September 11, 2026 7:18 pm
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(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

National

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Rs 11,639 cr, 2,616 villages: How India is rebuilding its border communities

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NEW DELHI, SEP 6: India’s border villages are being transformed from remote and isolated settlements into vibrant centres of development and strategic partners in national security under the government’s Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), which is being implemented in two phases with a combined outlay of Rs 11,639 crore, it was announced on Sunday. The programme seeks to improve living standards and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in communities along the country’s international land borders by expanding road connectivity, electricity, telecommunications, healthcare, education and other essential infrastructure. The government’s approach marks a shift in the way frontier settlements are viewed, with border villages being positioned as the country’s “first villages” rather than its last settlements. The programme seeks to ensure that thriving communities remain rooted in border areas, thereby contributing to stronger border security. India shares more than 15,000 km of international land borders with seven neighbouring countries. The longest stretch is with Bangladesh at 4,096.7 km, followed by China at 3,488 km and Pakistan at 3,323 km. The remaining border stretches are shared with Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Afghanistan. For decades, difficult terrain, inadequate connectivity, limited infrastructure and a shortage of livelihood opportunities left several border villages isolated. These challenges also contributed to out-migration, leaving some frontier areas sparsely populated. The Vibrant Villages Programme was launched in 2023 to address these longstanding challenges through comprehensive development of selected border settlements. The programme recognises border residents as an important component of the country’s security architecture and seeks to create vibrant, secure and prosperous communities along the frontier. The programme is being implemented through VVP-I and VVP-II, which together aim to cover more than 2,616 villages along India’s international land borders. While VVP-I focuses on villages along the northern border, VVP-II extends the development approach to the country’s other international land borders. The two phases have different implementation structures. VVP-I is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented in partnership with the states, while VVP-II is a Central Sector Scheme funded entirely by the Centre. Despite the difference in funding and implementation, both phases focus on improving living conditions, strengthening local economies and empowering border communities. VVP-I was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 for villages along India’s northern border and was formally launched at Kibithoo in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh on April 10, 2023. (Source: IANS)      

National, REGIONAL

Assam govt team visits Bhupen Hazarika’s Kolkata home, mulls steps to preserve his memories

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KOLKATA, SEP 6: An Assam government team on Sunday inspected a building in Kolkata, where legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika had lived for several years, and mulled over steps in coordination with the West Bengal administration to preserve part of the property to keep his memory alive, officials said. Assam Additional Chief Secretary B Kalyan Chakravarthy, a member of the delegation, said they were considering whether the matter could be taken up with the West Bengal government and cultural institutions to preserve a first-floor room associated with Hazarika. “This is a very important place associated with Bhupen Hazarika. I have come here to see the place and will take up the matter at the highest level so that we can explore how it can be renovated and preserved,” he said. The visit came when the country was celebrating the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. The legendary singer-composer had initially lived as a tenant on the first floor of the three-storey building at 77 B Golf Club Road in Tollygunge in south Kolkata and later purchased it in 1981. He sold his property in the late 1990s and relocated to Mumbai, said Tridib Sharma, a member of the Assam Association, a platform preserving Hazarika’s legacy in Bengal. “Big names like Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey used to come here. This was not merely a residence but a platform symbolising how Hazarika was a unifying icon of music. He has composed and lent his voice to many Assamese, Bengali and Hindi songs, which endeared him to generations,” Sharma told PTI. He said there are multiple owners of the property, which has made the process of turning it into a memorial difficult. “The house is now inhabited and owned by multiple families. None of whom is related to Hazarika,” he said. Sharma said former Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal had wanted to start the process to set up a memorial, but the “previous TMC government here was not able to take it forward”. “We hope the Suvendu Adhikari government in West Bengal will take necessary steps so that the room can be acquired and efforts be made to pave the way for a memorial in collaboration with Assam,” Sharma said. The senior Assam government official, who could not have access to the inside of the building floors due to the presence of multiple owners and tenants, hoped that a “joint strategy will be chalked out to preserve Hazarika’s living room on the first floor and turn it into a memorial”. “Hazarika’s music transcended linguistic and social boundaries. We need to pay due respect to the music icon whose songs always brought cultures together. He sang in many languages, and his music exemplified the spirit of going beyond caste, creed and religion,” the official said. He said Kolkata and Bengal had historically been an important centre of Indian culture. “How can the room where one of the great singers of Bengali music had lived lie in decrepit condition? Hazarika loved Bengal and its people and culture. He has millions of fans. The city must pay its due respect to him,” the Assam government official said. To a question, he said the Assam government will raise the issue with the Bengal administration. “The year marks the 100th birth anniversary of Hazarika, and the authorities are planning a series of programmes to celebrate his contribution to Indian music and culture. A special concert is being organised in Kolkata on September 6 as part of the centenary celebrations,” the Assam official said. He said Hazarika’s work, particularly his folk-inspired music, continues to hold a special place in the cultural traditions of Assam, Bengal and the wider Indian subcontinent. (Source: PTI)              

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Arunachal educator Yaku Tame receives National Teachers’ Award

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NEW DELHI, SEP 5: Arunachal Pradesh educator Yaku Tame, Headmistress of Government Secondary School, G-Sector, Naharlagun, was conferred the National Teachers’ Award 2026 by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan here on Saturday on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. Tame was among 48 outstanding educators from across the country selected for the prestigious national honour in recognition of their exemplary contribution to school education. She was the sole recipient from Arunachal Pradesh among this year’s awardees. The award comprises a certificate of merit, silver medal and a cash prize of Rs 50,000, recognising her dedicated service and contribution towards improving the quality of education and promoting academic excellence. Tame’s achievement marks a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh and highlights the contribution of educators from the state to the national education landscape. Her recognition is also expected to inspire teachers and students across the state to strive for excellence in education.    

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India must remain vigilant on China’s expansionist tendencies: Guv

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PUNE, SEP 5: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has stressed the need for India to remain vigilant, united and prepared to safeguard its territorial integrity and national interests in view of China’s expansionist tendencies and assertive posturing along disputed borders. The Governor made the remarks while delivering the keynote inaugural address at the PIC-CCAS China Conference 2026 organised jointly by the Pune International Centre (PIC) and the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy (CCAS) in Pune on September 4 and 5. He spoke on China’s strategic trajectory and its implications for India and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Describing China as India’s “civilization neighbour”, Parnaik noted that the two countries share centuries of cultural and historical interactions. At the same time, he cautioned that China’s contemporary strategic outlook continues to exhibit expansionist tendencies, reflected in its territorial claims and assertive posturing along disputed borders. Referring specifically to China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh and areas in Ladakh, the Governor emphasised that India must remain vigilant and adequately prepared to protect its territorial integrity and national interests. Parnaik also highlighted China’s transformation into a major economic, technological and military power under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party. He said China has systematically expanded its influence across Asia, Africa and other regions through infrastructure investments, financial assistance and initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and stressed that countries in the region need to carefully assess the strategic implications of such engagements. Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic significance as India’s eastern frontier, the Governor said people living in border areas are vital stakeholders in national security. Their presence, local knowledge, resilience and commitment to the nation contribute significantly to border management and situational awareness. He stressed that empowered and prosperous border communities are among the strongest guardians of the nation’s frontiers. He also highlighted the Government of India’s sustained efforts to strengthen infrastructure and connectivity in border regions through improved road networks, communication systems and development initiatives. Such measures, he said, enhance operational preparedness while improving the quality of life of border residents and reinforcing the nation’s security architecture. The Governor underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive understanding of China’s evolving political, military, economic and technological landscape. He called for greater collaboration among policymakers, scholars, strategic thinkers and security experts to shape effective national policies and ensure that India remains prepared to meet emerging geopolitical challenges. The two-day conference brought together leading scholars, policymakers, strategic analysts and domain experts to deliberate on India-China bilateral relations and border dynamics, military and security developments, emerging trade and economic trends, technological and digital advancements, and the changing geopolitical landscape of Asia. Among the prominent participants were CCAS President Jayadeva Ranade, PIC Vice President Dr Vijay Kelkar, former Ambassador to Bhutan and China and former High Commissioner to Pakistan Gautam Bambawale, and former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande.    

National, REGIONAL

Shah meets Tripura CM, Tipra Motha founder amid BJP-ally differences ahead of village polls

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NEW DELHI, SEP 4: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday held a meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma amid differences between the two allies over an electoral understanding for the upcoming Village Committee polls and the regional party’s demand for land rights for indigenous people. BJP’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra was also present at the nearly 90-minute meeting at Shah’s residence, sources said. The BJP and Tipra Motha have remained allies in the state government despite repeatedly clashing over tribal issues. Friday’s meeting assumes significance as the two sides have been negotiating a possible seat-sharing arrangement for elections to 587 Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), scheduled for September 28. The TTAADC covers around two-thirds of Tripura’s geographical area and is home to a large part of the state’s indigenous population, making hold over tribal politics crucial for both parties. Sources said Debbarma remained firm during the meeting on his demand for protection of land rights of indigenous people and received an assurance from the BJP leadership that the issue would be addressed. There was, however, no immediate official announcement on the contours of any electoral understanding between the two parties. “Met Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji in New Delhi today. During the meeting, Founder of Tipra Motha Party Maharaja Pradyot Manikya Ji and BJP North East Coordinator Sambit Patra Ji were also present,” Saha said in a post on X. “We had a fruitful and constructive discussion on matters of mutual importance and the development and welfare of the people of Tripura,” he said. Debbarma had on Wednesday said Tipra Motha would not enter into an alliance for the Village Committee elections without a written assurance on land rights for indigenous people in the Sixth Schedule areas. The Village Committee elections are being held after a gap of 10 years. The polls, initially due in 2022, were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent legal complications. Founded by Debbarma, the scion of Tripura’s erstwhile royal family, Tipra Motha emerged as a major political force in the state’s tribal belt after sweeping the TTAADC elections in 2021. It won 13 seats in the 60-member assembly in the 2023 elections, emerging as the second-largest party in the House and the principal opposition. It subsequently joined the BJP-led government in March 2024 after signing a tripartite accord with the Centre and the Tripura government aimed at finding an “amicable solution” to issues concerning the state’s indigenous people. The accord covered a range of issues, including land and political rights, economic development, identity, culture and language. Relations between the allies, however, have remained strained, with Tipra Motha repeatedly accusing the Centre and the state government of failing to implement key provisions of the accord. The differences intensified over the past year, with the two sides also trading charges following clashes involving their workers. The parties eventually contested the TTAADC elections earlier this year separately despite continuing to share power in the state government. Tipra Motha won 24 of the 28 elected seats in the tribal council polls, dealing a major setback to the BJP, which has drawn much of its support in the state from Bengali Hindu voters, in the tribal belt. (Source: PTI)        

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Mama Natung attends National Summit on Water in New Delhi

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NEW DELHI, SEP 3: Arunachal Pradesh Home and PHE Minister Mama Natung attended the two-day National Departmental Summit on Water organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi from September 1 to 2. The summit brought together Ministers and senior officials from States and Union Territories to deliberate on water security, drinking water, sanitation and sustainable water management. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the valedictory session and emphasised continuous review and follow-up of the summit’s actionable outcomes. He called for greater Jan Bhagidari in water conservation, wider adoption of water-saving technologies, robust water data governance, use of artificial intelligence (AI) in water management and sustainable planning to address future water challenges. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil highlighted the need to accelerate the completion of water infrastructure projects, strengthen water conservation as a people’s movement, ensure the sustainability of drinking-water sources and improve the operation and maintenance of rural drinking-water schemes. Natung appreciated the Ministry of Jal Shakti for providing a platform for dialogue and cooperative action between the Centre and States. He reiterated Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to ensuring safe, sustainable and reliable drinking water facilities, particularly for communities in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. The summit underscored the spirit of Team India and the need for collective efforts to achieve long-term water security across the country.  

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31-member parliamentary panel set up to examine FCRA Amendment Bill

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NEW DELHI, SEP 3: A 31-member joint committee of the two Houses of Parliament was constituted on Thursday to examine the contentious Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal named as its chairperson. The panel, which was constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, has 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. It comprises 14 members of BJP and five of Congress. It also has two members each from JD(U), TMC and DMK, and one member each from SP, IUML, Shiv Sena, NCP (SP), NCP and TDP. On August 12, Parliament had sent the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill to a joint committee amid protests by opposition parties, which alleged that the proposed law targeted minorities and NGOs, and demanded its withdrawal. The government rejected the charge and challenged the opposition parties to identify even one provision that discriminated against minorities. While BJP’s Jaiswal is the chairperson, Bhartruhari Mahtab, Tejasvi Surya, Kamlesh Jangde, Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal, Nishikant Dubey, Vishnu Dayal Ram, Ananta Nayak and Arvind Dharmapuri are the members from the ruling party in the Lok Sabha. Congress’ Lok Sabha members who are part of the panel are Anto Antony, Captain Viriato Fernandes, Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed and Kali Charan Munda. Zia Ur Rehman (SP), Kalyan Banerjee (TMC), A Raja (DMK), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP), Naresh Ganpat Mhaske (Shiv Sena), Kaushalendra Kumar (JD-U), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP) and E T Mohammed Basheer (IUML) are other members of the panel from the Rajya Sabha. From the Rajya Sabha, the BJP’s C Sadanandan Master, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, Alka Gurjar and Sat Paul Sharma are members of the panel. Praful Patel (NCP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JD-U), Christopher Manickam (Congress), Menaka Guruswamy (TMC) and P Wilson (DMK) are the other members of the panel from the Rajya Sabha. The committee has been asked to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the last day of the first week of the Winter session of Parliament. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 and proposes tighter government oversight over non-governmental organisations and foreign funding in the country. It seeks to create a designated authority to manage and dispose of assets if an organisation loses its FCRA licence. Opposition parties have alleged that certain provisions of the Bill could affect legitimate foreign funding for Christian NGOs and minority-run social welfare and educational institutions. The government has maintained that the proposed legislation is not religion-specific and is aimed at regulating foreign contributions. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma had earlier urged the Centre to refer the Bill to a joint committee for detailed examination, while Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had also raised concerns over its provisions with the Centre. (Source: PTI)

National, REGIONAL

NESt Fest to showcase Northeast’s culture, youth talent in Delhi on September 4-5

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NEW DELHI, SEP 2: The ninth edition of the North East Students’ Festival (NESt Fest) will be held here on September 4 and 5, showcasing the region’s diverse culture, student talent, music, handicrafts, cuisine and youth voices. Organised by NGO My Home India, the free-for-all festival at Talkatora Indoor Stadium is themed “The Sound of India’s Yuva Shakti”. The festival will open on September 4 with an inaugural ceremony, a cultural parade representing the Northeast, inauguration of a government pavilion, folk music and dance performances, and an exhibition of Janajatiya handicrafts and cuisine. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Odisha Governor K Hari Babu are among those expected at the inaugural ceremony. “My Home India was built on one idea — that the distance between Delhi and the North East should never be a distance of understanding. Twenty one years on, this festival is where that idea comes alive every year. “When leadership from different regions shares the same stage for our students, that is the India we set out to build,” said Sunil Deodhar, founder of My Home India and senior BJP leader. The second day of the festival will feature a “Vande Mataram”-themed inter-college cultural competition, a regional attire fashion show, a youth pledge ceremony and the valedictory session. Artists scheduled to perform include Sourabhee Debbarma, Dikshu Sarma, Danube Kangjam, Lunia Tadu, Aj Maisnam, Moko Koza, Chorun Mugli, Siampuii Ralte and Lily Sawian. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Mizoram Governor V K Singh are scheduled to participate on the second day. Other invited guests include Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Sambhaji Shinde. The festival will also host an Assam flood relief help desk to facilitate assistance to people affected by the recent floods and coordinate support initiatives. (Source: PTI)    

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Pema YK Loyi appointed chairperson of women in FADA

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NEW DELHI, SEP 1: Pema YK Loyi, Managing Director of Iconic Automobiles, has been appointed Chairperson of Women in FADA (WIF), the women’s wing of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), at the association’s 63rd Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi on Monday. Founded in 1964, FADA is the apex national body representing India’s automobile retail industry and represents more than 15,000 automobile dealerships across the country. Loyi’s appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman from Eastern and North-Eastern India to head Women in FADA. An entrepreneur and automotive retail leader from Arunachal Pradesh, she has built Iconic Automobiles into a prominent dealership network in the Northeast. The company is an authorised dealer of Mahindra & Mahindra passenger and commercial vehicles in Arunachal Pradesh, with multiple showrooms and workshop service centres across the state. Under her leadership, Iconic Automobiles’ facility in Itanagar was recognised as India’s first all-women-run Mahindra showroom, reflecting her efforts to create greater opportunities for women and encourage their participation in the traditionally male-dominated automobile sector. Loyi has also been an active advocate for women’s participation in the automobile industry. At the 13th FADA Auto Summit 2025, she was among the prominent women leaders invited to speak at the session “Women in FADA – Driven by Courage”, where she shared her experiences and views on women’s participation and leadership in automotive retail. Her appointment comes after several recognitions for her entrepreneurial and professional contributions. In August 2026, she received the ‘Woman Transforming Auto Retail (East)’ Award at the 9th ETAuto Retail Forum 2026 in New Delhi. In 2025, Bank of Baroda also recognised her as a leading woman entrepreneur from the North-Eastern Region during its 118th Founders’ Day. Speaking on her new responsibility, Loyi said she would focus on strengthening women’s participation across the automobile dealership ecosystem and creating greater opportunities for women to take up leadership and entrepreneurial roles in the sector. From starting her journey as a young entrepreneur in Arunachal Pradesh to assuming a national leadership role in India’s automobile dealer community, Loyi’s rise highlights the growing presence of women entrepreneurs and the North-East in India’s automotive retail sector.    

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Tai Tagak attends parliamentary panel’s water resources study visit

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OOTY, AUG 31: Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak is participating in the Study Visit Programme of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka from August 29 under the chairmanship of Rajiv Pratap Rudy. A 21-member team comprising MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is visiting project areas and holding discussions with representatives of various water resource and allied agencies, including the Water Resources Department (WRD), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Forest and Environment departments, Central Water Commission (CWC), WAPCOS/NPCC, district administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police. The programme focuses on dam management, water conservation, flood management, river basin management, groundwater management, biodiversity and disaster management. The first day of the Tamil Nadu leg of the programme was held at Gem Park in Ooty on Monday, where the committee interacted with state representatives on a range of water resource issues. Discussions covered the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)–Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) and PMKSY–Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)–Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) schemes in Tamil Nadu, including the use of SCADA systems for equitable water distribution and sustainable resource management. The committee also reviewed the institutional role, operational performance, technical consultancy framework and project execution mechanisms of WAPCOS/NPCC in planning, designing, implementing and monitoring water infrastructure and allied projects in the state. Other key areas of review included the status of groundwater resources, depletion and contamination, water security and flood management strategies, particularly in the Nilgiris, and the sustainability of water resources amid climate change, variations in rainfall and temperature, population growth and increasing tourist influx. Representatives of the WRD Tamil Nadu, WAPCOS/NPCC, NDRF and SDRF made presentations before the committee. The committee also undertook local visits to the Charmraj Tea Estate and factory and a strawberry garden in Ooty. The study visit will continue on Tuesday.