State News

PASIGHAT, OCT 26: The Department of Physics at Jawaharlal Nehru College (J.N. College), Pasighat, in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Gumin Nagar, organised a one-day hands-on workshop on the Internet of Things (IoT) on Monday. The workshop was conducted under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Star College Programme to provide B.Sc. Physics students with practical exposure to emerging technologies. Around 25 students participated in the workshop and gained hands-on experience in IoT concepts and applications. NIELIT faculty members Sumi Begam and M. Remchandra served as resource persons, guiding students through practical sessions and demonstrating the applications of IoT technology. The programme was held under the guidance of college principal Gindu Borang and DBT project coordinator Temin Payum. NIELIT senior faculty member Kumar Harsh delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of technological learning and practical skill development among students. The workshop was organised by S Jayanthi, head of the Department of Physics and department coordinator of the DBT Star College Programme. It aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical learning while encouraging students to explore applications of electronics, computing and IoT in science and technology.

ITANAGAR, OCT 26: The Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Service (APSTS), Itanagar Capital Region, has introduced a 31-seater electric bus service between Itanagar and Lakhimpur. As per the schedule, the bus will depart from Ganga in Itanagar at 8:15 am and reach Lakhimpur at 10:30 am. The return service will depart from Lakhimpur at 11:30 am. The arrival time of the return service at Ganga, Itanagar, was not specified in the announcement.

ITANAGAR, OCT 26: The opposition Congress in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday demanded a substantial reduction in the deployment of 250 additional RAF personnel in areas witnessing protests over the proposed Siang mega dam project, alleging that the government was relying on force instead of addressing public concerns. In a statement, the state Congress urged the government to initiate dialogue with affected communities, suspend pre-feasibility survey activities until meaningful consultations are held, and order an impartial inquiry into the reported use of tear gas against civilians during a recent 12-hour bandh. The party said the agitation reflected concerns among villagers over ancestral land, customary rights, livelihoods, environmental and seismic risks, displacement and the future of the Siang river. It also sought clarity on assurances reportedly given by Chief Minister Pema Khandu during a meeting with Adi youths from the affected areas, asking the government to specify which commitments had been fulfilled and which remained pending. The Congress said the bandh reflected continuing public resentment over unresolved grievances and urged the government to distinguish peaceful democratic protests from criminal acts. While condemning violence, arson and damage to public and private property, the party called for legal action against those responsible, while opposing collective punishment or the suppression of legitimate dissent. The Congress sought details of the necessity, mandate and duration of the additional RAF deployment, warning that an expanded security presence could aggravate tensions rather than resolve the dispute. It also demanded the release of detained youths wherever their continued detention was not legally justified, along with a review of protest-related FIRs and allegations of arbitrary arrests and retaliatory action. The APCC urged the state government to hold time-bound discussions with the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), Adi Bane Kebang Union (ABKU), Siang Area Youth Association (SAAYA), village elders, traditional institutions and other concerned organisations. The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) has the potential to generate substantial electricity and support water-management objectives, including flood moderation, depending on its design and operational framework. (Source: PTI)    

NAHARLAGUN, OCT 26: Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) has urged the state government to reconsider the proposed 1,605-MW Menga hydropower project in Upper Subansiri district and explore smaller hydropower alternatives, citing concerns raised by local communities and students’ organisations. In a statement issued on Monday, HRA called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu to initiate fresh consultations with affected stakeholders before taking further decisions on the project, also referred to as the Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project (SUHP) and reportedly being developed by NHPC Limited on the Subansiri River. The organisation recommended examining projects of 500 MW, 300 MW and 200 MW capacities, subject to independent technical, environmental, social and economic assessments. It said any alternative should take into account river ecosystems, local livelihoods, land rights and the long-term interests of indigenous communities. HRA also referred to a reported 12-hour bandh called by the All-Tagin Students Union (ATSU), along with other students’ organisations and community groups, in Upper Subansiri district on Monday. The bandh was reportedly linked to concerns over the proposed project and an alleged attempt to detain the ATSU president. Calling for an inclusive round-table meeting, HRA urged the chief minister to bring together elected representatives, panchayat leaders, Gaon Burahs, students’ organisations, Tagin community representatives, land-affected families, civil society groups and relevant government departments to discuss the concerns. The organisation also called for a review of existing memoranda of agreement and understanding for hydropower projects to strengthen provisions for local employment and community benefits. Among its proposals, HRA sought 40 per cent reservation for eligible local candidates in Grade B, C and D posts, subject to applicable law and a clearly defined recruitment policy. It also proposed employment opportunities for at least one eligible member of each land-affected family, wherever legally and operationally feasible, along with priority for local residents in skill development, training and contractual work. HRA further sought transparent disclosure of commitments relating to rehabilitation, compensation, environmental safeguards and community development. The organisation said public concerns should be addressed through dialogue and democratic consultation, urging the government to assess alternatives and review project commitments before proceeding further.  

ITANAGAR, OCT 26: Shivram Meena, Under Secretary (BP&L), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, on Monday reviewed the progress of Special Campaign 6.0 at Akashvani, Doordarshan Kendra (DDK), the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Itanagar. During the visits, Meena interacted with officers and staff members and reviewed initiatives related to cleanliness and upkeep of office premises, e-waste disposal, record management, optimal utilisation of infrastructure and administrative efficiency. At Akashvani, he inspected the campus and reviewed office management practices, record maintenance and the use of available infrastructure. He also participated in a plantation activity to highlight the importance of environmental conservation. At Doordarshan Kendra, Meena inspected studios, administrative offices, news and programme sections, and record-keeping systems. He stressed the need for systematic record management, efficient use of infrastructure and regular maintenance of a clean working environment. He also visited the CBC and the regional office of the PIB, where he reviewed cleanliness, e-waste disposal and other measures undertaken under the campaign. At FTII, Meena reviewed campus upkeep, record management and the utilisation of institutional infrastructure. The institute’s registrar and faculty members accompanied him during the visit and discussed measures to sustain the campaign’s objectives. Meena emphasised that cleanliness and efficient administrative practices should be maintained as part of routine office functioning. Joint Director of Doordarshan and Akashvani Itanagar Utsav Parmar, Akashvani head of office Ranjan Karmarkar and Doordarshan Kendra head of office Akhilesh Kumar Dwivedi accompanied Meena during the visits. Programme executives, assistant engineers and staff from the administration, technical, news and programme sections were also present.