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TUTING : The Indian Army’s Spearhead Division under Spear Corps successfully concluded the second edition of the Siang Futsal Tournament at Tuting Sports Complex in Arunachal Pradesh’s picturesque Siang Valley. The tournament, which began on May 8, culminated in an electrifying final between Gelling Norbulling Youth and Nyigong Boying Banggo Kebang (NBBK) Society. Displaying exceptional teamwork and sportsmanship, NBBK Society emerged champions of the tournament. The grand finale drew an enthusiastic crowd, turning the sports complex into a vibrant celebration of youth talent, unity and community spirit. Spectators passionately cheered for their teams, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the event. A total of 12 men’s teams and three women’s teams from nearby villages and educational institutions participated in the tournament. Players showcased remarkable discipline, determination and sporting talent, highlighting the growing popularity of futsal among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh. The participation of women’s teams also reflected increasing inclusivity and empowerment through sports initiatives in the border region. The closing ceremony was attended by senior Army officials, representatives of the Tuting civil administration, village elders, youth clubs, schoolchildren and residents from nearby border villages. Their presence underscored the strong bond of trust and cooperation between the Indian Army and local communities. The winning and runner-up teams were felicitated with trophies, medals and cash prizes, while all participants were appreciated for maintaining the spirit of fair play and exemplary conduct during the tournament. Organised to promote physical fitness, healthy competition and constructive youth engagement, the tournament also served as a platform to strengthen social harmony and community relations in the frontier region. Addressing the gathering, Army officials appreciated the support extended by local residents and reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment towards the welfare, empowerment and holistic development of border communities through outreach initiatives. The successful conduct of the tournament once again highlighted the Indian Army’s continued efforts to foster unity, national integration and enduring peace in the country’s frontier areas. (Source: DIPR)              

ITANAGAR : Education Minister P D Sona on Tuesday stressed the need for creating quality infrastructure in higher education institutions while reviewing ongoing and completed projects under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA). Chairing the 9th council meeting of the Arunachal Pradesh State Higher Education Council (APSHEC), Sona emphasised optimum utilisation of central funds for strengthening the higher education sector in the state. Expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Education for financing key infrastructure projects under RUSA and PM-USHA, the minister said Arunachal Pradesh, being a resource-constrained state, must ensure economic use of funds without compromising on quality and quantity of works. He also called for constant monitoring and timely completion of projects being implemented across the state. The meeting was informed that, as per government directives, all new projects would be executed through the Public Works Department (PWD) as the single implementing agency to maintain uniformity in infrastructure development. Earlier, Department of Higher and Technical Education-cum-State Project Director (RUSA/PM-USHA) Dr Milorai Modi highlighted the role of APSHEC in implementation of the schemes and sought suggestions from council members for the holistic development of higher education in the state. State Nodal Officer RUSA/PM-USHA Minto Ete presented a detailed report on action taken on decisions of previous meetings and the status of projects under the two schemes. Education Commissioner Amjad Tak advised stakeholders to remain proactive in implementation of key projects and stressed the need for early acquisition of land allotment and land possession certificates for higher education institutions.    

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain on Tuesday urged political parties to expedite the appointment of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Chairing a state-level coordination meeting with representatives of political parties at Nirvachan Bhawan, the Chief Electoral Officer reviewed preparedness for the SIR exercise, which is being undertaken as part of Phase-III activities in continuation of earlier deliberations held on September 16, 2025. The meeting was attended by Joint Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu and Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Shania Kayem Mize. Sain informed that the Election Commission of India (ECI), vide notification dated May 14, 2026, has launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Arunachal Pradesh, necessitated after a gap of nearly two decades due to large-scale demographic changes, urbanisation, migration, and concerns over electoral roll accuracy, including removal of duplicate, deceased and foreign electors. He stressed that political parties have a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and purification of electoral rolls and urged them to appoint BLAs for each polling station without delay. Arunachal Pradesh has 2,288 polling stations. The updated status of BLA appointments shared during the meeting showed Bharatiya Janata Party with 2,286, Indian National Congress 422, National People’s Party 100, People’s Party of Arunachal 239, Nationalist Congress Party 43, and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) 41, taking the total to 3,131 BLAs appointed so far. Joint CEO Liken Koyu made a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the SIR process, covering training of election officials, enumeration, rationalisation of polling stations, publication of draft electoral rolls, claims and objections, verification procedures, and final publication of rolls. The CEO also instructed political parties to ensure active participation of their district-level representatives in meetings convened by District Election Officers and Electoral Registration Officers during the revision process. Clarifying queries on Aadhaar, it was reiterated that Aadhaar is a proof of identity and not proof of citizenship, domicile or date of birth, as per provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, and updated guidelines issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in August 2023. The meeting also underscored key legal provisions governing electoral roll revision, including Article 326 of the Constitution of India, Rule 25(1) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955 relating to voter eligibility. The Chief Electoral Officer also cautioned that furnishing false declarations in connection with electoral rolls is punishable under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with imprisonment up to one year, or fine, or both.  

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT : Pasighat-based cake artists Chef Tacho Taggu and Chef Suresh Sabar brought international recognition to India after winning two prestigious titles at the 4th Asia Cake Oscars (World Edition) held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 17. Representing the country on the global culinary stage, the duo secured top honours in the highly competitive categories of Non-Dairy Flowers and Cake Sculptures and Sugar Models. The international event witnessed participation from renowned culinary artists, master bakers and pastry sculptors from across the world. Amid stiff competition, the edible creations of the Arunachal Pradesh chefs stood out for their creativity, precision and artistic excellence. The achievement adds to the duo’s growing list of accolades, following three consecutive national-level victories in recent years. Speaking on their success, the chefs said the recognition was not only a personal milestone but also a source of inspiration for aspiring culinary artists across the Northeast and the country. “We want this achievement to motivate budding chefs and cake artists across Northeast India and beyond. Culinary entrepreneurship has immense potential when backed by dedication and mastery of the craft,” they said. Apart from participating in competitions, the duo are also engaged in training aspiring bakers and entrepreneurs through their Pasighat-based venture, Sugar Arts Studio (SAS) – Academy of Baking and Culinary Arts. The institute provides hands-on professional training in confectionery and sugar art to beginners, home bakers and aspiring entrepreneurs. Staffed by national award-winning chefs with over a decade of industry experience, the academy aims to help trainees build sustainable businesses in the culinary sector.