State News

AALO : The seventh day of the 9th State Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy (HDMT) 2026 witnessed intense sporting action across multiple venues in Aalo, West Siang district, with football quarterfinals producing semifinalists while the volleyball league stage concluded successfully. Matches were held at Aalo Football Ground, Pakkam Ground, ITBP Ground, APPBN Ground and Siyom Army Ground, drawing enthusiastic participation and support from players and spectators. In the boys’ football quarterfinals, Keyi Panyor defeated Upper Siang 2–0, while Siang also registered a 2–0 victory over Longding to enter the semifinals. Papum Pare edged past Capital Complex 5–3 in a penalty shootout after regulation time ended in a draw. Lower Siang similarly advanced after defeating Upper Subansiri 5–4 on penalties following a closely fought match. In the girls’ football quarterfinals, Shi Yomi defeated Upper Subansiri 3–0, while Namsai secured a narrow 1–0 win against Longding. Capital Complex registered a commanding 3–0 victory over West Siang, and East Kameng overcame Tawang 1–0 to book semifinal berths. The boys’ football semifinals will be played on May 23 at the Main Ground, with Papum Pare taking on Siang at 1 pm, followed by the second semifinal between Keyi Panyor and Lower Siang at 2:45 pm. The girls’ football semifinals are scheduled for May 24 at Pakkam Ground, where Namsai will face Capital Complex at 1:30 pm, while Shi Yomi will take on East Kameng at 3 pm. Meanwhile, the volleyball league stage concluded at Siyom Army Ground. In the boys’ category, Papum Pare defeated Tirap 2–0, East Siang edged Tawang 2–1, Anjaw overcame Lower Subansiri 2–0, and East Kameng registered a 2–0 win against Shi Yomi. However, the scheduled matches between Namsai and Pakke Kessang, as well as Bichom and Capital Complex, could not be conducted after both teams failed to report within the stipulated time, and the matter was recorded as per tournament rules. In girls’ volleyball, Lohit defeated Upper Siang 2–0, Keyi Panyor overcame Shi Yomi 2–0, and Leparada registered a 2–0 victory over Upper Subansiri. Tirap also defeated Dibang Valley 2–0, while East Kameng secured a 2–0 win against Anjaw. The scheduled fixture between Namsai and Pakke Kessang could not be held as both teams failed to report on time.    

MENCHUKA ; As part of the run-up to the 12th International Yoga Day, the Spearhead Division under the aegis of Spear Corps organised yoga sessions at Menchuka and Manigong in Arunachal Pradesh to promote wellness, mindfulness and holistic living. Held amid the serene surroundings of the region, the sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation and highlighted the importance of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental resilience and inner harmony. Participants performed various yogic exercises and breathing techniques aimed at enhancing overall well-being and encouraging a balanced lifestyle. The initiative reflected the Indian Army’s continued emphasis on healthy living, discipline and mental wellness, while also spreading awareness about the enduring values and global significance of yoga. The programme formed part of a series of activities being organised ahead of International Yoga Day to encourage wider participation and reinforce the message of harmony between mind, body and nature. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR : The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has urged the state government to immediately fill teacher vacancies and undertake large-scale upgradation of school infrastructure across Arunachal Pradesh. A delegation of the union, led by president Meje Taku and general secretary Mato Bui, called on Education Minister P D Sona here on Wednesday and submitted a 27-point memorandum seeking reforms across school, college and university education in the state. Focusing primarily on school education, AAPSU said around 52 government schools — out of 109 higher secondary and 189 secondary schools — are functioning without regular principals or vice principals. The union said prolonged in-charge arrangements have affected academic and administrative functioning and demanded immediate appointment of principals, vice principals and headmasters on a time-bound basis. AAPSU also sought a state-wide recruitment drive to fill vacancies of Primary Teachers (PRT), Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) and Post Graduate Teachers (PGT), stating that every child has a constitutional right to access qualified teachers. The union further raised concern over the absence of Physical Education and Music teachers in government schools, citing provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Seeking improvement in basic educational facilities, AAPSU demanded a comprehensive infrastructure revamp in government schools, particularly in border and remote areas. It also called for strict implementation of the RTE Act, regular delivery of mid-day meals, free textbooks and uniforms, and introduction of a uniform fee structure in government schools to prevent arbitrary fee collection. At the higher education level, the union demanded recruitment to vacant Assistant Professor and Associate Professor posts in government degree colleges and sought introduction of new academic departments in colleges where several disciplines are unavailable. AAPSU also pressed for appointment of regular Vice Chancellors at Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, and Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Doimukh, besides seeking expansion of infrastructure, hostel facilities and faculty strength in higher educational institutions. The union further appealed to the government to address delays in disbursement of Umbrella Scholarships, stating that many students studying outside the state face financial hardship due to irregular release of scholarship funds. Education Minister P D Sona assured the delegation that the issues raised would receive due attention. AAPSU said it would continue to follow up on the demands and expect time-bound action from the government.    

     ITANAGAR : Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Thursday hailed the launch of ”Mission Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh” as a transformative initiative aimed at empowering farmers and building a globally competitive organic kiwi ecosystem in the state. Mein said the mission would strengthen the entire kiwi value chain, from cultivation and post-harvest management to branding, exports and agri-tourism, while opening up new economic opportunities for farmers of the state. ”The launch of Mission Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh marks a transformative step towards empowering our farmers and building a globally competitive organic kiwi ecosystem from Arunachal Pradesh,” he said in a post on X. Highlighting the Centre’s support for the initiative, Mein said the mission has been launched under the ”visionary leadership” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the guidance of Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. ”With the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and the guidance of Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia ji, this mission will strengthen the entire kiwi value chain from cultivation and post-harvest management to branding, export and agri-tourism,” Mein said. The deputy chief minister observed that Arunachal Pradesh already contributes more than 50 per cent of India’s kiwi production and said the convergence-driven initiative would help farmers gain better infrastructure, improved market access and higher value realisation. ”Through this convergence-driven initiative, our kiwi farmers will now gain better infrastructure, improved market access, enhanced value realisation and new global opportunities,” he said. Mein further expressed confidence that ‘Arunachal Organic Kiwi’ would soon emerge as an international brand representing quality, sustainability and the strength of the state’s farming communities. ”From the orchards of Lower Subansiri, West Kameng, Shi Yomi and Dibang Valley to international markets, Arunachal Organic Kiwi is set to become a proud global brand representing quality, sustainability and the strength of our farming communities,” he added. The mission was officially launched in New Delhi on Wednesday by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia during a programme organised by the Ministry of DoNER in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government and other stakeholders. The initiative aims to promote Arunachal Pradesh as India’s leading hub for organic kiwi cultivation while creating a structured ecosystem for processing, branding and export promotion. Officials said the mission focuses on strengthening the kiwi supply chain through scientific cultivation practices, cold storage facilities, value addition, better logistics and direct market linkages for farmers. It is also expected to promote agri-tourism and encourage private sector investment in the horticulture sector, they said. Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as the country’s largest kiwi-producing state over the years due to its favourable climatic conditions, especially in districts such as Lower Subansiri, West Kameng, Shi Yomi, Tawang and Dibang Valley. (Source: PTI)

UMIAM : Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu held extensive deliberations with scientists and officials of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region at Umiam in Meghalaya, focusing on technological interventions and institutional collaboration to strengthen agriculture and allied sectors in the state. Describing the interaction as “highly meaningful,” Wangsu said the discussions centred on addressing key agricultural challenges through scientific innovation, research-based solutions and collaborative initiatives between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and ICAR institutions. During the meeting, the state delegation sought scientific and technological solutions to several site-specific issues, including the use of small machinery for land terracing and jhumland reclamation, citrus decline and pollination problems in kiwi cultivation. The two sides also explored training and capacity-building initiatives under the Catch Them Young Programme of the agriculture and allied departments to promote agri-business and entrepreneurship among youths. The meeting was attended by the Director of the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, the Director of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone VII, senior scientists, researchers and institute officials. Wangsu was accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Samuel Changkija and Agriculture Secretary Koj Rinya. On the second day of the visit, the Minister toured several research and demonstration facilities on the institute campus, including the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pig, Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Agro-processing Centre, Engineering Section, Farming System Research Project, Integrated Farming System demonstration units and the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture programme. During the tour, Wangsu interacted with scientists and technical experts and reviewed modern farming technologies and innovations developed for the North Eastern region. Discussions focused on sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming practices, integrated farming systems, livestock development, value addition and technology-driven solutions aimed at improving productivity and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.