State News

ITANAGAR : Ngunhai Wangsu from Longding district was crowned Miss TCL 2026 at the grand finale of the fourth edition of the beauty pageant held at Kharsang in Changlang district, organisers said. Chathiam Agi from Tirap district was declared the first runner-up, while Kitdam Kitnal secured the second runner-up title after a keen contest featuring participants from across the Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) region. Fifteen finalists competed for the coveted crown, displaying confidence, talent and cultural grace through traditional wear, casual wear and evening gown rounds. The contestants were also assessed through a question-and-answer session and a written test designed to evaluate their communication skills, awareness and overall personality. Over the years, the Miss TCL pageant has emerged as a prominent platform for young women from the TCL region to celebrate their cultural identity while promoting leadership, confidence and self-expression. Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao and Nampong MLA Laisam Simai attended the grand finale and highlighted the importance of preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage while encouraging platforms that nurture the talents and aspirations of young people. They said such initiatives not only instill pride in indigenous traditions but also empower youth by providing opportunities to develop confidence, personality and leadership skills, enabling them to represent the region on larger platforms. Event managing director K P Khusia said the pageant has evolved into much more than a beauty competition, serving as a cultural platform that encourages a wide range of artistic talent. “This is not just a beauty pageant. It is a platform that also gives singers, dancers and other artistes an opportunity to showcase their talent before a wider audience,” Khusia said. He added that the organisers remain committed to making the event more inclusive every year by promoting culture, creativity and youth empowerment while providing aspiring talents from the TCL region with greater exposure.        

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Monday met a delegation of the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra, led by Swami Mitrananda, at Raj Bhavan as part of the nationwide celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Chinmaya Mission. The Chinmaya Amrit Yatra is a nationwide spiritual and cultural initiative aimed at commemorating the mission’s 75 years of service by spreading the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta and India’s cultural heritage, while encouraging values-based living, self-discipline and national pride. Welcoming the initiative, the Governor appreciated the Chinmaya Mission’s longstanding contribution to spiritual awakening, character building and the preservation of India’s civilisational heritage. He said institutions such as the Chinmaya Mission play a crucial role in nurturing moral values, strengthening social harmony and building inner resilience in a rapidly changing world. Emphasising the need to preserve India’s cultural heritage and indigenous traditions, particularly among the younger generation, Parnaik said Arunachal Pradesh’s rich tribal customs and cultural diversity form an integral part of the country’s civilisational legacy. He stressed that safeguarding these traditions while embracing development is essential for building a culturally confident nation. Highlighting the state’s development, the Governor said Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed significant socio-economic progress over the years through improved road, rail and air connectivity, expansion of education and healthcare infrastructure, and growth in tourism, horticulture and hydropower sectors. He added that initiatives such as the Vibrant Village Programme, Frontier Highway projects, enhanced digital connectivity and investments in renewable energy are creating new opportunities, particularly in remote border areas. Arunachal Pradesh, he said, has emerged as a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and a model of inclusive development that balances economic progress with environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Extending his good wishes on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor expressed confidence that the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra would spread the message of unity, spirituality and selfless service while inspiring citizens to contribute towards nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.      

ITANAGAR : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minority Morcha, Arunachal Pradesh Unit, on Monday observed the 11th death anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, paying tribute to the former President of India and renowned scientist at the BJP state headquarters here. Leaders and members of the Minority Morcha, along with representatives of various BJP frontal organisations, offered floral tributes to Dr Kalam’s portrait and observed a two-minute silence in his memory. They remembered his immense contributions to India’s defence and space programmes, his distinguished association with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and his enduring legacy as the “Missile Man of India” and the “People’s President.” Addressing the gathering, State BJP Senior Vice President Dongoli Libang, BJP Minority Morcha State President Taring Rai, Minority Morcha Secretary Dana Yama, State Executive Member Yumdak Kena and General Secretary-cum-Convener Nabam Joshi highlighted Dr Kalam’s lifelong commitment to education, science and nation-building. The speakers said Dr Kalam’s life and achievements continue to inspire millions of Indians, particularly the youth, to dream big, work hard and serve the nation with dedication, integrity and selflessness. They urged people to uphold his ideals and contribute towards building a stronger and more developed India. State BJP Secretary Taring Tiri, who attended the programme as the resource person, spoke on Dr Kalam’s life, achievements and his significant contributions to strengthening national security, advancing scientific research and promoting public welfare. Among those present were State BJP Vice President Tarh Soping, Kra Daadi Zilla Parishad Chairperson Tagru Kasa, Itanagar Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Tok Tabin Camdir, corporators of the Itanagar Municipal Corporation, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives and leaders of various BJP frontal organisations.      

LEKHI : The eighth-day 6th State-Level Inter-School Basketball Tournament 2026, organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Basketball Association (APBA), concluded at Khinia Sports Arena in Lekhi with more than 600 student-athletes from schools across the state showcasing their talent and competitive spirit. Koloriang MLA Pani Taram attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest. Officer on Special Duty to the Home, Public Health Engineering & Water Supply and Interstate Border Affairs Minister Radhe Natung was the guest of honour, while Assistant Director of Sports (Secondary Education) Takam Pate attended as the special guest. The tournament featured competitions in four categories—Senior Boys, Senior Girls, Junior Boys and Junior Girls. In the Senior Boys category, Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan emerged champions, while Don Bosco School, Jollang finished runners-up and Government Secondary School RGU secured third place. Don Bosco School, Jollang won the Senior Girls title, with Alphabet Girls Residential Public School finishing second and Good Shepherd Public School taking third place. Vivekananda Residential Public School clinched the Junior Boys championship ahead of Lekhi Public School and Model English School. Don Bosco School, Jollang completed a double triumph by winning the Junior Girls title. Joms High School finished runners-up, while Alphabet Girls Residential Public School secured third place. Individual honours were also presented to outstanding performers. Dillu Sharma, Eta Milli, Talar Teli and Eta Milli were adjudged the Most Valuable Players in the Senior Boys, Senior Girls, Junior Boys and Junior Girls categories respectively. The Highest Scorer awards went to Tadar Jeenam (Senior Boys), Nangram Abi (Senior Girls), Eta Milli (Junior Boys) and Talar Teli (Junior Girls), while the Best Defensive Player awards were presented to Biri Tassay (Senior Boys), Punam Yomdo (Senior Girls), Rigum (Junior Boys) and Messi Regia (Junior Girls). Following the prize distribution ceremony, APBA President Donyi Eshi Ori and General Secretary Dikto Kare thanked the participating schools, student-athletes, school managements, officials and technical staff for contributing to the tournament’s success. Kare said the successful conduct of the championship reflected the collective efforts of the association and the enthusiasm of young players. He, however, urged the state government to provide greater support for basketball by strengthening sports infrastructure and expanding opportunities for budding athletes. “Our youth possess tremendous talent. With enhanced support and better facilities, basketball in Arunachal Pradesh can achieve new milestones at the national and international levels,” he said.        

ANINI : The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP) and the Dibang Valley district administration, on Monday organised a workshop under the Transforming Entrepreneurial Journeys Across States and Districts (TEJAS) initiative to promote grassroots entrepreneurship and innovation. Held at the Circuit House conference hall in Anini, the workshop aimed to identify, nurture and support aspiring entrepreneurs, startups and students from non-metro regions by providing access to mentorship, institutional support and entrepreneurial resources. The TEJAS initiative is being implemented across 132 districts in the country with a focus on capacity building, strengthening local startup ecosystems and expanding access to entrepreneurial opportunities. The programme was attended by Dibang Valley Circle Officer Anmol Singh, representing the district administration, Zilla Parishad Members Eta Mihu and Siyo Miwu, District Planning Officer Zeela Meto, State Bank of India Anini Branch in-charge Branch Manager H Jamatiya, along with representatives of the district administration, self-help groups, tour operators, Panchayati Raj Institution members, aspiring entrepreneurs and students. Resource persons included Startup India representative Rohan Sachdeva, who spoke on the Startup India ecosystem and opportunities available to entrepreneurs, and APIIP Project Head Sutanu Sen, who highlighted the startup landscape and support mechanisms available in Arunachal Pradesh. State Bank of India Branch Manager H Jamatiya briefed participants on loan schemes for entrepreneurs, while Anmol Singh, District Planning Office Fellow Dr M. Amin Khan and Assistant Fellow Ronit spoke on the role of the district administration and various Central and state government schemes supporting entrepreneurship. The workshop, attended by more than 120 participants, featured interactive sessions on business ideation, access to government schemes, funding opportunities, market linkages and sector-specific innovation. Participants were also introduced to the benefits of DPIIT recognition, incubation support and access to national startup platforms. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047, with the objective of building a robust and inclusive startup ecosystem across the country.

ITANAGAR : Niti Vihar Police have cracked a two-wheeler theft racket by solving three vehicle theft cases and recovering seven stolen scooters from different parts of the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR). The cases were registered as Niti Vihar Police Station Case Nos. 33/26, 34/26 and 36/26 under Section 305(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Acting on intelligence inputs and sustained investigation, police apprehended several children in conflict with law allegedly involved in the thefts. Following their interrogation, seven stolen scooters were recovered from multiple locations in Itanagar and Naharlagun. Police said efforts are underway to establish the ownership of some of the recovered vehicles while continuing the investigation to trace other stolen two-wheelers that may be linked to the racket. The investigation is continuing, with police also verifying the possible involvement of other persons connected to similar vehicle theft cases.