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TAWANG : PM SHRI School Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Tawang on Saturday organised a hands-on Brick Making Activity under the Kaushal Bodh initiative, providing students an opportunity to connect mathematical concepts with practical skills and real-life applications. Moving beyond conventional classroom learning, students actively participated in the brick-making process and applied mathematical concepts such as dimensions, area and volume through practical measurement, calculation and observation. The activity enabled students to understand how mathematical concepts taught in classrooms are applied in everyday life. It also incorporated Art-Integrated Learning, encouraging creativity, teamwork, experimentation and problem-solving. The hands-on approach made learning more interactive and engaging while helping students develop practical skills, curiosity and a better understanding of mathematical concepts. The initiative reflected the theme of “Learning by Doing | Skills for Life | Mathematics in Action” and demonstrated how skill-based education can make academic concepts more relatable and meaningful. The activity is in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the objectives of PM SHRI Schools, which emphasise holistic, competency-based and skill-oriented education. For the students of JNV Tawang, the activity offered a practical way to discover mathematics beyond the classroom, demonstrating how everyday tasks can become meaningful learning experiences.  

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT : Officers, General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) personnel and families of the Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) Project Brahmank have extended voluntary relief assistance to families affected by the devastating floods in Assam. Assam has witnessed widespread flooding during the ongoing monsoon, affecting lives and livelihoods and damaging roads, embankments and agricultural land in several districts, including Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Golaghat, Dhemaji, Sonitpur and Bajali. Several areas have also reported disruption to drinking water, electricity, healthcare and transportation. Under the leadership of Chief Engineer Project Brahmank Pankaj Goyal, the personnel organised a voluntary relief campaign and contributed funds and essential items, including rice, food, clothing, footwear, blankets and other daily-use necessities. The collected materials were assembled at Headquarters Chief Engineer Project Brahmank in Pasighat and dispatched to Dibrugarh on August 4. They were subsequently handed over to the Rotary Club of Dibrugarh for distribution among flood-affected families. The initiative reflects the BRO’s ethos of “service beyond duty” and its commitment to humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. While the organisation is primarily tasked with constructing and maintaining critical infrastructure in challenging terrains, its personnel have once again extended support to communities facing adversity. The voluntary contribution highlights the values of compassion, solidarity and national responsibility, while underscoring the importance of collective efforts in providing timely assistance to disaster-affected communities.    

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT : Auditions for Miss LU 2026–27 were held at Gidi Notko here on Saturday, with 19 aspiring contestants participating in the selection process. Fifteen contestants will be shortlisted for the subsequent stages of the competition. Miss LU Chairperson Gena Borang Perme said the grand finale, scheduled for September 12, will feature four rounds along with five additional subtitles recognising contestants in different categories. She also announced a special “Secret Subtitle” to add an element of anticipation to the finale. Judge Amoni Diru encouraged the contestants to look beyond competition and support one another. Urging them to “empower each other and lift together”, she stressed the importance of confidence, solidarity and mutual encouragement. Miss LU seeks to provide young women with a platform to build confidence, showcase their talents and personalities, and express their individuality. The pageant also aims to promote exposure, communication skills and personal development. For the participants, the pageant offers an opportunity not only to compete for the crown but also to celebrate their identity and culture, strengthen their confidence and inspire other young women. The shortlisted 15 contestants will advance to the next stages of the competition ahead of the grand finale on September 12.    

NAMSAI : A district-level Panch Sammelan was organised at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here to sensitise elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) on the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-RAMG). The programme was chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Namsai, Lobsang Tsering and attended by Gram Panchayat Chairpersons (GPCs), Gram Panchayat Members (GPMs), other PRI representatives, Block Development Officers (BDOs) and concerned block-level officers and officials. A PowerPoint presentation was made on the objectives, provisions and implementation framework of VB-RAMG. ADC-cum-District Panchayat Development Officer N.K. Namchoom sensitised the participants on the significance of the scheme, particularly its focus on four priority areas—water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood infrastructure and climate resilience. She also highlighted the importance of the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan (VGPP) and stressed the need for grassroots-level planning in alignment with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Namchoom urged elected representatives and PRI functionaries to actively participate in planning and implementation processes to ensure that development schemes reach the intended beneficiaries effectively. Addressing the gathering, DC Tsering emphasised the crucial role of GPCs, GPMs and other PRI representatives in driving development at the grassroots level. He urged them to make full use of the technical guidance and inputs provided by the BDOs and maintain close coordination with the district administration and line departments. The DC also stressed the importance of clearly understanding their respective roles and responsibilities for the overall development of Namsai district. Highlighting the role of PRIs in community mobilisation, Tsering urged the elected representatives to create greater awareness among people and contribute to collective efforts to eradicate the menace of narcotics from the district. The programme concluded with an emphasis on stronger coordination among PRIs, block-level functionaries and the district administration for effective implementation of VB-RAMG and other development schemes Participants were encouraged to ensure proper planning, convergence, transparency and adherence to prescribed guidelines for successful implementation of government schemes and sustainable development in Namsai district. (DIPR)      

KAKKI : Essential relief and rescue materials were distributed to flood-affected Kakki village on Saturday by the Ramle Banggo Welfare Society in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative seeks to strengthen community preparedness and response mechanisms for human and wildlife rescue, relief and rehabilitation in the flood-affected area. The materials included solar lamps, rechargeable torches with batteries, headlamps, life jackets, snake rescue kits, ponchos and other essential rescue equipment. The supplies were sponsored by Foundation Segre, WTI and the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change. The distribution team was led by Ramle Banggo Welfare Society General Secretary Murter Kakki, along with Wildlife Trust of India Senior Manager Dr Panjit Basumatary and D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary Foresters Nyaken Zirdo and T. Kaman. Speaking on the occasion, the team stressed the importance of community preparedness and coordinated response, particularly in areas where human settlements are located close to wildlife habitats. The initiative reflects collaborative efforts by community organisations, wildlife conservation agencies and the Forest Department to enhance the safety, rescue and rehabilitation of people and wildlife during natural calamities. The Ramle Banggo Welfare Society expressed appreciation to the sponsoring organisations and the Forest Department for extending timely support to the flood-affected community.(DIPR)

PASIGHAT : A python rescued from Silluk village under Mebo Sub-Division was safely relocated to the D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday last, highlighting the growing role of local communities in wildlife conservation. The python was rescued by Silluk Swachh Abhiyan (SSA) Chairman Kepang Nong Borang after villagers spotted it near the village. Responding to the information, Borang secured the snake in a cage instead of allowing it to be harmed. The python was later released into the sanctuary in the presence of East Siang Honorary Wildlife Warden M. Tayeng and field staff of the Borguli Wildlife Range. Silluk Village-II Gram Panchayat Chairperson Opung Borang also accompanied the rescue team. Borang said another python of similar age and size was reportedly killed by some village youths the following day. He said the incident prompted him to seek a safer habitat for the rescued python rather than releasing it near the village, where it could face further threats. “When I heard about the sighting of a baby python, I convinced the villagers to help rescue it instead of killing it,” Borang said, stressing the need to change the tendency to harm snakes found near human habitation. He said releasing the python in the nearby village forest could have exposed it to further risks and therefore approached the Borguli Wildlife Range for its safe relocation to the sanctuary. The SSA team has previously undertaken similar conservation efforts, having rescued and released two Chinese pangolins into the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary in 2023 and 2024. Opung Borang expressed concern that the mother of the rescued python could still be in the area. She said villagers would make efforts to rescue and safely relocate any other pythons found near the village and urged residents to immediately inform her or Kepang Nong Borang about sightings instead of attempting to kill or capture the animals. She also appealed to the State Forest and Wildlife Department to provide rescue cages, essential equipment and medicines to local community members engaged in wildlife rescue. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), D Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, and Range Forest Officer (RFO), Borguli Wildlife Range, appreciated the efforts of Kepang Nong Borang and Opung Borang towards wildlife protection. The DFO also called upon more youths and villagers to participate in wildlife conservation, stressing that greater community involvement was essential for maintaining the region’s ecological balance. The safe relocation of the python underscores how timely intervention and community awareness can help reduce human-wildlife conflict, particularly in villages located close to forest and wildlife habitats. (Source: Maksam Tayeng)

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming Arunachal Pradesh’s rich handloom tradition into a vibrant economic sector by integrating traditional weaving with modern design, entrepreneurship and global market access while preserving its indigenous heritage. Addressing the inaugural function of the three-day celebration of the 12th National Handloom Day at the DK Convention Centre here, Khandu described handloom as much more than a livelihood activity, calling it the cultural identity and living heritage of the indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. “Every woven fabric of Arunachal tells the story of our people, our traditions and our identity. Our handloom sector has the potential to become a major driver of rural livelihoods, women empowerment and sustainable economic growth,” he said. Highlighting the state’s weaving tradition, the Chief Minister said Arunachal Pradesh is home to more than 32,000 handloom weavers, the majority of them women, making the sector one of the largest sources of livelihood for rural households. He said the government has been strengthening the handloom ecosystem through improved infrastructure, skill development, design innovation, marketing support and entrepreneurship promotion. Common Facility Centres (CFCs) have been established, weaving infrastructure upgraded and modern equipment introduced to improve productivity while preserving the authenticity of traditional designs. Khandu said weavers are also being trained in contemporary design techniques, natural dyeing, quality improvement and product diversification to enhance their competitiveness in national and international markets. He added that various state and central government schemes are providing financial assistance, raw materials, modern looms and marketing support to weavers and artisan groups. Urging young entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the sector, he called for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern branding, digital marketing and e-commerce platforms. Emphasising the pivotal role of women in preserving the state’s textile traditions, the Chief Minister said generations of women have safeguarded Arunachal’s cultural heritage through weaving. “Our women have preserved our heritage through handloom for centuries. It is now our responsibility to ensure that this heritage also provides sustainable income and economic independence,” he said. Khandu called for closer collaboration among government departments, designers, educational institutions, self-help groups, cooperatives and private entrepreneurs to develop Arunachal’s handloom products into globally recognised brands. He stressed the need for innovation without compromising the originality of indigenous designs, stating that value addition and quality enhancement would enable local products to access premium domestic and international markets. The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of securing Geographical Indication (GI) registration for the state’s indigenous textile products. He said GI certification would protect traditional knowledge, preserve the unique weaving traditions of different tribes, prevent imitation of indigenous designs and enable artisans to command better prices in the market. Speaking on the potential of sericulture, Khandu described it as a natural extension of Arunachal Pradesh’s handloom ecosystem and a sector capable of generating sustainable livelihoods across rural areas. He noted that the state’s favourable climatic conditions support the production of Eri, Muga, Mulberry and Oak Tasar silk, making Arunachal one of the few states capable of producing all four commercially important varieties of silk. He said strengthening the entire sericulture value chain—from host plant cultivation and silkworm rearing to spinning, reeling and weaving—would boost rural incomes while ensuring a steady supply of quality raw material for the state’s growing handloom industry. Calling for greater convergence between the handloom, textiles and sericulture sectors, the Chief Minister urged officials to promote value addition, branding and stronger market linkages so that Arunachal Pradesh emerges as a leading producer of premium silk and handloom products in the country. Expressing confidence in the sector’s future, Khandu said that with sustained government support, technological intervention and active participation of artisans and entrepreneurs, Arunachal Pradesh can emerge as one of India’s leading handloom destinations. During the programme, the Chief Minister launched the Department of Textiles and Handicrafts’ official website, the Artisan Data Bank and Atii – Arunachal Honey. He also felicitated outstanding weavers and artisans and distributed SAMARTH certificates and Yarn Pass Books to support handloom artisans. The inaugural function was attended by ministers, legislators, senior government officials, representatives of the handloom sector, master weavers, artisans, self-help groups and other stakeholders from across the state.  

ZIRO :  A hands-on training programme for field functionaries and Census Charge Officers was organised at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall of the District Secretariat in Ziro on Friday to ensure accurate and efficient data collection for the upcoming District Census Handbook (DCHB), Census-2027. The day-long programme was conducted under the directions of Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner-cum-Principal Census Officer Oli Perme as part of the district’s preparations for the census exercise. Senior Investigator-II James L. from the Directorate of Census Operations, Shillong, served as the resource person. During his third visit to Lower Subansiri in connection with the census preparations, he guided participants through the key aspects of DCHB fieldwork, emphasising the importance of accuracy in data collection and sharing practical strategies for addressing field-level challenges. The programme began with the felicitation of the resource person, followed by a welcome address by Assistant Director of Economics and Statistics Chiging Tamu. In his address, Tamu shared experiences from the initial phase of the census exercise and assured participants that issues relating to the mobile application and other technical glitches were being addressed. He said technical support teams would remain available to assist field staff and urged participants to make full use of the interactive training session. The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, enabling field functionaries and Census Charge Officers to clarify operational issues with the resource person and the technical team before commencing field activities. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR : Four ULFA (Independent) cadres surrendered before the Assam Rifles in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district near the India-Myanmar border on Friday, an official said. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the paramilitary force launched an operation in the Chupkhaw Track area under Wakka circle in Longding district, according to an official report. During the operation, sustained persuasion by the security forces encouraged the insurgents to renounce violence and join the national mainstream, it said. All four cadres voluntarily laid down their arms without any exchange of fire or casualties. Security forces recovered four pistols along with 17 rounds of live ammunition from the surrendered cadres.

NAMSAI : A coordination review meeting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Namsai on Friday under the chairmanship of Rural Works Department Secretary Duly Kamduk, who is also the Roll Observer for the district. The meeting was attended by Namsai Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (DEO) Lobsang Tsering, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and representatives of various political parties. Addressing the meeting, Kamduk stressed that no eligible Indian citizen should be left out of the electoral roll. He directed the Electoral Registration Officers to ensure that the revision exercise is conducted in a free, fair, transparent and error-free manner while strictly adhering to the guidelines of the Election Commission. A detailed PowerPoint presentation was made to review the overall progress of the Special Intensive Revision process in the district. The district administration also informed that a dedicated SIR Helpline (9366811521) has been launched to assist electors with queries and facilitate the revision process. Concluding the meeting, Tsering emphasised the need for close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the smooth and successful completion of the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Namsai district.