State News

ITANAGAR : Sixteen-year-old Nabam Tukung from Bobia village in Sagalee, Papum Pare district, has brought laurels to Arunachal Pradesh by securing the second runner-up title at the Mr. Teen India 2026 pageant held in New Delhi on July 26. Organised by Spark Event Management under the Bharat Iconic Awards, the national competition brought together contestants from across the country to showcase confidence, leadership, talent and personality. Representing Arunachal Pradesh, Tukung impressed the judges with his confidence, stage presence, communication skills and overall personality to finish among the top finalists and secure the second runner-up title. Son of Nabam Sera and Techi Baby Nabam, Tukung has earned appreciation from across the state for bringing recognition to Arunachal Pradesh on a national platform. Expressing gratitude after the event, Tukung described the achievement as a significant milestone in his journey and said he hoped to inspire more young people to pursue their aspirations with confidence. “This achievement motivates me to work even harder and encourage the youth of my village and Arunachal Pradesh to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams and never hesitate to step onto bigger platforms. I also hope to contribute towards helping and uplifting young people in my community,” he said. His achievement reflects the growing presence of Arunachal Pradesh’s youth in national-level competitions and is expected to inspire many aspiring youngsters across the state to pursue opportunities with determination and self-belief.    

TAWANG : The Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development on Monday launched a three-day Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination drive for yaks at Dopokhar in Yangtse, situated at an altitude of 15,400 feet, to protect the livestock of the high-altitude Brokpa pastoral community. The campaign, being conducted in collaboration with the Indian Army, aims to vaccinate nearly 300 yaks against the highly contagious disease, which poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of yak-herding communities The programme is being led by Jang Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Thupten Tashi and Lemberdung Veterinary Officer Dr Sang Khandu, assisted by a six-member veterinary team. Besides administering vaccines, the team distributed essential veterinary medicines to yak herders and provided treatment to several ailing animals during the field visit. The Indian Army extended logistical and operational support to the campaign, assisting the veterinary team in carrying out the programme under challenging high-altitude conditions, reflecting continued civil-military cooperation in the welfare of remote border communities. The vaccination drive will directly benefit eight yak-herding families, including five from Damteng and three from Thingbu, by helping ensure healthier livestock, improved productivity and greater livelihood security. The department reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening animal healthcare services in remote and border areas through preventive healthcare, timely disease surveillance and collaborative initiatives aimed at safeguarding the district’s valuable livestock resources. (DIPR)

NAMSAI : Two persons were arrested and suspected narcotic substances weighing 44 grams (gross) and 12 grams (net) were seized during an anti-drug operation conducted by Namsai Police at Nongtaw Khamti village on July 30 last. Acting on credible information about the illegal possession and sale of narcotic drugs, the police launched a search operation after complying with the provisions of Section 42 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The operation was led by Namsai Sub-Divisional Police Officer Kengo Dirchi and included Namsai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector T Gadi, Sub-Inspector R Kahik, Lady Sub-Inspector S Thoumoung and Sub-Inspector S Kumar, with support from the All Namsai Area Youth Association (ANAYA). During the search, Chow Manlai and Chow Jayanta Manchey were found in possession of a Horlicks plastic bottle and a tobacco container containing suspected contraband substances. After being informed of their rights under Section 50 of the NDPS Act, the contraband was seized following the prescribed legal procedure. During preliminary interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted that the contraband was intended for both personal consumption and sale. They have been arrested, and further investigation is underway. Namsai Police said that since June this year, it has been jointly conducting intensified anti-drug drives with ANAYA. As part of the campaign, 30 drug users have been identified and voluntarily referred to de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, while stringent legal action continues against drug peddlers. Namsai Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley appreciated ANAYA for its continued support in the anti-drug campaign and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to making the district drug-free.

ITANAGAR : The Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR), in collaboration with the Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society (AMMS) and with support from the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Ltd. (ISCDCL), conducted a door-to-door Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign across several localities of the capital on Monday to promote responsible waste management. The awareness drive covered Industrial Colony, Chandranagar, IG Park Colony and Niti Vihar Tin Ali, with volunteers reaching nearly 200 households to sensitise residents on waste segregation, the dangers of river pollution and scientific methods of waste disposal. Volunteers distributed awareness materials and demonstrated simple techniques for segregating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at source. The campaign also highlighted the harmful impact of indiscriminate dumping of waste into rivers and drains, which continues to threaten the water quality of the Itanagar river system and the surrounding ecosystem. Speaking on the occasion, YMCR Vice Chairman Keyom Doni said clean rivers begin with responsible practices at the household level. “Clean rivers begin with clean habits at home. This campaign is not just about collecting waste responsibly; it is about instilling a sense of ownership among citizens towards their environment. We urge every household to treat waste segregation as a daily discipline rather than an occasional exercise, so that our rivers and public spaces remain free from pollution for generations to come,” he said. Doni observed that grassroots awareness initiatives are essential for a rapidly urbanising city like Itanagar, where unsegregated waste and indiscriminate dumping have placed increasing pressure on municipal waste management systems and contributed to the degradation of local water bodies.    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT : In a landmark development for higher education in Arunachal Pradesh, noted educationist Dr Tayek Talom has been appointed Vice Chancellor of Apex Professional University (APU), Pasighat, becoming the first person from the state to hold the post since the university’s establishment 13 years ago. Dr Talom officially assumed office on August 1 after taking the oath of allegiance administered by APU Chancellor Acharya Dhanwant Singh during a formal ceremony. A distinguished academic administrator, Dr Talom previously served as Director of Higher and Technical Education in the Arunachal Pradesh Government. With decades of experience in higher education administration, institutional governance, policy implementation and academic leadership, he is widely regarded as an accomplished educationist. Addressing the university community after assuming office, Dr Talom outlined his vision of developing APU into a student-centric institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, research, creativity, discipline, ethical leadership and enhanced employability. He said the university would focus on strengthening research and innovation, promoting interdisciplinary learning, integrating emerging technologies into teaching, expanding collaborations with industry and academic institutions, enhancing student support services, and ensuring that higher education remains inclusive, accessible and responsive to the aspirations of students. The university expressed confidence that Dr Talom’s leadership would further strengthen its reputation for quality professional education, research and innovation while producing globally competitive graduates. The university fraternity also extended its congratulations, expressing optimism that APU would achieve new milestones under his leadership. Established under the Apex Professional University Act, 2013, APU is a University Grants Commission (UGC)-recognised state private university and a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and research programmes in disciplines including law, forensic sciences, education, liberal arts, management, technology, pharmacy, nursing, paramedical sciences, naturopathy, yogic science, architecture and planning. Its programmes are approved by statutory regulatory bodies, including the Bar Council of India (BCI), Council of Architecture (CoA), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and the Arunachal Pradesh Nursing Council (APNC), wherever applicable.    

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday joined the nationwide launch of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, with Chief Minister Pema Khandu, district administrations, educational institutions and youth organisations participating in the 100-week campaign against substance abuse. Chief Minister Pema Khandu joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual launch of the campaign from Tawang and urged the youth of the state to become ambassadors of the movement against drug abuse. The campaign, spearheaded by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, commenced with more than one crore young people across over 10,000 locations taking a pledge to stay away from drugs and contribute towards nation-building. Launching the initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a developed India requires mentally and physically healthy youth free from substance abuse. Describing the campaign as a movement involving not only young people but also families, communities and the nation, he urged the youth to reject drugs, warning that while substance abuse may provide temporary pleasure, it ultimately destroys careers and lives. The Prime Minister called upon young Indians to participate in the 100-week Jan Bhagidari campaign, under which awareness programmes, sports events, walkathons, meditation sessions, cultural activities, street plays, discussions and community outreach programmes will be organised every Sunday across the country. In a social media post, Khandu said India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, had transformed the fight against substance abuse into a true people’s movement. “I urge every youth in Arunachal to become an ambassador of this movement and encourage their families, friends and communities to choose a healthy, disciplined and drug-free life,” he said. Meanwhile, district administrations across Arunachal Pradesh also participated in the virtual launch of the nationwide campaign. In East Siang district, Women Against Social Evils (WASE) joined the virtual programme and reaffirmed its commitment to spreading awareness against substance abuse and mobilising community participation in support of the campaign. At North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, MY Bharat, Itanagar, organised a special programme under the campaign in which more than 520 youths participated. Itanagar Capital Region Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu administered the Nasha Mukti Pledge, urging participants to become ambassadors of a healthy, responsible and drug-free society. Addressing the gathering, he appreciated the efforts of MY Bharat volunteers and called upon them to continue their campaign against drug abuse. He also stressed the need for stronger coordination with de-addiction and rehabilitation centres to support affected youth. The programme featured the Prime Minister’s virtual address, cultural performances and youth engagement activities promoting awareness, social responsibility and collective action against substance abuse. The event was organised by MY Bharat Itanagar under District Youth Officer Vineeta Chaudhary, under the supervision of State Director Dr Salam D Singh, in coordination with NERIST. It reflected the growing commitment of Arunachal Pradesh’s youth to the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047. In Lower Siang district, the District Administration, in collaboration with the Police and Health departments, organised an awareness-cum-youth interaction programme at the Government Higher Secondary School auditorium in Likabali. Addressing the gathering, Lower Siang DC Gobi Nyicyor said the country’s progress towards a Viksit Bharat depends on a healthy, responsible and empowered youth. He urged young people to become ambassadors of a drug-free society and called for collective efforts by all stakeholders to prevent substance abuse and safeguard the future of the younger generation. Lower Siang SP Bomken Basar, heads of departments, teachers, students and other stakeholders attended the programme, during which participants took the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge. Officer-in-Charge of Likabali Police Station Abraham Tayeng and Dr Gobuk Doke, who served as resource persons, highlighted the physical, mental and social consequences of substance abuse. They stressed the importance of awareness, early intervention and community participation, while urging students to stay away from drugs and spread awareness among their peers and families. The programme concluded with the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address, reinforcing the national resolve to combat substance abuse through collective action. (DIPRO) Meanwhile, MY Bharat West Siang, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, organised the district-level programme at Ramakrishna Mission School, Aalo, in association with Ramakrishna Mission. North East Frontier Technical University Vice-Chancellor Tejum Padu attended the programme as chief guest, while Ramakrishna Mission School Principal Swami Swayamprabhananda presided over the event. Both speakers highlighted the vital role of youth in nation-building and emphasised the importance of adopting a healthy, disciplined and drug-free lifestyle. Students, faculty members, National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and youth participants joined the Prime Minister’s virtual address and took the Nasha Mukti Pledge, committing themselves to remain free from substance abuse and spread awareness in their educational institutions and communities. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen the fight against substance abuse through sustained awareness campaigns, education, sports, cultural activities and community participation. (DIPR) In West Kameng district, an awareness-cum-youth interaction programme was organised at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Bomdila under the nationwide campaign. Addressing MY Bharat volunteers, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and students, West Kameng DC Dr Dilip Kumar said the country’s progress towards a Viksit Bharat depends on the strength and well-being of its youth. He urged young people to become ambassadors of a drug-free society and called for collective efforts to eliminate substance abuse. Participants took the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge before joining the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address. The programme was attended by the Deputy Director of School Education, District Medical Officer, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Kalaktang, Town Magistrate and other district officials. Meanwhile, Upper Siang district observed the campaign at Government Higher Secondary School, Yingkiong, where DC Talo Jerang, SP Token Saring, heads of departments, teachers and students participated in the live launch. Addressing the gathering, Jerang said the fight against substance abuse requires community participation and individual responsibility. Stressing the role of educational institutions, he urged schools to regularly sensitise students about the harmful effects of drugs and advocated preventive measures in