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NEW DELHI, NOV 7: The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) has recommended 13 defence and paramilitary projects, most of them in high-altitude protected areas of Ladakh and one in Arunachal Pradesh, according to the minutes of its 86th meeting The proposals, submitted by the Ministry of Defence, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), include new border outposts, a brigade headquarters, ammunition storage and training facilities and bridge and culvert works. The committee has approved these projects with strict environmental safeguards to protect fragile Himalayan ecosystems. According to the minutes, the committee has recommended the use of 0.37 hectare of the Eco-Sensitive Zone of the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh for the construction of a 158-metre-long permanent bridge on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road under Project Vartak. The area lies within a global biodiversity hotspot and an important elephant corridor. The proposal was cleared with a mitigation plan that includes construction only during daylight hours, speed-control measures and waste and noise management. In Ladakh, several major defence projects were approved inside the Changthang Cold Desert and Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) wildlife sanctuaries. These include the establishment of a 315 Field Workshop Company at Chushul, spread over 3.7 hectares, to support the 142 Infantry Brigade deployed near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The committee has also cleared a Formation Ammunition Storage Facility (FASF) at Tsogtsalu, covering 24.2 hectares, in the Changthang Sanctuary. Another FASF of 47.1 hectares at KM-47 in the Karakoram Sanctuary has also been recommended. A 48.6-hectare Training Node Area at Tara in the Changthang Sanctuary, located around 15,500 feet above sea level, was recommended to provide realistic high-altitude tactical training for troops. The committee has also approved the use of 40 hectares at Chushul for establishing a Brigade Headquarters for the 142 Infantry Brigade, along with related support units. Other projects cleared include an artillery battery on 9.46 hectares at KM-148 and an Army camp on 8.16 hectares at KM-120 in the Karakoram Sanctuary. The committee has also recommended three new ITBP border outposts at Quazi Langer, BopsangLungpa and KM-156, each spread over about 1.62 hectares, and a 0.1-hectare transit detachment at KM-80. A small hume pipe culvert at Mudh, near the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground, was also cleared to facilitate movement across the Indus river. During discussions, ecologist R Sukumar advised that defence infrastructure should not be located close to marshes, riverbanks or narrow valleys prone to flash floods and avalanches. The committee noted his suggestions and directed that these be incorporated into mitigation plans. The panel said while these projects are critical for national security, their implementation must ensure minimal ecological disturbance in the sensitive Himalayan landscape. (Source: PTI)

ITANAGAR, NOV 7: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday announced the launch of a soft loan scheme for ITI pass-outs, aimed at enabling technically skilled youth to establish their own entrepreneurial ventures and move confidently towards self-reliance. The Chief Minister Soft Loan Scheme (CMSLS), to be implemented by the skill development and entrepreneurship department, is open to candidates who have passed out from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) within the last three years, beginning from 2022, Khandu said in a social media post. The scheme seeks to provide financial assistance to help them set up independent businesses in their respective trades, he said. Under the CMSLS, eligible ITI graduates can avail of financial support through two tranches of soft loans. The first tranche will provide up to Rs 1 lakh, while the second one offers up to Rs 2 lakh. In addition, beneficiaries will receive a toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000. To further ease the repayment burden, the scheme includes a 25 per cent loan subsidy and a 7 per cent interest subsidy. “When we invest in skills, entrepreneurship, and in our youth, we invest in the future of this land,” Khandu said. The focus of the government is to transform skilled youths into job creators rather than job seekers, and the scheme is a step towards achieving the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Arunachal’, the CM said. The chief minister said the initiative is not only about offering loans but also about empowering the youth to take charge of their futures by converting their technical skills into viable and sustainable businesses. He said the government aims to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the state and help young people contribute meaningfully to the local economy. Applications for the scheme can be downloaded from the state’s official skill development portal, the chief minister said, adding that applicants are required to submit their completed forms and supporting documents to the principals of their respective ITIs before December 31 next. Officials from the department said the scheme is designed to nurture small-scale entrepreneurship in sectors such as electrical works, welding, carpentry, automobile repair, tailoring, and other trades where ITI graduates already have hands-on experience. They added that the initiative will complement other ongoing programmes like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and start-up India Mission, thereby strengthening the overall skill development framework in the state. (Source: PTI)

YUPIA, NOV 7: A preparatory meeting of Nodal Officers,Returning Officers, and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) for the upcoming Panchayati Raj (PR) elections was held on Friday in the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here. Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner cum District Electoral Officer (PR) Vishakha Yadav, who chaired the meeting, called upon all concerned officers to put in concerted and coordinated efforts to ensure the peaceful, free, and air conduct of the elections across the district. Yadav emphasized the importance of teamwork, timely communication, and adherence to election guidelines, stating that the successful completion of the PR elections depends on the collective sincerity and diligence of every officer involved. She also sought detailed inputs and feedback from the Nodal Officers, patiently listening to the challenges and logistical requirements of various sections to ensure smooth preparation and execution. During the session, Dr Dana Unna, AC (PR), made a detailed presentation highlighting the roles and responsibilities of the Nodal Officers. She reiterated that every officer’s commitment and efficiency are crucial for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the elections. Following the session with the Nodal Officers, a separate meeting was convened for the Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers, where key operational and procedural aspects related to the electoral process were discussed in detail. (DIPR)

PASIGHAT, NOV 7: The APLA@50 Outreach Connect, an initiative under the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA) reached Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, marking another significant milestone in its academic journey across the state. The programme was organised in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), the nodal institute through its Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), with the aim of fostering civic awareness, political understanding and youth engagement in democratic processes. The event commenced with a debate competition on the motion “Implementing One Nation, One Election streamlines the electoral process.” The spirited debate saw active participation from students, reflecting their understanding of governance, electoral reforms and democratic responsibility. In his welcome address, Dr Tasi Taloh, JNC principal, emphasized the importance of academic collaboration in nurturing an informed and responsible citizenry and expressed pride in hosting the APLA Outreach Connect, which bridges students with the democratic institutions of the state. Dr. Saurav Mitra, Assistant Professor, Centre for Distance and Online Education, RGU, and Coordinator of the Outreach Connect, elaborated on the objectives of the programme. He highlighted how the initiative has been connecting students from 25 affiliated colleges across Arunachal Pradesh, serving as a vital platform for academic dialogue and civic education. Dr. Mitra also spoke about the various competitions launched under the Outreach Connect, including essay writing and poster designing contests, designed to encourage critical thinking and creativity among students. Prof. Tomo Riba, Vice Chancellor, Arunachal Pradesh University, in his keynote address, inspired the students with his thought-provoking lecture on civic consciousness, awareness and active citizenship. He encouraged the youth to cultivate awareness as the first step to being informed, by observing their surroundings, keeping up with current affairs and understanding Arunachal Pradesh’s geopolitical position. He cautioned that the northeastern region must remain firmly connected to the rest of India, both geographically and emotionally to strengthen national unity. Prof. Riba further outlined a holistic approach to personal and national growth, beginning with knowledge, followed by skill development, creativity, and most importantly, the right attitude towards life. Without the right attitude, he said, all other efforts remain incomplete. He urged students to actively participate in democratic processes, reminding them that non-participation in voting weakens democracy. He drew examples from daily life, noting that while people often complain about issues like cleanliness, they rarely take initiative to improve them, remarking that “many villages today are cleaner than cities because their people participate.” He concluded by urging students to stay positive, reject negativity, and maintain physical and mental fitness, describing positivity and a strong sense of nationhood as essential attributes of responsible citizen. The chair’s address was delivered by MLA Tapi Darang, representing the 38th Pasighat East assembly constituency, who began by recalling the one-day special session of the APLA held on 18th August 2025, where the state’s first chief minister reflected upon the journey of Arunachal Pradesh towards statehood. Darang highlighted that roads are the true pathways to development, explaining how enhanced connectivity has transformed the socio-economic landscape of the state. He fondly remembered Late Dorjee Khandu for his contribution to the development of the APLA’s new building and the state’s infrastructure. He emphasized that a strong opposition is as important as a strong government, as it ensures accountability and strengthens democracy. Darang also reminded students that citizens have the most crucial role in choosing good leaders, and leadership should begin in colleges and universities, where values of discipline and responsibility are shaped. He encouraged students to cultivate ownership and pride in their institutions, stating, “If you cannot think of your institution as your own, how can you think of the nation as our own?” He added that without a change in mentality, development remains superficial, and true progress can only emerge when individuals take active responsibility for their community and nation.

ITANAGAR, NOV 7: The six week-long short term training programme on Fashion Craftmanship organized at the Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic College concluded on a positive note here on Friday with as many as thirteen trainees being awarded completion certificates. The programme which began on September 17, was conducted by the college’s Department of Garment & Fashion Technology and was sponsored by the APSCTE. The programme, which was open to all walks of life, aimed to help women learn new skills for livelihood generation. The programme was successfully conducted under the supervision of Techi Nyari, HoD, faculty members DorikDiyum and Gabur Taga. Over the span of 6 weeks, trainees got acquainted with the basics of garment and textiles, drafting and garment construction, including facets of printing and dyeing. Addressing the function, Techi appreciated the enthusiasm and immense response of the trainees. She impressed upon the group to further utilise their knowledge and hone their skills with regular practice in their day to day life.  

ITANAGAR, NOV 7: Over 200 people benefitted from the two-day cancer awareness cum screening camp organized by Mon Indigenous Culture and Welfare Society (MICWS) at Miao in Changlang district. The camp was inaugurated by Miao-3 ZPM AsamtoTikhak on Thursday in the presence of several local leaders, officials and general public of the area.

JAIRAMPUR, NOV 7: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Itanagar, in collaboration with Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), organized a field-level financial literacy programme at the conference hall of ADC office here on Friday. The programme witnessed active participation from more than 130 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) members mobilized under ArSRLM. The financial literacy session was delivered by RBI manager Amit Yadav, who covered a wide range of topics including Basics of Banking and Credit, Insurance and Pension Schemes, Social Security Schemes (PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY), Importance of KYC and Nominee details, Safe Digital & Internet Banking Practices, and procedures for claiming funds from the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF). Participants were also introduced to the RBI Kehta Hai initiative through informative audio-visual presentations. BLCCT president Chandan Prasad highlighted various livelihood activities undertaken with support from NABARD and encouraged SHG members to come forward for enterprise development. He assured assistance in preparing business development plans for SHGs aspiring to scale up their activities. Lead District Manager, SBI, Binod Kumar Yadav, briefed the participants on banking services available to SHGs and emphasized the benefits of the Atma Nirbhar Arunachal Pradesh schemes. He assured support for strengthening credit linkage of SHGs with financial institutions. AGM, NABARD, Kamal Roy shared insights on the evolution of SHGs and the SHG–Bank Linkage Programme, along with various developmental interventions of NABARD in Farm, Off-Farm and MSME sectors. He also highlighted NABARD’s Geographical Indications (GI) initiatives, encouraging SHG members to register as authorised GI users. In addition, he emphasized the role of Cooperatives and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) in enabling SHGs to scale sustainably, outlining initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Cooperation and NABARD to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem. The programme concluded with an interactive Question & Answer session, during which SHG members actively engaged with the resource persons, seeking clarifications and sharing field-level experiences.

NIRJULI, NOV 7: The two-day international conference, titled ‘Invisible Struggles: Mental Health and the Lived Realities of the Peripheralized’, concluded at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) here on Friday. The event was organised by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, NERIST, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and Tribal Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in association with two knowledge partners – Kolkata-based BRIDGE and Mumbai-based Mariwala Health Initiative. The seminar brought together leading experts in the field from prominent institutions and organization across the country and abroad, including university of Kent, United Kingdom, IIT Bombay, Gauhati university, George institute of Global Health, Rajiv Gandhi University, Mariwala Health initiative, AP queer station, Rainbow Hills Association, the Collective Trust, Sikkim; Xomonnoy, Guwahati; All Trans Man Association, Manipur, who deliberated over two technical sessions on relevant themes. On the second day, two panel discussions took place. The first panel discussion titled: “Cultural and Tribal Perspectives on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention” was curated by MariwalaHealth Initiative, Mumbai. Aleen Barwa, Associate at Mariwala Health Initiative for Indigenous Mental health was the moderator. The four panellists: Binita Ekaa Psychiatric Social Worker, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, Dr Raile R Ziipao Associate Professor of Sociology, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Bombay, Dr Tarun Mene Assistant Professor, Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, Dr Reep Pandi Lepcha Assistant Professor, Department of English, SanchamanLimboo Government College, Gyalshing, West Sikkim. The panel explored mental health through the lens of indigenous knowledge, justice and cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of contextual and community-based approaches to suicide prevention. The session concluded with a call to recognize indigenous worldwide views and collective practices as centre to building inclusive, virtually grounded mental health frameworks. The second panel, “Mental Health Ecosystem – Reflections and Lived Experiences of LGBTQ+ Individuals,” curated by BRIDGE, Kolkata, highlighted that mental health is profoundly shaped by social acceptance, home, and community support, extending far beyond clinical settings. The discussion, featuring panellists namely Rudrani Rajkumari, Trans Queer Activist, Xomonnoy Assam; Viveka Gurung, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College cum Executive Member, Rainbow Hills Association, Sikkim; Sopin Laishram, Executive Member, All Trans Man Association, Manipur; Sawang Wangchha, Founder, AP Queer Station alongwith the moderator Prithviraj Nath, Founder Director, BRIDGE, explored the complex intersections of identity, stigma, and well-being, pointing to persistent challenges like transphobia, unemployment, and institutional neglect. Participants strongly underscored the need for sustained funding, gender sensitization, and the inclusion of gender studies in education. Furthermore, the conversation stressed integrating indigenous and community-based approaches into mental health frameworks, noting the significant gap between policy and the real-world implementation of queer rights. A critical point raised by AP-Queer Station was that, given the limited resources in Arunachal Pradesh, the community’s immediate need is not just for formal therapy but for genuine allies who will listen and understand. Addressing the common narrative, the panel asserted that while the community uses the language of human rights, their identities and struggles are indigenous to the region, urging society to validate and see their realities. Overall, the session called for the creation of an inclusive and empathetic ecosystem to support the mental well-being of all LGBTQ+ individuals. The conference concluded with a valedictory function in which Dr P Parida, Organizing Chair, kicked off the event with a sincere welcome, setting an inclusive tone by wishing every attendee would “leave as a friend”. Dr Geling Modi Joint Convener gave an overview of the international conference. This spirit of openness was leveraged in the addresses, starting with ProfRajive Mohan Pant, Vice Chancellor, Assam University poignant reflection on the academic sector. He underscored that in this fast-changing world, stress is inevitable, and urged the educational system to discuss these pressures and “see the invisible” distress among students – recalling a tragic suicide over high math scores – and to advocate for the unconditional support championed by Prof. Anand Prakash. Prof.Sarsing Gao, the Dean Academic, confirmed the conference’s impact, noting the significance of viewing mental health not from a purely individual perspective rather a systemic one, and praised the inclusion of gender issues. This urgency was amplified by Prof. Narendranath S, Director of NERIST, who issued a compelling call to action: the duty now is to translate learned experiences into “concrete actions” and uphold integrity to build community momentum, stressing the necessity of openly discussing the “limitations of the institute and education” itself to overcome them. Beyond the keynote addresses, the conference successfully fostered creative dialogue through student competitions commemorating Suicide Prevention Month, with Nani Pinky (PhD, Physics) taking first in Poster Making, Pophi Tapi (BTech III, Mechanical) winning the Poetry Competition, and Merelyn Remruatpuii (BTech III, Electrical) securing the top spot in Creative Writing.