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ITANAGAR : The Press Information Bureau (PIB), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on Monday organised ‘Vartalap 2026’, a media outreach programme in Itanagar on Monday highlighting the Union government’s developmental initiatives over the past 12 years while promoting the nationwide ‘Gems of India’ Challenge aimed at empowering grassroots digital creators. Held under the theme, “12 Years of the Union Government: From Empowerment to Prosperity – A Step Towards the Future,” the programme sought to strengthen engagement with regional media, disseminate information on key developmental achievements and encourage youth participation in digital storytelling. Among those present were PIB Itanagar Joint Director Utsav Parmar, Arunachal Pradesh Information and Public Relations (IPR) Director Gijum Tali and Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) Professor Sanjeev Kumar Jena. Addressing the gathering, Parmar described the ‘Gems of India’ Challenge as a national platform that would enable young creators to showcase Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, traditions and history through innovative digital content. He encouraged the state’s youth to participate actively, saying the initiative would not only provide national recognition to emerging storytellers but also help introduce the unique identity of Arunachal Pradesh to audiences across the country. Parmar also highlighted improvements in the state’s education, healthcare and connectivity sectors over the past 12 years. Speaking on the occasion, Tali said the state had witnessed significant progress in infrastructure and air and road connectivity under various central initiatives, leading to notable socio-economic transformation. He said initiatives such as the ‘Gems of India’ Challenge would further empower local youth by promoting effective visual communication and digital creativity. Prof Jena highlighted the country’s progress in infrastructure, healthcare and digital sectors, while stressing the need to build sustainable economic ecosystems, particularly in frontier states such as Arunachal Pradesh, to ensure inclusive and long-term development. The ‘Vartalap’ outreach series is an initiative of the Press Information Bureau aimed at strengthening dialogue among government communicators, academic institutions and regional media for the effective dissemination of public policies and developmental programmes.        

MECHUKHA : In a major boost to cold-chain marketing and sustainable fisheries development, the Department of Fisheries on Monday flagged off a refrigerated vehicle carrying about three quintals of premium rainbow trout from Mechukha in Shi-Yomi district to markets in Aalo, Pasighat and Itanagar. The consignment was flagged off by Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu in the presence of Education Minister PD Sona. The programme was attended by Tourism Director, Shi-Yomi Deputy Commissioner, Mechukha Additional Deputy Commissioner, the Assistant Director of Fisheries (Nodal Officer, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana), Circle Officer Mechukha, District Fisheries Development Officer Shi-Yomi, Zilla Parishad Member Mechukha, heads of departments, public representatives, progressive fish farmers and other stakeholders. Speaking on the occasion, the ministers said the state government is committed to promoting trout farming as a high-value aquaculture activity capable of generating sustainable livelihoods and increasing farmers’ incomes in the high-altitude regions of Arunachal Pradesh. They said the introduction of refrigerated transport would preserve the freshness and quality of rainbow trout during transit, enabling producers from remote areas such as Mechukha to access larger and more remunerative markets. The initiative marks another milestone in the department’s efforts to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, improve market linkages and establish an efficient cold-chain system for fisheries products. It is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, ensure better price realisation and expand the consumer base for Mechukha’s premium trout. The Department of Fisheries has been promoting scientific trout farming and strengthening infrastructure for production, transportation and marketing under various developmental programmes. Officials said the successful transportation of rainbow trout through a refrigerated vehicle further reinforces Mechukha’s growing reputation as a hub for quality trout production and supports the government’s vision of making fisheries a vibrant contributor to the state’s rural economy. Meanwhile, the Mechukha Trout Quest-2026, organised by the Department of Tourism on July 26 along the Yargyapchu River, attracted 56 anglers from across India as well as participants from Thailand and Bhutan. Competitions were held in the fly fishing and lure fishing categories, with prize money of ₹5 lakh for the winners and ₹3 lakh for the runners-up in each category. A separate angling competition for local residents of Shi-Yomi district was also organised at Pasang Sonam Lake near the international border, offering prizes of ₹1 lakh and ₹50,000. The tournament was directed by International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) India representative and All India Game Fishing Association Vice President (Environment) Derek D’Souza and featured renowned fly angler and guide Bobby Satpal. Minister Wangsu distributed prizes to the winners and highlighted the immense potential of trout farming and sport fishing in promoting sustainable livelihoods, tourism and rural economic development. The refrigerated transport initiative and the angling tournament together underscore the government’s efforts to develop Mechukha into a leading destination for quality rainbow trout production, sport fishing and adventure tourism while creating stronger market linkages and livelihood opportunities for local communities.      

ITANAGAR : Ngunhai Wangsu from Longding district was crowned Miss TCL 2026 at the grand finale of the fourth edition of the beauty pageant held at Kharsang in Changlang district, organisers said. Chathiam Agi from Tirap district was declared the first runner-up, while Kitdam Kitnal secured the second runner-up title after a keen contest featuring participants from across the Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) region. Fifteen finalists competed for the coveted crown, displaying confidence, talent and cultural grace through traditional wear, casual wear and evening gown rounds. The contestants were also assessed through a question-and-answer session and a written test designed to evaluate their communication skills, awareness and overall personality. Over the years, the Miss TCL pageant has emerged as a prominent platform for young women from the TCL region to celebrate their cultural identity while promoting leadership, confidence and self-expression. Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao and Nampong MLA Laisam Simai attended the grand finale and highlighted the importance of preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage while encouraging platforms that nurture the talents and aspirations of young people. They said such initiatives not only instill pride in indigenous traditions but also empower youth by providing opportunities to develop confidence, personality and leadership skills, enabling them to represent the region on larger platforms. Event managing director K P Khusia said the pageant has evolved into much more than a beauty competition, serving as a cultural platform that encourages a wide range of artistic talent. “This is not just a beauty pageant. It is a platform that also gives singers, dancers and other artistes an opportunity to showcase their talent before a wider audience,” Khusia said. He added that the organisers remain committed to making the event more inclusive every year by promoting culture, creativity and youth empowerment while providing aspiring talents from the TCL region with greater exposure.        

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Monday met a delegation of the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra, led by Swami Mitrananda, at Raj Bhavan as part of the nationwide celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Chinmaya Mission. The Chinmaya Amrit Yatra is a nationwide spiritual and cultural initiative aimed at commemorating the mission’s 75 years of service by spreading the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta and India’s cultural heritage, while encouraging values-based living, self-discipline and national pride. Welcoming the initiative, the Governor appreciated the Chinmaya Mission’s longstanding contribution to spiritual awakening, character building and the preservation of India’s civilisational heritage. He said institutions such as the Chinmaya Mission play a crucial role in nurturing moral values, strengthening social harmony and building inner resilience in a rapidly changing world. Emphasising the need to preserve India’s cultural heritage and indigenous traditions, particularly among the younger generation, Parnaik said Arunachal Pradesh’s rich tribal customs and cultural diversity form an integral part of the country’s civilisational legacy. He stressed that safeguarding these traditions while embracing development is essential for building a culturally confident nation. Highlighting the state’s development, the Governor said Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed significant socio-economic progress over the years through improved road, rail and air connectivity, expansion of education and healthcare infrastructure, and growth in tourism, horticulture and hydropower sectors. He added that initiatives such as the Vibrant Village Programme, Frontier Highway projects, enhanced digital connectivity and investments in renewable energy are creating new opportunities, particularly in remote border areas. Arunachal Pradesh, he said, has emerged as a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and a model of inclusive development that balances economic progress with environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Extending his good wishes on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor expressed confidence that the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra would spread the message of unity, spirituality and selfless service while inspiring citizens to contribute towards nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.      

ITANAGAR : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minority Morcha, Arunachal Pradesh Unit, on Monday observed the 11th death anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, paying tribute to the former President of India and renowned scientist at the BJP state headquarters here. Leaders and members of the Minority Morcha, along with representatives of various BJP frontal organisations, offered floral tributes to Dr Kalam’s portrait and observed a two-minute silence in his memory. They remembered his immense contributions to India’s defence and space programmes, his distinguished association with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and his enduring legacy as the “Missile Man of India” and the “People’s President.” Addressing the gathering, State BJP Senior Vice President Dongoli Libang, BJP Minority Morcha State President Taring Rai, Minority Morcha Secretary Dana Yama, State Executive Member Yumdak Kena and General Secretary-cum-Convener Nabam Joshi highlighted Dr Kalam’s lifelong commitment to education, science and nation-building. The speakers said Dr Kalam’s life and achievements continue to inspire millions of Indians, particularly the youth, to dream big, work hard and serve the nation with dedication, integrity and selflessness. They urged people to uphold his ideals and contribute towards building a stronger and more developed India. State BJP Secretary Taring Tiri, who attended the programme as the resource person, spoke on Dr Kalam’s life, achievements and his significant contributions to strengthening national security, advancing scientific research and promoting public welfare. Among those present were State BJP Vice President Tarh Soping, Kra Daadi Zilla Parishad Chairperson Tagru Kasa, Itanagar Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Tok Tabin Camdir, corporators of the Itanagar Municipal Corporation, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives and leaders of various BJP frontal organisations.      

LEKHI : The eighth-day 6th State-Level Inter-School Basketball Tournament 2026, organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Basketball Association (APBA), concluded at Khinia Sports Arena in Lekhi with more than 600 student-athletes from schools across the state showcasing their talent and competitive spirit. Koloriang MLA Pani Taram attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest. Officer on Special Duty to the Home, Public Health Engineering & Water Supply and Interstate Border Affairs Minister Radhe Natung was the guest of honour, while Assistant Director of Sports (Secondary Education) Takam Pate attended as the special guest. The tournament featured competitions in four categories—Senior Boys, Senior Girls, Junior Boys and Junior Girls. In the Senior Boys category, Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan emerged champions, while Don Bosco School, Jollang finished runners-up and Government Secondary School RGU secured third place. Don Bosco School, Jollang won the Senior Girls title, with Alphabet Girls Residential Public School finishing second and Good Shepherd Public School taking third place. Vivekananda Residential Public School clinched the Junior Boys championship ahead of Lekhi Public School and Model English School. Don Bosco School, Jollang completed a double triumph by winning the Junior Girls title. Joms High School finished runners-up, while Alphabet Girls Residential Public School secured third place. Individual honours were also presented to outstanding performers. Dillu Sharma, Eta Milli, Talar Teli and Eta Milli were adjudged the Most Valuable Players in the Senior Boys, Senior Girls, Junior Boys and Junior Girls categories respectively. The Highest Scorer awards went to Tadar Jeenam (Senior Boys), Nangram Abi (Senior Girls), Eta Milli (Junior Boys) and Talar Teli (Junior Girls), while the Best Defensive Player awards were presented to Biri Tassay (Senior Boys), Punam Yomdo (Senior Girls), Rigum (Junior Boys) and Messi Regia (Junior Girls). Following the prize distribution ceremony, APBA President Donyi Eshi Ori and General Secretary Dikto Kare thanked the participating schools, student-athletes, school managements, officials and technical staff for contributing to the tournament’s success. Kare said the successful conduct of the championship reflected the collective efforts of the association and the enthusiasm of young players. He, however, urged the state government to provide greater support for basketball by strengthening sports infrastructure and expanding opportunities for budding athletes. “Our youth possess tremendous talent. With enhanced support and better facilities, basketball in Arunachal Pradesh can achieve new milestones at the national and international levels,” he said.