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NEW DELHI : In a collaborative initiative with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the central government has located twenty-seven specific geographical sites and features across Arunachal Pradesh, which have been officially standardised on official Survey of India maps to enhance public awareness and accurate recognition. According to a press release on Friday, the Government of India, in consultation with the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh, “identified a total of twenty-seven (27) places/features located in Arunachal Pradesh, by standard place and feature names on the official maps of the Survey of India (SoI).” “Identifying them formally on the Survey of India map of Arunachal Pradesh is aimed at facilitating their accurate recognition and better awareness among the public at large,” the statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs noted. Together, twenty-seven places and features on official Survey of India maps were updated to improve public awareness and recognition, the release stated. According to the release, these categorised locations comprise twenty-one land areas such as Longju, Maja, Bisa, Bara Kundun, Chhota Kundun, Dhan Bari, Pritnagar, Buddhamandir, Jairampur, Teritnagar, Ramnagar, Jaswant Garh, Sagar, Padma, Jyotinagar, Baisakhi, Chhota Ropuk, Bara Ropuk, Shivaji Nagar, Sunpura, and Kamlang Nagar. Additionally, the official list features four distinct passes, including Dzo La, Riza La, Pukur La, and Thag La, one lake known as Sambho Sarovar, and one monument, which is the Sher-e-Thapa Memorial, the release said. These cartographic updates coincide with recent remarks addressing regional security amid social media reports of an incursion in Arunachal Pradesh along the LAC. On Friday, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu denied the reports of a Chinese incursion in the state.CM Pema Khandu told reporters that he would speak to the locals and the Indian Army on the allegations of an incursion by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). “We don’t think there was an incursion as the Indian Army personnel are deployed and maintaining the territory. I have also urged the local tribes; I will hear them and also talk to the army,” he said. Last month, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung had refuted claims of Chinese encroachment in the State as “just rumours”, urging the media to verify before releasing such statements in the public domain. “Regarding the Chinese encroachment claims being shown on social media, I would request media friends to verify whether such statements are true or not. The reality is that there is no Chinese encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh. Our soldiers are standing 24/7 on the borders to protect Mother India. I can say with confidence that China does not dare to cross even one inch of Indian territory,” he said. “These claims are just rumours and should not be believed. The Indian government has deployed our brave soldiers, and the entire nation stands with them. We are ready to make any sacrifice for the protection of our land,” he added. In June, the Indian Army also rebutted reports in a section of the media alleging encroachment by the Chinese PLA and setting up camps in Arunachal Pradesh and termed them “incorrect and without basis”. “We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by Chinese PLA and setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis,” the Indian Army said.      

NEW DELHI/KOHIMA : Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged Congress workers to extend every possible support for relief and restoration efforts in the flood-and landslide-affected states of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, while expressing deep grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the natural calamities. The Congress leader expressed profound sorrow over the deaths and extensive damage caused by landslides and flash floods that have ravaged the two Northeastern states over the past several days. Taking to his official X handle, Rahul Gandhi said: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by landslides and flash floods across Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.” “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured. I urge Congress workers to support the relief and restoration efforts in every possible way. I stand in solidarity with every affected family in this difficult hour,” Gandhi said. Lok Sabha member from Odisha Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, who is the Congress in-charge for Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, also expressed deep anguish over the deaths and destruction caused by floods and landslides in Nagaland. In a post on his X handle, Ulaka said: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by the floods and landslides in Nagaland. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for everyone’s safety and swift recovery.” The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and large-scale destruction caused by the floods and landslides across the state. In a post on its official X handle, the party said that many people had lost their lives due to incessant rain, floods and landslides in Nagaland. The NPCC said that thousands of families have been displaced, while homes, roads, bridges, farmlands and livelihoods have suffered extensive damage due to the recent floods and landslides. “The tragedy that claimed the lives of young students and many others is a painful reminder that disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure cannot be ignored,” the party said. The NPCC said it stands in solidarity with every affected family and called upon the government to ensure immediate relief, fair compensation, speedy restoration of roads and essential services, and the formulation of a long-term disaster mitigation plan to protect vulnerable communities. “The people of Nagaland cannot be left to rebuild alone,” the party added. Meanwhile, Congress Lok Sabha member from Nagaland S. Supongmeren Jamir, along with four other Members of Parliament from Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to extend all possible Central assistance to the flood-affected people of the two states. The delegation, led by Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, met the Prime Minister at Parliament House in New Delhi and apprised him of the flood situation and the extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall in both states. The delegation also included Tapir Gao (Lok Sabha, Arunachal Pradesh), Tai Tagak (Rajya Sabha, Arunachal Pradesh) and S. Phangnon Konyak (Rajya Sabha, Nagaland). During the meeting, the Members of Parliament discussed the ongoing flood situation, relief measures and the urgent need for Central assistance to restore damaged infrastructure and rehabilitate the affected population. Prime Minister Modi assured the five parliamentarians from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland that the Central government would extend all necessary support and continue to work in close coordination with the respective state governments to effectively address the challenges arising from the ongoing heavy rainfall, floods and landslides. (Source: IANS)    

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met the newly elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi and urged them to uphold the highest standards of parliamentary conduct while working towards the vision of a developed India. Congratulating the new members, the Prime Minister shared his vision of public service and said the role of a Member of Parliament should be defined not merely by the number of questions asked or speeches delivered, but by the quality of contributions made to Parliament and the nation. He encouraged the members to remain humble, learn continuously from senior parliamentarians and retain the curiosity and discipline of a student throughout their parliamentary journey. Calling for the highest standards of parliamentary decorum, the Prime Minister urged the members to strengthen democratic institutions and participate in debates with wisdom, dignity and a spirit of constructive engagement. Highlighting the vision of Viksit Bharat, Modi called upon every member to become an active partner in India’s transformation by placing the nation’s interest above all else. He said the country needs leaders who work with integrity, humility and a collective spirit to accelerate development across all states and improve the lives of citizens irrespective of political affiliation, reiterating that “Nation First” should remain the guiding principle of every public representative. Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh Tai Tagak was among those who attended the interaction. During the meeting, Tagak expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his continued guidance, encouragement and support for the development of Arunachal Pradesh. Reflecting on his journey from a remote village to the Upper House of Parliament, he said it symbolised the opportunities created through dedicated leadership and inclusive development. He also acknowledged the Prime Minister’s commitment to the state’s development through investments in road and border infrastructure, connectivity, communication, livelihood generation, education and public institutions. Tagak reaffirmed his commitment to work with dedication for the progress of Arunachal Pradesh and towards the larger vision of a strong, developed and self-reliant India.    

NEW DELHI : There is no proposal for any special session from August 16 to 18 on the women’s reservation and delimitation bills, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday night. The government is making a fresh attempt for the passage of a Constitution Amendment Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and redraw the Lok Sabha constituencies to increase their number to 816 in the ongoing Monsoon session by reaching out to principal opposition party Congress and NDA allies, nearly four months after a similar effort failed due to lack of numbers. There has been speculation in some political quarters about the possible reintroduction of the Delimitation Bill and the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill in a special session of Parliament after Independence Day. When asked about it, Rijiju denied any proposal for a special session. “There is no proposal to have any special session from August 16 to 18 on women’s reservation and delimitation bills,” the minister told PTI. As part of the outreach, Rijiju met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday and discussed with him the reintroduction of the Bill, but did not get any commitment from the Congress leader, sources aware of the government efforts said. The government plans to meet other opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and the DMK leadership to gauge their view on the possible reintroduction of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill. A government functionary earlier said if the government wants to reintroduce the delimitation bill, it will be done in the ongoing session and ruled out convening a brief special session soon after the Independence Day weekend. It makes no sense as yet to consider any special session, as being talked about in some quarters, as there is still one more week left for this session to end, a government floor manager said. (Source: PTI)    

NEW DELHI : The CBI on Monday told the Supreme Court that there was “non-cooperation” from the Arunachal Pradesh government in providing records during its preliminary enquiry into the allegations of preferential allotment of contracts for public works in the state to firms allegedly owned or related to the kin of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Taking note of the CBI’s status report, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the chief secretary and principal secretary (Home) of the Arunachal Pradesh government seeking their responses on it. The bench said both these officers would remain present before it on August 24 to explain why there was non-cooperation and non-compliance of the directions passed by the apex court. “A perusal of the same (CBI’s status report) reflects that there is non-cooperation at the end of the state government in providing the necessary records…,” the bench said. On April 6, the top court had directed the CBI to register within two weeks a preliminary enquiry into allegations of preferential allotment of contracts for public works in Arunachal Pradesh to firms allegedly owned or related to the family members of Chief Minister Khandu. Observing that the State and its instrumentalities cannot confer benefits according to the “whims of any political or administrative functionary”, the apex court had said it was a fit case where an “independent investigation” was necessary. In its verdict, it had said the preliminary enquiry and consequential investigation, if any, shall cover the award and execution of public works contracts and work orders in Arunachal Pradesh from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2025, including the works and compilations placed on record in the proceedings before it. The verdict was delivered on a plea filed by NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena seeking a CBI or SIT probe into the matter. (Source: PTI)      

NEW DELHI : The Congress on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Supreme Court summoned Arunachal Pradesh chief secretary to appear on August 24 over the CBI’s allegation that the state government was not cooperating in its probe into allegations against Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s kin. The opposition party said Khandu continues in office demonstrating “the PM’s bogus commitment to accountability and integrity in public life”. The CBI on Monday told the Supreme Court that there was “non-cooperation” from the Arunachal Pradesh government in providing records during its preliminary enquiry into the allegations of preferential allotment of contracts for public works in the state to firms allegedly owned or related to the kin of the chief minister. Taking note of the CBI’s status report, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the chief secretary and principal secretary (Home) of the Arunachal Pradesh government seeking their responses on it. The bench said both these officers would remain present before it on August 24 to explain why there was non-cooperation and non-compliance of the directions passed by the apex court. Reacting to the development, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “This was only to be expected. On April 6, 2026, the Supreme Court had on its own volition ordered a CBI investigation into PWD contracts awarded by the PWD Minister to his family members.” “The PWD minister in Arunachal Pradesh is none other than the CM himself. He continues in office demonstrating the PM’s bogus commitment to accountability and integrity in public life,” Ramesh said on X. On April 6, the top court had directed the CBI to register within two weeks a preliminary enquiry into allegations of preferential allotment of contracts for public works in Arunachal Pradesh to firms allegedly owned or related to the family members of Chief Minister Khandu. Observing that the state and its instrumentalities cannot confer benefits according to the “whims of any political or administrative functionary”, the apex court had said it was a fit case where an “independent investigation” was necessary. In its verdict, it had said the preliminary enquiry and consequential investigation, if any, shall cover the award and execution of public works contracts and work orders in Arunachal Pradesh from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025, including the works and compilations placed on record in the proceedings before it. The verdict was delivered on a plea filed by NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena seeking a CBI or SIT probe into the matter. (Source: PTI)      

NEW DELHI : Calling for sustained dialogue between policymakers and the young generation, former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said that the rise of Artificial Intelligence has created uncertainty and frustration among Indian youth regarding future job opportunities and employability. In an interview with PTI Videos, Kumar said that India’s youth is very uncertain and very unclear about the future because of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “This is generating fears of both employability and employment generation,” he said while replying to a question about youth’s anger and recent NEET-related protests. Kumar said the recent periodic labour force survey (PLFS) data has shown that the youth unemployment rate in India for the 1529 age group has stood at around 20 per cent. “Now, if you are faced with their circumstances, then of course you will be frustrated. And, I think this is why we need to have an on-going dialogue with the youth,” he said. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin June 2026, Unemployment Rate among females aged 15- 29 years was 20.7 per cent and 14.6 per cent for males in the age group in the month. Kumar also suggested that Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, who is heading a task force to reform India’s examination system, should engage with the youth to find out what is bothering them and to somehow give an assurance to the young people of this country that the future is good for them. Last month, a nationwide protest movement by youth, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led to the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. India needs to grow higher than 8% to become an upper middle-income nation by 2047 Asked what India needs to do to achieve its ambitious target of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2047, Kumar said India must now target to grow at higher than 8 per cent. “In-fact, the target should be to grow in double digits. That, it can do this is proven by many states, which have grown at double digits for the last few years,” he said, adding that the process should be replicated across other states, and India should not be treated as one homogeneous economy because it is not so. According to Kumar, what India needs is a development strategy for each state to grow in double digits, to be able to reach the aspiration of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2047. “Some years you will grow at less than eight, and some times more than 10. But China has shown that the whole economy could grow at 10 per cent for 30 years,” he observed. Kumar also noted that strengthening the domestic economy will also be India’s best foreign policy. Recently, four Asian countries, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Jordan, were upgraded from lower middle-income countries to upper middle-income countries by the World Bank. India, despite its strengths, missed the mark. Asked why the share of manufacturing in GDP remained stuck around 16-17 per cent for around two decades, Kumar said, “We were not able to achieve the ease of doing business to promote the private enterprise as much as we should have done.” He lamented that it is quite shocking to know that India’s share of global exports has remained less than 2 per cent for the last three decades, and the manufacturing sector is actually only employing 10- 11 per cent of the labour force. “India has been an export pessimist for a long time. “Our manufacturing sector should target the world market and not focus only on the domestic market,” Kumar said, adding that change has not happened, as a result of which our manufacturing sector has not been able to grow. The eminent economist emphasised that the government has to work with the private sector to identify a few sectors in which all the relevant stakeholders should be focused on raising India’s share in the world market. “But I think a major problem today is that India has one export policy for the whole country. Now this is impossible. What is good for export promotion for Punjab can hardly be relevant for Tamil Nadu. So what we need today is state-specific export promotion policies, and each state must work to design and implement such a policy,” Kumar suggested. He said the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a central government department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which is looking after export promotion, should work with each state to identify its comparative and competitive advantage, and then create the conditions for sharply ramping up exports from each State. “It is absolutely necessary for India to increase its export share in the world market because if we do not do that, we will not be able to expand our manufacturing capacity, and if we do not expand our manufacturing capacity, we will not be able to generate the employment opportunities that are desperately required,” Kumar said. (Source: PTI)