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Namsai launches Rs 164.60 cr annual credit plan

NAMSAI : The District Consultative Committee (DCC) and District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meetings for Namsai district, covering the quarters ending March and June 2026, were held at the District Civil Secretariat here on Monday. The meeting was chaired by Namsai Deputy Commissioner C.R. Khampa and attended by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Assistant General Manager (District Development) Kamal Roy, Namsai Lead District Manager Ojing Taboh, branch managers of various banks and senior officials of the Agriculture and Allied Departments, District Planning Office and the district administration. A major highlight of the meeting was the launch of the Annual Credit Plan (ACP) for the financial year 2026-27 by the Deputy Commissioner. Prepared on the basis of NABARD’s Potential Linked Credit Plan (PLP), the ACP aims to facilitate timely and adequate credit flow to priority sectors to support inclusive and sustainable development in the district. Addressing the meeting, NABARD Assistant General Manager Kamal Roy said the district’s total credit potential under the priority sector for 2026-27 has been estimated at ₹164.60 crore. He described the PLP as a strategic roadmap for sector-wise credit planning and urged banks to enhance lending to agriculture, allied activities, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other priority sectors to accelerate rural economic growth. Earlier, Lead District Manager Ojing Taboh presented the district’s banking performance through a detailed presentation. The committee reviewed key banking indicators, including the Credit-Deposit Ratio, Priority Sector Lending, implementation of the Atma Nirbhar schemes of the Agriculture and Allied Departments, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana (DDUSY), the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, financial inclusion initiatives and social security schemes. During the discussion, Namsai District Planning Officer Dr Keshab Sarmah stressed the need for closer coordination between banks and line departments to achieve the targets under the Atma Nirbhar schemes and DDUSY, thereby creating greater livelihood opportunities for the people. In his concluding remarks, Deputy Commissioner C.R. Khampa emphasised stronger convergence between banks and government departments to achieve the district’s development goals. He urged banks to ensure timely sanction and disbursement of eligible loan proposals and called upon all stakeholders to work collectively for effective implementation of government-sponsored schemes, social security programmes and state flagship initiatives. The meeting concluded with all stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to improving access to institutional credit and promoting balanced, inclusive and sustainable development in Namsai district.    

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Nadda assures protesting CJP that govt will consider its demands, including Pradhan’s resignation

NEW DELHI : In the first direct contact between the Centre and agitating CJP, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday held talks with two representatives of the outfit and assured that the government leadership will hold internal discussions on their demands, after thousands of protesters tried to march to Parliament but were prevented by police. According to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the assurance came after its spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das met Nadda, who acted as a government emissary, twice within two hours at the minister’s residence and submitted a memorandum citing their demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities. “The only assurance we got is that he will talk to the leadership and share the conclusions,” Ranka told PTI Videos. The first dialogue between the government and youth-led CJP came on a day when police cracked down on the protesters by using tear gas and baton charge to prevent them from marching towards Parliament. In a statement, Nadda said discussions with the protesters had been underway since 11.50 am after they proposed talks with the government earlier in the day. “The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere. An initial verbal discussion was held in detail with their delegation, and they submitted a written petition to me around 4 PM,” he said. The minister said he had requested all the protesters to end their sit-in and assist the administration in restoring normalcy. “The minister assured us he will discuss this at the appropriate level. However, no commitments have been made so far. The peaceful protesters will not rest until the demand is met,” Das said in a post on X after the meeting. Official sources said talks within the government on the CJP protest were underway. A beleaguered Education Minister Pradhan met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the latter’s office in the Parliament House in the afternoon. However, it was not immediately known what transpired in the meeting. Das said Nadda had also assured the delegation that there would be no further crackdown at Jantar Mantar and nearby areas, though he said there were no reports of police action stopping. Ranka told PTI Videos that the delegation met Nadda twice after reaching his residence around noon. “We have three demands — Sonam Wangchuk ji should be released immediately. He wants to share a video message and should be allowed to do that. “Dharmendra Pradhan… should be immediately sacked, and Rs 1 crore compensation should be given to the families of those who committed suicide after the NEET paper leak,” he said. The CJP said they also demanded an end to police action against “peaceful protesters”. In the memorandum submitted to Nadda, the CJP alleged repeated failures in the conduct of public examinations, including the NEET 2026 paper leak, CBSE Class XII portal issues and delays in CUET, and said its core demand since the start of the agitation had been the removal of Pradhan as education minister. It also sought Wangchuk’s release without restrictions on his movement and urged the government to direct Delhi Police to stop using force against peaceful protesters. Ranka said it was only late Sunday night that the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, reached out for opening a communication channel with the government. He said there were more serious discussions only from 6 am on Monday, and only at around 11:45 am, there was “an alignment on meeting Nadda ji”. “We finally met Nadda ji 10 mins ago and he is checking with the leadership internally wrt our demands. @DelhiPolice  should immediately stop using brute force on peaceful protestors,” Ranka wrote on ‘X’ at 2:48 PM The CJP has been spearheading protests over alleged examination irregularities since June. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the agitation on June 28 and has been on a hunger strike, remains admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after being shifted there by Delhi Police on July 18 following a deterioration in his health. Protesters participating in the CJP’s Parliament march on Monday refused to disperse despite heavy police barricading, lathicharge and use of tear gas, and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Pradhan. The march, which witnessed participation of students and people from across Delhi, was stopped near Parliament Street, where police had put up multiple layers of barricades. Many protesters said they had anticipated resistance but were determined to continue their demonstration. (Source: PTI)      

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Seva Bharati-AP AGM held

NAHARLAGUN : Seva Bharati Arunachal Pradesh on Monday held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026 at Seva Dham in Lekhi village, Naharlagun, with members, office bearers and invited guests from across the state participating in the deliberations. The meeting began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the presentation of the Annual Activity Report for 2025-26 by the General Secretary. The report highlighted the organisation’s initiatives in education, healthcare, yoga, self-reliance, disaster relief, social welfare and community service across Arunachal Pradesh. The President apprised members of the progress made in land acquisition, infrastructure development and construction undertaken during the year. The Treasurer subsequently presented the audited financial report for 2025-26 and the proposed budget for 2026-27, emphasising transparency and accountability in the organisation’s financial management. Members reviewed the organisation’s activities, discussed future programmes and expansion plans, and unanimously adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening Seva Bharati’s service initiatives across the state. The meeting also featured guidance from Assam Kshetra Sah Seva Pramukh Surendra Sudhakarrao Kulkarni, who appreciated the organisation’s humanitarian work in Arunachal Pradesh and encouraged volunteers to continue serving society with commitment, discipline and compassion. In his presidential address, the President thanked donors, volunteers, office bearers and well-wishers for their continued support and stressed the importance of collective efforts in expanding humanitarian services to reach the most vulnerable sections of society. The members also finalised the schedule for the next Annual General Meeting before the programme concluded with a vote of thanks. The meeting reaffirmed Seva Bharati Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to its mission of ‘Service to Humanity’ and its resolve to further strengthen welfare and development initiatives across the state.

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Guv calls on youth to preserve indigenous knowledge, heritage

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday called upon the youth to preserve indigenous knowledge, traditional ecological wisdom and the region’s rich cultural heritage while actively contributing to the vision of a developed India. The Governor was addressing a three-day National Seminar on ‘From Tradition to Transformation: Integrating Bharatiya Itihas and Bharatiya Jnana Parampara in Modern Governance’ and Aitijya Anweshan 5128 at Guwahati. The seminar, which began on July 17, was organised by Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti, Assam, and Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana, New Delhi. Describing Bharat’s civilisational journey as one guided by knowledge, innovation, ethical leadership and social harmony, Parnaik said the country has continuously evolved while remaining rooted in its timeless values. “From the ancient centres of learning at Takshashila and Nalanda to today’s institutions of research and innovation, India has consistently evolved while remaining rooted in its timeless values,” he said. Welcoming the seminar’s theme, the Governor said it reflected India’s model of progress by drawing strength from its rich civilisational heritage. He added that the country’s journey from tradition to transformation symbolises resilience, renewal and continuous progress. Calling upon the younger generation to carry forward the legacy of knowledge and values inherited from previous generations, he said every positive contribution by the youth would help realise the vision of a strong, self-reliant, prosperous and compassionate Viksit Bharat. Highlighting the relevance of the seminar, Parnaik said it offered an opportunity to reconnect with the enduring wisdom of great thinkers and nation-builders, including Veda Vyasa, Valmiki, Chanakya, Aryabhata, Sushruta, Patanjali, Ashoka, Adi Shankaracharya, Guru Nanak Dev, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr B.R. Ambedkar, whose contributions continue to inspire governance, science, healthcare, spirituality and nation-building. The Governor said the vision of Viksit Bharat must combine technological advancement and economic growth with values such as integrity, duty, sustainability and social responsibility, stressing that true progress lies in the well-being and empowerment of every citizen. Urging young people to become active partners in nation-building, he said flagship initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, Skill India, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the National Education Policy have created unprecedented opportunities for the youth to innovate and contribute to national development. Addressing the youth of the North East, Parnaik said the region, as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy, offers immense opportunities to strengthen economic, cultural and strategic ties with neighbouring countries. He encouraged them to promote border area development, national security awareness, renewable energy, green technologies and digital entrepreneurship while preserving the region’s indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritage. Among others who addressed the seminar were Assam Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Tribal Faith and Culture Biswajit Daimary, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana National President Prof Ishwar Sharan Vishwakarma, North Eastern Hill University Vice-Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, North Lakhimpur University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mukul Chandra Bora, Cotton University Vice-Chancellor Dr Ramesh Chandra Deka, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana National Organising Secretary Dr Balmukund Pandey, and Convener of Aitijya Anweshan 5128. Convener of the National Seminar and Head of the History Department at Cotton University Dr Akunthita Barthakur presented the seminar report.

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15 stranded workers rescued safely in Lower Dibang Valley

KORONU : All 15 workers stranded at Diphu Nallah under Koronu Circle in Lower Dibang Valley district were safely rescued on Sunday after the water level receded, officials said. According to the District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO), the rescue was carried out during the morning hours through a locally coordinated operation after river conditions became favourable. Officials confirmed that the situation is now stable and normal. The workers had been stranded since Saturday following a sudden rise in the water level of Diphu Nallah. Acting on a request from the owner, the district administration, district police and a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team from Tezu launched a rescue operation under the supervision of the local administration. However, the operation had to be suspended on Saturday evening due to the strong river current, which made rescue efforts unsafe. Before calling off the operation at around 4:30 pm, authorities ensured that the stranded workers received essential ration supplies and confirmed that all 15 were safe. With water levels receding overnight, rescue teams resumed the operation on Sunday morning and successfully evacuated all the stranded workers without any casualties. Officials said the situation in the area has since returned to normal. (Source: UNI)    

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RGU students to hold rally backing Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : A group of students from Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), under the banner of Youth for Change, has announced to organise a peaceful rally in the Capital Complex on July 20, in support of educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike over the alleged NEET examination paper leak issue. The rally will begin from Akashdeep at 9 am and culminate at the Tennis Court, IG Park, Itanagar, the organizers informed during a press conference held at the Arunachal Press Club here on Sunday. According to the organizers, the rally aims to express solidarity with Wangchuk’s protest while demanding greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the country’s examination system. Participants will also observe a one-day fast and wear white ribbon badges as a symbol of peace and non-violence. The organizers alleged that Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest site Jantar Mantar by the Delhi Police on Saturday, describing the action as an attempt to disrupt his peaceful indefinite hunger strike over the alleged paper leak issue. Appealing to community-based organisations (CBOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), student bodies and citizens across Arunachal Pradesh, the organizers urged people to join the rally peacefully. “It is our turn to stand in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, who is fighting for the students of the nation,” a student associated with the initiative said. Participants have also been requested to carry umbrellas, drinking water and placards bearing messages supporting transparency and examination reforms.      

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Indian Army celebrates Brokpa heritage with Yak Mela at Groleteng

TAWANG : The Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps on Sunday organised a Yak Mela at Groleteng, nearly 15,000 feet above sea level near the sacred Taktsang Gonpa, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and pastoral traditions of the Brokpa community. The event was attended by 5 Mountain Division General Officer Commanding Major General Amit Nautiyal, Additional Deputy Commissioner Tawang Rinchin Leta, Tawang Brigade Commander Brigadier Bhupal Singh, senior Army and civil administration officials, representatives of paramilitary forces, Gaon Burahs and members of the Brokpa community. Addressing the gathering, Major General Nautiyal lauded the resilience, courage and indomitable spirit of the Brokpa people living in the remote border areas. He acknowledged their steadfast support to the security forces despite the region’s difficult terrain and harsh climatic conditions. Reiterating the Indian Army’s commitment to both national security and the welfare of border communities, he said the Army would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and creating better opportunities for future generations in these strategically important frontier regions. The General Officer Commanding also appealed to the community to continue extending its wholehearted support to the security forces. Encouraging the younger generation to pursue careers in the Indian Army and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), he urged students to aspire for admission to Sainik Schools and assured them of the Army’s guidance and training. As part of the programme, Major General Nautiyal distributed blankets to members of the Brokpa community and felicitated participants, students and local achievers for their enthusiastic participation in the Yak Mela. The event showcased the unique traditions, customs and pastoral way of life of the Brokpa community while reinforcing the longstanding bond between the Indian Army and the people of the border villages. It also underscored the shared commitment to preserving indigenous heritage and promoting inclusive development in the frontier region. (DIPR)

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Govt to bring bill in RS to make insult to ‘Vande Mataram’ criminal offence

NEW DELHI : The government intends to bring a bill in the Rajya Sabha to make any obstruction or insult to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ a criminal offence on Monday, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been listed in the agenda of the Rajya Sabha for Monday, with Home Minister Amit Shah set to introduce the bill. The bill will amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which makes desecration of or disrespect toward the country’s national symbols – including the national flag, the Constitution, and the national anthem – a criminal offence, carrying a punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment. The bill seeks to give ‘Vande Mataram’, the national song, the same statutory protection as the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’. According to the provisions of the bill, any act causing obstruction in the singing of the national song or causing insult to it in any form would be made punishable. The government’s push to accord the national song the same status as the national anthem comes amid the year-long celebrations of the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’. Earlier, the Union home ministry had written to all the states, making the playing or singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory at all official events where ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is sung. (Source: PTI)    

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Dibang Valley DC stresses timely execution of road, border village projects

ANINI : Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Bekir Nyorak conducted a two-day inspection tour across Arzoo, Mipi and Anini circles on July 18 and 19 to review the progress of key infrastructure and development projects in the district. On the first day, accompanied by district officials, the DC inspected the Roing-Hunli (Greenfield Alignment) road project under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East (SARDP-NE), being executed by M/s DRA-ITL (JV) under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Expressing concern over the pace of work, Nyorak directed NHIDCL and the executing agency to expedite construction by deploying adequate manpower and machinery to ensure timely completion of the project. Describing the road as strategically significant, he said it would strengthen connectivity, facilitate the movement of heavy machinery for major infrastructure projects, including the Etalin and Athunli Hydroelectric Projects, and improve access to border areas. NHIDCL officials informed that the project has achieved 82.32 per cent physical progress and is expected to be opened for Light Motor Vehicle traffic by October 2026. The DC also visited the proposed site for the Sub-Divisional Officer headquarters at Arzoo and appreciated the Melo Clan for donating land for the project. He directed the Land Management Branch to carry out a preliminary survey and prepare a master plan to ensure adequate land is earmarked for future educational, healthcare, administrative and security infrastructure. On the second day, Nyorak inspected eco-tourism resort projects at Gipulin, Emuli and Mipi being developed under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-I). Stressing quality construction and timely execution, he said the projects would promote sustainable tourism, generate local employment and strengthen the economy of border villages. The implementing agencies informed that all the projects are targeted for completion by August 2026. The DC also reviewed the functioning of the Health and Wellness Centre at Mipi and directed the concerned departments to address issues related to waterlogging, construction of a boundary wall and upgradation of the existing infrastructure on priority. The inspection highlighted the district administration’s focus on ensuring timely completion of critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, tourism and public service delivery across Dibang Valley. (DIPR)    

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Wangchuk calls July 20 Parliament march India’s ‘second freedom movement’

NEW DELHI : Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday described the proposed July 20 Parliament march as India’s “second freedom movement”, calling for “freedom from fear” and “freedom from injustice” while urging supporters to make the mobilisation a “big success”. In a handwritten message shared from Safdarjung Hospital through his wife Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk linked “freedom from injustice” to alleged paper leaks and “freedom from fear” to what he described as his “illegal detention”. The note, shared on X through Wangchuk’s account, read: “20th July. India’s second freedom movement. Freedom from injustice (like paper leaks). Freedom from fear (my illegal detention).” It further said, “March to the Parliament. Please make it a big success.” The note was signed off with the words, “Sent through Gitanjali from my illegal detention at Safdarjung.” The reference to “illegal detention” appears to reiterate Wangchuk’s allegation that he is being kept at Safdarjung Hospital against his wishes after being forcibly taken away from the Jantar Mantar protest site. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has called for the July 20 Parliament march, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Wangchuk, who joined the CJP agitation on June 28, was forcefully shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his prolonged hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. (Source: PTI)