institutions had gone on to occupy important positions in public life and government service, particularly those from the Aalo and Narottam Nagar institutions. Highlighting efforts to expand the Mission’s educational footprint, Khandu said he had recently urged the RKM authorities to enter the field of higher education in the State. Following discussions with the Mission leadership, in-principle approval has been accorded for two colleges, one each at Aalo and Narottam Nagar. The government is exploring the use of existing infrastructure to operationalise the institutions at the earliest, he said. Khandu also appreciated the Mission for establishing an educational institution at Lamdung in East Kameng district, saying it would help address the gap in quality education in western Arunachal Pradesh. On healthcare, the Chief Minister said the proposed 200-bed expansion of RKM Hospital would significantly strengthen healthcare delivery in the State. He highlighted the expansion of Arunachal Pradesh’s healthcare infrastructure, including the establishment of the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), where MBBS intake has increased from the initial 50 seats to 100 seats over the last two years. The State is also preparing to establish a second medical college at Namsai, with construction expected to begin shortly. A third medical college in the West Kameng-Tawang region, with an intake capacity of around 150 students, is being planned under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode. An investor delegation from Delhi is scheduled to visit the proposed site and hold discussions with the concerned department, Khandu said. Responding to RKM Hospital’s requirement for dedicated water supply, Khandu said the matter had been referred to the concerned department for necessary processing and funding. Citing the dedicated water supply arrangement created for TRIHMS, he said a similar solution for RKM Hospital would be pursued once the proposal reaches the appropriate stage. He also stressed the need for advance planning of water infrastructure in view of rapid urbanisation in the Itanagar-Naharlagun capital region. The State has already submitted a proposal to the Government of India for a major water supply project for the capital region, he said. Khandu also took note of the poor condition of the hospital’s existing staff and doctors’ quarters, many of which date back to the 1970s and 1980s. He said RKM had submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the State Government for replacing the ageing infrastructure and assured that he would take up the matter with the Planning Department. The government would work towards approving the first phase at the earliest to enable construction to commence, he said. Home Minister Mama Natung, MLAs Pani Taram and Jikke Tako, Vice President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, Rev Swami Suhitananda Ji Maharaj, Secretary of RKM Hospital Rev Swami Vedassaranandaji Maharaj and Secretary of RKM Narottam Nagar Rev Swami Achyuteshanandaji Maharaj were among those present.      

ITANAGAR, OCT 4: The BJP Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday defended the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, terming allegations raised by the Congress and other opposition parties misleading and politically motivated. Addressing a press briefing here, BJP Arunachal Pradesh spokesperson and MLA Topin Ete, along with State Secretary and SIR co-in-charge Joram Tat, said allegations against the ECI should be backed by facts and examined within the constitutional and legal framework governing elections. Ete said the ECI derives its authority from Article 324 of the Constitution and functions under established statutory provisions and procedures. He said differences in opinion, technical suggestions and internal deliberations among Election Commissioners are normal features of a multi-member constitutional body and should not be portrayed as institutional failure. On SIR, Ete said periodic revision of electoral rolls was necessary to identify discrepancies and maintain accurate voter lists. He compared the exercise to cleaning a water tank, saying accumulated discrepancies need to be addressed to keep the electoral system reliable. He also clarified that eligible citizens whose names are missing from electoral rolls can apply for inclusion through the prescribed legal procedure. Highlighting the role of political parties, Ete said Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by parties, including the BJP and Congress, have an established mechanism to scrutinise electoral rolls and raise objections. He said coordination between BLAs and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) provides an additional mechanism for identifying discrepancies and monitoring the revision process. Responding to allegations of mass deletion of genuine voters, Ete said changes in electoral rolls should be viewed in their proper context. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh, he said such changes could include names of deceased persons, those who had permanently shifted, untraceable individuals and cases where enumeration had not been completed. He maintained that such changes should not automatically be construed as deletion of genuine voters. Rejecting allegations of ECI bias in favour of the BJP, Ete referred to electoral victories by opposition parties and alliances in states including Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand. He questioned how opposition parties could win elections if the electoral system was inherently tilted in favour of the BJP. He also referred to the SIR exercise in Kerala, claiming that some senior Congress leaders had acknowledged its utility in identifying duplicate and doubtful voter entries. Ete criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for questioning the credibility of the electoral process and said serious allegations against constitutional institutions must be supported by credible evidence. Referring to earlier allegations concerning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), he said political parties should substantiate claims of hacking or tampering instead of repeatedly casting doubt on electoral institutions. He urged the Congress to introspect over its electoral setbacks instead of questioning the credibility of elections without sufficient evidence. The BJP leaders called for fact-based political discourse, adherence to legal procedures and responsible participation in the electoral process, saying the credibility of democratic institutions required transparency, cooperation and respect for constitutional institutions.    

ZIRO, OCT 4: The first edition of the Ziro Bird and Butterfly Festival was inaugurated at Saint Claret College (Autonomous), Ziro, on Sunday as part of the 72nd Wildlife Week celebrations. The four-day festival, initiated by Hapoli Forest Division Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Tilling Taker in collaboration with local community stakeholders and with the support of Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, brings together nature enthusiasts, researchers, local leaders and students to promote awareness and conservation of the Ziro Valley’s rich biodiversity. Following the inaugural programme at Saint Claret College, the festival will move to Pange in the Tale Wildlife Sanctuary for the next three days, featuring field explorations, bird and butterfly monitoring and hands-on conservation activities. The Hapoli Forest Division is adopting a community-first approach to biodiversity conservation, with emphasis on sustainable, community-led eco-tourism and strengthening frontline conservation efforts across Lower Subansiri district. During the inaugural programme, Tilling Taker and ADCF Oyang Dusu spoke on the significance of Wildlife Week and the ecological importance of native bird and butterfly species. Sessions were also held on environmental policy by CCF Millo Tasser, IFS; eco-tourism by Tage Kano; bird conservation by Koj Mama; butterfly diversity by Punyo Chada; and reptile awareness by RFO Kime Rambia. The opening day also featured nature exhibitions, martial arts and boxing demonstrations by Abo Warriors MMA Ziro and the Lower Subansiri Amateur Boxing Association, besides live performances by the Danyi Rilla Group and Tilling Tubin. (DIPR)    

PASIGHAT, OCT 4: Troops of the Spear Corps hosted 86 cadets and staff of Sainik School East Siang at Sigar Military Station on Sunday for a motivational visit aimed at familiarising the young cadets with the ethos, discipline and professional life of the Indian Army. The programme began with a welcome interaction and motivational addresses, encouraging the cadets to pursue excellence with discipline, determination and a strong sense of purpose. Interactive sessions on mental well-being and personality development focused on emotional resilience, self-confidence, leadership and holistic development. The cadets witnessed an Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) demonstration showcasing physical fitness, agility, precision and teamwork. An equipment display provided them an opportunity to observe military equipment and understand its operational relevance. The visit also included activities at the Battle Obstacle Course and rock climbing, where the cadets tested their endurance, confidence and team spirit. A Bhangra performance added to the enthusiasm and camaraderie. Motivational videos on ‘Join Indian Army’ and interactions with Army personnel familiarised the cadets with career opportunities in the Armed Forces and provided an insight into the challenges and responsibilities associated with life in uniform. The visit provided an enriching ‘Know Your Army’ experience, reinforcing values of courage, discipline, teamwork and ‘Service Before Self’. The initiative also highlighted the Indian Army’s continued efforts towards youth engagement and nation-building.  

PASIGHAT, OCT 4: Troops of the Spear Corps organised a cleanliness drive at Government Secondary School, Balek, in Pasighat as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, with the aim of promoting hygiene, cleanliness and civic responsibility among students. Students enthusiastically joined Army personnel in cleaning the school premises and surrounding areas. The initiative highlighted the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and adopting responsible practices in everyday life. The interaction also sensitised students to their individual and collective responsibility in building a cleaner, greener and healthier society. Emphasis was laid on developing cleanliness as a habit and encouraging students to become ambassadors of positive change in their families and communities. The initiative reflected the Indian Army’s commitment to youth engagement and community outreach, while fostering active citizenship and a sense of responsibility among the younger generation.  

PASIGHAT, OCT 4: The five-day residential Mathematical Thinking Camp (MTC-2026), organised by the Department of Mathematics, Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, concluded on Saturday with the participation of 55 meritorious students selected from across Arunachal Pradesh. The camp featured intensive sessions on mathematical thinking, logic, problem-solving, Olympiad mathematics and artificial intelligence. The sessions were conducted by resource persons including Birabrata Das Chaudhury, retired Lecturer (SG), Bongaigaon Polytechnic and Working President, Academy of Mathematics, Assam; Alok Kumar, INMO All India Rank-4, HBCSE IMOTC participant and AMSP faculty; Dr Neelabja Chatterjee, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, NERIST; and Kumar Harsh, Senior Faculty, NIELIT Pasighat. Addressing the valedictory function, JNC Principal Dr Gindu Borang appreciated the organising team for successfully conducting the camp and nurturing young talent. He thanked the resource persons for guiding the participants and urged the students to apply the mathematical techniques and logical approaches learnt during the camp for self-improvement and share their knowledge with family and friends. JNC Vice Principal Dr Leki Sitang assured continued administrative support for such academic programmes in the future. A friendly mathematical competition was also organised on October 2, with PM Shri JNV Roing securing the first, second and third positions. MTC-2026 was sponsored by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), with support from the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM). The camp received local support from the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and DBT STAR Programme of JNC. The camp was hosted by the Department of Mathematics, JNC, in academic collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat, and Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar.